Page 83 of A Win-Win Situation

As he speaks, a warmth courses through my body, leaving me with a delightful shiver that brings a smile to my face. I turn to look at him, and our eyes lock for a moment. The intensity of his gaze makes me feel both desired and vulnerable. My heart hammers in my chest as I struggle to comprehend the meaning behind his words. Does he really mean what he's saying, or is this just his way of playing with me?

I try to compose myself, but it's difficult with him so close to me. I can smell his cologne and feel his strong body againstmine. Every nerve in my body is on edge as I wait for him to speak again.

"Look, there she is, Venus de Milo." He guides me towards the sculpture, hand in hand, and my body aches for more than this innocent touch. I want him to hold me again. I steal a glance at him, taking in his beautiful features and broad shoulders. His gaze lies straight ahead but his lips are curved in a smirk, as if he knows what effect his words have on me and is reveling in it.

I really don’t understand what he wants or needs from me. Is it all a joke? I try to push aside my feelings, knowing that it's not the right time or place to act on them. But as we stand there, my mind goes to every other place but the sculpture.

I want him and I think he wants me too, he might just be scared to admit it. He wouldn’t say my underwear looks good if he didn’t truly think that. Okay, he didn’t say they looked good, he saidIlooked good in red, but my underwear is red, so it’s almost the same thing.

I imagine him pressing me against the wall, his hands roaming over my body, and his lips exploring every inch of my skin. The thought makes me ache with need as a flush creeps up my neck.

I snap out of my trance when I realize Lucas is talking, describing the history of Venus. But I’m way too consumed by him to hear what he’s saying.

". . . she was found on the Greek island of Milos. It’s beautiful there, I think you’d love it. We’ll go there someday."

Now he’s planning a trip for us to Greece?

"Are you okay, Leora? You look a bit flustered."

I nod, trying to compose myself. "I'm fine," I lie, ignoring the comment about Greece. "I’ve always wanted to see her. She’s beautiful."

"She truly is."

I turn to him, expecting to find him admiring the statue like I am, but when my gaze lands on his face, his eyes are already on me.

THIRTY

LEORA

We’re both dressed to the nines, me in a sleek black dress and Amélie in a stunning red jumpsuit that enhances her beautiful blond hair and soft features. When she suggested we go out for a girls’ night, I immediately agreed. It’s exactly what I need right now. I need to get a break from Lucas.

As we settle into our seats at the rooftop bar, we take in the stunning city skyline. From here, I can see everything—the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the twinkling lights of the city.

It’s breathtaking.

"So, tell me, how's married life?" Amélie asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I freeze, unsure of how to respond. I don’t want to lie to her—she’s been so kind—but I can’t tell her the truth either, so I go for an in-between.

"It’s been good. Lucas is incredible," I say with a strained smile on my lips.

Amélie nods, a radiant expression on her face. "I'm so happy for you, Leora. You two make such a great couple."

I feel a pang of guilt in my chest. Amélie and Thomas are two incredible human beings, and here I am, lying to their faces.

"Oh, the first year of being married is amazing." She takes a sip from her Pampelle Spritz. "I remember when Thomas and I were newlyweds, we couldn’t keep our hands off each other. We fucked every chance we got. You two seem to be more civilized than us."

I cough as I attempt to clear my lungs from the drink that clearly went down the wrong pipe.

Amélie chuckles, noticing my reaction. "Oh, don’t be coy. You might handle it better than us, but I saw you two this morning. And don’t get me started on your kiss at the Eiffel Tower. You almost gotmehot and bothered."

A blush rises to my cheeks, embarrassed but also amused by Amélie's teasing. "Oh my God, Amélie."

"What? We’re friends, and friends talk about this stuff. Now tell me, does he relax in the bedroom? Because that man walks around with a stick up his ass." Her eyebrows raise at the word "relax."

I can’t help but laugh at her blunt question. That’s one of the impressions I got of Lucas when we first met. But, after getting to know him these past few weeks, my perspective has shifted. Despite his initial gruff exterior, I've discovered a layer of warmth and humor beneath. The more I learn about him, the more my laughter becomes a genuine reflection of the camaraderie we've developed.

"Some shots on the house?" A waiter comes by, saving me from answering her very private question. He sets down four shot glasses filled with an amber liquid, all topped with an orange slice and cinnamon.

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