His Muse

by Twyla Turner

  “I’m single with no kids, and I could probably do my accounting job anywhere. Besides, I’d like to focus more on my art, and moving here could allow me to do that. I’ve saved up enough money to do it.” Tiffani considers out loud.

  “Then do it. Nothing is holding you back. And I could help you get started.” I offer gladly.

  “Really? Would you?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Okay, we can talk more about it later. Jean Michel wants to talk more about it when we get back to Nice at the end of the week. I’ll decide after that, and then annoy you with questions if I decide to move.”

  “Perfect! And you won’t be annoying me. I promise.”

  “Thanks, Taryn.”

  The conversation moves to other things, and it’s not long before the train pulls into the Cannes station. Beginning the second leg of their adventure.

  ~~~

  We spend the next week in Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Monaco. The ladies have a blast relaxing poolside, checking out the sites, eating good food, dancing at clubs, and generally being the center of attention by flirtatious men wherever we go.

  I talk with Etienne every night before bed. He wanted to check to make sure we were safe and that everything was going smoothly. As well as a few ulterior motives. My sexy boyfriend convinced me to take my first foray into phone sex. I have to admit that after my initial embarrassment, it was sexy as hell listening to his voice as he sweet talked me into an orgasm. His accent and talking dirty to me in French didn’t hurt. It also helped to keep me from missing him so much.

  Now, we’re on a shuttle back to Nice. The evening sun hangs low, turning the clouds and sky into a kaleidoscope of colors. I’m not sure who’s more excited, Tiffani or me. She’s also kept in contact with Jean Michel throughout the week, who plans on meeting her at the hotel when we get back. Her knee bounces anxiously next to mine. Luckily, it’s only a fifteen-minute ride.

  When the shuttle pulls up to the front of the hotel, Tiffani nearly knocks me over as she barrels off the bus. And just like he’d promised, Jean Michel is there when she jumps up into his arms. They kiss as if they’re old lovers who haven’t seen each other in years.

  I’m so distracted by them, I don’t notice that I have my own welcome party of one. Etienne was supposed to meet up with me at my flat. But he obviously had other plans. Everything in me wants to run and jump into his arms as well. But it’s never far from my mind to stay professional, even if I feel like the girls and I have been friends for years. Instead, I walk up to him with a bright smile on my face. My chest feels full and lit up from within. He cups my face and greets me with a soft, chaste kiss.

  “It is good to see you, ma chérie. I have missed you.”

  “I missed you too.”

  “Hey, Etienne!” Yvonne greets him.

  “Bonsoir, Yvonne.” He replies and nods to the others. “Bonsoir, ladies. I have something for you all.”

  He walks over to his motorcycle and unties five packages from the back. Each one is wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine.

  “These are your paintings.”

  “Fantastic! Thanks, Etienne.” Yvonne claps her hands together.

  “You are very welcome.”

  He has their names written on each, remembering who painted what and passes them to each woman. His thoughtfulness warms me. And after our first fight, I know that it’s just as much for me as it is for my tour group.

  “So…dinner, ladies?” I ask.

  “We can figure out dinner, Taryn. You’ve worked your behind off showing us a good time. Go spend some time with your man.” Yvonne orders me with a wink.

  “Yes! Go!” Tiffani says from the circle of Jean Michel’s arms.

  The other ladies nod their agreement.

  “Fine. I see how it is. Trying to get rid of me,” I tease.

  “Yes, we are,” Roz grins.

  “If she does not appreciate it, I do,” Etienne says before picking me up and tossing me over his shoulder as if I don’t weigh as much as I do.

  Luckily, I’m wearing jeans. Otherwise, my ass would be hanging out.

  “Etienne! Put me down!”

  They all laugh as I look at them from upside-down. He smacks my butt, grabs my one piece of luggage, and carries me over to his motorcycle. He puts me down, leans down, and kisses me on the tip of my nose.

  “Pardon, you do bring out the caveman in me.”

  “Hmm…well, if you must. I wouldn’t mind more of that when we get home.”

  “Done.”

  We pull our helmets on, Etienne secures my bag on the back of the bike, and we hop on. I wave to the ladies before we jump forward with a growl of his engine. I wrap my arms tightly around Etienne’s middle, close my eyes, and throw my head back as I let the wind caress my face. I’m so full I could burst.

