Lost in You (#Book 2)

Chapter 1

This is a dream come true! Here I am again in the most beautiful city in the world, the most romantic, the city of love… Paris. It's the third time we come to the French capital. I love everything about this city. The food, the architecture, the cafes, the love that's in the air and most of all… being here with Austin!

We went all out the first time around. Which seems reasonable for a man of his stature… he even proposed. And though everything didn't go as planned after, I am obviously very attached to this place.

I've been walking for a few minutes, clinging to his arm. Feeling his body next to mine makes me shudder with happiness. Sometimes, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Once again this beautiful city has me under its spell. But this time it's even more intense. We're closer, more intimate. Austin has never been this tender and loving with me before. Does he have something in mind?

The cobbled streets were absolutely gorgeous even though I didn't choose the right shoes to walk in. These luxury pumps he gave me as a gift are perfect, it's just that they aren't off roaders. I would have preferred a ring, it's much easier to wear.

Austin hugs me closer and whispers in my ear. "So, do you still love Paris?" That sweet smile always makes me feel good. Austin knows me by heart, there's no point in telling him the opposite of what I think. "I love this place. I'm completely charmed."

"Completely charmed by Paris, or by me?"

I nudge him in the shoulder and give him a mischievous smile. Look at me flirting like a teenage girl. "Well, anyway, I can see why they call Paris the city of love."

"You'll understand even better when we get back to the hotel." And here you go, Austin opens his mouth and I literally melt. This man knows what I want and I'm willing to give him everything. Now the right time to squeeze him even harder and take a deep breath.

I've never been this happy in my life. I'm living a magical moment, with the man I love. I'm secretly hoping that he brought me back here to propose again. Hey a girl can dream right?

After a private visit to the Louvre, Austin really wanted to show me Montmartre again. "Here we are!" Austin stops walking. I would follow this man anywhere in the world!

He seems so happy and fulfilled that I even forget about my blisters. The place is wonderful, just like every place he's ever showed me. The Sacré-Coeur stands before me. Just seeing it's done takes my breath away. The building is so elegant.

"This church is even more impressive than what I remembered." I commented, mesmerized.

"Yeah, well, it's actually more of a Basilica." He gives me a charming smile as he comes closer. "But I didn't bring you here to give you a history of architecture class."

"Oh really? And there I was thinking you were my personal guide… How disappointing."

"As you guide, I'd rather take you on the path to intimate pleasure, than to this church." He grabs me by the waist, to install his point, kissing me passionately. I kiss him back and let go in his arms. Is it possible to do anything other than that?

I close my eyes for what seems like hours… and when I open them again, we're seated at a table. It's nothing less than the best gourmet in the most beautiful city in the world.

The view is beautiful. It offers an impressive panorama of the Eiffel tower and all the neighbourhoods of the city of love. I groan with pleasure when I take a bite in one of the Michelin starred chef's gorgeous creations. I watch Austin or of the corner of my eye.

What if he proposed again? We were here the first time, sitting at the same table. Austin never leaves anything to chance. He controls his manners, his words, his actions and is never wrong. But how is he going to do it this time?

The waiter brings us another bottle of vintage champagne. I look at the bottom of my glass. Will I find a ring? There's nothing at the bottom of my glass. I sit up, a little disappointed as a waiter meticulously pucha the crumbs of the table. I'm a little embarrassed, there's a lot in front of me, but the make remains imperturbable.

It's disturbing, I feel like I know this wait, but I can't see his face. He looks away everytime I look at him. I look at Austin. Obviously, there are no crumbs in front of him. I'm so convinced that something is going to happen that I have to refrain myself from hopping up and down with excitement.

Alright Rachel, the ring didn't come with the champagne. Maybe with desert? The waiter brings a delicious chocolate fondant that I easy nearly in one bite. I'm overexcited, and when I get like this, I could eat just about anything.

Suddenly Austin drops his napkin… is it now… Omg! He bends over and kneels to the floor. I think I'm going to scream. He picks up his napkin and puts it back on his lap. 

What? Who picks up his napkin like that? Austin's mischievous smile gives me the feeling that he knows what I'm thinking and is enjoying this situation. My spoon grates on my chocolate covered plate.

We sit there, facing each other, silently for what feels like an eternity. I love these silent moments, where no one is embarrassed, I feel in harmony with Austin. There's no need to talk, to understand each other. Eyes are enough.

Maybe he has no intention to propose again? After all, I was mean enough to give him back his ring. Austin seems to be waiting for something and keeps looking at the Eiffel Tower.

I watch my handsome partner, devoured by curiosity. I can see him smiling, seeing me surprised. His eyes filled to the Eiffel Tower, Austin whispers in a husky voice, "Five, four, three, two, one…"

And then the huge metal tower lights up, dazzling with thousands of golden lights. It's so beautiful that it takes my breath away. He's smiling, happy that his plan worked. I can't find the words to say what I feel. But it doesn't matter, because Austin kisses me and when he stares into my eyes, he whispers "I love you."

Oh my god, that smile, that voice! I can see a wave of embarrassment briefly, s**t through his eyes. I don't get the chance to say anything, Austin presses his index on my mouth. "Can you close your eyes for a second?"

I do as he asks without any questions. I can hear Austin move around me. What is he up to again? Austin seems to be getting up from the table. He puts his hand on my shoulder and makes me turn around. "Okay. You can open your eyes Rachel."

And when I do, I see a message on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower… "Rachel, will you be my wife?"

OH!

Austin privatized the most romantic monument in the world, for his marriage proposal! And to think I wanted to buy him cufflinks for his birthday. I'm going to have to think of something else.

I turn around towards Austin, and find him kneeling, with a gorgeous sparkling ring in his hand. And what a ring! I continue to enjoy this magical moment.

"YES!"

Austin takes the jewel out of its velvet case. I hold my breath. Time seems suspended, and I stare into my man's intense eyes. I feverishly give him my left hand.

But suddenly the ring slides from his hands and falls on the table. I can't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Austin laughs along with me.

The waiter that was cleaning our table earlier is now clearing the dishes. I still can't see his face. Suddenly I was anxious. "WHERE'S THE RING?"

I stand up angrily and rush off to catch the waiter that's leaving. He turns around and I finally see his face… but it was Austin. I'm going crazy, it can't be.

I turn back to look at the man who just asked me to marry him. Austin isn't the one kneeling next to the table. It's Jake!