by Summers, MJ
“It is incredible what we can do when we dream big and work hard, no?” Luc remarked as they reached the ticket counter.
“It is, isn’t it?” Megan agreed, surprised at this insight. She hadn’t thought of Luc as someone who had dreams. He seemed more the type to set goals and pursue them relentlessly. She took her wallet out of her purse. “I’m going to pay for the tickets. I don’t want you to start thinking this is a date, which it definitely isn’t.”
“You are mistaken,” he said, as they walked to the elevators, stepping through the open doors. “This is most definitely a date.”
“No, it isn’t,” Megan answered as she shook her head. “For it to be a date, both people need to have some type of agreement that they are trying each other on to see if they want a relationship. We’re not doing that.”
“You’re wrong. A date is just two people who are attracted to each other doing something they enjoy.”
“Who says I’m attracted to you?” Megan asked with a raised eyebrow.
Luc shook his head and gave her a teasing grin. “You did. Last night. Now, what was it again?” he asked, tapping his lip as if trying to remember. “That I have an incredible body and am some kind of sex god?” His eyes wore a playful expression as he looked back down at her. “Yes. That is what you said.”
Megan blushed, remembering her words. “Yeah, well, I was drunk, so it doesn’t count.”
Luc looked over at her and laughed. “In my experience, women are always more truthful when they’ve been drinking. It’s when they are sober that they hide their true feelings.”
“Well, not this woman,” Megan began. “She’s a huge liar when she’s been drinking. Huge.”
Luc laughed again as they stepped out onto the lower level and crossed to the next set of elevators, which would take them to the top. He found himself surprised by her answer. “You know, you are really fun when you relax.”
“Did your mom ever teach you about what Americans call a backhanded compliment? You say something nice at the same time you say something a little insulting?”
“If she did, I don’t remember it. But here in France, we call it the truth. You are more fun when you let your guard down a little. Some people are not fun even then. It’s a sincere compliment.”
Megan gave him a skeptical look. They crossed over to the next set of elevators and Luc pressed the button. He turned his face to her. “You don’t know how to take me. Just remember that I am exceedingly charming and kind,” he replied, gently bumping her shoulder with his.
“Right. And you remember that I’m smart and I’m onto your game.”
“And what game is that?”
“You’re a player, Monsieur Chevalier. You probably have different women in every city.”
“I don’t, but if I did it wouldn’t matter to you anyway. This is not a date, remember?” he replied, taking her hand in his again.
The elevator doors opened and a tour group got off, leaving the car open for Luc and Megan. They were alone as they began their ascent.
“You know, when I was a boy, this elevator ride took eight minutes. It felt like an eternity to me; I was always in such a hurry to get to the top. Now it takes just over a minute and I think it’s too fast. Part of the fun—the anticipation—has been lost.”
Megan gazed at him as he spoke. It was hard to picture him as an excited little boy; he was just such a man, so confident and purposeful in everything he did. She looked into his eyes.
“Is the anticipation the best part for you now?” The words came out of her mouth of their own accord. She knew how they sounded, but there was a part of her that wanted to be suggestive.
Luc raised his eyebrow at her and leaned down a little to let his mouth hover over hers. “Not the best part, but it makes it all so much better, don’t you think?”
Megan swallowed hard, looking at his mouth, her lips begging her to let them brush up against his again. She felt a little weak in the knees at the thought. She was saved by the elevator doors opening to reveal a view more incredible than she could have imagined. Luc pressed his fingers to the small of her back to steer her through the small crowd on the top deck.
“Come this way,” he told her, taking her hand and leading her to the north side of the tower.
“Wow!” Megan exclaimed, slightly breathless from both the view and his touch. “This is stunning. It’s hard for me to even believe I’m here.”
“I’m glad I could be here for your first time. One forgets how wonderful it is.” The sun was just starting to go down, creating the most spectacular scene. The sky was lit with oranges, pinks and purples, giving the entire city a soft glow.
Luc stood behind her and leaned his face close to hers as he pointed out what they were looking at. “The building with the large garden in front is the Palais de Chaillot. Much of it is a museum now, like half of Paris itself. The gardens in front are called the Jardins du Trocadéro. Beyond the city, to the left of the sunset, is Mont Valérien. Can you see it?”
“Yes, I can.” Megan could smell his intoxicating scent again and was having trouble concentrating on his words as he moved his body closer to her back. She shivered a little, feeling both cold and overwhelmed with desire. Luc wrapped his powerful arms around her and pressed his body to hers.
“Valérien is an important memorial of the French Resistance. A lot of history there. I wish there was time for me to take you to see it.”
They silently watched the sun sink in the sky behind the far-off hills. Megan was in awe of where she was and what she was experiencing. She felt like she was light years away from her normal life. Here she was, in Paris, allowing this sexy-as-sin man to hold her as though they were a couple, when at home this type of thing would have sent her running.
As Luc held her, he realized she had awakened something in him that he hadn’t known existed. Her slender frame felt so perfect in his arms, as though she had always belonged there. She was as beautiful as she was strong, as funny as she was smart. He breathed in the scent of her subtle perfume, knowing that once the sky had repainted itself in darkness he would have to let her go. He stood behind her, silently willing the sun to slow its descent so that he could stay in this tender moment as long as possible.
