One Week in Paris

by Roya Carmen

  “The ceiling is pretty cool, isn’t it?” I ask her, looking up at the exposed pipes running the length of it. It reminds me of that cool restaurant Oscar took me to in Paris. Yes, this place is definitely cool; brick walls, distressed wood accents, bistro chairs (Paris style) and comfy sofas. We’ve got the best seats in the house; a table for four right in front of the gas fireplace. It pays when you’re engaged to the owner.

  The girls are busy chatting as I contemplate the ring on my finger; the beautiful sapphire Oscar gave me not so long ago. I stare at it for a beat, and then I glance up. Oscar is busy behind the counter, flanked by two of his employees. Every now and then, he shoots me a sexy smile, and I melt a little. The place has been running smoothly, and with the changes Oscar implemented and the social media and marketing efforts we’ve both worked very hard on, it’s the new ‘it’ place, the spot everyone wants to be. We’ve been lucky to have Gabbie’s help — she used to be a big deal in Marketing back in the day, and still knows what she’s doing. She says she loves helping us because it’s a nice change of pace from mommy-ing. And she does it all for free. She’s also provided art for the walls, courtesy of her and her hubby, Eli. Corrie has helped us with painting and decorating, and her soon-to-be-ex has helped us with legal matters. And Maeve, despite being two hours away, has sourced affordable uniforms for us. You really know who your true friends are when you start off a new venture, and they all happily pitch in.

  It feels strange to be in a different spot, but Coffee at Oscar’s is officially our new meeting place, and we like it even more than our last location. And the food and drinks are on the house, which is a big plus. I love the place, save for that horrible framed picture of me on the wall; the one the gypsy drew in Paris. Of course, Oscar being Oscar, as incorrigible as he is, insisted on hanging it just to grind my gears. But it makes my friends laugh every time they see it, so it’s a keeper.

  “She’s so adorable,” Corrie says. They’re all still cooing over Charlotte.

  “She’s a lot of work,” Gabbie tells us. “But thankfully, Eli is a great dad. He helps out a lot.”

  Maeve runs her fingers through Charlotte’s curls. “How are Emma and Theo dealing with having a new little sister?”

  Gabbie lights up. “They’re great. They love her. I was a bit worried before she came along.”

  “And how have you been?” Maeve turns to me. “How is it shacking up with Oscar?” she asks, a huge smile plastered on her face.

  Yep, Oscar and I have moved in together into my apartment — it’s a lot cheaper in rent, and we need all the extra income we can get to pour into the coffee shop. And we’ll be officially married soon anyway. I already have my dress; a beautiful embroidered bohemian gown, but I’ve left most of the planning up to Oscar. He’s busy making calls, and won’t let me in on any of it. He wants it to be a big surprise, and I know I can trust him to do it right. That’s the wonderful thing about Oscar — he always surprises me, and I know he always will.

  “So when’s the big day?” Corrie asks, the same question she asks every time she sees me.

  I laugh. “We haven’t set a date yet, but Oscar’s on it. We’ve just been so crazy busy with the shop.”

  The truth is, I’m excited to live my life with Oscar, but I’ve never been one of those girls who dreams about her wedding day. Oscar would marry me tomorrow if he could, but we’re taking it one day at a time.

  “I’ve bought my dress,” I tell them, excited.

  Corrie perks up. “What does it look like?”

  “I bought it at a vintage dress shop,” I tell her. “It’s circa 1960s, with pretty embroidery, long sheer fabric sleeves, and a form fitting corset. And there’s a long classic veil to match.”

  “I can’t wait to see it,” Maeve says. “This is so exciting.”

  “So about you, Maeve,” I ask. “How’s your shop going?”

  She blows out a huge breath. “Busy. Trust me, I know exactly how you feel right now… overwhelmed, right?”

  I smile. “Yeah, a bit.”

  “No babies in the near future?” Gabbie chimes in, her words directed at Maeve.

  Maeve shakes her head. “No… too busy.”

  “How are the cats getting along?” Gabbie asks me.

  I smile. “Oh, Mitzy and Nellie are getting along just fine. Nellie is a bit of a diva. She gives Mitzy and I the stink eye all the time, but as soon as Oscar walks in the door, she’s all sweet and affectionate. But once in a while, I’ll catch her cuddling with Mitzy.”

  “Men and their cats,” Maeve says.

  “Men and their dogs,” Gabbie pipes in.

  “Men and their cars,” Corrie ads, and we all laugh.

  “So, I absolutely need to know,” Corrie says. “What’s the deal with your mom and that French hottie?”

  I think about Mom and a smile traces my lips. She’s been glowing lately. She seems so young these days, full of life. “It’s going great. They’re engaged.”

  Wide eyes all around. “No freaking way,” Corrie says. “That’s fantastic.”

  “Yeah, she’s in Paris right now,” I tell them. “They’re going to split their time… spend six months in France, and six months here.”

  “Wow,” Maeve says. “I wish I were your mom.”

  Corrie laughs. “Me too.”

