Chapter 12

The metallic curves of the Eiffel Tower rose up into the pale blue sky, its spindly frame casting shadows over the grassy lawn below. Chloe sighed and leaned into Hendrix, his arm tightening around her shoulders.

“Can you believe we’re really here?” she asked with a breathless laugh.

Hendrix pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his lips curving into a smile against her hair. “Best weekend ever.”

She tilted her head up, meeting his gaze. Those sea glass eyes had always been her weakness, the color shifting between green and blue and holding depths she wanted to lose herself in. “You’re the best boyfriend ever.”

Heat flickered in his eyes as he lowered his head. His mouth brushed hers, a tease of a kiss that left her breathless for an entirely different reason. “We haven’t even made it to the hotel yet,” he murmured, voice dropping an octave.

A delicious shiver ran down her spine at the implication in his words. This weekend was meant to be an escape from the rest of the world, a chance for them to explore this new aspect of their relationship away from prying eyes. Judging by the hunger in Hendrix’s gaze, he had every intention of thoroughly enjoying their privacy.

Chloe stood on her tiptoes, winding her arms around his neck to deepen the kiss. The metallic groan of the Eiffel Tower faded into the background, the rest of the world dropping away until there was only Hendrix and the promise of passion.

She broke away with a gasp, cheeks flushed. “I think it’s time we head to the hotel.”

Hendrix’s grin was slow and predatory. “Your wish is my command.”

Hand in hand, they made their way down the path toward the hotel, anticipation thrumming between them with every step. Paris was meant for lovers, and Chloe had every intention of indulging. This was going to be a weekend to remember.

Hendrix slid an arm around Chloe’s waist as they walked, pulling her close against his side. His hand settled on her hip, thumb brushing back and forth in a distracting caress.

“Have I told you how stunning you look?” he murmured, gaze raking over her figure-hugging red dress.

Chloe arched a brow. “You may have mentioned it once or twice.”

“Not nearly enough.” Hendrix pressed a quick kiss to her temple. “I still can’t believe you’re mine.”

A surge of warmth flooded her at his words. Chloe tilted her head up, meeting his gaze. “I’m yours for as long as you’ll have me.”

Hendrix’s eyes darkened, and for a moment she thought he might whisk her off to the nearest alleyway. But he simply pulled her closer, fingers tightening on her hip. “Always,” he vowed softly.

By the time they reached the hotel, anticipation was a live wire under Chloe’s skin. She barely registered checking in or riding the elevator up to the penthouse suite. As soon as the doors slid open, she grabbed Hendrix’s hand and tugged him inside.

He chuckled, low and rough. “Eager, are we?”

“You have no idea,” she shot back, fists curling into the lapels of his jacket, as she backed him toward the bedroom.

Hendrix’s hands settled on her waist, guiding her steps. “Why don’t you show me, then?”

Chloe surged up on her toes, crushing her mouth against his. Hendrix’s groan reverberated through her, spurring her on. She poured a year’s worth of longing and desire into the kiss, clinging to him as if her life depended on it.

By the time they tumbled onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, they were both breathless. Hendrix braced himself over her, eyes dark with passion. “I love you,” he said hoarsely.

Joy swelled inside her, as bright as the city lights outside their window. Chloe cradled his face in her hands, smiling up at him. “I love you too.”

Then Hendrix was kissing her again, and she lost herself in the sweet perfection of the moment.

They explored each other slowly, savoring every touch and taste. Chloe traced the lines of Hendrix’s tattoos with her tongue, drawing a ragged groan from him. In turn, he lavished attention on her breasts, teasing her nipples into stiff peaks before sliding lower.

Chloe gasped as Hendrix settled between her thighs. His mouth was hot and clever, wringing pleasure from her in waves. She fisted her hands in his hair, clinging to sanity by a thread.

Just when she thought she might come undone, Hendrix lifted his head. His lips were wet and swollen, eyes gleaming with wicked intent. “Not yet, darling.”

A whimper caught in her throat. She started to protest, but Hendrix chose that moment to thrust into her, stealing her breath.

They moved together in a slow, primal rhythm. Chloe wrapped her legs around Hendrix’s waist, urging him deeper. The coil of heat in her belly wound tighter and tighter until she shattered with a broken cry.

Hendrix followed soon after, burying his face against her neck. They lay entwined for long moments, hearts pounding in tandem.

“Best vacation ever,” Chloe mumbled, trailing a hand up and down his spine.

