by Risk, Mona
A sudden disgust for his world of meaningless affairs and casual sex stabbed him. Too busy building and maintaining his television empire he’d missed out on many precious joys. Regret tore through him, rapidly wiped away by a swift decision—one of those sharp decisions that had garnered him multimillion dollar contracts and his reputation of tough cookie.
With Barbara Ramsey at his side, he could have it all. He could sample the family life he’d given up because of Monica. He could taste the cozy happiness Barbara created around her.
The feisty woman had caught his attention with her natural beauty and simple elegance at the wedding where they’d met. Her kindness and spontaneity had utterly bewitched him and he hadn’t hesitated to invite her to come along to France. She’d accepted with eagerness, but in the last few weeks, he’d detected unease in her usually vivacious voice during their telephone conversations.
Damn it, he’d wasted valuable time. He should have visited with her long ago.
Giving his back to Roxanne and Greg, busy with their other kid, he eased closer to Barbara. “I’m sorry I never came to see you in Kentucky. I was so busy, but I plan to make up during our vacation.”
A gasp escaped her and her eyes widened. Anticipation or reluctance?
“I was busy too with my many grandchildren,” she explained with her usual poise.
A nagging doubt twisted his gut. Would a woman so dedicated to her family and children be interested in a confirmed bachelor? A man who terminated his relationships before his partners demanded long term commitment?
Lou groaned inwardly. Had she heard of his lamentable reputation?
“Look at my little sweetheart, Lou. She fell asleep already.” Barbara’s comments interrupted his inner contempt. He’d rather admire her refreshing smile than linger on his many sins.
Not one to be deterred by a challenge, Lou squared his shoulders. He’d go the extra mile to win her trust. He wanted this woman, so different from his numerous dates—a woman who’d proven her loyalty during thirty years of marriage.
Chapter Two
A knock on her hotel door alerted Barbara. She’d hardly had time to unpack, shower and change. It was only 10:30 am, Paris time. “Yes, coming,” she called before unlocking her door.
“Mom, it’s me.” Roxanne walked in already dressed in her professional trademark navy pantsuit and white turtleneck. “Lou asked me to see if you’re not too tired to start a day of sight-seeing. He didn’t want to disturb you by calling, in case you wanted to have a nap after our long flight.” Roxanne examined her and smiled. “I love your pumps. Two-inch high with a rubber sole. Perfect for a stroll in Paris. I must say you look totally refreshed for someone who’d just spent eight hours in a plane.”
“Honey, this plane trip was the most comfortable one I’ve ever taken. The flight attendants pampered us non-stop. After the delicious dinner and two glasses of wine, I slept like a baby. I never thought that these first-class seats could be transformed into such convenient beds. Do you always travel first-class?”
“Are you kidding? Only once before because I was pregnant and Lou insisted I should go to Iraq. And this time, thanks to you, because Lou is determined to impress you.”
“I’m impressed all right. Look at this room and its stylish furnishings. I feel I’m in a palace, not at the Four Seasons Hotel.”
“It used to be the George V, the most famous hotel in France, patronized by VIPs and celebrities. The Four Seasons bought it, but didn’t change its fabulous decor. Our room is nice too, though not as grand as yours. I’m just Mr. Roland’s employee, not the woman of his dreams.” Roxanne winked.
Woman of his dreams. At her age. “Stop it, girl.” Barbara rolled her eyes, and surveyed her room. The luxury surrounding her attested to Lou’s effort to please her. Biting her lip, she admired the Louis XVI furniture trimmed with golden appliqués, the crystal chandelier, the embroidered silk bedspread matching the sofa and chairs. Not to mention the small balcony with wrought-iron rail and a superb view of the Eiffel Tower. She didn’t think she was the woman of his dreams, but Lou certainly went out of his way to make sure her French vacation would be a memorable one.
Unless it was part of his usual seduction style. Hmm… She’d better stop analyzing Lou’s motives. “I’m going to your room to say good morning to my little darlings.”
“Lucia and Julia already left.”
“Left? How? Where?”
