"You better come visit soon," Bailey says as she pulls away from our hug, smiling at me brightly. The airport is buzzing this morning, just outside the security line packed with families saying their goodbyes. We all stood off to the side by the escalators that led down to where I parked.

"I will," I say, moving my hand down to squeeze hers, "promise you'll take care of Trin for me?"

Trinity is currently hugging Jack and Lilly, frowning as the curly-haired boy ruffles at her hair. It brought me more comfort than she knew, knowing she'd be filming her new movie in New York, near where Bailey lives; there's no one else I'd rather have taken care of my baby sister when I couldn't.

"Of course," Bailey squeezes my hands once more before letting go and moving over to Lilly to say goodbye. I smile sadly as she wraps her arm around Trinity, who I'd already hugged too many times this morning, "we should get going." She says, frowning, "We'll, uh, give you two a minute."

Before I can question what she means, she drags Trinity into the security line. At the same time, Lilly makes some comments about finding coffee and drags her boyfriend away. Saying goodbye to Trinity and Bailey was hard, but I'd been avoiding saying it to Jamie.

I didn't want to say goodbye again; it was too soon.

"Well, aren't they subtle," Jamie nods toward our friends, chuckling slightly. His hands are stuffed into his sweatpants pockets, and his curls are tucked under a grey beanie. He looks so cozy, and all I've wanted to do all morning is cuddle up in his side and never leave.

"Oh, definitely," I nod, ignoring the sinking feeling in my stomach. The fear of the unknown coursed through my veins "like an elephant."

Jamie laughs, and my heart soars in my chest. God, I love this laugh and the way his eyes squint when he smiles. I love how he's got his body turned toward me in a way that makes it feel like I'm the only person in this crowded airport and how he's slowly stepped close enough that I can smell his cologne.

I love him... and I don't think I've ever stopped.

Jamie's laughter fades when he notices I'm no longer laughing along, his smile dropping into the most adorable, concerned expression as he sighs, his shoulders slouching, "god, I'm gonna miss you, Trouble."

Before I could respond, Jamie's stepped even closer, sweeping me into his arms in one swoop, his face finding its home in the crook of my neck, his breath tickling me as he inhaled, "Did you just sniff me, Flatters?" I ask, laughing as my arms tangle around his neck.

"No," Jamie scoffs, his breath tickling my neck again. It tickles, and I can't help but wish he'd lean a little closer and kiss it delicately like he used to years ago. "Okay, I might have; not like you've never done it too."

I laugh as I inhale his scent, closing my eyes. "Mahogany," I mumble aloud teasingly, humming as I take in another breath, absentmindedly moving my hands to run my fingers through the curls poking out of his beanie.  "And teakwood?"

Jamie laughs, his breath tickling my neck once more as he, "You smell like vanilla frosting," he admits, which I guess isn't too far off; I'd been using the same vanilla and lavender perfume since I was a teenager, "and something else."

"It's lavender."

"Whatever it is, I love it," Jamie mumbles, nudging his head further into my neck.

I love you.

The same three words have been flickering through my mind all weekend. Every time Jamie smiled at me or made some flirty comment, that made my stomach erupt into a swarm of butterflies. I'd had to keep reminding myself of our friend's arrangement and the reasons it was easier.

I don't know why, but I wait for him to say those three words, my heart longing for them. I don't think before I begin speaking, the words on the tip of my tongue begging to be said. "I-"

My voice is cut off by the overhead speakers, a loud voice that makes me flinch in Jamie's grasp. After the announcement is finished, he places me back on the ground, his cheeks flushed, "what were we gonna say?" He asks head quirked curiously.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

Those are the only three words circling through my mind at the moment, my heart singing with each look Jamie gives me. We've been friends again for a few days, and things have been good, and besides his one-off jokes or teasing, it seemed Jamie had warmed up to the idea of it too.

"I-" I pause again, scared. If I say this right now, it's going to ruin everything. If I tell Jamie I love him, who's to say we're not gonna fall apart like we had in the past? I can't lose him again. I won't lose him again. "I hope you have a safe flight."

Jamie smiles, a lazy one that reminds me of drunken kisses, the kind of smile I'd lean in and press my lips against, "thanks, Eden." He steps closer again, and I have to tilt my head to keep my gaze connected with his. "I should go."

I let out a breath, shaky and uneven, "Yeah."

Still, he doesn't move from the spot in front of me or look back to see how much longer the winding security line has gotten. His blue eyes stay focused on me as he lifts his hand, ring-clad fingers tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. When he starts leaning in, I don't protest.

I want this too much to protest.

I shut my eyes as Jamie's thumb danced across my cheek, tracing a delicate pattern that sent a shiver up my spine. It feels like an eternity until he finally presses his lips against my cheek, dangerously close to my lips, which are aching to be connected with his. A rush of disappointment washes through me as Jamie's lips linger on my cheek.

Friends don't kiss, Eden. I have to remind myself, my hand still reaching to hold Jamie's. I'm the one who decided on this, and Jamie's merely accepted it, moved on from the thought of us being more... I should too.

"I'll see you soon, Trouble." He whispers before placing another kiss on my cheek. Then before I can say anything else, he turns around, leaving me alone as he enters the security line, where Trinity and Bailey were waiting for him before entering themselves.

"You okay, E?" Jack questions; I hadn't even noticed him and Lilly approaching, too enamoured with Jamie and how confusing this all feels. The two of them are watching me with looks of concern as the curly-haired boy passes me a matcha, my usual Starbucks order.

"Yeah," I lie, forcing a smile onto my face, "you two ready to go?"

Short chapter, but here she is!!

London Boy only has three chapters left!!!! This is so bittersweet.