Since I couldn’t tell him what I’d actually been thinking, I said, “Just thinking about today. Sacré-Cœur was beyond amazing and seeing the artists in Montmartre in real life was the best.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Was it my imagination, or did his smile seem forced?
Come to think of it, Jack had been weird all day. I’d woken up alone this morning, the sheets next to me cold and empty. When he finally showed up again, he was quiet, distracted. It wasn’t until I’d pulled him back into bed and fucked his brains out that he seemed to snap out of whatever funk he was in.
But even after that, during our breakfast at an adorable little café and our second attempt at the Louvre to see the damn Mona Lisa (since we’d kinda bailed on her yesterday), he kept checking his phone. Twice he stepped away to take calls, coming back with this strange look on his face.
“The Louvre wasn’t as busy as I thought it might be.” I was fishing, making small talk to see if I could gauge his mood.
“That’s why it’s good to come this time of year.” He shifted restlessly, toying with the cuff of his suit jacket as he gazed out the window.
“The Mona Lisa was really something. I’m glad you took me back there today.”
“Worth the hype?”
“Yeah, I guess, although she’s definitely smaller than I expected.”
“Pretty much everyone says that.”
Look at me, Jack.
He didn’t. Instead, he fell silent again and I let him, because I was honestly starting to freak out a little.
Before I could really start spiraling, the car pulled into the curb. The driver got out and opened Jack’s door. He stepped out and held his hand out for me. I took it, honestly loving the feel of his fingers wrapped around mine as I climbed from the car. Then I froze, my jaw literally dropping as I looked up at the elegant entrance.
“Le Train Bleu,” I whispered. “Holy shit.”
Jack slipped his arm around my waist. Good thing, because I was about to faint from overwhelm. “You know it?”
I couldn’t speak. Couldn’t form words. I just nodded, letting him guide me through the entrance and into the lobby where a host greeted us in rapid French. Jack responded without missing a beat, and we were led through the restaurant toward our table.
I remained silent as we walked, taking in the soaring ceilings, the ornate gilded moldings, the spectacular murals and frescoes covering the walls and ceiling. It was like walking into a palace where they happened to serve food, every inch of the place dripping with Belle Époque glamour.
We settled at our table, and Jack studied me across the crisp white tablecloth. “Are you okay? You’re looking a little pale.”
I blinked rapidly, mortified to feel my eyes suddenly misting with tears. “I did a project on this place in seventh grade French class,” I admitted, my voice wobbling embarrassingly. “I found pictures in an old travel magazine in the library and I...” I swallowed hard. “I used to dream about coming here. Like, literally dreamed about it.”
Jack’s expression softened in a way I rarely saw, all his hard edges melting away. He reached across the table, taking my hand and turning it over to press a kiss into my palm. The tender gesture nearly undid me, especially after all the weirdness today.
“Thank you,” I whispered, fighting to keep my ridiculous emotions in check. “For making my stupid middle school dream come true.”
“Your dreams aren’t stupid, Mia. Not a single one of them.” Something in his gaze made my breath catch.
I dragged in a deep, calming breath. And then another, because one definitely wasn’t enough. “I honestly don’t know how to thank you.”
Jack looked like he was about to say something, but then the waiter came over with the menus, then another one came to take our drinks order.
It gave me a chance to pull myself together, so by the time they’d both gone I was feeling a bit more in control. Although I had no fucking clue what anything on the menu was.
“Do you need some help ordering?”
“Yes, please.”
“The quenelles are their specialty. Pike dumplings in cream sauce.”
“That sounds amazing. Please go ahead and order that, while I sit over here, quietly freaking out about this place.”
