Page 45 of Sparks Fly
“I get it.” His voice is soft as he skates his hand across the table, his index finger lifting ever so slightly as he taps it back down. Our fingers are so close to touching, but it’s like he has second thoughts, dragging it back and dropping into his lap.
“Yeah?” My voice slips a little higher.
“Yeah,” he grunts, placing his cup down and shuffling in his seat, hands rubbing down his thighs as he looks for a waiter.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to poke.” Shame colours my cheeks and I drop my own eyes.
“Please, don’t apologise.” I hear the sincerity in his voice. “I just don’t talk about it,” he admits, and I twist my lips to find his green eyes on me.
“I get that.” I mimic his words, and a sly smile coats my lips.
He holds his hand up and the waiter gives us a chin lift before he is in front of our table.
I order scrambled eggs as well as a pain au chocolat. Creed goes for the eggs Benedict as well as a pain au chocolat.
“They look so good,” I mutter as he takes the menus, and I look across the tables at the huge pastries.
“They’re to die for.” He hums, sitting back in his chair, head tilting to the side ever so slightly.
“I can believe it” I lick my lips and look around the restaurant. I take a mouthful of coffee to wet my tongue. “What is the plan for today?” I ask just as the waiter plates down our food, and my stomach grumbles.
“Thought we would start with the big things, Fontvieille Park and Princess Grace Rose Garden. The Prince’s Palace, Monte Carlo Casino…”
I eye ball him.
“Later tonight of course… if that’s okay?”
I half nod.
“I’m meant to be having dinner with my friend Rue tonight,” I mutter.
“Well then, bring her along. The more the merrier. I can arrange for a few people to meet us there if you would like,” he says before taking a bite of his breakfast.
“Okay.” My voice is timid as I wait for him to continue.
“We can do the Japanese gardens, the Cathedral...” He trails off. “Have you done the old town?” His eyes lock on mine.
“Not sure. I have done the Provencal Market? Is that old town?”
He shakes his head; I can tell he is trying not to smile.
“No Ace, old town is not the same as Provencal Market, but maybe we can do the old town before I leave.”
“Is it worth it?”
“It’s lovely, and the views are epic, too.” He takes another bite, and I watch as he chews.
“Well, then, it’s a date.” I smile as I bring my fork to my mouth and take my first mouthful.
“It’s a date.” He winks and I feel the way my stomach coils.
My feet are tired;we have walked for what feels like days, but I have had the best time. Creed has been the best tourist guide for Monaco. He told me the history of most of the places and explained the tragic story of Princess Grace Kelly and I couldn’t believe I never knew what happened. We walked around her gardens, which were truly beautiful, before walking to the Prince’s Palace. There was something about this place that felt like comfort somehow, like home. I didn’t feel out of place, just felt content and at peace.
Pushing through the door, I drop my bag to the floor before I face planted the sofa. Creed laughs loudly, his voice booming off the walls and I smile into the pillows.
“I am so tired.” My voice comes out muffled.
“Coffee?” His deep voice calls behind me and all I can manage is holding my thumb up which gets another chuckle.
