CHAPTER TWENTY

The cab ride into Paris from Charles de Gaulle airport took over an hour, and she fought against the sleep that tugged down her eyelids. She’d caught snatches of sleep on the plane, but not much. Her mind had refused to relax enough for true sleep to come. The long drive through the rather gloomy, industrial part of the city transitioned abruptly into the stunning, picturesque heart of Paris. Her sigh was automatic and soul deep. The most romantic city in the world. She hoped some of that romance would work in her favor.

Aubrey had given her Seth’s work and home address. Since it was already past eight in the evening, Tara was headed straight for his place. What if he didn’t want to have anything to do with her? She wouldn’t be surprised if he gave her the boot tonight. But she wouldn’t let that discourage her. She planned to camp nearby and visit him every day until she wore him down. She wasn’t leaving Paris until he heard her out. The problem was, she’d left in such a rush that she didn’t have reservations for a room. Hopefully, not all the decent rooms were sold out.

“Is there a view of the Eiffel Tower on our way?” she asked to distract herself from her growing anxiousness.

“Non. But if we go a little around that way, you see the top of it.” The driver glanced back at her. “You want to see?”

“Yes, please.”

She was stalling, but the view of the Eiffel Tower might give her a dose of extra bravery. And she was right. The brightly lit tower rose into the sky—postcards and posters couldn’t capture its immense presence—and even seeing just the tip of it made the fact that she was in Paris sink in.

When she’d last come to Paris, she was bold, adventurous, and fearless. But after that summer, she’d let Jason take that away from her, and she’d lived in fear since. Well, no more. Loving Seth taught her that she didn’t have to curl into herself to protect her broken soul. Loving Seth meant opening up her heart so that he could help her heal. She could still be the bold, adventurous, and fearless woman she was meant to be. No. She already was that woman. And she was brave enough to come all the way across the ocean to win back the man she loved. I can do this.

The cab stopped and idled in front of a street filled with beautiful apartments. She didn’t know her architecture, but the buildings were old and ornate. The driver got out of the car, then popped the trunk. Tara got out and met him on the sidewalk. She thanked him when he handed the small carry-on to her. For no apparent reason, she stood where he’d dropped her off and watched the cab disappear down the narrow street.

She was terrified, but she had to believe that she could convince Seth to give her another chance. She couldn’t consider the alternative. For a month, she’d existed believing that she had lost him forever, and that wasn’t living. Merely existing like a ghost in this vibrant, beautiful world was unthinkable. She wanted to be with him and live to the fullest.