Page 28 of All the Gossip from Paris
There was nothing she could do about that blush except blame it on the cold air outside. Not that she’d actually been outside in the past hour. But Liam wasn’t to know.
When the elevator stopped at the Royal Suite level, she sucked in a deep breath. She was still letting it out slowly as she stepped into the small foyer, and headed toward the door.
Hello, and welcome to Paris. I hope you had a pleasant flight.
The well-rehearsed words were ready on her lips as she pressed the buzzer for the suite. Relief shot through her when it was Ryan who answered the door.
“Hey you. Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to come and play host to my family. I know Liam is keen to see the other side of Paris,” said a cheery Ryan.
Forcing a smile to her lips Sophie replied. “I hope he enjoys the day. It’s not been planned out all that much but I’m sure we will find things to do.”
But we won’t be having hot sex in a hotel suite. Definitely not doing that.
Gazing past her future brother in law, she asked. “Are your parents also here?”
Ryan took a step back and ushered Sophie into the suite. “Mom and Dad are still in the hotel, but they went down to the lobby to do something about their travel adapter. I tried to explain to them that the private butler who comes with the suite could handle it for them, but they wanted to do it themselves.”
Ryan had a reputation for being someone who was big on getting things done, so she could well imagine that his parents were also the sort of people who didn’t wait for others to assist them.
A nearby door opened, and Liam appeared. The sight of the man who’d been the focus of her thoughts for the past couple of hours had Sophie gripping the strap of her tote bag tightly. If this was the sort of effect he had on her the second she laid eyes on him, how was she meant to stay all cool and smooth with him for an entire afternoon?
Their gazes met and for a moment it was only the two of them in the room. Them and the shared memories of that night. Liam slowly blinked. Sophie bit down on her bottom lip.
This was a really stupid idea.
“Ah Liam. You remember Camille’s sister Sophie,” said Ryan. Thank god someone knew how to break an uncomfortable silence.
Liam gave her a friendly wave. “Yeah, hey Sophie. How are you?”
His words might have been casual, but she sensed the tension which radiated from him. And then it occurred to her. Liam was just as worried as she was about them spending time together.
This wasn’t going to be crushingly awkward no, not in the least.
You promised Cami. So suck it up, and do your family proud.
“I’m well thanks Liam. How was your flight from New York?”
There was safety in small talk. Travel. Weather. TV shows.
Then recalling what had happened last time she’d Netflix and chilled, Sophie decided to leave that subject well alone.
It was bad enough holding back the memories of that amazing night. And now her body was gently pulsing with need at the mere sight of Liam.
He came and stood alongside his brother, and Sophie noted the strong family resemblance. The Collins brothers were virtually the same height and build. But where Ryan’s hair was light brown, Liam was blessed with a gorgeous chocolate brown mop. The dark almost black streaks that ran through it had her licking her lips.
Why do I have a sudden craving for coffee flavored chocolate?
“My flight was amazing, thank you Sophie. I’ve never travelled First Class before. It sure beats sitting in the middle seat in row seventy eight,” replied Liam. He was addressing her, but his gaze was locked firmly on her lips.
Ryan cleared his throat. “Well, I might just leave the two of you to plan out your day. I’ll go see what mischief our parents have gotten up to at the front desk. I’ll catch you both later for dinner.”
If he’d sensed the tension which simmered between his brother and her, Ryan wasn’t giving anything away. Instead he merely picked up his coat and scarf, and headed out the door. “Have fun you, guys. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Which doesn’t leave a lot.”
And then he was gone.
A shocked Sophie turned to Liam. “What on earth did you say to your brother? I thought we were keeping New York a secret between us.”
Her breath caught as Liam moved closer. “Relax, it’s just a figure of speech. I haven’t said anything to anyone.”
