Page 42 of Shake Your Boo Thang

I’m trying to lighten the tone after such a difficult conversation since I reckon he might be feeling emotionally wrung out right about now. Mama always says to treat folks gentle because you don’t always know what they’re carrying on their back.

I’m startled when Callum doesn’t give me a grunt or a grumpy response to my flirty lighthearted comment. Instead, he studies me with that intensely focused gaze he gets when he’s investigating stuff. It’s downright potent when directed right at little old me like this and I start tingling all over.

For once, I’m struck plumb dumb.

After a long moment, Callum says, “Aye.” He gives me a crooked smile that has my poor heart doing swoops in my chest, leaving me a little lightheaded.

“Thank you for planning this date. It’s been a magical evening,” I manage to tell him honestly.

“The night’s not over yet,” he replies provocatively.

Now that has my blood running hot and a certain part of me standing up and paying close attention.

My heart pounds but my flirtatious mode reactivates. “Oh, really? Do tell, sugar.”

And please let it involve going back to his place and having hot monkey sex.

He points ahead to where, above the skyline and overlooking the River Thames, a huge circular equivalent of a Ferris wheel spins.

“Have you been to the London Eye yet?” he asks.

I grin. “No, I can’t say that I have.”

“Well, funnily enough, I’ve never taken a ride on it either, even though I’ve lived here for damn near twenty years.” He shakes his head. “It’ll be a first for both of us.”

I like the sound of that. I grab hold of his arm and start pulling him in that direction. “What are we waiting for? Let’s get a move on.”

The closer we get, the more enormous the London Eye seems. The giant metal structure towers over us, and I have to tilt my head back to look up at it. I’m in awe. The capsules that carry people to the top are clearer up close and resemble glass pods with curved windows, no doubt designed so the people riding in them get the most spectacular views of the city below.

We wait in line as the massive wheel continues its slow but steady rotation overhead. Eventually, we make it to the boarding area, and when a free capsule arrives and we’re told it’s our turn, we hurry to get inside it. It turns out the Eye never comes to a full stop. It’s moving slowly, but you have to get on it a bit like an escalator.

I whip out my Polaroid camera and snap a perfect shot for my scrapbook. This is definitely worth remembering.

The pod is so much bigger than I originally thought. Once inside, it’s clear it could easily fit two dozen people. We could have a real fun party in here, that’s for sure.

I look around in surprise. “Do we have this one all to ourselves?”

Callum flushes and runs a nervous hand through his hair in a manner I find utterly charming. He clears his throat and crosses his arms over his muscular—hubba, hubba—chest.

“Ahem. Well, that is, I reserved it and, what they call… fuck…” He closes his eyes in resignation. “It’s called Cupid’s Capsule.”

My eyes go as wide as saucers, and my mouth drops open enough that if Mama were here, she’d be looking for the flies I was trying to catch. I don’t think I can take how adorable he’s being right now. He’s a totally sweet teddy bear underneath it all and I love it.

“So I’m guessing this one’s specifically for couples?”

He nods but doesn’t make eye contact, looking out over the city instead.

Callum Fraser doesn’t give himself enough credit. There is definitely the beating heart of a pure romantic buried inside him, and I’m touched that he’s showing that side of himself to little old me.

I sidle closer to him and pull him down to sit with me on a long bench in the capsule. Gazing out at the twinkling lights below, I lean into his side. “That was mighty romantic of you and much appreciated. Thank you.”

He grunts in that nonverbal way I’ve noticed he sometimes does when he’s a little uncomfortable.

I sigh happily. “I love this surprise.”

“Aye… well… erm… I thought you deserved something special for putting up with a grumpy bastard like me and for all the help you’ve been on this case.”

“It’s been my pleasure, darlin’.”