Love in Paris Read online

  Love in Paris

  The Art Models Club – Book 4

  by

  Amanda Meadows

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

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  Copyright © 2014 Amanda Meadows

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under reserved copyright, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by an means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the express written permission of the publisher.

  Cover image © CURAphotography – Fotolia.com

  Published by Amanda Meadows Romance

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

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  About the Author

  Chapter 1

  Amber Holloway felt as though she was in a dream. The past couple of days had gone by in a blur as her boyfriend, Hunter Webb, scrambled to help her secure a passport and a ticket to Paris. He claimed that it was no big deal, but she wondered just how much it had cost and how much his family connections had helped. She still couldn't believe that she was sitting in a private service car being shuttled to the airport. This was her first real taste of what life was like for the wealthy.

  Prior to this, Amber's only experience with flying was a lone school trip to the state capital. She remembered sitting on the floor in the airport terminal with a group of rowdy teens after their flight got delayed for more than five hours. She had slept on top of her duffel bag, wedged between several other classmates. She had gotten to the airport by bus.

  Hunter reached over and put a hand on her knee.

  “Is everything okay, baby?”

  Amber smiled. “I was just remembering my last trip to the airport. It wasn't quite this fancy.”

  “No beverages? No snacks?” Hunter took a sip of his soda.

  “Well, I was offered a fried chicken leg by the woman sitting beside me. But the ambiance was a bit different.”

  She sniffed the air. “I mean, where is the smell of fuel?”

  “Train? Subway? Bus?” Hunter quizzed, raising his eyebrows. “What was this delightful mode of transport?”

  Amber laughed. “Our city's finest local bus, complete with the crankiest driver known on the planet.”

  Hunter sighed and nuzzled her shoulder with his chin.

  “Ah, and here I am disappointing you with our car service. I'm afraid that Edward is most annoyingly calm and courteous. And it appears as though the interior has been cleaned recently.”

  Hunter paused, lifted his chin, and shook his head dismally. “I'm afraid that there isn't a trace of bus fuel to amuse you.”

  Amber giggled as she stared into Hunter's beautiful green eyes. Reaching up, she pushed a lock of dark hair from his forehead. She would never get tired of those eyes.

  “I think you need a hair cut,” she murmured, enjoying the closeness and solitude that the car provided.

  “Hmm . . . You're probably right. I was going to get one this week but . . .” Hunter broke off, looking anxious.

  Amber reached up and stroked his cheek. “It's okay to mention that I had a bad couple of days."

  Hunter kissed her lightly on the forehead.

  “You know how I feel about that,” he said, but his tone was soft and casual.

  Amber knew that Hunter still blamed himself for the incident on New Year's Eve even though there was absolutely nothing that he could have done to prevent it. In fact, it was only due to his overly protective, control freak nature that she was sitting here safe and sound now.

  “It's amazing how wound up people can get over a simple little kidnapping,” she said lightly, watching Hunter's face carefully.

  Hunter's eyes widened and he scowled at her.

  “You know how I feel about you joking about it,” he said angrily.

  Amber tightened beside him.

  “And you know how I feel about not joking about it,” she said, her tone equally sore.

  “If I'm going to put this behind me, I need to feel in control.”

  Hunter held up his hand, suddenly looking apologetic.

  “I'm sorry, Amber. This is still so hard for me.” He smiled ruefully.

  “I am trying,” he said softly. “I know it might not appear like it on the surface but . . .”

  Amber put a finger on his lips.

  “It's okay. I get it. I know how you are. But we have to be willing to talk about everything. Both the good and the bad if we want to make this relationship . . .”

  She broke off, horrified that she had used the “r” word.

  To her surprise, Hunter smiled. “So you agree that we have a relationship to work on?”

  “Well, yes,” she said, blushing.

  “Even though I'm a control freak?”

  Amber laughed. “Yes. Even though you are an absolute, certified, raging control freak.”

  “Well, I do pride myself on doing things well. So I obviously want to be the best control freak out there,” Hunter said with a smirk.

  Amber groaned. “So now who's using jokes to avoid the issue at hand?”

  Hunter laughed.

  “Hey, I learn from the best!”

  “You know we're going to have to talk about these issues at some point,” Amber warned.

  “Okay! I get it. But not today. Today is all about taking my girl to one of the most romantic cities on the planet.”

  Hunter pouted and traced a finger along her chin.

  “Can't you just give me a little break from analyzing my messed up tendencies?”

  “Hmm . . . Let me think about that,” Amber said, smiling mischievously.

  “I might be persuaded to forget about certain things with a kiss or two.”

  “That sounds like a bargain price,” Hunter murmured, moving closer and bringing his lips to her ear.

  Amber shivered as his warm breath hit her neck.

  “How about I start the first one here?” Hunter gently grazed Amber's earlobe with his lips.

  “Um . . . Okay. That's a good start.”

