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No one could concentrate on dicing a million dried apricots in a place like this Libby Harris sure couldn’t Instead she gazed around the iain She was here because a sporting legend loved her ed her to coet any better?

Frankly, after the last three weeks, she’d take all the joy from this she could Even if no one else ever knew—even if she neversomeone one last time And not just anyone either

She glanced at Apricot Mountain and decided it would still be there in a few ht?

She all but skipped as she gave in to the urge to explore The next rooave visual confirmation that it was indeed his apart roo, polished floorboards sat three rowing hts machine, a treadmill, a stationary bike, and a few other scary bits of equipnize but was sure would be pure torture to use He could chargefacility Plus, if he succeeded in his sporting goals, people would pay squillions just to see hihest-paid speaker on the after-dinner circuit But he wasn’t in it forat this apartment, it was obvious he didn’t need more Of course he didn’t, not with the family he had

The floor to ceiling s offered an a view over the park She crossed the floor and opened one of the out onto the narrow-railed balcony—recent events had cemented a need for her to have an alternate escape route The warentle “pop pop” of tennis balls bouncing off rackets

London in summer—strawberries, Piot her troubles and lived in the light, happy moment

Beyond the park, the ultih the city, flanked on either bank by beautiful buildings, both old and new And adorning the scene everywhere were the signs, the bunting, the sylory would be just up the river She breathed in deep, gazing out in adoration at the view Brilliant, sear-your-eyeballs sunlight glinted off the s of the buildings that stretched for miles It was beautiful and no matter what her future held, she loved this city

“Who are you?”

Libby ju so fast she nearly ended up over the balcony She quickly regained her balance, stepping into the roo, ht, she couldn’t see hiuy striding towards her wasn’t national lightweight rowing favorite, Tom Barnes

She dragged a breath into crunched lungs “Who are you?”

“No, that was , heavy-footed, assured “I’m supposed to be here”

“So a out so as she tried to restore sight

“If you’re legit, what’s with the knife?” He came to a halt, sarcasm incarnate

Startled, Libby clenched her fist—and felt the handle OMG, she’d forgotten she had the sht she was going to—what—threaten him? No way Had he not noticed she was about a quarter of his size?

“You shouldn’t carry a weapon, especially as shakily as that You’ll only be overpowered and have it used against you” He lectured like he was addressing a bunch of school kids before they hit an after-prom party

The unwanted advice tweaked her nerves but she also relaxed He could hardly be a threat with that paternalistic tone Well, she was no child, and while she a et it off me?”

“Size and strength,” he answered easily, still a giant shadow, his features indeter in front of her as her eyes took too long to adjust to the relative dimness of the room

“Maybe I have speed,” she countered with faux confidence “Maybe I grew up in a circus troupe and I’ knife thrower Maybe you should be really worried right now because I have incredibly accurate aim”

“I’d say that would be incredible” More than a hint of laughter lightened his response “Tell you what, I promise not to hurt you, if you promise not to hurt me Deal?”

Libby didn’t have iving her any more ammo

“What is it you’re after, a

nyway?” he asked “Thethat easily”

She supposed she lar in her skinny black jeans, sliht, efficient ponytail that kept her hair out of her face and away from her food prep