Brian gripped Faith’s hand and dragged her upright.
‘Come with me,’ he grinned devilishly as they walked the hospital perimeter.
At the rear of the hospital in a clear space was a helicopter. Faith was used to the odd ambulance helicopter using the pad, but knew straight away this was not one of those models.
‘Are you serious?’ she asked.
‘Tonight Faith Spires—and a bit of tomorrow—you are all mine. I want to treat you like you should be treated. We’ll take the copter to the airport. My father purchased a Concorde when the airlines stopped using them. I’m whisking you to Paris. We can sleep in, have a late lunch looking over whatever landmark you pick and I promise we’ll be here on time tomorrow.’
Faith’s mouth dropped and she gaped.
‘I wish you’d been as silent as that in the interview,’ ribbed Brian.
‘But my clothes and shoes,’
‘Gabe packed.’
‘But work,’
‘Gabe’s covering.’
‘But Gabriel himself.
‘Has his fiancé, Sasha, staying. He’ll be glad to have her alone.’
Faith shook herself from her dumbstruck state.
‘How did you organize all this?’
Wrapping his arm round her waist, he dipped her for an exaggerated romantic kiss.
‘It’s amazing what incentive a glorious, strong willed, soft-hearted woman can be to the most hardened of souls.’
‘Brian you are not a hardened soul.’
‘No, but I am hardening,’ he winked, leading her to the helicopter.
The helicopter flying over the city at night reminded Faith how lively the center was. She may be tucked in a quieter suburban area, but the lights and liveliness from above were invigorating.
Flying on a private, chartered plane was the most unreal part of the journey. Although security and passport checks were mandatory, everything ran smoothly. Faith hadn’t traveled extensively because of her father and brother’s condition, but imagined the long queues for bag and passport checks could prove tedious. Bypassing the long line of economy travelers, she had a small gloat playing princess. They were guided onto the lush renovated Concorde.
Alongside standard airplane chairs, there were sofas, TV’s and game consoles, with a bar and cocktail waitress. Faith had an idea that if the plane wasn’t a gift to Brian, it had certainly been decorated to his tastes and interests. Once airborne, Faith completely forgot she’d even been tired. The disastrous interview and cruel words she’d spurted were boxed, closed and abolished to the past.
Brian’s good-natured reaction threw her. She wasn’t sure she’d be as forgiving if she was in his shoes.
‘Didn’t you want to cancel this when I opened my mouth in that interview?’
‘Honestly? No. I wished I’d had a muzzle though.’
She threw a pillow at him.
‘I feel guilty,’ she confessed. ‘I feel like I shouldn’t be enjoying myself. Not like this.’
‘Why? Why if it’s available do you think it’s bad?’
‘I guess I believe the money could be better spent somewhere else.’
‘I believe you’re worth it and don’t even think for a second I lay this on for every woman.’
To demonstrate she knew he wasn’t spinning another line, she moved from the opposite couch to snuggle in next to him.
‘Can I ask you a question, Faith?’
‘Anything.’
‘What do you do for fun?’
‘I’m boring compared to you.’
‘Faith, answer the question.’
‘I love the movies. It sounds terrible but I enjoy reading romance novels. I know people say they’re formulaic and candy floss but they’re a distraction and give a girl hope.’
‘And your drawing?’
‘How’d you know about that?’
‘You left early. I’m nosy. There was a sketch book next to your bedside table. I flipped through. You’re talented.’
‘It calms me. I like trying to capture the liveliness of the every day. Drawing a person I want to show their character. Even drawing an apple; I want it to look organic and tasty. A house I want to convey its age and mystery. I love picking up a pencil and making a new world on paper.’
Faith listened to Brian’s steady heartbeat.
‘When you speak like that you make me feel,’ he paused too long.
‘What?’ she asked.
‘It affects me. I feel moved. That’s crazy talk for any man. You’ve taken me off my original point.’
‘What was the original point?’
He stared out the window regaining control of his emotions.