“I can see why it’s called the City of Light,” Megan said quietly.
“It is a place for love, no?”
“Yes, it is,” she sighed. She could feel his face so close to hers. If she just turned ever so slightly, her lips would meet his. Her heart thumped, terrified at the thought. She closed her eyes to allow herself to fully take in the moment.
Luc waited for her to turn to him, but she didn’t. He was surprised she could resist what was happening between them. He knew she felt it too, and he was filled with both frustration and admiration for her resolve. He had an almost overwhelming need to kiss her. But he didn’t. He would wait for her to come to him.
He finally spoke up, his voice low. “I have one more place to take you tonight. Are you hungry?”
“I could eat.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
* * *
Simone watched the sunset from the window in her small kitchen. She knew Luc was with the American and that they would be on their way to dinner soon. Hours ago, he had called her to cancel his meetings for the afternoon and book dinner for him. Pouring herself more wine, she tipped the bottle upside down to allow the last drops to fall into her glass. The alcohol numbed the pain of knowing he was out with yet another woman who wasn’t her. She should have been with him tonight, in his arms, feeling his touch. She was the one who had loved him and cared for his every need for so long now. Simone took solace in the fact that this one would be gone in a matter of days, while she would still be here, waiting and hoping. She was starting to lose hope, however, after years of loving Luc from arms’ length.
SIX
Soon after the sun set, Megan was surprised to find that the restaurant they were going to was aboard a 1950s-style luxury
yacht on the Seine. She felt suddenly very uncomfortable in her jeans as they were welcomed by crew members. “Luc, we are not dressed for this,” she whispered.
“We can wear whatever we like. There will be no other patrons tonight. Just us and the crew,” he answered.
“What? You booked this for us? But how could you? When?”
“It was nothing. One phone call.” He shrugged. “Come on, let’s go inside and warm up.” He opened the door to the restaurant. It was decorated with the same classic look as the outside of the yacht. The top half of the restaurant’s walls were clear glass on all sides and provided a perfect view. The bottom half of the walls were rich mahogany. Off to one side, leather couches, armchairs and coffee tables created intimate seating areas. The rest of the space held small tables covered with white linens. Opulent lighting gave it a relaxed and utterly romantic atmosphere, with soft music helping to set the mood.
Megan stood at the entrance, unsure of how to react. Walking into this place was like getting a glimpse of a completely different life—one with both romance and lavishness she had never known. In all her years with Ian, he had never taken her on a date like this. He had never really romanced her. They had met, they had fallen in love and they had gotten married. Dates had normally involved going out with their friends to movies or parties. They had gone on several wonderful vacations together, but those were always something Megan had planned and Ian had come along for. He had never once arranged a day like this—one that was meant solely for her enjoyment. Megan looked over at Luc, her eyes smiling as she allowed her feet to bring her into the restaurant. Her cheeks were immediately caressed by the gentle warmth of the room.
“I can’t believe you did all this for me,” she exclaimed softly. “We don’t even really know each other.”
Luc touched her cheek with his fingertips. “I know you deserve to have someone who will treat you like this, Megan. Someone who wants to see you smile.”
Megan shook her head. “You’re maybe the most romantic man I’ve ever met.”
“So, will you admit that this is a date, then?”
Megan laughed. “Do you always get what you want?”
“Almost always. I can count one or two times that I didn’t,” he teased.
“Somehow I believe that.”
They could feel the boat move as it set off from the pier, quietly cutting through the water. Megan knew her chance to flee was now gone and she was shocked at how happy that made her. Suddenly, her cellphone rang, interrupting the moment. Megan dug around in her purse to find it.
“It’s my son. Will you excuse me?” Megan asked, wondering how Luc would react to the reality of her life.
“Of course.” He smiled, seemingly unfazed.
Megan walked over to a far corner of the room as she answered the phone and sat on a couch.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Mom! How’s Paris?”
“It’s great, honey. How are you?”
“Good. Grandma let me stay up an hour after bedtime and I got to eat chips on the couch last night and right now we’re on our way to a movie!”
“Wow! Sweetie, it sounds like you’re having a terrific time! I’m so glad.”
“Yup, turns out I love it when you go on a holiday. You can stay longer if you want, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you. I do.”
“I love you too, little man.”
“Bye, Mom!”
“Wait, Elliott! Can I talk to Grandma?”
“Nope, she’s driving.”
“Alright, tell her I love her too and I hope things are going well.”
“Will do. See you soon! Love you. Bye!”
“Bye-bye.”
Megan ended the call and smiled down at her phone; a picture of Elliott smiled back at her. As much as she loved her little boy, she was far overdue for a break. She looked up at Luc, who was sitting at a table near the window, talking to the server. Elliott was fine and there was no reason for her to feel guilty for being here. She did deserve some romance, and if Luc wanted to give this to her, why shouldn’t she let that happen? She was an adult. She could enjoy herself and then go home without expecting it to turn into forever, couldn’t she?