  My first tour, aside from a few hiccups, went without a hitch. I’ve met a wonderful man who I’m easily and quickly falling in love with. I’m so happy it scares me. But for now, I let the happiness wrap around me like a warm blanket.

  Chapter 17

  “Girl, you’re about to get so much business coming your way. We’re about to tell everybody.” Roz says as she hugs me goodbye.

  The shuttle driver unloads the girls’ luggage in front of the airport as I say my farewells to them.

  “Yes! You can be guaranteed of that.” Yvonne hugs me tight. “You showed us such a great time.”

  Deena and Charlene hug and thank me as well.

  “Thank you, ladies, for being my guinea pigs. I was so nervous,” I admit.

  “You had nothing to be nervous about. Everything was perfect,” Yvonne says.

  “So perfect that I’ll be back in about a month, once I get my affairs in order. Thank you for the tips.” Tiffani squeezes me extra tight.

  She’s decided that she wants to move here to be with Jean Michel. During the girls’ last two days in Nice, Tiffani broke ranks to spend time with him alone. Those two private days solidified their feelings for each other. I’m excited for her as well as myself. It’ll be good to have an American friend who I can relate to.

  The driver places the last of their luggage on the walkway, and I smile at the group brightly.

  “God! I’m gonna miss you guys,” I say to them. “It’s going to be so quiet here without you.”

  “We’ll be back. Maybe we can make it an annual thing,” Yvonne says, and they all nod their agreement.

  They grab their bags and head for the doors of the airport. They look back and wave. I wave goodbye as they walk through the doors. A pent-up breath of relief bursts through my lips. I did it! I really did it.

  The shuttle takes me back to the hotel, and I decide to walk to the university. Etienne wants me to meet him there so we can have lunch after. With all the bundled-up energy and excitement coursing through me from my successful tour, a walk will do me good. Some good sex would help too. I grin and begin my walk with a little pep in my step.

  I reach the school and smile warmly at the people I pass as I walk down the halls to his class. Etienne’s voice floats out into the hallway, along with voices I didn’t expect to hear. The door is partially open. I pull it open wider and step through. The image that greets me stops my heart.

  Etienne is crouched down next to a little girl, helping her with her brush strokes on a painting of what looks like her family. The easels and stools that surround him are filled with little artists. The oldest, maybe around ten-years-old down to the youngest who is about four. They’re adorable. Each painting whatever that inspires them.

  Their teacher stands and walks around the classroom. Stopping here and there to help when needed. They smile happily and openly at him and talk animatedly when he stops to talk to them. Etienne seems just as relaxed. Making jokes and encouraging them.

  Then it hits me. It’s obvious that he’d be a great dad.

  Then a second realization hits me just as hard. Something that I can’t give him.

  My e
lation of a moment ago, plummets. My gut flip-flops, and I blink back tears.

  Etienne’s eyes rise up and find mine. He smiles happily at the sight of me. I swallow down my emotions and paste a smile on my face.

  He walks towards me, takes my hand, and pulls me forward. I try to tug my hand back, shaking my head.

  “No, Etienne. I’m fine waiting back here,” I hiss.

  “Just relax.”

  A few of the parents in the back of the room, I’m assuming for the younger children, smile and nod at me.

  “D'accord, tout le monde. Dis bonjour à ma copine, Mme Reid.” Okay, everyone. Say hello to my girlfriend, Ms. Reid.

  “Bonjour, Madame Reid.” They all say sweetly.

  “Bonjour.”

  “Tu es si chanceux. M. Lemaire est vraiment mignon.” You’re so lucky. Mr. Lemaire is really cute. One girl who looks about nine-years-old says looking up at me.

  “I didn’t catch all of that,” I say to Etienne.

  “She thinks I’m cute and that you are lucky to have me.” He waggles his brows at me.

  A laugh bursts from my lips.

  “Oui, ma chérie. Il est mignon.” Yes, sweetie. He is cute.

  I walk around viewing the children’s artwork as Etienne introduces me to them. That feeling in my chest and gut hasn’t dissipated. It feels a lot like heartbreak. Doubt over our future together threatens to choke me. I have no idea whether he wants to be a father or not. But he should be one. Seeing him interact with the children is proof of that. And I fear that me being in his life will hold him back from that.

  This new chapter of my life has been about being more selfish. Taking time for myself. Enriching my life. The question is… Can I be that selfish?

