Our First Embrace

by Judy Lynn Hubbard

  “About what?” she whispered. Had he been talking to her? She hadn’t heard a word he said.

  “The design.” He tapped the easel and released her hand.

  “Oh.” She swallowed her embarrassment and glanced at it. “Oh, yes, I see what you mean.” She actually did when she glanced at the blouse, noting that the sleeve had been reshaped into a more blouson design instead of the tailored one she had been sketching.

  “Good.” He scratched his chin thoughtfully and suggested, “Why don’t you try an empire waist, too?”

  “Thank you for the suggestions.” She inhaled deeply the spicy, clean male scent of him.

  “You’re welcome. You’re very talented, Nicole,” he praised and then walked away before she could respond.

  Her confused gaze followed Alexander’s retreating back for a few seconds before Nicole swung her eyes in the direction of Monique’s office. That was a mistake because she immediately encountered Monique’s smiling countenance through the glass wall.

  Monique’s smile widened as Nicole visibly sighed. She didn’t have to say a word; Nicole knew what she was thinking—that she was attracted to Alexander. Unfortunately, it was the truth. Giving Monique a brief nod, she swiveled her chair around and glanced unseeingly at her sketch.

  For a second she wondered if Alexander got off on disrupting the balance in her life. She brought a hand to her heart and willed it to slow down. She had to stop entertaining inappropriate thoughts about him, but that was proving next to impossible to accomplish.

  As anticipated, Monique exited her office a few seconds later and perched on Nicole’s desk. Nicole glanced up at her friend, who was still smiling.

  “What?” Nicole asked as Monique remained blaringly silent.

  “How’s it going?”

  “Good.”

  “What did the boss want?” Monique twirled a pencil between her fingers.

  “He was just making a few suggestions about my design.” Nicole paused before adding firmly, “That’s all.”

  “He’s a very hands-on boss,” Monique couldn’t resist adding. “Especially with you.”

  “That’s nonsense.” Nicole crossed her legs. “In case you didn’t notice, mine wasn’t the only desk he stopped at.”

  “That’s true, but he spent more time with you,” Monique smugly observed.

  “Maybe he thinks I need more guidance than the other designers.”

  “I doubt it. I think he simply wanted to see you.” Monique chuckled at Nicole’s exasperated sigh and couldn’t resist adding, “You two look so good together.”

  “Monique, how many times do I have to tell you I’m here to work and nothing else?”

  “It seems I’m going to have to speak to Crystal and lay down the law.”

  Nicole blinked rapidly at Monique’s unexpected change in subject and followed her friend’s frowning gaze to where Crystal sat staring at them pointedly. After a few seconds, Crystal lowered her head to her drawing and began scribbling furiously.

  “No, don’t do that,” Nicole said. “I spoke with her earlier. I tried to be friends with her.” Nicole shrugged. “But she resents me trying to take Nina Laurent’s place.” She watched Monique closely, who stiffened noticeably at the mention of the name. “Did you know Nina?”

  “Yes.” Heretofore laughing eyes grew hooded.

  “What’s the story about her?”

  “Short and sweet, she was disloyal and was fired.”

  “That really is short.” Nicole studied her friend closely. “I’m sure there’s much more to it than that.”

  “There is, but it’s not my story to tell.” Monique stood. “Now, I’ll let you get back to work.”

  A frown marred Nicole’s expression as she wondered whose story it was. Instinctively, she knew the answer—it was Alexander’s.

  * * *

  One thing Nicole could say about Alexander James—he wasn’t a liar. For the next two weeks he worked her mercilessly, and she was happy to say that she had stood up very well under the pressure. Neither of them mentioned their kiss again, and she tried to forget it as he obviously had—a fact that slightly annoyed her, even though she knew it was for the best.

  Finally, it was the weekend; this was her first and last Saturday off before they would go to a six-day workweek to get ready for Alexander’s spring fashion show. Nicole intended to make the most of it by going sightseeing until she dropped.

  Dressed in black jeans, a white sleeveless sweater, a black leather jacket and black walking boots, she carried a large black hobo bag she planned to stuff with purchases. First, she had to make a quick stop at the office to pick up her tablet.

  It was a little after 9:00 a.m. when she walked into Alexander’s and made her way up to the sixth floor and her workstation. Grabbing her tablet, she turned to leave and nearly collided with Alex in the process. He was dressed casually in faded jeans and a gray long-sleeved pullover shirt.

  “Jesus!” She placed a hand to her heart. “You enjoy sneaking up on me, don’t you?”

  “I wasn’t sneaking,” Alex denied around a smile. “It’s your day off. What are you doing here?”

  “I’m on my way to do the tourist thing—sightseeing—but first I wanted to stop by and pick this up.” Nicole held up the tablet in her hands before placing it in her bag. “Are you working today?”

  “No, just came in to take a look at some fabric samples.”

  “I’ll let you get back to it.” As she walked around him, his hand on her arm halted her. She glanced at him questioningly.

  “Would you like a guide?”

  Her eyes widened in surprise. “You?”

