RC.

Ch10 ............... O

Ryan can sense my trouble. He puts his big hands on my shoulders and looks at me tenderly.

R:"What is it? Don't you feel relieved?"

T:"Yes but ... It's just that ... I was unfair to Jake the other night and I feel bad..."

R:"I'll talk to him."

T:"May I remind you that you fired him."

R:"Not at all. I sent him to get my lawyers at the airport. I have to settle some matters before we leave for Paris."

This last word immediately snaps me out of my torpor. I freez like a soldier standing to attention.

T:"Paris?!"

He gives me a satisfied little glance.

R:"Yes, Miss White, tomorrow we fly to the City of Light."

(How fantastic!!!)

T:"But ... But ... That's ... fabulous!!!"

R:"I knew you'd like it ... You have all morning to prepare your things. We'll leave early in the afternoon abroad my jet."

Paris! I've always dreamed of going!! To me, It's the romantic city par excellence! A childhood dream!

T:"But weren't we supposed to be going to your beach house...?"

R:"Change of plan."

He winks at me irresistibly.

(I melt...)

A romantic weekend with Ryan in one of the most beautiful cities in the world! My pulse is racing!

T:"You're crazy!"

R:"Crazy about you."

I stifle a mocking laugh.

T:"Don't overdo it."

R:"Women like us to do the impossible, right?"

(Challenge him.)

T:"You have so much to learn about women, Mr. Carter ..."

R:"That's not what your little sighs tell me when I'm in you."

I nudge him in the arm.

T:"Stop it! You know exactly what I mean!"

R:"Yes, I know... Women want to be treated like princesses, but they don't want people to know about it."

His inimitable grin stretches across his lips. It annoys me that he should be right.

(Be of bad faith.)

T:"Not at all, we are not all princesses!"

R:"Mmh ..."

I feel as convincing as a scallop.

R:"So much bad faith! Typically feminine."

I purse my lips fighting off a smile, slap him lightly on his shoulder with the back of my hand.

(Play.)

T:"You know, I could have flown into your arms, kissed you, but you're winding me up so much that I'm going to hold back."

R:"Just a kiss? May as well not go to all the trouble..."

He rolls his eyes to the skies, pretending to be disappointed.

T:"Oh, you cad you!"

Tap on the arm again. Decidedly, I'm hitting him a lot!

His laughter invades my office.

He resumes his seriousness as he read a message that's just appeared on his mobile.

R:"I have to leave you, my lawyers are here, It'll probably take all night."

(I provoke him.)

T:"Yeah right. Run away. Play the hard to get, businessman."

R:"It's to better take care of you on my return, dearest. It may be that in Paris some fantasies are satisfied ..."

His last statement, said in hoarse, keen voice, warms me instantly and my cheeks go pink!

Ryan's promises are always so enticing and never disappointing ...