That foreign look in Callum’s eyes takes on a familiar sheen: dilated pupils that are also cloudy. I’ve seen it many times in many men. But this is the first time I’ve ever witnessed it in Callum’s. And it has a name: lust.

His chest heaves. He lowers his mouth to my ear. “No. It’s a bloody bad idea. But I’m keen on bad ideas if it involves you, Nikki.”

Callum steps out of our row and strolls down the aisle toward the exit, without a second glance at me. Turning the corner, he disappears.

I’m relieved. Because those words he whispered in that low rasp cause me to fall back into my seat, and I don’t want him to see the effect he has on me after just one transatlantic flight.

I’m going to need a minute to recover. Or ten.

I take a steadying breath, noticing the flirty flight attendant staring daggers at me from the front of the plane. She must have observed the exchange between Callum and me just now. There’s no mistaking our eye contact, the closeness of our bodies, the way he held my hand in his when he typed his number into my phone.

Callum just threw down the gauntlet. The only question: am I bold enough to be bad?

•   •   •

I trudge up Primrose Hill, Callum’s words from two days ago still fresh in my head.

I’m keen on bad ideas if it involves you, Nikki.

Even two days of sightseeing in central London and exploring the Camden Town neighborhood where my aunt and uncle live did little to distract me. His words have been at the back of my mind the entire time.

I still haven’t reached out to him. He hasn’t reached out to me, either, but that’s not a surprise. He left the ball in my court. It’s one hundred percent up to me where we go from here. And still I have no idea what to do.

Despite Callum’s very sexy distraction, visiting my aunt and uncle has been the recharge I didn’t know I needed. My first night here they treated me to an epic dinner at their favorite Indian food spot, and they’ve been hugging me nonstop since I arrived. Just sitting and catching up with them has helped take my mind off the stresses from back home. Spending time together is like a cuddle for my soul. I make a mental note not to let so much time pass until our next visit. Maybe next time, we’ll have enough money so that Mom can come visit too.