Office Play: Freaky Geek Series (11 page)

Chapter Twelve

She and Adam arrived at the airport early. Jeanette was hungry so she and Renee stopped to have breakfast first and they chatted about her trip. Adam had Erick drive him, and said he would wait for her at the Starbucks at the Great Hall.

“Good morning,” she said, as she approached him. She noticed a large cup of coffee in his one hand and the morning paper in the other.

“Good morning to you too.”

He turned and looked her up and down, as if she was a stack of pancakes.

She took a seat next to him, feeling a bit uneasy. “You look like a corporate mover and shaker. Why so dressed up?”

He was wearing dark blue dress pants, a crisp white shirt with the first two buttons unbuttoned, and a dark gray jacket. It was all topped off with a camel coat. It was still chilly for L.A. even for February. He was stunningly handsome. His hair hung gracefully to his shoulders.

Even in the tailored clothes and the airport setting, he was still that wild man she met three weeks ago. Wow, was it only three weeks?

“It’s not like you’re wearing pajamas, lady.”

“I’m always impeccable,” she said, with a snicker and mockingly patted her hair into place.

“I think we compliment each other beautifully. Anyway, we’re going first-class remember? The one thing I hate, is seeing people in first class and they look like they’re going to a ball game.”

“I see your point.”

“Jeanette!”

“Did someone just call you?” Adam scanned over the coffee shop.

“I didn’t hear anything.”

“Jeanette!”

She heard it this time. It sounded like Renee.

“That’s your cousin isn’t it?” Adam looked around again.

“Yes” She looked out over the crowd of the shop and spotted Renee coming down the escalator. “There she is. Renee over here!” She waved her hands grabbing her attention.

Renee trotted to them while they were leaving going to the gate.  Without saying a word, she took Jeanette by the arm and hustled her out of the shop. “You’ll need these. I packed them when you were busy, I forgot to give them to you.”

Jeanette cocked her head and took the makeup case that Renee held out to her. “But I have all the makeup I need besides….wait a minute.” Jeanette opened the bag, and staring her in the face were her pills.

“Just in case,” Renee said, with a cheesy grin.

“In case what? If you think that Adam and I are going to be fooling around, you got another think coming.” Jeanette was bouncing the bag up and down in her hand. Secretly she wanted to thank Renee, but she remained cool.

The reality of the situation was catching up with her. She was going off to the most romantic city in the world, with the most romantic looking man on the planet. And she’s had more than a sample of his lovemaking skills.

“Air France 125 now boarding.”

A shiver snaked through her body. This was it. There was no turning back. She couldn’t call Sam and have her send someone else. This was her job and this was the man she had to work with.

Why couldn’t he be a true computer geek?

“Looks like they’re calling us,” Adam said, as he came up on her. “You ladies have to do your gossiping when we land.”

“Gossiping? You watch it young man.” Renee winked at the both of them. “Safe travels.”

“Thanks,” she and Adam both said waving at her as she left.

“Let’s go,” Jeanette said, heading towards the gate.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I made reservations at this new restaurant. I hear it has the best lobster bisque and the goose liver pate is to die for,” Adam said.

He placed his hand on the small of her back. It felt so warm, safe, comforting—right.

“Lobster bisque. That’s my favorite. I haven’t had it in…I don’t know, at least a couple of years. You know it’s hard to make, and it’s even harder to find someone that can do it right.”

“I’m glad you approve. As soon as we land in Paris, we have enough time to shower and change. Don’t want that jetlag to set in.” Adam smiled. They got in line to board.

Jeanette was reading an article in a magazine she bought, on cats and their many personalities, when she felt eyes on her. She looked up from her magazine and it seemed as if the entire line was facing her and Adam. Did they stand out as a couple?

She waved and smiled nervously. She looked up at Adam who looked just as bewildered.

After a few moments, they were in their seats having Champagne and escargot. Nice.

“I know this is first class, but this is out of the ordinary, even for this airline. But, hey I ain’t complaining.” Jeanette giggled.

“I know. I special ordered our food. They told me what was on the menu and I didn’t particularly care for it. I hope it’s something you like.

“Are you kidding, it’s my favorite.” Jeanette sipped more Champagne and put three escargots on her platter. “The only thing that can top this is some Belgium chocolate mousse.”

“Glad you mentioned that.” Adam snapped his fingers. “Monsieur.” Adam looked up as an attendant came over. “Could you bring dessert?”

“Oui.”

Jeanette watched the lanky fight attendant leave. A few minutes later he returned with two silver plates with a crystal dome over each one. Inside was the most decadent looking dessert. “Oooh.”

“Bon appetite.” Adam raised his glass to hers and she did likewise.

***

Adam sent Renee a special prayer. He was so thankful that she gave him the 411 on Jeanette. So far everything was going great.

“Could you hand me another éclair?” Jeanette asked, pointing to the tray next to him. They were five hours into their flight and they had been stuffing themselves with French delights ever since their butts hit the seats.

“Here you go. That grilled sirloin steak with béarnaise sauce was delicious wasn’t it?”

“Loved it. Loved it. You’re batting a hundred with your food choices.”

“Oh?”

“I love French cuisine.’ She leaned closer to him. “Can I tell you a secret?”

Adam was in the clouds. He didn’t think the plane could take him any higher. Jeanette was warming up to him, at least she didn’t seem mad at him anymore. He wondered if it was the Champagne, they had two bottles.

“What’s the secret? He leaned in too and their heads were touching.

