Chapter XI: "Paris is always a good idea." ~Audrey Hepburn
Author's Note: Spice Meter is high in this one. If it isn't your cup of tea, finish reading by the third page break (right at the end of the restaurant scene). Happy reading!
The honeymoon adventures continued with a train ride from London to Paris. Shane was elated. Visiting the City of Love with the love of her life was something she had never dared wish for. She wanted pictures at the Eiffel Tower, a tour of the Louvre, a boat ride on the Seine and a walk around Montmartre. She craved to experience everything Paris had to offer! Knowing Oliver, he probably designed a very ambitious itinerary to fit everything in. She couldn't wait to begin their reconnaissance of one of the most famous cities in the world.
For a moment Shane worried about choosing to visit Paris and the implications the European city had in Oliver's life. On the train ride she asked him why he had chosen Paris as part of their honeymoon tour. She was ecstatic, but she needed to be sure Oliver was alright.
"My love, why would I disregard a country and such an amazing city, just because my ex-wife chose to move here? Paris is huge. The chances of running into Holly are slim to none." Oliver responded without any trace of regret. "I also have to add the opportunity of creating exceptional memories here with you, my beautiful wife, will forever wipe out whatever misgivings I might have had regarding Paris." Oliver gently squeezed her hand and kissed her forehead, settling back and enjoying the rest of the train ride.
Satisfied with his answer, Shane let herself be wrapped again in the bubble they had created during this trip. Nothing was going to ruin her good mood nor the happiness she felt.
Oliver kept outdoing himself with the choice of accommodations. This time around he chose a boutique hotel by the Louvre. It had the most amazing view of the museum courtyard with the Glass Pyramid at its center.
"My love, do you know why Paris is called the City of Lights?" Oliver asked excitedly as they settled in the gorgeous studio room.
"Isn't it the City of Love?" Shane opened the balcony door and sighed as she took in the impressive view. "Maybe it's both!"
"Most likely... It certainly holds its reputation for being the most romantic city in the world. I also found it most fascinating that Paris was among the first cities to have gas streetlamps in the 1860's. Not to mention the city was also a hub during the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century. So, the reason behind the name is twofold, lamps and enlightened minds, resulting in both a literal and figurative moniker."
Shane walked over to him, touched his cheek with the palm of her hand, smiled lovingly and said, "Please, never change." Oliver looked slightly confused over her request. "It's endearing when you get all encyclopedic. I like learning new things with you."
"I know you're indulging me, Shane, but I don't care." Oliver's lips curled into a smile. He was happy, they were in love and in Paris. It couldn't get any better.
###
First stop was breakfast at the cutest patisserie Shane had ever seen. It had outdoor seating and there were potted blooms circling the entire area. It was a beautiful picture of spring, with poppies, hydrangeas, and roses in full splendor. Shane ordered café au lait, France's answer to a latte and Oliver got his usual black coffee, which in French, Shane learned, was a café noir. A basket of viennoiserie including gorgeous croissants, pain au chocolat and chausson aux pommes accompanied their morning dose of caffeine. Oliver's favorite was the chausson, which was an apple and cinnamon filled turnover made with puff pastry. Shane practically devoured the chocolate croissants.
"I wonder how Parisian women stay so skinny when they have treats like this!"
"A good lover to burn calories with." Oliver replied absentmindedly. Shane almost choked.
"Oliver!"
"Did that slip out?" Oliver's brow raised, his expression impassive as he perused a guidebook he held in his hands.
"Yes!"
"Well, I am sure nobody heard it."
Still trying to catch her breath after the coughing fit her almost choking caused, Shane didn't know what was worse, the comment or the fact that Oliver had a guidebook in his hands. The last time she had seen one was quite literally back in the 20th century! Shaking her head, she couldn't help but think her living antique was something else!
Shane was still amazed over Oliver's newfound confidence and delightfully shocked as to how naturally his comment about Parisian women had slipped out. How he kept surprising her was something she hoped she would never get used to. Shane wondered how things would be once they returned to Denver. It was one thing to be this way in a different country, when it was only the two of them. Brushing that thought aside, she focused once again on the here and the now. They would deal with whatever life threw their way, together, when they were back at home.
"Ready to go, my love?"
"Yes!" Shane replied enthusiastically, taking his hand, her heart feeling light and all her feelings showing through her radiant smile.
