A/N: Thank you Lisa for giving me this fic idea. So far, this is going to be at least four chapters.
Chapter One
Some vacation this is turning out to be. They lose my bag and it'll be shipped back home. Therefore, I'm stuck in London with the one change of clothes I kept in my carry-on bag. "Can I have a vodka tonic please?"
"Yes ma'am. Long flight from the U.S. I assume?" The bartender started preparing my drink.
"The flight was fine. They did manage to lose my luggage though." Running my fingers through my curly hair, I sighed. At least all of my important information was in my carry-on. So, I can still check into the hotel and relax for tonight.
"There's a clothing store a few blocks away. It's about a twenty minute walk or a short ride." The older gentlemen placed my drink on a napkin.
"Thank you." I sipped the drink as he left to tend to other customers.
"It's a bloody shame what happened to your bag." I jumped at the smooth English accent. Looking to my right, I saw a gorgeous brunette woman with dark eyes and a charming smile. "I apologize. I didn't mean to startle you."
"It's alright. Just been a long day." Turning back to my drink, I swirled the little liquid left inside. I had always been attracted to men, for the exception of my roommate in college, but this woman was breathtaking.
"H.G., how are you dear?" The bartender smiled when he noticed the brunette who had taken the stool beside me. H.G.? That's an interesting nickname.
"Hello Charles, how is business today?"
"It's been steady." The man returned and started preparing another drink. "Your normal then?" H.G. gave a small nod. "And would you like another Miss. Bering?"
"Yes please." I tried stretching my back. The plane ride was long and uncomfortable. "H.G. huh? That's an unusual nickname."
The brunette chuckled. "Yes, my parents were fans of the author H.G. Wells so they named me Helena Grace. It just turns out our last name is Wells."
"Well your parents have great taste in literature. H.G. Wells was a brilliant writer. One of my favorites. My name's Myka, by the way."
We shook hands as Charles finished our drinks. "It's a pleasure, Myka Bering." The way she says my name sends shivers down my spine. I've never had that happen before.
"Yes, H.G.'s parents loved 19th century literature and so does she. Helena's quite the talented writer herself." The brunette mocked a glare towards her friend. "What?"
"Go tend to your other customers." Helena took a sip of her Amoretto sour as the man shrugged and walked away.
"So, you're a writer. Have anything published?" The woman was intriguing. Or it could be a mix of the alcohol and the fact she was attractive.
"Nothing yet but I am working on a manuscript. What do you do back home?"
"I own a bookstore that specializes in 19th century books. I came to London hoping to find some books for my collection along with ones for my store."
"Is it safe to assume you're going to the H.G. Wells museum then?"
"Quite safe. But I'll probably do that after I get some clothes and a new suitcase tomorrow." Finishing my third drink, I switched to water. I could feel a lovely buzz coming on.
"If you would like, I can drive you around until you can map out where everything is." Helena's offer was sincere but I couldn't help but wonder why she would help a woman she just met.
Any person in their right mind would say no to this offer. "That would be nice, thank you." And apparently, I'm out of my mind.
"I'll pick you up at noon then. I'm sure you'll want to get plenty of rest beforehand." Helena placed a few bills on the counter and stood. "It's been my pleasure." Her eyes ran over me quickly. Somehow it still felt like they were caressing my every curve. "See you tomorrow out front. Bye Charles." Before I could say anything, the brunette was out the door.
"It seems you've made a new friend." Charles picked up the money and empty glass. "She's really a nice woman."
"She seems to be." It was nice walking into my hotel room. The AC had been set to sixty-eight degrees just the way I liked it. Placing my bag on the dresser, I slipped out of my jeans and climbed into bed. I made sure to set an alarm that would give me ample time to wake up and get ready for Helena to pick me up. Why did she want to help out a complete stranger? And why did I react that way when she looked me over? Though, she is beautiful. I tried to clear my mind but the liquor made that difficult. I kept hearing Helena's smooth English accent and remembering what it did to me.
