Page 26 of Blue Eyes & Paris Vibes

This time it’sblue. Blue walls, copper floor, copper pots. Still intense, but not quite as blinding. I chuckle. “At least it’s not as loud.”

“It’s still horrendous.” She grins.

“Oh, definitely.” We both laugh and step out of the house, back into the garden, and it feels like we’re stepping from a black and white world back into a color one. Well, only this one wasn’t black and white but a bright yellow.

“Wait,” she says, ruffling through her bag. “We have to take a selfie.”

The sun’s too bright, tourists are everywhere, and it feels like déjà vu, like we’re back at that first chaotic moment at Gare du Nord. But this time, I have no intention of running her over. I stay closer, keeping myself between her and the crowd so no one bumps into her.

She lifts her phone and takes a few pictures, quietly focused. I lean in, letting my cheek brush hers, and she laughs softly as she snaps a few more. Then, without looking, she tucks the phone away.

I don’t ask what she caught. I just rest my hand on the small of her back again as we continue our way.

“This spot certainly looks romantic,” I murmur when we reach the Japanese pond. “Saying that in case you want another romantic photo. Wink wink.”

The pond is serene, surrounded by drooping willows casting their shadow over the garden. A curved wooden bridge stretches over the water, which is dotted with lily pads and soft pink blossoms just like a Monet painting.

“You know what? You’re right.” I love the way her face lights up, the eagerness with which she looks around to find the perfect spot. And when she does, she asks an older woman nearby to take our picture and when she lifts her phone to do so, Abby turns to me, eyes sparkling.

“Come on, big boy. Kiss me like you mean it.”

I don’t hesitate. A moment later, I wrap my arms around her, dip her low, and kiss her like I absolutely mean it.

“It’s certainly impressive… for a garden,” she says cautiously as we make our way back to the car, her hand warm in mine and wind making her hair fly into my face. I pull her closer, putting my hand on her hip to prevent her dress from flying up and making me walk the rest of the way with a hard-on.

“Please tell me you’re underwhelmed too.” I chuckle, as we finally reach the rental car, pulling the door of the passenger seat open for her.

“A bit,” she admits, sliding in. “I mean it’s a garden, it’s exactly what it promised, but the crowd of tourists takes the magic out of it.”

“That’s the perfect way to sum it up,” I agree with a nod before gently closing the door once her legs are inside the car and walking to the driver’s side, a grin fixed to my face.

She watches me as I get in, and I can feel her gaze burning into the side of my face when I turn to reverse. I toss my arm behind her headrest, lean back, and glance over my shoulder.

That’s when I catch it—her breath stutters, just for a second, and she shifts in her seat.

Yeah, I know exactly what I’m doing. The way my arm stretches, flexes a bit, the way my shirt tugs across my chest, it’s not accidental. And from the way she squirms, eyes flicking away from me and back again, I see the effect it has on her. I can’t help but smile, slow and smug, as I ease us out of the parking space like I’ve done it a hundred times before.

The moment we hit the highway, my hand finds her thigh again, her skin warm and soft beneath my palm. I squeeze it gently, then let my thumb start tracing slow circles, drifting higher, inch by inch. She blushes and shifts in her seat, just a little, but enough for me to know I’m driving her crazy, her body saying more than her mouth ever would.

I push my hand a little further under her dress, just shy of where I know she wants me most. She’s wet already. The heat radiating from her is unmistakable, and it goes straight to my head, among other places. The kiss by the pond definitely stirred something up, but this? God, I love how reactive she is. How she bites her lip to keep involuntary whimpers inside.

I don’t press further. I keep her there, turned on and impatient, and I enjoy every second of it. Watching her squirm, her lips part just slightly, trying so hard to play it cool. It’s like a game I’m winning without even trying.

But of course, fate has the worst timing.

We hit traffic. Not the slow-creeping kind. Full stop. Red lights as far as the eye can see. I sigh, easing off the gas and killing the engine.

She slumps in her seat, arms crossed, a low groan escaping her lips. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I glance over, trying not to laugh. “Guess the universe wants us to cool off.”

She cuts me a glare. “Too late for that.” Her leg starts bouncing, restless, until I place my hand firmly on it and press it back down.

“I’d rather be back at the hotel with you, making the best of our last night together,” she adds, lifting her eyebrows in that way that makes my blood heat.

My mouth tugs into a mischievous smirk. “Well… I think we can find a way to pass the time.” My voice drops lower, rougher, as I lean across the console toward her.

Abby

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