Chapter 35
Corentin closesthe door to his outbuilding while my hands cling to his shirt, almost tearing the buttons off. I rise on tiptoes and kiss him with a devouring passion. His hands slide along my dress, gripping onto my barely-there white lace panties.
He lifts me off the ground, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. My breasts harden against his chest as he presses me against the wall, his burning desire pressed against me.
“Corentin,” I moan again.
A shiver runs through my body as soon as his name leaves my lips. He guides us to the bed, continuously kissing my neck without pausing. He gently places me on the soft mattress, looking down at me with his full height. His sapphire eyes reflect an unprecedented intensity, causing my already erratic heartbeat to quicken.
He wears a new expression, so different from the usual. His hands on my skin slide the folds of my dress before completely removing it, letting it fall to the floor.
“You”re so beautiful, Florence,” he murmurs in a sensual voice.
His husky voice is filled with desire, but also something deeper. Watching him tremble under my touch, being so responsive to my contact, is a delight to observe.
Corentin lies on top of me, his elbows on each side of my head, and kisses me passionately. Our tongues entwine in a perfect dance. This kiss is both tender and intense, but there”s something different this time. There”s more than desire between us; there”s passion in this sensual exchange, something special.
My hands explore his back, his hair, his face. I need to touch him, to express how much he means to me, and the way my heart races when he”s near. All these emotions scare me, yet the comfort in his powerful arms prevails over panic.
Corentin straightens up, and I do the same. He unbuttons his shirt, but I can”t wait any longer. I grab the fabric and tear it off with passion, sending buttons flying around us.
“I”ll buy you another one,” I whisper with excitement.
He smiles back, and I melt even more. Happy to see him let go at last, I offer him a seductive look, my eyes sparkling with desire. He throws himself on my lips again, and my legs open around him. He undulates against me faster and faster, as if he”s desperate, as if I”ve been missing him.
Suddenly, his teeth seize my right breast as his deft hand caresses the other, lightly pinching my hardened nipple. I clutch his shoulder blades, little moans of pleasure escaping my mouth. His fingers reach further down, grabbing my panties, and he wastes no time before sliding them down my thighs.
Corentin stops abruptly, straightens up to admire me, his gaze burning.
“Each moment shared with you intensifies my feelings, Florence. My tulip, you bring the most beautiful moments to my life. Grateful for your existence and the person you are,” he murmurs, his mouth a few millimeters from my skin. “I cannot imagine being without you.”
His mouth devours mine, then roams over my belly to give it the same treatment, sending shivers of anticipation down my spine. On his knees, leaning toward my warm, wet sex, he pecks the hollows of my thighs before placing my legs on his broad shoulders.
My body tenses as he embraces my intimacy. I clutch at the bed sheets, barely trying to regain my composure from the sensation he”s provoked. His hands hold me firmly, his tongue caresses my clitoris with ruthless dexterity. I begin to stir under his onslaught, causing him to tighten his grip on my hips to keep me trapped on the mattress.
Pursing my lips and restraining the urge to explode, I avoid the swift conclusion of this enchanting moment. Gripping his hair, I give it a gentle tug, drawing him nearer to my lair and prompting a grunt intensifying my sense of awe.
Another moan escapes my mouth as he nibbles gently. My body lifts, seeking more sensations, more of him. Limbs trembling, eyes rolling back, my thighs tighten around his head, and I climax.
Still in the haze of post-orgasmic pleasure, I feel Corentin wrap his arms around my waist, pressing my breasts against his virile torso. He pulls us back into bed and cuddles me with stunning gentleness.
Above me, his hair falls over my sweaty face.
“It was—” I began weakly, before interrupting myself.
No words seem capable of describing what I”m feeling, but Corentin understands it in a simple look. I wrap my arms around his shoulders and kiss him with all the tenderness I can muster, then, reluctantly, let him step aside. Under my watchful eye, he unbuckles his belt, while an imposing bulge stretches the fabric of his pants. My breath catches, then quickens as excitement builds inside me.
Corentin slides his lower body down while I take care of his boxers. He wedges himself against the headboard and pulls me against him in a tight embrace. Finally, skin against skin, straddling his thighs, I take his lips in a passionate kiss, lit by the glow of the moon and the artificial lights of the garden.