She got up and walked over to the table, seeing Luc gaze at her as she moved toward him. He stood as she approached him, then reached out and began undoing the buttons of her coat. “Everything okay back home?”
Megan was yet again shocked at herself, as she had been most of the day. This time it was for allowing him to unbutton her coat. “Yes. Elliott is having such a wonderful time that he wants me to stay longer.”
“He sounds like a smart boy. Maybe you could,” he said, sliding the coat off her shoulders and staring into her emerald eyes.
Megan blinked slowly, completely turned on. “I can’t. I need to be home for the weekend. I have a photo shoot I’ve already postponed to be here.”
“That’s a shame. I don’t think I’ll be ready to let you go in two days.” Luc hung her coat on the back of her chair and pulled it out for her to sit down.
“So, this will be the third time in your life you didn’t get your way, then?” Megan smiled as she sat.
Luc took his seat and was about to say something when they were interrupted by the server bringing a bottle of champagne and two glasses. He uncorked the bottle and poured it for Luc to taste. Luc gave a quick nod and the server poured a glass for each of them.
“Je reviens tout de suite avec les entrées,” he said.
“Merci,” Luc said.
He turned back to her, explaining that the waiter would return with appetizers. Then he commented, “You know, neither of us is getting what we want here. You claim you don’t want to be on a date, and I will have to let you go sooner than I want.”
“True. It seems like we’re both destined to be miserable.”
“I can’t think of anyone I would rather be miserable with.”
“To misery!” Megan held up her glass in a toast.
“To the pleasure of torment.”
Megan quickly scanned the menu on the table. Dinner was pre-selected and was to be four courses, starting with scallops, then lobster with pumpkin and chestnuts in a seafood emulsion, followed by veal with butternut-squash gnocchi and roasted vegetables. Dessert would be chocolate mousse with a raspberry sauce.
“This looks wonderful.”
“I hear it is. The menu was designed by one of the most well-known chefs in Paris and the wine has been selected by one of the world’s premier sommeliers. This should be a thoroughly enjoyable meal for me. For you, it will be pure torture because you would rather be alone in your hotel room watching television.”
“I’ll try to make the best of it.” Megan rolled her eyes, pretending to be bored.
“You’re such a good sport.” Luc refilled her champagne glass for her.
“I see you’ve decided not to sleep with me.” Megan said, picking up her glass.
“What makes you think that?” Luc looked confused.
“You said you wouldn’t want me unless I was sober and yet here you are, trying to get me tipsy.”
“Oh no, I will give you only enough to help you shed your inhibitions, but no more. I have every intention of sleeping with you.”
“Well then, Monsieur Chevalier, by the time I’m done with you, you will have much more experience being disappointed.”
Luc gave a little smirk. “You know, I’m torn between admiring your resolve and finding it amusing. Either way, you are one of the sexiest women I’ve ever met.”
Megan felt her face betray her. It was impossible to play it cool when her cheeks kept turning red like this. She was rescued by the server bringing the scallops.
“Bon appétit,” he said as he put the plates down and left the room.
Megan put her napkin on her lap and picked up her fork. She was feeling a bit tipsy already, having not eaten enough during the day. She took her first bite of the appetizer. “Mmm, my God! That’s good.”
<
br /> Luc raised his eyebrows. “If that’s your response to a scallop, I can’t wait to see how you’ll react to what I have planned for later.” He grinned as he took his first bite.
As the meal progressed, a warm feeling came over Megan. She felt completely blissful watching the sights of Paris go by as the boat moved down the river. She was indulging in the most delicious cuisine she had ever tasted. It was turning out to be the most romantic meal she had ever had, from the setting to the view to the ambience to the man across from her. Luc seemed to always know what to say. He was always in control not only of himself but of the conversation as well. Her earlier feelings of panic had dissolved into desire. She wanted to be here with Luc in this moment and there was nothing she wanted more than to sleep with him.
Luc pointed out various sites along the way and told Megan about them as they ate. He liked how interested she seemed in learning about his city. She asked a lot of questions and listened carefully to his answers. He could see there was a real depth to her personality. She was full of appreciation and seemed to take nothing for granted. As the evening wore on, Luc’s desire for Megan grew into an intense heat, one he had never experienced before. He watched her as she ate and dabbed delicately at her mouth with her napkin. He wanted to feel those lips on his body, he wanted to feel his tongue exploring that perfect mouth. He wanted to feel those long legs of hers wrapped around his waist. It took every bit of self-restraint for him not to sweep everything from the table and take her right there.
When the meal was finished, the server cleared their plates and left. Otis Redding’s “These Arms of Mine” started playing. Megan smiled over at Luc. “I’ve always loved this song.”
Luc stood and held out his hand. “If you love it, it would be a shame to let the moment pass by. Come and dance with me.”
Megan stood and took his hand. Luc pulled her near, wrapping one hand behind her back and holding her other hand tucked in between them. The side of his face was touching the side of her head. Megan felt herself relax into his arms as he led her to the music. She rested her head on his shoulder, smelling his cologne and feeling his hard body against hers.
