Rory (Coded for Love 1)

The tube train sped off.

He shoved his phone into his pocket.

When he shifted, the leather of his jacket brushed against her coat. She leaned in, willing him to notice her. He glanced along the crowded tube train, craning his neck as if he was looking for someone. Then his gaze landed on her.

Sky lifted her chin, staring up at him.

Recognition flickered in his eyes. He scanned her with curiosity. “Sky?”

She breathed, smiled, nodded.

He lifted his eyebrows. “Wow, kiddo, look at you.”

Kiddo. She hated that.

“Visiting London?” He peered down the crowded train again.

Curious, she followed his gaze. The carriage was packed. Was he with someone, or meeting someone—a girlfriend maybe? “No, I’ve been living here.”

“Broke up with Wales, huh?” His handsome mouth quirked at one corner.

“Why not? You did.” The train rocked and she put her hand against his leather jacket to steady herself.

He eyed her slowly. “Copycat.”

Was he always thi

s annoying? “I’m hoping to get a place in Art College next term.”

“I thought you were studying in Wales?”

How did he know that? “It didn’t work out.”

“Blew it, huh?”

The urge to smart mouth him and turn away had her in its grip. As per usual her stepbrother was treating her like a little kid. She didn’t need it any more. She’d grown out of it.

“You look great,” he added.

Her annoyance quickly faded. They were so close she could feel his breath on her face. “You’re looking pretty good yourself, Rory. I’m glad we bumped into each other.”

Their eyes locked. It was still there—that familiar tug between them. Her lips parted. He looked at her mouth. She thought he might kiss her.

Then he refocused, and glanced away staring over her shoulder. “Shit.”

He moved his bag off his shoulder and clutched it in one hand. A frown darkened his expression. “Sky, it’s not a good time.”

Annoyed, she wished she hadn’t approached him. She should have stayed on the platform and waited for another train.

Then she noticed his gaze had locked onto something specific.

She glanced back and saw a guy elbowing his way through the crowd, hood up, eyes on Rory. Her attention sharpened. Rory was in trouble. Some things never changed. “Something to hide?”

“You could say that.” He flashed a warning glance and shifted, so he blocked her view of the oncoming guy in the hoodie. “Stay out of it. Act like you don’t know me.”

Sky was intrigued. “You’re a spy on a mission, right.”

His mouth lifted at one corner. “Near enough. I’m going to have to jump off at the next stop.” He locked her gaze. “Shame.”