Xxx
Groaning, I reached over to turn off my alarm. It was safe to say I wasn't the nicest person before I had at least one cup of coffee. Stretching, I stood and walked over to the small coffee pot. Going through the motions, I finally got it to start brewing. While the coffee made, I stepped into a hot shower to wake myself up. The water pressure felt lovely on my stiff muscles. Again, my mind wandered to Helena. I still couldn't figure out why she would help me out. Hopefully, she won't try to kill me once I get into her car. Chuckling inwardly, I washed and stepped out.
"Room service." A light knock came from the door.
Tying my robe, I popped my head out. There was a small cart outside the door. "Right. I forgot I had them bring breakfast every day." Pulling the cart inside, I got dressed and started eating. When ten till noon came, I grabbed my wallet and made my way to the front. As I walked out, I was met by Helena leaning against her car. She was quite preoccupied with whatever was on her phone. "Hey." The smaller woman jumped slightly and looked up. "I guess it was my turn to scare you?"
"It seems that way. How are you?" H.G. climbed into the car as I made my way to the passenger seat.
"I'm well. Still sore from the flight." Buckling, I noticed the car smelt like books and coffee.
"One of them is for you." Helena motioned to the cups between us. "The tea is mine." She must have noticed the dumbfounded look I had because she smiled. "You had at least three drinks last night. Charles is known for making his pretty stout and you looked like you had a nice buzz before I left."
I could feel a light blush crawl up my neck. "Thank you."
"Welcome. Now, which would you like to do first? Get clothing and a suitcase or just let me show you around?" Helena pulled onto the street.
"Showing me around would be fine. And if we pass a clothing store, we can stop." I sipped on the steamy liquid. The caffeine waking up my muscles.
"Righty-ho then." As we drove, Helena pointed out landmarks and gave me some of the history behind them. Honestly, I didn't care what she said as long as she spoke. I loved the sound of her velvety voice as she strung sentences together. "And at this point in the tour, I will stab you with a syringe and tie you to my bed only to keep you alive long enough to have my way with you. Then, I will kill you."
"Uh-huh." Her words finally sank in. "Wait, what?" Panic surged through my veins until I noticed Helena's smirk.
"I'm quite aware when people aren't listening to me, Myka. If I'm boring you, feel free to let me know and I'll pull over and let you out."
Guilt tightened in my chest. "No…that's not what I…" I can't tell her I got lost in her sexy voice and that I didn't care what she said. I just wanted to listen to the sound. "I'm sorry. Just all the information made me zone out."
Helena quirked an eyebrow in my direction. "Well, we're at the, as you would call it, shopping mall. You can get clothing and a suitcase here." She parked and got out. I just sat there. I felt horrible. I truly wasn't meaning to be rude. "You coming?"
"Yeah." Stumbling out of the car, I noticed the amused look on H.G.'s face. "You American's aren't that graceful, are you?"
"Well we can't all have grace in our name." Not the best comeback I've ever had, but, it gained a chuckle. I caught up to Helena's side as we entered the shopping center. Luckily, I had converted my dollars to pounds at the airport so there wouldn't be trouble paying.
"You seem like the type who dresses more business casual." H.G. stopped in front of a smaller store. From the looks of it, the clothing inside was exactly my style. "This would be the store for you."
"You can read people pretty well it seems."
The woman grinned. "I've always been good at it. I am a writer after all. We do need to know people."
"True." I followed Helena into the store and we parted ways. As I combed the shelves, I couldn't help but notice her from a distance. She wore a pair of black jeans that hugged her quite well, knee high black leather heeled boots, a crisp white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled to her elbows, and a black vest. I couldn't help but notice the chain that was attached to what I assumed was pocket watch. Not many people have those anymore. I think she uses it for more than a fashion statement. Somehow she really pulls the look off. As Helena turned, I looked down quickly. I couldn't get caught staring at her.
"Have you found anything?" Helena joined me once more.
