Winter Love

by Kennedy Fox

  “I thought we’d start with a cruise down the Seine and then head to a bar that’s the perfect place to be hidden.”

  “And why would we want to be hidden?”

  “Because that’s when I plan to kiss you.”

  Her head drops to my shoulder. “And here I’ve been waiting since we finished dinner.”

  This woman has surprised me all day. From the flower choice this morning to her going along with my plan at the Louvre to her asking me on a date right before I was going to ask her out, and then agreeing to give me her next twenty-four-hours, I think I’ve underestimated her all along. I’ve met many women here in Paris over the years and become fairly good at figuring out their motives before they hit on me.

  That’s not Beth, which makes me wonder if she’s truly ready to spend the night with another man. For me, I’m already planning how to see her again, but I’m not sure where she stands. The last thing I want to do is cause her more pain. It took me years to snap out of the daze I’ve been living in. How can I expect her to move on just a few days after her breakup?

  The car stops, and the driver comes around to open the door. As I help her from the back seat, I notice her eyes go wide, and a glint of excitement is bright in her irises. Every new adventure with her is like Christmas morning. She makes something I’ve done a million times feel like the first time all over again. She makes me feel alive.

  As the private boat cruises down the river, Beth ping-pongs from side to side, front to back, and every other way as though she’ll miss something if she doesn’t. God, she’s gorgeous. Along with her red lips, the thought of kissing her has consumed my mind. I’ve had so many opportunities, but I’m starting to realize she comes alive when she’s living in the moment versus a romantic plan.

  Not that all plans are bad. Some are necessary. But a first kiss needs to be special and at the perfect time in the perfect place. So I take the pressure off and just enjoy the scenery. When we return to shore, we hop back in the car. “I’m not sure how you’re going to top that first dinner with a view, then a romantic cruise. We could end the night now, and it would still be the best night of my life.”

  “Mine too.”

  Caressing her cheek, I lean forward. Her eyes staring into mine, her lips quickly licked, and she leans in. When she closes her eyes, I embrace her lips with mine, kissing her as I’ve wanted to since the moment we met. Just as I thought—delicious.

  Chapter Five

  ROB

  I should feel bad, really awful.

  I don’t.

  Seeing her sitting across from me at my favorite hideaway with bee-stung lips flush from kissing me on the car ride only gives me a sense of pride. I run my thumb over my lower lip in a poor attempt to hide my smile.

  Beth snaps her compact closed. “Well, I always wondered what I’d look like with lip injections.”

  “Gorgeous both ways, though I don’t think you need the injections.”

  “Definitely not with you around. But on that note, what do I need?”

  Cocking an eyebrow, I reply, “That’s a loaded question.”

  “What can I say? I’ve decided to live my life in the implications.”

  I rest forward, entirely enchanted with her. “You have me curious what that means?”

  “It means that maybe I need to stop caring about what others think and do what feels right for me.”

  “That’s excellent advice,” I say, taking hold of her hand. “Your boss?”

  “Nope. That’s all me. You can quote me on it.” She winks. Her laughter is lighthearted as her delicate fingers entwine with my rougher hands. A lifetime of harvesting grapes will do that to your skin. I used to hate spending those months doing the labor, but now I see the value. It’s easy to get caught up in New York life— the fast pace, the endless energy, and the pressures of carrying my family’s winery forward for the next one hundred years.

  There’s something really beautiful about producing something from the ground up—literally. “I think I’ll join you.”

  “Rob?”

  “Yes?”

  “Following my heart means revealing it. I like you.”

  “I like you too.”

  She laughs, dissipating the tension that could’ve built between us. “We’re here, so I figured that part was mutual.”

  “But? I feel a but coming on.”

  “But I have a feeling you’d be easy to fall for, and that worries me.”