###
Montmartre was spectacular. Shane was breathless over the beauty of the Basilica of Sacre Coeur. Oliver wanted to go inside, not only to admire the architecture, but to light a candle and meditate in prayer for a little while. Shane sat with him, but instead of a prayer centered on intentions, hers were focused on gratitude. She had so many things to be thankful for and chose to have a silent conversation with God, listing everything she could think of that had become a blessing in her life.
Both were deep in thought, but smiling, their souls light, happy and filled with God's presence as they exited the famous Parisian landmark. They gasped at the view of the city from the top of the hill. Shane had to take a few selfies with Oliver and the breathtaking view, but there was no way to do it justice without a different camera angle. Thankfully, a young couple offered to take their picture and they ended up with some very good photographs. Not only was the scenery awe-inspiring, but Oliver and Shane's love also brightly shone through.
She chose the best one and immediately group-texted Rita, Norman, Joe, and her mom over WhatsApp. Shane sent the picture along with the simple caption: "from Paris, with love".
Rita immediately responded in a private message. I didn't know you guys would go to Paris! How beautiful! But…. aren't you worried you might run into she-who-must-not-be-named?
Her thumbs flicking quickly over the keyboard, Shane responded: I think it would be downright bad luck to run into that… person…in a city this big! Oliver and I talked about it and he was so sweet. He wants to create beautiful memories with me here.
That's so lovely! was Rita's immediate reply. Enjoy Paris and each other. I love you guys! Happy honeymoonin'!
"My love, were you texting?"
"Guilty! But I just had to share the amazing picture the young couple took of us. I sent it to Rita, Norman, your dad, and my mom. Rita replied."
"That's nice," Oliver said, absentmindedly. "Let me see the picture." He looked at it with a loving look on his face. "This is gorgeous. We need to frame it and put it up in our new home."
Shane did a double take. "Our new what? Weren't we going to live in your house once we got back to Denver?"
"Well, that slipped out… I wasn't going to say anything until we got back from our honeymoon. But I guess I must tell you now. I'm turning the house into a museum as part of the O'Toole Foundation. You already know it's a historical landmark, so I decided to take it a step further. I optioned a property nearby and it could be a place where we can start fresh. I thought maybe you'd want a place that's ours…."
Shane's eyes shone with delight. "I only have one condition."
"Anything."
"The porch swing comes with us."
Oliver smiled and ran a finger down her cheek. "You can count on that, Mrs. O'Toole. You can have two. One on the front porch and another one on the back patio."
"You're something else, Oliver O'Toole." She jumped into his arms and covered his face in kisses. He responded by swinging her around. Shane squealed, surprised by her husband's enthusiasm.
"I would give everything I have in this world just to make you happy for the rest of your life, Shane."
Her eyes brimming with unshed tears conveyed everything she wanted to say to Oliver. She vowed to herself that she would protect her husband from anything and everything that could hurt him. She knew that life would throw its curveballs, because life was like that and it was unavoidable. She would do everything in her power to make up for all the love Oliver lacked over the years. She wanted him to feel as cherished as he made her feel. "Come, there's something I want us to see." Shane said, as she hooked her arm through Oliver's.
Their stroll through the streets of Montmartre took them to the famed Wall of Love, a mural with the words "I love you" written in over 300 languages. The landmark was certainly awe-inspiring, with every word and language blending into each other.
"I will never grow tired of finding different ways of saying 'I love you', my dearest Shane." Oliver said, lightly kissing Shane's cheek, sending a shiver down her spine.
"It's going to be lovely finding our own particular love language." Shane sighed.
"You can say 'I love you' in so many ways without saying the words… when I look into your eyes and you hold my gaze with yours… a tender touch… how you stroke my hair when you kiss me. Even bringing me coffee without me having to ask for it."
"Oliver O'Toole, you are such a romantic," Shane said, tenderly touching her lips with his, in a kiss that immediately threatened to get out of control.
Oliver broke off the kiss, laid his forehead on hers and said quietly, "Finding the love of your life, marrying her, and knowing she'll love you forever will do that to you." With a sigh, a deep breath, and a smile, he changed the subject. "Mrs. O'Toole, did you know there's a secret vineyard here in Montmartre?"
"Really? By all means, let's check it out!"
