When He Became Mine | COMPLETE

Chapter 8

Jason's POV

When Keira didn't arrive at the Starbucks within the thirty minutes she told me, I was being to get worried. I mean, what if something happened to her? No, that was being ridiculous. Then I remembered there was more than one Starbucks in London. What if I went to the wrong one? I was pondering over this when Keira arrived at the coffeehouse, slightly breathless, fifteen minutes late.

I haven't seen in her in over a day, and I had missed her. I missed seeing her red hair, which had grown longer until it reached the middle of her back. I missed the way her hazel eyes would change colors depending on her mood. I missed how that no matter if she wore jeans and a sweatshirt or a dress, she always looked beautiful to me.

"I missed you," I murmured as Keira plopped down next to me, drink and scone in hand.

Keira sighed, setting down her cup and leaning forward on the table. "Why do I have the feeling that starting out as friends is not a good idea?" she asked.

I looked down at my napkin. "I'm sorry," I apologized. "I-I didn't mean it. I just..." I gazed back up at her. "No matter how hard I try, I don't think I can see you as my friend."

She smiled a little. "I'm still trying to figure myself out, Jason."

"Yes, but can't you figure yourself out while we're dating?"

"It would be cruel to date you only to realize that I don't love you anymore."

I grabbed her by the shoulders, forcing Keira to look at me. "I highly doubt that you don't love me anymore, Katie," I muttered. "It's not me who you don't love—it's yourself." I dropped my hands. "Forgive yourself."

Keira shook her head. "I can't," she whispered.

"And why not?"

"Ethan..."

"Look." I sighed, running my hand through my hair. "You and Ethan broke off the engagement. You and Ethan agreed that a marriage between you two wasn't a good idea. You both loved each other, yes, but you didn't love each other enough to continue with the wedding and you both agreed to that." I cupped her chin, looking deeply into her eyes. "In fact, Ethan forgave you. He's happy. He has a job he likes, as he told your family. He even found a new girl."

Keira stared at me in surprise. "He did?"

"He did."

"Who?"

"Olivia."

At first, I thought that Keira was going to be furious. I thought she would be upset. But, no, she didn't. She didn't cry, she didn't yell; she laughed. She laughed until tears were streaming down her cheeks. "Oh my gosh," Keira giggled. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe I didn't see that one coming."

Now I was confused. Surely she was made that her best friend was dating her ex-fiancé! "I'm not sure what you mean," I said slowly.

Keira coughed, grinning broadly. "No, see, Ethan and I went out for lunch with Olivia one day before we broke off the engagement," she explained. "He had a blast with her. I never saw him laugh so much before." She shook her head in amusement. "You know, now I don't regret accepting his marriage proposal. I don't think they would've ever met if we hadn't got engaged."

I smiled at that. "So are you telling me that you're beginning to forgive yourself, Miss Lancaster?"

Keira thought for a moment, chewing on her lower lip. "You know, Mr. Meyer," she said slowly. "I believe I am."

London was having one of its rare moments of sunshine, so Keira and I decided to walk around after our coffee break. She allowed me to hold her hand, which surprised me because I expected her to tell me to back off or to remind me that we were still friends. "So," I muttered, gazing down at our clasped hands. "Am I allowed to be more than your friend?"

Keira sighed, looking up at the sky. "I know I said I wanted to take things slow," she replied. "But I don't think I can anymore, Jason. Yes, I guess I still need to forgive myself completely, but I can't do it without you." She bit down on her lower lip, turning to look at me. "I spent one year torturing myself. I couldn't forget you. I tried everything I could think of in order to avoid thinking of you. I deleted your phone number from my contact list; I removed you from my IM... It didn't work."

She boldly caressed my cheek with her thumb. "I, well, I prettied up for you today," she confessed shyly. "That's why I was late." Keira blushed. "I don't think I can be away from you anymore. I don't think I can be your friend anymore. Your girlfriend?" She smiled. "Perhaps I'll be willing to be that."

My heart leaped, my face lit up. "So I can ask you out on a date now?" I asked hopefully.

Keira's lips curled into a smile. "I believe you can."

"Well, then." I shifted my weight, suddenly feeling nervous. "Are you free Saturday night?"

She giggled. "Yeah?"

"How about seeing a movie with me and getting some pizza?"

"No dresses or makeup or any of that crap?"

I grinned. "Nope," I said, winking. "All I require is that you wear jeans and a sweatshirt."

"Then it's a date."

We walked and talked until it started to rain and we decided to part and go our ways. When I returned to my hotel room once again, I was soaking wet, but I was happy. I entered my room and ignored the notes and my laptop waiting for me to continue with my article. Instead, I pulled out my cell phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Hello?"

"Caleb?"

"Jason! What's up, man? Aren't you in England or something?"

I grinned. "I have a date."

Caleb sounded confused. "A date? With who?"

"Keira." I gazed out the window, watching the rain pour down and people dashing in buildings or in cars and taxis. "I have a date with Keira."