Page 33 of Getting Lucky in London

Planting his hands on his hips, he lifted an accusing brow. “I booked a return flight as soon as we landed, but I came home to check on you first and found you gone.”

For just a moment, I’d lost myself in Dominic’s pain, but now, my own problems came rushing back. “I’m so sorry.”

He sank down beside me again and took my hand in his. “Daisy, if this guy you met is so great, why can’t you just explain whatever it is that you lied about, say you’re sorry, and live happily ever after?”

“Because I know him—er, his type. He’s a player. He used me to get rid of his flavor oflastweek.” Just saying those words sliced at my heart. They had been so easy to fling at Liz, and now, I’d become the cliché.

“Are you sure? You said the time you spent with him was good. Sounds like he was into you. Sometimes, things aren’t always as they seem.”

I tugged my hand from his. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“I am on your side, but if what you shared was so special, you owe it to yourself to think about all the possibilities.”

“Like what?”

“Okay, for instance, maybe he’s not really a player. Maybe he’s just afraid of getting his heart broken.”

“Like you?”

“Yes, like me. In the heat of the moment, I let the doubts I’d had when I met Sara creep in. I felt like Sarah was only with me because she didn’t know anyone here in London. I was just a fill-in until she could get home again to her friends and family.”

“Dominic.” I gave him my bestshame on youface.

“I know.” He held up his hands. “Let me give you another example. You remember Michael, right? I mentioned him the other day.”

I stiffened but managed another nod as my heart began to beat faster.

“He’s as confident as a person can be without being conceited, and anyone who doesn’t really know him would think he’s a player…like your guy.”

Nausea rolled in my belly.He’s not my guy. Will never be my guy.

“His dad tries on women like clothing and discards them just as easily. He’s been married and divorced more times than you can count on one hand. Because of that, Michael won’t let himself commit to a relationship for the sake of not being alone.”

“I don’t understand how that isn’t the same as being a player.”

“He believes it’s not fair to let a woman become invested if he’s not going to do the same. Claims one date, sometimes less, is all it takes to know if she’s the one or not, and he’ll go on searching until he finds his Miss Right. And when he does find her, he’ll move heaven and earth to keep her.”

Fuck. I thought I was all cried out, but fresh tears pricked my eyes as I processed Michael’s perspective. How was it any different from women dating men until they found the right match? Why would I be free to do so, but not Michael? I’d been such a fool.

Talk about a double standard.

“Granted,” Dominic went on, “Michael’s a good-looking guy. He’s confident, and women flock to that shit, so it makes him look like a player. But he’s not.” He chuckled. “Honestly, I thought he was delusional, but that’s exactly how it was for me when I met Sarah. I don’t want anyone but her.”

The events of my weekend with Michael replayed in my mind. His consideration. How he’d been so patient when I was lashing out because I couldn’t find Dominic’s keys. How he’d involved his mother and made my interview possible. And yesterday, at the market, women couldn’t keep their eyes off him, yet he never seemed to notice.

From the very beginning, he could have called a locksmith and a cab and said,“See ya.”But he hadn’t.

Instead, he wanted to get to know me. He wanted more time with me, more than one night.

That didn’t mean I was Michael’s Miss Right. But Domonic made a good point. I owed it to myself and to Michael to try. “I’ve made a big mistake.”

He nodded. “We’re a pair, aren’t we?”

I jumped off the couch. “I’ve got to go.”

“You might want to change first. You’re looking a little…worn.”

“Good idea.” A warm feeling of home lifted the corners of my mouth…and my heart. I hadn’t realized just how much I missed Dominic and our heart-to-hearts since he left New York. “I’m so glad I’m going to have you around more.”

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