Operation Valentine by Loretta Hill Read Free Book Online Page A

for a drink at The Blue Saloon. How does Sunday at five o’clock sound?’
    She looked up and said with a squeal, ‘I have a date! I have date! Maybe I really could have a boyfriend before V-Day.’
    But Amy was looking at her with her hands pressed firmly on her hips.
    â€˜What?’ Sarah demanded. ‘You’re meeting him at The Blue Saloon?’
    â€˜Why not? It’s my favourite bar, the place I’m most comfortable.’
    â€˜But Owen Black could be there.’
    â€˜So? What’s that got to do with anything?’
    As Amy continued to regard her sternly, Sarah put the iPad down on the coffee table with an exasperated sigh.
    â€˜How many times do I have to tell you? I do not have the hots for Owen. And he’s not going to give two hoots if he sees me there with Tom, particularly since he picked him out.’
    â€˜All right, all right.’ Amy held up her palms. ‘I just wanted to make sure you were aware. It’s your date. Do what you like.’
    â€˜Thank you.’ Sarah nodded. ‘I will.’
    â€˜Well, it looks like after rushing all the way over here,’ Amy sighed, ‘you’ve got everything sorted. You don’t even need me.’
    â€˜Are you kidding?’ Sarah grinned. ‘I have absolutely nothing to wear for Sunday. Let’s go shopping!’

    In the end, Sarah was really looking forward to her date the following night. She bought a lovely new camisole-style top made out of a silky blue material that draped well on her slender frame. Coupled with a knee-length black skirt and heels, she thought the overall effect was fun. Enough, she hoped, to interest an accountant from South Perth. She got to The Blue Saloon early and was both relieved and disappointed to see that Owen wasn’t working that night. It might have been nice to show off her date, but at the same time not being under his watchful eye did take the pressure off.
    Now, where to sit?
    The Blue Saloon was fairly quiet that night, there weren’t many people around. If she chose a table, Tom might feel pressured to stay for dinner. The bar, on the other hand, was definitely drinks-only. She chose two stools right at the end of the counter. This way they had maximum privacy and if things weren’t going well she could cut him loose as soon as their glasses were drained.
    Of course, she grinned, if things were going fantastically there was always the option of suggesting they move to a table and order food.
    Two dates for the price of one.
    It was the perfect plan.
    Tom Beresford was right on time. She saw him approaching from across the room and her body relaxed. He was easily recognisable from his profile picture. Tall and lanky with longish brown hair. He looked nervous too, which immediately made her feel better.
    â€˜Hi,’ she said, holding out her hand when he arrived by her side. ‘I’m Sarah Dubert. Lovely to meet you.’
    â€˜I’m Tom.’ He clasped her hand. ‘Nice to meet you too.’
    He was very sweaty and she had to wipe her palm on the side of her pants.
    Not a big deal.
    Hadn’t she just thought he looked nervous? He was probably sweating because of that. He’d calm down soon.
    Tom took the seat beside her. ‘It was so great to get your email. This is just what I needed.’
    â€˜That’s good to hear.’ She smiled. ‘Shall we order drinks?’
    â€˜Sure.’
    She lifted her hand to hail a waiter over and saw Owen sauntering down the bar. Her breath caught in her throat. So he was working tonight after all. As she was finishing the thought, he winked mischievously, causing her stomach to drop through the stool. She wiggled in her chair, mentally pulling herself together.
    You’re on a date with Tom. Remember that.
    She averted her eyes from Owen and turned back to her date, but didn’t have a chance to re-open the conversation before the bar manager was standing on the