She felt as if she was dreaming.
They spent the several hours of the long flight mostly in bed, making love. The flight was so smooth, she had no problem snuggling against him and going right to sleep for two hours. Then they took a bath in that large tub that could accommodate them comfortably and had space for four more people.
The outfit he had chosen for her was a teal blue cashmere sweater, real cashmere, so soft and clingy that she felt as if she wasn't wearing anything at all. The tan tailored pants was a recognized brand. He had even thought of underwear, wispy matching lace and soft knee-high boots that matched the jacket.
"I feel as if I'm a different person." She murmured, turning from the mirror to look at him.
"You look the same to me." He murmured. Moving towards her, he cupped her face between his palms. He already knew what their weekend was going to be like. He was going to give her the time of her life.
"Only different clothes." Tilting her head, he brushed his lips against hers and had her trembling. "We could go back to bed." He whispered.
"No." Laughingly, she pushed him back. "I happen to be starving."
"So am I." His suggestive leer had her retreating even further.
"For food."
"Spoilsport." He kissed her again before taking her hand and leading the way out.
*****
He had been to Paris more times than he could count and had to admit he took the enchanting city for granted. Now he was seeing it through her eyes. He had outlined an itinerary that he knew would suit her.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral was their first stop and even though there were restorations going on, the atmosphere was astonishing. A car had been waiting for them at the private airfield of the Charles de Gaulle airport. Preferring to drive himself, he had made arrangements to do just that. The city was up and running, pedestrians and drivers were in a mad rush.
Despite the icy cold, she had the windows rolled down to take in the scenery and was enchanted by everything she witnessed.
The flower stalls were already doing active business and the sounds of French mixed with several other languages could be heard. He stopped to buy her a bouquet of pink posies, which she clutched to her chest as if they were hidden treasure.
They walked the Ile De La Cité and crossed the Seine. He also took her exploring to the nearby bookstalls where she felt as if she had stepped into a story. She documented everything with the small hi-tech camera he had handed her as soon as they landed and did not care if she was an obvious tourist.
Everything was so bright, so beautiful and so full of life that she was dazzled.
They had lunch at a tiny café where the food was terrific and the conversation, fast-paced French, was loud and boisterous. No one was paying them any mind and to her surprise, she realized he spoke excellent French.
"I bet you speak Italian too." She murmured, sipping her wine.
"I'm afraid so." He could not believe how much he was enjoying her frank admiration and enthusiasm of the trip.
"And Spanish?"
"Hmm." Leaning over, he used his tongue to taste the wine from her lips. "So much better."
"People are all around us." She protested, ready to pull back. He snagged her around the waist and drew her onto his lap.
"This is Paris, it's expected." He then proceeded to seize her lips, the kiss drugging and sending off heat.
"Let's go take a siesta." He suggested hoarsely. "That's also expected."
"I thought we were staying at a hotel." She opened her eyes when he stopped the vehicle to see that they had left the dazzling lights of the city and turned into a private road that led to a small cottage-like building.
She had noticed the large and fabulously appointed Lancashire hotel on their way from the airport and naturally assumed they would be staying there.
"I wanted to be alone with you. Do you mind?" He glanced over at her as he unhooked his belt.
"No. This is lovely and so peaceful."
"Good." Shoving the door open, he rounded the hood and took her hand when she opened her door. "The caretaker and his wife got the place ready and prepared a meal before they left." He led the way up the cobbled drive and found the keys.
