Page 24 of Bid For Me
“I speak four languages, play piano, violin and flute to concert level, and I’m a black belt in judo. I’m excellent at tennis, fencing and four different forms of dance. Honestly, the only thing I can’t do is ride a horse. My mother wanted me to be accomplished; I just wanted a life.”
“You can’t ride a horse?” Sebastian teases, smirking at me as he raises his glass of champagne to his lips. I shrug my shoulders and wait to time my response just right.
“No, mother didn’t want to risk my hymen,” I tell him sweetly, laughing when he spits his drink out in shock and surprise.
“Oh my god, Elle. You can’t say hymen in public.”
“We’re alone, relax.” I raise an eyebrow, because a lady never rolls her eyes – no matter how much she wants to – and I have to bite back my smirk.
“Good joke though. You got me.”
I stare at him. “You’ve met my mother. You should know better than anyone that I’m not joking. I do own a racehorse though, and I’m on the board of directors at my father’s company.”
Sebastian’s eyes widen, a mix of disbelief and amusement dancing in them. His laughter rings out, genuine and infectious, breaking down the walls between us even further.
“I didn’t know you were into horse racing.”
“I’m not,” I reply with a shrug. “My dad bought it for me when I graduated from finishing school. He thought it would be ‘refined’. It just stands around looking pretty and eating oats. Still…poops like a wild pony.”
“Well, since you’re such a woman of mystery, maybe our next date should involve something that truly reflects who you are,” Sebastian suggests, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“And what would that be?” I inquire, genuinely curious now.
“I happen to know two amazing accomplishments that you’ve missed off your list.”
“I have?” I frown, mentally cataloguing my collection of childhood ribbons and trophies, certificates and accolades. I don’t think I’ve missed anything.
“You’re amazing at bowling and a mean shot with a water gun.”
I laugh, too loud, real and unladylike, but I’m delighted by Sebastian’s reference to our early teenage years.
“How about I plan our next date around one of those activities?”
“You want to have a water fight?”
“I wouldn’t mind getting you wet.”
Sebastian’s remark hangs in the air, charged with a playful energy that catches me off guard. Heat rises to my cheeks as I try to decipher the intent behind his words. Is this just lighthearted banter, or is there a deeper undercurrent flowing between us? I clear my throat, attempting to regain my composure.
“A water fight does sound…refreshing,” I reply, a coy smile playing on my lips. “But maybe we should save that for a warmer day. How about we start with bowling instead?”
Sebastian’s eyes light up with excitement at the suggestion. I remember how competitive he used to be. I wonder if that’s changed. “Bowling it is, then,” he agrees, his grin infectious. “I’ll make sure to bring my A-game so I can impress you with my strikes.”
As we finish our meal and make our way down the tower, using the elevator thankfully, the night air feels crisp against my skin, the city bustling with life around us. We step into the cool Parisian night and I steal a glance at Sebastian walking beside me, his silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights. He’s ridiculously handsome, but beneath the veneer of wealth and privilege lies a person yearning for genuine connection and understanding. A person not so different from myself.
The car is waiting right where we left it, but just across the street is a couple of bicycle tuk tuks, horribly gaudy with their flashing lights, pink leopard print faux fur seat covers, and blaring music from the speakers.
As we approach the car, a mischievous glint appears in Sebastian’s eyes. Without warning, he grabs my hand and leads me towards the brightly coloured bike instead.
“Let’s take this instead,” Sebastian suggests, his smile infectious. Before I can even respond, he’s already negotiating with the tuk tuk driver in rapid French. The driver nods enthusiastically and helps us climb aboard the bicycle-poweredcontraption. I can’t help but laugh at his spontaneity and willingness to dive into an unexpected adventure.
With Sebastian by my side, the cityscape whizzes past us in a blur of lights and sounds. The cool breeze tousles my hair, as we speed through the streets of Paris, passing iconic landmarks and hidden alleyways alike. I feel alive, free from the constraints of my carefully cultivated image.
As we ride into the heart of the city, I steal glances at Sebastian, his profile illuminated by the glow of passing street lamps and the rapidly changing LED disco lights fitted to our carriage. I lean in closer, our laughter mingling with the night air, as we race through the City of Light on a whimsical tuk tuk ride neither of us could have predicted.
The driver suddenly accelerates, the wind whipping against us as we careen through the cobblestone streets of Paris. Sebastian’s laughter rings out beside me, his hand gripping mine tightly, as we navigate sharp turns and weave through traffic with a reckless abandon that both thrills and terrifies me. I inadvertently let out a mixture of screams and nervous giggles, feeling the rush of adrenaline course through my veins.
As we speed past the shimmering Seine River, I catch a glimpse of Notre Dame Cathedral bathed in moonlight, the scaffolding glinting and its ancient gables towering above like silent sentinels. The sight makes me sad and nostalgic for what once was, but serves as a reminder to enjoy the present.