  She stares at me, her smile gone, but our connection is still electrifying. I want to kiss her again. But this time, I would go lower and kiss every inch of her neck and collarbone, then caress her face and shoulder, her waist and hips, and then between her legs. I want to watch her innocence fall away and her body tremor with pleasure. I want coffee with her in the morning and silly conversations. Dinner under the moonlight with romantic music playing. I want to shower her with yellow roses so she’s never homesick again in hopes she stays. If not here, maybe in New York where maybe we can start something more than one night in Paris.

  God, what is happening?

  I’m captivated by her, never feeling this kind of chemistry and connection with anyone else before. Not even my ex. How is it possible to already feel this with her? I don’t know how the universe works, but I’m starting to believe that I was right when I said we were brought together by destiny.

  If I’m not careful, she’ll slip right through my hands, and I can’t live with that. With her, time is of the essence, and every moment matters. “Then why don’t we get a head start on it now?”

  “Falling?”

  “Yes. Falling for each other.”

  Her smile returns, and it’s the prettiest I’ve ever seen. She comes around the table, knocking the point of her shoe between mine. I slide my chair back to make room for her. When she settles on my lap, her body vibrates. She feels right in my arms. Her arms tighten around me, hugging me quickly before releasing me and cupping my face. She kisses me, unabashedly taking what she wants.

  I’m starting to think she’s put a spell on me because I’d give her anything she asked for. I’m enchanted and intrigued by her, attracted to her, and possessive of her lips as they move with mine. She doesn’t even realize that I’ve already fallen and landed right at her feet.

  The bar’s stale air slips between us, and with her forehead pressed to mine, she whispers, “How do we get started?”

  “We just leap. Take the leap with me, Beth.”

  “That sounds mighty dangerous.”

  “It is, but what’s a little leap at this point?” I’m more than ready to dive in.

  She kisses me. Yep, there’s no falling for me. I’ve already tripped and landed at her feet. “Let’s get out of here.”

  Surprised she took the lead, though I shouldn’t since she’s been in charge since the museum, I ask, “You sure?”

  “I’m positive.”

  Standing, I set her feet on the floor. Our hands bond, our fingers weaving together. Some of my lies have already been revealed, but the last might come as a surprise to her . . . hopefully, a pleasant surprise just like her arriving alone was for me.

  In the car, she says, “I would ask if this is your personal driver, but I have a feeling I already know the answer. Fancy.”

  I chuckle, well aware that Jean-Thomas understands English. He’s polite enough to keep his eyes on the road when I reply, “Yes, very fancy. You say you live in LA, though, so I’m sure you’ve encountered fancier people than me.”

  “I have quite a few celebrity friends who live lives I can only dream of, but it’s fun to pretend I’m one of them for a night.”

  “You don’t have to be one of them. You only have to be you. I’m quite taken with you, Beth.”

  “Sounds so serious—taken and all.”

  If teasing can be kind, she’s mastered the art. Instead of playing word games, I kiss her, much preferring those lips on mine. Pulling back, I stare into her eyes, still blown away that she’s here, an
angel who pulled me from the depths of my loneliness with an unexpected run-in practically on my doorstep. If there was ever a reason to have hope, she’s given it to me.

  Strong and confident, I’m ready to conquer the world and serve it to her on a silver platter.

  The car stops, and she glances out her window. “How did you know where I’m staying?”

  “About that . . .” I start, suddenly nervous she’ll think I’m stalking her or something crazy like that. I glance at Jean-Thomas, but then decide to do this in private. “Let’s talk outside.”

  We get out, and when the car turns at the end of the block, disappearing for the night, I suck in a harsh breath and confess. “You rented my flat.”

  Wide eyes and a tilted chin reconfigure her expression into one of surprise. “You own the apartment I’m staying in?”

  “I do.” Dammit, there are those words again.

  Crossing her arms over her chest, she says, “I need more.”

  I look up at the three-floor building that was handed down to me by my grandfather. I spent years restoring it, so I take pride in how it turned out. No detail was left to chance. “I own the building and live in the flat on the first floor when I’m in the city.”