  Hunter moved and kissed her cheek. “And that one?”

  “Keep going,” Amber said, smiling.

  Hunter kissed the tip of her nose. “How about that one?”

  “I'll give you another try,” Amber said, staring into Hunter's eyes.

  Finally, Hunter nipped her bottom lip gently before capturing it between his own lips and kissing her deeply.

  Amber kept her eyes open, swimming in the green, stormy sea of Hunter's eyes. When he finally pulled away, she had to catch her breath.

  “And?”

  “That was acceptable,” Amber conceded, grinning slyly.

  “That takes care of the first kiss, but I think I was promised another.”

  Hunter chuckled. “Oh, is that right? Greedy, are we? Well, I am happy to oblige. Just not at the moment.”

  He pointed to the front of the car.

  “I think that Edward would be mortified if he pulled up to the airport and we were having sex in the backseat.”

  Amber sat back and narrowed her eyes at Hunter.

  “Oh? So you think that you can persuade me to have sex
with you at will?”

  Hunter lifted her chin until she was staring directly into those beautiful green eyes. He smiled.

  “Oh, I'm counting on it, gorgeous!”

  “Is that a fact?” Amber said, feeling herself getting riled up. She knew he was doing this on purpose, but she couldn't help herself.

  “Would you like to place another bet, baby?” Hunter smirked.

  “Didn't go too well for you last time. But some people can't help but gamble. Even when the odds are stacked against them.”

  Amber narrowed her eyes. He wasn't going to win this time!

  “I'll take you up on that bet,” she said, folding her arms across her chest. At least this time she knew that he was going to try to seduce her.

  “Excellent!” Hunter grinned. “And how shall we make this bet interesting?”

  Amber thought hard. Money was obviously out of the question. But she knew that wasn't the appeal for Hunter anyway. He just wanted to know that he could win.

  “How about this? If I win, I get to boss you around for two days.”

  Hunter raised an eyebrow. “What exactly does that mean?”

  Amber smiled slyly. “It means exactly what I say. Once we get to Paris, the clock starts ticking. If I can resist your charms for twenty-four hours, I win. You must obey my every command for two full days.”

  Hunter started to laugh. “Baby, I might lose on purpose. That sounds kind of fun.”

  “Go ahead and laugh,” Amber said, “but it includes opening up about any subject I want to discuss.”

  That sobered Hunter up. “That is major,” he said, frowning.

  Then he brightened. “But I'm not planning to lose.”

  “Keep it up,” Amber said, scowling. “You're just going to make this all the easier for me.”

  “Oh, I plan to keep certain parts up,” Hunter said, laughing so hard he started to snort.

  “That's part of my strategy.”

  Amber started to punch his arms.

  “Ow! Ow! I'm sorry!” Hunter said, trying to twist away from her.

  “No, you're not!” Amber said, watching him try to hide a smile. She punched him again.

  Finally Hunter raised his hands in mock terror.

  “Okay, stop injuring me! You should hear my terms for the bet before you beat me to death.”

  Amber pulled back her fist.

  “So what do you want if you win? Not that it matters. I'll be winning this bet hands down.”

  Hunter leaned back and considered her thoughtfully, those gorgeous green eyes glittering.

  Damn! She was going to have to avoid looking him straight in the eyes like this. Right now, his eyes looked like sparkling jewels. She reached down and rubbed her bracelet, almost without thinking.

  “I like the thought of playing games,” Hunter finally said, with a slow, wicked smile.

  He licked his lips as though tasting something delicious.

  “I'm going to steal your idea. So if I win, I get to boss you around for two days.” He leaned in close so that she could feel his breath on her cheek.

  “Two days of complete submission. No sarcasm. No talking back.” Bending, he nipped her neck playfully.

  Amber gasped, his touch making her tingle. This was not going to be easy! But she would be damned if he was going to make her back down.

  “Fine,” she said, making her voice as firm and cold as she could.

  Hunter sank back with a happy sigh. He laced his hands together and put them behind his head.

  “This is going to be interesting. Honestly, even if I lose, I feel like I'm going to have a good time.”

  “Oh, we'll see about that,” Amber said. “Make me angry and you'll be cleaning the toilet.”

  Hunter's lips trembled as though he was trying to hold back a laugh.

  “And will I be wearing anything special while cleaning the toilet?” he asked, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

  He unbuttoned several buttons on his shirt.

  “Is it just me or is it getting warm in here?”

  Amber groaned in frustration. Maybe this wasn't her best idea ever.

  Chapter 2

  In spite of her exhaustion, Hunter insisted that Amber stay awake once they arrived in Paris.

  “The jet lag will simply be worse if you give in and take a nap,” he warned her.

  “I can't help it,” she muttered, yawning sleepily as they waited to exit the plane. She had slept only fitfully during the flight, overwhelmed by the excitement of traveling and knowing that she was going to be living in France.

