Strong Enough (Tall, Dark, and Dangerous #1)(72)

“Well, if this is any indication of what I can expect, I know I won’t have anything appropriate to wear,” I say, giving myself an immediate out.

His smile gets bigger. “Not to worry, ma chère. I have taken care of that for you.”

I’m not as apprehensive as I would normally be when Gerard hands me a long box that he was hiding behind his back, likely because he typically has excellent taste.

“Gerard, you shouldn’t have. I really can’t—”

“Ah ah ah,” he clucks. “I wanted to. And you really can.”

I gnaw my lip for a second as I think. I’m sure it’s an extravagant gift, which would normally make me feel bad. But Gerard has money. Lots of it. Evidently he has several investments, including a lucrative development somewhere in Paris. There’s probably no reason for me to feel guilty. He’s my friend and I think he just likes doing nice things for people. So I decide right now to just enjoy it.

I take the box anxiously. I’m curious about the whole thing—the special dinner, the dress, the formality. He follows me in and closes the door before we go into the living room.

I set the box on the aged coffee table and release the big, beautiful blue ribbon before taking off the lid. Lying beneath a wisp of tissue paper is a beaded bodice in emerald green. I slip my fingers under the spaghetti straps and lift it out from its nest. Luxurious velvet in the matching jewel tone makes up the lower half of the floor-length gown. All I can do is stare at it for several long seconds before I look over the top of it to Gerard, who is smiling at me with twinkling gray eyes.

“You will look tres magnifique when you meet the gallery owners.”

My mouth drops open. “G-gallery owners?”

“Yes. Gallery owners. Husband and wife. I own the buildings where they opened their first two galleries in Paris and Rome. I’ve known them for quite some time and I know they like to deal directly, as I know many executives do. Julienne saw your canvas on my office wall and would not rest until I agreed to bring the artist to meet her. So here I am, making matches.”

Now I understand the twinkling eyes and grin that won’t stop.

For the first time in months, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation. To have the work that I pour my heart and soul into appreciated by art lovers has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. And the timing couldn’t be better. I have pinched pennies to stretch the money Jasper gave me as far as I could, but I have been wondering lately where on earth I could get a job when I can’t speak the language fluently yet. But this . . . this could be a godsend!

“Nothing to say from those beautiful lips?”

I blush, not because of the beautiful lips comment, but because I’m sure I’m being rude by diving into my own head rather than thanking Gerard.

“I’m speechless. I could never thank you enough for being such a good friend to me, Gerard. I don’t know what I’d have done without you these last months.”

He nods graciously, but I can see how pleased he is. Flattery works best on Gerard. “I believe in your work. I am happy to see when another does as well.”

“And I’m meeting them tonight?”

“Yes, in two hours, but we’re meeting in Paris, so you won’t have that long to prepare.”

“Then I’d better get started. I need to see if I’ve got shoes to go with this, too,” I mutter absently as I carry the dress toward the stairs.

“Have you checked the rest of the box?”

I turn to find Gerard holding the white box out to me. As I approach I can see a bulge under another layer of tissue paper. When I peel it back, two silver sequined shoes are revealed. I take them out and place them gently on the floor, slipping one foot in to see if they fit. And they do. As perfectly as if I had picked them out myself. I suspect I’ll find the same with the dress.

“Like Cinderella, my favorite,” he says with a dreamy roll of his eyes.

I can only imagine that wearing such a beautiful dress, standing in such beautiful shoes, meeting with people who could make my dreams come true, I’ll feel much like the fairy tale character. If only I had my Prince Charming to complete the picture. Cinderella wouldn’t have her happy ending without him. And I know, deep down, that I won’t ever have mine either. My painting could set the world on fire, I could move back to the states with my father, I could achieve every other thing I’ve ever wanted in life, but all of it would be slightly hollow without Jasper. He is where my heart truly lies.

“I will be back to collect you in one hour. Will that be enough time?”

I nod. “That should be fine.”

I wait for him to cross to the door and I open it for him, leaving my hand on the knob. “Jusqu’a ce soir.”

Until tonight.

Until tonight. When I take the first step into my future. Without Jasper.

—

I needn’t have worried. Dinner was an amazing success and I’m practically walking on clouds when Gerard ushers me out of the restaurant. I don’t even need a wrap. Wine and happiness are warming my blood.

I take a deep breath and stretch out my arms, spinning in a circle on the sidewalk. “That was incredible!”

Paris dips a little on my second spin. Gerard’s arms keep me from busting my ass and tearing my beautiful-but-tight dress.