Midnight in Montmartre: A French Kiss Sweet Romance (12 page)

W
hen Luc eased
his hand away from Beth's arm, she fought the urge to hold onto him. As Beth watched him walk away from her, she kept a smile on her face. She glanced around, wondering if anyone had witnessed that small moment of rejection. No man had ever done that to her before.

She had always thought that Luc liked her. She used to catch him staring at her with his puppyish blue eyes in lecture halls when they were both studying at the same university. He was one of those guys who was always hovering around her, waiting for an opening to talk to her. He looked at her like she was a goddess.

Throughout the years, he had been a regular at her social circle's gatherings. Whenever she threw a party, he always showed up alone, holding a thoughtful present for her. He gave her the kind of attention that a girl could get used to.

She had to admit that she had taken it for granted. They both dated others casually, and Beth had put Luc in the friend category. It wasn't that she wasn't interested, but with so many options, how was she supposed to decide?

As she watched him move between guests, dodging cater waiters and even the gorgeous supermodel, Gigi Tom, Beth felt her heart drop to her gut. She had a feeling who Luc was walking toward.

Mia Golden was here at the party. She was a LUX employee who'd come up with the campaign idea for her Mademoiselle Montaigne line. Mia was certainly not as pretty as Beth was, she knew that, but Mia had something. Her hair was too curly and a bit wild, but it certainly commanded attention. She didn't have the ideal model's body—her hips were wide, out of proportion to her smaller chest—but she had lovely skin. From what Beth remembered of her at the pitch meeting, Mia also had beautiful eyes, hazel-green eyes that flashed brightly when she was making a passionate speech.

And Mia's smile now, as she responded to Luc, was wide, as dazzling as the chandelier over her head.

Beth sighed.

Her friend Marcus sensed her distress. He took her hands, and they waltzed on the dance floor.

"Something troubling you, Beth darling?" Marcus asked.

"Why?" Beth asked. "Do I not look okay?"

"You look as beautiful as always, which I'm sure you're tired of hearing. But you do look a bit pale."

Marcus Savin was one of her closest friends. He could see right through her.

“I—”

How was she supposed to explain it? For as long as she could remember, she had been used to being the center of attention whenever she walked into a room. She had always taken that attention for granted, figuring that she could take her time, picking and choosing whoever she wanted when she wanted. She had waited too long; she'd given Luc enough space for him to fall in love with someone else.

"I need a drink," Beth said. "And the dancing is making me dizzy."

They went to the edge of the dance floor, where Marcus grabbed a glass of white wine off a waiter's tray and gave it to Beth. "Come on. Let's go sit down."

She sat down on a black leather couch by the wall and downed half the glass.

"Are you feeling all right, Beth? Is it this flu going around? One of my friends is sick in bed. It's incredibly nasty."

Beth smiled sadly. "I wish it were medical, Marcus."

"Oh, quit being so dramatic. Spill it."

She took a deep breath and looked back at Luc and Mia. They were walking off somewhere together, perhaps out to the back of the store, which led to a small garden.

"Have you ever had the feeling that you made a huge mistake in life? That you missed a major boat that came your way, and now it's sailing away?"

Marcus shook his head. "Whatever happened was meant to happen. I never have regrets, none whatsoever."

"Well, I do."

Marcus looked up in the direction Beth was looking. "This isn't about a boy, is it? That boy?"

She slowly nodded.

"You're kidding. Beth Montaigne? Your biggest problem when it comes to men is who to beat away with a stick on any given day."

Beth let out a low laugh. She blinked as if she was having trouble focusing her eyes. "What good is it if the only person you realize you wanted doesn't want you anymore?"

"Who wouldn't want you? You're Beth Montaigne, for Chrissake."

"Luc Deneuve. You just met him. He just left."

"Luc, I must admit, is quite delicious. He must be gay if he doesn't want you. You don't mind if I take a stab, do you?"

Beth hit Marcus playfully on the arm.

"He's in love with someone else now." She put a delicate hand on her head. It was throbbing now. The wine wasn't helping. "I waited too long, and now it's too late."

"What do you mean you waited too long?"

