don’t like getting parenting advice from virtual strangers.”
“You’re right, of course. I don’t even have children, so I really shouldn’t have said what I did. I’m sorry. I hope this doesn’t mean I’ve lost the chance to get to know you.”
Megan gave him a confused look. “Why would you even want to? I highly doubt that you and I have anything in common. I’m just a boring small-town soccer mom.”
Luc squinted a little, considering what she was saying. “I think that is what you want people to see, but there is so much more to you. I see the passionate woman you’ve hidden away, and I can tell she is incredible.”
“That’s a great line, Luc. But really, I’m no more than what you see. Less, even. Tonight I’m dressed like someone else. If you saw me at home, you wouldn’t even give me a second look.”
“I find that hard to believe. You might be able to fool everyone else—yourself, even—but you’ll never convince me.” His gaze fell on her lips as he spoke.
“Look, I’m sure you’re used to women lining up to hop into bed with you, and maybe I seem like a conquest to you, but believe me when I say I’m not looking for this. I promise I’m not playing hard to get. I don’t like those games.”
“I believe that is true. And I believe you are determined not to sleep with me even though you very badly want to.”
Megan rolled her eyes. “You might have to at least consider the possibility that I really don’t want to sleep with you.”
Luc leaned down toward her with a bit of a smirk. “I don’t think I do have to consider that. You already told me at the bar that you want me.”
“I was drunk. I didn’t know what I was saying.” Megan looked away, trying to avoid his gaze.
Luc gently lifted her chin with his hand so she was facing him. “You are still drunk and you said exactly what you would otherwise never allow yourself to say.”
Megan looked into his dark eyes, willing herself not to take in how unbelievably sexy he was. She had never felt so confused by any man. Luc was thoughtful and caring and arrogant and insulting all at the same time. She was irritated and grateful and inexplicably drawn to him.
“I’m leaving here in three days,” was all she could think to say.
“Then you should make the most of your time in Paris,” he replied, giving her a hint of a smile.
“You should stop telling me what to do. As a general rule, women don’t like that.” She had been unable to tear her eyes away from his the entire time.
Luc lowered his voice. “I don’t care what other women like. If it bothers you, though, I will stop.” His fingers were still holding her chin up as they spoke and there was no part of her that wanted him to remove them. The sexual energy surged between them so strongly she was sure that if someone happened upon them, they would be able to see it.
“Good,” Megan replied in a slightly breathy voice.
Luc took this as an invitation. He leaned down a little farther and kissed her gently on the lips, allowing his mouth to linger over hers, savouring the taste and feel of her as though this kiss were meant to hold him over for the rest of his life. When he pulled back, Megan’s eyes were still closed. He smiled, knowing he was right about her.
“I will see you tomorrow, Megan.”
She opened her eyes and let out a puff of air. “Okay, but it won’t do any good. I’m not going to change my mind.”
“You already have.”
With that, he turned and walked out, leaving her standing at the door, feeling dizzy with lust.
“Wow,” she whispered to herself as she shut the door and leaned against it for a moment, not entirely sure her wobbly legs would hold her up. She had completely forgotten what really being kissed felt like.
FIVE
The next morning came far too early for Harper. She woke up to her cellphone alarm buzzing beside her. It was already eight o’clock and she should have been on her way to the photo shoot by now. She
Robert & Lustbader Ludlum