Turn Back Time (The Full Circle Series Book 1) Annette Anders (shoe dog free ebook TXT) 📖

“Any special reason?”

“To me, it’s the perfect combination of magic, history, passion, and strength,” she mused. “And so beautiful, it takes your breath away.”

As are you, my angel!

“You would’ve liked it there. I have tons of photos on my phone, but it would take forever to look through them now. Maybe I’ll put a slideshow together when I’m back at home and send it to you.”

“I can’t wait to see it.” He hoped to find a way to watch it together with her, not away from her.

One step at a time, Danvers…

Their waiter topped off their glasses, and told them their table was ready at their convenience.

“I think we’ll finish the champagne first,” David gave Stella a questioning look and when she nodded, he said, “Give us a few more minutes, please.”

“I have a table reserved in a side room as we discussed, but we can also go to my suite and order room service. The manager assured me the menu is the same.”

“Do you have a preference where we eat?”

He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. “I think we’re both more comfortable if we can speak freely, and without wait staff interruptions.”

“You’re right. In case there’s more crying like I just did. Ugh… Can you see the headlines in tomorrow’s papers? Weeping Woman Wrecks David Danvers’ Dinner.” Stella snickered. “Yes, let’s eat in your room.”

He didn’t care about his reputation or being recognized right now. But he needed to protect Stella from gossip and scrutiny.

After David informed the waiter about their new plans, she asked him to tell her about his performances in Hungary and England, about living in Budapest and London.

Giving her a summary of his past year, he realized the experiences sounded unbelievably similar—big stage, big city—and the only difference was the language in each country. But such was his professional life.

There was nothing to tell her about his personal life.

CHAPTER 30

Stella—July 2018

D

avid held the door to his suite open and Stella walked into a room warm with orange evening sunlight. Through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, she saw part of the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden. Like the public areas of the hotel, the spacious corner room was decorated in shades of beige with black accents.

A round table with a white marble top stood in front of the corner windows, with two comfortable-looking chairs inviting guests to sit and relax. A perfect spot for reading—or just enjoying the views.

To the side, the door to the bedroom stood ajar and she saw part of a king-sized bed. She was relieved to see the sitting and sleeping areas were separated. Otherwise, the next few hours could be very awkward.

She dropped her purse on the sofa. “Do you mind if I take off my shoes?”

“Not at all, please make yourself comfortable. The powder room is there,” he pointed at a door to his right, “in case you need it.”

“How convenient to have a separate guest bath. Yes, I would like to wash my hands, but maybe I shouldn’t look too closely into the mirror. I must look a mess,” she sighed.

“Not at all, but if you want, I’ll go in and cover it with a towel,” he offered with a wink.

“I’m trying to be a big girl, but thanks for the noble offer!”

One look into the mirror confirmed her suspicions. Red-rimmed eyes and blotchy cheeks frowned back at her. And—invisible but imprinted on her skin—a burning sensation where David’s lips touched not long ago. Her fingers went to the spot and lingered for a moment.

“What can I get you to drink?” David asked when she came out of the bathroom. “I can order some wine if you’d like.”

“Just water for now, if you have some.”

He took two bottles out of the minibar refrigerator. “Your choices are Perrier sparkling water, or Evian spring water.”

“Sparkling, please. I like Perrier. Thanks.” She sat down on one side of the sofa.

“Would you like to have a look at the menu first? I’m in no rush, but I don’t know how hungry you are.”

“The appetizers were filling, so I’m not too hungry. It was a nice gesture to bring them with the champagne. But let’s check the menu and then decide whether we want to wait or order now.” She reached for the menus on the table and gave one to him.

“Sure, why not?” he agreed.

“Oh no! Ugh, big mistake…” Stella put the menu down. “Did you just hear me say I’m not hungry? Well, I’m really not, but this all looks so good. Do you know what you want?”

“Yes, I do,” he said and looked at her.

“What is it?”

He mumbled, “It’s not on the menu.”

“I’m sure they’ll make it for you.”

“They can’t.”

“David, I don’t need to remind you, but this is a five-star hotel.”

“Believe me,” he said quietly.

She shrugged and let it go. “Why don’t we go ahead and order before it gets too late? It might take a while to prepare the meals.”

“Hold on, let me get a notepad.” He went to the small writing desk in a corner of the spacious room, and she couldn’t help thinking how good he looked in his black dress pants and dark gray shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He wore a burgundy tie earlier but must’ve taken it off along with his shoes while she was in the bathroom. She liked this casual look on him...always had. He walked with the confidence of someone used to being in front of thousands of people every day, but without being cocky about it. He was the image of masculine grace, but sleek and powerful. She could sit here all day and night and watch him.

Liar! You wanna do way more than look at him.

When he kissed her in the courtyard, it took all her willpower not to crawl into his lap and kiss him back the way her body and heart urged her to. The memory alone sent a tingling sensation to her core.

“Stella? What can