Chaperoning Paris (Collins Brothers)

by Victoria Pinder

  Three pages later she hit the save button.

  On page after page, she kept saying how she had to tell Sean she loved him. If she told him, she hoped this darkness would shrink in her heart. She went to the bathroom and decided to take a long bath in the huge tub then wash her face.

  Tonight she’d beg Sean to forgive her for being an idiot.

  Sean had been there for her today and whenever she needed him.

  The tub eased some of her nerves, but Gigi dressed. And the group wasn’t back at the hotel yet.

  Unable to sit, she decided to venture out. Time alone wasn’t her friend. Sean and the teenagers would be gone for hours. So she picked up the phone, “Cary, I need to go out.”

  “Shopping?” he asked in a high-pitched voice.

  “Yeah, okay.” She nodded. She had seen a gorgeous pair at the department store the other day and wanted a second opinion. Shoes always made her more confident, and she had saved her money all year to pay off a blackmailer. Now that the blackmailer had disappeared, she could afford a slight splurge. “Sounds good. Meet me.”

  Good. No tears with Cary allowed and she let out a sated sigh. She’d meet Sean for dinner, and new shoes would help her be a new Gigi Dumont.

  The driver from the hotel took her back to the store without question, and she went inside.

  The salesclerk from the other day greeted her. “Gigi Dumont?”

  “Yes.”

  “I hoped you’d return. Mr. Collins’ promise sounded amazing. Let’s get you ready for him,” the sales clerk offered in rapid French.

  Gigi stepped back. “I’ll be making a smaller purchase today. I don’t have Mr. Collins’ credit card, and there is no tip from him.”

  “Clothes help improve our mood, either way.” The sales clerk blinked, but guided her inside. “Let’s find you something amazing to show off your figure.”

  “I saw a pair of shoes to start with,” Gigi said.

  The salesclerk directed her to the department where her eyes focused on the Vivienne Westwood heel reminiscent of nineteen forties elegance meets softer colors of this century. The tiny details made a major statement. Pointing to the shoes, she waited to try them on.

  Nodding, the salesclerk departed and Gigi took a seat. Seconds later, Cary arrived. “Shopping and not second hand. I like Sean Collins’ style.”

  “You like his deep pockets,” she told her friend.

  Cary snarked right back, “And you like what’s inside his pants.”

  She threw her head back and laughed. “You are crazy.”

  “Gigi, I told you to talk to him and get everything out there, but you skipped a few steps. I will convince you marrying him and fighting with him is much more enjoyable than life on your own.”

  “Stop,” she said. “I am not discussing Sean with you.”

  “Cause you love him and are confused. Sexy men can have that effect on us,” Cary said. “Where are you wearing these shoes then?”

  “Tonight for dinner . . . with Sean.”

  The salesclerk returned without the shoes. “Please come with me, Ms. Dumont. Everything is ready for you.”

  Confused, Gigi and Cary followed to the backroom where there were seats and champagne

  The salesclerk directed them to sit.

  “But I wanted to see the shoes,” Gigi protested.

  “Certainmont,” the clerk said. “But first enjoy the private viewing. I picked a few items that would look amazing on you.”

  “I cannot afford . . .” Gigi said, but Cary propelled her into the seats.

  “I’ve never been rich. Indulge me. I want champagne.” Cary smiled and inspected the bottle. “It’s a good year.”

  Giving up, Gigi took a seat. Models walked out with a few nice outfits in-between the more crazy. She admitted to appreciating a dress and two separate more levelheaded outfits. She sipped her wine, and Cary laughed. She raised her eyebrows at him. He was on, like, his third, and she needed to get going. “I’d like to try the shoes on now,” Gigi told the salesclerk. “The salesclerk finally presented the shoes. Gigi tried them on and admired them in the mirror. Nodding, she said, “It’s time to pay for the shoes only. Thank you for today.”

  “You enjoyed the three outfits, too?” the sales clerk asked, quirking her eyebrow and smiling.

  Shrugging, Gigi answered, “Yes, they were very pretty, but I am buying only the shoes.”

  “I understand completely, Mademoiselle. Give me a few minutes.” The sales clerk’s word bubbled with eagerness and she bounced out the room. “Finish your champagne while I take care of everything.”

  “Great.” Gigi sat down next to Cary. “Today was fun. Thank you.”

  A few minutes later, the clerk returned, handed her a card and a receipt, but she squeezed her hand a little too hard. Gigi tugged her hand back as the clerk told her, “I sent your packages downstairs to your car. It was a pleasure to help you today.”

  “Packages?”

  The clerk held her hand on her hip, “Your man is waiting for you, non?”

  The salesclerk left in a hurry while Cary escorted her away. Gigi shrugged and decided to let her doubts go. She pocketed the receipt and went downstairs. Cary said goodbye to her at the front door with an outrageous hug. “Can I drop you off somewhere?”