Corentin”s fingers delicately rest on my shoulder, releasing the curly hair brushing the tips of my breasts. He plunges his face into my neck, inhales my scent, savors my taste, then breathlessly whispers.
“Tulip, crawl on me. I want you to make love to me, my sweet Florence. I wish I could see you as clearly as I feel you.”
His words reignite my desire, awakening in me a primal instinct refusing to break free. I want to sensually embrace him, drive him wild for me, and craft an unforgettable night.
I bend down to kiss him and grasp his cock simultaneously. I feel his muscles tense, his breathing suspend, and his heartbeat echo in his contracted chest. He hands me a condom, which I delicately open with my teeth, keeping my gaze fixed on him. Unrolling the condom along his thick, hard cock, I sense the pulse vibrating with anticipation.
Gently, I lift myself above him, then slowly impale myself on his penis with exquisite slowness. His hands grip my buttocks firmly, unable to wait any longer. My lips part, but no sound comes out, overwhelmed by pleasure. Extraordinary. Perfect.
Without taking his eyes off me, he raises his deft fingers to my breasts. Shyly, I begin to undulate back and forth on top of him. His minty breath caresses my face, accelerating with my movements. As he begins to move inside me with quick, dry strokes, orgasm surges through my entire being.
We are in total symbiosis. Our bodies and souls merge into one. I”m bound to him in a way I haven”t experienced with anyone else. My hands rest on his chest, and together we quicken the pace, our moans mingling in the desire-laden air. In the darkness of the room, under my weight, completely at my mercy, he appears to me differently, in a way I”ve not witnessed before. This man, whose emerald-green eyes look at me as if I were the most precious of wonders, entrances me.
At the gates of paradise, I let myself be overwhelmed by a cascade of sensations, instinctively tightening around him. Without breaking our gaze, we reach an explosive orgasm together, turning my heart and body upside down.
The redhead growls my name in a final, lifesaving thrust, as my nails dig into the flesh of his shoulders. He puts his hand on my back to pull me closer to him, and I collapse onto his damp chest, mixing his sweat with my own.
Corentin tips us onto our sides and gently embraces me. This embrace has been amazing, and as the neighbor addict I”ve become, I want to experience it again, not fully having moved on from the first one.
Still with each other, Corentin buries his head in the hollow of my neck, planting a shower of wet kisses. When he pulls back and stands up, I grab his hand and stare at him desperately.
“No, stay,” I ordered.
He smiles and chastely kisses my lips. “I won”t be long, I promise.”
Reluctantly, I let him go to the bathroom. When he returns, I immediately cling to him, unable to let go. Embracing each other, he kisses my neck again.
“Corentin, are you thinking of taking up art again?”
I don”t know why I”m asking him this question. Especially after the moment we”ve been through, because it”s the exact opposite of what we need right now. Yet I can”t turn back, because I want to know if he”ll give it a chance too. He believed in me; he encouraged me to pursue my dream when I was thinking of giving up. I want the same for him.
Corentin raises his head, his gaze locked on mine.
“I”ll be honest, I have no idea. Today, I love my job because I feel useful to society. But, on the other hand, I”m afraid of how I”d feel if I went back to painting. I suppose time will tell.”
I nod, and we remain immersed in the soothing silence of the night, our hearts beating in harmony, a lulling melody enveloping us.
* * *
With closed eyelids,I am nestled against Corentin”s bare chest, enveloped by his infinite tenderness. His warmth surrounds me, carrying me away in a gentle embrace. A shiver of pleasure runs through my entire being as his fingers slide along my spine, caressing my curls to clear the path to my neck.
A blissful sigh escapes my lips as his mouth finds refuge on my neck, leaving a shower of fervent kisses. Upon withdrawal, our eyes meet, and it takes only a breath, a suspended moment, for our lips to merge once again. Ah, if only the cursed clock on the dresser could stop ringing noon, I would stay here, in this eternal moment.
