Page 64 of One Month's Notice

“Let’s head to the lounge. We’ve got some time before our flight.” Michael offered her a small, cryptic smile as he pocketed their tickets.

As they made their way to the business lounge, Michael’s hand occasionally brushed against hers in silent reassurance. The lounge was an oasis of calm, away from the frenetic pace of the terminal. They helped themselves to the breakfast spread, Nat selecting a croissant and some fruit while Michael opted for black coffee and a bagel.

Sitting opposite each other at a quiet table, Nat couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“OK, you have to tell me now. Where are we going?”

“We’re off to Paris,” he said, finally putting her out of her misery.

“Paris…” Nat repeated.

“Yes, Paris.” A hint of a smile played on his lips. “There’s a special fabric boutique there that I think you’ll love.”

“You don’t mean?” Nat’s eyes widened.

Michael nodded. “I figured you might have just enough time, if you agree to my help, to get that portfolio finished.”

“But I cancelled my interview!”

“I found out the details and managed to reinstate it for Tuesday morning.” Michael smiled hesitantly.

Her silence was not giving away whether she was furious or ecstatic. She could only stare at him, her mind racing. Was this really happening?

“How did you…why would you do that?”

“Because I believe in you. I think you’re talented, and I want to see you succeed. You saved my company and my dreams. Now it’s my time to save yours.”

“Thank you,” she said, her voice quiet. “For all of this.”

Michael’s response was a simple nod.

The intercom crackled to life, calling for passengers to start boarding the flight to Paris.

“Ready?” He held his outstretched hand towards her.

Nat’s stomach fluttered as she placed her hand in his, enjoying the gentle touch of his skin against hers.

“Ready.” She nodded, a smile spreading as they moved together towards the gate.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt hopeful. Maybe this weekend would be the start of something new, something wonderful.

Chapter twenty-seven

Saturday 28th May, evening

Nat stood in the bathroom of the hotel suite, leaning in closer to the mirror to apply a subtle smoky eye-shadow that had promised to play up the gold flecks in her eyes. It was much harder than expected and she had to repeatedly wipe off where she had added too much before starting all over again. She wasn’t one for wearing much make-up, and this time Lucy wasn’t around to give her a hand. She wore fitted black jeans that hugged her figure, while the floaty top with its floral pattern danced around her waist as she moved. Her dark hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders.

“OK, not too bad,” she murmured to herself, scrutinising her reflection with a critical eye that saw imperfection where others would only see beauty.

Her phone buzzed on the counter, breaking her focus—it was Lexi video-calling, desperate to find out more about Nat’s unexpected trip.

“Hey, how’s it going with your knight in shining armour?” Lexi’s cheerful face appeared on the screen.

A broad smile lit up Nat’s features. “Today has been really nice. We went to this quaint little bistro for lunch. You would have loved it.”

“And the hotel setup?”

“Two rooms. He had pure intentions for this trip.” Nat felt a mixture of gratitude with a tiny fraction of disappointment at Michael’s gentlemanly gesture.

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