Le Clos Montmartre was behind Sacre Coeur, set between tiny houses and narrow streets. It was the only vineyard in the heart of the city. Flowers marked its path, the bright colors sublimely beautiful during springtime. They were lucky enough to be visiting during the narrow space of time that private tours were offered. The vineyard had the distinction of growing both white and red grapes, but the white ones were exclusively used to make a particular vintage of rosé. They had the chance to sample the wines and found them both to their liking! Their tour guide informed them they didn't have the bar space to accommodate groups, but that a nearby Bistro served their wines. Oliver was still able to purchase a bottle of the rosé and told Shane he had arranged a reservation at the restaurant.
"Oliver, you're going to have to let me arrange something at some point. This is really getting out of hand!" she said giggling.
"Don't worry, my love. You will have plenty of opportunities to do things for us."
"I'm counting on it, Mr. O'Toole." Shane said, happily. "So, we're going to the Bistro?"
"Yes! Apparently, it's very popular, and the menu's limited, but they're famous for their fondue. We just follow the path down the hill to find it."
"I'm up for the adventure! Let's go, I'm famished!"
The bistro was tiny, one of those blink-and-you-miss-it spots. The space was rectangular in shape, and very narrow, with two long bench-style booths to accommodate the guests. A small area in the front served as the receiving area and the kitchen was in the back. Shane had to climb over the table to take a seat! It was all part of the restaurant's ambience and quirks ! Said climb led to fits of laughter as Shane tried to maneuver her movements with the circle skirt she was wearing. Once settled, the wine started flowing. Shane didn't know how many times her glass had been refilled. She never saw the bottom of it. It was all laughter and delightful conversation, along with the sensuous experience of sharing a pot of fondue. The blend of swiss and gruyere cheeses, along with a hint of garlic and a splash of dry white wine was delectable. They took turns dipping pieces of crusty baguette, along with crunchy veggies and crispy potatoes. They also took turns feeding each other which led to more laughter, but also an acute awareness of the other. It was difficult not to get caught up in the subtle touches and furtive glances.
"This is so yummy and fun at the same time," said Shane, stifling yet another giggle as she licked a bit of dripping cheese from the corner of her mouth. "Will we have chocolate fondue too?"
"Yes, but somewhere else." Oliver replied, his voice dropping an octave, his eyes gripping Shane's.
The deep timbre of his voice, along with what was becoming his signature smoldering gaze, immediately made Shane aware of all her senses and extremely interested in leaving the premises.
"Shall we go, Mrs. O'Toole?" Oliver asked with a smirk forming on the delightful curve of his lips.
"You already know the answer." Shane replied, a teasing smile curving her own.
###
"Oliver, this trend of frustrating cab rides has got to stop." Shane whispered, while she placed her hand on Oliver's thigh. Noticing the beads of sweat forming on his forehead, she giggled. As a supposed punishment, Oliver trailed soft kisses on the spot just between her earlobe and neck, fully knowing it was a sensitive one. That made her grip his thigh harder and look at Oliver in a menacing way. Both burst into laughter at the same time, realizing the wine had lowered their inhibitions. They couldn't arrive at the hotel fast enough.
Once in the tiny European-style elevator, Oliver stood behind Shane and circled his arms around her waist. He nuzzled her neck and whispered in her ear, "I can't wait to make you mine again tonight." Turning around and throwing her arms around his neck, her lips hovering under his, she asked, "And in what way do you plan to do so?"
Oliver was about to answer when the elevator ding announced they had reached their floor. Giggling, Shane dashed off in a sprint towards their room, forgetting that Oliver was the one who held the keycard.
Oliver opened the door and the sight in front of them took her breath away. The room had been transformed! Countless candles were lit and multiple arrangements of roses filled the space with their scent. Dessert was laid out for them. As promised, there was chocolate fondue with all sorts of treats for dipping... cake cubes, strawberries, marshmallows, even pretzels for a sweet and salty combination. There were also mini eclairs and profiteroles, the latter filled with Chantilly crème and topped with a crunchy caramel glaze.
"Do you want a glass of the rosé, my love?"
"Sure, why not?" Shane giggled. "Oh Oliver, I think I've had a few too many glasses of wine."
"Don't worry, darling. I will take care of you." His smile was already making Shane quiver and he hadn't laid a hand on her. Yet.
Shane chose one of the profiteroles. The cream puff dough was light and airy, the Chantilly crème lightly sweetened and rich in flavor. The crunchy caramel rounded out the textures in the quintessential delicate French pastry. "Oh my goodness…that's sublime! Oliver, you have to try this!" Shane selected a chocolate éclair and held it up for him to take a bite. His eyes widened as he tasted the airy dough and the velvety chocolate pastry cream.
