The bar was cozy and warm as Stacy stepped inside,

grateful for the reprieve from the chilly autumn air outside.

The place was decorated with Victorian-style wallpaper and vintage chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings.

Pillar candles flickered on the tables that were pushed up against the walls.

She headed to the bar and browsed through the menu.

Stacey had spent most of her London trip drinking gin and

tonics, but she had a craving for something different that night. Before she could decide,

a man appeared in her peripheral vision. She saw him take a seat on the bar stool and cut a whiff

of a leathery scent rolling off of him.

And that's when she turned to face him.

He was a handsome, dark-haired man with striking green eyes and a clean-shaven face.

He had an academic feel to him, and Stacey was instantly drawn to him.

Blushing, Stacey ordered an espresso martini with the bartender. The stranger interjected

with, make it too, actually. Stacey smiled at him. I love a good espresso martini. Ah, an American. The man gave her a cheeky grin.

I quite love an American accent. Stacey's laugh veered into snorting territory. To her, this man's accent

was possibly the sexiest one in the world. They enjoyed their

first round of cocktails, followed by another. The conversation flowed easily, and Stacey's

invitation for Reese to join her at her Airbnb came out easily, too.

"'This place is lovely, said Reese, handing his coat over to Stacy as they walked inside the flat.

It's very London.

It was a slow and sweet start.

They began to kiss on the sofa, with Reese's fingers pushed through her curly

...