Page 64 of Only One Tour Bus

“Are you going to abandon the babies in a country where they don’t even speak the language?”

“In a second.”

“Yeah, I don’t know why I expected you to say anything else. Heard it as I was asking the question but for some reason still kept going. Are you still going to come, manipulation aside?”

He sighs, but says, “Yes.”

“Cool.” I try a bit of Callum’s understatement, but I’m smiling cheek to cheek as I say it, so I don’t think I’m pulling it off.

And the knowing look in his eyes is confirmation that I’m not pulling it off. Ah well, subterfuge was never my strong suit.

“For work. Since I need to be more accommodating to the tourists,” Callum says sternly.

See, he is much better at understatement. He’s looking me right in the eye as he says it, no hint of a laugh or any tells. So it would work if that was all the evidence I had to go on. But he kissed me, chose to sit down next to me, brought me a souvenir when I was sick, spied on a date for me, and cares if I eat. So even though I’m not usually confident in men being attracted to me, this time I’m going to say that he wants to go out for more than a commitment to his job.

“But not for long, because we have a travel day tomorrow and you’re still recovering,” Callum says.

“Aye, aye, Captain Responsible.”

“Someone has to be.”

If this were a week ago and Callum hadn’t done all those things I just thought about, I would be offended by that. But now I know the grumpy Irishman is a front! For a slightly less grumpy Irishman.

The truth is out!

“Excellent. I’ve always wanted to go to bars with my grandpa. Are you going to make sure I’m wearing a jacket, drinking enough water, and have enough Werther’s hard candies?”

“I’m not your grandad.” His eyes are hot and focused when he says that, slightly narrowed to focus even more of that affronted energy directly toward me.

I gulp. Well, no. There are a lot of differences between him and my grandpa.

Laura saves me from my own thoughts by stopping the bus in front of the hotel. I don’t know if she and Paris are conspiring to make things a little less awkward with Callum, but I appreciate it, either way.

Stepping out of the bus helps calm me down even more, since the Parisian night is nice and cool.

“We’re at the hotel for those who want to call it a night, and the bar is this way for those who want to stay out a little longer!” My voice cracks, and I have to clear my throat and take two tries to get the words out. I don’t look back to see how Callum reacts to that.

While people are deciding, Callum and I unload souvenir bags to leave at the front desk for those who are already out.

Task done, we start the short walk to the bar. A few blocks later, I’m ushering the small crowd into an Art Nouveau bar with its characteristic design of long, curving lines and arches, with painted images of women in diaphanous dresses, arms full of plants surrounded by golden columns and other delicate designs. The space is covered by a green painted ceiling, and there’s a giant stained-glass mosaic behind the bar which must be artificially lit from behind at this time of night.

It’s quiet, despite how gorgeous it is. It’s usually busier during its daytime hours when it’s a café and quieter at night because of its location away from most of the nightlife. But it’s close to the hotel and I personally love the décor, so this is where I always end up.

Plus, I can use the quiet at this point in the trip.

The group shuffles in, taking in my favorite bar in Paris.

“Let me know if you need help ordering.” The words are helpful, but Callum’s tone suggests that he would bite off anyone’s head if they actually dared to ask for his assistance.

But I’m still surprised that he made the suggestion without me prompting him. Progress.

“I can also help with ordering, although my French isn’t as good as Callum’s, or give advice on what to drink.” I smile at the crowd as they move to the bar, grabbing a seat at a table with Callum until they get drinks.

“Look at you! And it wasn’t even painful, was it?” I nudge Callum’s arm with my own.

“Fair play, the offer wasn’t that bad. But making the offer is never that bad. It’s when they all descend upon me with inane questions, then I can’t cope.”

“They’re not that bad. And they ask less questions over time as they get more confidence traveling.” I look out over the group that followed us. “I’m surprised Thomas and Kevin chose to come with us. I would have thought they would find a more stimulating night out.”