Six months ago, she’d only dreamed of dressing like this. As she’d confided in Aaron, she’d come to London to try to break out of her shell.
Mia took a gulp of her cosmo. She’d been careful not to share identifying details, but she’d shared just about everything else. Now, she wondered if he was really who he said he was. He seemed too good to be true.
A sandy blond head in the doorway caught her attention. Her heart rose into her throat.
This was it. The meeting might be a total flop. She stuffed her phone in her purse and clasped her hands together.
Please,she prayed to whoever was listening,let this be goddamn perfect.
She started across the room, her pulse skyrocketing. That was definitely Aaron walking into the bar. He looked around calmly. Confidently. Unbuttoning his coat.
She’d worried that he wouldn’t look like his picture. That even the videos lied. But as she approached him, it was clear that the man in front of her was no lie.
For a second, she thought about running. Not because she didn’t want him, but because she wanted him so much. They’d connected so easily over text. She’d told him things —shownhim things — no one else could even guess.
She stopped in front of him. When his warm brown eyes met hers, her throat closed up.
Dammit, don’t be shy now. He’s seen you naked.
He tucked a strand of purple-streaked hair behind her ear, and her cheeks burned. The simple gesture made it hard to breathe.
“Hi,” she managed. “It’s me.”
He flashed an impish smile, showing the dimple in his square chin. “You.”
Along with the smile, there was a strange tickle of recognition that she couldn’t place.
She stretched out her hand, and he took it.
“And it’s you.” Her dry throat made her voice rasp.
“None other.” He surveyed her, still holding her hand, then pulled her into a hug.
It was a friendly hug. No pressure, no expectations. But her arms instinctively tightened around his neck, and her body followed.
Even through their winter coats, she felt her breasts bump his firm chest. She let out a soft noise as his hands settled on her curvy hips.
“Molly, sweet girl,” he whispered.
Right. In an abundance of caution, she’d used a different name on the app, planning to tell him her real name in person if all went well.
At the time, it had seemed like a great idea.
Mia pulled back. “I have to tell you something.”
“Anything.” He took her chin in his hand.
Recognition pulsed, stronger. She’d met this man before, and she couldn’t place where. Something shifted in his eyes, and he peered at her more closely.
“My name isn’t really Molly.” She fought to hold his gaze. “It’s actually Mia. I used an assumed name on the app, you know, just to be on the safe side…”
He blinked, surprised, then grinned. “All right. I’m not mad about it. Mia’s a beautiful name. And I understand—”
His eyes suddenly widened, then narrowed. Her name had rung a bell. As he opened his mouth, the truth came to her too.
“Mia,” he repeated. “Would that be Mia—”
“Oh my God.” She put her hand to her mouth.