Page 47 of The Boyfriend Material Novellas

She laughs, a bright, cheery sound. “I read a lot of mysteries. I can tell you the ten deadliest poisons, and the ones most likely to go undetected. But the look on your face is priceless, like you really thought I was going to off you.”

I take the chocolate, pop it in, and bite. “I’m living life on the edge. Taking my chances.”

“Go you.”

When I finish, I hold up my bag of treats. “Want one of my deadly sweets? I made sure to pick up the botulinum-laced variety,” I say in a macabre voice.

Her eyes twinkle. “Best morning ever. This is like Russian roulette with chocolate.” She chooses a square, then moans around the chocolate. “Oh, that is divine.”

So are your lips.

So are your sounds.

“Glad you like it,” I say, as a horn honks. I glance at the river where a boat bleats as it winds its way along the Seine. One of those three-hour cruises perhaps, and something I’d considered for my last day in Paris.

But as much as I enjoy the view of the river and the idea of a day on the water, I like the view on the bench so much more.

And the chance that may be next to me.

I didn’t think I’d place in the bike race.

But I went all out.

No reason to do anything differently with the chocolate poisoner. The gorgeous brunette looks to be in her early twenties, only a few years younger than I am. Maybe she’s as single as I am too. “I’m Reid. I’m from London. I was in Paris for a bike race with my team. We placed third. I’m heading home tonight.”

Her smile is magnetic. “I’m Marley. I’m here with friends before I return to New York to start business school.”

I extend a hand and shake hers. “Pleasure to meet you, Marley.”

“And you too, Reid,” she says, holding my hand longer than I expect as she studies my face. Then she takes a breath, like she’s preparing to say something.

And I hope it’s not that she needs to leave.

But I don’t want to miss a chance to enjoy my last few hours here to the fullest, so I speak first. “There’s a new shop a mile away. Fancy a chocolate tour?”

4

MARLEY

It’s like he can read my mind. “I was going to ask you the same thing.”

One eyebrow quirks. “If I wanted to go on a chocolate tour?”

I wave my hand in the direction of a bookstore I’ve heard about. “Well, actually to a bookstore. But chocolate works too.”

He strokes his chin, like a detective noodling on a case. “Were you going to share all your favorite mysteries featuring death by poisoning?”

I grin mischievously. “I was indeed.”

His expression shifts as a delighted grin lights up his handsome face, highlighting his square jaw and his soulful brown eyes. “Chocolate always works, but so do books.”

He rises.

I dust off my hands, grab my bag, and tuck the chocolate into my purse. I eye his chocolate bag. “Want me to carry your chocolate?”

He clutches it, pretending to squire it away from me. “A poisoner and a chocolate thief? I’ve been warned about your type.” He wags a finger at me.

“And yet you’re walking along the Seine with me,” I tease as we stroll.

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