But the outside world calls us. In two hours, the train to Paris awaits us. Furthermore, Clara reminded me of a family lunch on the agenda today, a promise I cannot break. Corentin gently repositions me above him, and the fragments of the preceding hours materialize in my memory, making me shiver. My body intertwines with his, my arms closing around his neck, while my fingers tenderly coil into his hair.
“I love this wake-up,” I almost whisper breathlessly, my lips brushing against his.
He kisses me passionately, letting his emotions speak through this kiss.
“We could wake up like this each morning, as frequently as you desire, and perhaps go even further.”
His hands roam my body, leaving a trail of intoxicating sensations in their wake. However, I know it”s important not to succumb to the desire rumbling within me. Corentin is as aware as I am of the obligation of the family lunch awaiting us, and I have no doubt he will do everything to distract me, to obscure the thought.
If I hadn”t promised Clara and Naisha, I would probably have joyfully accepted his invitation prolong our intimacy, to envelop ourselves in this moment. But my commitments remain sacred, and I adhere to them.
“It”s a tempting proposition to consider,” I reluctantly admit, “but we”ll have to wait. We have a lunch appointment, and I feel like we”re already late.”
A warm, almost burning sigh escapes him and caresses my skin. He detaches himself from me, plunging his deep gaze into mine, a serious glint in his eyes.
“Is there any way to change your mind?” he asks, his hips gently pressing against mine, his palpable desire.
He”s playing with me, and I find myself questioning the strength, resisting despite the whirlwind of excitement he stirs in me.
“I won”t be tempted, Corentin. Don”t add another complication, or we”ll both end up frustrated.”
He knows perfectly well how to tease my senses, how to push me to the limit. But he doesn”t cross the line. Perhaps because, even if he”s not thrilled about joining the family lunch, he wants to be there for Jackie, his sister, and for Naisha, for whom he has an undeniable affection.
A final, intense, emotion-laden kiss seals this moment. He separates from me, leaving my body already craving his presence, his scent. I watch him as he crosses the room, his nudity proud and sculptural, and I find myself facing the obligation to gather an unprecedented inner strength not to give in to the impulse of throwing myself at him.
In a graceful rotation, he turns toward me, smiles, then disappears into the shower, leaving me speechless, bewildered. Despite my feeble attempts to resist, I join him hastily for a welcome cuddle session. I can”t deny my desire for him, nor my urgent need for his proximity.
Finally ready, we leave the small outbuilding to join the main house and the other family members.
“Good morning, everyone!” I announce cheerfully.
Their responses unite in a symphony, while Corentin simply nods as a simple greeting. They try to appear natural, but their surprise is palpable, their amazement perceptible as we make our entrance into the dining room. My gaze sweeps the place, and I suppress a grimace upon noticing missing plates, missing cutlery for us. Tension is evident in Corentin”s body, and I am certain he has noticed the same thing.
It”s clear they weren”t expecting to see us. Yet, the newlyweds had extended their invitation only yesterday. They seemed caught off guard, as if our arrival was not anticipated.
Jackie stood up abruptly, her evident discomfort showing.
“We didn”t know if— We thought that— I”ll go get some dishes.”
“I”ll help,” I offer softly.
Corentin grabs my hand, his pleading eyes demanding my presence by his side. I give him a reassuring smile. Approaching him, I rise on my tiptoes to whisper in his ear.
“I won”t be long, I promise.”
Although he didn”t seem inclined to let me go, he eventually nodded. In the kitchen with Jackie, I take advantage of this brief moment to rekindle my energy. I had faced the whole family in the past, but today, the stakes seem different.
The first time, Corentin and I had fled quickly, and yesterday, I was in work mode, not fully present for everything happening around me. Now, with the wedding behind us, everything looks different. I wasn”t only the wedding planner, but?—
But what, actually?
I suppose I am Corentin”s friend, yet this weekend had clearly demonstrated our relationship has evolved. But in which direction exactly? What are we now?
My thoughts are interrupted as Jackie suddenly addresses me. A wave of warmth rises to my cheeks as I remember the night I shared with Corentin. It was incredible, almost magical, but I certainly couldn”t confess it to her.
“Yes, it was great. And you?”
