It was incredibly difficult to concentrate on studying for finals when I kept getting interrupted by text messages and phone calls from a certain Irish guy. I was captivated by everything he said, and went to bed with a smile every night following our first date. We informally decided not to talk about the serious stuff for a while. Although, he still remembered I'd invited him to graduation, which he told me when we parted ways he had every intention of attending.

I regretfully told him I couldn't see him until finals were over because I needed to focus, but that wasn't stopping him from finding other ways to capture my attention.

My phone buzzed on the desk beside my laptop. It startled me out of my daydreaming. I smiled and felt the butterflies in my stomach when I saw his name.

When's your last final again? I think I've asked you this already.

He had. Twice. Curiosity killed the cat. I thought about saying that, but decided he wasn't used to my sarcasm yet.

Tomorrow from 2-4 :)

Then you're free Friday?

I didn't want to tell him no; however, my family was flying in Friday morning and so I was going to spend the day being their tour guide and preparing for graduation. I also wasn't sure I wanted him to meet my family yet, but I knew he'd have to on Saturday, because I sure as hell wasn't going to invite him to the ceremony and then ignore him. We'd barely known each other for a week; I needed to explain that to my parents before he walked into an awkward situation.

Family obligations. Maybe after if we're done early?

I'd never intrude on personal time. I will most definitely see you Saturday.

For whatever reason his response made me feel like shit. This gorgeous man wanted to spend time with me of all people, and I was denying him the chance. Actually, I was denying myself the chance. I tapped my fingers on the white wooden desk and stared at the calendar in front of me.

I guess you're busy tomorrow evening? I said. My final ended at four, but I knew I'd be done earlier and would need a drink.

I can be free.

Don't change your schedule for me!

Because I wasn't changing my schedule for him, and that thought also made me feel bad.

Perks of the job, I tell them when I'm available. And it looks like I'm no longer available ;)

A wink, and he was canceling obligations for me, the definition of swooning. There was no hope for me at all against his charm.

We can toast to the end of my imprisonment.

Call me when you've broken free and we'll celebrate.

I squirmed at the thought and told him it was a date. Which it technically was because we'd already been on an official one.

I spent the rest of the night studying for my exam, while simultaneously losing myself in thoughts of what to wear and if he should pick me up or meet me somewhere. I said a small prayer before I went to bed that I could focus long enough to pass the final test of my college career, then I could freely spend as much time with him as possible.

***

It was 3:30 when I pulled my phone out of my purse as I walked out of the classroom for the last time. I quickly scrolled to his number and dialed.

He answered after the second ring. "Kelsey."

My name never sounded better than it did in his accent. "Jamie," I replied and he laughed in my ear, sending chills down my spine.

"So all is said and done?"

"Free at last!"

I was ecstatic, for multiple reasons. Homework was a thing of the past, my family was coming to town, I was graduating, and I had a whole summer with this man while I tried to figure out how my future could coincide with his. I couldn't worry about that though, I wanted to have fun starting instantly.

"Where would the newly liberated care to go?"

I laughed at that. "Are you in the mood for Mexican, American, or Italian?"

"I'm in the mood to see you."

I literally tripped on the sidewalk in front of the university. A few onlookers noticed, and I was blushing for both reasons. I wanted to hang up because as soon as I felt like I was getting smooth, he'd say something so romantic or sexy that my game would fall apart. The little that I had.

"Okay, um," I was stalling and stuttering, "a margarita and shot of tequila would top off this final year perfectly."

"La Mexicana it is!"

Seriously? His Spanish accent was also deadly. Noted for future reference. I tried not to sound like he was affecting me.

"Great! I'm walking home now and just need to change. I should be ready in less than an hour."

"I can pick you up," he said. He took a breath like he was going to say something else, but I interrupted.

"Actually, it's walkable from my apartment. I can give you the code to the parking garage and meet you. Unless you're more comfortable with driving?"

It was really hard for me to grasp that he was famous. I still didn't know his last name, but I was going to give him my address. Normally I wouldn't let a guy near my block in the first month until I knew he was safe, but Jamie didn't seem to have ulterior motives.

"Street parking is the pits," he said, "so I'm open to walking."

I gave him the address of my building and the code to open the gate. My apartment came with two parking spaces, and Victoria or my family only ever occupied the other when they visited.

After hanging up I walked a little faster so that I had ample time to look decent. It was another beautiful Spring day in New York and everyone seemed to be out enjoying it. I bumped shoulders with half a dozen strangers on my walk home.

