This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.
KISSED IN PARIS
Copyright @ 2012 Juliette Sobanet
All rights reserved.
This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by any means, without permission. Making or distributing electronic copies of this book constitutes copyright infringement and could subject the infringer to criminal and civil liability.
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person with whom you wish to share it. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should purchase your own copy. Thank you for honoring the copyright laws and for respecting the author’s hard work.
Cover art designed by Laura Morrigan:
www.lauramorrigan.com
Visit the author’s website:
www.juliettesobanet.com
Also by Juliette Sobanet:
Sleeping with Paris
Praise for Kissed in Paris
“Like café au lait and a chocolate croissant, Juliette Sobanet serves up a delicious story to be savored and shared. Too much wine, a charming Frenchman, and a stolen ring spell disaster for uber-organized Chloe Turner. Je t’aime Kissed in Paris!” -Lauren Clark, author of Dancing Naked in Dixie and Stay Tuned
“This madcap romantic comedy is full of thrills and adventure, and it is the first novel in many years that interrupted my sleep and left me craving for more.” -Komal Mansoor of The Review Girl
“From my patio, I could smell the melted cheese and chocolate on the streets of Annecy. I envisioned a vineyard outside of Lyon, and the scent of lavender and rosemary was real . . . if only for a moment. Kissed in Paris by Juliette Sobanet is the best way to travel to Paris without a passport.” -Peggy Randall-Martin, author of Backwater
“Kissed in Paris is the perfect balance of fun, romance, and adventure. Sobanet had me laughing out loud, but she also had me in tears. Her easy voice and pacing made the book fly by. You know a book is a great read when you do more cardio at the gym just to keep reading it. Can't wait to see what's next from Sobanet.” -Rachel Kall, writer of romantic suspense
“Ms. Sobanet's descriptions of French pastries and wine will place hints of lavender and butter on the tip of your tongue and leave you longing for a skimpy red dress to wear while gallivanting around the Alps with a handsome, chain-smoking stranger.” -Jennie Shaw of Well Shut the Front Door
“I loved, loved, loved this story! Kissed in Paris is a fabulous, fast-paced romance that I would highly recommend. I can't wait to read Juliette Sobanet's next novel!” -Candy Morton of So Little Time
Praise for Sleeping with Paris
“This fun, fast-paced debut novel by Sobanet is the kind of story you want to pick up at the end of the day with a glass of wine and let the rest of the world fall away.” -Sophie Moss, author of The Selkie Spell
“This book was a breath of fresh Parisian air, full of butter croissants, fine wines, and the rush of life one can only feel in the streets of Paris. Juliette Sobanet is an amazing author who knows how to tell a real story, one that makes you angry, sad, giddy, and feeling a bit sexy too. Sleeping with Paris has become my favorite read of 2012.” -Thomas Amo, author of An Apple for Zoe
“This story of a twenty-something grad student in Paris trying to mend her broken heart while ‘dating like a man’ may sound like one you've read before. But, trust me, it's not. Just as West Side Story was a new telling of Romeo & Juliet, Sleeping with Paris is a fresh approach to this tale. This book had me wiggling in my seat, laughing out loud, and itching to book a trip to Paris!” -Stana Warren, avid reader and Francophile
“A fun read about a heartbroken American newcomer to the City of Love . . . and how she manages to overcome her hurt (and various other obstacles, along the way!). If you love Paris, you'll definitely enjoy this. I did!” -Talli Roland, author of Build A Man
“You remember the Calgon jingle ‘Take Me Away?’ Sleeping with Paris does exactly that. It makes you want to pour yourself a glass of wine (or eat some delicious chocolate), dive into the book, and leave your cares and worries behind. I haven't read a chick lit novel in a while that was this romantic and entertaining.” -Amy Bromberg of Chick Lit Central
“Anyone who loves the story of a strong woman finding herself and her heart is going to be absolutely enamored with this book.” -Michelle Bell of Michelle’s Book Nook
To Alison, Karen, Marion, Tracy, Sharon, Mary, and Tara.
You are the most fabulous friends and critique partners a girl could ever ask for.
May your wildest writing dreams come true.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank my friends and family for your unending enthusiasm and support. Amanda, thank you for devouring my book on your iPhone and for being such a wonderful cousin and friend. Huge thanks also to Kelly for reading my debut novel in its earliest stages, and to James and Zack for being the first male readers to test the waters.
Special thanks to my amazing agent, Kevan Lyon, for your insight and guidance. I would not be here without your support. And to Leslie, thank you for your continuous encouragement and belief in me. I appreciate it more than you know.
