Free For Both Are Infinite (Hearts in London Book 1) by Stephanie Alba

picture, its intimacy and immediately looked back at his binder. I sighed internally and mentally thanked him for not saying anything.
    We ran lines for another two hours and it wasn’t too bad having him in my home. My space didn’t feel invaded, the company was nice, and he fit in well enough to bring awareness to a longing for company I didn’t know I had. At around two, he got up and brought me my purse. “Take out the Paris books,” he said.
    As I watched him read on my sofa, I could only feel warmth. He seemed at home there, comfortable as the rain fell against the three windows to his back. We discussed places I should visit, particularly Shakespeare & Company, a famous bookstore near the Cathedral, and he continued to insist that I stay at his place and let him guide me.
    After what I’d been through, I definitely needed a vacation. In a way, moving to London had become a get-away of sorts, and it didn’t really feel like home yet. But with Rhys in my apartment it started to. I could sense the comfort from his company, the ease of conversation with him, and I rather liked the idea of him coming back.
    An hour into discussing Paris he realized the time and said he had to go. He changed his shirts in the bathroom, causing me to suspect he noted how awkward I had become, and returned my shirt newly possessing his citric and rain-like scent. Walking to the door, he turned around so abruptly my hands ended up on his chest. I self-consciously pushed away, separating our bodies to notice a playful grin curling up his mouth.
    “I almost forgot to tell you, I’m having John and Michael for dinner on Saturday and I’d like you to come as well.” He instantly perceived the hesitation on my face and pointed. “You have to say yes, it’s for work.”
    His green eyes begged me to agree. “Okay, I’ll be there.”
    “Really?” I nodded. “Brilliant.” He hugged me then, a little longer than his other embraces, a little closer too. Before separating, he spoke softly into my ear. “See you Saturday.”
    My apartment never felt emptier than when he walked out.
    ∞
    Rhys had texted me later that night saying dinner would be at his house and that he would send a driver to pick me up. He also mentioned that they were dressing up for dinner.

    Me: So make sure I look good?

    Rhys: You always do.

    And because of his simple compliment, I chose a new dress that was casual, but gorgeous. With sheer chiffon from my chest to my waist, it flared out into a pale blue pleated skirt, and covered my shoulders with lace daisies. I’d been excited when I purchased it, and now that I would be wearing it for him I couldn’t wait for him to see it, even wearing my hair in a braided bun to show off the design.
    Rhys’ driver, Bruce, picked me up and as I sat in the back of the black Jaguar, I took note of how much my life was changing. Two weeks before, I was a different person, a hermit really, and now I was Rhys Edwards’ friend, on my way to his house. That in itself was surreal let alone the fact that I was falling for him, like every other woman in the world. I didn’t know who I’d become in just fourteen days, and what Aaron would think of me. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what I thought of myself.
    It didn’t take long to see that we were heading towards Primrose Hill, a posh area of London popular among celebrities. His neighborhood was gated, each house bigger than the next, yet still retaining their English charm. My breath hitched when Bruce turned into Rhys’ front yard, and although it wasn’t the biggest house, it was stunning. I was greeted to a white, two-storied house with a bright red double door. The door was gigantic and intimidating, and after knocking it, it felt like I had waited forever for him. I knew this wasn’t a date, far from it, but my anticipation would have argued otherwise. My hands were clammy, my skin flushed, and it worsened when he opened the door.
    His eyes met mine and lit up, becoming