Over a long, delicious dinner, Dominic and Marianne confined their conversations to generalities. The young king found it all the more difficult to not flirt with her. Up until then, he admired her gorgeous, natural looks and her writing style. Now, her gift, and the fact that they were somewhat alike, had charmed him more than he could have ever expected.

Luckily for him, she did not bring up anything that had transpired between them or her verse. Instead, Marianne chose to discuss the hardships of life as a reporter and the problems she had with her more seasoned colleagues. They all seemed to think less of her and all that she could do was endure their crude comments and the chattering behind her back. She had confronted one of them, on her second week at work, but he was too amused by her annoyance to provide an answer. Just a few days later, her friend Kate solved the mystery as she overheard two of them on her way in: her colleagues thought of her as a failed author. Of course, Dominic was tempted to ask her again about her book; yet, he would do no such thing. Sharing her –obviously painful— story with him was her decision. He would not pressure her.

Strangely enough, Marianne did not ask him any further questions about himself. She seemed to be enjoying his stories about his numerous, failed romances. Dominic impersonated each and every one of his aspiring lovers, making her laugh more and more. Their end was quite predictable, but she did not lose her interest. On the contrary, as time went by, Marianne requested to hear more. Nevertheless, as much as he liked entertaining her, he wanted to know more about her. So, Dominic asked her about her loved ones. The bond that Marianne shared with her friend Kate amazed him. The two of them had been friends since kindergarten and had hardly argued over the years. They were very different. He burst out laughing quite a few times, as she mentioned dozens of her silly comments. Marianne appreciated her friend for supporting her on practically every important decision she had made so far, although sometimes her naivety could drive Kate crazy.

Regardless of her relationship with her friend, more than two hours after their arrival, hope lit up within him. Their long, friendly discussion did not feel at all like an interview. Instead, it felt more and more like a date. Dominic could sense that Marianne was stealing glances at him every once in a while and he did that as well.

You said you wanted me to stay away, but your eyes can’t tell a lie, my dear Marianne. I’m going to wait until we’re back in my castle. I can’t help but wonder… What is it you really want me to do?”

Just when they were about to leave, a crackling stream of lightning sizzled and flashed. A boom of thunder rattled the windows, making the wooden floor vibrate. Dominic and Marianne glanced at each other. He made a dash to the door, as she followed him. He crossed the few yards that separated him from his car in seconds, as the rain poured down on him. He pressed the “ignition” button under the steering wheel, as she closed the passenger door. Before they could leave however, he sensed her smooth palm on his cheek. Dominic had no time to react. Marianne cupped his face, her fingers grazing his beard, as she leaned over him. She reached out her other hand and drove it into his hair, angling her lips. He closed his eyes, snaking his arm around her back, as she claimed his mouth. Losing himself in her gentle, passionate kiss, Dominic held her close, as she ran her fingers through his hair. Unable to believe his luck, he relished in the moment, sliding his hand up her side. He stroked her shoulder, as Marianne’s caresses made his entire body tingle. Her scent flowed through him, as her soft sighs filled his ears. Letting go of her shoulder, he slid his hand across it and up her neck, as she gripped his hair. Marianne released his lips and kissed him on the cheek, before leaning back.

“This has been the craziest day of my life,” she confessed, a broad smile on her face as she slowly opened her eyes. “I’ve traveled to France: a handsome man kissed me in the rain; drew my portrait; offered to make me feel better; and bought me a delicious dinner.”

“You said that…”

“Forget what I said,” Marianne interrupted, with her voice husky as she put her fingers over his mouth. “Please, take me back to your castle. I’d love to see that forest again.”

“Okay.” Dominic nodded, as his heart leapt with joy. She ran her hand down his face and put her head on his broad chest, as he drove off. He had no idea why she had changed her mind, but he would not dare ask. Eager to be alone with her, he smiled to himself, getting lost in his thoughts…

I knew it. I knew you wanted more than just to interview me, Marianne. I can’t wait for this. God, I wish we were closer. Those four miles feel a little too much. Nah, stop complaining, Dominic. You got your wish. Who cares if it’s four, five or fifty miles for God’s sake? You’ll get to spend the night with her. That’s what matters.