Nothing. I look around the lobby nervously while he scrolls his phone.
I send another message.
Me:
Gwen?
My stomach churns with nerves that she might actually respond.
She’s never asleep this early. Against my better judgment, I dial her number, but it goes to voicemail.
“Did you get her?” Fabien asks.
I shake my head. I pretend to be dejected. “Couldn’t get her.” I stifle a sigh and look away.
“It’s late,” he says thoughtfully. “It could take a while to arrange enough guards that would satisfy me. I’ll tell you what.”
My heartbeat thumps. I can’t throw myself at him, but I need to get close. I need his connections. If he offers for me to come up to his room…
“Come up to my room. I could stand guard in yours, but my room is much larger for the two of us to have privacy.”
The truth is, though… I don’twantto be alone tonight. The thought of his larger-than-life presence warding off any fear is actually a bit reassuring.
If he has a good-sized room, maybe we can both sleep peacefully.
It’s one night. I’m safe with him. This is nothing unprofessional and will never be. He’s only doing his job, making sure one of his employees who’s been compromised is safe for the evening.
No more, no less.
This is not romantic.
This is not a proposition.
He’s not flirting with me.
Flirtation leads to romance leads to love, andI’m not making that mistake.
This is not romance.
I’ve made it this far in the business without losing my mind, I can go a little longer.
He’s a pragmatic business owner of an unorthodox establishment, making a move that is equally unorthodox.
“Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Fabien
It’s almost too perfect.She never suspected I’d followed her to the shop, that I stalked her every step and made it seem coincidental. She hasn’t been to her room to see the flowers yet and tomorrow when she does, she’ll know I hadn’t planned on meeting up with her. It was all too easy to slip into the bookstore unseen, take my place in the coffee shop with my back to her, and suggest to the proprietor he gently guide her my way.
If I came waving money or my proposition, she might run, especially after what happened to her earlier.
Maybe. Time will tell.
It was too easy to buy a book she’d recognize and engage her in conversation. Walk her back to La Maison,and when she suggested a call to Gwen, having Louis block Gwen’s phone so she wouldn’t see it.
The rest of the evening, I’ll be nothing but a gentleman.
