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

looked for him, that I ran slower and longer than normal, in hopes of catching him mid-run. But that run felt different; it was powerful and I didn’t feel as heavy, my shoulders looser as I took longer strides. Maybe it was the possibility of running into him, or maybe I just felt a little less weighted. Had Rhys looked for me too? It was a nice thought that rapidly twisted into guilt. I stretched again by the pond with a new alertness in case by some miracle he would pass my way, but he hadn’t, and I walked home annoyed by my disappointment.
    After a glass of wine that night, I finally texted him. I’d been idiotic enough to watch The Notebook while drinking, making the void of companionship too strong. I isolated myself from everyone, yet I was still lonely. Of course, drunk texting the celebrity you’re working with is not the smartest idea, but I wasn’t in the right place to make smart choices.

    Me: Ran today, but not into you. I also got some Paris guidebooks.

    I figured this was enough to lure him in, without seeming eager for conversation. I regretted it as an hour passed, then another, and I went to bed feeling stupid and just as alone. The bed feels bigger when you’re alone in it. I used to love when Aaron would go away for work and I’d have our queen-sized bed to myself, but after, even my full-sized mattress felt infinitely large. There was too much space, the sheets were too cold and I hated that I had to sleep alone again. I missed the naive comfort that I’d never have to do it again. Two hours later the movement and light from my phone woke me up.

    Rhys: Sorry I missed your text and run. I just left the cinema with a friend. I have to admit I ran yesterday and looked for you, too. But I didn’t message you because I didn’t want to bother you.

    As I read this, another text came in.

    Rhys: It was the most pleasant surprise seeing your name on my phone when I got out.

    I didn’t know what to say, but I was relieved he didn’t find me foolish. A silly smile crossed my face with the awareness that my text made him happy. I wanted to say so many things. I wanted to ask why he was looking for me, why my message made him so happy, and why he was being so nice to me, but I didn’t. I remembered the way I suffered in bed when I hadn’t heard from him, and it put me in my place.

    Me: Sorry we missed each other. Looking forward to working together tomorrow .

    Rhys: Just to working?

    Me: The company, too.

    I couldn’t help myself.
    ∞
    I didn’t sleep much throughout the night with Rhys and Aaron invading my mind. Each time I found myself thinking about Rhys, his luminous eyes, the delicacy of his pink lips, the stubble along his sharp jaw, I immediately thought of Aaron and what he would think of me. It caused a sensation in my stomach that made me feel sick, and I was certain it wasn’t the wine. It worsened as I picked out a cute outfit for work, only to remind myself nothing was going to happen with Rhys, yet something was happening to me.
    For the first time in almost two years, I was excited to see someone, and was thinking of something other than my emotional baggage. It made me livelier and happier, and even though Rhys and I would never keep in touch, I already knew I’d never forget him.
    He had awakened something in me that I thought had died: the ability to be attracted to someone, to enjoy someone’s company again, and to feel that flutter in my stomach I missed. I decided that, if anything, I’d entertain the idea of Rhys if only to heal myself. I’d take advantage of his friendship while he offered it because something about him was different.
    He was so habit-forming, easy to talk to, funny and lighthearted, and I couldn’t comprehend how effortless it was to spend time with that stranger. I guessed it was a side effect of how he seemed to have the whole package. He was handsome, sweet, successful, and any woman would kill to be his. But what I found most attractive