I stepped out of the shower to the sound of yelling. Confused, I quickly dried myself off and dressed, running out of the bedroom. My clothes were sticking to me in the most uncomfortable way, but I had to find out what the hell all the fuss was about.

"Don't go there!" I heard Jamie seethe, as I approached the landing. He was pissed at someone.

I slowly crept down the stairs so I wouldn't make my presence known, and peered around the corner. He was sitting on his black leather sofa with his phone lit up on the armrest beside him.

She can't take care of you. Has she ever taken care of another human before? She's barely out of college.

It was an unfamiliar female's voice with a British accent. I tried to stop my blood from boiling as my curiosity forced me to take another step down onto the cold hardwood floor. Whoever was on the other line was obviously referring to me.

"You don't even know her!" he spat.

Neither do you. But I guess after you sleep with someone, that's good enough reason to move her in.

That was a low blow. Who the hell did she think she was?

"Do not concern yourself with my private life. I don't give a fuck about yours."

How will you explain to our daughter why her new friend doesn't come around once you dump her?

His ex-wife.

"Good thing I won't have to since I love her."

Heard that before.

"Oh, for Chrissake, I loved you once, but we both know it was convenient. Don't flatter yourself."

You don't love her, Jamie you're fascinated. She's not in it for you; she wants your celebrity status. She'll be gone in no time and I'll have to pick up the pieces."

I let out a small cry at her sharp words and he looked over.

"Shit," he said to both of us.

I watched him end the call and throw his phone across the couch before I took off up the stairs.

"Kelsey, no!"

His footsteps came quickly behind me, but I ignored them and stomped into his bedroom. I began picking up my clothes from the floor, tossing them angrily into my open suitcase.

"Baby," he said breathless as he approached.

"Don't," I whispered.

"Stop, please. Look at me."

So I did. I wanted him to see the tears running down my burning cheeks. Every emotion I knew suddenly slapped me across the face. I turned to see his solemn expression, bruises and scars discolored but fading.

"I'm sorry you had to hear that," he began, "but don't listen to her. She doesn't know you or even me anymore."

"Doesn't she?"

His eyebrows furrowed.

"She sure feels strongly about having to pick up the pieces and explain to your daughter why you dumped me."

"She has absolutely no basis for her reasoning. She's jealous because she knows deep down that I love you more after two months than I did her after four years."

I closed my eyes at his confession, wanting so bad to kiss him for it, but I was livid. She wasn't going to talk about me like that, and he wasn't going to let her.

"How many women have you fallen in love with since you divorced?"

He stared at me for a long moment. "None."

"Okay," I rolled my eyes. "I want to leave."

"Why? Because you don't believe me? Because you're letting the words of one resentful woman change things?"

"Because she doesn't get to say what she did. Because you promised you'd never let me get hurt and I'm really fucking hurt right now."

"God," he ran his hands forcefully through his hair, "I never intended for you to hear anything so crass."

"Your phone was on speaker."

"My shoulders hurt too bad to hold it to my ear."

I halfway felt like shit for briefly disregarding his injuries, and for also being angry over someone else's hateful words. It wasn't like he'd said them. Although either way it still didn't erase my wounded ego.

"I need space."

He opened his mouth to say something, but quickly closed it, nodding in agreement. "Please let my driver, Leo, take you wherever you desire."

I wanted to decline, however, my only alternative would be asking his family to come get me, which was stupid within itself. They probably wouldn't even agree if they knew it was to get away from Jamie.

"Fine."

He made a quick phone call as we both stood there awkwardly distanced. After he hung up he approached me, but I turned around, kneeling back down to zip up my suitcase.

"Before you go-"

"She's never even met me!" I was fuming and the anger was coming in waves.

I tilted my suitcase upright, standing with it and made eye contact with him. "I will never be disrespected like that again. If you really love me, you won't let it happen."

"I love you more than you know. If it weren't for my daughter, I'd never talk to her for the rest of my life. She started dating the guy she's with right after we divorced, but the idea of me finally being happy must be killing her."

"Look, I'm willing to make compromises to be with you, and I had the utmost respect for her until a few minutes ago, with a full understanding that she's the mother of your beautiful girl, but don't expect my forgiveness to come easily."

"Baby, I don't expect you to do anything you don't want to do nor would I ever make you. Believe that she'll hear from me about this. She will not come between what we have. We can't let her."

I nodded, having had enough of the conversation. It was making me angrier the more we discussed it. I extended the handle on my suitcase and rolled it past him to the hallway.

"Let me carry it," he said as I reached the top of the stairs.

"No. You're on the mend." I picked it up before he had time to protest and carried it down.

Luckily I could see a black car sitting in the driveway, which meant I wouldn't have to stand there and make uncomfortable small talk while I waited for Leo. Impeccable timing.