  “Yes.” His eyes shone teasingly. “Won’t I do?”

  He would do just fine; that was the problem. She was trying to stay away from him unless it had to do with business, and she had thus far been successful.

  “Of course you’ll do, but no thank you,” she politely declined. “I just want to take my time, walk around by myself and absorb the history and culture of the city.”

  She frowned when he began chuckling, which quickly changed into a full-blown laugh. It was a pleasing sound, but she resented it being directed at her when she didn’t understand why.

  “What’s so funny?” Her frown grew as he fought to unsuccessfully control his laughter. She placed her hands on her hips. “Well?”

  After wiping his eyes, he managed to say through chuckles, “Are you an I Love Lucy fan?”

  “What does that have to do with anything?”

  “Are you?” he persisted.

  “Yes.”

  “Well, do you remember the episode when the gang was in Paris and Lucy insisted on going sightseeing by herself?”

  Understanding finally dawned on Nicole. “She ended up in jail facing counterfeiting charges.”

  “Exactly.” He chuckled again. “I’d hate for that to happen to you.”

  “So would I.” She laughed. “I can’t believe you’re a Lucy fan.”

  “Isn’t everyone?”

  “If they’re not, they should be,” she professed.

  “I couldn’t agree more. They don’t make shows like that anymore.”

  “Nope, today everything is reality television.” She screwed up her nose in distaste.

  “Come on now, some reality shows are okay.”

  “Maybe one or two,” she relented. “But nothing can touch Lucy. Whenever there’s a marathon, I wind up in front of the television for hours laughing until my sides hurt,” Nicole confessed.

  “Me, too. What’s your favorite episode?”

  “That’s a hard question. How could you choose?” Her brows furrowed in thought. “One of my favorites is the ‘Bonus Buck’ episode.” She chuckled as scenes flashed in her head. “That
laundry scene is a classic.”

  “Oh, yeah.” Alex grinned. “Remember the very last scene when Lucy comes into the newspaper office after falling into the starch vat? That’s priceless.”

  “Oh, God, that was so funny.” Nicole chuckled and added, “Her cheeks were sunken and her lips were puckered, and her hair...” She dissolved into giggles.

  “And after they paid for all the damages out of the winnings, all they had left was a dollar.” They both shared a laugh before getting control of themselves again.

  “So,” Alex said, smiling disarmingly, “are you going to take me up on my offer, or risk going about by yourself?”

  She knew she should refuse, but she didn’t want to. The idea of exploring Paris with him appealed to her very much. Besides, where was the harm in spending a few hours in broad daylight in a crowded city with him?

  “If you’re sure...”

  “I am.”

  “Okay, I’m all yours.” At his darkening eyes and sexy smile, she hastily amended, “For today...for sightseeing.”

  God, somebody please pull my big foot out of my runaway mouth!

  His smile widened as they walked out into the hallway. She waited while he retrieved his leather jacket from his office, and then they entered the elevator and were soon walking out of the building into the cool sunshine.

  “Walk or ride?”

  “Although I’d love another spin in that wicked car of yours, I had my heart set on walking today.”

  “You think my car is wicked, huh?”

  “Totally,” she assured as they started walking.

  “I’ll have to take you for a ride outside of the city and show you what she can really do.”

  “She’s pretty awesome in the city.”

  “Yeah, but on the open road—” he sighed happily “—she’s magic.” He glanced at her. “So what did you want to visit today? The Eiffel tower? The Sorbonne?”

  “I want to see those places, but since today’s Saturday, I’m sure they’re crowded. I had planned on walking around and seeing where my feet lead me.”

  “That’s probably wise,” Alex agreed as they walked slowly down the sidewalk in silence for a while.

  * * *

  “You and Victor seem very close,” Nicole said, finally breaking the silence.

  “Yeah, we are. That nut’s my best friend.”

  “I must confess I look forward to his visits to the office.” Alex glanced at her and frowned.

  “Why?” Lord, he hoped she wasn’t going to pump him for info on his brother!

  “Because it’s obvious how much you love each other.” He must have looked uneasy because she asked, “Uh-oh, did I embarrass you?”

  He chuckled. “No.”

  “Are you sure? I know how guys get about admitting their feelings.”

  “You didn’t embarrass me,” he reiterated. To prove his point, he continued with the same topic of conversation. “Vic and I have always been close—a bond that intensified five years ago when our parents died.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Thanks.” They walked in silence, then he asked, “Don’t you want to know what happened to them?”

  “Plane crash,” she quickly answered. “Right?”

  “How...?” He smiled at her rueful expression and answered his unfinished question. “Internet?”

  “Yes, and fashion magazines and news reports.” She shrugged apologetically. “I’m a fashion junkie, and you’re my favorite designer.”

  His face registered shock. “I am?”

  “Mmm-hmm.” She laughed at his surprise.

  “Why?”

  “Why? Lots of reasons. I love your fresh, new, innovative style. Plus, you design classic with a twist better than anyone I’ve ever seen. Your Maltino collection last year was pure genius,” she gushed.