"Yeah. I think there's a few things on the other rack I'll try on." Grabbing the few items, I made my way to the dressing rooms. Realizing H.G. wasn't with me, I turned. "You can join me if you'd like." Helena quirked a brow. "I meant talk to me from the other side of the door." Chuckling, H.G. followed.
"How long are you in London for?" Helena leaned against the wall as I entered the small, dimly lit room with a mirror on every wall.
"For a week. Long enough to check out the museum and a few book stores." My stomach flipped as I undressed. I knew Helena couldn't see me but I was still standing in my underwear just a few feet from her. The way she looked at me last night. The way it felt like she was almost touching me. Chill bumps covered my arms as I thought about her dark eyes. Not so innocent thoughts about the English woman started filtering through my mind.
"There's one bookstore you may really enjoy. Not many people know about it. If you'd like, I can take you there." Take me. I know she doesn't mean it in that way but still. "Myka?"
"That sounds good." My voice cracked. I could only imagine the amused smirk Helena must have had. What is wrong with me? This has never happened before. "Since you've been driving me around all day, can I buy you lunch?"
"That sounds fair. There's a small café' near the bookstore we can go to. They have a few American dishes if you're not in the mood for one of ours."
"I actually quite enjoy British cuisine." As I buttoned the shirt, I made sure to leave enough undone to show off the little cleavage I had. This is pathetic.
"You do seem like a woman who is very enlightened and has a broad taste pallet." Was there a hidden meaning in that? Oh geez. Does she realize I find her attractive? Is that why she offered to take me out today? No. It couldn't be. "How are the clothes turning out?"
"Good. I think I'll get these and a few other things." After redressing, I gathered the clothes and walked out. "Ready?" Helena nodded and followed behind me. I was slightly embarrassed when I picked out underwear. I knew H.G. saw them.
"You're a woman with good taste." The flirtation in her voice made my cheeks burn.
This woman is going to kill me. We checked out and went to get a suitcase. Thankfully, that was painless. I placed my bags inside the case and laid it in the backseat of Helena's car. "Let's get some lunch and then to the bookstore. I'm sure we'll be in there for awhile."
"Excellent idea." The car ride was quiet. Both of us lost in our thoughts. Why does this woman have such an effect on me? I've never acted so giddy around anyone before. And the way she acts. I can't help but wonder if she's interested in me too. Too? Oh God. Am I interested in her? I'm only here for six more days. I'm not the type for a fling. I refuse to have a fling. I've been hurt by a fling and I don't want to hurt Helena. Oh God. I do like her. Shit. The car coming to a stop broke me free of my inner freak out. "Shall we?"
"Of course." The café was exactly like I imagined. It was a hole-in-the-wall place that you had to know about to find it.
"Welcome. Right this way." We followed the shorter woman quickly. She led us to a back corner table. "Here you are. My name is Jennifer and I'll be your server this afternoon. What can I start you with to drink?"
"Water for me please."
Helena chuckled and ordered tea. "Still trying to get rehydrated?"
"As you said, I had at least three drinks last night, so yes." I glared playfully at the brunette sitting across from me.
Xxx
"This bookstore is amazing." I looked around in awe. Old books lined the isles. I couldn't help but take in a deep breath. The smell of old books always relaxed me.
"She's the American version of you, Helena."An older man, probably in his late sixties, smiled from the next isle.
"She's a lover of good literature, yes. The American version of me, I'm not sure. She's not as graceful as I am." Helena smirked. "Do you have my books in yet?"
"Yes, they just came in this morning." The man disappeared into the backroom.
"Do I need to put you on a budget or will you be good without one?" H.G. grinned.
"Very funny. I'll be fine." Leaving Helena, I made my way down one of the isles. She's being flirty now. More than she has been. She must know. Great.
"Here you are all first editions of Shakespeare's poems." Helena and the store owner were a few isles over but I could hear them easily. "She's quite the looker Helena. Are the two of you?" The man's voice trailed off.
