Her eyes were finally holding mine, focused and affectionate as she listened.
“If we go in here—” I nodded out the window as the car pulled to a slow stop “—that’s it for me. I’m all in with you, Juliette.”
Her rapid heartbeat fluttered in her throat, her lips softening just as Locke parked the car, stepping out to swing Juliette’s door open.
“Well, Ms. Alexandre?” I dusted a kiss across the soft underside of her wrist.
She swallowed, eyes never wavering from mine once, before she whispered, “I’m yours.”
Those two simple words slammed into my chest, nearly knocking the air from my lungs.
I couldn't help the cocky grin that stretched my cheeks as I guided her out of the back of the vehicle, nodding once at Locke in thanks. That man had been nothing but good to me, had put up with so much, and now had to overlook intimate moments like that one. I owed the guy a beer and a cigar, at least.
A hand went to Juliette’s chest, her mouth dropping when her eyes trailed up to the clock tower perched on Parliament Hill.
“I know you look at this old thing from work every day, but seeing it from the top down is a whole other experience.” I slipped my hand into hers, our shoulders brushing as we stood looking up at one of the city’s oldest and most historic buildings.
“Wait, we’re going up there?” She pointed to the top.
“Unless you’ve got a problem with heights, you bet.”
“I don’t, but I just never expected to be coming here.” Her eyes were wide, a smile brimming on her lips.
“Good. Just an FYI, though, even if you were afraid of heights, I was prepared to carry you if that’s what it took.” I placed a kiss on her hand before we walked through the side entrance of the parliament building, gothic spires shooting high into the air, and the most romantic setting I could think of for our first date.
“You may need to carry me after all.” She teased a few minutes later when we were climbing up the narrow set of stairs.
“You never have to ask twice.” I hoisted her into my arms, a small shriek echoing off the walls as her hands slid down her thighs to keep her dress down.
Locke was perched at the bottom of the private staircase, with more security posted in the rooms and outside. Parliament was closed to the public by this time of day, but sitting smack in the middle of the city made it an elevated security risk. I’d arranged for the clock tower to be completely private for the next few hours, not that anyone was ever usually up there anyway.
“I found this place my first year in office. Sometimes I jog around the river and end up here, looking out over all the buildings and people. Makes you feel small, really puts life into perspective.”
“I bet,” she said, eyes watching me intently. I wondered what that look was that was burning in her gaze. I hoped it was something similar to what I was feeling—wild, reckless desire.
“Welcome to the top of the city,” I said when we reached the top landing, setting her on her feet. Her hands went to her lips instantly, and she twirled in a circle as she took in the incredible panoramic view we had of both Ottawa and Quebec, the river lacing its way in between.
“This is so beautiful.”
“Few things quite compare.” I snaked my hands around her waist, pulling her back against me. “I’m also hoping you like Italian food.”
“Sure, who doesn’t? Why?” She spun, catching my gaze.
“Another surprise.” I lifted a white linen napkin on the table I’d had set up just for us. “Bon app?tit.”
“Oh my God, Bryce.” My name on her lips was an instant shot of lust to my balls. My spine tingled, and slow waves of desire for her chugged through my body.
“You can’t say stuff like that, not before we’ve even eaten, at least.” I pulled a chair out for her then poured her a glass of champagne.
“How did you manage all of this?” she asked, still in shock.
“I know a few people.” I shrugged, pouring my own glass before sitting in the chair across from her. The table was so small our knees brushed together, just like I’d wanted it. There wasn’t room up here for something bigger anyway, and getting the little two-top round table up here had been difficult enough, given the way Locke had grumbled about it.
That’s right, I’d gotten my right-hand security guy in on this one.
My date with Juliette had to be perfect. I knew first impressions were everything, and I had to show her that, despite the fact that I was the prime minister, I was willing to make time for her. I wanted her in my life, and I had to show her where she fit, had to prove to her she’d been the one missing link all along.