  ~~~

  “Are you okay?” Etienne asks later as we lie in his bed.

  The evening light casts a warm golden glow over our naked bodies. He props himself up on his elbow, resting his head on his hand. His fingertip draws circles around my areola.

  “I’m good. Great, actually.” It’s only a partial lie.

  “You did a phenomenal job this week. I am so proud of you.”

  “Thank you. You helped a lot. The ladies really appreciated it.”

  “It was my pleasure.” He says before leaning in to kiss me.

  “So…you never told me that you teach children.”

  “Oh, yes. I forgot to mention it. Probably because it is only twice a month.”

  “You’re really good with them.”

  “Merci. They are sweet. It is easy to work with them if they are good kids.”

  It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask him if he wants children. But I’m not ready to know yet. Once he answers, it can’t be taken back. And I desperately want to keep him for as long as I can.

  “Soon I will start a class for disabled children.”

  “Really?” I look up at him in surprise.

  “Oui, really. Everyone should experience creating art. There are many phenomenal disabled artists. It would be a shame if disabled children were not given the opportunity to express themselves. I am not disabled, but I did grow up with a learning disability. Dyslexia. Art saved me. My hope is that introducing art to disabled children, I might help save them as well.”

  He looks down self-consciously, letting his hair shroud his face. I prop myself up on my elbow to look down at him in shock.

  “I didn’t know that. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “It is something that I do not like to talk about. I was teased by other children and my teachers were often frustrated with me. It is probably why I joined the boxing club and ditched school many days. Even though I found a way years ago to read and learn despite my disability, I sometimes still feel stupid. And I did not want you to think I was unintelligent or to pity me.”

  I reach over and brush his hair behind his ear. Stroking my thumb over his cheek.

  “I could and would never think that you aren’t intelligent. And I definitely don’t pity you. You’ve built an amazing career and life for yourself. And you’re one of the most intelligent and insightful men I’ve ever met.

  “But it’s incredible what you’re for doing for others. You’re amazing. Do you know that?”

  “Eh, it is not for purely selfless reasons. I still get paid.”

  “Don’t do that.” I roll over onto him, and he falls back, letting me overtake him. “It’s still a great thing that you’re doing. How did I get so lucky, as your student so clearly pointed out earlier?”

  “It was me who got lucky.” He pulls me down for a kiss. I feel him harden beneath me.

  “Hmm…I think we’re both about to get lucky.”

  He rolls us back over, positioning himself between my legs. He enters me slowly, and I sigh as my body welcomes him.

  “Hey.” He stops.

  “Mm…what?” I dig my heels into his ass, trying to push him deeper.

  “In a couple months, I will be free for Christmas. Let’s take a trip together.”

  “That would be amazing, but I plan on going back to the States for the holidays. Don’t stop. Keep going.” I roll my hips up towards him.

  “Then I will go with you.” He groans and pumps forward.

  “Uh, I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

  “Why?”

  “B-Because of my daughter. Remember?”

