Chapter 4

Once at my office, I buried myself in work, trying to push thoughts of her from my mind. But it wasn’t easy. The day dragged despite my full schedule. We were finalizing a major project and preparing to submit it for client approval.

My company specializes in architectural engineering, offering a full spectrum of services—from initial concepts to architectural drawings to construction oversight. I had built it from the ground up, and it was well-regarded both in France and overseas. I’d moved away from Paris twenty years ago, and most of the staff at that time was happy to follow me to the small town close to Lyon where I’d been born. Paris was a fast two-hour trip by high-speed train with multiple trips every day. I was done with the hustle of the big city, and now, thanks to the internet, fast data transfer and video calls, it made little difference where the office was located. Monique wasn’t aware, but I had been considering offering her a position once she graduated. I had friends at M.I.T. that were very impressed with her. The thought of her working alongside me, her sharp mind and a keen eye for design shaping our projects now tempered by recent events.

I worked through lunch, poring over last-minute details before calling in my team leads. Once the final package was sent to the client, I leaned back, exhaling. It was only 3 p.m., but I had done enough for the day.

I let Chantel, my assistant, know I was heading home and stepped outside. As I unlocked my car, my eyes drifted toward the café just in time to see Monique stepping out.

She spotted me instantly and waved, her smile bright and mischievous.

“Hi, John,” she called, approaching. “Are you heading home?”

I nodded. “I am. Would you like a lift?”

Her grin widened. “That would be lovely.”

We settled into the car, buckling our seatbelts. As I started the engine, I turned to her. “I was surprised to see you this morning.”

She laughed, the sound light and musical. “I needed a summer job and Papa’s good friends with the owner.” She shot me a sidelong glance, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Of course, the real perk is that it’s close to your office ... and I get to tease you.”

I had no response to that, so I simply pulled out of the lot. But after a moment, I exhaled and asked, “Why, Monique?”

She hesitated, then dropped her hands to her lap, her confidence dimming just slightly. “Well, for one thing, you’re handsome,” she admitted softly. “And I thought a little harmless teasing wouldn’t hurt. You’ve been alone for so long ... I hoped you might appreciate my show.”

I gripped the steering wheel tighter. “Monique, you’re a beautiful woman. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy looking at you. But it makes me feel like a dirty old man.”

She reached out, her fingers brushing my arm in reassurance. “John, you were never sneaking around. I saw you that first night. I was the one who started this.” Her voice dropped to a sultry whisper. “I wanted you to watch. And I liked knowing you were.”

My pulse quickened.

“Oh, Monique,” I muttered before I could stop myself. “You are one of the most desirable women I have ever met.”

Heat flooded my face at the confession, but Monique only squeezed my arm gently. “Don’t be embarrassed, John,” she murmured. “And for the record, you’re pretty easy on the eyes yourself ... for an old guy.” She winked.

I chuckled, shaking my head as I pulled into our neighbourhood.

When I parked in my driveway, Monique leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. “Thank you for the ride, John.” Her lips lingered a fraction longer than necessary before she pulled away. “I don’t work again until Sunday. Maybe you’ll stop by and say hello?” She opened the car door but glanced back, her eyes twinkling. “I’ll be practicing my dancing later ... if you’re interested in watching.”

With that, she stepped out and sauntered toward her parents’ house, her hips swaying just enough to leave me burning.

I barely had time to collect myself before Monique’s mother, Yvette, called out a cheerful, “Thank you for bringing Monique home!”

I waved awkwardly, feeling like a man caught in something illicit, then hurried inside.