“You needed me,” he says finally.
London’s expression softens unexpectedly. Not with love. With pity.
“No,” she says quietly. “I never did. All I needed was to believe in myself.”
The words land like a punch to the groin. His groin.
Caleb’s face hardens instantly. For one brief second, I think he might argue again. Instead, he grabs his coat tighter.
“This place turned you into someone I don’t even know.”
“Maybe. But if it did, I like who I am now.” London lifts one shoulder calmly. “Now, either make a purchase, or get the hell out of here.”
I’ve never wanted to kiss someone more in my entire life.
Caleb glares at her one last time before turning sharply toward the door.
Then he sees me standing there. He glances between the two of us. Understanding dawns on his face slowly.
His gaze drops briefly to the way I’m blocking the exit. Then back to London.
Something ugly flickers across his face.
But whatever he sees in mine must convince him better than words ever could, because he mutters a curse beneath his breath and shoves past me hard enough to rattle the bell above the door.
Seconds later, tires screech outside. Then silence.
“Chickenshit,” I mutter.
It’s a damn shame. I wouldn’t have minded grabbing him by the back of his coat and tossing him out of the building.
London exhales shakily and leans back against the desk.
I move toward her slowly. “You okay?”
She nods once. Then again like she’s convincing herself.
“I think so.”
Pride swells so hard in my chest it almost hurts.
“You know,” I murmur, stepping closer, “I was fully prepared to come charging in here and rescue you.”
That finally earns a smile. Small at first. Then real.
“Sorry to ruin your chance to be a white knight.”
I cup her face gently. “Sweetheart, you didn’t need rescuing.”
Her breath catches softly.
“You handled him yourself.”
Emotion flickers across her face so quickly it nearly guts me.
“All this time,” she whispers, “I thought leaving meant I failed somehow.”
“No.” I brush my thumb slowly across her cheek. “It means you finally chose yourself and making a life you want.”