Disclaimer: I don't own them, someone else does. Here's chapter three guys, you've been pestering me for it! J Thanks to GillyLee for beta reading for me. You're great mate. Thanks everyone for the reviews, they are greatly appreciated. All reviews are greatly appreciated.
Holiday of a lifetime 3: Paris
By Angel Mouse
The next morning found them checking out smoothly and heading back to the local airport. They didn't speak about the previous evening, although John was pleased to see Penny wearing the broach he had given her. He smiled to himself as he loaded their bags onto the jet, as he thought of another appropriate gift to give her for their trip.
Making sure Penny was strapped in he went up to the cockpit and strapped himself in, beginning the pre-flight check. It was a four-hour flight to Paris, and he was looking forward to it. It wasn't very often he got to test his piloting skills outside International Rescue. Revving the engines, he got clearance from the tower and taxied down the runaway. Moments later, they were off and soon were soaring above the clouds.
A long four and half-hours later they had finally landed at an airport on the outskirts of Paris. John was finishing the arrangements for the storage of Penny's jet while Penny organised a car. Paying the airport fees John then proceeded to unload their luggage, planning all the while, his mind miles away. Just then Penny arrived with the car and he proceeded to load it, humming softly to himself. Penny was in the driver's seat, smiling to herself as she watched him work. This trip was definitely going to be good.
After checking into the hotel in the centre of city, they had agreed to meet for a light dinner. John had changed into a light blue short sleeve shirt and dark blue trousers, after showering, and knocked softly on Penny's door. Her room was across the hall from his. Penny opened the door and was dressed in a light green blouse and blue slacks. Her handbag was slung over her shoulder and she smiled at him, and John felt his heart melt even more.
"Ready for some dinner Pen?"
"More than ready John." Smiling widely at her, he took her hand in his and they went down to dinner.
They were seated in the hotel's dining room, having stunned the overbearing French waiter with their command of the French language. He left them with a wine list and menu and John couldn't help but smirk a little behind his menu.
"John, that was almost rude." John laughed softly and looked at her, his expression artful innocent.
"He was the one that was rude, thinking that we were a couple of ignorant Americans. Don't think I don't' know you heard his remarks to that friend of his. I know you speak French Pen." Penny sighed in agreement and nodded.
"Yes I know. Sometimes it doesn't surprise me that the French have the reputation they have, considering the behaviour of that man. Now, let's change the subject, what shall we order?" John smiled at her and glanced down at his menu.
"Let's, and then we can get down to the nitty gritty of planning our day tomorrow." He glanced up at her, his face looking like an innocent angel, but the impression was marred by the wicked grin that was threatening to break out over his face. Penny laughed and shaking her head went over her menu, deciding on what to order.
They had a lovely dinner, Penny having a lovely chicken salad and John grilled fish. They had decided to take an evening stroll along the nearby boulevard, enjoying the mild night air. John's hand had Penny's hand firmly in his, and they were both happy with that situation. They strolled along, the city beginning to come alive as twilight descended. John bought them both an ice cream from a street vendor and they wandered into a park, enjoying the company, and the situation.
They sat on a bench overlooking a fountain, finishing off their ice creams. John threw their rubbish in a nearby bin and sat back down next to Penny. She smiled at him and then looked up at the stars.
"They certainly look different from down here, don't they?" John noticed where she was looking and looked up as well.
"Yes, they do. They have their own beauty, but don't compare to yours." He could see her blush in the faint light of the streetlights. She turned her head and found his deep blue eyes staring into hers. After a moment he looked away. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you." Penny reached over and patted his hand gently.
"No, it's okay, I don't mind the compliment. It was lovely of you to say so." John smiled at her, drinking in her presence, her very soul that was in her eyes. After a moment, they both looked away, both unsure of what was happening between them. John stood up and held his hand out for her to take.
"Come on, let's get back."
