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I kissed and hugged Tomas, and we headed back. Honestly, I didn’t know what to do about the Givenchy internship. My dad was one excuse, but so was Paul. I could barely handle not seeing him for hours, but months?
The reality was my time with him was at his mercy. It could end once we returned to the States. Was I a fool not to even consider the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of an internship at Givenchy? I hadn’t spoken to Xander about that yet, and I believed he would tell me to take it, hands down.
Am I obsessed or falling in love? Are they the same?
I finally had the chance to wear the evening dress I tried on in New York City. The stylist wove blue and violet gems in curls of my hair that flowed in a large spiral down my back. The dress had a plunging neckline, and I had to put on double-sided tape to keep my boobs in place. I had a shimmering glow on my arms and face. The dress fit my curves, and I felt like a movie star going to an awards show. I’d set up a quick FaceTime with Momand Dad before we left. Paul let me know he’d get dressed at the office and return to pick me up soon.
The screen filled with their shocked faces as I came into view.
“Oh, my goodness,” Mom breathed. “Look at our beautiful girl.”
“You clean up good, kid,” Dad teased and let out a wheezing laugh. They both looked well and rested. I sent a prayer of gratitude up to the universe.
I stood and spun around. “I love this look, too. How are things going?”
Mom looked at Dad. “Do you want to tell her?”
My pulse picked up. “Tell me what?”
“They may have found a match for my kidney.”
I clapped and cheered as I fought back the stinging tears of happiness. “Yay, Dad!”
“Yep, you’re not getting rid of me yet,” he said, and Mom kissed and hugged him. He touched her face. “I love you.”
“I love you, honey.”
My heart swelled watching their tenderness together.
“Where is Mr. Crane? Is he out tax-dodging another billion?” Dad asked in a reproving tone.
“Come on, Dad.” I sighed. “Paul is at work. He’ll be here soon.”
“Is there love in the air?” Mom asked. She was hopeful, which meant she accepted what I told her about Paul unconventionally dating me, and I couldn’t bring myself to tell her more.
“No,” Dad said at the same time as I did.
If only Mom knew how far away from love Paul held me. Then again, that was my fault.I didn’t tell her everything.
“Well, I’m crossing my fingers. I showed everyone at the hospital a picture of you two together. They think you make a handsome couple. Thank you for all the presents from Paris.”
“I haven’t sent them yet,” I said.
Mom stood, showing off her Mona Lisa sweatshirt from the Louvre.
I shook my head and grinned. “Paul must have seen what I labeled to send you and sent it ahead for me. He’s always doing stuff like that.”
Dad crossed his arms. “Don’t forget where you come from. Money isn’t everything; love matters so much more. I loved your mom the minute I met her in study hall. I didn’t have money, but I worked hard to win her heart. I’d take it over all the money in the world, even forty years later.”
“Oh, darling.” Mom teared up and hugged him.
A knock sounded at the door, and I turned to see the housekeeper. “Mademoiselle,MonsieurCrane is here.”
“Merci,” I said. “Goodbye. See you all soon. I love you both.”
Mom blew kisses until the screen went dark.
My heels were on, and I descended the staircase like Audrey Hepburn inMy Fair Lady. Paul looked drop-dead gorgeous in his tuxedo, and along with his charisma and magnetism, I didn’t stand a chance of protecting myself. Our gazes fused, and like a visceral pull linking to Paul, I went to him. I needed his kisses, his hands on my skin, and Paul gave me everything I needed. His palm went down the open center of my dress as his lips devoured me in a kiss, sucking on my tongue until I sizzled under his spell.
