Page 2 of Brazen
I parked, changed into my uniform, and headed past security. On the way to my gate, I saw two boys loudly trying to get the attention of a woman in a business suit. Her bright-red hair was up in a bun that reminded me of my mother’s.
I liked red. I slipped into the seat beside her and waved to the bartender, who nodded at me. I pressed my hand on her arm to get her attention. A spark rushed through me. She turned her emerald-green eyes and stared at me. For a second, I lost the ability to speak.
The college kids were upset I'd taken away their prize, but I ignored them. My hair stood on end as I took my hand back. “Can I buy you a drink?”
Her lips quirked, and she scooted closer. “Darling, hello. I’ve been waiting for you, but I don’t know if drinking’s a good idea.”
That voice was almost like a sweet song. I didn't remember ever being… enchanted. I whispered, “Because I’m a stranger?”
The boys left.
She sat back and shook her head. “Because I’m a nervous flier, playboy, though I wasn’t really liking those college kids and how they were talking to me.”
Well, she knew my reputation without knowing my name, but I kept the conversation going. “You were uncomfortable?”
“It was why I met your gaze and sent a silent plea for you to save me from the boys who were looking for a MILF when I was neither a mom or a bored housewife, which was what they were betting or hoping I was.”
“Glad I could help.” My chest caved in for a second, but I sat up. “Where you heading?”
She sighed and pressed her boarding pass to her heart. “Paris. It’s my first time.”
I gazed around. Normally, pretty women never flew alone.
My heart was elevated as I asked, “1942?”
She narrowed her eyes, looked at her ticket, and nodded, “Yeah, that’s my flight number.”
My lips quirked higher. “I promise to get you there safely.”
She tensed and was clearly nervous again as she lowered her head. “Thanks for talking to me a minute ago.”
I gave her space. I hadn’t had a woman say no to me in a long time, so I said, “No problem. I meant what I offered about a drink.”
Then she smiled at me. “I hope neither of us has alcohol to blame for whatever happens next.”
“Well, I’m Charlie if you ever need me.”
“We’ll see, Charlie. I’m Hope.”
My last trip to Paris was getting a lot more interesting. I bumped her to first class, and I hadn’t had to pay this time to impress. This was my last perk, though, because wining and dining the beauty was a temporary goal. Now I wanted to know everything about her.
Chapter Two
Hope
A week later
* * *
My heart stirred as I headed to work. I would never see Charlie again, but the past few days replayed in my mind like a dream. I’d gone to a fashion show for work then a museum opening and somehow managed to do my job between getting fucked in hidden corners of the Louvre. The statues were the only witnesses, but the memories played out sweetly.
Somehow, he’d been wherever I needed to be, and now I would forever hold this secret in my heart of a fling in Paris. No one would ever believe me if I told them anyhow.
I worked to pay the bills, and advertising was a twenty-four-seven job. This was how I defined myself. I’d inherited my grandfather’s condo, and if I held on, then it was my retirement plan to sell. Otherwise, I didn’t remember leaving New York city… ever.
I walked into the lobby and waved at the security guard. Others filed into the elevator with me, and I disappeared in the crowd until the ding meant we'd reached the twenty-second floor.
I slipped out, headed to my desk, changed into my heels, and grabbed myself a cup of the free but horrible office coffee. Loretta passed, holding a folder to her chest, but she stopped and whispered, “They're talking about you in a meeting.”