Thanks to the fabulous support network I’ve made through blogging, Twitter and Facebook this past year. I didn’t realize it was possible to make lasting friendships online, but you’ve proved me wrong.
Mom, thank you for always telling me that I could be anything I wanted to be. And to Sean, thank you for listening to all of my “What if’s,” even when you don’t have a clue what I’m talking about.
Finally, I’d like to thank every single reader who has given my books a chance, and especially those who’ve written to me with words of support and encouragement. It makes me happier than a love-struck woman in Paris to know that you’re enjoying my stories!
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Epilogue
Excerpt from Sleeping with Paris
About the Author
Prologue
From: Angela Kelly
To: Chloe Turner
Sent: Thursday, August 25 at 1:00 a.m.
Subject: Pack your bags. The City of Love awaits.
Chloe,
Have come down with a deathly contagious flu and cannot take Paris trip. You will have to go in my place as there is no way I can be all Frenchy and sophisticated when I’m running to the bathroom every five minutes. Am stating right off the bat what a wretched boss I am for asking you to do this a week before your wedding, but you’ve worked for me long enough. You know I can be an unapologetic bitch, and I know you will get the job done. It’s what you always do.
Flight leaves
today at 6 p.m., landing at Charles de Gaulle early tomorrow morning. Language instructor conference runs Friday and Saturday, and flight home is Sunday morning, leaving you plenty of time to prep for wedding. You’re staying at swanky Plaza Athénée Hotel off the Champs-Élysées. Do it up. Just don’t do any of those gorgeous French men. Paul probably wouldn’t like that too much. Plus, even though I’m not one for weddings, am actually looking forward to yours . . . that is, if I’m still invited.
Angela Kelly
Kelly and Rain Premier Event Planning
Washington, DC
From: Chloe Turner
To: Sophie Turner
Sent: Thursday, August 25 at 1:03 a.m.
Subject: Change of plans
Hey Soph,
Am trying not to flip out about this, but just heard from my crazy boss Angela. She is sick and is sending me to Paris on business . . . tonight. Okay, I’m officially flipping out. How can she do this? I’m getting married in nine days. NINE days! I cannot go to Paris this weekend! It’s not an option. Plus, you’re flying in on Saturday, and I am not leaving you and Paul alone in the same house when I’m not here to mediate. We all know how much the two of you love each other. I’m going to write Angela and tell her I’m not going to Paris. It’s out of the question. Please don’t worry Dad, Lily or Magali with any of this.
Love you,
Chloe
P.S. In the rare event that I do go to Paris, send me your flight info so I can move your flight to Monday. Just in case. I’m not going though. I’m not.
From: Sophie Turner
To: Chloe Turner
Date: Thursday, August 25 at 1:07 a.m.
Subject: Re: Paris? WTF?
Chloe,
How can Angela ask you to travel to Paris when the wedding is next weekend? Your job is insane. And so is your boss. Seriously. But she’s just insane enough to fire you if you don’t go. And if you do go, Paul is going to throw a royal fit (which will make next week so. much. fun.). It’s no secret he wants you to quit your job and be a stay-at-home wife (which, by the way, could actually be a good thing—when was the last time you chilled out for five minutes?). Point is though, going to Paris on business this weekend will only fuel Paul’s fire . . . and if you don’t go to Paris, well, you’ll probably be fired.
Good luck sis. Glad I’m not in your shoes.
xxx,
Soph
P.S. I resent the fact that you don’t trust me to get along with Paul. Even though I would like him much better without that giant stick up his ass, it’s not like I’m going to be a bitch to him the week of your wedding. Nevertheless, I’ll accept your offer to change my ticket to Monday. And I’m only doing that because I don’t want Mr. Polo Shirt Khaki Pants Paul (and I mean that in the most loving way possible) to feel uncomfortable with your hippy California sister invading his home. Forwarding flight information to you now “just in case” you go to Paris. ha.
From: Angela Kelly
To: Chloe Turner
Sent: Thursday, August 25 at 1:09 a.m.
Subject: Bonjour?
Chloe,
Am certain reason you haven’t responded yet is that you are packing your bags for Paris. Obviously, no need to remind you that both your bonus and your career are riding on the perfect execution of this event. First international conference for Kelly and Rain. Can’t blow it.
Angela Kelly
Kelly and Rain Premier Event Planning
Washington, DC
P.S. Really need to deep-clean the tile in my bathroom. But barely have energy to tap this email into phone, let alone scrub grungy tiles. Please respond so I can go back to lying on cold, dirty tile with eyes closed. Phone screen is making me dizzy.