  “I have a date close by. Handsome man, not as good as yours, but sexy. Get home to get ready for your man. Sean loves you and you love him. Don’t throw it away,” Cary said. “Now, goodbye, girly.”

  She hugged him then hopped into the car. Her shoe purchase sat on the seat beside her. She let her head rest on the seat and she closed her eyes.

  The car arrived at the hotel, and she got out. Photographers snapped pictures at her, and Gigi rushed to get inside.

  “Wait, Mademoiselle.” The driver stood at the open trunk, revealing multiple packages.

  She ran over to him. “What are those?”

  “Your purchases, Mademoiselle. I’ll send them to your room.”

  Gigi rubbed her chin. She’d been set up and she’d walked right into it. The woman must have billed Sean for everything there. She ripped open her bag, and read the receipt. The three outfits and every accessory were listed. No wonder the woman had taken her measurements after the first glass. Today had been a set-up. Sean had likely promised her a huge tip if she’d sold Gigi clothes, but Sean hadn’t been with her today.

  Gigi paced then another photographer snapped her picture. She rushed inside and went to her room. When Sean came back, she’d explain the purchases and send them back to the shop.

  Everything could be returned.

  Chapter 39

  Gigi dropped her clothes in a heap on the bed and decided to try on the red dress in her room.

  She had to send it back, but she finished with the zipper. Then she stared at herself in the mirror. She looked better than she imagined in the A-line. Movie stars wore dresses that flattered in this fashion. Now she understood. She snapped a picture of herself in the mirror for the memory then tugged the zipper to take it off.

  But the zipper stuck.

  She tried harder, but the zipper refused to move. Wiggling hadn’t helped. Then the phone rang. She told herself to breathe and picked up the phone. “Hey.”

  “Gigi, we’re downstairs. Students are hungry. Hurry up.”

  “You were supposed to call me before you left,” she said. She stared at herself in the mirror. She needed to get the dress off.

  “There wasn’t time. Let’s go.”

  Sean’s voice sounded apologetic. She held the phone for a minute. “Okay. Be right there.”

  Inhaling, she stared at the price tag. One more time, she reached around her back with her arms and tugged on the zipper. No luck. The dress refused her commands.

  She dropped her hands to the side and stared at the door. She’d set up a payment plan and give him this money back if she wore this out.

  She gulped. The phone rang again. She saw it was the front desk and hurried out to th
e elevator.

  She stepped into the lobby a minute later and heard Sean Say, “Wow.”

  Sean and the students dropped their jaws, and she stopped in her tracks. Heat rose in her body. “Is everything okay?”

  “You look beautiful,” Sean said. His gaze confirmed his approval.

  Erica motioned with her fingers to turn around.

  Gigi smiled at her and took Sean’s offered hand. He smelled of cedar wood and manliness. Smiling, she told everyone, “Let’s go get dinner.”

  Sean held open the door for her. Her stomach fluttered up to give her a jolt in her heart. The students walked ahead of them, and she told him in a quiet voice, “I told the salesclerk I came for shoes. She put this on your credit card through a trick after she solicited my opinion on clothes. She charged your card, and I’ll figure out how to pay you back.”

  “I offered her a substantial reward to do that, if you remember. It’s more my fault than yours.” Sean fixed his belt, not meeting her gaze. “And I approved the charges when she called me.”

  She stopped and dropped his hand. “You what?”

  “She called. I approved the order, and she earned her tip.”

  “Well, I don’t know what to say,” Gigi said.

  “How about thank you.”

  “Okay, thank you.” She smiled at him, and he escorted her from the building.

  The white façade and streetlights gave Paris an ethereal brightness. Yes, tourists often complained the city had dirt and a certain smell in the air, but Gigi always found the place far more magical than anything else. Paris and the French language gave her safety and allowed her to rest.

  At the hotel Meurice, in the heart of the city, Sean and the boys waited for the girls and Gigi to go inside. The girls all held their breaths and smiled before Gigi joined them. Staring ahead, she saw the glamour that stopped them cold. A wall of mirrors, a white chandelier, white chairs made for royals of previous years, the restaurant was old world glamour.

  So, this is why the boys wore suit jackets. As few curious people stared at them, Gigi kept her head up, and followed behind Sean. Then the waiter brought them to two tables.

  Listening, she waited for Sean to finish ordering for her. She enjoyed chicken capers, broccoli, but no. He ordered her mussel soup. Gross. Her face wrinkled. Then he ordered for himself onion soup. She pressed her lips together, and kept her mouth closed until after the waiter left. “Why did you order that for me?”

  “Don’t scowl. Why didn’t you tell me you don’t like mussels, Gigi?”

  “You know I hate the slimy things.” He had done this on purpose?

  “See. You lost your backbone. How do you plan on living your life for yourself if you cannot remind me you hate the soup?”

  “Hey, that’s not fair.” Gigi pouted, not wanting to hear him. “You knew I didn’t like it.”

