From Paris With Love

by Samantha Tonge

  I covered my face with my hands. ‘Oh God – I made you perform on stage, at that bar near the flea market. You must have been mega scared!’

  ‘You’ve got no idea! The first few seconds were the most terrifying of my life.’

  I shook my head. ‘And there was another clue I missed – you sang your favourite Guitar Hero song – Ace of Spades by Motorhead.’

  ‘Actually, it was fun by the end.’ His eyes twinkled. ‘Pretending to be Blade… It’s something I could never have done without knowing you.’

  ‘You mean my bonkers ways have rubbed off?’

  We smiled and I leant forward. Our lips met and that old magical sensation washed over me. I felt like I’d come home, after a long trip away.

  Finally we parted.

  ‘Je t’aime,’ he said, in soft tones.

  ‘And I love you too,’ I mumbled and turned around to smile at Monique. ‘Come on – us three have got a party to go to.’

  Chapter 31

  Fresh baguettes, rich pâté, deep-fried onion rings, salad niçoise, garlic chicken goujons, strips of beef, baked brie and savoury croissants… Mini custard pastries, chocolate flans, apple tarts, floating islands, passion fruit soufflés… Wow! JC had really gone to town!

  Not that I got a chance to eat much at the party – as soon as Edward and I arrived holding hands, everyone wanted the gossip. Pierre passed us each a glass of champagne and said he always knew we’d get back together. And I had to quickly reply to a text from Abbey. I’d messaged her on the way over and she was “super excited” that me and Edward were once again an item. As was Lady C, who gave me a quick phone call.

  I gazed around at the mahogany furniture and glossy ferns, at the terracotta floor tiles and wrought iron eight-candle chandelier. This place had been home for the last month. A pit formed in the bottom of my stomach when I imagined life in this busy restaurant carrying on, without me in the kitchen and Edward waiting on tables.

  Cindy came over and kissed us both – and then Joe for good measure. Apparently MI6 encouraged a degree of transparency with families and close friends nowadays, so he’d told her who he really was.

  ‘A spy makes the perfect boyfriend,’ she’d whispered in my ear, as Edward and Monique went to speak to Hugo. ‘No ties. Fab sex. You should see this special gadget he uses to–’

  I held up my hand as Joe’s cheeks flushed. ‘Too much information!’

  She and I giggled.

  ‘Gadgets are very important,’ said Joe and winked at Cindy.

  ‘Talking of which…’ I handed him a plastic bag. ‘Here are mine. You might want to give Cindy that leopard-print handbag with the special button, just in case she ever needs to summon you for, um, special services.’

  ‘Ooh, good idea – a woman’s needs can strike at any time…’ she said.

  I grinned. ‘So… Joe – what’s happened to John Smith?’

  ‘He’s in custody. At a first glance it looks like your suspicions about the jewellery thefts in Milan, Bangkok and Prague, have substance.’ Joe gave the plastic bag to Cindy and leant forward. His strong arms draped around me and he held me tight. Eventually Joe stood back, hands on my shoulders and stared into my eyes. ‘You did yourself proud, Gemma. As far as wingmen go, you’re one of the best. You discovered that something was going down at the football match, and even though it was just a flash mob, I’m so glad we played safe and checked it out. Plus we caught John. Rogue agents are a dangerous thing. This year he’s stealing jewellery – next year he could have been causing real damage and flogging state secrets, so I think you and I can be very proud of ourselves. Mission accomplished.’

  The back of my throat felt all funny. I sniffed. ‘Thanks Joe… The bunker training seems like a long time ago now… But you were an awesome teacher.’ I smiled. ‘Maybe one day you’ll be the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service.’

  Joe glanced at Cindy who was chatting with JC. ‘Can’t see myself at MI6 for ever. It’s early days, but I’ve just got a feeling that my life might eventually follow a different path…’

  ‘Can you just tell me…?’ I gave him a half-smile. ‘What’s your real name? I’ve been trying to guess. To me you look like a Max. Or Sebastian. Perhaps a Ralph.’

