Kellan
It was our last night in Paris. It has been amazing, and I wish we could stay longer, but it isn’t possible. We need to get back to reality. I hate the idea of going back to our busy lives. It means I won’t have as much to spend with her. I need to find a better balance. I did have it before London, but then everything changed. Work became a priority. I refuse to let myself be that guy again because Elsie deserves better.
“Why won’t you tell me where we are going?” Elsie asks as we get ready.

I chuckle and shake my head. It is probably the tenth time she has asked me that question.
“I am not telling you. It is a surprise!”
I have booked us a table at Le Jules Verne, the restaurant in the Eiffel tower. I made the reservation the day after she said she would come to Paris with me. She has no idea. I wanted it to be a surprise. I have a car coming to pick us up. There will be champagne in the car for us. We were going to drive around Paris for an hour before heading for dinner. I knew she was going to love it.
I was going to do something else while there but changed my mind because it was too soon. Elsie would think I was crazy if I asked her to marry me after our short time together. I nearly bought the ring and everything. I will do it one day, but somewhere down the line.
“Fine!” she complains and sticks her tongue out at me.
I laugh loudly and don’t say anything.

I change into my dinner suit. I’m wearing it with a white shirt, black shoes and a blue tie to match Elsie’s dress she will wear tonight. We went shopping in Paris this morning. It was a fun experience.
“Should I wear my hair curly or straight?” she asks.
“Curly. I love when you curl your hair. But it is your choice, angel.”
“Do I have time to curl it?”

“Yes, we don’t need to leave for another hour.” I smile.
Elsie smiles back and nods. I pour a scotch for myself and head out to sit on the balcony as she gets ready. She won’t take long; she never does, but curling her hair will take a little longer than usual.
I rest back on the seat and smile as I admire the view. It is stunning. I may need to look into buying an apartment here. I take a sip from my class and feel at peace. I am happy, not stressed and just feel good.
I get lost in my thoughts, lost in the view. I don’t know long for, but Elsie calling my name pulls me out of them. I jump to my feet and stroll inside.
The second my eyes land on Elsie, I swallow hard. My heart starts racing in my chest, and my palms begin to sweat. I forget how to breathe for a moment. She looks absolutely stunning. The blue, mid-length strapless dress she picked out seemed made for her. It hugged her curves perfectly.
“How do I look?”
“You look beautiful. Perfect.” I reply brightly as I let my eyes run over her once more.
Elsie grins and makes her way to me.
“Aww, thank you, my love.” She says and kisses me softly.
“You will be the most beautiful woman in the place.” I compliment.
Elsie blushes and slaps my chest playfully, “No, I won’t be.”
I pull her flush against me and take her face in my hand.
“Yes, you will!” I state firmly and press a rough kiss to her lips.
She whimpers and slips her arms around my neck. I hesitantly part before we get carried away.
“Now I need to fix my lipstick. You should also wipe your lips because my red lipstick is on you.” She giggles.
I find something to clean my lips while Elsie tops up her lipstick. I pour us a small glass of wine each because the car won’t be here for at least another fifteen minutes.
“Come on, sweetheart, join me on the balcony for a drink.”
Elsie nods, and we head back outside to the balcony to have our drinks. I went to sit, but Elsie went to lean on the railing.
I stroll over and stand next to her. “Why aren’t you sitting?”
“I don’t want to crinkle or dirty my dress.”
“That makes sense.”
I rest my free hand on the small of her back. Elsie lays her head on my shoulder.
Elsie sighs suddenly, “I can’t believe it is our last night here. I wish we could stay longer.”
I plant a soft kiss on the top of her head.
“I know. I wish we could, too, my love.”
“Shouldn’t we book a cab to wherever you are taking me?”
“I already booked a car. It will be here soon.” I smile and peck her lips.
“I wish you would tell me where we are going,” she pouts.
“No! It is a surprise. The entire idea of a surprise is the person doesn’t know. You will find out soon enough.”
Elsie rolls her eyes at me and takes a sip of her wine. I chuckle and do the same.
“I still can’t get over how beautiful it is here. We really need to come back one day.” She smiles as she admires the city lights.
“Yes. I am considering maybe buying an apart here or somewhere close by. That way, we could visit any time we wanted.”
“Really? That would be amazing!” she gushes.
“Great, it is something we can look into when we arrive home.”
“Yes! I will help if I can, money-wise.” She replies.
“No, you will not do such a thing! I will buy it for us.”
I make sure to be stern because I don’t want to pay anything. I have more than enough money. Elsie has enough to survive on and a little to spare. I would never ask her for anything and risk leaving her short.
Elsie went to protest, but before she could, my cell rang. I quickly answer it, and it is the receptionist to let us know our car is here.
“Time to leave, gorgeous.” I beam.
We finish off our wine and make sure we have everything. I really hope she loves tonight, but I think she will. It will be something amazing for us to experience together.
I meant it when I told her I wanted to show her the world, and Paris is only the start of it.