‘When you buy a new romance book, take Gabe to the movies, buy charcoal or decent art material—do you feel guilty for doing it?’
‘Of course not.’
‘Which is sensible. You’re entitled to enjoy yourself. Have some fun. You devote free time at the hospital when you take your brother three nights a week. You’re employed full-time and do overtime. It isn’t a crime to indulge your hobbies. If anything it’s healthy. Maintains a positive mental state.’
‘I didn’t realize you and Gabriel were such close friends.’
‘We aren’t, but we could be. Anyway, you’re the one who left me in the house alone with him. You must’ve known he was going to come on strong.’
‘Did he?’
‘Yes. Even in a wheelchair he’d definitely conceive a means to take me out if I hurt you. He had no problems with flying solo tomorrow because he thought it obligatory for you to be treated. Plus, he said he got more work done without you twittering away to him from your desk.
Faith wasn’t sure she liked the two men discussing her.
‘I don’t go without. I’m happy.’
‘I don’t doubt that. He said you sat on a panel for the Muscular Dystrophy ward of the hospital. That organizing the auction was a nightmare. I saw all the rich, kept women selling themselves off like prize dates. Gabe said it was you who ran yourself ragged contacting agents of famous people to donate other types of items to sell at the auction.’
‘The deadline was stressful, but it wasn’t hard work at all. It worked because the situation wasn’t too dissimilar to the reasons behind your attendance at the gala. The celeb’s agents were happy to donate memorabilia because obviously it increases their public profile in respect of charity support. If I get the interview right on Friday and we do generate more donations I’ll have done my part as well.’
‘Faith can we do one make one rule for this date?’
‘I’m sitting with the dishiest man in America on a private jet to Paris, I think I owe you one.’
‘No talk of the hospital or publicity or charity. I did this to be here with you. Tell me how you feel becoming an Aunty. Tell me whether you enjoy working from home or miss the company or others. But please, as important as it is, no talk on the hospital or my reputation. Focus on the real Brian Porterhouse.’
‘I must be such a bore.’
‘You’re far from that. I can’t believe I ever thought I’d be caught saying this without a woman initiating it, but I would like to romance you. Wine you, dine you, connect with you.’
‘Is that code for consensual sex?’
‘Please don’t tell me I’m to be the hapless romantic in this relationship,’ pleaded Brian.
‘Ahhh, we’re in a relationship?’
Brian’s blue eyes darkened to the color of a thunderous sky.
‘If I open my heart to you, what guarantee will I have that you’ll do the same? How do I know you prising open my heart isn’t a way for you to prise open my wallet?’
Faith’s eyes were prickling with tears as her heart pounded at the rawness of the conversation.
‘I’m frightened, too. I’m scared to say how I feel. It’s too soon. Everything I read contradicts everything I’ve discovered about you. How do I know your words aren’t rehearsed and a means of catapulting you to you
r star in high society?’
‘Perhaps we both need a little...faith.’
‘That should sound corny,’ said Faith, her voice barely audible, ‘but it doesn’t.’
‘Close your eyes and rest with me. I feel like I’m holding a sunbeam when you’re in my arms.’
Faith did as he requested.
‘We’re visiting the city of lovers. Tomorrow when we wake, tell me where you want to eat and what you want to see.’
‘It’s unoriginal, but I’d adore the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower.’
‘That I can arrange. It’ll even be close to sunset because of the time difference.’
‘Will I make it—’
Brian pressed his fingers to her lips to shush her from mentioning the hospital.
‘I’ve got a timetable and itinerary down where we can have a nice relaxed meal in a beautiful city without it impinging on any of your daily duties. There’s nothing to concern yourself with. Everything’s organized. No anxiety. Let’s enjoy this.’
‘Promise me though, it’ll be somewhere you’ve never taken any other woman,’ she said sleepily, her eyelids feeling heavier and heavier.
He kissed her head. Her insecurities were sweet. Brian wished she could read his mind to know, this was his first trip to Paris to be with a woman he loved, not a woman he was impressing. It was pointless belaboring the point.
‘Promise.’