"James, no." She warned. "We just met last night in Charles' bar. But, yes, she is quite attractive." Helena lowered her voice in hopes I couldn't hear. She finds me attractive?!
"It seems like she thinks the same about you." Shit! Even he sees it.
"She's only here for a week." Helena paused. "Oh don't look at me like that."
"Whatever you say, Helena."
She scoffed and started to walk away. Jogging to another isle, I picked up a book and flipped through it. "How many books have you found? Dare I ask?" H.G. stood with a box of books on her hip.
"A few. H.G. Wells, Jane Austen, Lewis Carroll, and others." Closing the book in my hands, I placed it on the stack I had started. "You?"
"Customs will have a field day with you. Yes. I'm going to put these in the car and be right back." Helena brushed by me but not before giving me a once over. She noticed the extra button I left undone. I watched as the woman left.
"Do you like her?" James leaned against the corner of a bookshelf.
I looked towards the store owner sheepishly. "Can I set these behind the counter for now? I'm still looking for a few others."
"Sure. But you never answered my question. If you do, don't hurt her. Helena would never admit it, but she's not as strong as everyone thinks she is. She's been scorned in the past by lovers and they've left her heart fragile."
I couldn't help but feel for the woman. I knew that pain well. "I can understand that." Something changed in me when H.G. walked back inside.
Her eyes narrowed when she saw James and me standing together. "What? The two of you look thick as thieves."
"Nothing." James cleared his throat. "I'll leave the two of you alone. I need to do a few things in the back. Helena, could you watch the front for me while your friend keeps looking?"
"Sure." H.G. watched as the older man walked away. She knew something was up. When he was gone, her eyes fell back on me. "What did he tell you?"
"Nothing." I tried walking away, but Helena grabbed my wrist turning me to face her. The stern look in her eyes made a good dose of word vomit start to bubble up my throat. "Just that….Uh….," I cleared my throat. A light blush crossed my cheeks.
"You overheard our conversation a few minutes ago, didn't you?" Her eyes softened after I nodded slowly. "And I'm sure he told you about my past then?" Another nod. Sighing, H.G. let go of my wrist. "He can't leave it alone."
I missed her touch instantly. "He cares about you, Helena."
"I know he does." We stood in silence a moment. "For the record, I'm not being nice and driving you around for some booty call later on."
"I know. You're not that type of person." Helena's eyes narrowed again. "You're not the only one who can read people." We spent another hour or so in the store and finally Helena had the good sense to drag me out.
"Okay, let's go. Otherwise you'll need to buy another suitcase. Have a nice day James." H.G. grabbed one of the two boxes I had filled. Pushing the door open with her hip, she motioned for me to exit.
"Afternoon ladies. Oh and Miss. Bering, remember what I said." I gave the man a soft smile before walking out.
"What did he tell you?" Helena placed her box on top of mine.
"I can't say. What would you like to do now?" I buckled and waited for Helena to do the same.
"I'd like to know exactly what the two of you were talking about. But I can see that you're not going to tell me." H.G. hesitated a moment. "It's close to supper time; would you like to join me?" Vulnerability was clear in her voice. "I have chicken that I need to cook tonight before it goes out of date."
I couldn't help but feel giddy. "I'd like that." Helena smiled softly and started the car. "As long as you don't stab me with a syringe, tie me to your bed, have your way with me, and then kill me."
Helena laughed remembering her words from earlier. "No darling, I won't kill or stab you. But as for the rest, I can't make any promises." Heat started to burn my cheeks as the brunette winked. We drove in a comfortable silence. Her laugh; I would never get tired of hearing it.
H.G.'s apartment was small but it fit her. In her living room alone, there were three bookshelves filled with all sorts of books. "Wow, you really do love books."
Helena chuckled softly. "Indeed I do. More than most people actually." I could feel her eyes watching me as I ran my fingers over the fragile spines.
"I don't blame you. Can I help with anything?" I glanced over my shoulder to see H.G.'s head turn. Was she watching me? I knew I felt her eyes on me.