  ‘Really?’ Joe leant forward to whisper in my ear. My eyes widened. Now I would never have guessed that!

  Cindy came over. ‘Joe – you should try the savoury croissants, they are fabulous, honey!’

  We both watched his pert backside in admiration as he headed over to the buffet.

  ‘You and him seem to be getting on well,’ I said.

  ‘He’s the sweetest guy, Gemma – loyal, protective, caring without being possessive or treating me as less than an equal.’

  ‘How often will you see each other, now his mission here is almost over?’

  ‘He’s off to Singapore next month but with private jets and MI6 accommodation all over the world, I can’t see it being a problem wherever he’s placed – or wherever my career takes me…’ She sighed. ‘He’s just so perfect. Apart from his strict diet and exercise routine. I might have to take him home to Texas – Mom’s sticky sauce barbecues are bound to lead him astray!’

  ‘Pudding! ‘Ave you tried those chocolate flans? I made zem especially for you.’

  Aw, I was going to miss JC’s strong French accent and grinned at him standing there in his white chef’s coat and chequered trousers.

  ‘Those custard pastries are to die for,’ said Cindy and headed back to the buffet.

  I went on tiptoe to kiss JC’s cheek. ‘Of course I have! Forget the savoury stuff – they were the first thing I went for. Truly delicious. I am going to miss your yummy food. But I’ve learnt so much…. Thanks for being so patient with me.’

  ‘You are a hard worker, Gemma. I zink you’ll go far in ze food business.’

  Just then Pierre tapped his champagne glass and silence fell.

  ‘Merci for staying back after the morning shift, everyone… It gives me great pleasure to formally wish our dear friends, Edward and Gemma, every success back in England. It pleases me even more that they are once again a couple…’ He smiled. ‘Paris never fails on the romantic front.’ He raised his glass. ‘Thank you both for your hard work. You are welcome back here any time. Here’s to Edward and Gemma! Santé!’

  ‘Santé!’ chorused everyone and clinked glasses.

  ‘Thanks to you all, too,’ I added.

  ‘And please keep your promises to visit Applebridge Hall,’ said Edward.

  Everyone murmured that they would and after another mouthful of fizz, went back to eating.

  Edward and I glanced at each other across the room. Heart pounding I headed over to him, firstly making a detour via the buffet table.

  ‘Can I have a word,’ I said, voice wavering a titch. There was one last thing I had to do before leaving Paris.

  ‘Everything okay? Joe hasn’t recruited you for another mission, has he?’

  I smiled. ‘No… I have a little mission of my own to complete.’

  We walked across the room, to the windows and I gazed out onto the bustling street. Pierre had closed the restaurant for a couple of hours and by the looks of the Sunday crowds Chez Dubois would be busy later on.

  I turned to face Edward and sat him down on one of the chairs. Then I knelt in front of him, lifted up my hand and held out one of the deep-fried onion rings.

  ‘Edward… Please, marry me. After everything that’s happened, I’m ready to make that commitment.’

  His mouth fell open. ‘Really? I mean… There’s no pressure… Are you certain?’

  Eyes tingling, I nodded.

  He stared at me for a few seconds before his adorable face broke into a smile. ‘I’m not sure… Can I cope with a lifetime of being married to Vajazzle WithGems?’

  As I giggled, Edward jumped to his feet. Before I knew it, he’d pulled me up and pressed his lips against mine. Mmm. Popping candy in my stomach. Tingles up and down my spine.


  Eventually, he pulled away.

  ‘Is that a yes?’ I stuttered.

  He grinned. ‘Oui, ma pucette.’

  ‘Je t’aime, my old cockroach. You, me – and Blade…’ I grinned back, ‘…it was meant to be.’

  The End

  CARINA™

  ISBN: 978 1 472 09636 4

  From Paris, With Love

  Copyright © 2014 Samantha Tonge

  Published in Great Britain (2014)

  by Carina, an imprint of Harlequin (UK) Limited, Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR

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