Unwanted Stars by Melissa Brown Page B

under the stream.
    "Hey, don't steal the hot water. I'm cold now," I protested, giving him a nudge on his chest.
    "That's what you get for rejecting me, smart arse. Now, be a dear and hand me the shampoo."
    Doing my best not to shiver in the cold air, I reached for the bottle, handing it to Mr. Cocky (in more ways than one. He was still fully erect. Thank God. The idea of being naked in front of him and causing him to go soft would be mortifying).
    "Hurry up, Starsky."
    "Oh man, I know I'm in trouble when you call me that." With a grin, he repositioned himself, guiding me back to the heat of the water as he lathered his hair.
    "Is that better, my darling?" he asked.
    "Much," I said with a smirk. He passed the shampoo to me and I worked up a rich lather.
    Without speaking we finished our shower, taking turns under the hot water, soaping one another up before rinsing off and getting dressed. It was time to eat.

    It was an unseasonably sunny day in London. It was the beginning of March and still technically winter, but the winters here are refreshing compared to Chicago. Hardly any wind. It's heavenly.
    Campbell took me to a tiny pub just a few blocks from Harrod's department store. Perfect . I was about to do some damage on my credit card. Thank goodness my first paycheck was already deposited yesterday.
    After ordering fish and chips, which Campbell promised me I'd love, we sat in the dim light. I found myself yearning for the sun.
    "We should've eaten somewhere else...somewhere with more light."
    "I love this pub. Best food in London."
    "Says you," I narrowed my eyes at him, "and, I'm starting to think you're embarrassed of me or something."
    He looked taken aback. Wide eyes, mouth agape.
    "Didn't you watch Sex and the City?"
    "I believe I suffered through a few episodes, yes."
    "Okay, good. So when Carrie starts sleeping with Big, he keeps taking her to this little hole in the wall Chinese restaurant where men take women they're ashamed to be seen with," I said, taking a sip of Diet Coke.
    "Someone's name was Big ?"
    "Okay, obviously you're a liar and never watched the show."
    "Not true, I remember Samantha. I think that was her name. She was, um..." He bit his lip as he searched for the proper adjective to describe the most sexually active member of the cast.
    "A slut?" I finished his sentence for him.
    "No...um, adventurous."
    "Nice save, smartass." I shook my head as a smile crept across my lips.
    "The point is, I'm not embarrassed of you, you silly cow."
    "Did you seriously just call me a farm animal? I should walk out of here right now," I said, standing up, pretending to be angry. He jumped to his feet and took my hand in his.
    "You said your mother's British."
    "So?" I asked, playing dumb.
    "Then you should know that it's just an expression. In no way are you an actual cow. Nor would I ever compare you to any other farm animal. You're gorgeous . And very much human." He wiggled his eyebrows. Nerd.
    Wrinkling my nose, I crossed my arms in front of my chest. "Keep going," I said, gesturing for him to throw more compliments my way. This was way too much fun.
    "Not only are you beautiful, but you're smart and witty. You keep me on my toes and I love it." He placed my hand in his and kissed the top. "Your skin is soft, your eyes are warm. I'm beginning to think you might just be the perfect woman."
    "All right, Starsky, that's enough." I plopped myself back in the chair, crossing my legs abruptly before taking another gulp of my drink.
    "I must be screwing up a lot today. You've called me that twice already."
    "Exactly, so you'd better watch yourself."
    "Yes, ma'am," he said with a fake salute.
    "Very funny."
    "How could you possibly think that I'd be embarrassed by you? I'm proud to be sitting here with you, Auden. Proud ."
    "Oh." That was all I could manage. Over the last several weeks, Campbell had a way of making me eat my own words. He was romantic without trying to be. He was real, genuine, and not afraid to show