From: Lily Turner
To: “Big sis” Chloe Turner
CC: “Lil sis” Magali Turner
Sent: Thursday, August 25 at 1:11 a.m.
Subject: Oh la la
Hey big sis,
What’s this news about you jetting off to Paris a week before the wedding? Not having cold feet, are you? Can you bring me back a few bottles of French wine? And maybe a sexy French lover to go with? Or better yet, can you fly us all over together so we can throw you a real bachelorette party at some wild underground Parisian club? The stuffy dinner we had at Paul’s mom’s house with all of his prim and proper cousins hardly counts as a bachelorette party. I mean Magali is almost eighteen, she can handle the strippers. Right Mags?
luv,
Lil
From: Chloe Turner
To: Sophie Turner
Sent: Thursday, August 25 at 1:14 a.m.
Subject: Re: Paris? WTF?
Sophie,
I specifically asked you not to tell the girls about the possible Paris trip. Can you ever keep your mouth shut? And for the record, Paul knows how much I love being an event planner, and he would never ask me to quit my job just because of a last minute business trip. I’m sure he won’t be excited about it, but then again, neither am I.
Thanks for your never ending support,
Chloe
From: Magali Turner
To: Chloe Turner
CC: Lily Turner
Sent: Thursday, August 25 at 1:16 a.m.
Subject: Re: Oh la la
Sistas!
We’re going to Paris? OMG! This is so exciting! I don’t know about the French strippers though. Sounds kind of nasty. Does Dad know about Paris? Or about the strippers? What about Paul? And the wedding? Will we be back in time?
Mags
From: Sophie Turner
To: Chloe Turner
Date: Thursday, August 25 at 1:18 a.m.
Subject: Re: Paris? WTF?
Chloe,
First of all, Paul will definitely want you to quit your job if you tell him you’re going to Paris. That is a fact. Secondly, as if Dad, Lil and Mags wouldn’t have found out you were in Paris for the weekend. You know they’ll be calling you all weekend long with questions about the wedding, and they’re going to flip when they find out you’re not home. Among other pressing matrimonial issues, Dad is having problems with the tux place and apparently Lily’s dress still isn’t short enough.
Soph
P.S. Remember how much Mom loved France? Bet if she were here, she would be jealous of your Paris trip. I miss her.
From: Chloe Turner
To: Sophie Turner
Date: Thursday, August 25 at 1:21 a.m.
Subject: Re: Paris? WTF?
Sophie,
You could’ve at least waited until morning to tell the girls. They’re already emailing me about hijacking my trip and turning it into a stripper-filled bachelorette party. I thought the dinner we had at Paul’s mom’s was okay . . . wasn’t it?
I’ll handle Dad’s tux issue, and Lily’s bridesmaid dress is already too short in my opinion. Do not let her alter it any more. Please.
Chloe
P.S. I never understood why Mom was so in love with the French. I wish she were here to take the Paris trip for me. I miss her too.
From: Chloe Turner
To: Lily Turner, Magali Turner
Sent: Thursday, August 25 at 1:25 a.m.
Subject: Re: Oh la la
Girls,
I may be taking a short trip to Paris for business. I do not have cold feet and there will not be any French strippers involved. Please refrain from using the word “stripper” with Dad or Paul while I’m away (if I even go), or ever for that matter. I’m getting married in nine days. Remember?? Love you both, and I’ll see you next week.
xoxo,
Chloe
P.S. Lil – Sophie told me you aren’t happy with the length of your bridesmaid dress. Too bad. If you make it any shorter, the guests will mistake you for the stripper.
From: Angela Kelly
To: Chloe Turner
Sent: Thursday, August 25 at 1:30 a.m.
Subject: Think chocolate croissants, wine that flows like rivers, and hot French men with tight asses!
Chloe,
The Eiffel Tower is calling your name . . . and so am I. Why haven’t you responded? I know you sleep with your iPhone.
Your sick as a dog boss,
Angela
From: Chloe Turner
To: Angela Kelly
Sent: Thursday, August 25 at 1:34 a.m.
Subject: Re: Think chocolate croissants, wine that flows like rivers, and hot French men with tight asses!
Angela,
Sending me to Paris a week before my wedding is completely out of the question. Paul is going to be irate, my dad and sisters need me home this weekend, and I . . . oh screw it. Who am I kidding? I can’t lose this job.
Angela,
I’m packing my bags as we speak. And just for the record, I don’t think I’ll be paying much attention to the “tight asses” while I’m in Paris. In case you forgot, I’m getting married next weekend.
Feel better,
Chloe
One
“You are in Paris, the City of Love. You must not be so controlled. Here, have another glass. I promise you, it will not hurt.”
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