"I always thought Luc was cute and smart, but there was never a shortage of guys around me. Plus, I was so busy with work and building my career that I didn't give him the time of day. I can't believe it took me so long to see how special Luc is. Not only is he handsome and smart, he's caring and generous. I know a lot of men who are successful and good looking, but how many are also thoughtful and kindhearted? And now his heart belongs to someone else."

"Oh, Beth," Marcus said, softening up. "You're really in love with him? Are you sure it's too late? Are you sure he's in love with someone else?"

"He is. I’ve noticed the shift in him ever since he met Mia. She's American, and she works for Luc."

"I'm sure whoever she is, she's no match for you."

"No, Marcus, I really don't think I'm in the running anymore."

"You're as beautiful as a top model, you're rich, you're educated, you have men lined up for miles. Who is this Mia girl and what does she have on you?"

Beth sighed. "She's actually rather talented. She was the one who came up with the idea for the 'Protect Your Valuables' campaign. She's beautiful in an exotic way. I have to admit, if I didn't resent her right now, I'd like her."

"So what? There are plenty of talented and beautiful girls in the city. Didn't you say that Luc was in love with you for years? What would change now? Just because he's talking to her doesn't mean he's in love with her."

"No." Beth shook her head. "You haven't heard how they met."

She told Marcus the story Luc had told her about how Luc had met Mia randomly in the middle of the night in Montmartre. Then how Mia had stumbled into his office the next morning, not knowing that he was interviewing copywriters. How he'd hired her, just like that. Life's strange little coincidences.

"They're fated to be together," Beth said. "I think he's been enamored with her from day one. I've been trying to get his attention these past few weeks. We even went out for dinner, and I was the one who asked him. I’ve never asked a man out in my life. The whole time he seemed distracted and disinterested, and now I know why. You should've seen the way his face lit up when he saw Mia come in just now. That was how he used to look at me, and he doesn't anymore."

"Beth, I'm sorry."

Marcus stood up and put out his hand. She took it, standing up too.

"Life is full of curveballs, isn't it, Marcus?"

"Come on, let's dance it off." Marcus dragged her back onto the dance floor. The jazz band was playing a slow song again. "You're not used to being disappointed, are you? This must be especially hard for you."

"I guess this is what it feels like. Heartbreak."

"It's a mild form of heartbreak. You'll get over it. Sweetie, you don't even know the meaning of heartbreak yet. I bet you do worse to boys on a daily basis."

Beth put her head on his shoulder. "I guess I'll just categorize this as one of my life's big regrets so far."

"Oh, don't be so melodramatic. I don't feel sorry for you one bit. Do you see all these single men around here, dying to get a dance with you?"

Beth laughed. "They're also here for the Montaigne lingerie show later in the evening. You know, all the half-naked women you're not interested in."

"Give me a break. At least I'm interested in the lingerie."

Beth laughed again. "Marcus, you're so funny. Why can't you be straight? You'd be the perfect man for me."

I
f there ever had been a moment in time when Mia had the chance to feel like a princess, it was at the Montaigne party. The decor, the food, the music—it was as if she'd stumbled onto the set of a movie. The decadence was unreal, and the people were beautiful. Everybody was wearing the most beautiful clothes and jewels, and it was as if she was attending a palace ball.

It also helped that shots of the Montaigne ad campaign lined the walls. A surge of pride rose in her chest at knowing that she was responsible for the idea. The girls in the ads looked beautiful and strong. In the main campaign photo, Gigi Tom looked back at the viewer as if challenging them to defy her.

"If this is supposed to be a lingerie shop," Amanda remarked, "the Victoria's Secrets back home might as well be Walmarts."

"Most of the guests here are millionaires," Amélie said. "They probably don't even know what a Walmart is."

"Of course not," Kiko said. "They come from families who haven't mowed their own lawns for over three hundred years."

"Fancy schmancy." Sarah grinned. “I heard there’s going to be a lingerie show later."

"Ohh, free champagne," Kiko gushed.

"Don't mind if I do." Amanda plucked one from a waiter's tray.

The others did the same.

"Cheers." Amélie raised her glass.

Mia grinned. So she didn't have a prince, but who said you needed a prince to feel like a princess? Four of her girlfriends were here with her, and she was going to try her best to have an amazing time at the party.