The next morning found them strolling along the shop front, having decided to spend the day shopping and sightseeing. John particularly wanted to see the Louvre museum for its exhibit on da Vinci items that was on at the moment. Later that day they had planned to go to the Eiffel Tower to see the whole of Paris from there. Penny had popped into a clothing store that was a favourite of hers while John was inside a jewellery store. He had spotted something in its window that would be perfect for Penny, and he had the perfect place to give it to her as well.
He was waiting outside for her when she emerged with a couple of bags from the store. He grinned at her, the small package in the back pocket of his jeans.
"What? Didn't buy out the store?" He grinned at her even as he took the bags out of her hand and began carrying them for her. She grinned at him and stuck her arm through his, laughing softly.
"No, I didn't buy out the store, but I did get some tickets to a fashion show that's on tomorrow that I want to go see." John screwed his face up.
"A fashion show Pen?" She grinned at him.
"A fashion show. You want the museum, fairs fair, you come with me the fashion show tomorrow." He grinned at her good-naturedly and shrugged.
"Okay then, fair's fair." Laughing they walked along the shop front, enjoying the day. They came to a little sidewalk cafe and sat down to have some lunch.
They had a nice lunch of bagels and coffee, chatting aimlessly about this and that. John had been surprised about Penny's knowledge of the old city and it's ancient past. After a nice lunch they went to the museum and spent a lovely three hours wandering around, examining the artwork and exhibitions. They spent a little time at the da Vinci section, amazed at the quality of the paintings after so many years.
John was amazed but then again he wasn't really at the same time. Penny was extremely smart in her own right and well travelled, so it wasn't that unusual she knew a little. Plus the library she had at her home in England was that large, it covered a myriad of subjects. Including a large astronomy section that John was slowly working his way through when he visited her on the rare occasions he was on the surface. After spending an absolutely wonderful afternoon together, they went back to the hotel to get changed for dinner. John had told Penny to wear something special, as he had a surprise planned for her. Intrigued, she had agreed and had left him to get ready.
John had arranged for a horse and buggy to pick them from the hotel and take them to the restaurant the hotel had recommended. He had also picked out a lovely corsage of flowers from the hotel's gift shop to give to her to wear on their night out. He then rushed up to his room to get ready. He really wanted tonight to be special. He jumped into the shower and began scrubbing himself. As he washed he wondered what to do about his feelings for Penny. They were strong, and getting stronger the more time he spent with her. The last four days with her had been an eye opener for him. They had been spending a lot of time together, talking and relaxing, having fun, something he'd hadn't done in a long time. He felt that he was at least, able to be himself with someone other than his brothers. And his brother's didn't know him as well as they thought they did. But with Penny, he was able to really be himself for a change. And that was something he'd never been able to do with a woman.
He rinsed the shampoo out of his hair as he mulled over that last thought. Sure, he'd have a few girlfriends before, but nothing serious. No one he'd really want to spend the rest of his life with…. And that thought stopped him cold. Spend the rest of his life with. He examined that statement for all its simplicity and honesty. Shaking his head under the hot water, he wondered what he was going to do. He loved Penelope Creighton-Ward with all his heart. But did she love him?
Penelope was in the shower herself, washing her hair, wondering what John had planned. He was certainly turning out to be a joy to be around and such fun to be with. He was thoughtful and mindful of what she'd like to do. He was certainly knowledgeable about a lot of different things, but that was understandable, he was certainly the most intelligent of the Tracy boys. They had some very deep and intense discussion about art and artists that afternoon at the museum and he had seemed genuinely interested in her point of view. She finished washing her hair and rinsed it out, wondering what was happening between them. The gentle kiss he had given her the night before had been surprising yet most welcome. But she wondered if there was something more behind it or was it just her imagination.