  “I’m so confused. You talk about New York like you live there. You sound American, but your family owns a French winery.”

  “We do. I grew up in New York, and I have an apartment in Manhattan because I travel between the two. I took over for my dad and run North American sales as well as western Europe.”

  “This is so complicated, so I need you to tell me, Rob, who are you?”

  “A lost soul who finally found a reason to smile again.” I move closer, so relieved she doesn’t move away. She was right this morning. “I’m sorry you don’t have a reason to stay in one place.” It is part of my job to travel back and forth between New York and Paris, but it’s also more than that. Nothing has held me. Nothing has pulled me in one direction or the other. I don’t have a place that is home. But this woman? This stunning, honest, and sexy woman? Just maybe I’m looking at someone who could be that home.

  Reaching out to touch her, I stop and hold my hand out for her to take. She does, and my heart starts beating again, a sigh of relief escaping me. “We don’t know each other. The conversation has come easy with you but stayed just beneath the surface.” She nods, which encourages me to continue. “I want to know you better, Beth. I know this could mean I’m a rebound because you’re not quite ready to think about dating someone seriously again. Add in that you’re from LA, and I’m, well, from all over the place . . . but I enjoy your company, and you’ve restored my faith.”

  “Faith in what?”

  “Faith in second chances.”

  Whispering, she says, “Second chances.” She bites her lower lip and then rests her head against my chest. I hold her, wrapping my arms around her and keeping her here with me. We let a few seconds pass by along with a couple holding hands. And then it happens. Snow begins to fall, and she looks up, a small gasp escaping. Twirling out while holding my hand, she says, “It’s magical.”

  “Just how Christmas should be.”

  “Why does it feel like you special ordered this just for me?”

  I laugh. “If I could control the weather, I would give you snow every day.”

  She cups my cheek. “I may not know you well, but I know you’re being sincere, so that leaves me with only one question left to ask. Your place or mine?”

  If there was ever a woman for me, it’s her. A chuckle rumbles through my chest, and I’ve never felt lighter than I do now. “Whichever you want.”

  “Mine.” She takes my hand, and we climb the steps to the second floor. When she hits the landing, she turns around and stops me one step down. Placing her hands on my shoulders, she says, “The place is a mess, and I’m knowingly breaking the rules of the rental.”

  “I won’t tell the landlord.”

  She grins. “Thanks.”

  Walking to the door behind her, I ask, “What rules are you breaking anyway?”

  Hip-bumping the door open, she replies, “I’m not allowed to have parties.”

  Grabbing her, I pick her up and toss her over my shoulder. As she giggles, I kick the door closed behind us and head for the bedroom. “I think he’ll make an exception for the holidays.”

  I toss her on the bed, and her purse falls to the floor. I look at her, hair fanned across the white comforter, red dress clinging to every curve of her body, and those shoes—fuck me, those shoes are teasing me. “Have you ever made love in those shoes?”

  “No, they’re brand new.”

  “Good. Leave them on.” I pull her to her feet, so she’s standing in front of me. Dipping my head to the side, I kiss every inch of her neck just like my fantasy, and then whisper in her ear, “But I want everything else off.”

  Goose bumps cover her arms, and she shivers in my hands. Reaching around, I slowly slide her zipper down and let the dress fall to the ground. When she steps out, I pick it up and toss it on a chair. Seeing her before me in a black, strapless bra and the thinnest lace thong all while wearing those heels, I’m tempted to stare at her all night like the Venus de Milo, appreciating the creation before me.

  But I can’t possibly keep my hands or mouth off her, so I dig my fingers into the back of her hair, holding her to me and kissing her like I’ve wanted to all night. When her knees weaken, I pull back, still holding her against me. “Tell me you’re free.”

  “Free?”

  “That’s it’s not just your body that wants me.”

  It doesn’t take but a blink of her eyes for me to see when it dawns in her eyes. “I want you. I just didn’t know it because we hadn’t met yet. My past led me right where I’m supposed to be, and I’m so thankful. So kiss me, Rob. Kiss me like this was always our destiny.”

