Page 107 of Pretend To Be Mine

“You don’t, really. You just learn to trust yourself more than you need their validation. Your designs are incredible, Elizabeth. Whether your mother approves or not doesn’t change that fact.”

I blinked back sudden tears. “When did you get so wise?”

“I’m not wise. I’m just older and have made a lot of mistakes.”

The waiter appeared with the check. He handled the payment and then we were stepping out into the Paris night.

“Walk with me?” he asked, offering his arm.

“Absolutely.”

I didn’t care that my heels weren’t exactly meant for walking. I was in Paris. I would soak my feet later.

We strolled along the Seine. Couples and tourists and late-night Parisians moved around us. Adrian pulled me close. I let myself lean into his warmth and the moment of perfect contentment.

We stopped walking and turned to face each other. His hands slid to my elbows and then up my arms. He stared into my eyes without saying anything. It looked like there was something he wanted to say, but he couldn’t find the words.

I waited.

And then he kissed me. It wasn’t passionate. It wasn’t hungry. It was peaceful. Sweet. Loving.

And then he pulled back and took my hand in his once again.

We made our way back to the hotel, hands linked, bodies close.

What if it doesn’t have to end?

35

ADRIAN

“Close your eyes,” I said as the car slowed.

Elizabeth turned to me with immediate suspicion. “Why?”

“Because I’m asking nicely?” I tried for innocent, but her narrowed eyes told me she wasn’t buying it. “Come on. Trust me.”

“Famous last words.”

I reached over and gently placed my hand over her eyes. “Humor me.”

She sighed but didn’t fight it. “Fine. But if this is some elaborate prank⁠—”

“It’s not a prank. It’s a surprise.” I felt the car come to a complete stop. “Keep them closed.”

I helped her out of the car, one hand still covering her eyes, the other guiding her forward. The sound of rotor blades in the distance was unmistakable, but she hadn’t seemed to notice yet.

“Adrian, where are we?”

“Patience.” I positioned her carefully, then stepped back. “Okay. Open.”

She did.

For a moment, she just stared at the sleek black helicopter sitting on the pad in front of us, its blades beginning their slow rotation. Then her head whipped toward me, eyes wide.

“Is that—are we—” She couldn’t seem to finish a sentence.

“We’re taking a helicopter to the venue.” I watched her face carefully, trying to gauge her reaction. “I thought you might enjoy seeing it from the air first.”