Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
JEMMA
“Excusez-moi?” He stares defensively at me while stroking his smooth chin.
“You lied to me on the plane.” My voice comes out high and pitchy.
His eyes flicker wildly. “What are you talking about, Jemma?”
My hands drop to my hips. “You told me you had somewhere you had to be, and that’s why you couldn’t give up your seat. But you’re clearly here helping me. So, what’s up with that?”
His gaze shifts toward the sidewalk. “It’s actually tomorrow morning. I couldn’t trust that I’d be on the next flight. It’s very important that I am there tomorrow.” There’s a catch in his voice that makes me believe him. “I didn’t mean to come off as a jerk. I’ve been under a lot of stress.”
Guilt bubbles inside of me.
Damn, I’m an asshole.
“I might have come off as a jerk too. I’m sorry. It’s been one hell of a week. I shouldn’t have called you a liar just now.” I nervously gather my long blonde locks, pulling them over to one side.
“So, it’s established; we’re both a couple of jerks. Now we can move on.” He chuckles, letting his baby blues find mine.
I flash him a playful smile, relieved he hasn’t decided to up and leave. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Shall we?” Luca gestures for me to slide into the backseat of the black cab that’s been waiting patiently for us. He grabs my bags, this time without my head getting in the way, and tosses them into the trunk.
I whip around in my seat to watch him, wondering if he’s going to join me in the back or post up with the driver in the front.
As I wait for him to make a decision, he yanks his phone out of his pocket, with a distressed look falling across his perfectly structured face.
He quickly shoves his phone back into his jacket.
His sour expression vanishes as he opens the car door.
I’m almost giddy when he chooses the back seat.
Fresh air invades the car, along with a clean, woodsy scent as he pulls the door closed.
Of course he smells amazing.
“Seat belt.” Luca reaches over my body to yank on the belt next to me, allowing his scent to encase me. “It’s law here.” He grins, locking my belt into place.
“Oh,” is all I can manage.
His thigh inches closer to mine, grazing my leg as he leans forward to chat with the driver, leaving me with tingles that sweep through my entire body.
Focus, Jemma.
Luca shifts, turning back toward me, his eyes shimmering. “I’m starving. You must be hungry too.”
I hadn’t even thought about food, but now that he mentions it, my stomach growls in agreement. I can’t remember the last thing I ate, and with the massive time difference, my body feels disoriented. But finding a place to lay my head tonight is my priority, not a meal.
“Shall we grab a bite to eat and then get your situation all sorted?” he asks.
Has he forgotten I’m kind of in the middle of a crisis? Although, I’m not totally ignoring the fact that he wants to eat with me.
“Shouldn’t we get me sorted first?” I counter.
He waves me off with a flick of his wrist. “Eh, you Americans are always in a hurry.”
I crinkle up my nose. “Well, I feel slightly homeless at the moment. I was hoping to be unpacked and relaxing by now. I’m kind of freaking out. This isn’t the start to my trip that I had imagined.”
“Hey, no matter what happens, you need to eat, right?”
I really am hungry. I ponder his offer, while I fidget with my hair—my nervous habit.
“I suppose you’re right,” I finally concede. “But first, can we stop somewhere and get a SIM card? I really, really need my phone. My best friend is going to be freaking out that she hasn’t heard from me yet.”
Luca looks down at something on the floor of the cab, bends over, and picks up a small yellow bag. He pulls an item out of it and flashes it at me. “I’m one step ahead of you.”
Damn, that’s thoughtful. Bonus points for Luca.
“Let me pay you back,” I say, reaching for my wallet.
“Nonsense. It’s my pleasure.” He takes my phone from my hands and quickly inserts the card for me.
When he passes it back, I immediately notice a slew of text messages from Gretchen.
Gretchen: How was the flight?
Gretchen: ?????????????
Gretchen: I feel like I should have heard from you by now. Text me.
Gretchen: I tracked your flight. It said you landed. Girl, where are you?
Gretchen: Getting worried. It’s been a few hours. Are you held up at customs or something?
Gretchen: Suzy and I are about to go get on a plane.
Gretchen: Just joking. But if I don’t hear from you soon, it might come to that. Only half kidding this time.
My poor friend. I didn’t think she’d be this worried, but then again, it’s the first time I’ve traveled in a long while, and I’m alone. I quickly shoot off a message to Gretchen before she drags Suzy across the Atlantic in search of her incredibly irresponsible bestie.
Jemma: Sorry!!! I messed up and totally forgot to buy a SIM card and then my rental was a scam. In a cab with a very attractive guy that I ran into at the airport—literally.
Jemma: He’s helping me. Long story. Will text you when I know more.
Jemma: Don’t worry, I’m safe. I think.
I slip my phone into my coat pocket, feeling a bit better now that I’ve made contact with Gretchen.
Luca informs the driver of his plans in rapid French, and I struggle to keep up. Unfortunately, my French isn’t as good as I thought. Each moment I spend in this city reminds me just how unprepared I am for this trip. What was I thinking?
Go to Paris, Jemma. You’ll have a great time. Overpay for a flight at Christmas and get scammed by your impulsiveness. Follow the signs. Yup, Paris is a great idea.
I let out a sigh I didn’t realize I was withholding.
Luca reaches over, placing his hand gently on my jacket. “Jemma, this is Paris. Things have a way of working themselves out. Please don’t worry yourself.”
I take a deep breath, trying to believe him. I sure hope Luca is right. I could really use a bit of Paris magic right about now.