"No, I believe I can fix everything. When it's closer to being finished, you can help set the table." Helena rummaged through her fridge and started gathering the dishes and ingredients she needed. "Once the chicken is in, I'll give you a tour."
"Alright." I went back to another bookshelf. Her desk was covered in papers and a typewriter. "Not many people use typewriters now."
"I've not been able to use it lately because a part broke a few weeks ago. Finding the replacement parts are nearly impossible. So, for now, I'm using a fountain pen. Both are enjoyable. You really get to know your work."
"Spoken like a true writer. What's your book about? I don't want to be rude and look over it while your back is turned."
"Well thank you for not being rude." I picked up a book and flipped through it. So she likes H.G. Wells as much as I do. This edition of The Time Machine has seen better days and the spine is worn. It's about to fall apart. "One of my favorites." Helena purred in my ear. My body started to tingle as she chuckled darkly. She's toying with me and God how I love this electricity raging through me. "Let's start the tour, shall we?" H.G. took the book from my hands and placed it back on the shelf.
My heart fluttered when our hands touched. I could only hope Helena felt the same way. "Sure." My voice came out a whisper. She's so close to me. I can smell her perfume again. Helena showed me around her one bedroom one bath flat. It reminded me a lot of my apartment. Every room was full of books.
As H.G. finished preparing dinner, I set the table for us. "Would you like a glass of wine?"
"Sure. Where are the glasses and I'll pour it?" Helena pointed towards the cupboard near her. Bringing down two wine glasses, I popped the cork. Helena took the food to the table as I placed a glass in front of her. "This looks amazing and smells fantastic."
"Thank you." We took a seat and started eating. The food tasted incredible. Much better than anything I could ever cook. "You never told me where you were from."
I dabbed my mouth before answering. "New York. I live in the apartment above my bookstore."
"Is it just you," a pause, "who works in the store?"
Now that has a double meaning. I'm glad I can give her the answer I hope she wants. "Yes, it's just me."
"You must drown yourself in work. But New York City, that place never sleeps."
"No it truly doesn't. But I love the noise. One reason why I love London is because it's the New York of England." Helena laughed and I loved it.
"It's a fast paced place but I wouldn't say it's the London of the United States."
"You're right on that. Most of New York isn't as elegant as London. But there is plenty of history." We continued eating in a comfortable silence. Every once in a while we commented on something book related. "Since I got a lot done today, would you like to join me at the museum tomorrow?" When Helena never answered I began to get nervous. "I mean, you don't have to. You've probably been already and…,"
"I'd love to. You asked me right as I took a bite of food." In that moment, H.G. realized I was just as vulnerable as she was. Something inside her changed. Helena seemed more at ease. "What time would you like to go? Since I am your driver after all I need to know these things."
I couldn't help but laugh. The coy look Helena shot me was hysterical. "How about we grab lunch and then go? How does noon sound?"
"That works. There's a pub between your hotel and the museum that has good food." Helena and I cleaned up the kitchen and sat on the small vintage couch in her living room. The air was thick between us. We knew we had to talk about what was said earlier in the bookstore but neither wanted to bring it up.
"Well, it's getting late." I finished my wine and stood. "I guess I better get back to the hotel."
Helena glanced at the clock. "I didn't realize it was this late." She took the empty glasses to the sink and rinsed them. There was something between us. Hurt or sorrow maybe? I didn't want to leave but I had no real reason to stay. "Since I've had wine, I'll call you a cab." Helena's voice was flat.
She's hurt. "Thank you." I have to figure out a way to show her that I'm interested but not overwhelming. We're both fragile when it comes to this. Both guarded. H.G. made the call and we waited. Once the car pulled up, she walked me out. "Helena," I turned to face the shorter woman. "I'll see you tomorrow." Leaning forward, I kissed her cheek. Letting my lips linger just long enough to prove it wasn't chaste. "Goodnight H.G."
Shock was clear in her dark eyes. "Goodnight Myka."