Chapter 11

Le Bristol Paris Hotel

Lee and Amanda walked down the hallway towards their suite, hand in hand. Once they arrived at their door, Lee opened it and allowed Amanda to go in ahead of him.

"You know, Lee, that was an excellent idea to stop at that store on the way back to get some groceries. It'll be nice to have some food here, so we don't always have to go out to eat. Are you sure you don't want any help putting it away?" Amanda remarked.

"Why, thank you, Amanda. It came to me when I was checking out the kitchen while you were still napping. And no, I don't need any help putting them away. You go and relax, and I'll just be a few minutes." Lee leaned over to gently place a kiss on Amanda's lips.

"Okay, holler if you do. I'll just be in the living room."

Lee watched Amanda walk away, and all he could do was smile. He shook his head and walked into the kitchen.

Amanda walked over to the windows and opened the curtains so the lights of Paris would be visible. She took a deep breath and thought to herself. Mother would love it here. "Mother! Shoot, I forgot to call her." Amanda rushed over to the phone by the couch and punched in the numbers required to make her call.

"Hello," Dotty answered.

"Hello, Mother."

"Oh, Amanda. I'm so glad you finally called. I was starting to get worried about you."

"I'm sorry, things were kind of hectic when we arrived. This was the first chance I had to call. How are you and the boys?"

"They're fine, dear. I'm fine. The boys are outside, setting the table. We are having a picnic tonight. How's your room? Is it nice?"

"Oh, Mother, it's lovely. Right now I am looking out my window at the Eiffel Tower."

"Oh, dear! Amanda darling, you have to take a picture for me," Dotty begged.

"I completely forgot I packed a camera. I will certainly take lots of pictures for you."

"Amanda, do you want anything to drink?" was heard from the kitchen.

"Amanda, who was that I just heard?" Dotty questioned.

"That would be Lee, Mother."

"Lee's in your room! What is Lee doing in your room?"

"Well, that would have something to do with the mix-up we had when we arrived. You see, the hotel only had two rooms reserved for us, instead of three. So, Lee and I are sharing a room," Amanda hesitantly answered.

"Well, isn't that convenient!"

"Mother!"

"What? I'm just saying, that should give you plenty of time to talk to him."

"That won't be needed. We've already talked." Amanda offered no further detail, and there was a short silence on the phone.

"Amanda, are you going to give me any details?"

"Mother, I'm not going to give you any details because it's a long story, and this is an international call. The only thing you need to know right now is that Lee feels the same about me."

"Oh, Amanda, I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you, Mother. I should really be going. Give the boys a hug from me. Love you all."

"Love you, too, dear. Do try to enjoy your time in Paris."

"I will, Mother. Bye."

"Bye." Amanda hung up the phone and instantly went to the bedroom to grab her camera. She came back into the living room and headed straight for the balcony. She snapped several pictures until she was satisfied and set the camera on the table by the door. She then walked over to the edge of the balcony and just took in the astonishing scene.

Lee finished in the kitchen and walked into the living room with two glasses of wine. He found Amanda out on the balcony. He walked over to the doors and noticed the camera on the table. He set the drinks down and picked up the camera. He snapped a few pictures of Amanda. He then announced his presence. "Amanda." Amanda turned around to face Lee, "Say cheese!" She smiled, and he snapped a few more pictures. He put the camera down and picked up the glasses. "I asked if you wanted anything to drink, but I didn't get an answer. I took a chance that you would want one," he stated as he held up the wine glass.

"I don't think one glass will hurt. Thank you, Lee."

Lee pointed to the love seat in the corner of the balcony. "Would you like to sit out here for a while?"

"I would love to." Amanda walked over to the love seat. She sat, waiting for Lee to join her. Lee sat down and put his arm around Amanda while she snuggled up against his chest. They sat there in silence, enjoying the feeling of holding each other.

Lee broke the silence first. "Amanda, I have a question for you. It's more out of curiosity than anything. When we had our fight, and I called you, well, you know what I said. You called me Scarecrow. I don't think I've ever heard you call me that. You always call me Lee. Why did you use my code name?"

Amanda chuckled lightly and turned so that she was facing Lee. "I called you Scarecrow because that was the first time I've ever thought you truly didn't have a brain."

