Chapter 64

Breakfast was simple—freshly baked bread, eggs, and coffee strong enough to wake the dead. We sat at the table, chatting about what we should do with the day, when my phone rang.

Monique, ever quick, snatched it up before I could reach it.

“Bonjour! John Moreau’s office, this is his highly underpaid but extremely attractive assistant speaking,” she answered with a smirk.

I chuckled as she listened, then laughed at whatever Chantel said before handing the phone to me.

“She says she’d consider hiring me,” Monique said, grinning. “But only if I stop sleeping with my boss.”

I took the phone, shaking my head. “Morning, Chantel.”

“John,” she greeted smoothly, the amusement still in her voice. “I have a meeting for you. There’s a company in Geneva that’s interested in hiring us, but they want to meet with you in person before making a decision.”

“Geneva?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “When?”

“Monday. Ten a.m. at their office.”

I nodded. “That’s doable.”

Chantel laughed. “I already told them you’d be there. You know, since I’m running your company while you lounge around your house.”

I chuckled. “You really are indispensable.”

She sighed dramatically. “Finally, some recognition.”

“Thank you for handling this,” I said sincerely.

“Always,” she replied. “Oh, and I’ve already booked train tickets for you both, as well as a hotel in Geneva from Saturday through Tuesday.”

I frowned slightly. “Both of us?”

There was a beat of silence before I heard her smirk through the phone.

“I thought you might have something to ask her?”

I exhaled, shaking my head. “I should’ve known.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, clearly pleased with herself.

I laughed. “I owe you a drink when I’m back.”

“You owe me more than that, but I’ll take it,” she quipped before ending the call.

Monique leaned forward, curiosity in her eyes. “What was that about?”

I set the phone down and met her gaze. “I have to go to Geneva for a meeting on Monday.”

She tilted her head. “For work?”

I nodded. “A company wants to meet me before signing the contract. Chantel’s already made the arrangements—train tickets, hotel, the works.”

Monique sipped her coffee. “Sounds like a good opportunity.”

I smirked. “It is. But there’s one thing.”

She raised an eyebrow. “What?”

I leaned forward. “I need a PA.”

She blinked. “What?”

I grinned. “I want you to come with me. Act as my assistant for the meeting.”

Her eyes widened. “Me?”

I nodded. “I trust you. You’re smart, organized, and capable. I have no doubt you’d be perfect for the role.”

She stared at me for a long moment before a slow smile spread across her face. “You’re serious.”

“Completely.”

She bit her lip, clearly excited. “I’ve never been to Geneva before.”

“Then it’s settled.”

She let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “You really think I can do this?”

I reached across the table, taking her hand in mine. “Monique, I’m confident in your abilities to do anything you set your mind to.”

Her fingers tightened around mine, her smile turning softer. “Then I guess I better find something professional to wear.”

I chuckled. “No lace bodysuits under the blazer.”

She pouted playfully. “No promises.”

I laughed, squeezing her hand. Geneva would be the perfect opportunity.

By the end of the weekend, I’d tell her everything.

And by Monday, she would know she wasn’t going back to Boston.