Chapter 3

After we have to stop for air, Sandra lays her head on my shoulder.

I smile and look down at her. 'Making yourself comfy?' I ask.

She whips her head up quickly. "Sorry. That was a bit forward." She says, moving away from me.

'Sandra, I wasn't scolding you, I promise.' I tell her.

"Okay." She answers.

'Why are you so scared?' I ask her.

She sighs and closes her eyes. "In the relationship that I was in with Max, I had to be so careful.I-i had to obey him at all times, otherwise he'd take the mick out of me or say some rude, cruel comment," she says.

"Look, Gerry, I'd love to be in a relationship with you, but if you want that too you have to know that I'm going to be a bit timid around you until I get comfortable with you." she continues.

'Okay, I can live with that. I fully understand, you are not to worry.' I smile at her.

An expression of relief sweeps over her face and she smiles. "Really?" she asks.

'Of course, Sandra. I've wanted this for God knows how many years.' I answer.

Sandra kisses me again. "Good. Shall we go for a walk?" she asks, getting up.

'Okey doke.' I reply.

'What about your luggage? Where are we going to stay?' I ask a couple of minutes later.

"Gerry, we are in Paris, France! There's a million hotels to choose from. We could stay here a few days, but shouldn't you be getting back to UCOS?" Sandra enquires.

'I've taken a week's holiday. I rang Strickland, he wasn't best pleased but when I told him something had happened to you, he told me to take as much time off as I need.' I answer.

"Well, blow me down with a feather! Bloody hell, has he had a personality transplant?" Sandra asks as we make our way back to the taxi.

I smile. 'Nah, he can still be 'orrible... He's changed since you left. He often talks about you, you know. He always had a bit of a thing for you." I reply.

She nods in agreement. "That he did." She says, paying the taxi driver.

"Now," she says, taking my arm. "I intend for you to enjoy every moment of being here, so let's go to the Eiffel Tower! We are not going all the way up, though. I hate heights!"