Lee nodded, but then a moment came upon him when he realized what she said. "So, what you're telling me, is, if I ever hear you call me Scarecrow again, that means I'm in the doghouse."

"Exactly! And it will more than likely take you a while to get out of it. So take warning."

Lee smiled. "Got it, Lee good, Scarecrow bad. Very, very bad!" Amanda playfully swatted his arm and returned to her previous position against Lee's chest. Lee continued, "You know, we still haven't settled the sleeping arrangements. We should probably figure that out soon."

Amanda set her glass on the end table next to the love seat and stood in front of Lee without a word. She then sat down on Lee's lap and put one arm around his neck. The other hand, she ran seductively through his hair and softly spoke. "Lee," she kissed his forehead, "I think we can figure something out in regards to that," she kissed him again, this time on his cheek. "Don't you think?" Her last kiss was on his lips. Lee responded instantly, and the kiss rapidly deepened. Much too soon to Amanda's liking, Lee pulled back.

"Amanda, we need to stop. I told you I didn't want to rush this." All the time Lee talked, Amanda continued to kiss his neck, making it hard for Lee to get himself under control. Lee grabbed Amanda's face with both his hands and pleaded into her eyes. "Please!"

Amanda could see his desire for her in his eyes, as well as the desire for her to accept his plea. She let out a sigh and explained. "You can't blame a girl for trying." They both smiled. Amanda then raised from Lee's lap and held out her hand for him to stand. "Let's go to bed." Lee had a questioning look on his face. "To sleep, Lee. To sleep."

"That sounds like a plan. Why don't you go ahead, and I'll make sure everything's shut up and take these glasses into the kitchen. I'll be there in just a little bit." Amanda nodded and started to walk back into the suite when she heard. "Amanda, thanks."

When Lee came into the bedroom, Amanda was still in the bathroom. He grabbed his pajamas and went into the walk-in closet to change in there. He came out in his pajamas and robe. He walked over to the windows and opened one of the curtains just enough to let the moonlight into the bedroom. Then walked to the bed and started to turn down the covers. At that time, Amanda walked out of the bathroom and noticed Lee at the bed. "Is this okay, Amanda? I usually sleep on this side."

As Amanda walked around the bed to the other side, Lee got his first view of her. She answered as she walked. "It's perfect, Lee. I usually sleep on the other side. I'm done in the bathroom if you need it." Lee watched Amanda walk across the room. She was in a pale blue satin robe that went almost to the floor. He was speechless until Amanda's voice brought him out of his daze. "Lee, are you okay?"

"Uh, yes, I'm fine. I'll just be a minute." While Lee was in the bathroom, Amanda was sitting on the edge of the bed, putting some lotion on. She was just finishing up when Lee came out of the bathroom carrying his robe. Amanda looked his way as he was hanging his robe on the corner of the headboard. She couldn't move. There stood Lee in his pajama bottoms and bare chest. She could see the muscle definition every time he moved. Lee noticed her staring and apologized. "I'm sorry, Amanda, I wasn't planning on sharing a room when I packed. I usually sleep in my boxers only. I was just lucky I threw these in at the last minute. I can grab a t-shirt if this bothers you."

"Bother me. Um, no, it doesn't bother me," Amanda stumbled through her words. Lee grabbed the extra pillows off the bed and went to place them on the couch for the night. When he turned back to the bed, Amanda was hanging up her robe. There stood a Goddess. She wasn't wearing her usual long sleeve nightgown like the blue one she wore that day at the train station. This one was the same pale blue as her robe. Satin with spaghetti straps, a sweetheart neckline that didn't leave much to the imagination, and a hem that stopped just below her knees. She noticed Lee staring, "Is this okay? I also didn't plan on sharing a room." They both laughed.

Lee walked up to her, "Amanda, you're gorgeous. This is very much okay." He kissed her gently and went to get in bed.

Instead of going to bed, Amanda walked towards the window as Lee was getting into bed. He watched her crack the window just a little and head back to bed. She climbed in as Lee was turning off the light at his bedside. They both laid on their sides so that they were facing each other. Lee reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and sat up on his elbow. He leaned towards Amanda and gave her the softest, sweetest kiss, and leaned back. "Good night, Amanda. Sweet dreams. I love you."

"Good night, Lee. I love you, too." They both laid in bed with smiles on their faces and peacefully faded off to sleep.