As they all drank up, Kiko's eyes widened.

"Look, isn't that Gigi Tom?"

Mia and the others tried to look at the blond supermodel discreetly. Gigi was with her on-and-off-again musician boyfriend. Mia had read about them online. Not that she was proud to be reading celebrity gossip, but when she’d had to keep up with the news as a journalist, she would read the entertainment sections from time to time as a break from all the serious and depressing world news.

Gigi was in a shimmery flapper-inspired silver dress, and her boyfriend still had his rocker edge in a tux, given his overgrown hair and dark under-eye circles. He looked as if he was used to partying every night of the week.

"Let's go say hi to her," Mia said.

"Who?" Amélie asked.

"Gigi, of course."

"What? You can’t—”

Mia was already in front of the supermodel, introducing herself with a big smile. Life was too short to be intimidated by anyone. Gigi turned out to be quite friendly and chatty, and Mia's friends shyly gathered around her, asking her questions about the modeling industry. Sam, the rocker boyfriend, was also quite nice, and funny too, cracking a joke a minute.

As Gigi's boyfriend was telling a story about how they met, Amanda nudged Mia.

"Hey, isn't that your hot boss coming this way?"

Mia looked up like a deer in headlights. She had known she was going to see Luc around sooner or later, but she had expected to have some time to prepare herself. He was only ten feet away and coming closer.

"Mia?" Luc said, smiling widely and meeting her eyes. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks." Mia could feel herself blushing. "Good evening, Luc."

Luc didn't look half bad himself. He looked every inch the dashing young prince. She wondered where Beth was, the real princess of the party.

"Mia," Amanda said, “this is your boss? The man in the cape and tights who saved you from that mugging in Montmartre?"

Luc laughed and stuck out a hand for Amanda to shake.

Mia introduced them, silently praying that Amanda wouldn't say anything too embarrassing.

"You wouldn't happen to have a brother, would you?" Amanda asked, giving Luc a once-over.

Mia inwardly groaned.

"Actually, I have four brothers."

"Jackpot." Amanda grinned.

Luc laughed. "Actually, I'm the best looking anyway. You'd throw rocks at my brothers."

"I'll take my chances," Amanda said.

"May I remind you that you already have a boyfriend?" Mia was amused.

Amanda shrugged. "I'm flexible in that regard."

"I'll keep that in mind." Luc laughed again.

"So, where's Beth Montaigne?" Amanda asked casually. "I'm a big fan of her lingerie."

Mia's heart began to beat faster at the mention of Beth. Why
wasn't
Luc with her?

"On the dance floor somewhere," Luc replied. "I'm sure she's surrounded by guys waiting for a dance with her."

"Why aren't you in that queue?" Amanda asked. "She's beautiful."

"She is, but we're just friends."

Amanda gave Mia a look, but she ignored it. Mia was embarrassed enough already.

Luc turned to Mia. "Can I talk to you for a moment in private?"

Mia blinked at him. She was feeling robotic again, unable to process her emotions in a timely matter. It was her default expression: utterly blank. Yet her heart beat faster still and her hands shook a little.

"Sure," she managed to reply.

Amanda gave Mia a little push and winked at her. "Have a good time."

As they were walking away, Luc looked shyly at Mia.

"I hope your friends are having a good time."

"Maybe too much of a good time," Mia said. "Are any members of your family here tonight?"

"My little sister might come later in the evening," Luc said. "None of my brothers are free, even though I don't know why, given this is a lingerie store opening."

"That's too bad, although I'm sure having your sister here will make the night even more special."

"You're here," Luc said. "That already makes the night special."

Luc grabbed her hand. She hadn't expected it, or the kind words. His hand was warm, and she realized how cold her hand had been. Her heart pumped into the red zone.

"Where are we going?" Mia asked.

Luc took her down the hall, where the changing rooms were. They passed by floor-to-ceiling windows that pushed open like doors.

"Come on," Luc said.

The opening led to a small garden in the back of the store.

"It's beautiful out here," Mia said.

There was a rose bush, neatly trimmed hedges, and a small fountain in the center. It was dark outside, but the moon provided enough atmospheric lighting.

