Love Like Ours

by Sophie Love

  Just then, Cristiano came out onto the balcony.

  “Why does Raff have Pippa’s phone?” Keira asked.

  “Oh yeah, I can’t remember why. Some convoluted problem with his. Why are you calling Pippa?” He yawned and stretched his arms above his head, showing off his toned physique.

  “To thank her for sending you back to me,” Keira told him, smiling.

  He reached for her then, wrapping her up in his warm, strong arms.

  “Yes,” he murmured into her hair. He pressed a kiss onto her head. “She is wise beyond her years.”

  “We should get her a gift,” Keira laughed.

  Cristiano laughed too. It felt so good to Keira’s ears to hear the musical sound of his happiness again. She had missed his cheerful, easy laughter.

  “Well, you know we’ve barely done any shopping since we got here,” Cristiano replied. “All we’ve been doing is look at art, take in the majestic views, eat croissants…” He reeled through their list of amazing experiences in a sarcastic, bored voice, making Keira chuckle. “But we’ve had no time for retail therapy!”

  “Then we’ll have to change that,” Keira remarked.

  She fetched the map Heather provided them with all those days ago and spread it across the bistro table. It was so well used now that it was becoming dog-eared and grubby.

  “Les Grands Magasins,” she said, pointing to the ninth arrondissement. It was where the Moulin Rouge was located, but they’d not been back there since that very first, glitzy, glamorous first evening. “Then, we can watch the Opera in the evening!”

  Cristiano’s eyes widened. “Or go to the light district?” he said, winking.

  Keira threw her head back and laughed. “Are you trying to tell me something, love? Am I not exciting enough for you?”

  Cristiano gave her his sultry expression. “You’re everything I need and more.”

  They kissed, deeply and passionately. Keira felt like things were back to normal between them, back to how they’d been before even the first fight over Shane. In fact, it felt even better than it had been. Somehow going through their fight and coming out the other end in tact made her feel closer to Cristiano. It made her feel like their relationship was stronger for having weathered the first storm. And all that worry she’d had over tarnishing their perfect relationship! She’d been putting such ridiculous standards on their love, expecting everything to be plain sailing, when in reality the fights were part of the course, part of what real love was all about.

  They chose two locations to eat that were equidistant between their stops, then went inside and got themselves ready for another day out on the rainy streets of Paris. Once she was washed, dressed, dried and styled, Keira grabbed the umbrella by the door. She was so glad their trusty friend was getting another chance to be put to use. And she was more than a little relieved that she and Cristiano still had another chance to huddle together beneath it, entwined like lovers, sharing each other’s body heat, syncing their steps and heartbeats as they made memories together on the streets of Paris that would last a lifetime.

  CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

  They reached Les Grands Magasins, the area that boasted three of Paris’s most historic shopping malls. But of course, they were malls with a twist, a very French twist. From the electric atmosphere to the luxurious products, the breathtaking architecture to the sense of history, being here felt to Keira just as spectacular as visiting any of the famous monuments.

  They strolled first through Le Bon Marché, marvelling at the criss-crossed escalator design and the incredible geometric yellow and black glass ceiling, which was made all the more impressive by the fact it was over 150 years old. In its La Grande Epicerie, they sampled many different culinary products from all over the world.

  Next they went to Printemps, which boasted a lavishly designed, glittery dome and viewing tower on its roof. They perused the immaculately clean aisles and all the luxurious products on display, from handbags to scarves to perfume.

  “I should probably buy Bryn a gift, too,” Keira said, lingering by the perfumes. “We’ve been fighting a bit.”

  Cristiano gave her a sarcastic look. “Really? But I cannot imagine you two fighting!”

  Keira laughed and gave him a light-hearted smack across the chest. She sniffed several perfumes then found a sultry smelling one and purchased it, paying as little attention as possible to its eye-wateringly high price!

  They headed on next to Galeries Lafayette, the art-deco designed fashion store. Five whole storeys of clothes!

  “Let’s get ourselves a posh new outfit for the opera tonight,” Cristiano said.

  Keira grinned from ear to ear. She loved to see that his playfulness had returned.

  “Okay, let’s do it!”

  They hurried around the store, finding exquisite clothes and trying them on. Keira chose a slinky dark green dress that hugged her figure and reached the floor. Cristiano chose a very dapper looking navy blue suit.

  “I can’t wait to put these on tonight,” Keira beamed.

  The next aisle contained some gorgeous jewelry and Keira couldn’t help but stop and gawp at the beautiful crystal rings and diamond encrusted necklaces.

  “Maybe we should get Pippa something like this,” she said, gesturing to a glittering silver necklace.

  When she received no answer, she glanced around, and realized that she’d wandered away Cristiano. He’d stopped and was peering into a glass case of wedding bands. She went over and took him by the arm.

  “Honey, come and look at these necklaces,” she said.

  Cristiano came, but he seemed quiet as he followed. Keira thought little of it.

  “Look,” she announced, showing him the particular necklace she’d noticed for Pippa. “Do you think she’ll like it?”

  “I do,” he replied with a nod. But his focus seemed elsewhere.