Upon arrival, I headed straight to my room to find a cuter outfit to wear. I picked out my mint colored jean shorts and paired them with a light coral shirt, embroidered in a gold pattern. I had mint sandals with a gold strap to match perfectly and threw on earrings, a heart necklace, and bangles all in gold.

I'd worn my hair down for class, but decided to pin it up halfway. I ran some subtle gold eye shadow across my eyelids and touched up my black liner and mascara. I went into the bathroom to find my glittery peach colored lip-gloss before putting a little on and checking my reflection one last time. I walked back to my bedroom to grab my purse and send Jamie a text.

Less than fifteen minutes after I told him I was ready, he was pulling into the parking garage. I waited for him to get out and walk over. He looked better every time I saw him. He was wearing khakis and a burgundy V-neck tee.

"Hi," he said, "you look lovely."

He hugged me quickly and we headed toward the restaurant five blocks from my apartment.

***

Dinner was wonderful. The food was delicious, the drinks were great, and we had each other laughing over every little thing. It felt amazing to not have to worry about meeting any deadlines. Graduation was no big deal and my family was fun to be around, so I wasn't concerned about either. I literally had no cares in the world; I was exactly where I wanted to be, and incredibly happy.

"So," he began.

I took another sip of my mango margarita. "Uh-oh, that sounded serious. I thought we weren't being serious for a while?"

I gave him a pouty face, because I was two margaritas and a shot of tequila in. He looked down at my puckered bottom lip and licked his own. Between the alcohol and not having experience with a relationship recently, I couldn't tell if it was intentional or instinct. He looked back up and smiled.

"A little serious, but necessary," he replied. "I at least wanted to give you time to think about it."

"Think about what?" I asked.

He sighed and it made me nervous. His tone was changing, but I really wanted to stay in this fun-loving mood.

"I have to go back to London."

"Go back? I thought you lived here?"

"I do," he said, "part time."

"You didn't tell me that." I felt myself getting defensive. He'd laid it all on the table during our first date and now suddenly there was more to the story?

"You're right, and I should've. After all, you tolerated a lot of information I threw your way last week."

I nodded and looked down at the table. All of my plans suddenly began falling apart in my head and I wanted to cry. Again, because of the alcohol and actual sadness.

"Hey," he said and reached for my hand. I let him hold it as he caressed the back of it with his thumb. "Look at me."

I hesitated for a moment, but realized it was too early in our relationship, if that's what this was, to hold a grudge. His eyes always made my heart skip a beat when they met mine. He seemed to look inside of me and not just at me. I could feel the contact.

"You didn't even let me finish," he winked.

"It's my fault for making plans in my head," I replied.

"What kind of plans?" He wrinkled his forehead, intrigued.

"Forget it, it's silly."

He was still rubbing his thumb back and forth against my hand. "Try me."

"Nothing specific, just like, I don't know," I said, "weekends somewhere on a secluded beach so no one could bother you. Bike rides along the river. Discovering the best hidden restaurants and bars to avoid summer tourists. A road trip out of the city. Stupid stuff like that."

"Wow," he said, and part of my heart broke. I realized how pathetic I sounded and he was obviously realizing what he didn't mean to sign up for.

"I want to do all of that with you," he finished.

I still felt like crying, because he was about to tell me it was unrealistic.

"We will do all of that. It just might have to be over a longer period of time."

I shrugged. "I don't expect you to cancel your future for me. I got my hopes up and that's not your fault."

"You didn't get your hopes up, we'll do anything you want. But I have to go back to London for a few weeks to be with my daughter and attend an awards show."

Now I really felt like an ass. I hadn't even considered his daughter when I made these grand plans in my head. But then again, I thought he lived in New York.

"I absolutely understand," I said, "I'm sorry for being inconsiderate."

"Inconsiderate? Those adventures are thoughtful, and I'm looking forward to them." He smiled and it made me smile.

"I did bring it up for a reason," he said.

"Yes, let's get back to that and not order any more drinks!" I finally broke our hand contact and picked up my margarita to finish it off.

We both laughed and he rubbed his finger across his bottom lip.

"Have you ever been to London?"

Oh no, he wasn't about to ask what I thought he was going to.

"Yes. Only once, a few years ago," I answered honestly.

"Would you like to go back?" he asked. "With me?"

What was I supposed to say, no? Of course I wanted to go with him, but I didn't know what that would entail. I wasn't mentally ready to meet his daughter and where would I even stay, at his house? Things were all of a sudden moving rapidly. That was a huge step for a week-old relationship.

"I'm flattered, truly," I began, but he interrupted.

"Before you decline, remember that I promised I wouldn't put you in a situation you're not ready for. I just don't want time to pass between us when there are ways to be together."

