Page 18 of Finding London

“There are other unoccupied chairs around, you know.” My words sound snarky, even to my own ears. I suppose my ego is still bruised from our last encounter.

“I know, but I thought it would be a dick move to sit next to a stranger when you’re right here.”

My body bristles. I’m wary of this new friendlier version of a man who, prior to today, has wanted nothing to do with me. Even this minimal chitchat is out of his norm.

“We’re basically strangers, Loïc. What’s the difference?”

He regards me for one heartbeat and then another before he looks away. “Basically…but we’re not.”

We both sit in silence and watch Orange Pants continue to chatter away.

After a few beats, Loïc says, “So, what do you think his deal is?”

“I don’t know. I’m thinking he’s on a hidden camera show, he’s crazy, or he’s just a very odd, very loud, extremely impolite person. I’m leaning toward the latter.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right. Though I envy him in a way.”

“Why’s that?” I lean back into my seat and allow my gaze to drift from the man to Loïc.Big mistake.I put it off to the uniform and my newfound obsession with a man in camouflage, but my stomach flutters at the sight.

Loïc sports a genuine smile. He seems so carefree in this moment, and because I find the brooding badass version insanely irresistible, the man before me almost does me in.

“The whole package—his clothes, his loud voice—screams,I don’t give a flying fuck what y’all think. I’d imagine it would be pretty freeing not to give a shit about what others think of you.” His bright blues hold me for a second before they return their gaze to the topic of conversation.

I let out a small chuckle. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right. Though I couldn’t do it. I mean, socks with sandals? That crosses the line.”

“Does it?” Loïc laughs.

I can’t stop the way my heart picks up its pace at that sweet sound. He’s always been so serious. Hearing his laughter does something crazy to my insides.

“Definitely.”

“Noted. No socks and sandals.”

“Honestly, I would suggest you avoid the entire ensemble. I get that it might be freeing and all, but I wouldn’t recommend that look on you.”

“Good to know.”

“So, are we, like, friends now or something? At the club a couple of weeks ago, I got the impression that you didn’t want anything to do with me.”

Loïc locks his beautiful blues on me. “I’m sorry if I was rude, London. I didn’t want to make you feel bad in any way. It’s complicated, but know that it’s my issue and not anything to do with you. I wouldn’t say that we’re friends. I don’t really need any more friends.”

“Everyone can use more friends.”

“I don’t believe that. But I can’t say it’s not a little unnerving that we keep running into each other like this.”

I grin. “It must be fate.”

“I don’t believe in that either.”

“Maybe not, but you don’t have to believe in it for it to be real.”

It takes some effort, but I pull my stare away from his. He’s so handsome that it’s disarming. I can only take so much.

After a few minutes, I stand. “They’re going to start boarding in a few. I’m going to go get some snacks and magazines from the gift shop. It was nice running into you again, Loïc. Maybe we’re not friends, but it was nice to be friendly. See you later.”

“Good-bye, London.”

Yet again, his words sound so permanent, and it makes my heart ache. I hate the way I feel around Loïc and how desperately I want him.

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