One Night With You- April in Paris

by Taisha Demay

  April was paralyzed by his simple statement, recognizing the feeling. Her breathing ragged and tortured, she was unable to look away from his intent gaze as he reached out, taking her hand, his thumb tracing her knuckles. She had seen that expression before in his eyes, a look that said, she was the most precious thing on earth. She’d reveled in that look the first time. Now, she was unsure of it.

  Noticing the wariness in her eyes, Jean-Luc moved his hand. “So,” he said, with a hint of hardness in his voice, picking up his fork digging into the food on the plate. “Are you going to give me a chance to prove we should be together?”

  Somewhere, during the last few minutes, April had forgotten how to breathe. Her chest hurt as she drew air into her lungs. She felt as though she were being swept into a whirlpool of forgotten feelings and emotions. “I don’t know if I can.”

  Hearing this, he dropped the fork which hit the plate with a clang. “Why not? Don’t you think you owe me?”

  She threw her hands up in frustration. “Is that what you really believe?”

  He stared at her. “Yes, I do. Being with you made me realize, I finally found the one woman I was meant to settle down with. I believed this from the moment you walked into my bakery, asking for directions.” He needed her. No woman had made him feel whole like April had. No other woman had felt or tasted as feminine or desirable as she had. There was nobody else for him but her. There would never be. “I know you want this, April. We belong together. I’ll do whatever it takes to convince you of that.”

  Sighing wearily, she slid the chair away, standing. “My dignity was all I had left after we were together. I’m not about to sacrifice the last shred of my pride.”

  Jean-Luc was confused by her statement. “What the hell does that mean?” Rising from his seat, he moved to stand in front of her.

  “I told you earlier how I was in a relationship before we met. He was an investment banker. Prior to me coming here, we’d had an argument. I wanted him to come with me, so we could have some alone time when I wasn’t doing business with the vendor I’d come here to meet. But, he’d refused, saying he had too much work to do and couldn’t get away, so I accused him of not wanting to work on our relationship. He told me I was wrong, and I needed to stop behaving like a petulant child. After that, I got on a plane. The day I arrived, I was still upset about our conversation, so once I checked into the hotel, I went for a walk to clear my head and got lost.”

  “Are you saying you left because of guilt?”

  “Basically.”

  He gave her a long assessing look. “If you weren’t already in a relationship would things have been different between us?”

  April shrugged. Her eyes suddenly darkened with memories, and she couldn’t look away from him. Finally, she said, “I just don’t think I can be what you need.”

  “What would that be?”

  “A lover.”

  “I never said I wanted you to be.”

  She furrowed her brow. “Then what is it you want?”

  “I want us to be a lot more than that.”

  April let the words sink in, staring at this darkly, attractive man who, despite her efforts, she couldn’t forget. A man that eluded confidence, knowing she loved everything about him from his square-cut jaw, well-proportioned nose and lips, and those eyes, heavy-lidded, yet, all-knowing. His expression was potent, so much that she felt her resolve collapse around her.

  Her heart beat rapidly, not only at his words, but his gaze—probing, analyzing, as if he were hunting out her most precious secrets, like he somehow suspected there were more she wasn’t quite ready to share. But, she knew she should; he had a right to know.

  “I was pregnant,” she admitted. “But, I miscarried.”

  Her announcement winded him like a blow to the stomach. His knees threatened to buckle as questions pummeled his brain. He narrowed his eyes. “Was it mine?”

  Unable to control her breathing, her voice wavered. “Yes.”

  For a few moments, silence passed between them before he spoke. “Did you want it?”

  She nodded. “More than you know.”

  Jean-Luc remained still, paralyzed by her simple statement, recognizing the feeling. He felt tortured, unable to gather his scattered wits or thoughts to speak.

  Her eyelashes lowered and a soft sigh escaped from her lips. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault. I just wished I was there to comfort you,” his voice, low and soothing. As long as he held breath in his body, he never wanted to see that tortured look in her eyes again.

