You like him!
My stomach flutters at the admission, and I draw my bottom lip between my teeth, nibbling it as an entirely uncharacteristic idea begins to take root.
The boys I dated back home were few and far between. I’d never felt the urge to sleep around like some of my friends, and in fact, losing my virginity had felt almost perfunctory.
Another item off the checklist so I wasn’t the only virgin at university. The fact that it was mediocre atbestdidn’t help, but honestly, I couldn’t have cared less. Trivial things like sex barely made a blip on my radar.
I had big dreams to follow—get my degree in early childhood education so that I could leave my small town and see the world.
When I graduated at the top of my class, Harrington Helpers headhunted me, and it was the most perfect position I could’ve wished for. Most of their clientele travelled extensively, so it was really a no-brainer. I could combine my two dreams: explore far-off places while helping to mould the next generation through nurturing my charges.
But then I’d set foot in London, and well…that was that. I fell hook, line, and sinker. The city cloaked me within her embrace, and I couldn’t have wished for a more fulfilling relationship.
In my year here, I’ve never once been on a date. My Saturdays have always been reserved for exploration, for cultivating the growing bond with my captivating home.
No mere man could ever compete with the city that feeds my soul, so why even dip my toe in the dating pool?
Butthis man… From the first moment I felt Cole’s eyes on me—as I surreptitiously shot glances his way when he mistakenly thought I was still absorbed in my book—I could feel a palpable attraction connecting us. I’ve never felt anything as physical in my entire life. His absolute magnetism had gripped me and continued to hold me in its vise as a willing prisoner.
The tension between us has been electric. Almost like verbal foreplay.
Not that I have much experience with foreplay ofanysort, thanks to my grand total of three apathetic lovers.
I roll my eyes at my reflection, for the first time feeling as though I’ve been missing out on something.
But maybe it’s time to change that…
I’m single with no commitments—at least until I take another placement—so why shouldn’t I allow myself to be utterly impulsive for just this once?
What’s the worst that could happen?
And with that at the forefront of my thoughts, I dry my hands and slip from the restrooms, feet moving briskly back toward the Mirror Bar. As I re-enter, I grab the spare room keycard from my bag and flatten it discreetly against my palm.
My heart slams against my chest as my anxieties almost talk me out of doing what I’m about to do, but my forehead creases in determination while my feet close the distance between us.
Cole is still exactly where I left him, chatting idly with Steven about the impending London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham when I slide back onto my stool. The barman discreetly disappears as Cole’s eyes envelop me, taking me inside those emerald-green depths completely as his face lights up with a smile.
Two dimples mostly hidden behind his impeccably groomed dark brown facial hair wink right at me, making butterflies take flight in my belly as I return his smile.
The feelings this man elicits within me mere hours after meeting him tell me this is the right decision.
“You’re a sight for sore eyes, Sweetheart—”
I bite my lip nervously as Cole slams to a halt when I drop the keycard onto the bar, his green eyes flaring with unmistakable desire as he shifts his gaze to mine.
“Room 3103.” My eyes flicker between his as my heart almost beats out of my chest. Taking control of a situation has never made me feel more powerful, and I bask in the feeling.
Then I lean closer, flipping my hair over one shoulder, and the feeling intensifies when his jaw tics, his eyes devouring me. “Give me five minutes.” And without another word, I hop down from my seat and smoothly exit the Mirror Bar.
I stride directly to the elevators, keeping my eyes focused dead ahead. When I reach my destination, I slam the call button and step inside.
The car moves at a snail’s pace as my heart continues to hammer, the sound filling my ears until I finally arrive at my room. Once I’ve quickly freshened myself up, ensuring all my lady gardening is up to par, I’ve just left the ensuite when there’s a rap on the door.
My stomach dips before I answer it to find Cole leaning against the frame with a smirk on his sinfully handsome face. His shirt sleeves are rolled up, revealing tanned forearms covered with intricate tattoos that end just before his wrists.
He’s the epitome of those book boyfriends I read about, and I bite my lower lip as I subconsciously file this moment away for future self-gratification.
Cole chuckles deeply, the sound sending a shock of desire straight through me, pooling in my lower abdomen. “I might be early. But I couldn’t wait any longer.”
