Images of the dazzling window display that led me to this very moment swirl through my head, making me question my own reality.Was I really on the streets of Manhattan just days ago dreaming of this exact moment?
I turn to Luca, my heart pounding wildly against my ribcage.We’re now face to face, the distance between us shrinking with each fluttering heartbeat.I can almost feel the warmth of his sweet breath mingling with the cold air, creating soft clouds that dissipate between us.
“I’m so glad I stayed.”
“I’m glad you stayed too,” he responds softly.
For a breathtaking moment, our eyes lock, and I’m engulfed by a rush of emotions.A hopeful, almost reckless, thought flutters to the front of my mind: could he ...might he kiss me?
The air seems electric, and my entire body tingles with anticipation, as if a thousand sparks have ignited within me, urging me to go with whatever might happen next.
He leans in, and my breath grows ragged with desire.
Is this it?
Is he really going to kiss me?
A jarring sound erupts from his phone, slicing through the charged atmosphere between us.
Frowning, he quickly reaches into his pocket and dismisses a call for the third time tonight.
Has the man ever heard of the silence feature?
All I can think about is the beautiful brunette from earlier, and just like that, our moment is lost—swept away into the dusky night sky.
When Luca looks back up, his expression shifts.A crease deepens on his forehead, and his lips are tight.“It’s been a long day.You must be ready to sleep.”
Pulling the soft, velvety blanket tighter around me, a small shiver traces its way up my spine.I nod and follow him back inside.
“As I mentioned earlier, I have to be somewhere in the morning, so I’ll try not to disturb you.There’s a Nespresso machine if you’d like coffee in the morning.Help yourself.”He gestures toward the narrow, galley-like kitchen to the left of the living room.
He doesn’t elaborate on his plans, and I don’t press him further.
“Where can I sleep?”I ask, a small yawn escaping my lips.
“Eh, oui”—he clears his throat—“You can use my guest room.You’ll have a private bathroom just to the left of your room.I’ll lay out fresh towels for you.My bedroom is the last door on the left if you need anything.”
Anything—the offer lingers in the air, but I don’t think he meant it the way I’m hoping he did.Why am I falling so hard for a man I just met?Is it the wine—Paris—his kindness?
I muster a platonic smile and follow him down a very narrow hallway.
He pauses in front of my room, opening the door to reveal a cozy space with a single bed.“It’s not much, but it’s better than giving up and going home.”
While it may not be as nice as the other rooms in the house, he’s right; it does beat the alternative.I can regroup and figure out a plan after some much-needed sleep.At least I got to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle.
“It’s perfect.”I grin.
“I’ll leave you to it then.I’m really glad you decided to stay.Bonne nuit, Jemma.”
“Bonne nuit, Luca.And thank you again for everything.I really appreciate all you did for me today.”
He nods and continues down the hallway.Once I hear his door close, I drop onto the bed.
Am I imagining things?
Did we almost have a moment?
Am I being irresponsible?
