Page 93 of All the Gossip from Paris
He got a thump on the arm for being cheeky, but Sophie’s face burned. She would take the secrets of what Liam Collins could do between the sheets, to the grave.
“Where are you off to? I thought you were going to the airport,” she said.
“I’m meeting a friend who has a private jet. You didn’t think I was going to fly all the way to Australia on a commercial flight, did you? Say hi to Cami and Ryan for me,” said Éliott. He grabbed his travel bag, and climbed out the car. By the time Sophie had come around to the driver’s side, her brother had already disappeared into the crowded Paris street.
She had to hand it to him—he knew how to milk the rich billionaire lifestyle. But one day, probably sooner rather than later, Éliott Royal would be forced to grow up. François’ patience with his youngest son was clearly wearing thin.
Observing the speed limit, Sophie drove the short distance to the gate of the apartment complex. She punched in the code to the small courtyard which sat behind the building. It was an older development which didn’t have an underground parking garage. Sophie found it easier to park in the open air space.
She sat and waited for the wrought iron gate to slowly swing open. She was impatient to get out of the car. The wait was agony.
I just want to go find Liam.
She wasn’t normally someone who had an irritated bone in her body, but today was seeing a whole raft of changes within her. Changes that hopefully heralded a new life.
Once the gate had finally opened, Sophie drove into the yard. She parked the car in one of the designated owner spots.
Turning off the motor, she glanced at the seat behind her. At the two huge suitcases. Did she leave them in the car, or did she haul them upstairs?
If I leave them down here, he might not believe that I am serious.
Her father had taught her to never hold back on adding the final piece of flair to a garment. A special button or added trim could make or break a couture gown.
After wrangling her cases from out the back of her car, Sophie closed the door. She paused for a moment, car keys in hand. If she went through with her plans, there would be no going back.
I really should have told him how I felt the moment Julia Roberts’ character snapped up Hugh Grant in Notting Hill.
But what if Liam didn’t want her? She might well be an impediment to his life. An inconvenience.
And if he didn’t... well she’d deal with that. No matter what happened today she wasn’t going home.
Her sister had done it. Packed her things and left for the US. Camille might well be married now and expecting a baby, but she’d been on her own when she’d walked out of the family business almost five years ago.
“It wouldn’t be the end of the world if Liam doesn’t want me.”
But it would kill me.
With one satisfying click of her key Sophie locked the car, then headed for the staircase. There was a big wide world just waiting for her. And if she had to set out on her own that was exactly what she’d do.
At the door of her sister’s apartment, Sophie paused once more. Trying to find the right words was harder than she’d thought it would be. So much of her future was riding on the outcome of the next few minutes.
Just say what’s in your heart, and let him decide if that’s enough.
She knew the code to Camille’s apartment, but for some reason she didn’t feel right in using it. Her finger settled over the button on the security pad.
The sound of the buzzer sent a shiver down her spine.
When the door opened, it was Ryan standing on the other side. He gave her a half smile, then ushered Sophie into the apartment. “We’ve been waiting for you.”
Camille appeared from down the hall. Her sister was rugged up in a coat and scarf. She took one look at Sophie and a gentle laugh escaped her lips. “I’m having a bit of a déjà vu moment right now. I know exactly how it feels to be standing in an apartment waiting to have a possible life-changing conversation with a Collin’s male,” said Camille.
Ryan grabbed his coat and scarf from the hook behind the door. He slipped them on, then offered his wife his hand. “And look how amazing that turned out. Come my beautiful bride. Let’s go find somewhere to eat, and leave these two to talk.”
Her sister and brother in law left the apartment. Sophie stood alone with her suitcases in the foyer. How long would it be before she got tired of lugging two oversized hardcases around the world?
“You look like you’ve got your whole life in there,” said Liam, stepping out from the guest bedroom. His gaze went from the suitcases to Sophie. “Planning on going somewhere?”
“Um. I think so. Though where that is, I’m not entirely sure.”
