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I stomped after him out of the store. When I reached the street, I looked both ways until I found Jeremy dumping the magazines into a trash can. All except one.
His line of sight fell on me, and he held the final magazine up. “What’s got you so fired up over this thing?”
“Turn to page four.” I folded my arms and waited.
The shock on Jeremy’s face soon said it all. “This doesn’t look good.”
“No shit. It’s a load of crap, and that crap is all over the UK right now. I’m the gold-digging American who slept her way onto a photo shoot. It’s the biggest load of bollocks I have ever read.”
Jeremy sniggered. “Did you just say bollocks? Is London rubbing off on you?”
I quirked one corner of my mouth upward. “Maybe.”
Jeremy glanced at the magazine again. “I’ve gotta say, though, this photo here is fucking hot, sugar.” He pointed at the image of me poised on the edge of the chaise, looking utterly snobby. “It’s like you’re looking down your nose at the haters and the judgmental arseholes, not caring one iota about their opinions. As if you’re going about your life without apologies, without anyone’s permission, and it’s a life you’re proud of.”
His voice got this deep, husky sound to it, and looking into his blue eyes, I found they were a shade darker, just like they were whenever he was turned on. Jeremy was looking at me in a way that betrayed his feelings for me, and here I was just about panting with my own desire for him.
He had a gentlemanly way about him I adored, along with an attitude that meant no one could orwouldmess with him. I craved protection from the media and all the bad omens in the world and my life right now. As much as I loved Ruben and was drawn to Augustus, Rubie was a gentle soul, but Augustus was a playboy. What I saw in Jeremy called to the old-fashioned part of me who craved a man like him.
“Have a coffee with me.”
“Yes.” My breath was so breathy with want I had to clear my throat. “O-okay.”
Jeremy tucked the remaining magazine into the back pocket of his jeans and my heart raced when he took my hand. He led me to a busy, tiny café with dark timber walls and mood lighting. With only a few tables and chairs, I didn’t think we would find somewhere to sit but managed to nestle into a private spot in the back corner. I lamented against a giant orange cushion while Jeremy ordered for us.
He returned with two drinks, and it turned out he liked his coffee the same way I preferred mine—strong with not a dash of milk in sight.
He squeezed into the spot beside me, his leg pressing against mine and our arms brushing. The brief contact sent sparks of desire through my body. I wanted Jeremy on a base level and the fact we had played, but had not had one another yet, added to the thick tension between us.
Jeremy set the magazine down on the table and took a sip of his coffee. I hurriedly turned it upside down only to find one of the Estate Styles’ advertisements on the back with myself in Augustus’ arms.
I felt a pang in my heart.
I missed him.
Jeremy released a wry laugh. “You can’t win, can you?”
“Doesn’t seem like it.” I stroked my fingertip over Augustus’ face, focusing especially on his lips. “It’s such a mess, Jer. All because I have feelings for him.” I tapped my finger on his image.
“It seems you have feelings for a lot of people,” Jeremy observed.
“You’re right,” I agreed and let out a sigh.
Time slipped by as we held each other’s gaze. Jeremy’s Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat, and heat rose between us.
“I think the knowledge that Ruben is open about opening our relationship and finding out he’s bisexual has given me the freedom to…”
“To do a little exploring of your own.”Jeremy finished my sentence and was spot on in his assumption.“Except it’s a little more than swinging when we feel this way about one another. Or am I being presumptuous?” Jeremy asked, gently curling his hand around the back of my neck.
“No, you’re not,” I whispered.
“I know this is happening quickly and suddenly, but I thought you were sexy from the day you bowled into me without a second glance.”
“We don’t know anything about each other, though,” I countered.
“I know you’re dedicated and hardworking. Beautiful and intelligent. Sensual and fun. A stress bucket and a loving woman…” He paused. “Or are you saying you want to know more about me?”
I nodded. “The latter.”
