Chapter 63

I woke slowly, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. The warmth beside me was familiar now, comforting in a way I hadn’t known I needed.

Monique was still asleep, her breathing slow and even, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. She looked utterly serene, her dark curls spilling over the pillow, her lips slightly parted. I took a moment just to watch her, memorizing the way she looked in the quiet of the morning, before my mind drifted to what I had yet to tell her.

The plan was in place. She wouldn’t have to leave for three months—her work experience would be here, with me, with us. I imagined the look on her face when I told her. Joy? Shock? Perhaps even tears.

I thought about how to tell her. Over dinner? No, too formal. Perhaps somewhere more special.

A weekend away.

Paris? A classic choice, always beautiful, always romantic. We could stroll along the Seine, have dinner at a quiet bistro, maybe even see a show.

Or the Mediterranean coast—Nice, perhaps? A room overlooking the sea, warm sand between our toes, an excuse to see Monique in a bikini.

I smirked to myself. Either way, it had to be special. I’d book something later today.

Before I could think any further, Monique stirred beside me, stretching with a soft sigh before blinking her eyes open.

She smiled sleepily. “You’re watching me again.”

I chuckled. “Can you blame me?”

She gave a contented hum before tossing the covers off in one quick motion, her bare body stretching like a cat in the morning sun.

I groaned, already feeling the stirrings of arousal.

She smirked, running her fingers over her stomach before trailing them lower, her body responding to the touch with a teasing gasp. She let her legs shift slightly apart, offering a glimpse of pink, her arousal obvious.

Then, just as I was about to reach for her, she laughed and bolted out of bed.

“Need to pee!” she called over her shoulder, disappearing into the ensuite.

I groaned again, falling back against the pillows. This was my life now. Teasing, temptation, and a woman who knew exactly how to keep me on edge.

And I wasn’t the least bit upset about it.

After Monique returned, we washed up together, her hands lingering here and there, but neither of us taking things further.

“We have all day,” she whispered as she helped me with my shirt.

“Tease,” I muttered, making her laugh.