  April opened her mouth to speak, but Jean-Luc covered her lips with his, in a blatantly sensual kiss. His fingers delved into the soft tresses of her hair. The extent of his hunger was powerful and seductive, luring her into an immediate response. A soft moan came from deep inside her the moment he pulled her up against him.

  The impact of the demanding kiss took away her breath, and she felt as though she were drowning in sensuality. Hot, sweet memories washed over April as she gave in to the rush of passion; her fingers curled into his shirt before sliding upward, going around his neck. Oh, Lord she missed this, missed him.

  Taking a deep, ragged breath, loosening his hold on her, Jean-Luc stepped back. His eyes were dark with unconcealed desire as he gazed at her. “I need you, April.”

  April didn’t need to ask what he meant, she knew. The attraction between them hadn’t diminished since they’d been apart. If anything, it had gotten stronger. When she didn’t respond, Jean-Luc captured her mouth again; becoming dizzy with need as he lifted her in his arms, carrying her into the bedroom, kicking the door shut behind him. Lowering her on the bed, his hands stripping away her clothing before he removed his own, joining her. Moaning the moment his lips surrounded a nipple, sucking,

  sending a wave of heat swelling in her body. Rendering her blind to anything except the need to be filled by this man.

  Finally, he gripped her thighs thrusting inside her slick, warm heat. His fingers slid between them, brushing her clit. April moaned from the pleasure of it as a thousand tiny sparks exploded within her. Just when she thought she’d pass out from the sensation, he swiftly switched places, letting her take charge; settling into a steady stroking pace that quickly began to swell and grow, her body screaming with joy. She was on fire, riding him until she couldn’t hold back any longer.

  Jean-Luc felt the exact moment April went crashing over the edge. Watching her, he gritted his teeth; desperate to hold on to the thin thread of control until he flooded her hot wetness. Watching the sheer beauty of her face, frozen in climatic joy, holding on until she stopped trembling, and her breathing regulated. Grasping her waist, he pushed her off to the side. The air warm and thick with the musky scent of sex, the silence complete as he wrapped his arms around her. Feeling complete at last, after more than a year of loneliness, he reveled in the scent and feel of her. She was back, and he didn’t intend to let her go.

  “I want us to continue from here—right now. The past is the past, and we can’t change it.”

  She reached up to touch his face. “You’re not going to make this easy, are you?”

  “No. You mean everything to me, April. I don’t want to ever lose that.” Then, he kissed her briefly. Breaking the kiss, he took a deep breath, his eyes dark with desire. “It’s entirely up to you, April.”

  She moved to snuggle closer, and could have easily revealed what she wanted, but was too afraid to voice it out loud. “What I want is to enjoy this moment with you, the rest we’ll work out later.”

  Lightning really did strike twice in the same place, and she was proof. She had been struck before, and burned and was making herself vulnerable to the lightning again.

  The next morning, April received a distress call from Donna alerting her to a problem with a shipment. While she put out the fire, Jean-Luc waited patiently, wondering if he was any closer to convincing her they were meant to be together. They’d made love throughout the night, in betwee
n having a late supper. He could see she was still somewhat apprehensive about it, so he decided not to pressure her—as long as they ultimately ended up where he wanted them to be.

  As she listened to her partner, April took a deep breath, while her mind conjured up several scenarios—none of them good. “Please tell me you managed to come up with an alternative, otherwise we’re screwed.”

  “I believe I have. I spoke with a company in Bayonne that we’ve used. They assured me they may have what we’re looking for and will let me know before the end of the business day, so all may not be lost. At least I hope not, anyway,” Donna replied.

  “Alright. Please keep me posted. In the meantime, I’ll see what I can find on my end and just have to send it overnight delivery. I know it’s pricey, but we do what we must. If push comes to shove, I’ll cut my trip short and come home. We can’t lose this account, it’s the biggest one we’ve ever gotten,” April said, as she began mulling over alternatives in her head.

