Page 12 of Waiting for a Prince
It was Sam’s turn to look disgruntled. “Working for my dad.” Mark cocked his head to one side and Sam explained further. “Dad has a software company based in London. He’s got me working on designing some of their new programs. The good thing about it is that I can live where I want, as I work from home. Though Dad keeps harping on about me moving to London.”
Mark laughed. “God, Sam, most of our classmates woulddreamof living in London.”
Sam scowled. “They can keep it. Loud, huge, dirty place. Too many people, too much traffic… I prefer life over here.”
“Me too,” Mark agreed. “Although….” His words trailed off and his cheeks heated up.
Nope. Don’t go there. You only just met the guy. It’s too soon to be oversharing.
“What?” Sam uncrossed his arms and leaned forward, his eyes gleaming. Mark gave a quick shake of his head but it seemed Sam wasn’t about to let go. “Aw, come on now, spill.”
Mark cleared his throat. “It’s just…” He picked up his Coke and drained the glass. Sam hadn’t broken eye contact.
Fuck it.
“Let’s just say if I lived in London, my sex life would be a whole lot more interesting than it is right now.” He rolled his eyes. “In fact, scratch that last part. At least I’dhavea sex life.”
A flush spread up from Sam’s chest, up his neck, staining his cheeks and finally turning his ears bright red.
Man, that’s cute.
Sam composed himself quickly. “So you’re saying things are a bit too quiet for you on the island?” That gleam was back.
Mark snorted. “Quiet? Try dead.” Sam’s expression was sympathetic and Mark relaxed slightly. “I’m not kidding, there’s not a single gay club on the island.”
“So what do you do for… entertainment?” Sam’s cheeks were still flushed.
God, he’s sweet when he’s embarrassed.
Mark snickered. “I don’t stay here, that’s for certain. I go to Portsmouth or Southampton. There are a few decent clubs over there. Great for one-night stands. Not so great places for finding Mr. Right, though.”
And why the fuck did I say that?
Sam’s expression softened. “So youarelooking for a Mr. Right, then?”
Mark swallowed. “Aren’t we all?” Sam arched his brows and Mark hastily continued. “Looking for that special someone, I mean.”
Sam looked at him thoughtfully. “Yeah, I suppose we are.” He glanced down at his watch. “And now it’s time for me to go, I’m afraid.” He got to his feet and held out his hand. Mark clasped it firmly. Sam coughed. “Look, can I have your number? I’ve really enjoyed today. Maybe we could meet up again. Go out for a drink in Ryde. Anything.” There was a look on his face that Mark couldn’t place for a moment, and then it hit him.
Sam is lonely.
“Sure.” Mark pulled his phone from the pocket of his shorts, opened Contacts, and handed the phone to Sam. “Put your number in there. Maybe we could do something next weekend.”
Sam nodded eagerly as he punched in his details. “That’d be great.” He handed the phone back and picked up his backpack. “Thanks for a great morning, Mark.” With a final warm smile, he turned and made his way out of the bar.
Mark watched him walk along the promenade in the direction of the town, waving as Sam turned once to look for him. Then he picked up his rucksack, left the bar and started the trek back to his car in the opposite direction.
The day seemed to have gone so slowly. It was only one o’clock, but it felt as though it should have been much later. He walked along the prom, listening to the waves below as they crashed onto the sea wall. The tide was in, and the waves sprayed over onto the pavements, which dried almost instantly in the heat of the sun. The spray spattered over his bare arms, cooling him.
Mark couldn’t hold back his sappy grin.
What a great morning.
On impulse he pulled out his phone and sent a text to Sam.
Great talking to you. Let’s do it again. Soon.
The message sent, he slipped the phone back into his pocket and continued on his way to the car park, still armed with the sappy grin.