  “Thanks for the praise, but I’m not sure I deserve it.”

  “Believe me, you do. You’re a genius.”

  “You’re too kind.” Her words affected him deeply because he could tell she really meant them. She wasn’t trying to kiss up to him or get in his good graces like so many others had before her.

  “I mean it,” she said with a smile. “Thank you for allowing me to be a part of Alexander’s. It’s a dream come true for me.”

  “We’re lucky to have you.” He softly touched her cheek. “I really mean that, Nicole.”

  “Now you’re being too kind,” she whispered.

  “No, I’m being honest.”

  Of their own volition, his fingers trailed across her soft skin as if mesmerized by its smooth texture. His eyes followed the journey of his fingers, and he felt rather than saw her quickly indrawn breath. His eyes slowly rose to meet hers, and they both realized they were a hairbreadth away from once again crossing that forbidden line between them that suddenly seemed meaningless and inconsequential.

  Chapter 7

  They stared at each other, telegraphing silent forbidden messages until he broke eye contact. Things had suddenly turned from lighthearted to extremely personal, and he needed to dispel the dangerous intimacy that had too quickly developed between them.

  “How about a walk on the Pont Neuf Bridge and then a ride on an excursion boat? It will give us a great tour of the banks of the Seine River, and you’ll also get a close-up look at some of Paris’s famous bridges. The boat loading dock is some distance from here, though. We can take the train, bus, my car or a taxi,” he suggested.

  “Let’s walk.” She silently willed her skin to stop tingling from his touch.

  “Walking it is.”

  The coolness of the morning made the walk pleasant and easy. Alexander showed her points of interest along the way, stopping when she wanted to get a closer look at something and answering any questions she had with a smile and with expert knowledge that amazed her; he was like a walking tour book.

  All too soon they reached their destination of the first district. They made their way over the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge, which crossed the Seine River. Even at this early hour, the bridge was already bustling with people scurrying to and fro.

  “That’s the Institut de France.” Alex pointed to the end of the bridge on which they walked, where a huge conglomerate of stone buildings stood, highlighted by a center building with an ornate dome. “We can tour some of the museums after the boat ride if you’d like.”

  “That would be great.”

  Soon they reached the loading ramp for the white metal excursion boat. It was completely open, without solid walls, two decks and a roof made of steel bars. They stood along the side and leaned against the rails. The breeze blew her bangs into her eyes, and without thinking, Alex brushed them away and trailed his fingers across her forehead and slowly down her cheek.

  * * *

  She held her breath, and he suddenly dropped his hand and started pointing out landmarks. She only half listened, wanting only one thing at the moment—for Alexander to kiss her. She wondered if he wanted the same. He seemed completely in control as he continued relating facts about their surroundings, which she had to struggle to comprehend.

  “Nicole?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Am I boring you?” Alexander’s question jolted her out of her forbidden thoughts, and she glanced at him guiltily.

  “No, of course not.” She silently scolded herself to pay attention. “Please continue.”

  “Are you sure?” At her nod, he resumed, “Okay. I was saying the Seine River is 482 miles long. It’s an important commercial waterway for the Paris Basin in north France.”

  “One thing I love most about Paris is seeing water nearly everywhere I look.” Nicole’s gaze skirted over the blue waves. “It reminds me of home.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. I
think that’s one of the reasons I like it so much.” He pointed off in the distance. “There are thirty-seven bridges in Paris and tons more for the length of the river outside the city. Pont Neuf means ‘new bridge,’ but the Neuf is actually the oldest bridge across the Seine. It was completed in 1607.”

  “You’re very knowledgeable.”

  “I’ve lived here most of my life, and I enjoy learning about this city’s rich history.”

  “I’m enjoying it, too. Listening to you certainly beats reading a guide book. Keep going,” Nicole ordered, and he laughed.

  “Let me see.” He tapped his clean-shaven chin thoughtfully, a quirk she found appealing. “Outside the city limits, you’ll find the Pont de Normandie, one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world, which links Le Havre to Honfleur.”

  “I’d love to see that.”

  “Well, when we finish here...”

  Nicole glanced curiously at Alexander when he stopped speaking and found him staring at a man suddenly standing on his right.

  Without them realizing it, an ever-growing crowd of people had gathered around them, listening intently to Alex as he imparted a bit of history to Nicole. The official tour guide glanced pointedly at them.

  “It seems we have an audience,” Nicole stated.

  “Uh-oh,” Alex whispered. “This reminds me of another Lucy episode.”

  “Don’t tell me—‘The Tour Bus?��” Nicole correctly guessed.

  “Yep.” Alex grinned. They stared at each other, trying to suppress it, but companionable laughter burst forth.

  The crowd watched the laughing couple, trying to understand their private joke. The tour guide grew more impatient with them by the second and didn’t bother to hide his annoyance.

  “Sir...mademoiselle...”

  “I apologize.” Alex interrupted the guide and, taking Nicole’s hand, pulled her to the other side of the boat where they were relatively alone.