She was about to answer when voices are heard from the dining room. An argument has erupted between Corentin and his father, and instantly, I regret not being by his side. Without a word to Jackie, I place the plates and quickly return to my friend. Naisha, in a corner, seems uncomfortable, keeping a distance from the Thomas family. Clara, usually so cheerful, is frozen in her chair, not daring to intervene. As for Corentin, he sits upright, facing his father, looking defeated but with eyes burning with anger.
“I what to know what”s wrong with you. Why do you persist in discussing art with me? Such a precarious and poorly paid job. A painter, you, a Thomas? Unheard of.”
Edward, eyes fixed on his newspaper, barely glances at his son as he delivers this derogatory remark.
“I”m doing fine on my end,” Corentin replies. “Wanting to explore horizons beyond law doesn”t mean something is wrong with me.”
“There must be a problem, otherwise why would you disappoint everyone? I gave you the chance to make a respectable man out of you, and what have you done? You chose a commoner”s job. Do you not realize how much you shame our family?” he says irritably, lowering his newspaper to stare at his son with disdain. “You only think about yourself, not your mother?”
At first glance, one might think Corentin is angry, given his clenched fists, tense jaw, and slightly trembling body. It was true, he was angry, but more importantly, he was deeply hurt.
His father, the paternal figure who should have been a role model, treated him as if he were nothing more than a failure. A source of disappointment, a mistake, like me. Hearing Edward”s words, I wonder how my friend had endured all of this. I had been devastated when my father had rejected me, but at least, he was no longer in my life. Corentin has had to continue facing this reality all day long.
How could he endure the contempt of someone so close and rise above it? Was it even possible? A pain squeezes my heart, realizing this argument is a tiny fragment of what Corentin had to face daily here. Jackie joined us, also expressing her discomfort, and tried to show courage.
“Edward, leave him alone. If you can”t be respectful, then be silent.”
“I need to understand why you persist in this path. It”s time to end these whims and be more involved in this family. If you”re not ready to face reality, then leave; the door is open.”
“I gladly take this option,” he replies, rising with difficulty.
Quickly, I place my hand on his shoulder to make him sit again. The situation seems clear to me, if Corentin leaves now, he might not return to his family ever again. I cannot allow that. It is unfair to everyone. In a burst of anger, my hand slams brutally on the table, and I am surprised by the courage I discover within me. All eyes converge on me, and Edward can’t hide his disdain as he watches me from head to toe. No matter how much he might despise me, no one, and I repeat, no one, touches my Corentin!
With a calm but resolute voice, I turn to Edward. “With all due respect, sir, there is absolutely no way I will let you degrade my friend. Especially not in front of me.”
A bitter chuckle escapes from his lips.
“Listen, young lady,” he condescends, “you must learn to know your place. I”m discussing things with my son; you don”t have to?—”
“I am not one of your employees; you can”t treat me like I am nobody!” I interrupt in a chilling voice. “I”m warning you, refrain from speaking to Corentin in this way again. You spew venom, and yet, you don”t even know your own son.”
A dark look is thrown at me, but I feel my retort had destabilized him. Of course, no one had ever dared to question this man”s words, but I care little about his status. I cannot not tolerate him treating his own son like this, inflicting so much pain with impunity.
“You think you know everything, there”s a big difference. You understand absolutely nothing. You know nothing about the man in front of you, Mr. Lawyer. It would take being crazy, stupid, or blind not to see how extraordinary he is. Corentin is an exceptional person doing remarkable work. You don”t like he chooses a different path than the one you planned? It”s time to accept this reality.”
Edward boils with anger, but I could feel he hesitated to respond, destabilized by my words. I cared little about his usual unquestioned status. I simply could not let his treatment of his own son pass, his total lack of understanding.
“Your son gave up his passion to please you. He did everything for you, and all you do is belittle him, tell him he”s a disappointment and disappoints his mother. I don”t know this woman, but I doubt she would have been against Corentin if he had chosen his own path. Your son is incredible, and it”s such a shame you can”t see it.”
A sigh escapes me, and I shake my head, bewildered by this man”s foolishness.
“You”re his father. You should have supported him, accompanied him, been proud of what he loves to do, and above all, proud of the man he is becoming. I am, and I will consistently be.”
“I only want what”s best for him.”