  “Enjoy the soup,” he said. “And tonight you are meeting me in the gym before bed. You still need to work on this.”

  She bit her tongue. Not loving him remained impossible. “We have to be up early tomorrow for our flight home.”

  “I know the schedule. Don’t fight me on this one. You know I’ll get you there either way.”

  She tilted her head up. Sean had always been gentle and easy to lead. Perhaps his marriage had made him harder, and she’d forgotten that he could be stubborn and determined to all others.

  She sighed. Okay. The gym sounded innocent enough, and Sean had a plan. She kept her mouth closed.

  Soon, the waiter brought out her choices, after all.

  The second dinner ended, Sean directed the group to the street. “Make sure everyone has a buddy, then you have one hour to window shop. Meet us back at the Arch D’Triumphe. If you need anything, call. And stick together.”

  “You said that,” Raphael answered back.

  Gigi called out, “Don’t be smart.”

  Sean wrapped his arms around Gigi. “Go.”

  The group rushed down the street, excited for their moment.

  Sean hugged her. “Is there anything you want here?”

  She imagined Sean’s kiss. His face stayed behind her, yet so close. Her pulse raced and knees weakened. She turned into him and leaned closer to his hard mouth and firm body. Her entire body warmed. She gulped and her face flushed. “Grand Palais is still one of my favorite museums, even if the students voted it off the must see list.”

  He offered his arm, and she turned back around to the street. He was everything, but she held back and hesitated.

  His earthy laugh warmed her heart and they walked into the glass ceiling building. She twirled around and stared. They had the place to themselves. She stepped away from him and gazed up at the night sky. She laughed and twirled again. “When I first moved here, this place remained under construction for years. When it reopened, I kept imagining myself a princess who could see the world without touching it. I spent hours here, reading in that corner.”

  She pointed to a corner.

  Without words, Sean followed her directions. “Here?”

  “To the right a little more.”

  Sliding down a few places, he asked, “You sat here?”

  “Yes.” She sat next to him, but he repositioned her into his lap. She laughed, and then his hands went to her face, directing her lips toward his mouth. She sighed and kissed him.

  They were alone.

  Fire, wind, tornadoes, earthquakes had less of an impact on her than his mouth on hers. Every part of her dug into his warmth. Her hands raked his body, and he let out a deep, guttural sound of approval.

  She moaned his name in response.

  Whatever else happened, this kiss made her toes curl.

  Chapter 40

  An hour and five minutes later, Gigi and Sean met up with the teenagers who waited patiently, seated on a bench. At the last second Gigi saw a smudge of her lipstick on his white collar. She rubbed his neck with her hand, and brushed out the soft fabric. He stared at her, confused. She gulped and needed to ensure no one saw evidence of what happened. She smiled at him, continuing to rub. “Good to go.”

  “Am I presentable?” he asked, winking at her.

  “Yeah, you’re perfect.”

  Sean stepped away and gathered everyone. “Let’s return to the hotel. Tomorrow we have to be up early.”

  A few students grumbled, but they strolled back toward the hotel after snapping maybe twenty more pictures. Sean shepherded them, and she followed. He had the group moving, then he held out his hand for her at the hotel lobby. “Let’s get back. When we get back, change into sweats and meet me downstairs in five minutes.”

  “I don’t know . . .” She took his hand and lost her thought.

  He must have sensed her confusion. “There are a few things we need to face. We’re going to the gym for your workout with the punching bag.”

  Every time she gazed into his eyes or stood next to him, she wanted to curl into him.

  “You’re staring at me with a blank expression.”

  The doorman opened the hotel for them, and the students rushed to the elevators. Sean kept his hand on her back to escort her inside. Soon, she figured out how to open her mouth to speak. “Sean, you and I are . . .”

  She lost the word. Fit? No, her life made sense with him. Match? No, everyday of her life, she thought of him. The words never materialized in her throat for what to say.

  The elevator dinged, and the group went to their floor. Sean whispered into her ear on the elevator, “You run scared, afraid to admit a lot of things.”

  She bit her tongue. Yes, she remained afraid.

  “You didn’t always. You used to speak to me.”

  Everyone ran to their room without much coaxing. Sean and Gigi remained in the hallway to ensure everyone made it back safe. Soon, they were alone in the hallway with no movement for a few moments, and she said, “I couldn’t manage to get the zipper down on this dress earlier. I might not be able to go to the gym.”

  “Not an ex
cuse.” He spun his finger. “Turn around.”

  She picked up her hair and turned to give him her back. His hands on her back warmed her, but she trusted he’d be a gentleman. The zipper stuck in the same spot near her bra where it had earlier. However, he muscled the zipper and the fabric loosened.

  Then his fingers traced her exposed back, and she leaned backward with his hands on her body. Sean kissed the nape of her neck then told her, “Change, Gigi. We’re going to the gym.”