Chapter 67

By the time we finished shopping, it was well past lunchtime. We found a quiet café tucked away on a side street, the kind of place that felt charming and intimate.

Monique ordered a smoked salmon tartine, while I opted for a classic Croque Monsieur. As we ate, she nudged my foot under the table.

“This was a good day,” she said, sipping her lemonade.

I nodded. “It was.”

She tilted her head. “But I get the feeling your mind is working on something else.”

I smirked. “You always know, don’t you?”

She grinned. “Of course. But I’ll let you keep your secrets—for now.”

I chuckled. “How generous of you.”

After finishing our meal, we took the train back, the weight of our shopping bags a satisfying reminder of our successful trip.

As the train rocked gently, Monique leaned in and whispered, “You’ve been very good today, John.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

She smirked. “That means tonight will be ... eventful.”

I groaned playfully. “How am I supposed to survive the next few hours knowing that?”

She kissed my cheek. “Patience, mon amour.”

By the time we arrived home, the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting golden hues over the house and garden. Monique carried her shopping bags inside with a satisfied grin, clearly thrilled with her new wardrobe.

I followed behind, setting my own bags down near the couch and rolling my shoulders. “I think we did well today.”

She smirked. “I think I did well today. You just stood there looking handsome and paid for everything.”

I chuckled. “That’s an important job.”

She laughed, dropping her bags before stretching her arms over her head, her shirt lifting just enough to give me a glimpse of her toned stomach. “You must be tired, mon amour,” she purred, stepping toward me.

I narrowed my eyes. “Should I be worried?”

She tilted her head playfully. “Oh, absolutely.”

Before I could react, she pressed a soft kiss to my lips and then pulled away, sauntering toward the bedroom. “I need to try on a few more things,” she called over her shoulder. “Feel free to join me in a few minutes.”

I exhaled slowly, running a hand through my hair. I was doomed.