Page 33 of One Night in Paris

The waitress came and took our order, and we continued our conversation as we ate our dinner. Harper seemed eager to learn more about the projects and the different materials and sustainable options that we used. Feeling a sense of accomplishment, I took it all in, noting what she needed to learn more about and where her interests were. I’d played a small part in helping Harper achieve her goals, so being able to bring her to this nice restaurant to celebrate her first week was an honor.

When we were finished eating, she grew quiet, her face still glowing with happiness from reflecting on the job she’d done. But in the back of my mind, a question continued to linger. Perhaps I should leave it be, but I found myself asking, “Can I ask you something personal?” My tone was light, but she still arched an eyebrow.

“Sure, I guess.” Timidity shadowed her enthusiasm, though.

Rather than prolonging it, I blurted out, “Why did you want to be a nurse?”

Harper held my gaze for a long moment, and then, she began to speak in a quiet tone. “My mom got sick a few years ago.” She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, and I instantly felt like I was prying. “I wanted to be able to take care of people, you know? To be able to help them through tough times, like those nurses have always helped my mom.”

A pang of sadness hit me in the heart. I couldn’t imagine how hard it must be for her to see her mother ill. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”

With another shrug, Harper smiled again, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s okay. Mom is a fighter. She’ll be okay, I’m certain of it. Kicking cancer’s ass is her superpower.”

Nodding, I reached across the table and touched her hand, glad to hear that her mom was okay but sad that I’d ruined the mood.

We sat in silence for a moment, until the waitress came to ask if we wanted dessert. Harper’s eyes lit up at the mention oftub tim krob. Grinning, I was relieved to see her mood lift again.

“Yes, please!” Harper sounded like a little kid.

“We’ll each have thetub tim krob,” I told the waitress. A few moments later, she came back with two plates of water chestnuts in a sweet syrup, with a side of coconut ice cream.

After we finished our dessert and the waitress cleared our plates, Harper leaned back in her chair and let out a contented sigh. “That was amazing. I couldn’t eat another bite.” She grinned at me, patting her stomach.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” A surge of pleasure ran through me at the sight of her so happy. All week, I’d been fighting the urge to touch this woman. Now, it was Friday night, and I had nowhere to be. Though I had no idea whether she was still interested in dating me, I was ready to find out. “So, what do you say? Want to come back to my place for a little while? Or the night?”

Harper’s eyes widened as she stared at me, making my breath catch in my throat. “Uhm, I don’t know, Logan. We work together now. You’re my boss, and I don’t want anything to jeopardize my place in the company. Do you think we can handle that?”

“I understand what you mean, Harper.” Disappointment bubbled up in my voice, but I fought it. After all, she hadn’t said no. “I promise, I’ll have no problem keeping it professional in the office, even if I can’t promise the same about when we’re not in the office.” My mouth pulled up in a crooked grin. I couldn’t help it.

After a long moment, Harper grinned back at me. “Okay, Logan. I’d love to go back to your place with you.”

Taking her hand, I led her out of the restaurant, reminding myself this wasn’t like Paris. I needed to take my time and romance this woman, not just pounce on her. Still, I was hopeful that she would be interested in reliving that amazing night in France again—eventually.

Parking my car in the garage, I went around to open Harper’s door. A sense of nervous excitement tangled in my stomach as I led her into the building and up to my place. Unlocking the door, I led her inside.

The moment she stepped inside, Harper gasped. I stood next to her, giving her a moment. I knew that my penthouse was luxurious with its high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and large windows that offered a panoramic view of the city.

Harper continued to make impressed noises under her breath as we moved around the open space. My living room was furnished with sleek modern furniture in black leather. A fireplace sat in one corner, though I never used it much. The open kitchen was fully equipped with top of the line stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops that I didn’t use either because I rarely cooked. The private terrace was one of my favorite places, though. I liked to sit out there and relax while enjoying the view.

“Make yourself at home,” I said, gesturing toward the living room. “Can I get you a drink?”

It took a moment for Harper to pull her eyes off the view. “This is amazing, Logan.” I smiled at her, feeling a bit self-conscious. “Sure. Got a beer?”

“Of course.” Going to the fridge, I grabbed each of us a beer and brought them over to the living room, gesturing toward the couch. We sat down together, talking and laughing as we finished our drinks. I couldn’t help feeling a sense of longing as I looked at her sitting next to me. She looked so sexy, even in the black skirt and conservative red top she’d been wearing at the office all day.

“What was your favorite part of Paris?” I asked her, hearing the huskiness in my own voice.

Harper arched an eyebrow at me, a smile crossing her face. “Well, I enjoyed the Louvre, though the Mona Lisa was a bit disappointing. The catacombs were creepy as hell. Of course, the Eiffel Tower was awe inspiring.” With every item she listed, I nodded along. “Oh, and then there was this one night in a bar where I met this incredibly hot, sexy man who completely rocked my world.”

Finding myself within a few inches of her now, I could no longer hold back. Launching myself across the couch, I captured her mouth with mine, kissing her deeply.

18

HARPER

Logan’s mouth was on mine, and it was all over. The fight I’d been putting up all evening—hell all week—was over now. Logan’s pull had defeated me. Despite my best to try not to give into his massive appeal, I felt my body responding to his, pulling him closer to me, deepening the kiss.

Lifting his lips from mine, Logan looked into my eyes, his green orbs hazy with lust. “Wanna move to the bedroom?”

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