Sighing, she stepped out of the shower and began drying herself off. Over the last six years, since she had begun appearing on the social scene she had been pursued by any number of young men, from all over the globe. But none of them were as interesting as John was. Not only was he good looking, but also he was such a sweet person besides. Penny felt that she could relax and be herself with John, something that she hadn't had to do with anyone else. They could both relax and be themselves. Not worrying about anyone finding out whom they worked for. It was something of a relief she admitted to herself as she finished drying herself off and wrapping herself in a towel. Humming softly to herself she walked out into the main room and studied the clothes she had bought today, smiling. She had bought a brand new dress today and it was an absolute knock out. John wouldn't know what hit him.
John finished combing his hair when his watch beeped. Frowning he lifted it up and pressed the button. But then he grinned when he saw who it is. Gordon grinned out at him.
"Gordon, what's wrong?"
"Nothing Johnny. I just wanted to see how you're going. You're in Paris now right?" John grinned at him.
"Yeah, we are. Not long before I'm taking Penny out for dinner." Gordon raised his eyebrow at this.
"Really, that's great. I'm glad you're relaxing and enjoying yourself." John smiled at his younger brother.
"Yes, I am actually." John looked Gordon in the eye and continued speaking. "This has just been the best thing that's happened to me in a long time Gordon, a really long time. I can relax and be myself with Penny, I truly can. She's a terrific person and a great lady besides." Gordon listened to his brother's words, saw the warmth in his eyes and smiled gently at John.
"I'm glad you're having fun Johnny. If anyone deserves to, it's you. I'll go and let you enjoy yourself. I'll call again in a few days when you're in Egypt." John grinned.
"Alright Gordon. Take care of yourself."
"You to. Talk to you later." The call ended with John chuckling to himself. Trust Gordon to call and check up on him. He'd probably fought the others off with a stick to do it. Picking up the corsage he left his room, knocking on Penny's door.
Gordon ended the call and turned around, looking at his two older brothers. Both of them had mile wide grins on their faces, and even Alan was watching from Thunderbird Five.
"You all heard?" Scott nodded.
"That we did. Johnny's doing okay." Gordon grinned. He knew his elder brother better than these two did, and he could see the signs as plain as if they were written right their in front of him.
"Oh yeah, he's doing more than okay." And with that cryptic comment, he left them standing there, wondering what was going on.
The evening had been wonderful from the outset. Penny had been thrilled and amazed with the horse buggy ride, the restaurant and now this. They were on top of the Eiffel Tower on a beautiful, clear, spring night. John looked over at Penny, who was leaning against the rail, looking out. She looked beautiful tonight. She was wearing a figure hugging silver satin strapless dress that went all the way down, except for the split in the side that went almost all the way up. The corsage sat gingerly on the edge of the top, highlighting the single piece of jewellery she was wearing, a choker of pearls. A grey silk shawl sat delicately on her arms and her blond hair was pulled off her face in a braid. All in all, John thought she looked perfect. And now was the perfect time for her gift.
Penny noticed out of the corner of her eye that John was watching her. He'd been doing that most of the night, but she didn't mind. He looked handsome this evening in his tuxedo and carnation in the lapel. Tonight had been just about perfect.
"Pen." John paused; he had no idea how to proceed. He'd never been this nervous before.
"Yes John." She turned and looked at him, falling into those deep blue eyes of his. John reached into his pocket and got out a box. He held it out to her.
"I got this for you. Because, well, because I think your special. And beautiful and…and…oh darn, I'm not doing this right. But this is for you." He pressed the box gently into her hands and she opened it. Inside was a beautiful silver charm bracelet. It already had two charms on it, a small map of Switzerland and a small Eiffel Tower. Penny just stared at it and then back up at him, a radiant smile illuminating her face.
"Oh John, this is beautiful. Thank you." Without thinking, she took a tiny step towards him and gently kissed him on the lips. What she wasn't expecting was the reaction they both had. The electricity between them was immense, and without thinking, John wound his arms around Penny, pulling her close, deepening the kiss between them. Penny's arms wound around John's neck, holding him close. She to responded deeply, as the kiss between them ignited a passion that neither had felt before.