Page 54 of Ice To Meet You

I headed for the kitchen, steeling myself for the dishes ahead. On the way, I silently prayed to Saint Joan of Arc for just a fraction of her bravery.

I couldn’t deny it—the thought of hurtling down a zip line made my heart race. But the idea of spending more time with Matteo outside the gallery? That was infinitely more terrifying.

19

MATTEO

Irapped on Esmé’s door, steadying my breath. Today I was taking her zip lining.

This past week carried a strange energy—like we’d shared a secret neither would acknowledge. We’d danced around each other in the gallery, exchanged smiles, and shared Claudette’s affection. But we hadn’t spoken about that moment on her doorstep.

The memory tugged at my gut—I’d kissed her cheek and then blurted out my age. I still couldn’t believe she hadn’t asked sooner. I’d shown no such restraint in learning everything I could about her.

Not that my age mattered. Esmé was off limits. She might be the most beautiful woman I’d ever known—smart, elegant, and funny—but in her eyes, I’d always be Gio’s grandson.

The door opened and Esmé stood on the step, looking as incredible as ever. She’d tethered her long hair in two braids and her cheeks glowed a soft pink. The second she smiled, my heart melted. “I bring coffee,” I said, offering her the takeaway cup I held.

My habit of getting her coffee each morning held strong. Alarge café crème, extra hot, before the gallery opened. I loved how she took off the lid and sipped the foam as she concentrated on something else.

Often, she’d be so distracted by some artwork, or searching catalogues online, the coffee would leave a fine line of cream along her top lip. I’d longed to kiss it away every time.

“Merci. I need coffee today,” she said, beckoning me in. She took the cup and sipped from it as she moved to the kitchen.

“Are these shorts appropriate?” she asked over her shoulder. “I wasn’t sure what people wore to zip line.”

I looked at her long legs and swallowed. Who cared what was appropriate or what anyone else wore? She looked incredible.

She busied around her kitchen, watering the herb pots that she’d now re-homed on the counter. They’d bounced back, and their fresh green leaves made me smile.

“Initially I thought jeans, but I didn’t want to feel restricted. And it’s not too chilly today.I think spring is in the air.”

I chuckled. I’d never known her to have so much to say. “You’re chatty today. Nervous?”

“I’m fine.” After adding water to the last plant, she turned around and looked at my legs, a line forming between her brows. “You’re wearing track pants. Should I change?”

Oh, hell no. She looked amazing.

I shrugged. “As you say, it’s a little warmer today. You’ll be fine as you are.” I checked my watch. “We should get going.” I swung my car keys around one finger.

“You’re driving? I didn’t think you had a car. You’re only in Paris for a little while.”

My gut pulled. I didn’t need reminding I was only here for a few more months. “I have contacts. I can rustle up transport when I need to.”

She tipped her head. “Then let’s go.”

The second we arrived at the zip line park, Esmé’s relaxed demeanour changed. In the car, she’d been full of conversation.

True, we’d mostly talked about Luc’s exhibition and her plans for Rome, but the minute we drove into the carpark, her hands bunched into fists, and her jaw tightened.

We now stood in a small group for the safety briefing, a stiff breeze ruffling through the trees. Esmé listened to our instructor as if he was giving her a tutorial on the use of the nuclear codes.

She fixed her gaze on his face, her arms crossed around her body like a straitjacket. I smiled. I bet she’d be one of those people who always read the safety card on a plane.

She shuffled back and forth, fingers fidgeting against her ribs. I longed to reach out and still her trembling hands; massage out her knotted shoulders.

Was I being cruel, asking her to do something that so obviously terrified her? Yes. But like I said the other night, being scared and letting yourself feel a rush was good for the soul. I couldn’t wait to see the grin on her face when she let go of her fears.

When the briefing ended, I walked to the gear and picked out two harnesses. “Here, I’ll show you how to put it on.”

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