RC.

Ch10 .................. R

As we walk into the hotel suite that Ryan has booked for our stay, I am dumbfounded by the beauty of the place.

A four-poster bed stands in the center of the room and a large bay window opens onto a huge terrace that offers a panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower!

I can already see myself taking a good French breakfast overlooking the Parisian rooftops! What greater happiness can there be! I can smell the hot croissants from here...

I move religiously around the room. Beautiful velvet draperies frame the windows. There are bunches of roses on each bed side table.

French style, charm and good taste ...

T:"Ryan, it's beautiful!"

I see him thanking the porter in almost perfect French, before the latter politely closes the door.

T:"You speak French?"

R:"I know a few words, yes."

T:"A few words ... You seem to have spoken French all your life, but how many other talents do you still have up your sleeve, Mr. Carter?"

R:"You have no idea..."

He comes closer to me taking my waist in his hands. He lays a delicate kiss on my lips. I shudder with delight.

R:"If you want to freshen up, now's the time. Dress in something comfortable."

T:"Oh, Why? Where are we going?"

R:"We're going to walk a bit, I want to show you the true Paris."

Delighted, I cheerfully make my way to the bathroom, my little suitcase in my hand.

Once changed, I join Ryan. He's waiting on the terrace, with both arms leaning on the guardrail, observing the street below.

I look over at the roofs of Paris. I love it! The view is simply magical!

I stand next to him, almost imitating him. I take a deep breath and I sigh with pleasure.

He leans his head towards me, observing me.

I give him a grateful smile. He couldn't have made me happier.

T:"Ryan ... You couldn't have chosen a better way to make me happy!"

R:"And... It's only just begun."

His enigmatic smile tells me that there are more suprises in store, and just as good if not better!

He twists his fingers around my fishtail braid.

I cuddle up against him.

I put my hands around his waist and I rest my head lovingly against his chest.

I almost feel ten feet tall ...

R:"Are you ready my angel?"

T:"Yes! Ready to discover French life!"

R:"So let's go."

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Once outside the hotel, we wander through some small streets. Paris is a big city but you almost feel like you're in a village.

The neighbourhood that Ryan brings me to is nothing like New York, seething in excitement.

Here the locals walk about in a relaxed way.

We can hear small groups of friends chatting and laughing at the little bistro tables, and the odours mix together.

I've always been told that Paris has a soul. I'm looking forward to discovering it!

Ryan holds me by the waist and seems to be appreciating this moment of complicity.

We're not talking and we're not trying to fill in the silence. We're just enjoying being together here.

I'm not surprised to find that the charm and general allure of my handsome CEO don't leave French women indifferent. Several seductive looks slide over to him.

I must admit that a little bit of jealousy creeps into me. It's impossible not to feel as if you were competing with everyone when you date a man like him.

I rather feel proud. Turn it to a touch of pride.

To know that this magnificent man is mine alone is satisfying.

(Sorry girls, you can drool but ... he's mine!)

R:"If we continue in this direction, we'll come to Montmartre, sound good?"

T:"It's an excellent idea!"

I know very well that Ryan isn't taking me there by chance. It's the gourmet neighbourhood par excellence!

T:"There are probably some very good restaurants there..."

R:"You only think about food, little greedy guts."

T:"No, not at all, but it's a sizeable bonus."

R:"Don't worry, I've already have something in mind to fill your small, demanding stomach."

(I don't doubt it.)

T:"Oh, I'm sure you have."

R:"I'm becoming too predictable ... I'll have to remedy that..."

I chuckle a little. Then smile as I ask him.

T:"Oh? And what have you planned?"

R:"Let's see ... You know very well I won't tell you anything before the time comes."

He winks at me and his gaze drifts back to the street as if nothing had happened.

After a moment's walk, the Sacrè Couer Basilica appears before our eyes.

T:"How beautiful! ..."

Several artists are sitting in the square and sketching the portrait of passers-by.

The place is superb something indescribable emanates from it all.

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The sun went down a while ago...

We continue to walk for a while, then we decide to stop to sit and enjoy the view. We spend at least an hour talking.

R:"We're going to have to go back to the hotel, I'll call a taxi."

T:"Oh, already...?"

R:"I hope you've brought a nice dress?"

T:"Of course! I've even brought a lot of them."

His smile is mocking. But the tenderness in his look makes my heart melt.

I wonder what he has in store for me. No doubt a gourmet restaurant ... but it's not very late ...

My brain is an overdrive and I give up the idea of asking for clues. He won't tell me anything, anyway!