Page 78 of Counterfeit Connection

“Like what?”

“I want fish and chips. I want to see the London Eye and visit Tower Bridge. I want to see the palace and maybe even visit the Harry Potter Studio.”

“My God.” He chuckles. “You really are a tourist.”

“I have a feeling you’ll still claim me. And anyway, lots of public places for photo opportunities, right?”

I hear a deep sigh. “I hate you’re thinking like that.”

“I thought you might be proud of me for finally accepting it so well. It only took me less than a month.”

“I didn’t get a chance to bring it up, but the article from the interview is out.”

“Oh God. Tell me.”

“Kaitlyn, it was fantastic.”

“Stop,” I say in genuine surprise.

“I’m serious. Tobias even agreed. I think if we do one strategic outing here, that should be enough. I don’t want you to extend yourself for this more than you already have.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m extending myself…”

“I would. I know this isn’t easy on you, especially after seeing the screenshots Mika sent.”

“I mean, you’re right, that was like a punch in the face, but now I know the extent of it, and can try to better prepare myself for it.” I reach over and scratch at his stubbly cheek with my nails.“No more work talk for now. Show me what this car can really do.”

I’m running on pure adrenaline when we finally roll to a stop outside of his mother’s home. I’m not sure which speed we topped out at, but I felt like the G-forces were gluing me to my seat. It was a rush. I can’t wait to do it again.

“Shit,” I say, “I didn’t bring her a gift. Why didn’t I think about that?”

Griffin’s hand reaches down for me inside the car. “You are the gift, Kaitlyn.”

The moment my hand slides into his, a warmth rushes through my body along with a true sense of calm. The only things I can hear are the birds, the breeze, and the breath between us. “Honestly, the feeling is mutual.”

Once on my feet, I raise to my toes to place a soft kiss on Griffin’s lips. “Griffy!”

I hear a warm voice holler from the house. When I look up, the door is wide open and a beautiful older woman with long flowing black hair, in a pale gray dress with bare feet, comes striding down the path toward us.

“Mum!” he says excitedly and he releases my hand to go to her. I watch them happily. There’s just something about a man who loves his mom. It’s one of the most attractive things in the world.

“I’ve missed you,” she says as she wraps him up in a hug. He’s much taller than her so he bends pretty far to accompany her.

“I’ve missed you too.” He kisses her cheek then turns to me; arm extended for me to take his hand. “Mum, this is Kaitlyn Logan. Kaitlyn, this is my mother, Bianca Conforti.”

I slide my hand into his and step forward. “It’s so nice to meet you, Ms. Conforti.”

“Oh, please,” she replies, coming toward me with open arms. “Call me Bianca.” She hugs me, really hugs me, and I melt into it. She exudes the mom aura I’ve missed for so long. “Oh, Griffy. You said she was beautiful, but those pictures didn’t do her justice. I’d say you might be out of her league.”

He chuckles. “Nice, Mum. Your gardens look amazing.”

“The weather has been perfect for my green thumb. Enough about me. I hope you both brought your appetites. I was too excited at the thought of cooking for more than just me.”

“I hope you didn’t go to a lot of trouble,” I say.

“Darling, it’s not every day my son brings a lady home. There’s no trouble to be had here unless you’ve brought it.”

She wraps her arm around my shoulders while she takes Griffin’s hand at her other side. The feeling I have right now is nearly the same feeling I get when I go home to see my father, but now it’s mixed with regret.

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