When Strangers Wish

dark. But she knew where she was because of the softness of the bedding

nd the person at the door

ized Antoi

truggled to get her arms into the sleeves. Finally, she rushed out of the r

ff about Antoine. Maybe it was her sleepy state, but

are you coming from?" Juliet a

I'm alright. I'm fine." He hugged her a little too tightly, making her uncomfortable

ued, trying to take cont

red, not convinced by his

lly shut and l

Her eyes examined him as if he were a child who came

r lips. Then he wrapped his right arm around her waist.

as not right. But he kept waving it aside, so she de

Juliette softly on her arm. She had taken off her robe and was

times, caressing her body

ight. Let's ge

is hands on her body. He fondled her t

ceful, and Antoine got the message.

ulder and her arm across his waist. "

and holding her comfortingly. He gazed into the darkne

======

thought she was reading his thoughts to discern what was weighing on hi

m. She then placed her right hand on his right arm and propped hers

g, darling." His throat felt dry. Forcing a smile

her a fe

pulled her closer. Her

hed him. "So, where were you coming from early th

said somewhat too quickly. "I

ed. "And everythin

uickly realizing himself, he looked up, sa

d. But Antoine stopped her and pulled her ba

ng her neck sensually, he responded.,

k her head, saying, "I have a busy day, Antoine. But first, it

Each had a thick slice of toasted bread. They were top

his heavy mug of coffee with sugar and cream and then grabbe

pale brown patch around the inner wall of the china. She wondered why the st

she examined her t

today?" she asked him

ste did little to soften his dry throat. "Um... R

clearing his throat. He had to act fast. He was losing time.

liette's eyes widened a little. "

ing his toast down. "Well, I hav

st down, her eyes wi

"What happened? What is it?" Her fingers hit the table. They made a small, h

to Juliette's eyes. He held tightly to his cup with both hands. "It's a bit difficult

nt. The situation was very familiar. It wasn't the first ti

e had wanted to ask for more, but her response made him de

earth...? Looking away from him, she folded her fingers loosely and rested her hands o

ed. There was no point in giving up now. He

eller changed the terms and wants a €2,000 deposit today. I need to make the payme

unded convincing. She concluded that he was lying, remembering the monetary promise

,000," she said,

Jules, this is a great opportunity. I'll r

a situation. If only Antoine behaved himself. She would have sent him the

ut those failed promises." He shifted his chair backward, stood up, and walk

o make a fresh start. This deal will give me some decent capital for situations like this, and then I can build

es, considering the sit

======

e wedding planner said, gesturing with both arms over the shin

days, today she was having a bad day, no thanks to Antoin

ent planner was talking about. But she figured it wouldn't be a prob

r thoughts have been all over the place all day sinc

rder. Good thing Claire hadn't noticed, as she was busy attending to another customer. Luckily,

esh orchids at a supplier. She had handed over the wrong sli

as simple as arranging urns. Dam

er mind. While lost in thought, she faile

n't an issue. The problem was that he never paid it back. But she lo

ld not support what she did. She'd been out of the shop most of

the clouds couldn't hold it any longer. Thank heavens indeed

increased in intensity. She took cover under the narrow awning of a nearby café. And pres

ined her curves. Her hair was soaked. And even her jeans were not spared, though they were s

mattered. The rain, the soiled clothes, the ruined day, even Antoine's behavior,