Page 131 of The Heart You Kept

“I started out only being there for a month a year but most of my work now is in Europe so it’s a great base for me to work out of.”

“I can’t believe you are an escort,” I whisper as I lean onto my hand. “What’s that like?”

“Actually….” He smiles. “It’s great.”

“Do you have a partner at home or…?”

“No, no. I couldn’t do this job if I were in love with someone.”

“How did you first get into it?”

“Honestly…. I don’t even know. It started with helping out a lady when she needed a date for a wedding and we had a great time and it kind of snowballed.”

“Do you sleep with everyone?”

“God no. Only the ones I’m attracted to and would sleep with on the outside.” His eyes twinkle with mischief. “And if the chemistry isn’t there then it isn’t going ahead, I’m not chugging down the Viagra to get through the night or anything.”

He has this charming honesty about him. “You must feel very free.”

“Yeah.” He smiles. “I guess I do.”

I smile as I listen.

“Well, until tonight,” he replies. “Wasn’t planning on getting followed by bodyguards.”

I laugh at the ridiculousness of this situation. “Can you believe he has them following us?”

“I guess….” He twists his lips as if contemplating saying something. “He could….”

“What is it?”

“I don’t know if this guy is good for you.”

“I know for certain that he’s not.”

“So what are you doing?”

“I don’t know.” Emotion overwhelms me at the mess I’ve made of my life lately. “From the moment I met him I have been under his spell and then we saw each other for the first time a couple of weeks ago and we kissed and….” I get a lump in my throat.

“What?”

“All the butterflies and the excitement that only he can bring returned and I remembered what it was like to feel this way.”

He listens intently. “What way?”

“All consumed. Powerless, and hopelessly addicted.”

His face is solemn as he listens.

“I had this beautiful boyfriend but I could think of nothing else but Edward.”

“The relationship fell apart?”

I nod, feeling stupid. “What do you know about him?”

“Prescott?”

“Yeah.”