The Ending I Want

I’m looking good—well, for someone with a brain tumor, that is.

And that’s enough of the depressing shit.

But I did take some pain pills just in case another headache decides to attack, and my pills are also in my bag.

I don’t want the headaches to become a regular occurrence in front of Liam; otherwise, he’ll start to notice. He’s far from stupid.

But it’s going to be hard to hide them when I’m hardly away from him. I’ve seen him every day since he sat beside me on that plane.

And, now, I’m starting to wonder if seeing so much of Liam is a good idea.

I don’t need to be getting too close to anyone. Or to let anyone get close to me. Close equals attachment, which means complications.

I don’t need complications.

But then Liam isn’t exactly a complicated guy, and I can’t imagine him getting attached to anyone.

We both know where we stand. Two weeks, and then we’re done.

Liam will go back to his life, and I’ll go back to…well, I’ll just go, and Liam will be none the wiser.

He’ll never know what became of me. I’ll just be a fond memory—that American girl he once spent two weeks with.

And for me…he’ll be the last good thing I had.

My cell phone starts to ring on the nightstand.

Liam and I exchanged numbers earlier. As many times as we’d slept together, it was weird that we didn’t have each other’s cell numbers.

“Yes, Mr. Hunter?” I say on a smile.

“Are you ready?”

“I am.” I brush my hand down my dress.

“Good. Come down. I’m waiting outside the hotel for you.”

“I’ll be down in a few.”

I pick up my cardigan in case it gets cold later and put it along with my cell in my bag. I check to make sure I have my wallet. Then, I hang my bag on my shoulder. I grab my room key on the way out and let the door lock behind me.

I don’t have to wait long for an elevator. I ride the four floors down, excited to see Liam, which is crazy because I saw him only an hour ago.

But still, I have flutters in my tummy at the thought of seeing him again.

It’s going to suck when it comes time for me to leave him.

I push through the door of the hotel, stepping out into the lovely sunshine. And I see Liam standing by a…bus.

Smiling, he walks over to me. He looks gorgeous. He’s wearing dark blue jeans and a black polo shirt. His wavy hair is parted down the side and slicked back. He looks hot. So very hot.

“Hey.” He hooks an arm around my waist and kisses me.

He tastes delicious, like mint and coffee.

“Hey.” I smile at him.

“You look beautiful.”

“You’re looking pretty good yourself.” I smile at him.

“I know.” He smirks. “Your chariot awaits you, madam.” He steps to the side, waving his arm out in the direction of the bus.

“We’re going on a bus?” I stare up at him.

“We’re going on a tour bus. I’ve hired it to take us around to the sights of London. I thought it was time you got to see some of my great city.”

“Really?” I beam at him.

I’m going to see the city where my mother grew up in the comfort of my very own bus. It doesn’t get better than this.

“Really.” He smiles down at me, a soft look in his eyes.

“You’re the best!” I throw my arms around his neck and slap a kiss to his cheek.

Then, I let go of him and skip my way over to the bus.

The doors are already open. The driver is sitting in his seat, waiting for us to board.

“Hi.” I smile at him.

“Good afternoon. I’m Derek, your driver for the next few hours.” He smiles at me.

“Nice to meet you, Derek. I’m Taylor.”

I don’t think he actually cares about my name, but I always feel the need to introduce myself when people tell me their names.

I feel Liam’s hand on my lower back. I turn to him.

“So, where do we sit?” I ask.

“Upstairs. It’s an open top, so you can see everything London has to offer.”

A frisson of excitement passes through me. “We really have the whole bus to ourselves?” I ask as I walk toward the stairs.

“We really do.”

I stop, my foot on the first step. “You’re awesome.” I grin at him.

“I know.” He gives my ass a slap. “Now, hurry up and get your hot arse up the stairs, so we can get this show on the road.”

I quickly make my way up the stairs.

When I reach the top, I look around. “Where should we sit?” I ask him.

He stands behind me, his hands resting on my hips. “Front seat. Best in the house.”

I tilt my head back against his chest, looking up at his smiling handsome face.

“Thank you for this,” I say softly. “It’s really great.”

His fingers stroke down my cheek, his touch featherlight. “You’re only here for two weeks. I want every day to be great for you.” He leans his face down to mine, gently pressing his lips to mine.

“Mr. Hunter, Miss Taylor, I’ll be setting off in a few minutes. Make sure to take your seats.” Derek’s voice comes over the intercom.

“Guess we’d better take our seats,” I whisper to Liam.

He gives me another quick kiss, and then I release myself from his touch, walking to the front of the bus.

A big smile spreads across my face when I see what’s sitting on the front seat. “They’ve provided a picnic as well.”