  Keira rolled her eyes. “Okay, I get it. You’re a guy. All jewelry looks the same to you.” She laughed. “Well, I think she’ll love it. I’m going to get it.”

  “Sure,” he replied.

  She went to the till and purchased all their items, not allowing her mind to convert the cost of euros into dollars. It was best not to think about it! Then she rejoined Cristiano.

  “You must be hungry,” she told him. “You’ve got a glazed expression.”

  “Sorry,” he said, following her, as if dazed, out the store.

  Once out of the glitter and glowing lights, back on the usual rainy streets, Cristiano seemed to come back to the present moment. They walked under their umbrella, arm in arm, until they found the cafe they’d selected to stop for lunch at. It was another small place, stuffed to bursting with old wooden tables, a battered piano somehow crammed into the corner. Every inch of the walls was adorned with a poster or framed painting. The windows were steamed up, obscuring the view of the rainy streets outside.

  They found a table and sat, gazing at one another more adoringly than ever. Keira was over the moon. Everything felt perfect now. Better, even, than before. She’d never felt such intense feelings for another person. Her love for Cristiano had taken her to a whole new place.

  “Are we having one of our adventurous lunches?” Cristiano said. “With wine…”

  “…And cheese.”

  “…And gateaux.”

  They both laughed.

  Keira scanned the menu with her eyes, searching for something new and exciting. She realized as she did so that they’d definitely come to the right place. This menu was one for the locals, not the tourists, with the sort of foods on offer that terrified her to even think about eating!

  “Um.. okay, so I could have bulots,” she said, referring to the snail dish she’d not yet tried.

  “They’re more or less like clams,” Cristiano told her. “Nothing to be afraid of.”

  She nodded. “But, I could be even more adventurous.”

  “More than snails?” he asked. “Don’t tell me you’re ordering the pigeon!”
r />   She shook her head. “I was actually kind of tempted to try the pieds de cochon. Cochon is pig, right?”

  Cristiano began to laugh. “Yes but do you know what pied means?”

  Keira didn’t. She looked up at him expectantly.

  “It means foot,” he told her. “That dish is pig’s hoof.”

  Well that certainly took some of the appeal away from Keira. But surely it would just taste like bacon? Pork was pork after all, whichever bit of the pig it came from.

  “I’m not scared,” she told him, boldly. “I’m getting that!”

  Cristiano laughed. “I am proud of you. But of course, I am competitive and not to be out done.”

  She watched, amused, as he searched the menu, clearly trying to find the more exotic item on it.

  “Ris eu vie,” he announced finally.

  “What’s that?” Keira asked.

  “You might know it as sweetbread,” he said. “But there’s no bread it in it at all.” He grinned devilishly. “It’s veal pancreas.”

  “Oh God,” Keira stammered, her eyes widening. “You’re actually getting that?”

  “Why not?” he said, grinning. “Organs are delicious. It just sounds scary. Especially in English. But ris eu vie sounds far better, and much less terrifying.”

  Keira couldn’t stop laughing. Cristiano really did make her smile.

  They ordered their food from the server, along with a bottle of wine.

  When their food arrived, it certainly didn’t look scary. Keira took a forkful of meat and was more than pleasantly surprised, but utterly delighted.

  “It’s like ham hock,” she told Cristiano as the meat melted in her mouth. “Maybe a little greasy like bacon, but I don’t mind that.”

  It was Cristiano’s turn. Keira watched on, her eyes wide and nose scrunched with anticipation. Cristiano chewed, nodding his head as he did.

  “The flavor is mild,” he told her. “A bit like bacon.”

  “Really? I wasn’t expecting that.”

  He made a noise as if to suggest he was pleasantly surprised. “Yes. And the texture is closest to scallops.”

  Happy with their selection, Keira and Cristiano continued eating, sipping the excellent wine that they’d bought alongside their meals. Once they were done, they ordered cheeses for dessert.

  “I’ll never fit into my opera dress now,” Keira laughed.

  They finished eating and left the warm, romantic cafe, heading back out, once again, onto the rainy, cold streets.

  “How long until the opera starts?” Keira asked Cristiano, as she bounced alongside him clinging onto his arm like an excited child. The wine had perhaps been a little stronger than she was expecting.

  “Enough time to check out some of the nearby churches,” he said, almost as if reading her mind.

  They headed northwards to the Eglise de la Trinité. From the outside, it looked almost like a ruin, its stone walls appearing older than their 150 years. But inside, it was astounding. Rather than the marbled floors and religious mosaic artworks Keira had become accustomed to, the interior was all white columns leading up to a steepled roof. Golden lights hung from the ceiling, illuminating the whole place, giving it a dreamy quality.

  “Now this is where I’d want to get married,” Keira gushed, twirling on the spot.

  She stop spinning and looked at Cristiano. He was watching her with a knowing smile.

  “What?” Keira asked.

  “Nothing,” he said, shaking his head, smirking to himself. “You just look very beautiful in this light.”

  “Well thank you,” she replied, walking to him and kissing him lightly.

  They linked fingers and continued their tour of the beautiful church.

