Shadows of the Past by H.M. Ward, Stacey Mosteller

wrong with me? This is so not me.  
    "Uh, sorry." I apologize, completely mortified at my words. He dismisses the apology with a wave of his hand.  
    "No, not just him," he murmurs so softly I almost don't hear him. In fact, I'm not completely sure I'm not projecting my feelings onto what I want him to say. When the words penetrate, I gape at him in shock, causing him to laugh at me. Offended, I start to walk away, but he follows. "Stay. Please? I'm just teasing you." I look over at him warily and decide to take the chance.
    "So until the other day, you had never toured Kensington Palace or taken afternoon tea; what else have you missed?"  
    "I'm still not sure I had afternoon tea, properly." I respond laughing. I look up at him. “I’m sorry about freaking out on you. You’re right, I shouldn’t have lied.”
    “I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable. It wasn’t my intention. It’s just a sore spot with me that some people tell lies thoughtlessly. I didn’t take you for that kind of person, so I assumed there was a reason you’re not ready to share, which I understand.”
    I hide behind my hair and lower my gaze. It feels like he can see through me.  
    “Thank you. I should have told you I needed some space. It was my fault. I’m just like that.”
    I don’t think Oliver understands, but he nods as if he does. “We don’t need to talk about it again. We’re on the same page, Kayla. So, have you been to the shops on Kensington High Street?"
    I shrug. "Not really. I go when I have to, but I'm not a shopaholic."
    "Are you sure you're a girl?" His voice is teasing, but it still puts my back up.
    "Yes, I think so," I say sarcastically and look down at the two bumps on my chest that are pretty hard to miss.  
    “Yes, they’re lovely.” Oliver grins and then his lips twist into an awkward smile.  
    "The thing is, I like clothes, I like cake, and I love anything chocolate." I stop for a second, before adding, "I might also enjoy the occasional steamy, smutty romance novel. Isn't that a prerequisite for being female?"  
    "You like chocolate? If you like chocolate, I'm sure you agree that English chocolate is loads better than that shitty stuff you Americans eat."  
    I grin up at him and shake my head. "No way. You’re screwing with me, right?"
    Oliver looks at me in horror.  
    "You've never had English chocolate? Not even a bite? Oh, my American Girl, we need to correct your misconceptions and open your world to something divine." Leaning in close, his mouth almost touching my ear, he says, "Once you taste Brit, baby, you won't ever go back."  
    My breath catches and he leans back to wink at me before grabbing my hand, and leading me through the park entrance and onto Kensington High Street.  
    We pass by shop after shop, some I have never noticed. He is a man on a mission, dragging me on when a window display distracts me, finally stopping in front of a store with a dark exterior. Holding the door open, I walk inside.  
    Oh my God. I'm assaulted by the rich smell of chocolate. The interior of the building is bright and welcoming with lots of light and gold accents. The entire right wall is covered in packages of chocolate on shelves and there are big circular displays in the middle with more. The left side has a display case of chocolate you can purchase separately and that’s where Oliver stops.
    "Holy crap, Oliver!" I exclaim when I see the price per piece. It's an insane amount and I understand why I've never had any. I'd have to sell my soul for a piece of this. "I can't buy any of this! You're crazy—" I can't finish the sentence because Oliver stuffs a piece of chocolate in my mouth.
    The taste explodes over my tongue. Oh. My. God. It's like an orgasm in my mouth! It’s rich and creamy, minus the powdery wax thing American chocolate has going on—I didn’t even notice before but now it’s obvious. This is better.  
    “I've never tasted anything like that. What was it?" I ask in a breathy