Page 124 of My French Love Affair

“I bet,” Leah says. “Sounds like you’ve had a verydrainingnight.”

Jas howls with laughter and Emma gasps again.

“Ugh.I’m so sick of you all.”

“Love you too, babe,” Jas grins.

Emma finally relents, linking arms with Leah and Jas instead as we move towards the road, where taxis are lined up and waiting.

“Fine, but you’re missing out, Poppy.”

“Tragic,” I deadpan. “I’m sure I’ll recover.”

Leah winks as she slides into the back of one of the waiting taxis.

“Well, make sure you text us if you change your mind.”

I huff out a sigh as I follow them into the car, settling into my seat as the driver pulls away from the curb.

Emma is already humming along to the music playing through the speakers, Jas is scrolling through her phone, and Leah is fixing her hair in the reflection of her phone screen like she’s about to step onto a runway instead of into a nightclub.

I lean my head back against the seat, eyes fluttering shut for a moment as the cool air from the window brushes against my skin.

The drive is short, and before I know it, we’re pulling up in front of the hotel.

The girls cheer as I step out, Emma blowing me a dramatic kiss. “Love you, Pops! If you change your mind -”

“I won’t!” I call over my shoulder as I push the door shut.

Leah grins. “Your loss.”

“Try not to dream about him,” Jas calls.

I flip them off as the taxi pulls away, their laughter fading into the night.

With a final exhale, I turn towards the hotel entrance, my silk dress catching in the breeze as I walk inside.

The whole way up to the suite, I try not to think about him.

Not about the way he touched me. Not about the way he looked at me.

And certainly not about the fact that, deep down, I already know that this isn’t over.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Poppy

The knock at the door barely registers at first.

I’m too busy enjoying the fact that, for once, I feel fresh - a sharp contrast to the absolute wreckage that is Emma, currently draped in an armchair, sunglasses perched on her nose like a celebrity avoiding the paparazzi.

I shoot her an amused look.

“Are you actually blind this morning, or is this just for the aesthetic?”

She lets out a pathetic groan, adjusting the glasses slightly.

“I am fighting for my life.”

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