  “Don’t we all,” I say. “The woman has a fabulous life.”

  “Will you miss her when she’s away?” Gabbie asks. Charlotte is in her arms again, still fascinated by the ceiling.

  My smile fades. “A little… but there’s Facetime and stuff. We’ll still be in touch. And I get her six months a year.”

  “I bet she can’t wait to be a grandmother.”

  I laugh. “She’ll have to wait a little longer.”

  A beat of silence or two follows, the clatter and chatter of the crowd suddenly noticeable.

  “So, what is this?” Maeve asks, breaking the silence. “A gossip club, or a journaling club?”

  I laugh and rummage through my oversized bag for my notebook. “I’ve got something… my latest entry. I think you’ll all like it.

  “Go for it, girl,” Corrie cheers.

  I cross a leg over the other, I clear my throat, and start.

  Friendship

  Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light. — Helen Keller

  Wikipedia defines friendship as a relationship of mutual affection between people, but it’s so much more than that.

  A friend is there for you when you’re feeling down. A friend is someone you can talk to, the one who helps you get it all out. A friend is the person who looks out for you, and who will give you the right advice, whether it’s wanted or not. A true friend will always steer you in the right direction, and wants the best for you; happiness, prosperity and health.

  A friend is a person who understands you, who ‘gets you’. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll find such a person, or possibly even more than one. You’ll find your ‘tribe’. And there won’t be a doubt in your mind when you do.

  A friend makes you laugh, and can sometimes make you cry. Although it might not always be easy, true friends always come back to each other. You always have time for one another. You seek each other out. You understand each other.

  A best friend is someone you feel comfortable enough to share all your secrets with. You can trust them, you can confide in them, and they will never betray you. You can also be vulnerable with them. You can show them all your bruises and sores, and they will stick a bandage on them, and help you heal them.

  A best friend is someone you can spend countless hours with and never get bored. Your best friend is the person you want to text or call as soon as something great happens, and also as soon as something horrible happens.

  Some people are never lucky enough to find a single one of these people. I’ve been very blessed that way. I found my tribe in Gabbie, Corrie and Maeve. They’re always there for me, and they just get me. And then ther
e’s Oscar, my lover, my best friend, the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. He’s the most important person in my world.

  I’ve been very blessed, indeed.

  Claps and teary eyes all around. Gabbie pulls me in for a hug. “That was beautiful.”

  My heart is still pounding when I reply, “Thank you. I meant every word.”

  “We feel the same way,” Maeve chimes in. She reaches for my hand and squeezes it.

  “Yes,” Gabbie says. “I don’t know what I would have done without you girls.”

  Corrie smiles, her eyes teary. “Yeah, let’s promise we’ll always be there for each other. Always.”

  Maeve raises her mug of latte. “Hear, hear.”

  We all raise our drinks and clink mugs. “You bet!” I cheer. “Now, if you’ll excuse me for a second, I need to go kiss my sexy fiancé ‘hello.’”

  The End.

  A note from the author:

  Hi! Thanks so much for reading One Week in Paris. Hope you enjoyed Kayla and Oscar’s story. If you enjoyed the book, please consider telling your friends about it, or writing a review and checking out my other novels.

  Next up is Book 4: the final story in the One Week series. Corrie’s story. It will be a fun summer rom-com novella. Book 4 releases June 2019, so keep an eye out for it. To stay in the know about all my new releases, sales and freebies, please subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on social media. (Links below).

  And for those who haven’t read the first two books in the series. One Week is a forbidden arrangement story, and takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is Gabbie’s story, and is also a standalone read. One Week Hating You is a love-hate romance, and features Maeve. Also a standalone read.

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  Cheers!

  About the Author

  Roya Carmen is a book junkie, self-professed chocoholic and hopeless romantic. A graduate of Ryerson University, she worked in Graphic Communications before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She has always loved writing, finding her passion for romance in 2008. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, playing billiards, and painting. And of course, there is nothing she enjoys more than sitting down at her laptop and making up stories – and if those stories should include beautiful men, a little romance, and a few steamy scenes, all the better!

  Roya lives north of Toronto with her husband and three children.

  Also by Roya Carmen

  The Ground Rules Trilogy - Bestselling erotic romance trilogy.

  The Riverstone Series – A series of steamy standalone reads.

  One Week Series - A series of steamy standalone reads.

  Back to You - A sweet summer romance.

  Read below for more detailed info.

  The Riverstone Series

  A beautiful inherited estate. Three unforgettable love stories.

  Loving Amber

  (A standalone novel. Book 1 of The Riverstone Series.)

  Torn by tragedy. Reunited by love.

  A steamy forbidden romance. Two years following her husband’s tragic death, a widow struggles with feelings for the man she holds responsible.

  “Loving Amber is a second chance at love story with a twist of the forbidden. This book had so many feels. My heart broke over and over again.” - Sultry Sirens Book Blog

  Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is the first book of the Riverstone Estate Series and can be enjoyed as a STANDALONE read.

  Loving Ruby

  (A standalone novel. Book 2 of The Riverstone Series.)

