by Raquel Belle
“Oh, my God. You look amazing,” Jazz breathes. I glance at my laptop screen and giggle because she’s clutching her chest as if my dress is too much for her to handle.
“I feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. You know, the part where she gets all glammed up to go out to dinner.”
The girls dissolve into giggles and I join in.
“Grace, how much did that cost? I knew you’d go overboard with the shopping,” Beth says.
“First, I’m insulted. How dare you bring up my shopping addiction?” I smile and Beth grins and rolls her eyes. “Second, I didn’t buy this dress. It’s a gift from Nick so I don’t know how much it cost. But it’s Dior so you can imagine how much.” I smile at the memory of stepping into my room to see the garment bag resting on my bed along with a shoe box and two smaller boxes. I squealed with delight when I uncovered the dress, nearly choked with disbelief when I saw the shoes, nearly swooned when I saw the necklace and matching earrings and blushed from the root of my hair to the tip of my toes when I saw the lingerie that matched the dress. Nick’s surprise is way too extravagant, but he does things like this all the time. He always says he likes to show his appreciation.
“Nick sure went all out.” Cara is peering at me with a knowing smirk which annoys me. I smooth my palms over the bodice of the crimson evening gown with the plunging neckline. Yes, I know bosses don’t usually buy their secretaries Dior dresses. Glancing down at the strappy heels gracing my feet, I huff. Bosses don’t buy their secretaries Christian Louboutin heels either. They definitely don’t buy diamonds worth a small fortune. And the lingerie is on a different level of inappropriate. But, Nick and I are different and Cara knows that. I glare at her. Must she really be so smug?
“I’m sure he just wanted to do something nice for an employee and a friend.” I’m well aware that I’m kidding myself here, but I can’t get into thoughts about my relationship with my boss right now. I’m determined to have a good time in this amazing city and I won’t get into my own head and ruin my night before it even begins.
“Right. Well, have fun tonight and you look incredible,” she says.
“Thanks and I will.”
“Have a great time tonight, Grace,” Jazz chirps “We’ll talk about what you bought me on your shopping trip today later,” she winks.
Wiggling my eyebrows, I tell her, “You’ll love it, trust me. It’s something from a French boutique, but I’m not telling you what.”
She rubs her hands together gleefully, sending me into another fit of giggles. “I can go to bed happy, and dream of what my gift could possibly be. Thanks in advance, Grace. I’m going to catch some Z’s—early morning tomorrow.”
“Bye, Jazz,” we all sing. She blows a kiss and disappears.
“So where is Nick taking you?” Cara asks.
“I have no idea. All he said was that we’re going out for dinner tonight and we’ll spend tomorrow sightseeing.” I sigh. “I wish our visit wasn’t so short. How’re we ever going to see everything in one day?”
“Save the rest for our girl’s trip,” Beth shrugs. She pauses. “We are really doing it, right?”
“Jazz made it very clear that we are,” Cara chuckles.
“A girl’s trip to Paris will be epic. We all need to work on shuffling our schedules around to make it happen. Anyway girls, it’s almost six here. I’m going to put the finishing touches on my makeup.”
“Okay. Can’t wait for you to get home,” Beth says. “We miss you.”
“I’ve been gone a day. If I were home, we wouldn’t even have seen each other tonight.”
“But at least we’d know you’re on the same continent,” she says, sticking her tongue out.
Rolling my eyes, I laugh, “Bye Beth. I miss you girls too.”
Left alone on the video call with Cara once again, I glower. “Don’t you say a word missy.”
She bats her eyelashes innocently. “I wasn’t going to say anything.”
“You were going to make some smug comment about Nick and I, and then tell me to have a good time.”
Her lips twitch and her eyes swirl with laughter. “Have a good time, Grace. Love you.”
“Uh huh,” I grumble. “Love you too.”
“On a serious note, take care of yourself.”
“I will. Later.”
