“Ready?” I ask, unable to keep the edge from my voice.
“Travis is taking me to lunch.” London stands, grabbing her bag. “Don’t worry, it’s just as friends.”
“Where are you going?” I ask.
“To the new Sushi place on Harper Street.”
“Mind if I join?” I surprise them both by asking.
“I... Uh... Sure.” Travis tries to act like he’s completely caught off guard but not London... Her smile widens as if she knew I was not going to be able to let them walk out of this building together.
“Perfect. It’ll be my treat.” I stand, grabbing my phone off the desk before shoving it into my pocket. “After you.” I gesture toward the door.
“Actually, do you mind going without me?” Trav says to London, the two sharing a look that does not sit right with me, like they’re in on the inside of something that I’m on the outside of.
“You sure? You were really excited about his place,” London finally says.
“Yeah, I just... I think the night is finally catching up to me.”
“Okay.” She nods. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
“Yep. See you tomorrow. Later, boss man.”
And just as quickly as he appeared, he disappears.
“I think you scared him off.” London barks out a laugh.
“Did I? Or did you?”
“Me? I’m not scary.”
“Tell that to a man who doesn’t have direct experience in that department.”
“I’ve never scared you.” Her hands go to her hips in defiance.
“LV, you’ve done nothing but scare me since the moment you entered my life.” I grin, tugging open the door. “Now, do you want lunch or not?”
She regards me for a long moment before finally nodding. I catch her scent as she slips past me in the doorway and damn if it doesn’t almost bring me straight to my knees.
One thing is becoming abundantly clear. I need to get a grip and I need to get one fast, before I end up doing something really, really stupid...
“HOW’S YOUR ICE CREAM?” I ask London as we make our way toward my truck, having just finished lunch a few minutes ago. To no one’s surprise, London insisted we get ice cream after. She’s always had a sweet tooth a mile long.
“Divine.” She licks the cold cream, letting out a little noise of appreciation that instantly has my groin twitching. “I still can’t believe you didn’t get any.”
“I ate so much at lunch, I’m not sure I could fit it anywhere.” I rub my stomach for good measure.
Lunch was... Well, it was incredible and it had nothing to do with the food. It’s the first time since London returned that we just talked. No anger. No sadness. We just talked like we used to, about everything and nothing at all.
I found myself never wanting to leave that restaurant because for the first time in seven years, I felt oddly whole again, like part of my soul that I’ve been missing had been returned to me.
“You’re missing out. This blueberry lemon is to die for.” London gives me a toothy smile.
“I’ll have to take your word for it,” I say, tugging open the passenger door of my truck for her. She makes no attempt to climb inside.
“You could try it.” She extends the cone in my direction. “Or are you afraid you’ll get my cooties?”
I study her for a brief moment before leaning forward and biting off a large chunk of the top of her ice cream swirl.
