quickly scanned the menu on the table. Dinner was pre-selected and was to be four courses, starting with scallops, then lobster with pumpkin and chestnuts in a seafood emulsion, followed by veal with butternut-squash gnocchi and roasted vegetables. Dessert would be chocolate mousse with a raspberry sauce.
“This looks wonderful.”
“I hear it is. The menu was designed by one of the most well-known chefs in Paris and the wine has been selected by one of the world’s premier sommeliers. This should be a thoroughly enjoyable meal for me. For you, it will be pure torture because you would rather be alone in your hotel room watching television.”
“I’ll try to make the best of it.” Megan rolled her eyes, pretending to be bored.
“You’re such a good sport.” Luc refilled her champagne glass for her.
“I see you’ve decided not to sleep with me.” Megan said, picking up her glass.
“What makes you think that?” Luc looked confused.
“You said you wouldn’t want me unless I was sober and yet here you are, trying to get me tipsy.”
“Oh no, I will give you only enough to help you shed your inhibitions, but no more. I have every intention of sleeping with you.”
“Well then, Monsieur Chevalier, by the time I’m done with you, you will have much more experience being disappointed.”
Luc gave a little smirk. “You know, I’m torn between admiring your resolve and finding it amusing. Either way, you are one of the sexiest women I’ve ever met.”
Megan felt her face betray her. It was impossible to play it cool when her cheeks kept turning red like this. She was rescued by the server bringing the scallops.
“ Bon appétit ,” he said as he put the plates down and left the room.
Megan put her napkin on her lap and picked up her fork. She was feeling a bit tipsy already, having not eaten enough during the day. She took her first bite of the appetizer. “Mmm, my God! That’s good.”
Luc raised his eyebrows. “If that’s your response to a scallop, I can’t wait to see how you’ll react to what I have planned for later.” He grinned as he took his first bite.
As the meal progressed, a warm feeling came over Megan. She felt completely blissful watching the sights of Paris go by as the boat moved down the river. She was indulging in the most delicious cuisine she had ever tasted. It was turning out to be the most romantic meal she had ever had, from the setting to the view to the ambience to the man across from her. Luc seemed to always know what to say. He was always in control not only of himself but of the conversation as well. Her earlier feelings of panic had dissolved into desire. She wanted to be here with Luc in this moment and there was nothing she wanted more than to sleep with him.
Luc pointed out various sites along the way and told Megan about them as they ate. He liked how interested she seemed in learning about his city. She asked a lot of questions and listened carefully to his answers. He could see there was a real depth to her personality. She was full of appreciation and seemed to take nothing for granted. As the evening wore on, Luc’s desire for Megan grew into an intense heat, one he had never experienced before. He watched her as she ate and dabbed delicately at her mouth with her napkin. He wanted to feel those lips on his body, he wanted to feel his tongue exploring that perfect mouth. He wanted to feel those long legs of hers wrapped around his waist. It took every bit of self-restraint for him not to sweep everything from the table and take her right there.
When the meal was finished, the server cleared their plates and left. Otis Redding’s “These Arms of Mine” started playing. Megan smiled over at Luc. “I’ve always loved this song.”
Luc stood and held out his hand. “If you love it, it would be a shame to let the moment pass by. Come and dance with me.”
Megan stood and took his hand. Luc pulled her near, wrapping one hand behind her back and