We walk out into the mostly empty parking lot, Susanna heading straight for an older, silver Mercedes.
“It’s a beastly thing,” she says as we approach it. “My father drove it as a teen, if you can even imagine. It’s one of the safest cars on the road. That’s why he insists I drive it.”
“Protecting his baby girl?” I tease, reaching out and tugging on the ends of her hair.
Susanna darts away from me with a short yelp, a worried look suddenly crossing her face. “That and, well, I wasn’t the best driver when I first started out.”
Uh oh. “Maybe I should drive,” I say, concern filling me.
“No, no. I know the roads far better than you ever could, and besides, you drive on the wrong side of the road.” She waves a hand, offers up nervous laughter. “We’ll be fine. Trust me.”
I want to trust her. Actually, I do trust her.
The realization is wild. Eye opening. Mind bending.
And I don’t know what to do about it. About…this. Us.
Guess I’m just gonna go with it.
We all climb into the large sedan, and I feel like I can barely fit myself in the passenger seat. I really am a giant, especially in these European cars. I’m putting on my seatbelt when I notice Susanna reaching into a small compartment below the radio. She pulls out a pair of glasses and puts them on.
“My driving glasses,” she tells me when she catches me looking. I can’t stop staring. She looks damn cute in those black oversized frames. “They really do help.”
My heart lurches in my chest. “Holy shit, you’re adorable,” I tell her as I lean over and press a smacking kiss on her cheek, making her laugh.
She pulls out of the parking lot, and soon we’re driving through the wet London streets, Susanna peering closely over the steering wheel. She’s kind of freaking me out, so I remain quiet, which enables us both to listen to Jordan and Amanda’s conversation from the backseat. They’re talking about me. And Susanna.
“I did mention she’s the daughter of an earl?” Amanda says rather loudly. “Meaning she’s nobility.”
“Actually, we’re distant relatives of the queen, so yes,” Susanna adds. “We’re technically part of the royal family.” Susanna glances in the rearview mirror, and I assume she’s making eye contact with Amanda. “Sorry, didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”
“I should apologize. We’re the ones blatantly talking about you in the back of your car,” Amanda says, sounding contrite.
“Saying only good things I hope.” Susanna nibbles on her lower lip, looking nervous.
“I’m just giving Jordan the rundown,” Amanda explains. “He didn’t know who you were, so I was letting him know.”
“She’s my future girlfriend,” I say, my voice full of pride. Damn, I couldn’t stop that from coming out if I tried. What the hell am I doing?
Susanna shoves at my shoulder, but I barely move. It’ll take a lot more strength to shove me around, and she’s kinda weak. “Please. You’re leaving in a few days.”
“I’ll miss you.” I mean every word, and she glances over at me, surprise filling her eyes. “You’ll spend the next few days with me, right?”
“Um…”
A horn honks and Susanna jerks the steering wheel to the right, causing the Mercedes to veer sharply. Another horn sounds and she hits the brakes, glaring at me once she has everything under control.
“You’re distracting me,” she accuses, and I smile.
“Stop distracting her,” Jordan says, his voice firm. I glance over my shoulder to see he appears thoroughly freaked out. “I want to make it to the restaurant in one piece.”
“You have to leave me alone,” Susanna admonishes. “Your friend is nervous because of my driving.”
“Fine.” I cross my arms, clamping my hands beneath my armpits. That’s the only way I can keep my hands to myself during the rest of the drive.
The minute we get in the restaurant, though, all bets are off. I’m touching her.
I’m gonna touch her all damn night.