She glanced over the rest of the note to see in red ink at the bottom, Meet me outside.
What? Now? She threw the note down and bit her forefinger. She had to go downstairs and see what this was about. But what if she wasn’t ready for this? What if was him? It had to be him. A rush of nerves circled her stomach. Oh hell, she needed to see his face. Even if only for an explanation, she convinced herself. She darted out of her office, clutching the letter, and made for the stairs. The elevator would mean waiting, and she was in no mood for waiting.
She stumbled out of the main doors into the crisp autumnal air, catching her breath slightly at the realization it was a bit chilly. There he was. As heart-stoppingly gorgeous as she remembered. His hair was tousled in a sexy mess above his angular face, his green eyes focused on hers with purpose. He took a step forward.
She waved the note. “This.”
“I told you I never wanted money,” he said, stepping even closer. “It was never about that. I was going to bring a bucket and burn it in front your building, but I thought you’d get mad.” A smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Besides, those kids could do with it.”
Selena let her breath out and quickly gulped in some air, as if she’d been starved of it. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t need to say anything,” he said, his eyes searching her face tenderly. He walked over to the entrance to pick up two helmets and returned, holding one out for her.
“Want to go for a ride?”
“What? Where? Erm...” she shook her head. What on earth was going on? She had no control over the situation and although it felt bizarre, she was ready to surrender. She let him lead her down the steps onto the sidewalk where she gasped to see a pale blue moped parked at the curb.
“Is that yours?” she asked, laughing.
“It is for tonight,” he said, flashing her a knowing smile. “Want to be my passenger?” She swallowed and assessed the situation. Nick put one arm round her waist and pulled her close. “Just give me one chance,” he said gently. “I haven’t been the same since we met. I need to see you. I was a total prick and ruined everything, I should have just told you. I loved you then. I still do. Life is shit without you in it.”
Selena’s mouth was parted on a gasp.
“You don’t have to make any promises,” he continued, pulling her closer. “Just see where this night takes us. Please. I have a surprise for you.”
“Okay,” she finally replied. The feel of his hand on her waist brought back that comfortable feeling she’d almost forgotten about. But she hadn’t forgotten those emerald eyes or the way they made her stomach flip when they gazed right into her. Her breath was short as she weighed her options. Shit. There was no other option. Life without Nick was dull as a dishwater. Right there, in that moment, was the first time in months that she’d felt excited and full of hope. She felt truly alive. She had him in her grasp and the last thing she wanted to do was watch him leave again. She knew she had to go with him this time. Without saying another word, she pulled on the helmet and flashed him a nervous smile.
Nick shook off his jacket and helped Selena’s arms into it, smiling softly at her the whole time.
They rode through the city streets, weaving in and out of traffic, sometimes a little too close for comfort, which had Selena gasping and laughing. The whole damned ride was a risk—the cars and the trust she was putting into this guy who had royally let her down before. But something inside her hushed those memories. She knew he was a good guy at heart. He’d been pulled in the wrong direction before, but he was in charge now. They were in charge.
As Nick steered the moped round a tight bend she clung tightly to his hard body, smelling his familiar scent as she burrowed her face into his shirt. She felt like she was home. Right there, on that bike, cutting through the streets—that was home. Because as long as he was there, that’s where she wanted to be.
Nick slowed to a stop outside an office block. He hopped off and held out a hand for her. She pulled off her helmet and looked up at the building.
“What are we doing here?”
“This is where I work now, but that’s not what I want to show you,” he said, his eyes gleaming. “Follow me.” He wrapped his hand around hers and led her into the main entrance. The security man gave Nick a nod and a wink as they passed and made their way to the elevator. It eventually pinged and the doors opened. They entered and Nick selected the top floor with a grin etched on his face that looked so powerful it could never fade.
She edged towards him and put her hands around his waist, eyeing him intensely. He dipped his head and his lips grazed hers, sending shockwaves through her core. It really had been as intense as she remembered. She hadn’t been making it up this whole time. She felt weak, yet indestructible at the same time. She pressed her lips hard against his, feeling his hot breath on her cold cheeks. Heaven.
The elevator doors pinged open to reveal the rooftop. There was a cold breeze up there but she gasped to see the glittering city from such a spectacular height. He led her by the hand around the corner where she let out a cry of shock to see a makeshift shelter, built of canvas, lined with twinkling string lights and lanterns glowing inside. He gestured for her to sit at a bistro table with two chairs and joined her. On the table was a bottle of red wine, two glasses and a vase of pink roses. He pulled a wicker picnic basket out from under the table and lifted the lid to reveal an array of treats—French cheese, baguette, strawberries...
“Oh Nick, this is amazing,” she said, her eyes glistening with moisture. “It’s Paris.”
“I love you. And I will do my best to give you Paris every day. I didn't have anything to offer you then and maybe I don’t have enough to offer you now. But I am sorry. I have loved you from that first meeting and that’s not going to stop.”
“Nick—“
He didn’t let her finish. “I will tell you how beautiful you are every single day until you believe it. You changed the whole course of my life. I was a cocky prick. Still am a bit of a prick. But I’m the cocky prick who loves you and I will never hurt you again.”
“Nick—“
“I love you.”
She laughed. “Damn it. I’m trying to tell you I love you too.”
He snapped his mouth shut. “What?”
“You heard me.”
He grinned. “You’re right. I just wanted to hear it again.”
“I love you too.”
His kiss was tender as he pulled her close, but now that he had her again, he was never letting her go. “You’re my girl. And I’m never leaving your side.”
“I think that’s a deal I can live with.”
They were finally free to be with each other. No interruptions. No secrets. Just love.
** LONDON BONUS BOOK **
London Bound
BACK COVER - LONDON BOUND
What would you leave behind to follow a dream?
It wasn’t exactly like spunky, photography student, Abbie Nartey ran away from her life…except, that she left under the cover of darkness and put 3000 miles between her and her ex-boyfriend’s betrayal. She went to London searching for her dream. She never expected to find love, or herself.