“I wanted to be a French chief.”

He sat up straight in his seat. This woman fascinated him. He began to regret that they didn’t get to know each other first before they did the wild thing on her table. He would have known so much more about her and he probably would have been in a better position with her romantically. “Really?”

“I flopped as a chief, but I did pretty good as a taster.” She laughed.

“So, I take it you’re a connoisseur of French cuisine.”

“Got that right. I am not ashamed to say that I have eaten at least once at all the French restaurants in the First and Tenth Arrondissement of Paris. How ‘bout you. You seem to like French food too.”

“I do, but it’s too rich for my blood—literally. Gotta watch my cholesterol.”

“Or dear, you poor thing. You have high cholesterol?”

She placed a sympathetic hand on her shoulder. It felt nice. It was where it should be. This is the kind of conversations they should be having. She has relaxed and open around him, even a bit playful. Now she was a concerned friend.

Too bad she was tipsy.

“No, it’s nothing like that. But that butter and cream can catch up to you before you know, especially in men.”

“Well, you should throw caution the wind. Treat yourself. Just do a lot of Tae Bo later.”

Her giggle was cute and sexy. It warmed him. He could almost over look the fact she was a bit tipsy and take advantage of the situation. But he’s done enough of that already. This was patch things up time, and he only had one chance. He didn’t want to screw it up.

“I might take you up on that.” He patted her thigh and reached for another éclair.

“Attention please, we are now over the Atlantic Ocean, if you look out your…”

“Oh, I love the view of the ocean from thirty thousand feet.” Jeanette got up and went to the window. “Oh! Look at this.”

Adam joined her. “Beautiful.” The sun was setting and the reflection it made on the ocean waters was spectacular and…romantic. He looked at Jeanette who was caught up in Mother Nature’s best show.

“It is isn’t?”

“I bet all the couples on this plan are taking adva—.”

“What is it?”

“I just noticed something. We’re the only ones in First-class. How did you manage that?”

Adam looked around them. “Hey, you’re right. Just a coincidence. But that’s not surprising. The prices they charge for carry-on, food, and breathing and in this economy, it isn’t practical.”

“So we’re not practical folk?”

“I guess not.” He smiled. He looked back out the window. “This has to be the most wondrous sight on earth.”

“That it is.”

“What were you saying about couples?”

“Oh, I was saying I bet the couples on the plane are taking advantage of the scenery. How could you not?”

“You’re right how could you?”

Adam took a chance, and put his arm around her shoulder. He caught the startled look in her eyes, but then it faded and turned to desire. He pulled her close and kissed her gently. It wasn’t a deep soulful kiss, but it was one that held promise.

After a few moments they broke apart. He looked into her eyes, and wondered what the rational part of her was thinking.

He would know soon enough. They where to arrive at Charles De Gaul in another three hours.

They went to the baggage claim, and Adam got his bags. He saw Jeanette standing there looking around and waving to various people as they greeted her.  They must have known she was a visitor.

“Where’s you bag?”

“I just brought my carry-on.”

“You what? I have to say, you have made the perception of women over packing a myth.”

She chuckled. “It’s not that. Whenever I go overseas, I take what I need. I buy the rest and ship it back to the states.”

“Very efficient.”

“I think so. Plus it saves on frustration. I don’t have to worry about my luggage being in Papua New Guinea, while I’m in London and paying for extra.”

He laughed. “I definitely see your point.” Adam took his bags and they made their way to the rental car area. Their company vehicle was waiting for them.

“You said we have just enough time to shower and change,” Jeanette said, stretching her arms and yawning. “Sorry.”

“Try to stay awake, “Adam laughed and tried to hold back a yawn himself. “It seems like we just ate. I should have made reservations for a show instead.”

“It’s been at least four hours since we ate. Besides, shows aren’t as tasty.”

They both laughed.

Once they reached the hotel, they checked in and went straight to their room.
Their room
. That had a nice ring to it. Now if Jeanette would say
our bed
, his life would be complete.

The doorman opened the door to their suite and both he and Jeanette just stood there looking at each other.

“Thanks,” Adam gave the man a tip, not really looking at him, but still looking into the suite.

Jeanette made the first move. She walked in and put her purse down on a table that looked like it cost more that this entire trip.

“I must say you have great taste.” Jeanette said, as she walked further in the suite. “This is absolutely…I don’t think there are words for this.”

“First class all the way. Look, they even have blackout drapes.” Adam pointed. “You can come back to this after working.”

Jeanette laughed. “You got me there. It’s a shame we have to leave so quickly.”

“We’ll be back.” He chuckled. “But I know what you mean.”

“Oh, let’s look at the bath.” She ran looking for it, like a child hunting Easter eggs. “Found it. Oh my God! Two private baths, soaking tub, separate shower. You should come and see this.”

“Plenty of time for that. Checking out the 32-inch flat screen.”

“Oh pooh, that will be there.”

He laughed. “So will the bath.” He joined her and was knocked off his feet. “This is luxury overload. We won’t be able to sleep anyway. There so many things to discover in here.”

“Let me take a shower first, then we can go about the rest of the evening,” Jeanette said, pulling off her coat. “I’ll hurry.” Then all off a sudden she froze. Adam ran to her.

“What? What?”

“Look out our balcony windows!”

There were two sets of French doors to the balcony and they each went out on one. And there staring them straight in the face, was the Eiffel Tower.

“Okay, I can’t stay mad at you for this,” Jeanette said.”