I could feel the warmth of him. “Thank you.” I focused on the machine. When it spat out my ticket and receipt, I grabbed them, then looked around. “Now where do I go?”
He pointed to the lift we’d taken. “We go down another level.” He led the way once more, and I followed, grateful for his assistance.
The back view was just as hot as the front, and I tried not to stare.
We emerged from the glass-walled lift to a crowded platform filled with tourists, commuters, people of all shapes and sizes.
The man pointed to a yellow post. “You need to insert your ticket there to validate it.”
I followed his example, and a moment later, a train pulled in.
I blinked. “We don’t have double-decker trains in the UK.”
“These are more efficient when dealing with a lot of passengers,” he said with a smile. The doors opened, and we waited our turn to step inside. My gaze alighted on a pair of empty seats on the lower deck, and I sat, my suitcase in front of me.
“Mind if I join you?” the man asked.
“Not at all.” I did my best to sound calm, not the easiest task when my heart was pounding away like a bass drum, and I had no idea why.
Okay, so he’s attractive. Will my pulse go into overdriveeverytime I sit next to a handsome man? Because this feels ridiculous.
He sat beside me, and seconds later the train began to pull away from the platform.
Monitors showed the stops, and a voice in German made announcements.
Dear God, I’m rusty. I could pick up maybe a word or three.
The man turned in his seat, giving me his attention. “Is this your first time in Berlin?”
I managed a chuckle. “My first time anywhere in Europe.”
His eyebrows shot upwards. “Really? Then you chose well.”
“I hope so.”
“What brings you here?”
“I have a friend who lives here,” I told him. “I’m staying with him.”
“Ah.” The man inclined his head. “I’m Stefan, by the way.”
“Kieran.” We shook hands. Stefan’s grip was firm and warm.
“Do you live in Berlin?” I asked.
“Yes. I’ve just been to Rome for a conference. I’m on my way home.”
“Conference? That sounds interesting.”
Stefan laughed. “Unfortunately it was boring as hell but I had to be there.” He glanced at me. “I’m glad to be back.” A beat of silence. “Especially with such pleasant company.”
An unfamiliar sensation flickered through me.
Is he… flirting with me?
I wasn’t sure.
“So what do you do when you’re not visiting friends in Berlin?” Stefan asked.