Running To Him - Forbidden Hearts Series Book 6

8| Serendipity

Staring up at the large warehouse-type building, I did a mental recap of why I NEEDED this to work out.

Yes, I've been staying at a pretty cheap hotel this past week, but it was starting to eat into my savings. If I wasn't able to find somewhere else to stay, I was going to end up homeless on the streets of Paris. Not really why I wanted to come here.

But at least this rental seemed legit. When Henri told me about the deal, I thought it was too good to be true. So, after I sent the email requesting to come and see it, I asked Henri for a few more questions.

He explained to me that it was owned by some wealthy businessman who was away a lot. He was well known and well liked around the city. And apparently, he had a studio-type loft that he was willing to rent for a decent price. Thankfully, it was a price I could afford.

I just hoped he liked me enough to let me rent it. To be honest, I wasn't the best applicant in the world. It was a little hard to explain to someone that I ran all the way here—well, flew—from the US to escape my tragic reality. I had no job. No references. I knew absolutely no one here.

Yeah, I doubted he was going to approve shit for me.

I actually might end up homeless on the streets of Paris.

Pushing those thoughts away from my mind, I opened the large door to the warehouse and went inside. It was actually pretty nice. It reminded me of an art studio. There were blank canvases leaning against one wall and an easel in the far corner. Maybe the owner was some kind of art dealer or something.

Glancing around the vast space, I saw a note taped to the wall beside the stairs: Loft For Rent - 2nd Floor

I ascended the stairs, excited and hopeful there was a possibility my luck would change and that this guy would take pity on me or something. I really didn't have any other option. I only paid for two more days at my hotel.

Finally getting to the top, I took a look around. The loft was quite large for a studio. Even though there was a door, there were partisans spread out that gave it some extra privacy. There was a king-sized bed by the window with a nightstand beside it. On the far wall was a small kitchenette area with a table and two chairs. There was a five-drawer dresser. No closet. And I assumed the door to the right was the bathroom.

Not really what I was used to, but it was perfect for what I needed. And the huge floor to ceiling window that overlooked the city wasn't a bad bonus either. I glanced at my watch. Where the hell was this guy? Good luck my ass. He was probably going to be a no-show. Or maybe—

"Well, well, well. As I live and breathe."

Chills shot down my spine when I heard that voice. His voice. My eyes slid shut and I mentally cursed out the gods of fate.

"If this isn't serendipity, I don't know what is." Brief pause. "Are you going to actually acknowledge me or what?"

Finally, I turned around to face him...and instantly regretted it. He looked even better than I allowed myself to remember. His hair was longer. His smile was way more charming now than before. And those eyes...

"Ollie," I said finally. "I didn't...you were supposed...what are you doing here?"

"Jeez, Lovette. You always this articulate?"

Aside from the sudden mess I was in, I was so relieved that he called me by my last name this time. I rather him call me that than Guinevere. Hearing him use my real name did things to my body. Things I didn't need to remember or think about right now. Especially with him so close.

I glanced at the bed again. Shit. I really needed to get out of here.

"What are you doing here?" I snapped even though I knew it was a stupid question. And one that I just asked him. But I didn't know what else to say.