Starry-Eyed Love (Spark House)

“This isn’t going to be easy.” She motions between us. “Especially with you being in New York more than you’re here.”

“Well, I’m hoping that’s going to change a little, and that I’ll be able to work remotely. And I’m hopeful that with Spark House doing as well as it is, you’ll be able to hire on some additional help so you can work less and play a little more.”

“That’s a conversation I’ll be having with Avery sooner rather than later.”

I shift closer on the couch and extend my hand, palm up.

London mirrors the shift and places her hand in mine. She exhales on a sigh. “The last few weeks were awful. It felt like my heart was constantly in a meat grinder.”

“I’m so sorry. I wish I’d handled things differently.”

“Honestly? Me too. I felt so blindsided. I was terrified to talk to you, the hurt was already so hard to handle and I didn’t feel like I could manage with more of it. And not just for me, but for my sisters, who had to deal with my moping around.”

“I’m so sorry I put you through this. I’m sorry I put us both through this.” I squeeze her hand. “Trent will be very glad I’m no longer too morose to do anything but stare at walls. And I’m sure Mitchell will be happy that I can focus on something other than what an idiot I’ve been.”

London laughs and I smile, thankful for her compassion and forgiveness. “We were quite the pair. I guess we better make sure the other one knows exactly where they stand, so we don’t end up in another morose situation again.”

“In case you were unaware, I’m painfully in love with you, London, and I don’t plan to ever mess things up like this again, because I don’t want to have to go weeks without seeing your beautiful face.”

“I love you too. So much it’s a little scary.”

“I promise I will do my best to ensure I never make you feel the way you’ve felt the last few weeks. Honestly, I don’t think I can personally handle more time in that state either. I’ve been a mess.”

“Me too. I did a lot of ugly crying.”

“I did a lot of sulking.” I reach up and sweep a finger along the edge of her jaw. “If it would be okay, I’d love to seal that promise with a kiss.”

“That would be more than okay.”

We lean toward each other. I should know better than to think I’ll ever be able to stop at a single kiss with London. The moment our mouths connect, it’s like a spark being ignited into a flame. Need, the kind that’s built up over the weeks of separation takes over, and we practically tear each other’s clothes off. I lose two buttons on my shirt and the zipper on London’s dress gets caught so she has to pull it over her head.

Neither of us suggests moving to a bedroom. I want to slow things down, to savor every moment of having her back in my arms, but London has different plans.

“We can take our time later. I just need you inside me.” She straddles my lap, naked and gorgeous, and tears the condom open and rolls it down my length. I grip her hips as she braces her hand on my shoulder and guides me to her entrance. Our eyes lock as she sinks down, taking me in, joining us.

We both exhale the same relieved breath. “I missed you,” I tell her.

“I missed us. And this feeling.” She threads her fingers through my hair, and tips my head, bringing our lips together.

We stay like that, mouths fused, as we move together, hands roaming, bodies melding, reacquainting ourselves with each other as we revel in this connection we share.

I’m so glad I have her back.

And I plan to never lose her again.

27

STRAWS AND CAMELS

LONDON

My clothes are strewn all over Jackson’s living room floor. So are his. We’re still wrapped in each other, still kissing even though the orgasms are over.

“Can we just spend the next twenty-four hours in bed?” Jackson sucks my bottom lip between his and runs his palm down my spine.

“I have this thing called work that’s going to make that a challenge. And I think you probably have to do the same.”

“This seems very logical and not at all what Fun London would say.”

“Fun London has been on hiatus. Mopey London has been out in full force, and I think my sisters will be very happy to send her packing.”

“Mmm. That’s fair. I think everyone who has had the misfortune of being around me lately will agree that I’m a much happier person when you’re in my life.” He cups my face between his palms and gives me another long, lingering kiss. “If twenty-four hours is off the table, can I at least convince you to have dinner with me and stay the night?”