Page 144 of My French Love Affair

“We love you too, Pops,” Jas smiles.

I’m just about to make the call down to the hotel reception to ask that they order me a car when I tap my screen and see a notification waiting for me.

I open the message, my heart skipping slightly.

A car is waiting for you downstairs.

No rush - whenever you’re ready.

"Who’s that?" Leah asks, lounging back on the bed as she scrolls through her phone.

I hesitate.

"Uh -"

Emma and Jas are already watching me expectantly.

I exhale, turning the screen so they can see.

The reaction is immediate.

Emma squeals, Jas clutches her chest dramatically, and even Leah looks up from her phone with an approving nod.

"God, that’s so hot," Jas declares.

"Why is it so attractive when men are organised?" Emma sighs, placing a hand over her heart. “He’s just so - so -”

"Don’t say it," I warn.

"Thoughtful!"

Jas grins knowingly.

"Oh, you’re in trouble, babe."

"And I, for one, love it,” Leah adds.

I shake my head, but I can’t deny it.

I feel…something.

Something thrumming in my chest, something I refuse to acknowledge.

I suppress a smile as I type out a quick response.

Noted.

I’ll be down soon.

Then, with one final deep breath, I grab my clutch, give my outfit one last once-over in the mirror, and make my way to the door.

"Wish me luck," I mutter.

"You don’t need it," Emma grins.

"Make him work for it," Jas winks.

Leah lifts her glass. "And don’t do anything I wouldn’t do."

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