The normal flight from New York to Paris was almost seven and a half hours. Thanks to Brian’s father’s investment in a Concorde jet, the journey was reduced to less than four hours. The two nodded off comfortably, but had a relatively short nap after their heart to heart and abuse of the on-board bar.
Struggling to wake, Faith couldn’t believe she’d crossed the Atlantic and left America for Europe. Ushered to yet another helicopter, she watched in wonder as they flew over Paris in the early hours of the morning.
‘It’s weird to think it’s gone midnight at home, when the Paris must be getting ready to wake for rush hour,’ murmured Faith. ‘It’s surreal. Like a dream.’
‘I believe every good girl deserves to have at least one dream come true,’ declared Brian, as he led Faith from the helicopter pad to their hotel, which looked like a small European castle.
Without fuss or bother the two were guided to one of the Presidential Suites. Faith was wowed their hand luggage awaited their arrival.
‘I wish I hadn’t worn jeans and a shirt. I feel like a cleaner here not a customer.’
Brian laughed.
‘Why don’t you change out of your jeans and shirt?’
‘To what?’ she asked naively, unzipping her shoulder bag to examine what articles Gabriel had packed.
‘Nothing,’ said Brian. ‘I thought a warm jacuzzi might aid our sleep.’
Unable to resist the warm water, she undressed hurriedly, sinking tentatively into the spa. Far less body shy, Brian stripped down in front of Faith. She almost licked her lips at the sight of his naked form. Sitting opposite, he rested his muscular arms on the side of the indoor jacuzzi.
‘Nice?’ he asked.
She noted the trace of arrogance in his voice, but knew it stemmed from him wanting her approval.
Hitting the button to release the bubbles she rested her head, letting the tepid water wash away what could easily have been a disastrous day. Brian watched her. She’d never hear it with the bubbles streaming, thus it was pointless saying it, but she looked like royalty with her fine bone structure and flawless skin. As her foot brushed his, making its way up his calf to his inner upper thigh, he had an inkling she wasn’t as sleepy as she was making herself out to be.
‘Faith Spires, are you trying to seduce me?’
‘Not at all,’ she said innocently. ‘Merely having a stretch.’
He grabbed her foot to massage it. His fingers were adept and she genuinely did relax. His kissed each toe. She thrashed her arms in the water trying to sit straight; water sloshing on the floor in her frantic attempts.
‘What’s wrong?’
No one was better at sucking the romance out of the most romantic circumstances than Faith.
‘Sorry.’
‘What did I do?’ asked Brian.
She dunked her head under water for as long as possible to avoid answering the question. Brian was impressed at her lung capacity, but knew she’d rise for air eventually.
‘Did you kiss my toes?’ she asked, deliberately letting bubbles fill her mouth to muffle the question.
‘Yes. You’ve pretty feet. I like the way you painted your toe-nails. Is that a no-go area or turn off?’ he asked, feeling the most sexually unsure of himself he’d ever been.
‘No. No it wasn’t. I’m not a saint, Brian, but I’ve never been with a man that’s made me feel this cherished.’
‘You didn’t appear to like me cherishing your feet.’
‘It was unfamiliar, that’s all. I’m not used to feeling special. I’m not talking helicopters, chartered private flights and five-star hotels; I’m talking about you. When you touch me it’s electric. No man’s done that to me.’
‘I’m glad I’m the first.’
They stared at each other. He lent forward. Faith watched the beads of water run down from his broad shoulders to his chest.
‘I’d be even happier if I was the last,’ he said, giving her a peck on the cheek.
With the room now resembling a set from the movie ‘Titanic’, as Brian climbed out of the jacuzzi Faith knew she’d killed any chance of sex in Paris. Completely nude, he turned to her shaking his head in mock despair.
‘The cleaner will hate us if I don’t grab a few towels to mop up.’
He saluted, clicked his heels and spun, skidding in a puddle of water. Arms pinwheeling to keep himself upright, she saw him careening towards the bathroom. Brian was appalled by the ungainly mishap, but Faith was fond of his goofiness. He had a towel tucked low on his waist, as he threw an armful towels on the floor to soak up the water.
