His green eyes were lively and mischievous and framed by thick lashes. A strong angular jaw and high cheekbones completed the beautiful picture. The only thing that took away from the image of perfection was the bump on the bridge of his nose, but it made him more mysterious. “Nice to meet you.”

Instead of taking my proffered hand, he enveloped me in a hug that stunned me for a second. Great, another hugger. As quick as it flared, I batted down the irrational fear. I’d really have to remind Sophie that I didn’t like to be touched.

He pressed a quick peck to both of my cheeks. “Welcome to London. You're all Sophie’s talked about.”

“Thank you. I’m excited to be here.”

Max pulled Sophie against his side as he asked, “You’re coming out with us tonight, right?”

I glanced at Sophie for a little help. “What’s happening tonight?”

“Jasper’s DJing. You have to come. You can meet Lex and the rest of the gang. Say you’ll come,” Sophie pleaded.

I hedged. I wanted to get started on some photos and explore a little. But it was also my first night out in London. And it wasn’t like I was set up for night shots yet, anyway. I was still waiting on my sister to ship some of my equipment. “Not too late, right? I have work I need to start on in the morning.”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “You were always so studious. Sure fine. But we're not taking no for an answer.”

When was the last time I'd gone out on a school night? When was the last time I'd been spontaneous? I couldn’t remember. I'd locked myself in so tight I'd forgotten to breathe and have a little fun.

Thanks to Easton.

I slammed that thought away into a lock box. It was time to embrace my new life and the new me. The new me who went out on a school night. “Okay, but what the hell am I going to wear?”

6

Lex…

What the fuck was that?

That girl. I could still feel her soft hand in mine. The zap of electricity. My hand twitched at the phantom feeling.

She’d looked so small and vulnerable with the rain clinging to her long, slim braids.

When her dark almond-shaped gaze had met mine, I felt like I’d been poleaxed. The white jumper she’d been wearing made her ebony skin gleam.

For more than a moment I’d been rendered deaf and dumb. Luckily I’d eventually found my voice and managed to ask if she was okay. I’d probably sounded like a git.

And I knew Ireally shouldn't be trying to figure out wherever she was going exactly, but I couldn't help it. I angled my head down to the back a little bit. If Nick noticed, I'd just pretend I was making sure she was okay.