I’ve got to be losing my fucking mind. I don’t know what came over me when I asked Olivia to join me for the next two weeks. I just knew I didn’t want things to end so soon with her. If I could have two more weeks then fuck it, I was going to take it. We both know how this is going to end, so if she’s okay with extending it then who am I to question things? That might make me a selfish bastard, but I don’t care.
We’ve been all over Vence since finishing our cocktails. Strolling through the markets and seeing some of the biggest tourist sights like the Tower of Saint-Lambert and the Cathedral of the Nativity of Saint Mary. Watching Olivia’s eyes wide with amazement has been an experience I’ll never forget. It’s not often that the women who accompany me are actually in awe of things. I tend to surround myself with women who want for nothing. Spoiled, entitled, bitchy women. Anything and everything they have access to. It’s so hard to please a woman who has everything, and it’s interesting to find Olivia is not one of them.
It occurs to me that I know nothing about her. We chose it that way, but typically I can ascertain a few details regardless of how badly I’m trying not to. The only thing I can gather about her is that she’s not from a wealthy family. Well, that’s not entirely true, but her family isn’t my type of wealth. The Lancaster type of money.
“How long have you been a model?” I blurt out.
Olivia turns to me, looking weary. “I’m not modeling anymore,” she says curtly and starts moving away from me.
I pull her back, unwilling to let her get off that easily. I didn’t become the CEO of Lancaster Hotels by giving in. “What happened to that?”
“Do we really want to ruin the day by talking about this? I thought we had agreed to keep things anonymous. Simple questions only. Remember?” Her tone is clipped.
“We did.” I nod. “I just want to know you a little better. Is that so bad?”
She chews her lip. “Let’s just say I no longer have the look that the photographer was going for and my agent then fired me.”
I scrunch my brow, not getting her meaning. “What? Why?”
She sighs. “Apparently everyone thinks I’m overweight.”
My jaw slacks in disbelief. “Are you fucking kidding me?” I say angrily. “You are anything but overweight, Olivia.” I spin her around toward me. “I think you need to speak to an attorney because that has to be illegal.”
“It’s just not worth it. It’s his word against mine.”
I pull her in close. “We may not know much about each other, Olivia, but I’ll tell you this right now,” I pause to collect my temper “you’re one of the most captivating women I’ve ever met, and don’t let anyone tell you differently. If you love modeling, pursue it. He may not see what he has in front of him, but someone else will.”
She smiles. “Thank you. I needed to hear that. But in all honesty, I didn’t love modeling. It was an opportunity that came at the right time.” She steps away, lowering her head and picking at her nails. “While I was in college, a lot of stuff went down at home, and I really didn’t want to go back there.” She shrugs. “When the modeling contract came up, it was the perfect excuse to get as far away from home as possible. Plus, the money was great.” She looks at me finally. “I took it and ran. I don’t regret it, but I don’t want to go back. I need to find something else to do.”
“Can I help?” I offer without even thinking. I can’t give her a job with Lancaster, but I can call in some favors. It’s the least I could do.
“No. I’ll be okay, but thanks.” She takes my hand in her own and squeezes. We walk hand in hand down the street, taking in the sights and letting the tense conversation of moments ago slip away.
We walk for a while longer just enjoying the scenery. My view is fucking fantastic as I take her in. She’s wearing a tight little dress that’s about mid-thigh and shows off her tan skin, which looks edible. Her hair is pulled up so you can see her neck, and instantly I want to be anywhere but here. The need to have her alone is intense, but I promised her a date.
“Are you hungry?” I ask.
She gives me a sidelong glance, and I watch as her cheek tips up into a knowing grin. “Depends on what you’re asking.” She chuckles. “Food can wait, though. I have a feeling you’re wanting something else.”
I flash a sinister smirk. “I didn’t say anything.”
“You didn’t have to. It’s written all over your face.”
“Is that so?” I quirk my brow.
“You’re a man after all.”
“I’ll show you a man,” I growl, picking her up and throwing her over my shoulder in the middle of a crowded street in France.
She squeals. “Put me down, Spencer,” she commands, embarrassed, but I don’t care who’s watching. Right now it’s just me and Olivia. Everyone and everything melts away. I sound like a fucking girl, but I mean it. This is the most fun I’ve had with a woman . . . ever.
“Okay,” I concede. Sliding her down my chest, I stop her so we’re nose to nose. “Kiss me,” I demand and she doesn’t hesitate. The mint on her breath does something to my already low self-control, and I swear to God, I fucking growl.
“If it’s any consolation, I want it just as bad as you,” she whispers for my ears only.
I grunt. “Doubtful.”
She giggles, sliding the rest of the way down.
This woman will be the death of me.