“Elias and Marie Diab picked them up an hour ago. The girls are going to stay the whole week with them. It’s easier for Greg and me than driving them back and forth every day. Plus it allows them to spend time with their grandparents.”
Barbara nodded with understanding. Roxanne wanted her daughters to grow up loving their natural father’s parents. “You’re doing the right thing. It was horrible for the Diabs to lose their son to a terrorist bomb. At least, they’re able to enjoy his children.”
“So now you can visit Paris without worrying about my babies. By the way, Lou was delighted with the arrangement,” her daughter added with a wink.
A sigh escaped Barbara. “I don’t know what to make of your boss. He’s going out of his way to be nice, and charming, and attentive. But…”
“Mom, any woman would be delighted to have a man like Lou at her side. Why are you so worried?” Roxanne held her shoulders and peered into her eyes.
“Not worried, but puzzled, because we’re so different. He’s the powerful director, an outgoing man who travels every week and never has to worry about anyone but himself. And I’m a homey widow who loves to be surrounded by my children and grandchildren. We can’t meet halfway, because, at our age, none of us will change.” Barbara shook her head. “Your matchmaking efforts are doomed, my dear girl.”
Her feathers ruffled, daughter-number-two protested. “I never started any matchmaking. The man liked you right away and didn’t ask my permission to call you.” With a shrug she added, “You never told him to take a hike when he called you. So?”
Roxanne was right. For some obscure reasons she didn’t understand, Barbara had encouraged Lou to call her. To be honest, she appreciated his keen mind and enjoyed his conversation, and now his company. Was she playing with fire?
“Seriously, Mom, let me give you a piece of advice, because let’s face it, I’m much more experienced in that domain.”
“In what domain?” Barbara squinted. What was her daughter getting at?
Roxy blushed. “Uh… you haven’t flirted for ages. So I guessed you forgot that a girl, even a woman your age, should keep her heart out of the picture.”
Barbara gasped at her daughter’s audacity, but Roxanne hardly noticed. “I mean, have fun, enjoy yourself, but be careful. Don’t fall for a womanizer like Lou Roland. He’s a fifty-four-year-old bachelor who’s certainly not marriage material. I’ve never seen him with the same woman for more than a year.”
“Thank you, darling.” A smile twitched her lips. A woman her age had learned not to be naive over the years. “I appreciate the warning. Believe me, I’ve no intention of turning a two-week vacation into a long-term problem. Let’s go.” Angst squeezed her stomach. She took a deep breath, smothered the butterflies in her stomach, and grabbed her handbag.
A frown marred her pretty daughter’s forehead. The poor darling felt responsible for her mom.
Barbara wrapped an arm around Roxy’s shoulder to reassure her. “Sweetheart, don’t worry about me. My many years of marriage have taught me something about relationships, namely how to study a man and handle him accordingly.”
“Mother, you don’t know how things are today. It’s not like when you dated years ago.”
How like her daughters to assume she lived in a different era. Barbara chuckled under her breath. She’d survived the sexual revolution and still had a happy marriage for thirty years. “I know I’ll have a wonderful time in Paris.” With or without Lou at her side. “Lou and I are good friends. Just friends.”
“Sure, Mom.” Roxa
nne shrugged and spun toward the door. “I’ll walk you to the lobby.” Barbara followed her to the elevator.
Still she blinked at the sight of Lou, in brown pants and beige polo shirt, looking the perfect executive on vacation. Very at-home in the lavish lobby lit with crystal chandeliers and decorated with huge vases of fragrant flowers, the TV News Director paced the marble floor.
Suddenly shy, Barbara froze in her tracks next to a column and wondered for the hundredth time why this confident, stunning man had invited her.
“Mom, I have to rush to the office.” Roxanne kissed her on her cheek and walked straight to her boss. “Lou, I’ll see you tonight.”
“I need a thorough report.” He gave her a few names. “They may try to avoid the Press but I want you to reach them somehow and shoot your questions. Try to get me an exclusive,” Lou said with an authoritative voice Barbara had never heard him use before. The frown creasing his brow matched his gruff tone. “I know you can do it, Roxanne. And keep me informed.”
