Page 29 of Finding London

“I need you to know that I will hurt you. I won’t want to, but I will. I have more baggage than you can imagine. This”—I wave my finger between us—“will end badly. You should know, I always end up losing everything I love.”

Her eyes soften. “You love me?”

I shake my head. “Not yet.” I pause. “But I will.” The words shock me as they leave my mouth, but I know they are true. How could I not fall for London? It’s only a matter of time, and I’m sure it’s not much time at that.

“I want that second date, Loïc.”

Her words penetrate me profoundly. My heart slams against the wall of my chest.

“Are you sure?”

“Definitely,” she answers.

I lean my forehead against hers. Our chests expand as we both work to find enough air to satisfy the ache of emotions raging through our bodies.

Deep within my soul, the whisper of hope gets marginally louder.

“OMG…Loïc, we need details!”

Maggie’s excitement is way too much for me at the moment. But seeing as she makes Cooper and me giant breakfasts every Sunday after our long run, I can’t be irritated.

Cooper shoves an entire sausage link into his mouth. Chomping on it, he says, “Yes! Details,” in an attempt to mock Maggie’s tone.

“So, you really didn’t sleep with her?” Maggie questions.

“No.”

Her eyes go wide. “And you plan on seeing her again?”

“Yes,” I answer. Although I know it to be true, it doesn’t sit well with me.

She places her hand on Cooper’s arm. Her voice is low and sweet when she addresses him, “Babe, our boy is growing up.”

Cooper, in turn, slowly taps my hand while shaking his head. “That he is. That he is.”

I want to be annoyed, but I love these idiots.

I swallow a mouthful of pancakes right before a laugh erupts. “Stop.”

“So, tell us, what’s she like?” Maggie asks.

“And why didn’t you fuck her?” Cooper adds.

With a scowl, Maggie immediately slaps his arm.

“What?” he addresses her. “It’s a valid question. It’s not his typical MO.”

Maggie seems content with his answer, and they both turn their attention to me.

“Well, like I told you, I’ve run into her a few times.”

“Yep, the car wash, the club, and the airport.” Maggie ticks them off on her fingers.

“Yeah, and she’s different,” I continue.

“What do you mean bydifferent?” Maggie questions.

Cooper sighs. “Just let him finish. Save your questions for when he’s done.”

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