"Like I was saying," he started, "before you go, I just want you to know that I love you, and watching you pack your bags to leave hurts more than any scar on my body."

I felt like crying. I knew I was being dramatic, but I had to make a statement. I wanted him to know I was serious about our relationship and refused to be referred to in such a manner. If I excused her behavior, that meant I was excusing it for him. Hopefully my leaving would make him realize just how hurt I was and that he had some business to take care of to ensure a conversation like that never occurred again. Or before she spread rumors about me to the tabloids. I didn't know what she was capable of.

"You have to know I love you, too, Jamie. But I need a minute to think rationally and I can't do that with you in close proximity. The last time I was this hurt was long before we met. I don't want to infect our relationship with her negative words, so I need to breathe and calm my rage."

"When will you be back?" His eyes were bloodshot and I knew he was holding in his tears.

"I don't know. Until I don't hear her words resounding in my head."

He shoved his hands in his pockets, nodding.

"Bye," I whispered, running my hand gently down the side of his arm.

"Bye."

I stepped outside, dragging my bag behind me toward his driver who was standing by the open trunk. I waved at Jamie and he quickly returned the gesture. He slammed the door, cursing so loudly I heard it from the driveway. My breath hitched in my throat. Never again would I let someone come between us. I was about to make damn sure of it.

***

Leo dropped me off at a nice hotel a couple of miles away from Jamie's neighborhood. He'd personally recommended it as we drove off, avoiding the burning question I knew he wanted to ask. He was kind, making small talk about the beautiful weather and that I'd chosen a great time to visit. Like I'd had an option, but he didn't know that. Or at least I didn't think so; it was hard telling what Jamie told those close to him.

I checked into my room on the second floor. The boutique style hotel was quaint and rather feminine. The bedspread had pink flowers and a lace trim. The curtains were wispy sheer white, held back by a gold tassel. In fact, the room was accented with gold and it felt very regal. I laughed when I wondered if Leo was gay since he'd suggested the place then cursed myself for being ignorant.

I admired the view of the city bustling one level beneath me. I watched various types of locals roam the sidewalks carrying large purses, briefcases, pushing strollers, talking on their cell phones. Some were dressed in work out attire, probably coming back from their daily run, others wore business suits and dresses as they made their way to or from their jobs. Then there were the tourists, dressed in jean shorts and calf-high white socks, snapping pictures every five feet. The noise of random car horns from taxis, buses, and commuters was distracting as the city raced between an array of destinations, its people always in a hurry to move forward.

Maybe that's what truly scared me. Hearing him talk to his ex-wife solidified her existence and relevance in his life. If I wanted him, she came as part of the package, whether he wanted it or not, just like his fame. It wasn't as if he hadn't warned me, but I was too infatuated with him to consider it until then. Being alone in a foreign city really allowed those thoughts to circulate in my brain. London had set off a whirlwind of action. So I did the only thing I knew to calm my nerves and called Victoria.

"Good morning," she answered after a few rings.

"Shit, I forgot about the time difference. Sorry!"

"I'm up. Making coffee then headed to the gym. Found me a hot trainer who says he's going to work my body. I have alternative plans to do the same to his."

I laughed loudly. She was ridiculous, but always made me momentarily forget my worries. "This is why we're friends."

"Duh. So how's London with Mr. Hollywood?"

"Out of control."

"In what way?"

I sighed heavily. "Where would you like me to begin?"

"Wherever the reason for the drop in your voice happened. Let me sit down for this."

I rolled my eyes although no one could see me. "You must not watch the news these days."

"You're right, I haven't been. Trying to pack for my trip home next week."

"I wish you weren't leaving, because I'm not sure I'll be back in time to say goodbye."

"Say what?"

"Jamie was in an accident."

She didn't answer for a minute and I held the phone away from my face to make sure it didn't drop the call.

"Wow. Is he okay?"

"He's very lucky, but yes, he'll be fine."

"What happened?"

"Rear-ended on the way home from the awards show."

I could hear her take a sip of her coffee. "Tell me he at least won or that was a completely unfortunate night for him."

"He did." I half-laughed.

"For someone whose boyfriend survived a bad accident, you don't sound too thrilled."

"We should've talked yesterday when I was."

She huffed. "What the fuck did he screw up in less than 24 hours?"

"Well, to be frank, it wasn't him. It was his ex."

"Do you need me to come to England? I'll be at JFK before we hang up."

I snorted because I knew she was serious. "I haven't decided yet. Anyway," I went on, "I overheard their conversation on the phone."

"What'd this bitch say that's got your feathers ruffled?"

"She said he didn't love me, he's just fascinated and he'll dump me soon and she'll be there to pick up the pieces. Or some bullshit like that."

"Two things. First of all, whoa hoe, she doesn't even know you so she can take a seat in the way back. Secondly, y'all are in love? Did he say that?"