“Will do.” Not a bit impressed by her boss’s stiff manners, Roxy hitched her chin toward her. “Mom is here.”
Lou’s face brightened with a big smile. He came toward her and held both of her hands. “Good morning, Barbara. I was wondering if you were too tired and preferred to rest today.” Uncertainty underlined his voice. Was this the same man who’d ordered his employee to work hard?
“I’m rested and ready to visit Paris, but…” She bit her lip. The few words he’d exchanged with her daughter echoed in her ear. “I imagine you must have tons of things to do at your office. So don’t worry about me. With a good map, I’ll find my way around.”
The corners of his mouth twitched. “Officially, I’m on vacation, but I’ve already contacted my staff. They are reliable and know their jobs. They’ll call me if they have any questions.” His tone hardened again as he mentioned work.
She arched her eyebrows. “Lou, this isn’t a way to start a vacation. No wonder you’re always stressed.” The man was in serious need of coaching on how to relax. Even without her supply of coffee and cookies, she could help him chill out, if only for the two weeks they’d spend in France. “A real vacation should take your mind off your daily chores, not hassle you with problems every hour,” she chastised with a gentle smile
“I count on you to show me how to forget work and enjoy my time off.” His gray eyes gleamed and her pulse raced.
What was wrong with her? She hadn’t felt this confused in years. Not that Lou was to blame. The man strove to be the perfect companion. She shrugged off the alien feeling.
“Would you like to eat? It’s almost eleven,” Lou said. “They serve brunch in the courtyard and the weather is gorgeous today.”
“Forget the brunch. We should take advantage of the clement temperature and walk to the Eiffel Tower. Roxanne mentioned it isn’t too far.”
His gaze roamed over her face. Had she said something wrong? Oh maybe Lou was hungry. A trim man couldn’t skip meals the way an overweight woman did—although she’d shed so many pounds in the last month, she’d graduated from the Overweight Group before her trip. “Why don’t you grab something at the cafeteria while I stop by the information desk?”
Amusement crinkled the corners of his eyes. “I’m just concerned about you. But you’re right, we can’t waste another minute. We’ll have lunch at the Eiffel Tower or at one of the sidewalk cafés.” They stopped by the concierge desk, grabbed a Plan de Paris, and asked for directions.
“Finally walking the streets of Paris.” They strolled for a moment. Barbara inhaled a deep breath. The lemon scent of Lou’s aftershave mingled with the new smells of Paris, and stirred a bubbling happiness in Barbara’s chest. Her first time overseas with a gorgeous man. Why on Earth had she dreaded the trip? She repressed a satisfied smile and surveyed the classy buildings along the elegant avenue lined with maple trees.
Lou waved to an old church and to a sumptuous mansion. “The American Cathedral of Paris, and the Spanish Embassy. In this street, every building and every house have a story.”
Barbara admired the various edifices but focused on her goal. “Wait a minute. Hold this with me.” She opened the map the concierge had given her and tapped on a point. “This is George V Street. It should take us directly from our hotel to the river, La Seine, and the bridge, Pont de L’Alma.” With her nail, she traced the blue line representing the river. A chuckle interrupted her deliberation.
“Look there,” Lou pointed up.
“Oh my God,” Barbara’s chin hitched up and her jaw sagged at the sight of the famous French landscape. “The Eiffel Tower. Now I know that I’m in Paris.” She couldn’t contain her enthusiasm. The most celebrated monument in France soared toward the sky in a special greeting. “Walk faster, Lou. Should we go straight?”
Lou tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow. “Straight ahead to the river.”
Tall buildings hid the monument. They passed shop windows with nude silhouettes. Lou explained the history of Le Crazy Horse de Paris, a famous cabaret, but Barbara accelerated her pace until they reached an open plaza. “We are at the Place de L’Alma. See that flame? It commemorates Princess Diana’s death.”
“It’s not mentioned on the map.” Barbara paused to look at it closer. The top of the Eiffel Tower had reappeared but she wondered how to reach it and checked her Paris plan again.
“We’ll continue along the Seine until the next bridge, Pont d’ Iena.” He showed her the directions on the map and they resumed their stroll.