  When they were done, they had just enough time to walk to the Chapelle Expiatoire, a small church inside a park that was built for Marie Antoinette. Inside it almost felt like a miniature replica of the church they’d just left.

  “This would also be a lovely place to get married,” Keira mused. “If you wanted something a little more intimate.”

  They went back out into the park surrounding the chapel. It was only small but it was beautifully designed, lined with benches and street lamps. It felt very tranquil with the trees providing a barrier between the busy roads.

  “This would be a nice place to write,” Keira said to Cristiano. “But obviously not while it’s raining.”

  She realized then how different her Paris experience had been in comparison to Italy, where she’d spent more of the time writing outside in the glorious sunshine. Here, though, she’d been forced inside by the weather, writing habitually at her desk in the hotel or occasionally in cafes. Both were enjoyable experiences, and both so intrinsically linked to their locale.

  “We need to find somewhere to change for the opera,” Cristiano said. He’d been carrying their shopping bags all day.

  Keira pointed to a row of arches behind the chapel.

  “No way,” Cristiano laughed. “You want to change here?”

  Keira winked, cheekily. “Why not?”

  She grabbed her bag and ducked out beneath the umbrella, running through the rain for the arches. She looked over her shoulder as she went, seeing Cristiano shaking his head jovially and following at a slower pace.

  Once out of the rain, Keira quickly threw off her jacket and began unfastening her jeans.

  “I can’t believe we’re doing this,” Cristiano murmured, now topless.

  Keira shivered as she slid her clothes off. Then she shimmied into her gorgeous green silk dress. She looked over at Cristiano, her cheeks flushed from the cold and hurrying. He was gazing at her looking stunned.

  “What?” she asked, a little breathless from the exertion.

  “You are just so beautiful,” he replied.

  Keira blushed and approached him, helping him by buttoning up his shirt. Her fingers moved over his skin, warm and smooth. Her hot breath curled white in the cold air. She looked up at Cristiano. He wrapped his hands around hers, and for the first time she saw something new in his expression. He wasn’t looking at her with lust or desire but with something more intense, more passionate. It was almost melancholy. Keira had never seen it before but she knew what it was instantly. The look of love.

  He bent his head down and she rose onto her tiptoes, their mouths finding one another’s, their arms tightening around each other’s bodies. In that moment, the whole of Paris melted away.

  *

  The opera they were seeing tonight was called Mireille. Keira had not heard of it, but it was based on a poem of star-crossed lovers by Frédéric Mistral, which seemed very fitting. They waited outside the venue, which was as impressively grand and gorgeous as any of Paris’s buildings, but it was as they went inside that Keira was really astounded.

  They were standing in a cavernous hall facing a large stone staircase, it’s shallow steps splitting in the middle and heading in opposite directions. It was so beautifully designed it almost looked like the stone had naturally oozed into the shape of a staircase, like viscous water. The bannisters running either side of them were made of wood and marble, and there were small balconies on each floor overlooking the main foyer. People milled around holding glasses of wine, peering over the balconies at everyone below.

  Keira was lost for words as she glanced around at how magnificent the building was. It was the sort of place she’d expect only royalty to be allowed into, and being here with Cristiano made it feel extra special.

  They bought wine from the bar, then went into the theatre, which was all red velvet and golden columns. All around the sides were the private boxes from which the rich and famous could watch on in privacy.

  “This is insane,” Keira told Cristiano as they took their seats. “I would never have thought in a million years I would be in a place like this.” She linked her fingers through his. “And with a man like you by my side.”

  He smiled at her, warmly, his eyes filled with love, then clinked his glass agains
t hers.

  The theatre slowly filled, then the lights dimmed and the hubbub of the crowds quietened down. The curtain rose and the show began, in an explosion of sound and music.

  Keira had never seen an opera before and it was far more theatrical than she’d been expecting. Even though she couldn’t understand the words being sung, she could loosely follow the plot just from the singers on stage, from their incredible outfits and the exciting scenery behind them. It was absolutely thrilling, spellbinding, and she watched with rapt attention as the opera moved through its five different acts. By the time it ended, Keira had tears glittering in the corners of her eyes.

  “Did you enjoy that?” Cristiano asked her, wiping her tears away with his thumbs.

  “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m so emotional,” she laughed. “It was incredible.”

  He nodded. “I found it moving too.”

  They stood from their seats, gathering their things, and headed out into the streets. It was now dark, and Paris became even more stunning when all the night lights were turned on. They strolled slowly towards their dinner venue, taking the route along the Seine.

  Keira found the black water hypnotic. This was the most romantic Paris had felt to her for this whole trip.

  They reached the restaurant and Cristiano opened the door for her, allowing her to get out of the rain first. It was the biggest and most grand restaurant they’d been to yet, with enough space for at least a hundred patrons, and not a steamy window in sight. Instead, the interior included a fabulous mirrored wall and art nouveau woodwork.

  They were shown to their table and once again experienced a wonderful meal with exquisite flavors, exotic meats, and wonderful wine.

  Tipsy, they headed back to the hotel. Keira was so happy she could have danced along the streets.

  When they made it back they tumbled into bed, more in love than ever.

  CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

  “Bridge tour!” Keira cried.