There’s been one small blessing with my new husband. He has some kind of erectile dysfunction. He didn't go into much detail about it and got angry the few times I’ve brought it up. It made those handful of kisses make sense. I thought we never went further because I didn't want to, but also because there was no spark on his side either.
I pull at the wedding dress, wanting it off of my body. It took several people to get me into it, and now it feels like a strait jacket. I have to fight with it, and I hear a few tears, but eventually I get it off and shove it in the back of the closet along with the veil. I can’t look at it anymore because it’s just a reminder of how I’ve failed myself. I move clothes around to cover it up, then I stand there in the closet and try to breathe.
The hollow ache inside of me that’s been there since we got the news about my father grows deeper, until it’s a bottomless pit. I have a feeling the next few years of my life are going to not only be the hardest but the loneliest too.
Needing to wash the makeup off my face, I step out of the closet then freeze. My bedroom door opens, and my stomach drops, thinking it’s Paul.
A man I’ve never seen before steps inside and shuts the door behind him. He’s so damn big and dressed in a tight suit that clings to every bulky muscle. I would have noticed him if he’d been at the wedding or the reception, but he is a total stranger.
He’s got his phone pressed to his ear, and he sounds pissed as he speaks in French. I only pick up a few words, but he’s saying something about time and love and idiots. That’s all I understand from the few years of French I took back in high school.
He runs his hand through his short wavy dark hair in frustration, still not seeing me. But as he turns around and his blue eyes lock with mine, he stops speaking and lowers the phone from his ear. I suck in a breath as I finally get a look at what has to be the handsomest man I’ve ever seen in my life. Yeah, I would have noticed him before. He says something in French and ends the call, then slowly lowers the phone to his pocket.
“Sorry, I was trying to get a moment alone.” His eyes travel down my body and back up, and I remember I’m only in panties and a strapless bra. I should dart into the bathroom and cover myself, but my feet stay planted, unable to move. I open my mouth, but no words come out. “Have we met?” he asks but then shakes his head, answering his own question. “No, I’d remember you.” He takes a few tentative steps closer to me. “I’m dreaming, that has to be what this is.” He shakes his head again. “You look like a damn angel.”
Maybe I’m dreaming too because I find myself taking a step toward him. Longing so deep inside of me aches, and the way he’s looking at me feels…safe. I’ve been lost these past few months with my father getting sicker, a loveless relationship, and no hope on the horizon. This man smiles so kindly and sweetly, and maybe it’s desperate, but I need to be held so badly I take another step closer to him.
In the blink of an eye, he clears the rest of the space between us, and like he can hear my thoughts, he wraps his arm around me, pulling me into his body.
“I’ve got you,” he says, and my heart leaps to life like it was asleep before now. “I’m right here.” His words are barely a whisper before his mouth descends on mine.
Prologue
ISAAC
I was late and looking for a place to finish my call. I’d wandered the halls of this home that seems like a castle until I got turned around. There should have been signs posted for where the hell to go, but I also had urgent business that I should have been in France to deal with. Instead I’m working, the time change is a pain in my ass, and I can’t find a decent cell connection within these stone walls.
When I’d given up trying to find out where I was supposed to be, I opened the door in front of me and went inside.
I don’t remember what my assistant Anne was saying into the phone when I locked eyes with the dark-haired beauty in front of me. I don’t remember much of anything, if I’m honest. I couldn’t tell you why I was in this room, who I was on the phone with, or even my name. She’s rendered me speechless while draining me of all thoughts beyond this room and this moment.