Love Like Ours

“China?”

“If you so desire.”

“Antarctica?”

“As long as you’re in love while you do it, that’s all I care about. All the readers care about. And who knows, perhaps afterwards we can collect all your pieces and turn them into a book?”

Keira sat back, mulling over the prospect properly for the first time. If she could nail this, things would be significantly easier for her going forward. One more assignment under Elliot’s control then she’d be free-wheeling. And becoming the author of a book was a real draw! She and Cristiano could tour the world together. No more gimmicks about matchmaking or testing love. She could really write their love story.

Besides, things in New York City were a bit strained anyway, with their options either Bryn’s apartment or her old childhood bedroom. There was nothing romantic about either setting. But Paris. Paris! For the first time, she felt a tingle of excitement at the thought of she and Cristiano in the world’s most romantic city. She pictured French windows and billowing lace curtains, kissing under the Eiffel tower, rain splattered sidewalks, croissants in ancient cafes overlooking the Seine, museums, art, culture, architecture. And then a mental picture forced its way into her mind with sudden ferocity: Cristiano down on one knee, a beautiful sparkling ring held out to her.

She hadn’t thought of marriage until Elliot mentioned it. But what if a month in Paris ended with a ring? It certainly couldn’t hurt.

“Okay,” she said, at last. “I’ll do it.”

Chapter Seven

As soon as her meeting with Elliot was over, Keira grabbed her cell phone and hurried outside to call Cristiano. The streets were as busy with traffic and people as they ever were. The thought of leaving it all behind made Keira excited.

She rang his number and after a moment he answered.

“I have some news,” she announced.

“Oh?” he asked. “You’re not pregnant are you?”

“No!” Keira cried, laughing. “We’re going to Paris!”

“We are?” He sounded thrilled.

“Yup. My new assignment. Turns out the readers love you so much they want you to come along. What do you think?”

“I think that’s amazing!” he replied. “I can’t wait. When do we go?”

“Tomorrow.”

She bit her lip, worried about his response. She needn’t have been concerned.

“Wow!” Cristiano cried. “Amazing!”

In the background, she heard the sound of honking horns and ambulance sirens.

“How is your solo tour of New York City going?” she asked him.

“It’s great,” he replied with childish enthusiasm. “I rode the subway to a few different places, walked around some parks. Now I’m besided a place called Teardrop Park.”

Keira was stunned. “You’re right around the corner from my office!”

“I am?” Cristiano asked, surprised.

“Yes! You should come and see me,” she added, thinking of how everyone at the magazine wanted to meet him. “I could introduce you to some people.”

“I’d love that,” he replied.

Keira gave him directions to walk the short distance to where her office was located. Several minutes later, she saw him in the distance rounding the corner. His beauty stunned her, making her heart flutter.

When he reached her, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. Then she took his hand and led him inside.

“Guys,” she announced. “This is Cristiano.”

Everyone rushed to meet him. Denise looked like she’d come face to face with a celebrity. Lisa looked like she might faint. For the first time, Keira felt the thrill of being with someone everyone adored, rather than the fear of him being stolen from her.

Elliot came out of his office, sizing Cristiano up with his eyes. He clearly approved of what he saw and came over to shake Cristiano’s hand.

“Has Keira told you the news?” he asked.

“About Paris?” Cristiano replied with a nod. “Yes, and I can’t wait. Thanks so much for arranging for me to go as well. It’s a dream come true to travel the world with the woman I love.”

He hugged Keira tightly against him. Denise and Lisa visibly swooned.

Nina came over next to meet Cristiano. At least she was respectful enough not to drop her jaw to the floor. She just shook his hand cordially. But there was a brightness behind her eyes that made Keira suspicious.

“Did you know that Stella’s coming in today?” she asked Keira.

“Stella the cover designer?” Keira replied. “No. Why?”

Nina’s gaze was focused intently on Cristiano, like she was sizing him up. “I’m just wondering about getting a profile picture of you two. One we can put in the byline.”

Keira frowned. At the moment, it was her face and bio in the byline. She was the writer after all. They were her words, not Cristiano’s.

“I don’t know about that,” she said, sounding a little stilted.

“You’re right,” Nina nodded. “The byline is too small. You two should be the cover stars.”

Elliot started clapping, thrilled by the prospect.

“Wait one minute,” Keira cried, her eyes widening with shock. She looked at Cristiano. “We can’t be on the cover.”

Cristiano clearly wasn’t experiencing the same dread over it as Keira was. He didn’t seem fazed in the slightest by the suggestion.

Nina and Elliot ignored her protests, too busy talking to one another, going over the details, tapping their chins as they looked at Cristiano like he was one of the models Stella hired for her shoots.

“Guys!” Keira cried, trying to get their attention. “We’re not doing it.”

Elliot turned to her at last and frowned. “Your articles are the most popular. It’s why the majority of our readers subscribe to Viatorum.”

He said it simply, like it was nothing more than a logical business decision.

“Nina, maybe we should show her the graph from the market research?” he added.