Page 34 of Lustful Secrets
"I have an author who is having a fit," Sebastian finally says. "She is unhappy with everything."
He sounds exasperated. "She wants a new cover, she wants different book tour dates, she wants more money."
She watches him walk to the coffee pot and pour a cup.
"Did she sign a contract?"
"Yes."
"Then what is the issue? She agreed to the terms," Mallory points out.
"It's more complicated than that. We want our authors to be happy. We try to negotiate the best we can. Grant went to go meet with her, he is going to try to reach an agreement."
"What's the plan today?"
"I don't have any meetings today." He starts walking towards her. "I was thinking that you and I could spend the day together."
"Really?" To say she is shocked would be an understatement.
"Yes, really. I want to show you Paris. Do you have a camera?"
"No, I didn't bring mine with me."
"It would be a beautiful city to capture."
"Yes, well, I will just have to come back when I'm not working," Mallory jokes.
"Get ready, we’ll leave soon."
The morning sun paints the city of Paris in shades of gold as Sebastian and Mallory embark on a day of exploration. Dressed in elegant yet comfortable attire, they set out to discover the timeless beauty of the City of Light.
Their first stop is the iconic Eiffel Tower. Standing beneath the wrought-iron masterpiece, they gaze up at the intricatelattice of steel, its graceful arches reaching toward the sky. Mallory can't help but feel a sense of wonder, her heart fluttering at the sheer grandeur of the structure.
As they ascend the tower, Sebastian's hand brushes against Mallory's, their fingers intertwining with a silent promise of the adventures to come. From the viewing platform, they marvel at the panoramic view of Paris, the sprawling cityscape and the Seine River winding its way through the heart of the metropolis.
"Paris has a magic of its own," Sebastian whispers, his voice filled with reverence.
Mallory nods, her eyes reflecting the city's enchantment. "It's like a dream come true."
Their next destination is the charming Montmartre district. They stroll hand in hand along the cobbled streets, passing quaint cafes, art studios, and bustling markets. The scent of freshly baked bread and the strains of street musicians fill the air.
Sebastian leads Mallory to the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. At the summit, they stand before the grand white-domed church, its marble façade gleaming in the sunlight. Mallory feels a sense of serenity wash over her as she takes in the breathtaking view of Paris below.
"It's as if time stands still here," Sebastian remarks, his gaze fixed on the basilica. "A place where past and present converge."
Mallory agrees, her heart echoing the sentiment. "It's like a love story written in stone."
As they continue their journey, visiting iconic landmarks like the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral, their connection deepens with every shared moment. The Louvre's magnificent art collection, including the Mona Lisa, leave them in awe, while the grandeur of Notre-Dame's architecture inspires a sense of reverence.
During a quiet moment by the Seine River, Sebastian turns to Mallory, his eyes filled with a profound emotion. "Mallory," he begins, "today has been remarkable. I'm glad we did this."
"So am I. Thank you for showing me Paris."
Sebastian reaches out and caresses her cheek softly with the back of his hand, letting his fingers slide down the length of her neck, the motion sending a delicious shiver down her spine, before he brings them back in front of him and strokes his fingers on the palm and on each finger, ending first with the middle finger and making his way down to the pinky. His eyes focus on the entire motion, taking in every moment of this magical experience with Mallory and when he finishes, he closes them.
Sebastian raises her hand to his lips and kisses the tip of each finger from the middle downwards and then placed a kiss on each of her cheeks, before turning to face her properly and kissing her ever so lightly on the lips before holding her tightly against him as they stand in a tight embrace for a long time
Chapter Twenty-Six
