Taking two more steps, I stop and put a hand over my mouth.
“Oh, wow.”
I stare in awe at the stunning scene in front of me. Trees stand to attention either side of us, sparkling with thousands upon thousands of lights, all leading down the avenue of theChamps-Élyséesto theArc de Triomphe. I might never have been to Paris, but I know about this famous view, and with all the lights, it’s like a fairytale.
Tears prick at my eyes, and I blink them away, feeling stupid. Saint notices, and I brace myself for him to say something slightly mocking, but instead he nods.
“It does that to you, this city. I miss it so much.”
Grabbing his hand, I squeeze his fingers. “I can understand that.”
We wander, taking in the incredible sights. The stores are all lit up, and some with amazing displays on the front. Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton have all turned their store windows into festive pieces of art.
After an hour of strolling the streets, the men lead me to a restaurant with a wonderful view out of the windows to the bustle of the streets. People pass by wrapped up warmly, somedressed casually, but so many dressed in gorgeous clothes. Cashmere coats, wonderful scarves, knee high boots, bags that cost thousands, and even fur coats—fake, I hope. The women look stunning and expensive, and the men handsome. There’s an elegance to a lot of the people passing by that makes them look like they’ve fallen off the pages of a magazine. I could watch the world go by while sitting here forever.
I eat French onion soup, rich and thick, followed by a salad nicoise. It might be cold outside, but the restaurant is warm, and after the hearty soup, I fancied something lighter. The men all order meat for their main course. Saint has beef wellington, and Lex and Zane both order steaks.
We’re served champagne, and as I drink the chilled, bubbly liquid, the world around me seems to fizz with happiness, too.
By the time we return to the limo, I’m yawning heavily, and we head straight home, the journey and the jetlag catching up to us.
We ponder what sleeping arrangements to take, and I end up sharing with Saint, while Lex and Zane take a room each.
I slept soundly,and we didn’t wake until after ten. We ate croissants warmed through in the stove and then decided to go and explore the Christmas markets.
Within the hour, we’re all bundled up and back out the door, ready to see more sights.
Being in Paris is a truly fascinating experience, seeing all the different foods and gifts. There are designer stores, too, but I’m more interested in the local artisan offerings. The food market offers fruits and vegetables that I’ve never even heard of, and delicious handmade delicacies. It makes my stomach rumble.
We take a break for lunch, eating simple, but delicious crepes, and then head to the place I am most excited to see for the afternoon. Montmartre.
The whole district is lovely and vibrant. Street artists paint people live on the sidewalk, whereas others create hilarious caricatures. The scent of roasting chestnuts and hot chocolate permeates the air, and above it all, the white stone Basilica looms in awe-inspiring grandeur.
Saint starts to get all agitated, and I wonder what he’s getting antsy about, only for us to walk around a corner, and I let out a little cry of delight.
There, in front of us, is the famous windmill of the Moulin Rouge.
“Our spiritual home,cherie.” Saint’s breath brushes across my ear. “We will take you to a show.”
“Tonight?” I ask.
“We couldn’t get tickets for tonight, but we will go tomorrow.”
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.
“We’re going to Moulin Rouge on Christmas Eve? Wow.” I could downright burst with giddiness.
What about this tonight? Zane signs, then picks up a leaflet in one of the shop doorways, holding it out.
A candlelight Siene River cruise, complete with a three course meal, which sounds amazing.
“I bet it’s booked up,” I say, trying not to sound disappointed. “It would be lovely.”
Lex takes the leaflet. “Let me make a call.” He walks away from us, talking into the phone after a short delay, and when he returns, he’s grinning.
“You managed to get us a place on it?” I ask excitedly. I can’t think of anything more romantic.
“I got us the whole damn boat. Admittedly, it’s one of the smaller vessels that provide this kind of thing, but I figured we’d want our privacy.”
