Saving her pay, she'd bought better arms until she was equipped as well as most.The pay of a caravan guard was poor, the dangers great. Many soldiers ...ent on from there to a post in some Lordling's private army, but unless there was fighting and a chance for loot, army pay was not that much better. She had no wish to try that path.Darrick's company had offered a third road to follow, and on a sudden impulse she'd taken it. The caravan had completed the most dangerous part of its journey, and. ‘What? No! No. I am 23, almost 24 actually. Gosh! Do I look like a teenager?’ Joe huffed out his breath, clearly relieved. ‘Well, you do look young – maybe not that young, but together with the ‘no hookup, no drinking’ thing… I guess I jumped to conclusions. Sorry.’ He shrugged his apology, and Leanne smiled and shook her head. ‘No worries. I can see how that would make you feel uncomfortable.’ Joe returned her smile ruefully. ‘Yeah. I mean, I’d still hang around, mind you. Not everyone here. Fortunately, there were two beds. We took turns in the washroom changing into pyjamas, brushing our teeth, and performing our other nightly rituals. Finally, we crawled into our separate beds and wished each other goodnight. Stephanie fell asleep almost instantly. I read for an hour more, before finally turning off the bedside lamp. The next day's activities were scheduled to begin at half-past-seven in the morning.*The morning began in the common room, a large open space with huge windows. It is only right we should snuggle, as that is what I asked for. You gave me so much more though, and I'm going to cherish this night forever."I helped cook breakfast. I hated to go out to where I had parked my car in my dress clothes. Then I remembered I had a change of clothes in the car. I asked Melanie to get them for me. It was a little awkward when I got ready to leave. Neither of us knew what to say. Finally, I just walked to this woman, hugging her as tight as I could. I kissed her and.