Always Him (Always #1)

Chapter Forty-Two

*Slight Smut Warning*

After our relaxing yet fun shower, we headed down to the lobby to eat some breakfast. It was delicious, and as we hadn't eaten since the airport, we each helped ourselves to an extra helping before heading out to explore the city.

I was eager to get a better look at the Eiffel Tower. See it up close in the daylight before coming back at nighttime to see it in the dark. It was going to be a lovely Christmas Eve; I was thinking it into existence.

After we ate, we headed out into the city. It wasn't cold, and it wasn't warm; I still wore my jacket tight around me; no way was I going to freeze and risk getting sick while in Paris; that wasn't going to happen.

In the daytime, walking down the street from the hotel, I was able to notice more than I had in the dark the night before. All of the windows had beautiful and ornate Christmas décor in them. All of the shops had the outside decorated with lights and garland. We never did things like this back home, though when we returned, I'd be putting in a strong word to do exactly that for next year. It was too beautiful not to have out.

Jasper managed to keep up with my excited pace, though a few times I thought I had yanked his arm out of his socket as he'd been staring at one thing when I pulled him towards another. I'd apologize, but he'd laugh it off, telling me to have fun and enjoy myself.

"Do you see this?" I asked as we paused just before the Eiffel Tower a few moments later. We got past the shops; for now, we'd go back later to make any purchases.

The Eiffel Tower stood tall and proud in front of me. I had to crane my neck all the way back to look towards the top. At my side, Jasper did the same thing.

"I see it." He murmured. "I thought it was breathtaking in the hotel room. And it is," he amended his words quickly when I shot him a confused look. "It's just, seeing it in person, it's different in a good way. It's even more breathtaking up close."

He was right about that.

We snapped a few pictures of the tower itself before taking photos for each other and asking a fellow tourist if they'd take one of us. We'd held onto each other as the young lady snapped a few pictures, asking if we liked them before going about her way again. We'd profusely thanked her and returned the favor when she asked a few minutes later.

The people of Paris, local and tourist alike, were so kind. Especially at Christmas, it was rare to deal with friendly people back in the States like we were here. We'd been here less than a day, and I was already dreading going back home. Paris had been so welcoming, I felt at home instantly. We'd definitely have to come back here; maybe I'd surprise Jasper with a trip back in a few years.

Stepping a little way from the tower, we stopped at a small bakery that sold macarons. My mouth was drooling at the sight and the smell of the little deserts. We left with a bagful of various flavors; I also left with a lemon one in my mouth. It was creamy, and the taste was to die for; we'd definitely be returning there again as well.

As we passed a few gift shops, I realized something and stopped in the middle of the little sidewalk, nearly getting run over by fellow tourists. Jasper came back to my side with worry in his eyes.

"What's the matter?"

"Jas, I don't have a Christmas present for you. How could I forget?"

He laughed, ignoring my glare. "Sades, I surprised you with this trip. If you had known to bring a gift for me, my surprise would have been ruined. It's alright; we have time when we get back to exchange proper gifts if you want."