Lilly & Leclerc ~ [CL 16]

2. Breakfast

Charles Leclerc is magnetic.

I've discovered that it's not just me who feels this way about him. People seem to naturally gravitate towards him, wide smiles on their face as he speaks to them politely, a sparkle in his eyes - I still haven't decided what colour his eyes are. I'm leaning towards blue, but each time I'm about to settle that hint of brown or grey throws me off. Maybe I'll have to just go with hazel for now.

We haven't strayed far from the apartment after finally arriving yesterday, Amber and her dead phone in tow. We spent the small hours left of the afternoon making ourselves at home in Charles's apartment, me unpacking in one of his three guest bedrooms. Then, when the sun began to dip over the skyline we headed out to grab a pizza for dinner. It was only at a place around the corner. Nevertheless, it was stunning (the view and the pizza), my heart seemed to swell in my chest when the sun dipped below the horizon turning the clear blue sky shades of orange and pink which was reflected in the water.

I haven't even been in Monaco for 24 hours, but I think I'm in love.

I also think I'm slightly in love with Charles's apartment, the whole place is big but not too large that it feels unhomely or unwelcoming. Pictures of his family are dotted on most surfaces and where there's no sleek pieces of modern art hang on the walls in expensive looking black frames. It reminds me a lot of my own apartment and feels strangely homely - despite me only having stepped foot in it for the first time...17 hours ago. That's not even thinking about the bed which is without a doubt better than my own - for being a guest room it's insanely comfortable. It didn't help me much when I woke up at 8am though, excitement shooting through me for what the next few days could hold. I was sharply disappointed to creep out of my room and discover that nobody else was awake yet, leaving me trapped in the apartment.

Instead of hopelessly waiting around in my room I decided to take advantage of the view, heading out onto the balcony with my book and oversized sweatshirt to brave the morning chill. It really wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. Amber and I should definitely be staying at Lando's place here (considering he's her brother and all), not with Charles. It would have involved none of this awkwardness or creeping around in the early hours of the morning. Still, when I sink into the cool cushioned outside chair I know I can't complain. At all.

The sky is once again a powder blue, shadowed by some clouds that are due to be burned away in...three hours, by which time I'm hoping somebody, somewhere will be showing some signs of life.

"What are you reading?" A asks, his voice sudden and startling. I gasp at the words, my eyes flicking to see Charles stood there, in the door I left slightly ajar, glass of water in hand, smirk on his face. He likes that he's gave me a fright I'm sure. "Bonjour!" He hums lightly, a small smile of entertainment dancing on his face as he slides some black framed glasses over his eyes. He's stood with a thick book in his own hands.

"Morning," I greet, a little more awkwardly than him. My heart rate is yet to return to normal. I weigh up the book in my hands, awkwardly losing my voice in my throat, the name being stuck there as I wave the cover in his direction. 'Love and other words' he mumbles the title to himself pulling a slight face at the title, it makes me laugh quietly to myself.

"Not your kind of thing?" I ask curiously, I wasn't expecting it to be. He has at least three bookcases filled with books, I didn't expect this one, or any of the ones I own at home, to be part of his collection. Still, Charles shakes his head rather quickly.

"I prefer..." he trails off a teasing look on his face and I know he's seeing how far he can push his words without offending me. "Not that." Is what he eventually comes out with and it makes me laugh. I tilt my head in interest.