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“I hated and blamed you for not ever giving me a chance when I knew I could make you so fucking happy,” I admit.
“Cocky. Love that.”
“But I did enjoy pushing you to your limits. Playing pranks on you because you’d get so mad that your face would turn red. Watching you act like a little brat, trying to make me jealous with other guys. The tension wasalwaysthere in college. Fuck, I wanted you so bad.”
“Didn’t notice,” she says playfully, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. “So, was this your plan all along? Make sure I got addicted to you?”
“No, but things change. Environments change.”
She nods. “Chameleons.”
“Speaking of, do you know who won your cuff links? Have the bids been finalized?”
“Not yet, but whoever wins will keep it anonymous,” she says. “I’ve tried to figure out who it was for years, but the auction house will not budge. I even tried to bribe them.”
I interlock my fingers with hers, kissing her knuckles softly. “Probably some rich asshole.”
“Obviously. I think it’s Easton and Weston because I’ve never seen the pieces worn. I think they’re just being nice and funneling money into the foundation with an anonymous purchase. Plus, it’s always outrageous amounts,” she says. “Are you attending London Fashion Week?”
“Actually, yes,” I tell her.
“Perfect.” Her eyes trail all over my face, as if trying to memorize every detail.
She’s admiring me, and I love being under her gaze.
“Can’t wait to sneak away with you,” I admit.
“I need to tell you something,” she says, swallowing hard, her voice a little shaky.
“Okay,” I encourage her, wanting her to spill it because the anticipation feels too heavy.
“There was this one time.” She pauses, then continues, “Okay, it wasseveraltimes. But …” She swallows hard again. “I don’t know how to say it, so I’m just going to blurt it out.”
I laugh, finding it adorable that she’s so flustered. “Mmhmm.”
“There were times when Josh and I were having sex and I saidyourname.”
My mouth falls open, and then a grin spreads. “You fantasized about having sex with me?”
“It was the only time I could, you know …” she admits as she tucks her lips into her mouth.
“Bad fucking girl,” I mutter, leaning in to steal a kiss, savoring the taste of her. “No wonder he hates me.”
“He was convinced I was with you when he and I were together,” she says, a hint of mischief in her voice. “Only in my mind.”
“I fucking love hearing this. Ah, sweet victory. Winning without even trying is the best.” I lean in and kiss her again, feeling our electric connection. “I used to have wet dreams about you in college.”
“Really?” she asks, her eyes widening in surprise. “Hot.”
“And now I get to live those dreams with you,” I say, my voice teasing.
“But in secret,” she adds, a slight frown crossing her face.
“Does it bother you?” I ask, wanting to know how she feels.
“Kinda. I read several articles today talking about how in love I am—but with Louis. It’s not right that he gets credit for it,” she tellsme, a hint of frustration in her voice. “I want the world to know about us.”
“They will,” I promise, trying to reassure her. “And our love story will be one of the greatest ones ever told.”