Page 5 of Keeping London (Flawed Heart)

I am closer to becoming the person I want to be now than I was on that hot day back in May, and Loïc is, too. That’s why I know that we’re destined, fated, meant to be—however it’s phrased is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is that Loïc and I will always be. We met for a reason, and I know that we’ll be together always. I can’t adequately explain how I know this, but I do. I’m sure of it.

We arrive at the mall, and Loïc parks the truck. Exiting the truck, my skin shivers as I pull my jacket tightly around me. The wind today carries a bite.

Loïc wraps his strong arm around my shoulder, and we walk toward the large building.

“Maybe, if you get all your shopping finished in a timely manner, we’ll have time to go for a hike before dinner,” Loïc suggests before leaning down and kissing my temple.

I scrunch my lips together and peer up at him. “Um…it’s freezing. Why would I want to go hiking?”

“It’s almost fifty degrees, babe. That’s practically shorts weather in Michigan. We need to get out and enjoy the warm temp.”

“Warm temp?” I shake my head, expelling a breath.

“Yeah, next month could have negative temperatures, so when compared to, let’s say, minus ten degrees, fifty is pretty warm.”

“Ugh, I hate Michigan.” The cold winters are definitely a downfall to my recently professedhome. “Well, it doesn’t matter anyway becauseshoppingandtimelydon’t go together.”

Loïc bows his head. “That’s what I was afraid of.”

I laugh. “Don’t worry, babe. I’ll model all of my outfits for you, and if you’re really good, maybe you’ll get lucky in a dressing room.”

“People really do that?”

“I assume so. I mean, I never have. Have you?” I ask.

“No.” Loïc shakes his head.

“Well then, maybe it can be another first?” I suggestively lift my eyebrows.

Loïc chuckles. “You know that sounds amazing and all…but can’t they see into the dressing rooms? Through vents or two-way mirrors or something? Isn’t that how they catch shoplifters?”

“I don’t know. I think maybe in some stores but not all of them. We’ll scope it out.”

“I’m all about creating firsts with you, London. Not to mention, I want you all the time. But I can’t go getting myself arrested for public lewdness right before I’m deployed. That wouldn’t go over well.”

I let out a sound of disappointment. “Stupid deployment. It’s getting in the way of all my fun,” I joke.

“Don’t worry, babe. We’ll have plenty of fun later. Promise.” Loïc pulls me in for a quick kiss before he slides his fingers through mine as we enter the mall.

I exit the changing room to find Loïc on his phone, seated on the padded bench right outside the dressing room door. He looks up when he hears me.

“What do you think about this one?” I do a little twirl, causing the short red dress to fan out above my knees.

“I think you look stunning.” His response is sincere as a warm smile illuminates his strong, handsome face.

His smile is my kryptonite, and each time he gifts me with one of his signature grins, I just want to ravage him. I think I might be slightly addicted. But, I suppose, if I must be a junkie, I’m happy it’s Loïc I crave.

I take a few steps toward him. Placing my palms against his freshly shaven face, I bend, connecting my mouth with his. The kiss is short, sweet, and so much less than I’d like to do, but I just had to feel his lips against mine even if just for a second.

I reluctantly pull my lips away from his. “You said the same thing for the last four outfits I tried on,” I point out.

“Because that statement was also true for each of those outfits.”

“Surely, I can’t look stunning in everything I try on. You have to give me some real feedback. I need to buy the perfect outfits for this weekend.”

“London, baby, you look truly amazing in everything you try on. You could put on every item of clothing this store carries, and I would think the same. You could come out of the room with a burlap bag wrapped around your body, and I would still think that you looked absolutely gorgeous.”

I run my thumb across his jaw, denying my urge to kiss him again. “But aren’t some better than others? Can’t you give me any objective feedback?”

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