Page 67 of Embracing Love

“You’re returning to Paris already?” He’d assumed too much. Disappointment clouded his thoughts and the appeal of going to San Francisco withered away.

She nodded, equally as surprised at his news. “I didn’t know you were staying on.”

“For a week.” Only he wasn’t looking forward to it anymore.

Her face displayed her disappointment. “I have to go.” She looked at her watch. “We have a managers’ meeting with Michael soon.” The lack of enthusiasm in her voice was apparent.

This was goodbye? No words could express the desolation he felt already. “When will I see you again?” he asked, his jaw tightening.

“When you get back,” she replied.

He wanted to hold her, to hug her and kiss her. He wanted to feel her again and almost reached out for her but saw her flinch, and understood. “You feel awkward, I understand.”

“It’s not you.”

“I know. It’s the situation.” He looked around them. “We can talk when I return.”

“I’d like that.” She put out her hand. “I really must go.” He took her hand and held it, giving it more of a caress than a handshake.

“I feel the need to kiss you. But I can’t.”

“I want to be kissed by you. But—” They held on, until their hands slowly slipped apart. She filed past him into the dining area, and he walked in a minute after her.

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