Page 78 of Heal For Me

Slowly, she stands, and I wait until she is up to let go of her perfectly curled hair. Her blue eyes are watery, and her skin is flush.

“You feel okay?”

“No. But not like I’m going to throw up so.” She shrugs. “I really need a toothbrush now, though.”

Oh right. And our luggage was dropped off at the hotel already which is across town . . . shoot.

“We can head back to the hotel. It’s probably pretty late anyway.”

She agrees, and we head for the sink where she does as much cleaning as she can manage in a public bathroom. Everyone is waiting outside when we get out, and they all ask her if she’s okay, which I think is sweet. Well, everyone besides Henry, but even he looks struck with worry.

“Can we head back? She wants to brush her teeth and stuff.”

Ash grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles. “Of course, let’s head to the tubes.”

“My office is right here. I have hygiene products in the toilet.” Henry points to a large glass building. The largest glass building around, actually. And sure enough, down the side is the name of Ash’s parents law firm.

“Do you want to go to the hotel or clean up here?” I ask, making sure she knows either option is okay. I don’t know what time it is, but it feels late. You wouldn’t know by how busy the streets still are. I’m starting to believe no city has ever slept.

Janelle takes a while to decide, but eventually, chooses to just use Henry’s stuff. I offer to come with but she assures me she’s fine. The only reason I don’t go to ensure Henry behaves himself is because Beverly and William are tagging along to show her around at the same time. Apparently, this isn’t even the main building. This is an outpost where they deal with smaller cases, I guess, and is the one Henry runs.

We were told to give them an hour and we would meet up after, so for the next hour, Ash leads me around various parts of the city. In retrospect, we don’t get all that far from the Eye because the city is just so big and I was making him stop off at any cool thing I saw, which was a lot. I’m not a picture taker but some sights deserve to be photographed. Besides, the photos from the Eye, my favorite so far is from the bridge that overlooks the Eye and the clock tower. Seeing these things only makes me more excited for the red bus tour tomorrow.

I lean against the edge of the bridge facing Ash.

“I’m having the best time. Just thought you should know.”

He beams and places a chaste kiss on my nose. “Me too, babygirl. I’ve been to London more times than I can count, but this is my favorite to date.”

My heart warms with his confession. “I’m glad to be a part of it, then.”

“You are the reason, Payson.”

Swoon.

Emotion swirls behind my eyes as I hold his. “I hope you know how much you mean to me. I know I am not easy to love, but somehow you find a way to do it.”

He crowds into me, and I have to crane my neck to see his face. “You don’t know how bad I needed to hear that right now, babygirl.”

“I’ll tell you every day for the rest of our lives if that is what you need.” I giggle, but I mean it too. We all know I require more assurance than nearly anyone. If Ash is struggling and needing the same, then that is what I will give him. It’s the least I can do.

A shit-eating grin splits his face, and his eyes fill with excitement. He grabs my arm and drags me to the center of the walk bridge. Some people curse after being cut off, but he pays them no attention. Only staring at me with wild eyes.

“What is happening?” I look around us for something that would have set him off on whatever mission he is on, but there is nothing.

“Give me the ring.”

Confused, I tilt my head. His eyes drop and I follow, now realizing what he meant. I’ve only been wearing it on my finger a few days full-time, and forgot it was there.

“Why?” I frown. “I don’t want to.”

He pokes my nose, a distraction so he can grab the ring with his other hand and slip it off my finger.

“Ashley.” I stomp my foot like a bratty kid who had their favorite toy stolen from them. Because that’s exactly how it feels. “You can’t take it back after you gave it to me. It’s mine.”

“I know.” A mischievous grin grows on his face. “Just trust me, okay?”

Fine, but I better get it back soon.

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