He was tearing my heart to shreds with his beautiful words. I wanted to leap across the table and kiss him and beg him to love me forever. But that was irrational and I'd had too many drinks for an early Thursday evening.

I sighed. "I don't know what to say, but thank you."

"Please say you'll consider it."

"When are you leaving and when will you be back?"

"I'm flying home in two weeks and I'll be gone for three. I have to be back here for work then."

I nodded. "Consider it considered."

"All I'm asking is that you go. Even for part of the time."

I smiled uncomfortably.

"I would never force you into the spotlight or into doing something you didn't want to do."

"That's very kind. I'll let you know soon." It was all I could come up with because I was scared to death.

When I thought he lived here I was ready to plan our entire summer together. But now, for whatever reason, I was hesitant to spend my summer with him somewhere else. In an unfamiliar country closer to his family, friends, and fame.

"Great. Did you want to get out of here?" he asked.

"Yes, no more for me." I laughed.

He paid our bill, although I offered to half it with him. We made our way back out into the warm evening. 

"Thank you for dinner," I said.

"Thank you for the company." He turned to me with a smile.

"Let's go somewhere," I said quickly. I wasn't ready to let him go yet.

"You mean like a pub or somewhere far away?" He laughed.

"Too bad I have obligations or I'd be down with the latter. No, it's a beautiful night, how about Washington Square Park?"

"I'm okay with that." He offered me his arm and I wrapped both of mine around it as we walked.

I felt safe being so close to him and I took in his scent. He smelled fresh, like he'd just showered before meeting me and sprayed his favorite cologne across his body. A shiver ran down my spine as I imagined him with a towel wrapped around his muscular hips.

"Are you cold?" he asked.

And I was embarrassed that he'd felt me shake. "No, just a breeze, I'm fine."

We made our way into the park and found an empty bench by the fountains. There weren't many people around; mainly college students on their laptops, and high school kids skateboarding or tossing a football back and forth.

"I don't want you to think I don't want to go with you," I said to break the silence.

He turned to me. "Look, you said you don't expect me to give up my future for you, and I don't expect you to give up yours for mine. Life is about compromise."

"Right. I hope you understand that I don't know what my plans are, so I'm just really confused about what I want."

"Don't let me confuse you further."

Those words stung. I didn't want him to think I was pushing him away or didn't want to be with him. It wasn't his fault I had no idea what life after college meant for me.

"I was confused long before you," I chuckled to myself. "Actually, you're the only thing right now I'm sure about." The truth conveniently fell out when I was tipsy.

He tried to suppress his smile and I was mesmerized by how attractive he was in the evening sun. From his tousled hair, to his sculpted face, down to his clothes and shoes. Not to mention his accent and the way it made me feel. The alcohol was making it difficult not to climb into his lap in the middle of the park.

"I've never felt a connection this quickly before." He broke my train of thought as I stared. "I want to spend every day of these next two weeks with you."

"Don't leave," I said suddenly.

He reached a hand over and cupped the side of my face. Instinctively I leaned into it. "Come with me."

"It'd be crazy."

"No it wouldn't. It'd feel right."

He was right. I wanted nothing more than to pack my bags and fly across the Atlantic with him. But part of me said I needed to slow down. We barely knew each other. I really couldn't wait for my mom and sister to arrive so I could ask their advice. They were always straightforward with me. I hadn't even told anyone outside of Victoria that I was dating Jamie.

"I have to think about it. Again, not because I don't want to, but because I need to sort out my career options."

"Then you do want to?" he asked.

"I absolutely want to. I want to be with you, whenever and wherever that means."

He moved his hand down to mine, picked it up, and laid a gentle kiss to the back of it. "Everything will work out."

I pulled his arm up over my head and rested it on my shoulder as I leaned against his torso. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the moment while he ran his fingers in lazy circles on my upper arm.

We sat there in that embrace and talked until after dark. The park was almost empty when we decided to walk back to my apartment.

He held my hand, swinging our arms as we made our way to the parking garage. I smiled the whole journey, and every time I looked over at him he was doing the same. I felt like I was in high school again. We were both happy to just be together. I also said a silent prayer of thanks that he continued to go unnoticed. Although he didn't seem concerned about it anymore; he wasn't trying to disguise himself.

"Well," he began once we reached his car, "another beautiful evening spent with a beautiful woman."

I blushed and could feel my face burning. He obviously noticed because he laughed.

"Do you have any rules for second dates?" he asked.

My knees went weak as I realized his question. "Not necessarily, why?" I smiled.

"Because I've wanted to kiss you since I walked up to your table at Starbucks."