  Kissing her is like walking on the clouds, being weightless and free from my troubles and my past. She slips from my arms and takes the jacket from my shoulders. Taking turns, she slips off her bra next and then my shirt. Licking up the center of my chest, she says, “I’ve never wanted anyone more than I want you—mind and body.” God, her fiancé was a fool.

  I spin her around and slap that fine ass. “Get on that bed, sexy.”

  She does, giving me a full show of her ass in the air before she’s on her back and removing the lace that hides her. “You’re so gorgeous.”

  The compliment doesn’t color her cheeks but fills her with a glint in her eyes. “Don’t leave me waiting.”

  I toe off my shoes and remove the rest of my clothes. As soon as I climb onto the bed, I realize I don’t have protection. It’s great to have wishful thinking and to plan, but I had no idea tonight would lead us to bed. “I don’t have a condom. I can run down to the corner store.”

  “I came prepared. There’s one in my purse.”

  I find one in the small bag and return to hover over her. Her eyes were on my body without a hint of regret or hesitation. If anything, by the lick of her lips and the hunger in her eyes, I know she’s ready. I cover myself and then get into position, the tip of my dick pushing against her entrance. I could overanalyze everything I think we want or what burdens, but that’s not the moment I want to live.

  This is. She is.

  I push in, and her hands grab my shoulders as the tip of her nails dig into my skin. I’m rabid for her and lean down to kiss her before thrusting until I’m buried deep inside. Her tongue dances with mine as moans of pleasure fill my ears. The heat spreads from our connection, and a sheen of sweat covers her chest. This time, I lick from her belly button to her neck, but God, I can’t get enough of her and start thrusting again.

  We’ve been all over Paris tonight, but she’s the most extraordinary sight I’ve ever seen.

  Her pleasure builds quickly as her eyes fall closed, and her mouth hangs open. She grips me, arching her back, and her ecstasy takes over. The sight of her is better than I could imagine as she pulses around
me. Too much. Her warmth engulfing is too much to stave off, and I come, releasing with a groan and her name a prayer rolling off my tongue, “Beth.”

  I drop down and kiss behind her ear, whispering, “Well, that didn’t go as planned.”

  She bursts out laughing. I move beside her, and when she leans her head on my shoulder, she says, “We don’t make plans, remember?”

  Smiling, I take her hand in mine and lie there. “Rob and Beth.”

  “It’s funny how we can be other people together.” She turns on the pillow to look at me. “But what happens when I leave?”

  “You don’t have to leave.”

  Now she’s smiling. “I do. Paris is a nice escape, but that’s all it can be for me. My life is back in LA.” Readjusting, she cuddles to my side and kisses the skin over my heart.

  There’s so much to sift through emotionally, something that’s new in this situation. Usually, sex is just sex, sating a physical need. My heart still beats heavy in my chest, but I let her hear it, feel it, so she knows without me saying the words.

  Just before drifting off to sleep, she breathes against me, “Maybe this is premature, but I’ll miss you, Rob.”

  I kiss her forehead because she’s precious to me, even after such a short time. “I’ll miss you, too, Beth.”

  Chapter Six

  BETH

  ONE MONTH LATER

  Holli pokes her head into the office. “You have company.”

  “It seems odd that the CEO is running defense in the office.” I push up from my desk, the weight of the past month dragging my shoulders down. Not just getting rid of him from my life, but also the hours spent reminiscing a beautiful twenty-four hours. “I’m sure you have better things to do than this menial task.”

  “I needed the steps. Also, I need last month’s report on the intimates’ line.”

  “On it.” Checking the activity on my watch, it seems I need a few steps myself. I’ve buried myself in work since I returned. It’s great since I’ve been promoted and gotten a raise, though I think Holli was worried I’d run off with a certain handsome winery tycoon in Paris and leave the company.