‘Peckish?’ he inquired.
‘Tired,’ she admitted, modestly waiting for a towel to conceal herself as she got out.
Brian passed her a dry towel. Wrapping herself in it, he risked a chivalrous gesture and scooped her up in his arms. She squealed, loving the ease with which he carried her. As he tried to draw down the sheets, he knew it was all going horribly wrong. He dropped Faith heavily onto the bed, falling on top of her.
‘I should’ve thought to take the sheets down before tucking you in,’ he said.
His plump lips curved sheepishly.
‘Uh-huh,’ wheezed Faith.
Realizing he was crushing her under his weight, he rapidly rolled off.
‘Seeing me like this. Doesn’t that reassure you I’m no Romeo?’ he joked.
‘I have a feeling you aren’t like this with other women.’
Slipping under the covers of his side of the bed he almost howled in frustration.
‘I’m not. It’s kind of embarrassing. I play a fair amount of sports which suggests I’ve a degree of coordination. I’ve dated loads of women which suggests I’m not foreign to dating. I can’t imagine why when it comes to you I revert to a boy. You’re gracious, competent, financially independent and self sufficient. What on earth do you see in me when I’m wildly thrashing naked in a posh hotel and flinging you on the bed like a sack of potatoes?’
‘I see a guy that’s fun. I see a boy that brings out the girl in me. Sure you could wine and dine me in the best restaurant in Paris, but how much more enjoyable it is lying on a bed after inadvertently trashing a hotel and having a laugh.’
Faith joined him in bed, throwing her towel on the floor.
‘Careful Faith, you might make me fall in love with you,’ warned Brian as he fell asleep.
Chapter Twelve
When Faith woke, the clock on the antique pine bedside table next to her read 3pm. Sitting up, she studied Brian. His long lashes were shut, his chest moving silently up and down. Although his desi
gner stubble was growing back, he managed to appear boyish. She cuddled him, one arm on his shoulder, the other slithering under his arm to stroke the six pack. He moaned at her contact.
She sensed he was awake. He didn’t speak for a few moments. It wasn’t the surroundings that kept Brian quiet, but the warmth of Faith’s body. Her hands caressed as if treasuring and protecting him. Brian was six foot two. He prided himself on being a man, being in control, being composed and able to deal with everything in a guarded and deliberate manner. Waking in Paris wasn’t new to him.
Waking in Paris with Faith was new. The way she held him was as if she knew he had his own fragilities requiring shelter and nurturing on occasion. To feel he was with a partner was as foreign to him as helicopters and impulsive international trips were to Faith.
Whatever happened, he wanted to recall the feeling in case he ever lost her. In his extensive education with women but limited experience in relationships, this was yet another moment with Faith he was trying to absorb to be able to remember forever. To draw on when he had those unspoken moments of insecurity and lack of confidence mixing with the people closest to him, because this was the complete opposite to those unsettling scenes.
Turning towards her, aware she’d worry she had morning breath, it was finally his moment to consummate their burgeoning love properly. No drunken fumbling in a car, no sneaking in a shared house to satiate their sexual desire for one another. This was a four letter word staring with ‘l’ that he’d never said to another woman, other than his mother. That four letter word was not lust.
He kissed her softly. His touch racing up and down her back, made her shiver as she was unable to resist the locking of lips. His tongue explored her mouth. She darted her tongue to taste the sweetness of him. Brian’s light touch moved down to her buttocks. Faith quivered against him. Their bodies pressed together felt right.
Unlike her own failed attempts to lure to bed the sexiest of men she’d ever encountered, Brian was relaxed. Tending to her insecurities and doubts, he ensured the Egyptian cotton sheet encapsulated them. As divine as her slim, feminine body was, he knew Faith wasn’t comfortable flaunting it. Twisting her onto her back, he sat cross legged leaning down to kiss her again. He ducked under the sheet, his breathing increasing at the sight of her.
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