Page 80 of French Martini

Oakley’s smile fades as his expression morphs into surprise.

“But then I made the very wise decision to move back here, and in doing so, I met Oakley. I left Paris scared and broken, but I’m neither of those things anymore.” I blow out a breath. “So if any of you still think I needed Alain for my career, or that I was the one who ruined everything between us, I believe it’s pretty clear now how things really went down.”

I turn to leave, but they start to ask Oakley for a comment. He pauses, looking at me for permission, and I nod, trusting him completely.

“Uh, yeah, I have a comment,” Oakley says. “I only know this version of Lowen, and I can’t say enough about what an amazing person he is. He’s kind, warm, and generous with his friends. He’s obviously brilliant when it comes to design, and he’s made me better at my job. Mostly though, he’s made me step up my game to be worthy of a man like him. If you’re looking for dirt, you won’t find any, but if you’re looking for…” He pauses, squeezing my hand. “If you’re looking for the real thing, you’ve found it.”

My heart flutters in my chest and I practically laugh with joy as I step into his arms and kiss him hard in front of everyone. I can hear the clicking of cameras, but I don’t care if they make a billboard and hang it on the Eiffel Tower. I don’t even care what they say about me or all the shit that happened tonight. It doesn’t matter anymore. Only this moment matters. Only Oakley.

“Take me upstairs,” I whisper.

“Absolutely.”

We walk off without another word and they let us. As we pass the ballroom, I spot Alain with the group of journalists, still spinning his own version of the truth and somehow making himself the victim when he should be trying to win Gerard back.

“You blow me away, Low.” Oakley pushes the Up button. “Never cease to amaze me.”

“I’m just getting started, big bear.” I turn to him, biting back the words on the tip of my tongue until we’re truly alone. “Are you ready for me?”

He nods as his eyes heat. “I sure am, kitten.”

“Good. Because we’re gonna be up late.”

“That’s not a problem.”

Before we make it upstairs, my phone starts buzzing like crazy. I take it out of my clutch and open the group text.

Ridley: Dude. You are slaying N.O.

Me: In what way, may I ask?

Indy: Salem has alerts on his phone set up for the event and for you. Apparently you just blew the roof off the place by addressing your history with A.

“What’s going on?” Oakley asks as we step onto the elevator.

“Apparently, it’s already trending on social media outlets that I gave a statement.”

“That was literally less than five minutes ago.”

“The vultures work fast.”

Ridley: oh shit there’s more.

I blow out a breath, waiting for some hateful comment, but smile when Ridley’s next text comes through.

Ridley: Well damn. That’s a hell of a kiss there, Low.

Me: It’s been a wild night.

Indy: You okay?

I glance at Oakley.

Me: Couldn’t be better. Here’s another exclusive. I have to go. I have a big bear to climb.

Laughing softly, I put my phone on silent as more texts start coming in.

“They can wait until tomorrow.”

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