Page 2 of Secret Match
“Don’t tell me more.” He interrupted her and took a sip of his wine. Her spine straightened defensively when he said, “I don’t want to be able to guess who you are.”
She’d clearly misread the situation. Perhaps he’d been bored and saw her as a challenge? She’d get over it. Kiwi lifted her shoulders, ready to leave. “Then you don’t want to know me?”
He quickly placed his hand on her wrist and a spark raced through her. He clarified his intent as he said, “I don’t want you to tell me your name—you are easily the prettiest woman in the room. Let us discover things about each other slowly.”
Her previous serious relationship had been with Martin. She’d almost thrown away her career to stay home and marry that man, but he’d ended up cheating on her and destroying her trust. Kiwi had learned her lesson and now said with more calm than she expected, “No names then. Can I ask where you are from? You are so smooth with flirting—what is your accent?”
“Italia,” he said with a cocky grin.
A huge smile grew on her face. Italian men had the reputation as relentless flirts. The tension left her instantly as she shook her head and sipped her wine. “I should have guessed.”
His brown eyes had a glimmer that made her knees weak, but she stood tall and gave nothing away as he said, “So, what are your plans while in Paris?”
Work. She’d love to actually see Paris as a tourist. This was her first time in any European country and she’d love to wander and get a warm beignet in the early morning without having to rush around in preparation for the next show, but that wasn’t going to be this trip.
Next time she’d come here on vacation. The view outside the window moved Paris up on her list. “I’m going to a different fashion show tomorrow—it is fashion week.”
“Boring.” He playfully elbowed her.
That might be, but she was being paid well enough that she’d work all night and save her pennies for her own vacation later. Kiwi sipped her wine and pretended she was calm and sophisticated as she said, “It’s why the company flew me out here.”
He had a devil-may-care attitude and his full lips made her ache for more than just playful banter. “Let’s take the day off from fashion and tour Paris together.”
If only. Her heart whispered that she skip her responsibilities and actually visit places she’d only ever seen photos of—even just one ride up the Eiffel Tower at night should be on her agenda, but she shook her head and sipped her champagne. “You’re joking.”
He placed his hand on her lower back and leaned closer. “I never joke about wanting to spend time with a beautiful woman.”
Shoot me now.He was handsome. Seriously. She let out sigh and lowered her glass. “I can’t. I’m here to work.”
He took the glass from her and left both his and hers on an empty side table as he guided her out on the balcony. The whiff of fresh air from the gentle breeze reinvigorated her as he said, “That’s so American of you.”
The Avenue des Champs Elysee came into view as she neared the railing and she understood why it was known as the world’s most beautiful avenue. The street lights made it almost magical with luminous sparkles, which probably sounded silly to someone as sophisticated as the man by her side. She tilted her head and smiled at the handsome stranger she was going to call Sexy; he was sexy as sin, even on a Sunday when she should be Church all day. Well, she’d think of him as Sexy until she figured out more about him. “We’ve already established my nationality.”
He leaned close enough that she could feel his hard muscles and hot skin. “We haven’t established how we kiss yet.”
Her face heated but she playfully pushed him back as she shook her head. “We’re not going to do that right now.”
His infectious laugh and that wink of his somehow made her want nothing more than to kiss him. Instead, she studied the white streets and lights that sparkled under the moonlight.
“Embarrassed with me already?” he asked.
If only she wasthatkind of girl, or that her decisions never had consequences. Kiwi Washington wasn’t about to let a man ruin her dreams, not now, now when she was so close to being the It girl she’d wanted to be since she was big enough to dream.
She turned her back to the avenue and studied the party-goers inside through the glass—the fashion industry had a high percentage of men interested in other men which made her Mr. Sexy even more appealing. He was sexier than the models inside, so perhaps he worked for one of the other houses. “No. You’re the hottest man I’ve seen here. But I don’t have time for romance.”
He offered his arm. “We can skip the romance if you like then and I’ll take you back to my room, alone. Two consenting adults.”
Part of her wanted to be that girl who didn’t care, who would just take him back to her hotel room and rip off all his clothes. His body seemed sculpted to perfection and she’d love a peek. However, she put her hand on her hip. “Now that sounds dangerous, but I can’t.” She dropped her hand to her side and held still as she gazed up at him. “Iamwilling to go on an evening stroll.”
If he chose to leave now and go find someone else for an easy hookup, she’d have to live with that. She fluffed her curly hair and waited. He surprised her when he tucked her hand on his arm, her fingers at his elbow, and led her back inside and through the party. “It would be my honor. I’ll give you a tour.”
“Sounds perfect,” she murmured and stayed beside him. No man had ever protected her, but on his arm, she felt as if nothing might harm her, ever again.
She so wanted to believe in the fairy tale of love, but she didn’t dare. He was a stranger.
Caro and Victoria were talking about business, styled heads together, though Caro waved goodbye as she watched Kiwi leave.
For a second Kiwi wished her best friend Serenity was nearby, then again, Serenity might stop her from leaving with this handsome stranger. He held the door for her as more party-goers headed into the penthouse with its dim lights and soft music perfectly pitched for the loud conversations.