My heart raced hearing her ask. "Yes. We both did."

"Damn, girl. Wasting no time."

I didn't respond, instead watching my feet kick back and forth against the bed I'd sat on during the conversation.

"At any rate, I hope he defended you?"

"He did," I said, "but I left anyhow."

"You left?"

"Mmhmm."

"Where are you?"

I looked around the room. "In some hotel down the street."

"If he defended you then why'd you leave?"

"Because I'm mad! Because she hurt my feelings. Because she's real, he's been married before me. He started a life with someone else and all I can think about is starting a life with him. Everything is moving incredibly fast. His dad told the nurses at the hospital I was his wife so they'd let me back and Jamie thought it was cute. I've fallen in love with his family, his daughter, his house, and him. What the fuck will I do if he changes his mind? If I'm not good enough, not ready for his lifestyle-"

"Slow your ass down, I can't keep up!"

I smiled. "Sorry."

"Fine, your feelings are hurt, as they should be, but everything else? You're overthinking it. The boy says he loves you then he loves you. If you said it back then you feel it, too."

"I said it first."

"There you go, buttercup. All that other shit is noise. Don't listen. You know what doesn't matter? Money, fame, paparazzi, awards, parents, siblings, exes, and kids, nothing except the two of you. If you want a life with him, make it happen."

"You're being too rational," I chuckled.

"Because I've never seen this Kelsey before. Happy, carefree, adventurous, head over heels in love Kelsey. I want to see her succeed and live the life she deserves with the type of man she deserves. Divorced and famous or not."

"Have I told you lately that I love you?"

"No, Rod Stewart you haven't."

We both laughed loudly.

"But I love you, too. Give the dude one night to think without you then go back and make it up to him and tell him what you told me."

"I can't, I don't want him to think I don't want him because of his past."

"Honesty shouldn't make him feel unwanted, it should make him realize you're willing to put all those damn fears aside to be with him. Flattery at its finest, and men love that shit."

"Thank you for this. You're the coolest."

"I know," she laughed.

"If I don't see you before you head back to smallville upstate, enjoy your time with the crazy fam and hurry home to me."

"I'm saying the same to you now."

"Bye, Vic."

"See ya, Kels."

I lay back against the bed and closed my eyes, letting her words sink in. A few minutes later my phone began ringing and I figured it was either Victoria forgetting something or Jamie begging me to come back. Much to my surprise after I sat up, my mom's face flashed on the screen.

"Hi mom," I said.

"Kelsey I have amazing news! You're never going to believe it!"

"Wow, London's great, thanks for asking. Anyway..."

"Oh, honey, you know I want to hear all about it, but let me go first."

I laughed at her eagerness. "Go ahead."

"I just got off the phone with the president of NYU. They had an Assistant English Professor transfer to another college so they need to fulfill the spot before next school year. Guess whose résumé he requested?"

My mom definitely wasn't a teacher, as she'd turned up her nose when I told her what I wanted to study in school. Then it hit me.

"No way!"

"Yes way, and he called your father specifically since they're old classmates. Can you believe it? He's a huge reason you have a degree from there and now he wants you to teach for him!"

Her words stung, only because she seemed to devalue my education, as though I hadn't rightfully earned it. He didn't give me my grades, my professors did. But I was honored either way and grateful my dad had such crazy connections. I owed my parents my life for all the strings they pulled.

"So what does he want me to do?" I asked.

"He wants you to send your résumé to him ASAP and he made time to interview you this Friday. Your father might fly up to meet you both for lunch. Would that be awkward?"

"Friday? Mom, it's Wednesday and I'm in London! Did you tell him that?"

"He suggested Friday before I could say otherwise and honey, this is an opportunity that will pass you by in an instant. Better to act now than wait."

"Summer just began!"

"You think they can train you overnight?"

I sighed, knowing there was no winning against her. "This is a huge compromise, mom. I'd have to get a flight out of here, which will be ridiculously expensive, then I'll be totally jetlagged for the interview."

"Think of it as an informal lunch to discuss the possibility. Nothing says you have to commit."

"Getting there for this meeting will be enough of a commitment. What will I tell Jamie?"

"Sweetie, he's a successful man, he'll understand that you have dreams you're pursuing."

"Dreams? I didn't even apply for the job!"

She cleared her throat and I knew she was tired of me arguing.

"You told me when we were there that you were worried about your future. You have a chance to end that worry sooner rather than later. Are you really going to pass on it?"

I didn't answer for a long while. Why was my life falling apart around me all of a sudden? A week ago everything was perfect, now it felt like nothing was. Too much coming my way at once.

"I'll be there. Because I love you and daddy for helping me get ahead in life."

"I'm excited for you, and once you touchdown in New York, you'll be excited for yourself. I love you!"

"Love you, too."