  He stops altogether, and my head falls back in frustration.

  “Do you care for me?” He asks.

  “Well…yes.”

  “Are we together? As a couple?”

  “Yes, but-”

  “But, nothing. If you care about me. If we are together. Then we should spend the holidays together. And your daughter should get used to the idea of us being together.”

  “It’s not that easy. I don’t want to cause any friction while I’m home.”

  “I’m going.”

  “No, you’re not.”

  He rolls off of me and sits up.

  “Yes, I am.” He says firmly, not bending on the subject. “Especially, after the way those American men treated you at the club. I will not allow it.”

  “‘Allow it.’” I look at him as if he’s lost his mind. “I’m a grown ass woman. I’ve been making my own choices long before you came along. Practically before you were born.”

  “Do not bring age into this. I am younger than you, yes. But I am still an adult. And you are still my woman. It is my job to make sure you are looked after.”

  “I’ve lived in the States my whole life. And besides, American men don’t usually act like that. At least not in my experience. They just thought they could act like asses because they were in another country.” I take a deep breath before admitting another truth. “Plus, Kari and I usually have Christmas dinner with her father, his wife, and parents.”

  “Then I am definitely going.”

  “What?! Can you not hear? Do you need to clean your ears out or something?”

  “I can be a jealous man, Taryn. And I do not want you to be around your ex without me being there.”

  “We’ve been separated since Kari was fifteen. So, I’ve spent plenty of years being around him without anything ever happening between us. I promise you, he’s not interested, and neither am I.”

  “That was before.”

  “Before what?”

  “Before you moved here and started your own business. Before me.”

  “Before you? What does that have to do with anything? Arrogant much?”

  “When I met you, you were a different person. You were shy and unsure of yourself. And maybe even a little sad. Now,” he gestures up and down my body. “Now, you are confident. Independent. You have a…a…uh,” he searches for the right word. “A new sexual aura about you. The way you walk, talk and carry yourself. You have always been a sexy woman, but now you know it. He will see that. Trust me. As a man, I know he will see it.”

  “He’s remarried, Etienne.”

  “That means nothing. Did he not cheat on you
with her?”

  “Yes.” I fold my arms over my middle. The thought still stings to this day.

  “If he was willing to cheat before, he is probably willing to do it again. And he will feel more comfortable doing it because you have history together. A child together.”

  “You’re crazy.”

  “I am going.”

  “Etienne, we’re done talking about this.”

  “Oui, we are done. Because I am going.”

  I raise my hands, palms out. I close my eyes and take a deep breath before I completely lose it.

  “I’m hungry,” I say, changing the subject. “Let’s get dressed and get something to eat.”

  “Fine. We’ll discuss our trip later.” He says stubbornly.

  “Fine.”

  ~~~

  “Are you crazy, Ryn?!” Raquel asks in shock.

  “What do you mean?”

  “How old is your ex-husband?”

  “Forty-four. Same as me. So?”

  “How old is his new wife?”

  “Thirty-one.”

  “So, she’s thirteen years younger than he?”

  “Yes. What’s your point?”

  “Taking Etienne home with you is the perfect opportunity to let that prick get a taste of his own medicine.” She throws her head back and laughs deeply in the middle of the restaurant. “I can just see it. His mouth will hit the floor. Etienne oozes sex, ma chére. You cannot look at him and not think about sex. Even straight men are either drawn to him, hoping some of that sex appeal will rub off on them. Or they are intimidated by him. Oh, it’s just perfect! You must take him.”

  Even I have to admit that I’m not above obtaining a little joy from making my ex jealous. But there’s still the problem of my daughter.

  “But what about Kari?”

  “What about her?”

  “I don’t want the rift between us to get bigger when I’m not even sure the relationship between Etienne and I will last.”

  “If you think that way, why ever introduce your significant other to anyone? No one knows whether a relationship is going to work or not. The question is, do you love him right now?”