Je t’aime

Chapter 2

After work Kendra and Margot grabbed a cab and headed for Wonderlust. It was Kendra’s first taste of Paris night life and she was looking forward to the experience. When they arrived at the club, she could see a line of people waiting to get in. With a sinking heart she thought of waiting in that line.

But instead of dropping them off out in front, Margot directed the cab driver to a back entrance. Flashing her VIP pass at the gate, they were allowed through security and into the back parking lot. She could see a back entrance, dimly lit but heavily guarded.

Standing just to the left of the door, Kendra could see a tall handsome man. Just to his left was a petite blonde, dressed in what she could only assume was the current rage in Paris. The man was as dark as she was fair, they made an intriguing pair. As they got out of the cab, Kendra felt a shiver of desire course through her body when his blue eyes met hers.

Unaccustomed to the sudden flash of desire, she missed a step and nearly fell. Righting herself, embarrassed, she hid her face. Watching her shoes instead of risking another look at the stranger, standing by the door, she tried to head straight to the door. But Margot headed straight for the pair instead.

Kendra tried to hide her mortification as she was introduced to Remy and his sister Greta. Margot gave Remy a big hug and Kendra’s heart sank a little. She knew that Margot was involved with someone, but she hadn’t asked for any details. This must be the significant other that she’d spoke so warmly about. Well, she consoled herself, he was white and younger than she was. It probably wouldn’t work anyway. No matter how progressive the world had become, interracial relationships could still be looked down upon.

“Kendra, I’d like you to meet my friend Remy. He’s currently spending his money and enjoying his freedom before his father reins him in to take over the family business.” Margot said, pushing Kendra up to stand in front of him.

“It’s always nice to meet such a beautiful woman. Margot tells me you are quite the chef and American as well.” He said, kissing her hand.

Feeling that shock of attraction once again, Kendra stumbled for her words. Her French was improving but when she was flustered the words just disappeared. “It’s nice to meet you too.” She managed.

“Shall we?” Remy asked, holding the door for them to enter.

The club was everything Kendra had expected, well dressed people, pulsing lights, loud music, and crazy drinks. They were led to a reserved table on a high balcony. The music was more subdued up high, allowing for more conversation. Margot chatted with Remy while Kendra attempted to talk with Greta. It was difficult but her language skills had been improving.

She was able to determine that Margot had met Greta at a retreat in the Swiss Alps. Although wealthy, Greta lived a simple life, making jewelry and selling it online. She had no intention of following in her mother’s footsteps and marrying for convenience and power. She was just getting wound up, Kendra thought, when Remy interrupted the conversation.

“My sister seems to be getting on her high horse, as you American’s would say.” He said, “How about we check out the dance floor? Seems a shame to waste the music.”

Standing he offered her his hand, and led her to the dance floor. The view of the Seine was breathtaking, a slow song had just come on. Remy took her in his arms in a lose embrace, yet she could feel the heat radiating from his body.

Each place that his skin made contact with hers, seemed to come alive, the nerve endings tingling with anticipation, of what she wasn’t sure. Remy pulled her closer as he spun her around, making her head spin. Slightly breathless, she looked up into his eyes and shivered at the desire she found there.

This man was more than she could handle she thought, pulling back slightly. She had made a promise to herself to take things slowly in the future, not to jump in too quickly.  Until now, she had kept her relationships light and easy. S*x had been one of the benefits but never had she felt this kind of attraction to a man. Besides, he was involved with Margot, she must have misinterpreted the look in his eyes.

When the song ended, she made a bee line for the table. Flushed she sat down and quickly downed most of her drink, in a few gulps.

Seeing her friend’s distress, Margot said, “I need to visit the powder room, Kendra would you come with me?”

Recognizing an avenue of escape when she was given one, she readily agreed and jumped up from her chair. Remy, who had been watching, clearly amused by Kendra’s distress, helped Margot up before he took his seat at the table.

Once in the bathroom, Margot breathed a sigh of relief. Hoping Margot hadn’t noticed her strong attraction to her boyfriend, she quickly began to repair her makeup.

“So, Remy’s pretty hot, don’t you think?” Margot asked, turning to Kendra and raising her eyebrows.

“Oh, yes he is. He seems like a nice guy. I haven’t talked to him much but he’s a great dancer.” Kendra tried to calm her heart.

“Well, the truth is, he’s not really that nice of a guy. Rumor has it that he’s a bit of a player. Moves from one woman to the next with pretty good regularity. Couple of weeks is the best most can hope for.” Margot said.

“But I thought….” Kendra started to say.

“Course he hasn’t been around much in the last year from what I hear. I haven’t known Greta all that long, but I do know he got his trust fund last year. Rumors are, he’s been traveling the world, sleeping with beautiful women everywhere he goes.”

“Well, then why….” Again, Margot interrupted.

“But that’s just a rumor. He’s been in town for almost three months and I sure haven’t seen him running around with anyone.”

Margot finally stopped to take a breath, giving Kendra a chance to speak, “But I thought you two were together, you said we were meeting your sweetie pie tonight.”

“Oh, Remy’s not my sweetie pie, Greta is. From the moment we met in the Alps, we’ve both known. Well…you know. It’s just right.” Shrugging her shoulders, she turned to the mirror and started fixing her makeup.

Seeing the relief on her friends face, she realized what the problem was. “You’re attracted to Remy aren’t you?” She asked, clearly warming to the idea.

“Well, maybe a little. But we’re not at all suited for each other. Besides you said yourself he’s a player. I’m not having anything to do with that.” Kendra said.

“Wait just one minute. Didn’t you tell me you wanted some romance, a Paris fling? Who better than Remy to fulfill that dream. He’s hot, he’s rich, and he’s obviously into you. Go for it, girl, you’ll never get another chance like this one.” Margot said, handing Kendra a condom.

“I may have a Paris romance, but I’m not sleeping with him the first time I meet him. What are you doing with condoms anyway?” Kendra asked, laughing.