Lea's POV
Lisa dropped me at the most exquisite restro-bar in Paris, partially owned by my host, Phillippe, attached to their 7 star hotel in the same compound.
The air was rich with the scent of gourmet dishes. Philippe certainly knew how to impress.I looked around the table at the faces of the influential men Philippe had gathered. Julien, Nicholas and a few more whose names I couldn't recall. Strangely and awkwardly,I was the only woman.
" We meet again, beautiful lady!What a coincidence." Julien extended his hand after I finished greeting Philippe.
" Yes, right after yesterday! " I chuckled at his comic attempt. We settled down, Julien taking the spot to my right while Nicholas sat on the left before Philippe could come any near. After a formal round of introduction and some light boasting about our companies and endeavors the food was served and we were about to dig in.
"So, Lea," Julien leaned in, "how do you juggle all your ventures and still look this stunning? There's got to be some secret."
" Look who is talking. Didn't you see yourself in the mirror before you came here? I should be the one asking for your secret, Mr.Handsome." I didn't know I had it in me but I was quite impressed how I was able to return his compliment. He smiled and looked at the others.
" We hear you were able to revive your parent's company within the span of a couple of years? It was a dead company. This is quite remarkable. Any particular strategy? " Asked the one seated right across.
I smiled, sipping my wine. "Oh, just a bit of magic and a great team."Nicholas laughed, leaning closer. "Magic, huh? Maybe you can sprinkle some of that my way. I could use a bit of your charm in my life."
I arched my brow, before brushing it off with a smile, feeling the heat of their attention. "I'm sure you've got plenty of charm, Nicholas. " I extended my hands because I needed more wine. Julien reached for the bottle of wine just as I did, and our hands brushed. He grinned, not pulling away immediately.
"Oops," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Looks like we have the same taste in wine."I shrugged, feeling the electric jolt from his touch.It wasn't just a casual brush by mistake."Great minds think alike, I suppose." I tried to respond as casually as I could.
Julien poured the wine, for me before passing me my glass. His finger lingered on mine as he handed me the glass, momentarily. "To great minds and even greater company." He leaned in closer. "You know, Lea," he said, his voice dropping to a seductive murmur, "I think you're the real highlight of this evening. Not even Philippe's famous wine can compare."
I felt a warm blush rise to my cheeks as his knee brushed against mine under the table.
"You're too kind." I murmured. He smirked, his gaze never leaving mine. "Kindness has nothing to do with it. I'm just being honest." He gently placed his hand on the small of my back as he leaned closer to whisper in my ear. "Don't let Nicholas fool you, Lea. He's just trying to win you over with his charm. But I believe actions speak louder than words."
I couldn't believe he was touching me subtly and I was letting him. I knew his touches were nothing platonic. "Oh, is that so? And what actions are you planning, Julien?"Julien winked. "Maybe I'll surprise you later." I couldn't believe myself. What was I playing at? This wasn't work. Neither was this affection or attraction. It was like a bet. A bet that I wanted to win so badly.
Philippe interrupted with a laugh, handing me a plate. "Lea, you must try this. It's one of the chef's finest creations especially made for tonight. And don't let these two steal all your attention. There's plenty of evening left." I took the plate, smiling at Philippe's intervention. "Thank you, Philippe. I'm sure it's delicious."
Nicholas took the opportunity to lightly graze his fingers over mine as he passed me a fork. "Let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your thoughts." Julien shot him a look. "Easy there, Nicholas. Don't overwhelm her with your culinary critiques."
I laughed.Their easy camaraderie was actually making me feel relaxed and entertained. "I'll be the judge of that."
As I tasted the dish, Julien leaned in again, his hand resting casually on my shoulder. "So, Lea, tell us. What other hidden talents do you have besides running a business and captivating a room?"
"But if I told you, they wouldn't be secrets anymore."I replied.Nicholas chuckled, his hand still lingering near mine. " Looks like you got your answer! " He teased Julien.
" Oh, if you all didn't know already, I am also a mother. I have a three year old son, back at home. " I don't know why I felt the urge to drag Kai into this conversation. Was I trying to discourage these men? I couldn't even understand how my brain was functioning at that moment.
"Now I'm intrigued." Julien pulled his chair closer. It was the exact opposite reaction I was hoping for
Before I could respond, I sensed a shift in the room. My body stiffened as I looked up, and there he was...Jake. He had just entered from the other side of the hotel, and the moment our eyes met, the world seemed to stop. Jake froze, I froze, time stopped.
Julien noticed my reaction and followed my gaze. "Lea, is everything alright?"
I tried to force a smile, trying to regain my composure.But nothing happened."Yes, just someone I didn't expect to see." I murmured
Nicholas's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Jake, then back at me. "A friend of yours?"
I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Yes... a very old friend. "
Jake started to walk towards our table, and my heart stopped in my chest. The men around me seemed to fade away as Jake and I locked eyes. He stopped a few feet from the table, his gaze never leaving mine.
"Lea," the moment my name left his tongue, the world evaporated and it was just the two of us.