After hanging up, I stared at my phone contemplating my next move. I had to find a flight, but I had to tell Jamie first. He was going to be crushed, because he couldn't leave with me. I was going to break his heart even worse than I already had. I decided to send him a text in case he was over at his ex's giving her a piece of mind.

I really need you to meet me at The Arch London ASAP. Room 205.

I swiped from screen to screen on my phone awaiting a response. It didn't come immediately so I began to think he was busy. But right as the backlight dimmed, it lit up and vibrated in my hand.

Tell me you're ok? On my way now.

I'm fine. Just need to talk.

He didn't text me again. I paced the room, trying to form in my head the right thing to say because I knew he'd be devastated. Less than fifteen minutes later I heard a knock at the door.

I swung it open and he barreled into me with a rough kiss.

"Thank God," he said against my lips, "I was worried."

I pulled away. "I told you I was fine."

It came out more hateful than intended, as my mind was still a raging mess.

"Right. Sorry." He moved past me and took a seat on the spot of the bed I'd just occupied.

"Let me clear the air right now," I began, "I am not mad at you."

"You left."

"Because I needed to cool down before I said something I regretted about a woman I don't even know."

"Isn't that ironic?"

I chuckled. "Unfortunately."

"I'll talk to her, I promise. I was just as angry as you. No one disrespects my girl."

Blushing, I sat beside him and rested my head on his shoulder, my anger replaced with sadness. He wrapped his arm tightly around me and I prayed he wasn't in pain, because I needed to soak up his embrace while I had it.

"Your girl. Sounds beautiful in your accent."

He kissed the top of my head. "You look beautiful in my arms."

His words gave me goosebumps. I almost forgot why I'd left and why I'd asked him to come over. That's what Victoria meant; it should remain about just us.

"God, I hate to do this."

"Do what, baby?"

"I have to leave."

He dropped his arm, which forced me to look up. His eyes were suddenly sad and my heart began its slow crack inside my chest.

"As in?"

"Go back to New York."

He stared at me for a long moment, his expression sullen. "Why?"

"For an interview."

"I didn't know you were applying for jobs." He looked down at his hands.

"I wasn't. My mom received word about an opportunity and he wants to meet with me Friday."

His eyes met mine again. "Who?"

"The president of NYU."

"Wow, Kels, that's..." he stumbled to find the words, "that's great."

"Not really."

"It's not?"

"I mean, it is, yeah, of course, but it's inconvenient timing. I want to be here with you. I want to take care of you while you heal. I don't want to fly home alone."

He held my face in his hands. "I don't want you to go, you know that, but you can't give up chances at a secure future because of me."

"I'd give up anything if it meant being with you."

"You shouldn't, baby, this is your life, too."

"But I love you and I..." I stopped myself as Victoria's voice resounded in my head, telling me to spill my guts like I had to her.

"I'm sure the doctor will give me the green light at my appointment and I'll fly back the minute I walk out of the office. It's only a few days."

I swallowed hard and decided to brave it. Say what you want to say, Kelsey or regret losing the opportunity.

"I want your life."

He furrowed his eyebrows as I mentally kicked myself. That was stupid and not what I meant to say.

"No, wait," I took a deep breath.

"Are you okay?" he smiled, lovingly rubbing his thumb across my cheek.

"I want a life with you," I finally said.

He smiled even wider. "You have me."

"Forever, though. I don't want to go back to New York and get offered a job that'll keep me there, because it'll mean not being able to be with you wherever you go."

His eyes were bright and alluring. "One day at a time, right?"

"But why waste my time with an interview if I don't want what's being offered?"

"How do you know you don't want it?"

"Because I want you more."

He leaned in and pressed a soft, yet too brief kiss to my lips. "I want you more."

I smiled. "Don't mock me."

"I'm not. I want you more than you could ever want me. Actually, I need you. That's been made perfectly clear these last few days."

I'd dug myself into this conversation so I wasn't sure why his words made me shiver. Although they were exactly what I wanted to hear.

"You're going to go to this interview and consider accepting the job. You will not give up your future for mine."

I sighed. "Fine."

He laughed at my submission. "Besides, I'm the one who'd trade in my future as an actor for a future with you any day. Middle of filming? Fuck it, I'd drop out for you. I wouldn't mind settling down and being a stay at home..."

My eyes widened. He stopped himself before he said what I assumed was going to be "husband" or "father."

"You get the point," he finished.

I shook my head. "Get me on the next plane out of here so I can run for the hills.

We laughed together before I leaned forward, resting my head over his beating heart.

"We should probably get on that. Flights will be practically full to New York."

"Shh," I said, "let me have this moment."

I held him tightly, not ever wanting to let go. The days to follow would be incredibly difficult and lonely without him. It'd be the longest we'd gone not seeing each other. I was already miserable at the thought. My parents had no idea what'd they'd just asked me to do.