"Look, there's a full moon again," Luc murmured.

Mia looked up. Two moons ago, they had met. So much had happened since then, yet they hadn't changed, not that much. She was still the same woman Luc had met that night in Montmartre, and her good first impression of Luc still hadn't changed.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Mia asked.

Instead of answering, Luc was looking at her with raw passion.

He kissed her. Softly at first. When she responded, he pressed his lips harder, leaving Mia breathless.

"I just wanted to see how that felt again," he said when they finally pulled apart.

Mia needed a moment to steady herself. The earth was moving like the sea, and she was still caught up in the tide.

"Luc," Mia said when she caught her breath. "What about Beth?"

He looked confused. "What about Beth?"

"Are you sure she's just a friend? I thought she was your girlfriend."

Luc shook his head. "She's not my girlfriend. Never was, never will be." He frowned, the blue of his eyes looking stormy under the moonlight. "Is that why you pushed me away? Because you thought I had feelings for Beth?"

Mia nodded. "I heard that you carried a torch for her for years, and there were rumors at the office that you went out on dates."

He arched an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? I always thought you were too intelligent to believe in rumors, Miss Golden."

"But Didier said that you were in love with Beth himself. I thought he'd know you better than anyone."

"Didier, huh?" Luc was still smiling. "Well, my business partner's an honest man. A man of his word. If he told me the sky had turned purple, I'd go outside and check. But for all his virtues, Didier does not have access to the contents of my heart. To give him credit, he
was
right. Past tense. I
did
carry a torch for Beth. I idealized her, but I didn't know her. A dream is only a dream when you wake up. Since I met you, I realized what love really is. It’s when you don't even want to go to sleep anymore because reality is so much better. That's how I feel when I'm with you, Mia."

She couldn't quite believe what she was hearing.

"You're in love with me?"

Luc nodded, his blue-jean eyes locked on hers. "I have been since the moment I met you. You're just so alive, so full of guts, and you awakened a part of me that I never even knew was dormant. When you rejected me after the kiss, that really hurt. I accepted Beth's invite to dinner, thinking it would take my mind off things. It was just a dinner, and nothing happened. I still hold the opinion that Beth is a lovely woman. She has many good traits, and I'm sure a few negative ones, as all human beings do. She'll make a man very happy one day. The thing is, after getting to know her, I discovered that I simply didn't like her romantically. And I couldn't possibly have loved her because I simply didn't know her before. It was only infatuation."

"How does she feel about you? She must like you if she asked you to dinner."

Luc shrugged. "Yes, maybe she does, a little, but I doubt she'd miss me for long. She'll get over it. I'm sure one of her many admirers will whisk her off to the Maldives or the Bahamas, and she'll forget about me."

"You're not that forgettable, Luc."

His hand grazed her back, exposed by the open cut of her gown, and he felt that her skin was cold.

"Here, take my jacket."

He took off his black tuxedo jacket and put it around her shoulders.

Mia smiled and snuggled into his chest. She looked up at him again. "Why didn't you kiss me on the night we met? I thought we had a moment, and I felt so stupid when you pulled away."

"I was the stupid one. I kicked myself for being a coward. Literally. There were bruises on my shin." He shook his head. "I don't know. Men are generally stupid, and I belong in that sex. I wanted to kiss you, too, but the logical side of me kicked in, and I got scared. I'd just met you, and I was confused. But I regretted it. I devised a plan, you know, to see you again. Since I was too dumb to ask you for your number, I was going to work up the courage to swing by your apartment."

She giggled. "Were you going to raise your boombox over your head until I appeared at the window?"

"Something like that."

They could still hear the jazz band playing from the garden. They'd transitioned from an up-tempo number to a slow song.

Luc had his arms around Mia, and they slowly danced to the music.

"What about you?" Luc asked. "Are you in love with me?"

"Don't you know?"

"I do, but I want to hear you say it."

Mia smiled. "I started falling in love with you the night I met you, too. Then I tried to force myself to stop when I thought you were in love with someone else. Tonight, I can start loving you again."

And she would never stop.

"Good," Luc murmured. "I knew it. Kisses don't lie."

With that, he kissed her again.