For Both Are Infinite (Hearts in London Book 1) by Stephanie Alba Read Free Book Online Page A

little too close and looked down into my eyes endearingly.
    Grabbing both my shoulders he said, “I know it’s hard to open up, but I’m glad you told me.”
    “Me too,” I said, strangely meaning it.
    He hugged me briefly, causing me to remember how sweaty I was, and I prayed I didn’t smell. Pulling away he added, “I’m sorry, I have to go. I’m meeting my mum for lunch, but I’m looking forward to Tuesday. See you then?”
    “Definitely,” I smiled.
    He started backing away, but upon seeing my smile he matched mine, touching it quickly with his fingertip. “It’s nice to see you smile.”
    I stopped, self-conscious from his compliment and unsure how to respond. It was so similar to how Aaron had touched my lips years ago. Sensing my unease, he put his hand on my shoulder again and added, “I hope to see it more. See you next week.”
    I’d ashamedly obsessed over Rhys all night, thinking back to how clear things were with him, how open he was to my honesty. It felt wrong to be thinking of him, but it was hard not to when I remembered the way he had fully accepted me. The way he’d understood me. I went to bed hoping to avoid thoughts of him, but it was pointless because he texted me as I lay in the dark.

    Rhys: Thanks for trusting me today.

    I answered immediately, fearful that he would think I was ignoring him again.

    Me: Thank you for making it easy. Glad we “ran” into each other.

    Rhys: Are you running again before Tuesday?

    I smirked, knowing exactly why he was asking. Playing coy I responded vaguely.

    Me: I guess we’ll just have to see.

    Rhys: Okay, I’ll keep an eye out. :)

    I was smiling like a fool as I stared at my phone. Realizing it, a pang of guilt and sadness shot through me. What was I doing? It scared me how close I felt to him, a celebrity no less; but he made it easy to share myself, lightening my burden that had weighed me down for so long. But in that lifting from my shoulders there was a new issue created. I felt vulnerable and defenseless, and it caused concern that I’d form an attachment. Surely this couldn’t last past our training.
    He mentioned that he wanted it to, but I’m sure he meant to be friendly. He would be busy with the show soon, and after that with films across the world. No matter how attentive he was: treating me to lunch, listening to my problems, and genuinely seeming to care, I knew I needed to avoid deepening my connection with him. It was just so comforting to be accepted, I didn’t want that to end. I went to sleep to avoid confronting my feelings.

CHAPTER FIVE

    T he weekend was spent continuing to be productive and donating things to charity. Although I’d only lived in London for one year, I had already accumulated unnecessary items. When I moved, I didn’t set an ending for my time abroad, but I knew I wanted to continue my minimalist lifestyle. Since I lived alone and kept to myself, I didn’t need much and the only things I allowed myself to hoard were books.
    After cleaning, I got out of the apartment and walked to Daunt Books. I’d been cooped up inside, and while I was accomplishing tasks, I couldn’t stop thinking of Rhys. Daunt Books was a great distraction and it fed my addiction of print, but even there I couldn’t escape him as I veered towards the travel section and purchased Paris guidebooks.
    During my walk home signs of autumn were starting to hint their way into London. Some of the leaves were slowly beginning to wither and the end-of-summer breeze had appeared as well. Autumn was my favorite time in the city, and I could only imagine how beautiful Paris would be in the fall. I had been tempted to text Rhys all weekend, and with the guidebooks in my arms it made it all the more enticing. Not wanting to seem clingy, I decided against it since I hadn’t heard from him after the park.
    But the urge to reach out continued, and as I ran through the park the following morning he inundated my thoughts. I hated that I