London Bound by Jessica Jarman Page A

I’ll remind you.”
    “Duly noted. And, I promise, I’ll enjoy myself.”
    “With the neighbor?”
    “No! Not promising that.”
    “Spoilsport.” Caro laughed. “Go on to sleep, then. Call soon. I love you.”
    “Love you, too.”
    After disconnecting, Meg went into the bathroom to comb the tangles out of her damp hair. Staring at her reflection, she wondered what Nathan saw when he looked at her. She wasn’t hideous, by any means; she would even go as far as saying she was pretty. But he was so damned gorgeous and funny and likeable and could have any woman he wanted.
    “You’re ridiculous,” she said aloud.
    She knew damned well she had a lot to offer a man and had never doubted that before. Why she was having self-confidence issues now was anyone’s guess. Though, Caro was probably right—this was the first man Meg had been with since Scott, so freaking out was just a part of the process. Not that she’d admit that to her friend. The bitch would never let Meg hear the end of it. Laughing, she set down the comb and finished getting ready for bed.
    Sliding between the sheets, she catalogued the aches in her body. The delicious little hurts that came from being thoroughly fucked and taken care of. Would it be so difficult? To be with Nathan for the duration of her vacation. To just enjoy being with him without obsessing about anything beyond. Could she do that?
    All of that was moot, really, because she couldn’t imagine Nathan would be beating down her door any time soon—not after she’d snuck out like that.
    Better she just push him from her mind. She sighed and burrowed farther into the pillow. And that was a whole lot easier said than done. Damn it.
    A couple hours later, not a single second of sleep to be had, she dragged herself out of bed. After getting dressed and forcing down some breakfast, she grabbed her purse and headed out for the day, determined to focus on what this trip was really about. She was fine on her own, had been for a long time, and the people in her life needed to see that.
    If her stride faltered slightly outside Nathan’s door, if she missed her stop on the Tube more than once that day because her mind had wandered to the night before...that wasn’t something she had to share with anyone.
    When she came home that night, exhausted and stumbling, she hurried up the steps as quietly as possible. Mentally, she cursed herself. It wasn’t as if the man would be listening for some sign of her return. He likely was out with friends or in bed and had no clue she’d even left for— She froze on the landing outside her flat and stared at the folded sheet of paper taped to the door. With trembling fingers, she pulled it down and opened it.
    Hello, love,
    How sad to wake up alone this morning. I hope all is well, and you aren’t having regrets. I have none, and would be lying if I said I didn’t want to continue what we started last night.
    But, the next step is yours, and I’ll gladly fill whatever role you choose to assign me—the neighbor you say hello to in passing, a friend to share a drink and conversation with...or more. Just, please, don’t feel as if you have to avoid me during your holiday, Meg.
    You know where to find me.
    N.
    Meg released the breath she’d been holding in a rush and pressed a hand to her belly. He’d come looking for her, after all. Fumbling the keys from her purse, she let herself into the apartment and deposited her things next to the door. She sat on the edge of the bed and read the note again.
    Shit, she didn’t know what to do. She knew what she wanted to do—go downstairs that minute and jump the man. Just the thought had warmth blooming in her belly. Shaking her head, she set the note beside her and started to get ready for bed.
    It was late. Tomorrow was soon enough to make her decision, after a good night’s sleep and taking some time to think it over.
    Feeling like a teenager, she placed the paper on the other pillow when she climbed