For Both Are Infinite (Hearts in London Book 1) by Stephanie Alba Page B

I didn't want him to believe I’d kept them from him, but ultimately I decided to wait until after lunch, unsure if it would ruin the mood. He rented a boat that could easily hold 20 people exclusively for us. It was exquisite standing on the edge with him as we passed through the city. The river itself was brown and grimy, but it was a beautiful way to see London. I’d never done it, and all I could focus on was him, how beautiful he looked in his tailored navy pants and white shirt, the way the sun brought out the copper in his hair. His beard had filled in for the show, and while I preferred him clean shaved, he was still flawless. As he looked out to the monuments, his eyes seemed incredibly blue, reflecting the sky in his irises. Rhys hadn’t spoken since arriving onto the boat, allowing me to enjoy the view before he gestured me towards our table.
    “Surprised?”
    “Yes, thank you. I’ve never been on the river.”
    “You’re welcome,” he said, his eyes piercing inexplicably into mine. I felt studied like a butterfly pinned to a wall, as though he was trying to read my thoughts. Sometimes I wished he could, even though I’d die of embarrassment, but at least he’d know my true sentiments. Maybe he would share his own too and that freaked me out even more. I tried waiting to talk about my trip, but quickly saw there wouldn’t be a perfect time. Rhys could tell there was something on my mind, and I suspected it was his reason for watching me so closely.
    “I’m going to miss our meetings,” he offered, hoping to bring me out of my shell.
    “Me too.”
    Rhys proceeded to tell me his complicated schedule for the show, which left us with Mondays, Fridays and Sunday nights to see each other.
    Desperation crossed his look when he asked, “You still want to keep in touch, yeah?”
    “Of course,” I agreed a little too enthusiastically.
    “Good.” He paused looking away to the shore. “Would you like to take a picture with the city?”
    Before I could answer he got up and took out his phone, posing next to me to take a photo of the two of us. I’d foolishly assumed he meant of each of us alone. Rhys pulled me in close, enough so that I could smell his cologne as he placed his hand around my waist. It smelled delicious, his typical woodsy and citrus scent, and it left me dizzy. After taking two photos he held the screen before us and said, “We look good like that, huh?”
    I wasn’t sure if he meant in the picture, with the monuments, or the two of us so tightly beside one another. I agreed, hoping it was the latter.
    Once we returned to the table, our waiter brought out our pasta dishes. Mid-bite I said, “I have to tell you something.” I could see him panicking so I continued to subdue him. “I’m going home for a few days.”
    His lips became straight, his smile vanishing, and I could see his mind was thinking everything all at once. “When do you leave and return?” he asked, worried that I would miss the show and it tugged at my heart.
    “Tonight. I return Thursday.”
    “Tonight,” he lowered his head and eyelids. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
    He thought I wasn’t going to tell him. “I booked it last night since our practices were canceled. I haven’t been home in eight months. I need to see my parents. I miss them.”
    “Of course. I’m glad you’re going.” He paused, swallowing tightly and finally looked back at me with glassy eyes. “It’s just sudden.”
    “It is, but I promise to be at the show. I can’t wait and it’s getting me through the hardship of going home.”
    Rhys’ mind was too unavailable to process my veiled confession, that he was my wanted distraction. He became distant for a beat as he stared towards the water. When his gaze returned to me he opened his mouth to speak and then closed it just as quickly.
    “What?” I inquired.
    “What time is your flight?”
    “Ten.”
    “How are you getting to the airport?”
    “I was just going to take