"That was delicious, but my love, you are even more so." He drew her in for a kiss that heightened in intensity within seconds. He could taste the sweetness of the profiterole and the tartness of the wine on her lips. "Your taste, I can't get over it," he breathed the words into her mouth while pressing her body to his, squeezing her waist and finally pulling down the skirt she was wearing. "I just wonder if you taste as sweet everywhere else." Oliver said, emboldened by the wine and the insatiable need he felt for his wife.
Shane unbuttoned his shirt, slid it off his shoulders and down his arms. She ran her lips over his neckline, murmuring, "Oh, I am sure you will taste quite sweet over here." She had dipped her finger inside the fondue pot and proceeded to trace the chocolate on his shoulder, immediately licking it off.
Oliver closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The feel of Shane's lips and the delicate flick of her tongue had left a wake of fire tingling on his skin. Clearing his throat he asked, "So, this is how we're playing this?"
Shane looked at him over lowered lashes. She didn't know what that look did to him. He felt himself tightening, fully aroused and he hadn't even touched her. "Well, Mr. O'Toole, what's a girl to do when there's melted chocolate and whipped cream in such a lovely bedroom setting?" she asked flirtatiously.
"Another interesting question in the lineup of the ones asked tonight." he said, as he started pulling Shane's tank top over her head. Her only covering now was a sheer lace underwear ensemble in a light pink shade. Oliver gazed at her intently… his eyes traveling over her lips, the flush rising on her neck and the rise and fall of her beautiful breasts as she took in a deep breath. He saw her abdomen tremble slightly and his eyes took in those legs that drove him insane. He wondered how every corner of her body would taste, if she was ticklish and if that lovely rush of color could travel to her breasts…
Oliver's eyes held Shane's once again. Without breaking their gaze, Oliver took a sip of the wine and proceeded to dip his finger in the profiterole's Chantilly crème. When he dropped a dollop of the cream on the swell of her breasts, Shane's breath caught at the cooling sensation on her warm skin. Oliver didn't waste a moment. He licked the cream off her chest and when he deftly unhooked her bra, she sighed. "Oliver, please…"
"I want to taste you everywhere, Shane."
"Please…I'm yours…"
Oliver finally took her breast in his mouth, the sensations overwhelming Shane completely. "My love, you're intoxicating." He continued his pursuit running open-mouthed kisses down to her belly button. Shane shuddered. She knew. She knew what was coming. But he surprised her by trailing his kisses upwards, back to her breasts, neck, and finally, her lips once again. The kisses were feverish, deep and gloriously wet, enveloping them in a frenzy so out of control Oliver grabbed her behind and pulled her up against him. Shane gasped, becoming fully aware of his arousal and how ready he was for her.
"Oliver, I want you…so much…"
"I do too sweetheart… but I want to…. let me…" The craving for her was such he couldn't muster the words.
"Anything you want, darling…"
Oliver laid her on the bed and he knelt beside her. Shane pulled up on her arms, elbows bent, as Oliver took hold of her legs, running his hands over her calves. "You have the most beautiful legs I have ever seen." He traced a finger over one knee and then behind it. Shane jolted stifling a giggle. "Oliver, that tickles."
"That is good to know for future reference, my love." He stopped the sensual torture to continue his journey. Finding her thighs, he parted them, settling between them so he could trail his lips along their insides. Shane's head fell backwards, not quite believing the whirl of desire threatening to overtake her. He was going to have her begging in a matter of seconds.
And finally, he was almost there. His lips were so close to her very center. He only had to drag her underwear down her hips to finally expose her and have his way. He did so gently, slowly, his mouth following the path of the wisp of lace. And finally, he tasted her. She was indeed as sweet as he had imagined, even more inebriating than the wine they had that evening. He had never been so aroused in his life, but he wanted Shane to find her satisfaction first tonight. Her moans and whimpers were music to his ears and her pleasure was his. He kissed her soft, plush molten core, wanting to conquer her completely, to drive her insane with desire, as she constantly drove him with just one kiss from her lips.
Shane rode this marvelous wave of sensation Oliver was creating within her. She groaned, she whimpered, and she felt and heard her moans escalating in depth and volume. Every sensation settled at the very center of her body, blasting away any sort of coherent thought. Her body just wanted release, but it also wanted to prolong the sweet torture she felt as he continued his devastatingly sensual onslaught.
