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A knock at the door interrupted her reverie. “Room service!”
Hendrix groaned, blinking awake. He offered her a sleepy smile and a lingering kiss. “Shall we?”
Chloe sighed, reluctantly untangling herself from the sheets. She slid out of bed and grabbed Hendrix’s shirt from the floor, shrugging into the soft cotton.
Hendrix watched with heated eyes as she walked across the room. “Keep the shirt. It looks better on you, anyway.”
She shot him a coy look over one shoulder. “Is that so?”
“Come back to bed and I’ll show you.” Hendrix held out his hand in invitation.
Another knock rattled the door. Chloe laughed, padding over to let the staff in. “Rain check?”
Hendrix grinned. “You’re on.”
As the servers arranged their breakfast on the terrace, Chloe breathed in the city once more—the sights and sounds and smells of Paris, as vibrant as her blossoming love. An adventure she never wanted to end.
Chloe settled into one of the chairs, tucking her legs beneath her.Hendrix came up behind, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and pressing a kiss to the top of her head.“Thank you for this weekend,” he murmured.“Being here with you—it’s been perfect.”
She tilted her head back, meeting his gaze.“You’re welcome.But the pleasure’s been all mine.” A teasing smile curved her lips.“In more ways than one.”
He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest.“Minx.”But there was affection in his tone.Hendrix claimed the seat beside her, lacing their fingers together.“I don’t want to go back to the real world.Can’t we just stay here forever?”
“Tempting,” she admitted.“But we have responsibilities waiting for us at home.Besides, if we stayed any longer, I’m not sure I’d want to leave our hotel room at all.”She gave his hand a squeeze.“As wonderful as this trip has been, I miss my own bed.And I have to get back to the shop.”
“I know.You’re right.”Hendrix sighed, gazing out at the city stretched before them.“It’s been an amazing escape.But we have lives to return to.”His eyes found hers again.“Together, I hope. If you’re open to that.”
Chloe’s heart swelled, warmth flooding her veins.“Together,” she echoed firmly.“Most definitely together.”
A slow smile spread across Hendrix’s face, brightening his eyes. He leaned in, sealing his promise with a searing kiss.And as the sun dipped below Paris’ rooftops, coloring the sky with shades of pink and gold, Chloe knew this was only the beginning.
Chloe sighed contently, resting her head on Hendrix’s shoulder as they watched the sunset. “I can’t believe we’re really doing this. Taking the plunge, moving in together.”
“We’ve been heading this way for a long time,” Hendrix said, pressing a kiss to her hair. “This weekend in Paris just made it impossible to deny anymore.”
“Still.” She shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. “Part of me thought we’d continue dancing around each other forever. Too stubborn and afraid to risk what we have.”
“We’re risking it by not risking it, if that makes sense.” Hendrix shifted so he could look at her fully. “I don’t want to waste any more time, Chloe. I want to build a life with you by my side. However long it takes, and whatever obstacles we face, you’re the one I want to face them with.”
Chloe’s eyes stung, but she refused to cry. Not here, not now.
Hendrix’s grin turned wicked. “Well, we do have one more night in the City of Light. It would be a shame to waste it.”
“It would be criminal,” she agreed. Laughing, they helped each other to their feet, already impatient to lose themselves in the familiar heat and passion of each other’s embrace.Paris had been a dream, but their future stretched before them, full of promise and possibility. Together, they would build something extraordinary on the foundation of love they’d discovered in this place.
13
The crisp Seattle air was damp and fresh, carrying the scent of evergreens and salt from the bay. Chloe breathed it in deeply as she gazed out the window of Hendrix’s silver Tesla, watching the city streets fly by in a blur.
After all these years, she still wasn’t used to the luxury that came with being friends with Seattle’s most eligible bachelor. But she couldn’t deny that there was something thrilling about riding in his expensive car.
“You’re staring at me again,” Hendrix said, his lips quirking up in a smirk.
Chloe blinked, realizing she had indeed been gazing at her best friend and now boyfriend. At six-foot-three, Hendrix towered over most people and commanded attention wherever he went. His broad shoulders and angular features were striking, as was the intensity in his deep blue eyes.
“Just wondering how your ego fits in such a small car,” she teased, nudging his arm playfully.Their banter was familiar and comforting, though lately it had taken on a flirtatious edge that made her pulse quicken.
Hendrix chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. “My ego makes room for you, darling.” His fingers grazed her knee, sending a spark of heat through her veins.
