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My stomach growls, and I laugh.
“Come on. Let’s feed you.” He wraps his arm around my waist, and I do the same.
We stop in a barely open shop. If I could bottle up the scent of this place, I would.
“Bonjour,” I greet the woman behind the counter. Then, I order our breakfast and espresso for Alex. Un Café au Lait for me.
Outside, we pick a cozy table.
“I love it when you order for me,” he admits, arranging his chair so he’s next to me. With an arm draped over the backrest, I snuggle in close and sip my coffee.
His admission surprises me. In my experience, men don’t like admitting they don’t know something. Or that they can’t do everything themselves. Grandfather would have had an aneurism if I’d ordered for him.
But this is Alex, and he’s a world apart from my grandfather.
“You do?”
“Yeah. It’s sexy.”
Did I mention I’m glowing?
If only we could just forget about going home. Gabe and King could join us here, and this dream wouldn’t have to end.
“What are you thinking about right now?” He nibbles at his croissant, and the scent of buttery-starchy goodness makes my mouth water.
“That I don’t want to go home. Gabe and King could meet us here.”
“You’d have to teach us French,” he says without missing a beat.
“My pleasure.”
We eat in blissful silence for several moments. I drain my coffee and brush the crumbs from my lap. “Earlier, when I said I wanted to live with you, I meantlive. Not cohabitate or whatever.” I wave a hand, rambling. Unease prickles the back of my neck.
Why isn’t he saying anything?
He finishes his coffee and sets his cup aside. Then he hooks my chin with the tip of his finger, staring deep into my eyes. The air shifts between us, heavy with anticipation.
“I know what you meant, Beauty. And I certainly don’t mind the other way either.”
“Really?” This all still seems so new and fast.
“Why does that surprise you?”
I huff a laugh and lift a brow, dislodging his finger. “You’re a confirmed bachelor.”
“I was.” He glances at the little bistro table. “Let’s walk along the river.”
With my hand in his, strolling to the Seine, I absorb everything. The uneven stones beneath my feet, the voices coming from the shops, even the wind in the trees. I don’t want to forget a thing.
I’d like to bottle this moment. This single, perfect moment where I feel loved and in love. Where the expectations are quiet and so are my doubts. Like I might just burst from the happiness expanding inside me.
What a way to go.
We find a bench away from prying eyes. “What do you think the guys are doing right now?”
“If I know Gabe, he’s probably on the phone looking for answers about what happened to the building and when he can get back inside.”
I’d forgotten about the flood. My cheeks burn. “I should call King.”