  “No, you just sit tight. Hopefully, it won’t come to that. In the meantime, I’ll see what happens on my end.”

  “Okay. Call me if you need anything. Talk to you later.”

  Pressing the end, April sank down on the couch beside Jean-Luc, releasing a weary sigh.

  “Everything alright?” Jean-Luc asked, concerned.

  “I hope so. Otherwise we’re going to be in big trouble.”

  He frowned. “What’s the problem, maybe I can be of some help?”

  That made her smile. “No, I’m not going to burden you with my problems. Besides, I think we may have solved the problem. At least, I hope we have, anyway.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, I am.”

  Standing, he grabbed her hands, pulling April up and into his arms, kissing the hollow of her neck, and she relished in the feeling. He was persistent; she’d give him that. But, she remained resolute, deriving a bitter satisfaction that he would never know how much it cost her to leave him the first time. She loved him; trusted him, revealed her innermost thoughts and hopes to him. Knowing he couldn’t return those feelings because they’d barely known one another. Now, they had been reunited and given a second chance.

  The question was, would she be brave enough to accept it?

  “What would you like to do today?” The sound of his voice broke into her thoughts.

  April shrugged. “I don’t know. I thought perhaps I’d take one of those boat rides along the Seine, why?”

  “I’ve got a better idea. How about if we have a picnic in the park? It’s a nice, warm day for it, what do you say?”

  She considered his idea for a moment before nodding. “Okay, why not.”

  Jean-Luc smiled. “Great. We’ll stop by the bakery, so I can grab the things we’ll need, and then, head out.”

  Chapter 4

  She was surprised the bakery was closed, especially on such a beautiful day. But, Jean-Luc explained that some lighting was being replaced in one section, and they couldn’t conduct business while it was happening. Immediately, she noticed the changes he’d made. From the once dark paneled walls that were now warm butterscotch on down to the floors that were previously a gray hardwood, now black and white tile.

  “I really like what you’ve done with the place,” she remarked.

  Jean-Luc glanced up while placing a bottle of wine inside a basket, before grabbing the blanket, draping it across and picking it up. Locking up, they departed for the park.

  Parc Des Butte-Chaumont was situated in northeastern Paris and was the fifth-largest park. Once inside, they started toward a field surrounded by trees and thick shrubbery.

  April slanted a quick look at Jean-Luc, who seemed to be deep in thought. Judging from his expression, they weren’t pleasant thoughts. He’d instinctively taken her hand, threading his fingers through hers, and made no attempt to pull them away. She needed comforting and had a feeling he needed it as well. She had no idea how she knew, but she did. For a few more minutes, they continued walking in silence before he finally spoke.

  “I hope you’re making a decision to remain here. I was serious about wanting you with me.”

  “I don’t know, I…there’s just so much to consider.”

  Jean-Luc stopped walking and turned to face April, his eyes searching hers. “I’m not going to make this easy for you to shove me out of your life. I’m going to keep reminding you of what happens between us every time we’re together.”

  There was a hint of despair in her eyes. “I don’t want another fling, Jean-Luc. I’m not that kind of girl.”

  His gaze was probing an intent. “You made that clear already. But, you haven’t said what you are expecting to happen from this?”

  She sighed. “I want something permanent—real.” She tilted her head to one side. “While I was with my ex, Paul, I kept wondering if, or when, he was going to propose. When he didn’t, I thought there must be something wrong with me if a man I’ve been dating for two years doesn’t want to make a commitment.”

  “He may not have wanted you, but I sure as hell do, cheri,” he whispered right before his lips clamped firmly over hers in a hot, open mouth kiss.

  A kiss that stole her breath and had her body humming with acute awareness. There was nothing gentle or tender about the way he kissed her, and it suited her just fine. April responded with equal hunger, raking her fingers through his hair to make certain he knew without a doubt she’d settle for nothing less than complete satisfaction.

