One Night With a Billionaire - By VickiLewis Thompson Page 0,14
on her daddy’s ranch. She was a cowgirl. That made him smile, because a job like that fit her so perfectly. He’d never met a real cowgirl before, and he certainly never thought he’d fall for one, but now he realized that it explained a lot about what he liked about Melanie.
The wine arrived with a plate of assorted cheeses, and once the waiter had filled their glasses, he raised his in her direction. “To your first trip to Paris.”
“I’ll drink to that. And to you, for turning a bad beginning into something amazing.” Smiling, she touched her glass to his. Then she leaned back in her chair and took a sip. “Wow, this is fabulous!”
“You better believe it. You’re drinking French wine in Paris. It always tastes better here.”
“I pictured doing this, having some wine and cheese at a sidewalk café while I watched the people go by.”
“And here you are.” Her pleasure was contagious. He’d sat in similar cafés many times, but he couldn’t remember ever feeling this much gratitude for the experience.
“Yes, thanks to you. No telling what my situation would be right now if you hadn’t shown up.”
“But I did.” He’d always believed in making his own luck, but coming upon her this morning right when she needed him almost felt preordained. He took a swallow of wine and put down his glass. “Going to the Louvre with you today reminded me of the first time I went.”
“So tell me, does it ever get old?”
“No, but . . . today had a special shine because you were so excited, like a puppy at the beach.”
She laughed at that. “I suppose I was.”
“And that’s a good thing.” He leaned forward, needing to make her understand. “I’ve always loved the place, but I loved it even more today. You gave the experience added value.”
Her cheeks turned rosy. “I’m glad. Now I feel better about imposing on you.”
“You’re not imposing.” This could be an uphill slog. “Have you ever seen a movie, and then somebody comes along who’s dying to see that same movie, so you see it again with them and it seems twice as good the second time around?”
“Sure! Their reaction makes it even better.”
He sank back in his chair. “That’s what I’m tryin’ to tell you.”
“That you liked the Louvre even more this afternoon? Yeah, I got that.”
“But it would also be that way for all the special places in Paris.”
“If you’re asking to tag along while I play tourist for the next five days—well, four, really, then I’d be happy to have you do that, Drew. You’re good company.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” He drank his wine while he considered that alternative. He tried to imagine standing in line for hours in front of the Eiffel Tower. He’d be with her, enjoying the sunny disposition that seemed to be hardwired into her psyche. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
On the other hand, he’d earned the right to bypass long lines, and he was spoiled in that regard. Besides, she’d waste precious time doing that. If she agreed to his idea, she’d see more of Paris.
But after he’d proposed his plan, she would no longer be comfortable making him stand in line with her at any attraction. Tagging along while she played tourist would be permanently off the table once she understood how he preferred to see the sights. He ran the risk of widening the gulf between them.
Aw, hell. He’d made it to where he was by taking risks, so why stop now? “Melanie, I don’t want to just tag along.” He set down his empty wine glass and looked at her. “I want to drive the bus.”
She gazed at him. “This is a metaphorical bus, right?”
“Exactly. Showing you Paris would be a real kick in the head, but I want to do it my way.”
“And what would that be?”
At least she’d asked the question instead of giving him a flat no. He outlined some of his plans and watched her eyes. He saw eagerness and yearning there, but in the end, resignation eclipsed everything else.
“All that sounds lovely, and I won’t pretend that I wouldn’t enjoy being treated like a princess. Any woman would. I also understand why you wouldn’t want to see Paris on a budget. You’re beyond that. But I can’t have you spending that kind of money to entertain me, and even if I could deal with that issue, I don’t have the wardrobe for most of what you have