It is hard not to choke on my own saliva in the face of the audacity of his words.
“Do you think your method works? Do you ever question your approach? Believe me, it”s not the right one. You are more likely to lose your son forever.”
“It”s already done. He doesn”t see anyone anymore.”
“He especially doesn”t want to see you anymore. He gets updates from Jackie and spends time with his sister. Don”t you understand? You are the only person he seeks to avoid at all costs. The reason he distanced himself and doesn”t feel at home here. Can you even imagine what he feels? The pain you inflict on him when you open your mouth? You seriously need to reassess yourself, sir, because despite your success as a lawyer, you are far from being the father of the year.”
I take a breath, feeling my anger slowly calm down as I unleash all these words on this man I don’t appreciate much. But I still have one last point to address.
“You mocked me earlier, about my relationship with your son. Allow me to tell you, the bond we share is significantly stronger than the blood bond tying you. If you persist in this behavior, undermining and humiliating him, I won”t permit you to approach him again. You”ll need to go through me to see him, and when it concerns Corentin, I can be quite ruthless. Consider yourself warned.”
His gaze turns away, noticeably less proud, as I continue to drive the point home.
“If Corentin decides not to be a lawyer anymore, you”ll have to resign yourself and move on. Your outdated traditions, we don”t care about them. Be happy for your children; nothing else matters.”
My phone rings, abruptly breaking my diatribe. Despite my trembling limbs, I quickly grab it. I can’t believe I found the courage to stand up to Corentin”s father, but he deserved it. I glance quickly at the rest of the family, who all stare silently at me, open-mouthed, as I gradually regain my composure.
“I”m sorry, but I have to answer this,” I inform them, suddenly uncomfortable under all this attention.
I approach Corentin, kiss his cheek, then walk away. I answered at the last ring as I finally reached the front door, relieved to leave this oppressive atmosphere.
“Hi Florence! So, how did you find this first experience? Are you satisfied with how the wedding went?” élise asked me, her melodious voice delighting me as much as it made me uneasy.
For the first time, I had done rather well. I had gone through a whole range of emotions, but overall, I would say I had lived a waking dream. This opportunity has been the best thing ever to happen to me. I am grateful to Corentin because without him, I would still be stuck in my office, playing lackey for Cécile, or I would probably have resigned. In any case, it wouldn”t have been as glorious.
“It was amazing! Despite the unexpected with Eugene, the misunderstanding with Jolie, and Edward”s stubborn personality,” I thought.
“So I guess officially becoming a wedding planner interests you?” élise asked.
I am speechless. My heart is racing, unable to believe élise is posing the question. After months of doubt, I was about to live the life I had dreamed of.
“Florence, are you there?” she asks, with a hint of concern in her voice.
“Yes, sorry.” I stammer reflexively, still in shock.
“So? What do you think of my proposal? Do you accept?”
“I—Yes! Of course, I accept!”
“Great, because I have a file to entrust to you. Lucas Paquet and Rose Martini specifically requested you prepare their wedding. You seem to be on a roll right now; I”m proud of you. We”ll meet on Monday to finalize your new contract?”
“Yes, that”s perfect. See you on Monday and thank you for everything.” I sigh, moved.
When I hang up, an explosion of joy overwhelms me. Finally, my life is taking the direction I had always wished for. I reflect on the journey and struggle to believe it. I would have to call Manille, Charlotte, and my mother to share this news with them. They were going to be so happy.
I turn around, almost bouncing in the exuberance of the moment, but my momentum is abruptly halted by a throat clearing. Face to face with Corentin, the only thought crossing my mind is to throw myself into his arms to thank him for what he had done for me. But I restrain myself.
Suddenly, my smile fades as anxiety resurfaces. Okay, I had defended him earlier, but maybe I misunderstood his desires. He might be upset with me for constantly meddling in his affairs and for addressing his father so harshly.
With a certain wariness, I ask the burning question on my lips.
“Are you okay? Are you angry with me for what happened with your father?”