  Fortunately, her adrenaline kicked in once they exited the custom's line and began walking toward the baggage area. She was finally here! Okay, so she was in the airport now. But still. Amber bounced on her heels as they waited for their luggage to materialize. Her eyes widened as she saw a uniformed man holding up a sign with Hunter's last name printed in large, bold letters.

  “Is that you?” she asked, nudging Hunter.

  “Ah! Great! Right on time!” Hunter waved the man over.

  “Mr. Webb?” The uniformed man bowed slightly.

  “Yes, thank you,” Hunter replied.

  “Will there be additional luggage, sir?”

  “Four suitcases. Plus these two bags,” Hunter said, his tone courteous but not overly friendly.

  “Very good, sir. I'll get a luggage cart.”

  The uniformed man nodded respectfully and walked away.

  Amber stared at his retreating figure.

  “Are you okay?” Hunter asked. “Something wrong?”

  “Who is that guy?”

  Hunter laughed. “Just a driver from a car service. No big deal.”

  “Isn't that a bit luxurious?” Amber murmured.

  Hunter grew pensive.

  “You know, I honestly never thought about it before,” he admitted. “But my parents' company has always had a car service for guests.”

  He smiled and leaned down to kiss her forehead.

  “I know it isn't as sexy as a bus filled with exhaust. But I'll try to make it up to you.”

  Amber giggled. “You do that!”

  She allowed Hunter to smooth away her discomfort. She should be happy that Hunter had this kind of money to splurge. So why did it feel so weird to her?

  She had a flash of her mom sitting in the trailer in her faded robe and slippers, drinking from a can of cheap beer. Amber shivered. Was she ever going to escape her past? Was she really worth this type of attention?

  “Hey, are you cold? Here, take this.”

  Hunter pulled off his sweater and slipped it over her head.

  The sweater was really too warm, but Amber smiled and squeezed Hunter's hand appreciatively.

  Minutes later, the driver returned and stood silently a few feet away. Amber's first impulse was to start chatting with him. Would that be inappropriate? Was there some sort of secret rule book for how to act with people you paid to perform a service for you?

  Finally, the luggage arrived and Hunter and the driver placed everything on the luggage rack. Hunter held her hand firmly as they navigated through the bustling airport and out into the street where the car was parked.

  The air was frigid outside, but Amber was only outside a moment before the door was opened for her. She slid inside the relatively warm car, grateful that they didn't have to stand around waiting for public transport.

  Hunter noticed her shivering and put his arms around her.

  “Sorry, baby. I should have kept your coat out for you.”

  “That's okay,” Amber said, snuggling against him. “I prefer you to any old coat.”

  “Good to know,” Hunter said. “But I'll have the driver turn up the heat.”

  Tapping on the shield between the front and back, Hunter got the driver's attention. He spoke quickly in French. The driver nodded and smiled at Amber. In only a little while, the car was noticeably warmer.

  She reached back to stroke Hunter's face and touched his warm skin. Turning a
round, she saw that he had once again unbuttoned his shirt.

  “Um . . . What are you doing?”

  “What? I just got a little warm. Can't a guy get a little air on his chest?” Hunter blinked innocently.

  Amber turned back around, vowing to ignore him. But then she noticed that he was a little firmer in the lap area. Just thinking about him getting turned on was having an effect on her. She shifted to move away from him.

  Hunter shifted with her so that they were still touching. The rascal! They weren't even at the hotel yet, and he was trying to get her to lose the bet.

  “What time do we meet your parents?” she asked, trying to distract herself.

  She turned to face him and saw his shirt was pulled open. She had to look away quickly. Apparently, he was going to play dirty.

  Hunter immediately looked at his watch.

  Amber smiled smugly. Ha! She just had to remember to use his control freak nature against him. Of course he was going to be focused on keeping on schedule now that she had raised the issue.

  “We have reservations at the hotel restaurant at one o'clock,” Hunter said, his brow furrowing.

  “So we should still have time to check in and freshen up before lunch.”

  “How dressy is this restaurant?” Amber stared down at herself in alarm.

  “Don't worry, baby. I packed your new dress with my suits.”

  “Oh, thanks,” Amber mumbled.

  What was she getting herself into? She had one nice dress to impress two extremely wealthy parents. Her stomach felt queasy.

  “Don't worry, gorgeous,” Hunter murmured, pulling her close for a hug.

  “They've got my good taste. They'll love you!”

  The driver interrupted with a question in French. Then he caught himself and began to speak in English. But Hunter smiled and replied back in French. Amber had been trying to teach herself key phrases the last few days, but she couldn't keep up with the rapid speech.

  Great, she thought with a sinking feeling. Another reminder of how out of place I am here.

  But when the car pulled up to a beautiful hotel, her mouth dropped open. She hadn't expected a dinky hotel. However, this place exuded opulence. A porter rushed to open the door and greeted her with a warm smile.