“Splendid.” Harry came around the bonnet and opened the passenger door. “Do you have all your things, Sammy?”

“Yes.”

“Then hop in.”

“Can I steer?” If possible, Sammy perked up even more.

“I don’t see why not—just on the straights. You still have trouble with curves.”

“Cracking!” Sammy climbed up into the cab and slammed the door behind him.

Harry removed his sunglasses and popped them on top of his head, squinting at Elise over the Land Rover’s bonnet. “What’s the matter, Lady Elise? Rough day?”

“Nothing that wouldn’t be improved with a straightjacket or a Velcro suit and wall,” Elise answered sweetly.

Straightjacket? What had Sammy done? “I would have sworn nothing was beyond your capabilities. It seems a reassessment is in order.” Harry clicked his tongue and shook his head with mock horror.

“You owe me, Benson.”

“Harry. The name is Harry. You used to call me that once. Remember?” Now that they were no longer partners, he had every intention of reminding her at every opportunity. “And yes, I do owe you a massive debt of gratitude.”

He came around the car and folded his arms, the muscles bunching under his T-shirt. He’d removed his flak jacket once he’d left the base. “When was the last time you actually relaxed?” he inquired, studying her quietly.

Elise’s self-contained personality let few people in, but he’d known her before she had put up walls. Every once in a while, he saw through the cracks. She looked as though she needed a break worse than he did.

“I have it on good authority that Liverpool is playing tonight. Care to watch?” Harry let the words hang between them, his stomach clenching the smallest bit. He hadn’t put himself out for a woman in a very long time.

“I don’t follow football.”

His stomach lurched at the rejection, but something inside him refused to take no for an answer. “That surprises me.” He cocked his head to the side. “Jack and Nick have a bet going against my team.”

“Neither of them gambles, as I recall.”

She wasn’t making this easy—stubborn woman.

“Oh, they gamble. Just not with money.” Harry dangled the bait, and waited to see if she’d snap.

Her eyes sharpened. “What’s the bet?”

He suppressed a grin. Caught her curiosity, had he? “I couldn’t say, but red meat is on the line at the winner’s choice of eatery. Is your dad watching the game tonight?”

“Dad’s into horses, not football. Even if he were, he and Mother are in London.”

Better and better. “Since you don’t follow football, we can watch one of those girlie shows that you’re so keen on instead.”

“I’m not keen on girlie movies.” Elise shifted, not meeting his eyes.

Yeah right. “Whatever you say.”