How to Resist Prince Charming(43)

Braxton reached for her. “You’ll figure it out. And I know whatever you do, you’ll be amazing at it.”

Lenna opened her eyes and looked at his outstretched palm. When she took his fingers, he experienced a connection he’d never known existed in the world. He was almost overwhelmed by the power of it.

Not wanting to delve too much deeper into emotional territory, he cleared his throat and said, “Are you ready? I think we’re landing.”

“Oh! Sure.” Her eyes flew wide, and she popped to her feet. “I need to put my shoes on.”

Braxton helped her, slipping on one sneaker as she pulled on the other.

She grinned at him. “Thanks.”

He took her hand and assisted her to her feet.

After pressing a quick kiss to her nose, he walked her to the main seating area. Twenty minutes passed before the aircraft came to a complete stop. As soon as a crew member opened the hatch, Lenna hurried forward. Entertained by her excitement, Braxton followed.

When she reached the doorway, she fell to a halt and stared out. Lips parting, she pressed a hand to her chest. “Well, it’s definitely a different country,” she said. “But...” Turning to Braxton, her eyes filled with question. “Where...?”

He stepped next to her and held out a hand for her to precede him. “Welcome to Paris, chéri.”





CHAPTER 14




Lenna couldn’t wrap her mind around the concept. She was in Paris. Paris, France! She was sitting in the back of a stretch limousine, riding through the streets of Paris, France.

Completely ignoring Braxton beside her, Lenna pressed her nose to the window and gawked.

It was beyond amazing. The fact that it was night and she couldn’t make out anything they passed but flashes of light didn’t even bother her. At the moment, all that mattered was that she was in Paris!

“Hey. There’s the Eiffel tower!” Braxton said.

Lenna turned, surprised to discover he was pressing his nose to the opposite window. He glanced over his shoulder at her and grinned as he motioned out his side. Quickly scooting toward him, Lenna snuggled against him when he wrapped an arm around her waist. Then she peered out and sucked in a breath. It was outlined with millions of tiny lights...the one and only Eiffel Tower. She could see its magnificent steeple rising over land and building. “Oh,” she whispered.

“I know,” Braxton murmured.

Lenna turned and realized she’d been sitting cheek to cheek with him as they both gaped like children at a candy store.

“Haven’t you ever been to Paris before?”

For an answer, he shook his head. “Never.”

Shrugging, Lenna grabbed his hand, squeezed, and went back to peering out the glass, even more pleased to be sharing this moment with him.

She had taken him for the rich kid type that spent summer breaks traveling Europe and the like. But she rather liked the fact they were both experiencing Paris for the first time together. It made everything all that more special.

When the limo finally stopped in front of a huge, brightly-lit building, Lenna’s jaw dropped. “Is this our hotel?”

“This is our hotel,” Braxton confirmed.

He hopped out of the car as soon as their chauffeur opened the door so he could assist her out. Lenna grinned at his waiting hand and took his fingers. As soon as she was on her feet, she tipped her head back and gawked unabashedly at their accommodations.

The building was long, stretching further than a normal American city block. It was five stories high with a huge clock above the entrance, looming a good story tall by itself. The arched entry under it had to rise at least two and half stories. As Braxton started toward the arch, Lenna swallowed and hurried into step behind him.

An attendant opened the door for them, and Lenna smiled, murmuring, “Merci,” as she passed.

Oh, wow. She’d just spoken French. She was going to get to use her French!

Hurrying her pace, Lenna moved closer to Braxton’s side and tightened her grip on his hand. He glanced at her and winked.

“This is, like, a five star hotel, isn’t it?” she had to ask.

“No, of course not.” Braxton eyes glittered with a devilish gleam. “It’s only four.”

Trying to imitate his air of unconcern, Lenna tossed her hair over her shoulder, though inside, she had to swallow back a squeal of excitement.

“Only four, hmm. Well, goodness, Braxton. What’s wrong with you? Couldn’t you get reservations at a five star?”

With a grin, Braxton shook his head and muttered, “Smart ass.”

They walked to the concierge desk and Braxton sent the man waiting there a polite nod. “Hello. Do you speak English?”

The concierge answered, “But of course, Monsieur.”

“Good. I have reservations for Farris. Braxton Farris.”

“One moment.” The gentleman turned his attention to a computer screen next to him.

Lenna nudged Braxton in the elbow. “Don’t you speak French?”

Out of the side of his mouth, he murmured, “Not a word.” After a pause, he added, “Thank God you decided to tag along, huh? I might’ve gotten lost this weekend.”

Gasping, Lenna watched him smile at the concierge as the man returned.

“Here is your room key, Monsieur Farris. I’ll see that your luggage is brought up.”