“Well, from what I saw, they were fantastic. I mean, how did you ever get into Brixton Gold? That place is legendary. You must have some serious blagging skills like Sophie to simply talk yourself in there.”

“Erm,” I hedged, “I probably just got lucky. I need to drop off some job applications too.” It felt like I’d applied for every possible job. My bad luck for arriving late. Fucking Easton.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I snuck a look at the incoming text message. A UK number I didn’t recognize. It could only be Lex. The muscles in my belly fluttered. Calm yourself. He’s probably only calling to remind you that he is emotionally unavailable.

Meet me a block north from your flat.

How the hell did he know where I lived? Muttering a quick goodbye to Faith, I took the stairs two at a time, nearly falling out of the front door. More sedately, I headed down Grove Park Gardens, barely even noticing the lush greenery and stately mansions. I didn’t want him thinking I'd run to meet him.

My good judgment meter was clearly on the fritz. Everything about this guy said emotionally unavailable, and I’d just come off a relationship with someone who didn’t know the meaning of love. I needed another guy like I needed another hole in my head. Rather, I needed another handsome, wealthy guy like I needed a lobotomy. But still, my breathing grew shallow at the thought of seeing him again.

But logic wasn’t on my side. I knew how I felt when I was near Lex. Safe, but also edgy and tingly. I rounded the corner toward the row houses that hugged the Thames and slowed when I noticed a shiny black BMW sports car idling on the side of the road. When I got within ten feet, Lex climbed out, grin flashing.

“I was starting to worry that you wouldn’t come out to meet me.”

“Well, I didn’t really have a choice. This is my way to school.”

“Oh, is it now? Fancy that.”

I raised an eyebrow. “How did you know where I live?”

“Easy. I asked Jasper where Faith lived. Told him a friend of mine was asking about her.”

I wrinkled my nose. Now, thanks to the grapevine of our group of friends, Faith would think some guy was crushing on her. “What happens when Faith finds out there is no guy?”

“Who said there's no guy? My friend Nick was quite taken with her, as he is with many women. He just didn’t ask where she lived, so I did it for him. If it happened to get me access to you too, then anything in service of a friend.” His smile was infectious, crooked, and so sexy. “Why don’t you hop in? I'll give you a ride.”