“You know the place well.”
“Not really. I come here on business and spend my time at the KNR office or at official events, meeting with the personalities we interview. I usually travel by car and never have time to walk through the streets.” A frown of regret scrunched his forehead as he scanned the area. “But last night, I studied the map on my laptop while you were sleeping in the plane. I didn’t want to get lost while I show you the city.” He winked at her like a young boy pleased with his special accomplishment. But his mischievous smile created havoc in her heart.
See, he’s doing his best to be a good friend. She scolded herself, annoyed at the palpitations she couldn’t control.
They crossed a busy street, strolled along an alley, and—
“Oh my God, we’re there. At the Eiffel Tower.”
“Stand here. I’ll take you a picture.” Lou shoved his hand in his pocket and extracted a tiny camera and clicked on it a dozen times.
She laughed. “One was enough.”
But Lou stopped a passerby and asked him to take a shot of him with Barbara.
He casually wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pressing her against him. Butterflies danced in her stomach. She winced, her smile frozen on her lips. Good Lord, she hadn’t paid attention to a man for years. Not in that way.
“Merci, Monsieur. Thank you, sir.” Lou freed her to retrieve his camera. “Let’s go take the tickets.”
She nodded and followed him. Her pace unsure, she tried to analyze the unsettling feeling that had overwhelmed her a moment ago. Why make a big deal out of it? Many men liked to put their arms around the woman at their sides in photographs. David did it all the time.
Yeah, but David had been her husband. No one else had ever dared take such liberties with her. His jealous streak often on alert, David would have objected. After his death, her male friends still thought of her as David’s wife and treated her that way.
“I have the tickets.” A frown revealed Lou’s disappointment. “Barbara, what’s wrong? You’re miles away.”
“On the contrary.” Trust me. I was here. Much too close to you. “I’m trying to memorize every minute. I’ll have so much to tell my daughters.” She plastered a lively smile on her lips and met his gaze. Little stars sparkled in his gray eyes.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying your visit. And it’s only the beginning.” His hand flattened on her back, guiding her toward the elevators.
Her senses spiked in
awareness. It’s only the beginning?
Of what?
Chapter Three
Lou suppressed a smile at the wary glance Barbara cast at the huge Eiffel Tower elevator.
“Is this machine safe?” Her face paled and her eyes widened as they started the ascension.
“Very safe. They test it regularly.” To reassure her, he encircled her back. They soon exited on the first floor and toured the displays showing the memorable moments of the Tower’s history.
On the second floor, Lou directed her to a wide circular gallery from which she could spot all the Paris sites and monuments. Not wanting to waste time, she refused to have lunch at the expensive restaurant but bought tee-shirts for her grandchildren at the souvenir shops.
Lou insisted on more pictures with various views of Paris in the background. While Barbara eased out of his arm after each picture, she was the one who grasped his hand when they started the ascension to the third floor in a glass elevator.
Although she almost broke his fingers, he stifled a smile and didn’t utter a word. If that calmed her fear, he wasn’t one to complain.
At the top floor, the magnificent view of Paris unfolding at their feet enthralled her. She forgot her panic and squealed with delight. “We really need pictures here, Lou.”
“Absolutely.” Her enthusiasm delighted him. To think he’d forgotten about work in the last three hours. His gaze roved over her graceful figure. Molded in a black and white printed jersey dress and a black little jacket on top, she looked like a French aristocrat. A row of pearls at her neck and clips on her ears added an elegant touch to her outfit.
A gasp escaped her as they edged near the rail and she glanced down. “Good God, it’s really high.”
Lou chuckled. “One thousand and fifty feet high, same height as an eighty-one story building.”
“Oh.” She grasped his fingers tighter.
He solicited a security guard and asked him to photograph them together. This time she didn’t stiffen when he slipped his arm around her back. He was the one who almost closed his eyes as her perfume enveloped him. After a series of shots, the man handed him back his camera but Lou didn’t let go of Barbara. They visited the little museum of Gustave Eiffel, an office with wax models of the famous engineer and his illustrious guest, Thomas Edison, sitting at a desk and conversing.