When Cara’s face disappears from my laptop screen I gulp. I read between the lines of her last comment. Take care of yourself. As in don’t do anything tonight that I’m going to regret tomorrow. With a sigh, I finish getting ready.
***
My case of nerves disappears the instant we’re seated in the restaurant and Nick smiles at me across the table. It’s confusing how being around him makes me nervous, yet he’s the same one to calm my nerves.
“This place is incredible.” I survey the room with its mural-covered ceilings and walls. It’s a grand structure with a palatial interior. You can tell how expensive the place is as soon as you set just one foot inside.
“I hear it has famous regulars,” Nick says.
“Is that why you got me this dress? I feel ready to walk the red carpet like a celebrity.”
His lips curl into a sexy grin and I have to look away briefly. “I got you the dress because I knew you’d look great in it.”
If I’m not mistaken, there’s a hint of sexual suggestiveness underlying that drawl, and in his eyes, as they scan the length of my torso across the table. I suck in a breath and try to keep an even tone. “It’s incredible how you chose something I would have chosen for myself.”
“We’ve been together long enough for me to know your taste.”
I freeze, wondering if he knows what he just said.
Apparently, the realization has just dawned on him because a muscle ticks in his jaw and I hear him let out a breath. “I mean, we’ve worked together long enough.”
“Right. I-I know what you meant.” I should have known the easy interactions and conversation wouldn’t last. It rarely does these days. We’re both starting to have to tiptoe around each other too much and I really hate that. “Thank you for the dress and the shoes...and the jewelry.” I finger the diamond pendant around my neck nervously, not even mentioning the underwear.
“It was my pleasure.”
“When did you find time to order everything?”
“Oliver Campbell helped me out. He has a lot of connections in the city. After our meeting we did a little male bonding—he’s an alright guy.”
“Hmm, sounds like if you two had met randomly before today, you’d be in the middle of a bromance.”
He lifts a brow and snorts. “Bromance? I doubt that.”
“Right because you two would be too busy working to have a friendship.”
“More than likely. I mentioned wanting to do something special for you tonight. All he had to do was make a few phone calls and everything was brought to the hotel before you returned. He thought it was sweet of me to want to surprise you.”
“You told him you carried your assistant along?”
“No. He assumed I was shopping for...my woman. I didn’t correct him.”
Our eyes clash and I gulp. “Oh.” I suppose it’s a good thing he didn’t correct Oliver Campbell. I mean, it would sound strange if he explained he was purchasing clothes and jewelry—that must’ve cost a boatload—for his assistant…not to mention the lingerie.
His gaze still holds me captive when he asks, “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”
“Only a dozen times since we left the hotel.” Oh, my God is he flirting? Or just being...Nick? I can feel my face scorching. I hate how I blush every time he gives me a compliment. “Thank you. Again,” I smile. “Are you sure you should be complimenting my looks so much? You are my boss.” I don’t know why those words left my mouth. Now I feel stupid. I blame it on my returning anxiety...I didn’t know what else to say.
Nick’s brows elevate. “We’re not at work and I’m not your boss right now.”
&nbs
p; I almost want to ask what exactly he is to me right now. My date? But then I realize that this is almost the same conversation that led to me ending up in his bed four years ago…and I keep my mouth shut. As I recall, I’d made a similar comment about him technically not being my boss at the time. I gulp and reach for the pitcher of water on the table. Filling my glass, I take several deep gulps.
“Are you alright?”
“Fine. Thirsty.”
His eyes narrow. He knows I’m lying. Sometimes I wish he didn’t know me so well. Luckily a waiter comes over and I let out a relieved breath. I make sure that we’re on a different topic by the time our order is taken and the friendly waiter disappears.
“So, did you call Sean after your big meeting?”
“No.”
“Nick, your brother should be the first to know that you made partner. He’s your only family.”
“What if I wanted you to be the first?”
“Apart from me. We work together.”
