A French Kiss in London by Melinda De Ross Read Free Book Online Page B

produced a casserole, from which she generously filled two dessert bowls. She put them on the table and added two spoons.
    “Caramel Cream. Haven’t you ever had this?”
    He studied it curiously, then used his spoon to test and taste the creamy surface.
    “I’ve never tasted something this good in my whole life!” he exclaimed, his eyes closed in delight. “Would you like to go in the living room? A good movie in your company is all that’s missing.”
    She smiled, taking her own bowl and spoon.
    “You’ll have to watch that cream at all times. Pirata loves it.”
    They sat comfortably on the living room sofa. Following a short debate regarding her DVD collection, they decided to watch Far And Away , a sort of romantic comedy starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
    The movie had barely begun and Gerard’s bowl was empty. Linda laughed when she saw him placing it on the table.
    “Do you want some more?” she asked, putting her half-eaten dessert next to his empty bowl.
    “No, thanks. It was delicious, but I’m full.”
    “Let me know if you change your mind.”
    “I will.”
    He sank deeply between the cushions and put an arm around her, on the sofa’s backrest.
    On the screen, Tom and Nicole were exchanging witty lines, making both spectators laugh out loud.
    “I would love to visit Ireland one day,” Linda confessed, referring to the country where the movie was taking place. “And another thing on my to-see list is Stonehenge. Though I’ve been in England for months now, I’ve never taken the time to visit it yet. But I plan to.”
    Gerard watched her curiously.
    “You too?”
    “I guess that means we have a common goal?”
    When he nodded, she went on, “Ever since I was in high school, when we learned about Stonehenge during History classes, I was fascinated by the pictures of that place, by all the legends going around about the origin and purpose of those megaliths, about druids. I’m interested in everything tied to Celtic culture, although I don’t know much about it.”
    “Frankly speaking,” he said, “I believe no one knows anything for sure. They all speculate based on some research or facts and the hypotheses of the ones who invent opinions. But you’re right, places like Stonehenge are spectacular. It’s incredible to simply admire them, to imagine the efforts of the people—or any other entities—who built them, driven by ideas or purposes known only by them. I intend to visit it too, one day.”
    “Maybe we’ll go together,” she suggested.
    He looked at her, smiling.
    “I would like that. Perhaps when I get back from Romania.”
    She absently stroked Pirata, while the cat curled up in a corner of the sofa, sleepily kneading a cushion with his claws.
    “When do you plan to leave? And how will you get there?”
    “Well, as soon as possible I’ll reserve a plane ticket. When I get there, I’ll rent a car or something.”
    He slowly rubbed his chin, watching her thoughtfully.
    “Why don’t you come with me?” he asked her, so suddenly it had probably been a potentially crazy impulse.
    She stared at him, stunned.
    “Me? In Romania?”
    He shrugged.
    “What’s the problem?”
    “W-well, in two days I have the opening of my art exhibit. I have to be there,” she stammered.
    “I hope you plan to invite me too. I can’t wait to see what you can do,” he replied, his white teeth gleaming in the playful light beams coming from the TV screen—the only source of light in the dark room. “But we could leave next week. Or do you have something against Romania?”
    She massaged her forehead with two fingers. The guy demolished her every argument like a wrecking ball.
    “I don’t have anything against it, but I can’t just leave. What do I do with Pirata?” she asked with renewed hope.
    He thought it over for a moment.
    “Didn’t you say you have a housekeeper? She could take care of him. We won’t stay longer than two or three days. Or don’t you want to come with