FIFTEEN
Luca
Running into Charlie again in the lobby was unexpected—yet, somehow, it felt like exactly what I needed.
She looked stunning in that red dress, and when she asked me to play along as her date, I couldn’t resist.
There was something magnetic her—the kind of energy that made me want to know more, deeper than a quick hook up.
It felt dangerous, though.
Helping her deal with her ex felt…right.
It gave me a reason to stay by her side, even if I was secretly savoring every second I spent in her company.
When she laughed, it was like a spark—something I hadn’t felt in a long time.
It wasn’t just the dress, though it was sexy.
It was her.
Every gesture, every world.
Sassy, yet captivating.
We ended up at Le Mary Celeste, a charming little bar, and I found myself unable to look away from her.
She wasn’t like any other woman I’d known—beautiful, yes, but something else.
I knew plenty of attractive women, she was more.
Charlie had depth, something alluring behind those eyes made me want to know her.
As we parted, I felt it—a strange mix of excitement and regret.
I wanted to kiss her, but didn’t want to push my luck.
Not yet.
Cat and mouse.
Back in my room, I tried to settle down for the evening.
But my mind? It kept returning to her.
I stepped out onto the balcony, letting the cool Paris air clear my head.
I was still wide awake, my thoughts a tangled mess of her.
I decided to pour myself a strong drink and went back out on the balcony.
Paris sparkled at night—music played some place out of sight, but the notes still danced in the streets.
I leaned over the rail to watch the few people below—couples walked closely and a woman walked her dog.
There were so many dogs in Paris.
Then, I saw her. Not her, but the red dress. She was like a beacon—my eyes followed her approach to the hotel. Fuck. I needed to get laid. My need for her was out of control. She’s just a woman.
She looked up, directly at me.
We held each other’s gaze, the connection there—unspoken and very real.
I smiled.
She smiled back, unaware that she moved her hand to her neck.
She disappeared into the hotel, and I was left with a hunger I hadn’t felt in years, maybe longer.
It wasn’t just desire—it was a primitive hunger and it burned.
I wanted her.
This trip to Paris was definitely shaping up to be something more than I’d expected.