Page 17

“All of it.”
That made me smile. I was still smiling a few moments later when I pulled up in front of an old, red brick building. It had more of those flower baskets and an elegant little courtyard with a narrow path to wide, ornate doors.
Opening the car door for Esme, I reached down to help her out, noticing again that shiver of heat at the contact. “Wait, I nearly forgot this.” I pulled the jewelry box from my pocket, twirling my finger for her to turn around.
She did, pulling her soft, blond hair to the side so I could slide the chain around her neck and do up the clasp. Her scent washed over me, delicate and pretty. Her skin was silky smooth to the touch, that spot on the back of her neck just begging to be kissed. Unable to help myself, I trailed a finger over the spot, saw her skin break out in goosebumps and pulled back sharply. She didn’t need this. I wasn’t some sort of creep, hitting on girls ten years younger than me.
“There you go.”
She pushed her hair back over her shoulder and, with one finger lightly caressing the diamond, turned to smile up at me. “Thank you.”
Ignoring the painful rolling over of my heart, I put my arm out. “Shall we?” With her small hand in the crook of my elbow, I led her through the foyer, up a curved staircase, then up a narrow spiral staircase. Somehow, I managed not to check out her ass while she ascended the stairs in front of me.
“Oh, wow!” Esme was gazing in wonder at the rooftop terrace, with its twinkling fairy lights, snowy white table linen and urns spilling over with summer flowers. The panoramic view of downtown Raleigh and the pink streaked sky were the perfect backdrop.
“Mr. Rivers. A pleasure, as always.”
“Thank you, Pierre.”
“AndBon anniversaire,Miss Esme.”
Esme turned startled, anxious eyes to me.
“He just wished you happy birthday,” I grinned.
Her shoulders sagged with relief. “Thank you so much. That’s very kind of you.”
“Please allow me to give you this small gift for your special day.” Pierre reached under the host stand and pulled out a long, narrow box.
“F-for me?”
“Indeed.” He handed it over, showing a single, blush pink rose beneath the clear film of the lid.
“Oh, this is so pretty. Thank you!”
“You’re very welcome. Now, if you’ll follow me…”
We did, and it didn’t escape my notice that more than a few pairs of eyes followed Esme’s progress across the terrace to the small table in the corner. Also, that she was completely oblivious to the attention.
As he pulled Esme’s chair out for her to sit, Pierre asked me, in French, how my parents were. I answered, also in French, almost squirming at the way Esme stared at me. “Joseph will be over to take your drink orders shortly.”
“Merci.”
With a kind, fatherly smile at Esme, Pierre returned to the front of the restaurant.
“Mercy indeed!” Placing her purse and the rose on the table, she rested her elbow on the white cloth and leaned forward. “You know, with everyone knowing my name and wishing me happy birthday, I swear, I feel like the main character.”
Christ, she was adorable. “You deserve it. Ah, here’s Joseph.”
“Bon anniversaire,”Joseph said, as soon as he reached our table. Esme gave him a blinding smile with her thanks and the poor guy had to take a few moments to catch his breath before offering me the wine list.
“Do you drink champagne?”
“I don’t really drink much of anything, but I’ll give it a try.”
“Perfect.” I ordered a bottle of their best champagne and leaned back so Joseph could fill our water glasses.
“Esme…it is short for Esmeralda, yes?”