Hendrix huffed a laugh, pressing a kiss to her collarbone. “It’s only just begun, darling.”

A delicious shiver ran through her at the promise in his voice. Paris with Hendrix by her side—what more could she ask for? This was the start of an adventure she never wanted to end.

The next morning, Chloe woke to sunlight streaming through the windows of their suite at the Shayna hotel. She stretched with a contented sigh, relishing the ache in her muscles.

Beside her, Hendrix was still asleep, one arm slung over her waist. His chest rose and fell with each breath, face relaxed in slumber. Chloe traced the sharp line of his jaw, admiring the play of light and shadow across his features.

How had she gotten so lucky? To think she’d nearly missed this, too afraid to risk their friendship for the chance at something more. Now, being with Hendrix felt as natural as breathing.

The aroma of freshly baked croissants wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of freshly brewed coffee. Chloe’s stomach rumbled in response, but she was loath to leave the comfort of Hendrix’s embrace.

A knock at the door interrupted her reverie. “Room service!”

Hendrix groaned, blinking awake. He offered her a sleepy smile and a lingering kiss. “Shall we?”

Chloe sighed, reluctantly untangling herself from the sheets. She slid out of bed and grabbed Hendrix’s shirt from the floor, shrugging into the soft cotton.

Hendrix watched with heated eyes as she walked across the room. “Keep the shirt. It looks better on you, anyway.”

She shot him a coy look over one shoulder. “Is that so?”

“Come back to bed and I’ll show you.” Hendrix held out his hand in invitation.

Another knock rattled the door. Chloe laughed, padding over to let the staff in. “Rain check?”

Hendrix grinned. “You’re on.”

As the servers arranged their breakfast on the terrace, Chloe breathed in the city once more—the sights and sounds and smells of Paris, as vibrant as her blossoming love. An adventure she never wanted to end.

Chloe settled into one of the chairs, tucking her legs beneath her.Hendrix came up behind, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and pressing a kiss to the top of her head.“Thank you for this weekend,” he murmured.“Being here with you—it’s been perfect.”

She tilted her head back, meeting his gaze.“You’re welcome.But the pleasure’s been all mine.” A teasing smile curved her lips.“In more ways than one.”

He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest.“Minx.”But there was affection in his tone.Hendrix claimed the seat beside her, lacing their fingers together.“I don’t want to go back to the real world.Can’t we just stay here forever?”

“Tempting,” she admitted.“But we have responsibilities waiting for us at home.Besides, if we stayed any longer, I’m not sure I’d want to leave our hotel room at all.”She gave his hand a squeeze.“As wonderful as this trip has been, I miss my own bed.And I have to get back to the shop.”

“I know.You’re right.”Hendrix sighed, gazing out at the city stretched before them.“It’s been an amazing escape.But we have lives to return to.”His eyes found hers again.“Together, I hope. If you’re open to that.”

Chloe’s heart swelled, warmth flooding her veins.“Together,” she echoed firmly.“Most definitely together.”

A slow smile spread across Hendrix’s face, brightening his eyes. He leaned in, sealing his promise with a searing kiss.And as the sun dipped below Paris’ rooftops, coloring the sky with shades of pink and gold, Chloe knew this was only the beginning.

Chloe sighed contently, resting her head on Hendrix’s shoulder as they watched the sunset. “I can’t believe we’re really doing this. Taking the plunge, moving in together.”

“We’ve been heading this way for a long time,” Hendrix said, pressing a kiss to her hair. “This weekend in Paris just made it impossible to deny anymore.”

“Still.” She shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. “Part of me thought we’d continue dancing around each other forever. Too stubborn and afraid to risk what we have.”

“We’re risking it by not risking it, if that makes sense.” Hendrix shifted so he could look at her fully. “I don’t want to waste any more time, Chloe. I want to build a life with you by my side. However long it takes, and whatever obstacles we face, you’re the one I want to face them with.”

Chloe’s eyes stung, but she refused to cry. Not here, not now.

Hendrix’s grin turned wicked. “Well, we do have one more night in the City of Light. It would be a shame to waste it.”

“It would be criminal,” she agreed. Laughing, they helped each other to their feet, already impatient to lose themselves in the familiar heat and passion of each other’s embrace.Paris had been a dream, but their future stretched before them, full of promise and possibility. Together, they would build something extraordinary on the foundation of love they’d discovered in this place.