Page 31 of Falling for Paris
“What Marcus said, about my house. My ex-girlfriend Allison lived there. She hasn’t for a long time.”
“You don’t have to explain yourself.”
“I’ve had the most amazing week with you and refuse to end it with even a hint of uncertainty. My explanation is minuscule compared to how much joy you’ve brought me, Victoria Espinoza.” At that, he captured her lips and swallowed her sigh. The lingering flavor of wine mixed with her natural sweetness.
Abruptly, she pushed him away. “About that. About this week, I mean. I’m scheduled to check out in a couple of days and was thinking of exploring outside the city. By the coast or the wine region—”
“Come back with me. Spend your last two weeks in France in my house. We can have day trips. Or overnight, if you wish. Whatever and wherever you want. I’m commissioned for another recipe book which will take up some of my time. But the work won’t prevent me from joining you frequently.” His voice turned husky. “And bedding you nightly.”
“Really?”
“My angel, I want you with me till the very last second you have to leave.” The sheer mention of her departure turned his stomach into knots. He rallied. “I was going to ask you tonight, but I don’t want another minute of doubt. Stay with me for the next two weeks. Let me take care of you like you’ve taken care of me in Paris.”
“I didn’t do that.”
“Yes, you did. I entered this city with nothing but doubt and dread. Seeing Paris through your eyes, walking avenues with you by my side, making love to you. You did more than take care of me.”
He wanted to say more. That she made him feel alive in ways he didn’t think were possible. That life was more than just managing challenges or enduring the mundane. She made challenges feel small and the everyday details of life extraordinary.
She kissed him sweetly. “Thank you for the invitation, Rafael. But are you sure?”
How could she possibly doubt him? With only two weeks with her, of course he was greedy for every minute.
“Do I need to kidnap you, Tori?”
Her eyes sparkled with interest. “What would that entail, exactly?”
“I have a fairly long list of what that would entail,” he teased. He loved their game in which her willingness to submit to him in the bedroom spurred thrilling fantasies. He thought about last night. The way her breasts bounced heavy when he tied her hands behind her back and ordered her to ride his face. Now he was as hard as a rod.
She smiled at his suggestive tone but her voice was serious when she spoke. “I’d love to spend the rest of my time with you, Rafael. That would be perfect.”
Being the blissed-out idiot that he was, Rafael believed her. “Oui, mon ange. It will be perfect.”
Unfortunately, when they both turned out to be wrong, neither saw it coming.
As Tori packed her things before checking out of the rental, a stab of guilt slowed her down. She had been avoiding the text thread that connected her to her two best friends, who also happened to be her sisters. As things heated up with Rafael, she was hesitant to answer their demands for updates.
Something about admitting the intensity of her feelings, the surge of relief that he wanted her in his home, and the roiling emotions whenever they touched, something aboutall of itoverwhelmed her in ways she couldn’t explain to herself. Nevermind to those who knew her the most.
The last inquiry from Kat and Celina about her trip, Tori deflected the questions by asking about her favorite twin nephews—ok, her only twin nephews—Jerome and Jonas.
Celina:The boys are fine. Thanks for asking. Stop changing the subject and tell me what your plans are for the rest of the month. Now that the cooking school is done.
Katerina:Also, what’s with that hot chef?
Tori:Actually, yeah, I’ve got some news.
It was unchartered territory to be the one asking for advice instead of the one giving it, typical oldest sister syndrome. Before she could text a follow up, her video call notification pinged. A few clicks later, Celina and Kat’s faces filled her phone.
“Holy shit, you look amazing!” Celina exclaimed.
“Thanks, I think?” she responded, taken aback. “Though I’m not sure how I feel about being told I was due for a makeover.”
“You always look good, silly,” her sister amended. “I mean you look rested and happy.”
“Everyone needs a vacation makeover,” Kat piped in.
“Sorry I haven’t been, um, reachable.”