“Are you going to harp on the fact that we work together all night? There’s no need, Grace. I’m well aware.” My eyes snap back to his face, and I see that he’s teasing. He’s wearing a small grin and his eyes are lit with a humor that’s rarely present. Sometimes it’s so hard to tell whether he’s teasing or being serious without really looking at him.
“Sorry.” His deep chuckle makes my stomach clench and the butterflies start to flap their wings. I really need a drink of wine or anything with alcohol in it to settle my nerves. “When are you going to let Sean know that you made partner?”
“When we get home. I’m sure he’s going to want to visit and make a big deal of it.”
“It is a big deal,” I smile.
Nick shrugs. “I know but my brother can be a little ‘extra’ if you know what I mean.”
“That’s why I like him.”
“Do you now?” he drawls with a raised brow.
“You know what I mean,” I scoff. “I’m in no way interested in your brother.”
“Glad to hear it.”
Giving him a sly grin, I ask, “Why? Would you be jealous if I was?”
Nick sits back, wearing a small smile. “Would you want me to be?”
I open my mouth to say yes but snap it shut. He almost got me to confess without him even answering my question. His smug grin makes me scowl.
“I hate it when you do that.”
“I merely asked a question,” he shrugs.
He’s about to say something else but the first course of our meal arrives.
The energy between us during dinner is thankfully less intense than a few of the uneasy moments from earlier. I say things to make Nick laugh because I’ve made it my duty to make him smile more—he’s just too extreme sometimes. We chat about everything from my father and my two overbearing older brothers to what else Nick has planned.
“Now that you’ve made partner, what’s next?”
His broad shoulders lift. “Run for President?”
“The ladies of America would love that,” I snort and shove the last of my crème brûlée into my mouth. There would be nothing like having such magnificent eye-candy as the leader of the free world.
“You don’t like the idea?”
“No,” I say without hesitation. “If you’re the president we can’t do things like this.” I wave a hand to encompass our surroundings.
“Sure we could. We’d just do it at the White House.”
My laughter bubbles in my chest. “You’d take me with you to the White House?”
“Why not?”
“Oh, Nick, you know you couldn’t.”
“I’d be president. I could do anything I wanted.” He lifts his wine glass to his lips with a grin and I chuckle.
“I don’t think it works like that. We’d probably cause a huge scandal.”
“It doesn’t matter, I’m not really interested in politics. I don’t know what I’m going to do next. Strange, isn’t it? For a man who always knows what he wants in life.”
I stare at him for a long while, nibbling my lower lip. I’m dying to suggest settling down and starting a family, but he’ll probably have an allergic reaction or something at the mere suggestion. So I say, “Maybe start your own firm in a few years?”
“That’s a thought,” he sighs. “Let’s get out of here. I want to take you somewhere.”
“There’s more?”
“We’re going to start sight seeing from tonight.”
“I like the sound of that.”
Chapter Nineteen
Grace
When Nick said sightseeing, I wasn’t expecting an arm in arm stroll along Pont des Arts, a spot for lovers. I panicked a bit when he helped me out of the car because I didn’t think I could handle a romantic stroll after a romantic dinner with someone whom I’m trying desperately to keep at arm’s length...sexually. I’m painfully aware of my palm resting on his arm, and of our bodies brushing with each step.
“I’ve heard the views here are supposed to be incredible. I thought you’d enjoy it.”
The scenery from the bridge is indeed picturesque, especially at night when the city is lit with thousands of lights. It’s breathtaking. There are even street musicians along the strip playing violins and other instruments, adding to the romantic vibe. “I am. It’s amazing.” I stop to admire the lights reflecting on the surface of the water. I stare out longingly, wishing Nick and I were more than what we are—just friends. If it wasn’t a risk to the balance of things, I would lean in and kiss him. Peeking up at him through my lashes, I find him staring at me—at my mouth rather.