"Oliver, please, I want you inside me." She gasped. Oliver ignored her momentarily, wanting Shane to shatter under his ministrations. It didn't take long for that to happen. Shane's back arched as she found her climax, her body shaking, her chest heaving. Watching his wife surrendering to the waves of her orgasm was the most gorgeous spectacle Oliver had ever seen. He smiled in satisfaction knowing he had created that reaction in her beautiful body.
He slid upwards, taking her thigh and curling it around his hip. He felt her, pulsing and hot, ready for him. Slowly, inexorably, heatedly and so very passionately, he filled her, and Shane gasped once again.
"Oliver…. I don't know if I can take this…"
"Darling, am I hurting you?"
"No! Not at all… it's just…"
"What is it, love?" Even though it took an extreme amount of effort, Oliver stopped moving.
"Oliver…it's…so…much pleasure…it's so intense," she said in a whoosh of breath.
"Shane…let yourself go…. I just want you to enjoy us… what you do to me."
Gasping, she arched and lifted her hips up to his, surrendering to the delirium he made her feel. Immediately they found mutual rhythm and when Oliver spent himself within the love of his life, Shane followed with yet another potent orgasm of her own.
Oliver tried to lower himself gently, but almost ended up crushing her. His chest was heaving and his hot breath warmed Shane's neck. Her breathing was labored as well, her mind devoid of any intelligible thought, but acknowledging the maelstrom of feeling within her.
"Am I crushing you, my love?" he asked, against her neck.
Finding her voice, Shane replied, "No, darling, I actually love feeling you like this." She stroked him, loving Oliver's form and how his skin stretched over the taut muscles in his back.
He disengaged from her embrace and lay next to her. His nose nuzzled hers and he gave her a light kiss, while his hand traveled to her waist, softly squeezing it. "Every day it gets better Shane. And every day, every moment, I simply want you more."
A butterfly whisper of a kiss was her response and, as they looked into each other's glimmering eyes. A simultaneous murmuring of "I love you" escaped from their lips, and with peaceful smiles they surrendered to their exhaustion, reveling at how amazing making love to each other could be.
###
A short while later, Shane's eyes flickered open. She couldn't believe she'd fallen asleep, but then again, Oliver had as well. A tiny but knowing smile lifted the corner of her mouth. Well, that had been something, she thought. No wonder they fell asleep!
In their slumber Oliver had ended up flat on his back and she had curled up against him. His arm circled her waist, and she wondered how she'd be able to slide out of bed without waking him. She was parched and wanted a glass of water. As she fidgeted, Oliver just tightened his hold on her. Even in his sleep he couldn't let go. Shane's heart melted, but as sweet as it was, she needed a drink of water badly.
Finally disengaging herself from Oliver, she rolled on the king-sized bed, and landed in a heap on the floor. Well, that was certainly a way of getting out of bed, she thought.
"Shane, what the Sam Hill is going on?" The rumble of his voice was at its sexiest when he was just waking up. But Shane couldn't really appreciate it after this most recent tumble.
"I just wanted to get some water," she said meekly.
"And how did you fall from the bed?"
"Trying to not wake you up?"
"You most definitely did not succeed in that endeavor," he snickered.
"Are you going to laugh at me or are you going to help me up?" Shane was slightly miffed.
"Heaven forbid that I don't help my adoring wife in her time of need." He said as he dragged himself out of the bed and held out a hand.
She took his hand, and with all the strength she could muster, pulled at Oliver forcefully, dragging him to the floor with her.
"Shane!" He took a second to catch his breath. "What is this partiality that you have for the floor? Are you going to make us fall every place we go to on our honeymoon?"
"Maybe…" She said as she started writhing underneath him, but Oliver had her pinned to the floor.
"You're asking for trouble if you continue to move like that, my dear Mrs. O'Toole."
"Maybe I want the trouble you're offering…"
"Oh, you do?"
"I might even be coerced into certain ministrations involving the lovely array of desserts from this evening."
"You would?"
"I just need some water first. After all, that's the reason I woke up, the reason why I needed to get out of bed, and the reason why we're on the floor."
"And if I get a glass of water for you, would you consider those…ministrations…?" The palm of his hand found the curve between her hip and her thigh, his touch so warm, Shane's pulse started to quicken.
"Only if you also bring along some of that delicious melted chocolate… and maybe some marshmallows." She said through lowered lashes, fully knowing that it drove her husband to distraction.
In one fluid movement Oliver rose and dashed off to comply with his wife's wishes, anxiously anticipating finding out what those ministrations could be.