After a four-course meal finished with an amazing cherry gâteau, Lucy settled back and put her slippered feet up on a cushioned stool. This was how it felt to be content. Noticed by a kind and gorgeous man. In his gaze always. And every time he smiled at her, it felt as though he were a little surprised himself that they were here together. What they shared was light and bright. Hopeful. And their flirtations were growing bolder.
The diamond bracelet slipped along her wrist. It had been so expensive. She’d never accepted such a valuable gift from a man. It had felt…weird in the moment. But now, as it sparkled under the chandelier, Lucy reminded herself she was walking through a dream. And if one found themselves in a dream, they should not try to smash it open and bring it to an end.
“I’ve always believed that money can’t buy happiness,” she said, “but it sure doesn’t hurt.”
“You’re not happy?”
“Right now?” She stretched up her arms. “I’m ecstatic.”
Conor leaned back in his chair, so comfortable in his skin as he rubbed a thumb along his stubbled jaw. “Strolling the city with you makes me happy.”
“Yes, but you have to be cautious. I saw the photographers.”
“Sorry to have whisked you out of that shop so quickly. Paparazzi are not my favorite people.”
“It didn’t bother me,” she said. It had been another reminder to keep her phone tucked in her purse when not capturing the sights. “But I think we’ve mastered the comfort zone challenge. Does that mean our date is coming to an end?”
“Do you want it to?”
Never. She didn’t want to wake from this dream. And…maybe it was time she relinquished her need to make excuses for not allowing herself happiness and just invite whatever wanted to happen…to happen.
The handsome man with the ocean eyes and impossible muscles felt genuinely interested in her. She trusted him. And she would be a fool not to indulge in all he wanted to give her.
Lucy got up and sat on the edge of his chair. Leaning over him, she stroked her fingers through his hair. God, he smelled so good. She kissed him. A slow, lingering taste of something she’d not realized she needed. Yet her heart reached out for all that it could grab every time they touched.
“If I could stop time,” she whispered, “I would stay here in Paris forever. With you.”
“Good answer.”
“But you must have work you need to do?”
“I do have a meeting tomorrow morning. And a standing appointment back in London later.” He toyed with the ends of her hair. The feeling that she was his only focus buoyed her. Made her feel light and floaty and, well, like a lucky duck. “Will you stay here tonight? I’ve a guest room.”
No invitation to spend the night together? She appreciated that, because it still felt a little too soon. Lucy kissed him. “You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried.”
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