I’m also slightly obsessed with the Art Nouveau signs marking the Metro entrances.Metropolitain.They almost make you feel like you’re going somewhere magical, but then you remember you’re entering an underground transit system.At least they try.I was excited that my favorite museum even had an exhibition on the designs which made me appreciate them even more.The little things that bring me joy these days surprise me.
Have I said it enough?I.Love.Paris.
I’ve also seen the expansive views of the city from the steps of Sacré-Cœur, perused books at Shakespeare and Company, window shopped along the Champs-Élysées, walked along the dreamy Seine River, toured Notre-Dame, enjoyed an iconic hot chocolate from Les Deux Magots, and have eaten at more boulangeries than I can count on one hand.Don’t judge.When in Paris.
But tonight, I’m veering from my list.I’ve done a bit of research on my own, and Luca will be accompanying me whether he likes it or not.
ChapterTwenty-Four
LUCA
“Where are you taking me?”I plead, following Jemma through the streets ofmyneighborhood.My darling little house guest has been very mysterious since demanding I join her for an unplanned outing this evening.
She crinkles her cute slender nose sprinkled with barely noticeable freckles—but of course, I noticed—and flashes me a playful grin.
“It’s a surprise!”she chirps, yanking on my arm, tugging me down the busy sidewalk.
“I’m supposed to be showing you around Paris.Not the other way around.Are you sure you know where you’re going?”I tease, knowing I’m about to get a rise out of her.
“Yes.I know exactly where I’m going.”She turns to me with an exaggerated pout, her perfectly shaped eyebrows raised.“You’re kind of a control freak, aren’t you?You really need to chill and let me take the reins today.”She impishly stomps her black-booted foot into the ground—herflatblack boot, that is.I think she’s over heels, and with good reason.I’m not going to lie; I got off a bit teasing her about the cobblestones.I think it brought us closer together, though.And damn did those heels make her legs look great.
Focus.
She’s staring at me, waiting for a response, and I can’t help but chuckle.
“Luca!”
“Lead the way.”I motion for her to continue.I’ll give her credit; she’s feisty, but there’s a sweetness peeking out from behind her walls.I love the way she challenges me, like on the plane when she thought I had her seat.And when she thought I lied to her.I didn’t lie to her about needing to be home, but I haven’t been completely honest with her either.
I never expected to fall for her.This wasn’t part of the plan.I only wanted to help her out of a bad situation.
Don’t get me wrong—she’s absolutely gorgeous, a little frustrating at first, but that’s what drew me to her.Okay, hell—I’m a freaking liar—the moment I first laid eyes on her, I was taken by her.I never thought I’d see her again.But fate has a funny way of tossing things back at you, doesn’t it?
When she called me that day, I knew I had to help her, but that was it.I would help Jemma find a place to stay and call it my good deed for the day, but once again, the universe had other plans for us.How was it possible that Paris, of all places, had zero availability?Well, it did have some vacancy, but there’s no way in hell I was going to drop her off at one of the run-down hostels or seedy places my brother found for her.Jemma deserved better.
But still, I had no intention of falling for her.
I have too much on my plate right now.I should have been honest with her, but what’s the point when she’s leaving at the end of the month?We’ll probably never see each other again.
“Almost there.”She beams, her smile practically reaching her eyes.
When we cross the Seine, over the Pont Royal, I know exactly where she’s leading us.
“Et voilà,” Jemma announces, her blueish-green eyes sparkling triumphantly.It’s so cute when she speaks French; she’s much better at it than she realizes, especially when she stops overthinking it.
We’re standing at the entrance to La Magie de Noël, the Christmas Market at the Jardin des Tuileries—my mother’s favorite holiday tradition.My heart swells in my chest, feeling as if it might burst.
“I wanted to repay you for trying”—she makes little air quotes with her fingers—“to recreate a Christmas memory for me.Although, I think it’s been replaced by a new one now.”She bites her bottom lip and tugs on her braid.
It’s something I’ve seen her do several times, and it tortures me.I want to grab her right here on the street and pull her close.I’ve never wanted anyone as badly as I want her right now.My mouth twitches, itching to kiss her.
I wish things didn’t have to be so complicated.The other morning was a bit of a slip—a good slip—but I shouldn’t let it happen again.It’s not fair to her.
Maybe in another lifetime.If things didn’t start off the way they did ...
No matter what, I want to enjoy my time with her while it lasts.Does that make me a bad person?
Her features knit together, noticing my lack of reaction.“I hope this is okay?”she softly says, shrinking into herself.
