The Brightest Star in Paris by Diana Biller

Author:Diana Biller [Biller, Diana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group
Published: 2021-10-11T13:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Stumbling into her darkened apartment, Amelie closed her front door and leaned against it. Benedict had walked her home, speaking only of light, friendly things. They’d fallen back into their pattern of tentative, cautious friendship easily enough.

But she’d kissed him.

She hadn’t kissed a man since the Siege. And so many of those hadn’t been— Well, it had been a very long time since she’d kissed someone for romance, or passion, or even just fun.

Her muscles were loose yet jittery, her lips tender and sensitive. Embarrassment crept in. He’d been talking about something serious, and she loved him. She loved him so much she’d wanted to kiss him. And something about the night sky and the cool air and the warmth of him next to her had made it possible.

Twelve years ago, they’d kissed for the first time, by the river on a hot summer night. She’d kissed him first then, too. He’d been shy and adorable, and she’d had to go up on her toes to reach him. He’d been surprised, and then—like tonight—he’d wrapped his arms around her and … well.

That kiss—that night—had been so full of hope and joy. She hadn’t known then it would be the last time.

Now, twelve years later, she’d kissed him again. The pain had been there even before her lips had touched his—that she’d expected. But it had been twined around heat, and even more dangerous, happiness.

He kissed you back, a smug little voice whispered. He loves you.

It had been so long since someone had seen her. Had wanted her.

She shouldn’t have done that, Amelie told herself, even as a flush of desire suffused her. It wasn’t fair to him. And … it had been so long since she’d had a friend that she could be honest with. Even if she only had him for a month, she didn’t want to ruin that. It was too precious.

Slowly, she unbuttoned her coat and hung it by the door. Then she padded down the hall to check on Honorine. She leaned in the doorway and watched her sister’s breathing. They were fine, just like this.

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