I fear his response when, without a word, he approaches and kisses me in a way surpassing anything before. It is magical, indescribable, and incredibly passionate, beyond what words can describe. My heart somersaults at the sensation of his lips on mine, then his tongue entwining with mine. I cling to him as a swarm of butterflies flutter in my stomach. He withdraws slightly to end our embrace, but I immediately pull him into a new, sensual dance, eliciting a smile felt against my mouth. When we separate, his eyes sparkle with happiness.
“I”m not mad at you, Florence.”
A sigh of relief escapes me, and I snuggle against him for a comforting hug.
“I was afraid you”d be mad at me for getting involved in your affairs.”
“Why should I be mad at you for coming to my rescue? You expressed everything I wanted to say for a long time but hesitated to. You impressed me. I didn”t know you possessed such inner strength. Thank you.”
“It came out, but I don”t regret it. I won”t let anyone talk to you like that. No one touches my Corentin,” I declare, gently caressing his cheek.
In response, he places a kiss on the tip of my nose, then descends to my lips.
“I hope things will improve with my father someday,” he murmurs, looking sad.
“I hope so too, but if he continues behaving like a fool despite everything, understand you don”t have to distance yourself from people who love you for him. He”s not worth it. If he can”t see your true value, ignore him, and too bad for him.”
“You”re right. I”m not going to continue putting up with this. I won”t let him disrespect me or have power over me anymore.”
He kisses my forehead and tenderly brushes my hair before looking at me again.
“By the way,” he begins, raising an eyebrow, “you seemed pretty excited about something earlier.”
My smile widens to a point where I am sure it will eventually hurt.
“You”re looking at the newest wedding planner of Amour Passionnel right now!” I exclaim without preamble. “On Monday, I”m signing my contract, and as a bonus, I already have a new client!”
“Congratulations, Florence! I”m proud of you; you truly deserve it.”
“It”s thanks to you mostly, so it”s my turn to thank you.”
He cups my face in his hands and gives me a reproachful but gentle look.
“It”s not thanks to me. Okay, I put in my two cents, but you did it all by yourself. I didn”t ask Clara and Naisha to pretend to like your proposals or to hire you, I simply offered you a chance. Your work was impeccable from start to finish, and that”s why you are where you are today. Don”t downplay your success; your determination brought you here, nothing else.”
“Thank you,” I whisper with emotion.
I am about to add something, but the sound of heels clicking on the floor cuts me off, quickly approaching us. Corentin detaches himself from me as Jackie and Clara appear at the door. The eldest of the family hurries toward me, embraces me, and whispers in my ear.
“You were incredible, Florence. I still can”t believe you stood up to him. I”m so glad Corentin has someone like you in his life.”
I hug her back, touched, and amused by her words. Corentin asks her to let me go, announcing it is time for us to leave. We need to get ready to catch the train, and in the end, we wouldn”t have time to have lunch with them.
“What a killjoy!” Clara exclaims.
She laughs and then takes her brother”s arm, offering to help with our suitcases, which are in Corentin”s room. I suspect she”s looking for an excuse to have a one-on-one conversation with her little brother, but I say nothing, smiling affectionately. It”s so rewarding to see them getting closer.
Alone with Jackie, her eyes meet mine, shimmering with unspoken feelings. As she reaches out to me, her lips tremble with emotion, and a soft smile tugs at the corners of her mouth before she pulls me into a gentle hug.
“Thank you, Florence. Thank you for everything you do, for your presence in this family. It”s what we needed, especially for Corentin and Edward.”
She leaves on those words, not giving me time to respond or to assimilate her words. Corentin is in the company of his sister, who bursts into laughter when Jackie joins them with a light step. He exchanges a few words with her as his sister returns to the house, waving at me, which I return. When Corentin comes back to me, his smile dazzles me. So sincere, radiant, and perfect.
“Shall we go?” he proposes, extending his open hand.
I simply nod. The time had come for us to return to Paris, and strangely, I don’t look forward to it. Here, in this bubble we have created, nothing else matters but us, and we have fully enjoyed it. However, once back in the reality of the city, everything would resume where we left off. This special connection we have forged might fade away, as if it had vanished, and I wasn”t ready for such a possibility. With his hand in mine, his eyes fixed on mine, something stirs within me. My heart races under his sweet smile as I finally realize what has settled in me. I am in love with my friend.
I love Corentin Thomas.