Chapter Thirty-One
A few months later
Isprawled out beneath the sheets, stretching, savoring the cool, silky material on my skin. I walked my fingers over the bed, searching for Hunter and finding him easily. He wasn’t far away; he was never far from my side now that we were together.
“Mm. Good morning,” he said in his sexy morning voice. He rolled closer to me, laying an arm over my chest, his erection digging into my thigh. “Did you sleep well,mon souffle?”
“Very.” I yawned, stretching out and finally opening my eyes. “Did you just refer to me as a baked good?”
He laughed, his breath puffs of delight against the skin of my neck. “It means my breath. It translates as…I can’t live without you.”
My own breath caught. I should’ve been used to these statements by now, but I wasn’t sure I’d ever become accustomed to them. Our love shone bright like the large chandelier glittering overhead, casting rainbows on the walls and the bed.
I opened my mouth to respond when there was a knock at the door to our hotel suite. Hunter gave me a peck on the cheek, popping out of bed before I could so much as move a muscle. Fine with me. I was content to lie in bed, staring at the ceiling. The hand-painted designs were breathtaking in their intricacy. A true testament to the artists who had created them.
I’d never stayed somewhere so opulent, so magnificent. And even though we’d been here nearly a week, I still couldn’t get over the fact that this was my life.
“Don’t go anywhere.” He grabbed his robe from a nearby chair.
AnoriginalLouis XIV chair.
It was just one of many priceless antiques scattered throughout the hotel suite.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I said, and I meant it. This was a dream come true.
A few minutes later, Hunter returned with breakfast. My stomach growled, already anticipating the French delicacies awaiting me on the tray. I joined him on the private terrace in my robe. Clad in matching plush, white terry cloth, we sat at the table overlooking the City of Lights.
I smiled as I sipped my coffee. Groaned when I bit into the warm, flaky croissant.
Hunter grinned at me from across the table, his blond hair deliciously mussed from last night’s debauchery.
“You’re spoiling me.” I sipped my coffee, rubbing my foot up and down his leg.
The past five days had been incredible—pure bliss. Between the shopping, the sight-seeing, and the sex, well… I was oneveryhappy woman.
“You’re never going to want to leave, are you?” he teased.
I shook my head. “No. Though I do miss Riley.”
We’d considered bringing her with us but ultimately decided she’d be happier at home. Well, at Preston and Alexis’s home. Sophia was dog sitting, and I knew Riley was probably being spoiled as much as Hunter and I were.
“I miss her too,” he said. “And the house?”
“As a wise man once told me—you are my home.”
His eyes were soft when he gazed on me, his smile too. He placed his hand over mine. “That is true.”
“I’ve also been practicing my French. You know, in case we decide to extend our visit or return in the future.”
“Ooh.” He smirked. “So, you’re talking about our future now? I like it.”
I rolled my eyes. “Just because I don’t want to get married doesn’t mean I don’t want a future with you.”
He chuckled. “I know. I’m just giving you a hard time. That said, I’m happy just enjoying our time together.”
He took another bite of his savory crepe before saying, “All right, lay it on me. I can help correct any pronunciation issues.”
Hunter actually seemed excited, and I loved that he was supportive of me in all things. That said—it was super hot listening to him speak French. He was such a natural, and it was always amusing to see how surprised everyone we encountered was. To hear such eloquently spoken French from an American.