Clearly, he’s thinking the same thing as I am and that sends my pulse rate into overdrive. But, he shoves his hands into his pockets and turns to face the water…so I can only gaze at his profile with mild disappointment. “It is indeed amazing,” he says so lowly, I almost don’t hear.
“You know, we’re only about a seven minute drive from the Eiffel Tower.”
He smiles slightly. “Does someone want to see the Eiffel Tower?”
“Someone does. Can we? We’ll still have plenty to see tomorrow.”
He offers his arm once again. “Let’s go see the Eiffel Tower up close and personal then.”
***
By the time we step into the elevator back at the hotel, I’m practically walking on air. After spending some quality time admiring the Eiffel Tower—which in my opinion is even more gorgeous at night with its golden lights shining over Paris—we stopped at the bar downstairs to indulge in Champagne. Nick insisted on getting a bottle to celebrate our promotion. I think the Champagne has more to do with my airy feeling right now than the beautiful sights of Paris. Plus, I had a few glasses of wine at dinner.
“Tonight was incredible, Nick,” I say stepping out of the elevator.
“It was. Too bad we only have one more day.”
“Look at you, actually not rushing to get back to work and relaxing. All of my hard work has paid off.”
“What are you talking about?” he laughs.
“I’ve been trying to get you to relax for years.”
“I’ve relaxed plenty of times. I’m not that bad.”
“Nick, you haven’t taken a vacation in six years. This isn’t even a vacation. You only came here for work.”
His brows furrow, which I find so adorable. “Six years, huh? I hadn’t realized. Okay, maybe I am that bad.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying this trip.” We stop at my door and I turn to him with a smile. “This is good for you.”
“Maybe we should come back.”
Tilting my head, I gaze up at him with a small frown. “You mean for work? When do you think you’ll have to chase another potential client to Paris?”
“I wasn’t talking about work. I mean a real vacation. We could go somewhere else if you want. I think I heard you mention wanting to visit Hawaii once. We should.”
My mouth opens and closes several times. Needless to say, I’m taken aback. Our professi
onal titles and our incredible friendship aside, I’ve never gone on a personal trip with Nick. I never dreamed he’d invite me on one either. “Together?” I ask dumbly and immediately want to slap myself.
He chuckles. “Yeah. You and me. Together.”
Face flaming, I purse my lips and study him intently. “We can’t just go on a vacation together without…”
“Without what, Grace?”
Something happening between us that will ruin our friendship. Taking the cowardly way out, I avert my eyes and shrug. “It doesn’t matter.” With a sigh, I step closer to him—which I probably shouldn’t have done—and place a hand on his chest. It was intended to be an innocent friendly gesture, but as soon as I touch him that potent desire that I’ve been stifling finally surfaces. Now I’m nervous and it shows because my fingers tremble as I smooth his tie in my usual manner. “Thank you for a wonderful night.”
His hand rests over mine, stilling my movement. “I’m not ready for the night to end.”
I gawk at him. I know I’m feeling tipsy from the champagne because I’m a lightweight. There’s no way he’s been affected that much. So why is he looking at me with blatant lust and saying such things? First he wants to vacation together, now this?
“Me neither,” I breathe. I’m stunned that I actually said that out loud. One of us needs to remember that we agreed not to cross the line again. Nick doesn’t seem to remember…or maybe he just doesn’t care tonight. My body doesn’t seem to care either. It’s on fire, burning with arousal, every cell practically screaming for Nick to kiss me and touch me.
I chance a peek up at him and find his eyes glued to my mouth, then they rise to clash with mine…and I become lost in his ice-blue depths. “Remember the last time we celebrated?” He whispers with a little smile, wrapping his finger around a loose tendril of my hair.
I can’t speak, I can’t even look at him. My eyes skitter away as my mind fights desperately to not give in the way my body already has. It’s a losing battle. His knuckles brush my cheek and I lean into his touch.
