Don't Hold Back (Love Hurts 4)

“You can have both, you know,” I chuckle.

“No, just get me a brioche,” she orders, pushing me towardss the cart.

I do as she asks, bringing back the small buttery treat.

She takes a bite and sighs. “Oh my God, that’s heavenly. I have no idea why French people aren’t fatter.”

I laugh, finishing the last of my own brioche before taking our paper bags and throwing them in the bin. She doesn’t think I notice, but that’s more than she’s eaten all week.

We spend most of the afternoon just walking around and taking in the sites. As it nears the evening, we head back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. I’m not sure where we’re going yet, but I’m sure it will be special.

We walk into the lobby of the hotel. I stop, explaining that I have to get something from the front desk. She doesn’t question it, and walks over to the elevators. The manager is waiting for me as I walk over to the desk.

“Ah, I’ve been waiting for you. I’m excited to let you know that we have gone all out for you and your beautiful woman.” He smiles, rubbing his hands together. “We’ve organized dinner at the famous Moulin Rouge, where you will also watch the show. It will be breathtaking, and your lady will love it. She will love you too for it, yes?” He giggles and nudges me, his enthusiasm making me smile.

Who said Frenchmen were stuck up?

“Thank you so much,” I say, shaking his hand. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

“Ah, but it doesn’t stop there. You will see.” He hands me a key and gestures for me to leave.

I thank him again and head back over to the elevator. I check the key card on the way and see we are on the top floor.

“What was that all about?” asks Erin

“I was just waiting on a phone call from my mother,” I reply, keeping my tone neutral.

We get into the elevator and Erin eyes me suspiciously. “Your phone isn’t working?” she asks, her eyes narrowed.

I laugh. I can’t get anything past her. She leans over, ready to press floor five, but I stop her.

“I may have been requesting an upgrade for us.”

“For both of us?”

“One room,” I reply. “I hope that’s okay?”

“That’s more than okay,” she says softly, her eyes dancing.

I hit the button for the top floor.

“The penthouse? You scored us an upgrade to the penthouse?” she gasps, her eyes widening. “How the hell did you manage that?”

“What can I say? The French love me.”

We exit on the top floor, where there is only one door ahead of us.

“Do you want to do the honours?” I ask, handing her the key.

She takes it and slides it in the slot, pushing the door open.

“Oh my God,” she gasps, walking inside.

I follow her, shocked myself. It’s beautiful, and they’ve gone to even more effort to make it perfect. My eyes sting with emotion as I take everything in. Erin races over to the window and steps out onto the small balcony.

“I can’t even…” Her voice breaks, giving way to soft sobs. “Cade, it’s beautiful.”

I walk out and wrap my arms around her, gently kissing her neck. She smells so sweet, like roses and strawberries. I look out at the view. It’s incredible. The tower looks massive from where we stand, the bright lights illuminating it in the dark sky.