He pulled me by the waist into him and the closeness was overwhelming. He kept one hand pressed against my lower back as he brought the other to my face. He rubbed his thumb across my bottom lip and I instinctively licked it after he did so. I could taste the saltiness his finger left behind as he held my chin with his hand.

"I hate to tell you this," I began.

He moved his face an inch closer and I looked down at his lips. When I gazed back up, I noticed he was looking at mine. A moment later our eyes met and it was the closest we'd ever been. I could smell his cologne, hear his heartbeat, feel his entire torso pressed against mine, our legs were intertwined, and his hands were radiating heat.

"I don't do drunk kisses," I whispered.

"You're not drunk," he replied. I felt the warmth from his breath on my lips.

He closed his eyes and leaned in, but I pulled away easily, surprising him. I'd had him so weak that his embrace was loose enough to allow me to step back. He let out a long breath and wiped his forehead.

"Shit, I'm sorry," I said.

"No," he said as his chest heaved, "it's fine. I pushed you."

"It's not you. God, it's definitely not you. I just don't feel in control of myself right now."

He smiled at my last comment.

"Okay, it is you," I said, "you make me lose control." Then all of a sudden I couldn't stop talking.

"I, too wanted to kiss you that day at Starbucks and I wanted to kiss you on our first date about a hundred different times. Then at the park just a few minutes ago, I couldn't think about anything except taking you right there in front of everyone."

He moaned. I didn't dream it; I heard it with my own ears. He closed his eyes and threw his head back as he leaned against his car.

"You make me want to break every rule I've ever set. I'd take you up to my apartment right now if it wasn't a mess."

He crossed his arms, grinning. "Are you done killing me?"

I sighed and couldn't suppress my smile. "Yes, I'm done."

"Then get over here and let me kiss you."

I shook my head.

"Mhmm," he hummed.

"Don't do this to me," I said.

"You're doing it to yourself."

He reached his arm out, but I just stared at him. "You're the most beautiful, charming, hilarious, intellectual woman I've ever met. I'm honored you'd even consider kissing a fool like me."

I blushed and giggled. I'd never been more flattered by someone this incredibly sexy. I prayed that he meant it, that it wasn't part of his game to get women. I wanted to believe that everything he said to me was meant for only me.

"So are you going to talk the talk, or..." He urged his hand toward me again and I rolled my eyes before I took it.

He pulled me into him quickly, wrapping both arms tightly around my waist. I couldn't run now.

I moved my face so close to his that our noses touched, and I rested my hands on either side of his jawline. "You're unbearable," I said.

"Don't you think you've teased me eno-"

I quieted him with my lips. God, his lips were perfectly soft and plump. I kissed him as hard as I could, with every fiber of my being. I broke our lips apart briefly for us to catch our breaths, before I sucked on his bottom lip. He moved his hands to my hair and tilted my head slightly as he let his silk tongue gently explore my mouth. My fingernails trailed down his back and he moaned into my throat. I wanted to feel him more. This wasn't enough. I moved my hands up under the back of his shirt to graze his soft skin. He bit my bottom lip when I scratched a line down the center of his spine with my forefinger.

I had to break the kiss; I couldn't handle it. I was ready to pull his clothes off in the parking garage. I leaned back from his assault, but he continued to suck at my chin, down my neck, to my shoulder. His tongue trailed a line back up to my jaw. I was coming undone. He could read me like a book as he licked at the spots that made me squirm.

"We have to stop," I said.

"I can't," he replied before pulling my lips back to his. I wanted to kiss him forever. He was deeply passionate. He was kissing me like his life depended on it, but what he didn't realize was mine did.

"Jamie," I said between his kisses.

He didn't answer. Now his hands were under the back of my shirt. He pressed his palm into my bare back and forced us even closer, before reaching down with the other hand and pulling my thigh up to his waist. My shorts began riding up as I moved my hips against him. He shifted his weight and I could feel him between the fabrics.

"Mmm, please," I moaned into his mouth.

"Please what?" he finally said.

"Stop."

And he did almost instantly. He released me, leaning back into his hands against the trunk of his car. I was too weak to stand, so I gripped my hands into the black metal on either side of his hips and pressed against him. We were both panting.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"Don't be, that was," I took a deep breath, "everything."

He chuckled. "I got carried away. There's just something about you. I didn't want to let go."

I stepped back and offered him my hand this time. He took it and I pulled him up before gently kissing his swollen lips.

"Trust that won't be the last time," I said.

"I hope not," he winked and gave me another soft kiss. "I better go, I've caused you enough trouble tonight."

"Nothing I didn't ask for." I smiled and he squeezed my hand, then turned, stepping into his car.

That kiss was going to keep me awake until it happened again.