  Then, he broke the kiss, leaving them both nearly breathless, and they resumed walking toward the chosen spot.

  “It occurred to me that we don’t really know much about one another. We need to talk, get familiar with each other. Just don’t expect me not to touch you, that’s impossible. That’s like asking me not to breathe.” Her smile was faint as he reached out taking her hand. “I haven’t been with another woman since the night we spent together.”

  His revelation surprised her. “But, what about Minuette? I thought you were a couple, engaged even. The message she left you said that she couldn’t wait to become your wife.”

  “Ah, so that’s how you found out,” he realized, right before kissing her briefly on the lips. “Like I told you, we were over. She was the one who broke up with me, apparently, I didn’t travel in the right circles.”

  “In other words, she wanted someone wealthy?”

  “Exactly. “But, just so we’re clear, I don’t want any other woman.” He leaned over and touched her mouth briefly with his. “Just you, cheri. Only you.”

  Settling for a spot near an oak tree, he spread the blanket down and then unpacked the basket. They dined on a meal of meat, cheese, fruit and wine, and made conversation.

  “Aunt Madeline invited us over for dinner tonight at her place.”

  April frowned. “You told her about me?”

  “Yeah, why shouldn’t I? You’re the woman in my life.”

  While they continued to wade through the abundance of food, April began probing into Jean-Luc’s past by asking him about his family. He told her about his childhood, and she realized he had been raised by his aunt after his parent’s death during a flash flood. He told her about his best friend and college roommate Nail, who was also his accountant. When she inquired as to what his parents were like, he said even less, saying he had no memory because of being so young. But, what he did recall was them loving to argue; taking every opportunity to fire off as many provocative remarks as they could at one another.

  “My dad used to call it ‘friendly fire.’”

  “How old were you when it happened?”

  “I was seven.”

  Reaching out, she touched his hand. “I’m sorry.”

  “Thanks, but there’s no need. I barely remember them.”

  “This dinner your aunt invited us to, will there be any other family members present or will it just be the three of us?”

  He shrugged. “I didn’t think to ask. But, I believe it’ll
be just the three of us. At least I hope it will.”

  “Me too, because I don’t much like being placed under a microscope,” April sighed, recalling the fiasco that meeting Paul’s family turned into.

  Jean-Luc gazed over at her. ‘Don’t worry. I won’t let that happen.”

  She knew it was the truth. But that didn’t mean it wouldn’t.

  When Jean-Luc returned to pick April up later that evening, she was still getting dressed, deciding on a pair of lavender slacks and a white silk blouse and low-heeled silver sandals.

  “I’m happy the airline found my luggage, otherwise I would have had to go shopping to get something suitable to wear.”

  “You would look beautiful in anything you chose,” he replied.

  She smiled. “Flatterer.”

  “Are you ready to face the firing squad?” he joked, looking scrumptious in navy blue slacks and a lavender shirt. He seemed comfortable and at ease in his own skin, just as he had the day they met, hair mussed and covered with flour.

  “Is that how you see your aunt?”

  He gave her a teasing smile, grazing his hand down her cheek. “No, all I’m saying is to be prepared. But, I know it’ll be fine, so relax.”

  “That’s easy for you to say,” she muttered, grabbing her purse and shawl, following him out the door.

  When they were seated in his car, Jean-Luc started the ignition, backing from the space and into the street.

  His aunt’s home was located in Boulogne-Billancourt. It was a large, single-story brick structure. Surrounded by open fields and a vineyard in the distance. Inside was spacious, the decor a mid-century French modern that could have made the cover of any design magazine.

  Madeline Reneau was a tall, slender middle-aged woman with warm, brown eyes and graying dark hair worn in a bun, dressed in a short-sleeve, fuchsia-colored blouse paired with black slacks and beige slip-on wedge sandals.

  “It’s nice to finally meet you, April. My nephew speaks very highly of you,” the older woman said, while embracing her in a warm hug.