Page 13 of Bought by His Brother's Best Friend

Shane, who had surprised me with his boldness on the plane. Shane, whose smile had been occupying my thoughts for years.

I loosened my tie as the elevator ascended to the top floor of Le Royal Monceau. The suite I’d booked offered one of the best views in Paris—panoramic vistas of the city with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

But I was far more interested in the man who would be waiting inside than any cityscape.

The key card unlocked the door with a soft click. I stepped into the marble entryway, registering the gentle jazz playing from the suite’s sound system. Moving further in, I caught sight of him, and honestly, my breath hitched.

Shane stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, silhouetted against the twilight sky of Paris. He’d changed into dark jeans and a button down and held a glass of wine, his profile thoughtful as he gazed out at the glittering Eiffel Tower.

He turned when I entered, and his smile warmed my heart.

“How was the meeting?” he asked, setting his wineglass on a nearby table.

“Productive.” I shrugged off my suit jacket and laid it over a chair. “But long. I kept thinking about getting back here.”

I crossed the room to him, drawn like a magnet. He met me halfway, and when I slid my hands to his waist, he leaned into my touch with an ease that belied how new this was between us.

“The suite is incredible,” he said. “I think it’s bigger than my entire apartment.”

“Is that a complaint?” I asked, pulling him closer.

“Just an observation.” His eyes sparkled with amusement. “I’ve spent the last hour alternating between enjoying that ridiculously luxurious bathtub and standing here thinking that Paris at sunset is even more beautiful than people say.”

“It is,” I agreed, though I wasn’t looking at the view anymore. “Are you hungry? We could go out. There’s a bistro nearby that serves the best coq au vin in the city.”

Shane’s hands moved up to my shoulders, his fingers playing with the hair at the nape of my neck. “Honestly? After that flight and the day we’ve had, I’d rather stay in.” His gaze dropped to my mouth. “If that’s okay with you.”

“More than okay.” I leaned in, brushing my lips against his. “We can order room service later.”

He responded by deepening the kiss, his body pressing against mine with delicious intent. The hesitancy from our earlier encounter was gone, replaced by a confidence that sent heat spiraling through me.

I slid one hand up to angle his head to deepen the kiss. His lips parted willingly, and I tasted the rich wine he’d been drinking, along with something uniquely him I was quickly becoming addicted to.

“I’ve been thinking about this all day,” I murmured against his mouth.

“Me too.” His hands tugged at my tie, loosening it further. “I kept replaying what happened on the plane and wondering what might happen tonight.”

I smiled against his lips. “And what were you hoping would happen?”

He pulled back, his hazel eyes darkening as they met mine. “I was hoping we’d pick up where we left off. Maybe go a little further.”

His answer sent a jolt of desire through me. I imagined Shane as more reserved, perhaps even shy. But the man before me was confident in what he wanted—and apparently, what he wanted was me.

“I think that can be arranged,” I said, my voice dropping lower.

I took his hand and led him through the suite to the master bedroom. The king-sized bed was already turned down, soft lighting casting a warm glow over the luxurious space. Through another set of windows, the Eiffel Tower was visible, now illuminated against the deepening night sky.

Shane admired the view, then turned to me with a smile that made my heart race.

“This doesn’t feel real,” he admitted quietly.

I moved behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist and resting my chin on his shoulder. “Which part? Paris? The suite? Or us?”

“All of it.” He leaned back against me, his body warm and solid against mine. “Twenty-four hours ago, I was just going to a charity event to support my brother. Now I’m in Paris with you, and everything feels... different.”

I pressed my lips to the sensitive spot below his ear. “Different good?”

“Different amazing,” he breathed, tilting his head to give me better access.

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