“I’m relieved. I’m on a countdown until you arrive, and I’m not sure I’d have coped if you said you hated it and changed your mind.”
“I’m not changing my mind.” I lean over and kiss his cheek. “You’re stuck with me now.”
After Callan parks the car, we walk hand in hand through Kew Gardens before taking afternoon tea at Claridge’s, and then it’s on to the London Eye. We check into The Savoy Hotel, and Callan tells me lots of famous people have stayed here, like The Beatles and Marilyn Monroe. I shudder to think how much it must be costing.
After christening the suite, I change into the new dress I bought on Monday, and Callan wears his new Prada suit, and we enjoy dinner at an exclusive steak restaurant. Callan orders champagne, and I feel like a princess.
We make love for hours before falling asleep with matching smiles.
A girl could really get used to this.
On Thursday night, Callan and I go to Joel and Tamara Ekman’s home for dinner, and I instantly bond with the bubbly Londoner. We make lots of plans for when I move here, and shepromises to show me around the city and introduce me to some of her friends.
I stay in bed on Friday morning after Callan leaves for work, a little exhausted after my busy week. When I get up at lunchtime, I can’t find Gwen anywhere, so I call her, but it rings out. A short while later, I get a cryptic message, saying she’s busy with something, but she’ll be back later.
I’m slouched on the couch in my sweats and a cami top, scouring English TV shows, when Callan arrives home.
“For you,” he says, brandishing a bakery box.
“What’s this?”
“Cake. What else?” His lips twitch as he plants the box on my lap. “I was at a florist buying you flowers when I realized it was a stupid idea because you can’t exactly pack them in your case. There was a bakery en route to my car, and it called out my name,” he jokes, joining me on the couch.
When he leans in to kiss me, I forget all about the cake as he worships my mouth. A dreamy sigh floats from my lips when we part.
“I love that you’re here when I get back.” His hand curls around my neck. “This place feels like a home when you’re in it.”
“Home is wherever you are.” I brush my lips against his as my arms wind around his neck. “I love you, soccer star.”
“Not as much as I love you.” His eyes radiate emotion as he stares at me.
We kiss tenderly, very much at odds with the way we’ve been devouring one another all week. I hold his beautiful face in my hands and memorize his stunning features, needing it to keep me going these next ten weeks of separation. “I hate that I’m leaving in the morning.”
“Trust me, I know.” He caresses my cheek. “I wish you didn’t have to leave.”
“Same, but you know what always helps?”
He quirks a brow.
“Tea and cake.” I hop up, careful not to drop the box.
I’m savoring all the different cakes Callan bought, trying to get him to taste a tiny morsel, when the front door opens and Gwen finally returns. I swivel on my stool at the island unit and turn to face her.
Gwen is wearing the biggest smile, and she looks fit to burst. “I have the best news!” She grabs me into a hug. Callan and I share a look. Gwen whips off her coat, setting it on the back of my stool. She’s wearing a black pencil skirt, a blouse, and high heels, which is so not her usual style. What the hell is going on? Her shoulders lift, and she beams with pride as she looks at us and says, “You are looking at the new social media liaison officer for Thamesford FC.”
48
CALLAN
“What the fuck?” I blurt as Astrid’s mouth hangs open. This cannot be happening. While I’ve been dreading saying goodbye to my girlfriend, I have been dying to see the back of her annoying best friend. If this is true, I’m going to be seeing a lot of her at work, and I don’t think I can handle it.
“I know. It’s great, isn’t it?” Gwen shrills, grabbing me into a hug and completely misreading the room as usual.
I shuck out of her embrace fast and stare at my girlfriend in complete shock.
“Gwen, what the fuck is going on?” Astrid slides off her stool and crosses her arms. “What do you mean you’re the new social liaison officer. How did this happen?”
Gwen nibbles on her lip. “Don’t be mad, but I saw the job online a couple of weeks ago and applied for it.”
