Page 94 of One Midnight Kiss

“What brings you to Paris tonight, mademoiselle?” he asked, his eyes catching mine in the rearview mirror.

I smiled tightly. “Closure,” I told him, though it was mostly to myself.

When I arrived at the venue, it was like stepping back in time. The mansion was exactly as I remembered it, grand and opulent, lit up with golden lights that flickered against the night sky. I took a deep breath and made my way inside, past the waiters in black ties holding silver trays of champagne. I plucked a glass from one, taking a long sip before I stepped into the main hall.

It was remarkably the same as last year. The crowd, the music, the laughter—all of it felt like a scene frozen in time. I wondered how many of the same people had returned, searching for their own moments of magic. I still had no idea who any of them were and I honestly didn’t care. If tonight went the way I hoped, I would never see them again.

I had been at the party for less than ten minutes before a man approached me. He was tall, with slicked-back hair and a confident smile, the kind of man who had probably been charming women all his life.

“Care to dance?” he asked, holding out his hand.

I flashed him the ring on my finger and shook my head. “Engaged,” I lied smoothly.

He blinked, taken aback for a moment, then laughed. “Lucky man,” he said, tipping his head before moving on to his next target.

I let out a breath, grateful for the fake ring’s usefulness, at least in this moment. It bought me time, allowed me to navigate the room without feeling pressured. I drifted through the crowd, looking for my mystery man. Part of me was scared. Terrified my mystery man actually showed up and I learned he wasn’t Fox. I had no idea what I would do if that was the case.

I mingled and sipped champagne as I killed time. So far, I didn’t see Fox or anyone that resembled him or the mystery man. I braced myself for disappointment. There was a good chance neither man showed up.

That would be just my luck.

I found myself gravitating toward the balcony, just like last year. The memory of that night washed over me. I had gone out alone, needing air, needing a moment away from the noise, and then he’d been there. A stranger, his face hidden behind a mask, but his presence was unforgettable. We shared words, a kiss that stole my breath, and then it was over.

My heart pounded in my chest as I stepped outside, the cool air hitting my face. I walked to the edge, my fingers brushing against the stone railing. It was quiet out here, a stark contrast to the noise and chaos inside. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to ground myself. I braced myself for disappointment while clinging to hope.