I barely slept on the plane, Barrett’s roaming hands and mouth keeping me up half the flight, but it doesn’t matter. After a shot of espresso and a flaky croissant that tasted of butter and sin, I’ve got the energy level of a five-year-old at Disney.

The hotel is extravagant. Marble floors, gold-plated ceilings, French blue walls with intricate gold-painted details, and crystal chandeliers. That’s just the lobby.

We’re staying in the penthouse. The first thing my eyes connect with when the door opens is the Eiffel Tower right outside the window. French doors open to a balconet, I can’t help but step out to get a better look.

“Barrett! You have to see this.”

I turn to find him in the middle of the room, his hands shoved into his pockets, watching me with a smile on his face.

“The view is good from here.”

“Right.” I nod in understanding. Looking out at the famous landmark, I wonder what Barrett has planned. Will we sight-see? Check out museums? Eat delicious French food until we’re stuffed? I’ve already determined I could sustain myself on croissants if necessary.

“What’s the plan?” I move to wrap my arms around his waist, my temple resting at the center of his chest. I’m in Paris, with Barrett. It’s surreal, yet it feels natural. As if I could be anywhere right now, it would be here. And if I could have anyone by my side, it would be him. I wouldn’t have said that a month ago. I can’t believe how quickly my feelings about him have changed. “Louvre? Musée d’Orsay? Walk along the Seine?”

“I thought we’d take a tour of this bed here.”

I turn my head to look up at him. “You brought me to Paris to have sex?”

“Among other things.” He grins down at me. His fingers slide into my hair and he kisses me sweetly.

The kiss turns burning hot in seconds and I’m considering forgetting all about the enchanting city out the window in favor of spending all day in bed with Barrett, but he pulls away and gives my ass a sharp smack.

“All right. Let’s go or we’ll never leave this room.”

We both know he’s right.

Out on the street, there’s a car waiting for us. Valentin, our driver, takes us through the city. While I can’t always understand what he’s saying due to English being his second language, Barrett is a diligent guide, pointing out shops and restaurants and sharing facts about history and architecture.

The day goes by in a blur.