  A sinful boss secretary romance.

  I’ve heard all the rumours: He killed his wife. He’s on house arrest. He’s a vampire. Yet still, when I get a job offer from the reclusive Mr. Hyde, I jump at the chance. Yes, I know I’m crazy.

  I’m cautious at first, but then I discover a beautiful, quirky man. I also see a tortured soul who lives in darkness. I know I should run, yet I can’t tear myself away. I want to discover all his secrets. I desperately want to help him. And when he draws me deeper into his strange little world, I want to stay.

  Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is the second book of the Riverstone Estate Series and can be enjoyed as a STANDALONE read.

  Loving Jade

  (A standalone novel. Book 3 of The Riverstone Series.)

  A story about courage and new beginnings.

  In an attempt to escape her abusive husband, a woman seeks refuge at a horse estate and falls in love with her equine therapist.

  Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is the last book of the Riverstone Estate Series and can be enjoyed as a STANDALONE read.

  The Ground Rules Trilogy

  Two beautiful couples. Five simple rules. One hot mess.

  Gabe and Mirella Keates are happily married – high school sweethearts, in fact. But by chance, one fateful night, they meet the rich and enigmatic Weston Hanson and his beautiful wife Bridget.

  Mirella is instantly drawn to the sexy, mysterious, peculiar man and soon becomes obsessed with him. And when the dynamic couple makes them an unthinkable proposal, Mirella and Gabe accept, driven by lust and desire, despite knowing the risks.

  The ground rules are clear, but as Mirella discovers the kind and gentle man hidden under Weston’s cold, rigid exterior, she soon falls hard for him. And as Weston’s walls begin to crumble, he starts to break his own rules as well.

  As Mirella falls deeper, she is torn between her feelings for Weston and her love for her husband. And as the volatile and passionate Gabe becomes increasingly jealous, Mirella realizes her entire world is tearing at the seams.

  Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is a trilogy but the first book can be enjoyed as a standalone read. The Ground Rules (Book 1), The Ground Rules Rewritten (Book 2), The Ground Rules Undone (Book 3)

  Read the excerpt of Chapter One following this section.

  The One Week Series - A series of standalone reads.

  One Week

  A troubled marriage. A one week hall pass.

  Gabbie falls for a beautiful stranger she meets online, and is given permission by her husband to spend a week with him.

  One Week Hating You.

  A love-hate romance.

  Maeve gets jilted at the alter and enlists the help of her bad boy ex to win her fiancé back.

  One Week Book 4 Coming June 2019

  The Ground Rules - Excerpt - Chapter One

  Preface

  FEW WORDS were spoken. Yet I knew. I can’t really explain it…physical attraction is a powerful thing, an all-consuming thing. I didn’t want it, and I certainly wasn’t looking for it, but there it was, nevertheless.

  I should have run in the opposite direction. But I didn’t. No…I yielded to it.

  It’s amazing how life can change so easily—veer off the path. A single moment, a decision you make, however insignificant, can change the course of your destiny.

  For me, it all started with a pink dress.

  Chapter One

  GOODNESS…MY TOES are a disgrace. I haven’t looked at my feet in a while, and as I stare down at the faded, chipped blue polish on way-too-long toenails, I realize I might be letting myself go.

  I really need a pedicure.

  I can’t remember the last time I gave myself a pedi. Chloe’s toes are perfect little shiny red buds—I just did her nails yesterday.

  When did my daughter’s toenails become more important than mine? Probably about eight years ago or so. I first painted her toenails when she was just a baby—just wanted to see what it would look like.

  I suppose that’s what happens when you become a mom. One day you have a life. You look hot. Other men (men who are not your husband) want to do wicked things to you.

  And then…you’re painting your baby’s tiny to
enails.

  I sigh as Chloe wraps one of my colorful scarves around her neck, her dark brown curls caught under the silk. We’re playing dress-up.

  She twirls in front of the wall mirror. “Do I look grown-up, Mommy?” Her gorgeous eyes gaze at me intently. “Well, do I?”

  “Yes, sweetie. You look very sophisticated.” Classier than me, I muse—ghastly toes, shabby sweats, and all. Every time I look at her, I see her father. She looks so much like him—the crazy dark curls, the gorgeous, sleepy hazel eyes and the slightly off-kilter, devilish smile.

  She’s precious, standing in my over-sized black pumps and red cocktail dress, a hodge-podge of necklaces draped around her neck.

  Her little sister stands on a vanity chair, arms stretched as she reaches for one of my dresses. “How ’bout this one?”

  I give Claire the pick of the crop. I never wear them anymore. And I do have a lot of dresses—when a pretty one catches my eye, impulse overtakes me. I never ask myself, “When am I ever going to wear this?” If I did, I probably wouldn’t have this overstuffed closet.

  I’ve taken over the closet, in fact—Gabe’s clothing is stuffed in an armoire, but I don’t think he minds. He’s a simple guy—he wears mostly jeans, T-shirts, and plaid button shirts. He doesn’t need a closet.