Chapter 1
Esmée's POV
So here we are back in London after ten years away. I still don't know what made me come back.
Daisy she's a massive factor I mean she doesn't stop pushing. Every phone call we have the subtle hints in her texts.
Maybe the prospect of getting this job too. I've always wanted to get in to events planning. Having worked as a florist whilst in France I enjoyed prepping the flowers for events but I dreamed of making ideas I have flowing come to life.
My mind is a complete mess did I do the right thing?
"Darling you know we support you in whatever you choose to do. Plus your brother is already there." My mum says as cheerfully as she can I know she loves having me around, she'd have me live with them until I was old and grey.
"Your mother is right, your old enough to make your own decisions we can only guide you petite fille."
My dad always calls me his petite fille (little girl), being back in France and around our families we have had to speak our native tongue. I am a London girl through and through but having French parents you have a native tongue that you will learn. My mother wouldn't allow me and my brother Eti to not speak French. Even for the sixteen years living in London in our home we would speak French between ourselves.
The only time it wasn't spoken was when we had company. As my mother would say it is rude to speak in a language someone doesn't understand.
"We will miss you darling, this place won't feel the same without you."
"I know mum, but I have the opportunity to get in to something I have always dreamed of. I would be a fool not to at least try. You never know if things don't work out I'll be back in no time."
"They'd be foolish not to hirer you sweetheart and we all know it." My dad says a smile on his face.
"Merci papa."
So here I am stood in the airport waiting on the most unreliable people to pick me up. Why did I think that after all this time they might be here waiting with a banner for me, you know like you see on TV series or movies. I chuckle to myself, then hear my text tone ring out in my bag.
Daisy : OMG I am so so so sorry - we are on our way. You can blame tweedle dumb and tweedle dee. Literally just parking. Xx
Why am I not in the least bit surprised that the reason they are late has something to do with my idiotic brother and his clown of a friend Beau. They had one job.....ok I'm not their only job but like seriously.
Esmée: Hurry up! I have been stood here on my own for far too long xx
"Excuse me."
I turn to the sound of a rather sexy husky voice. And wow oh wow there in front of me stands a handsome looking guy. At least six foot two he towers above my five foot three frame, my mouth must be agape because a smile tugs at his lips.
"Could I possibly lend your phone my battery died and I need to see if my driver is here to collect me yet." He asks again his voice smooth and kind of husky - a little like peanut butter you know the crunchy kind. You have the smoothness with those delicious chunks of peanut - yum!
"There no public telephones here in the airport? I ask sarcastically.
That smirk tugs at his mouth, those teeth perfectly straight and white. I am a sucker for a nice smile.
"Possibly but I don't really fancy dragging all my cases in search of one."
"I'll reimburse you."
Ok I can see his point, it would be a pain to drag heavy cases around to look for one. Why am I carrying on this conversation though. "You will? And how will you reimburse me?"
I don't know where this confident streak has come from, this isn't the normal Esmée - the normal Esmée is quiet and keeps herself to herself. Doesn't like to attract unwanted attention - but today is like I have been born again. I have a confidence that I am not used to but I like it.
"However you would like, how about food? I could take you out for food?"
"Like a date?" I raise my eyebrows at him inquisitively.
"Mhmmm." The beautiful stranger hums.
"Well how could I say no to that, be warned I'm a foodie though." I say a happy tone in my voice.
"Me too, looks like we have something in common. So about that phone?"
I take out my phone unlocking it from him placing it in his waiting hand. I watch him intently as he takes it and then I watch as he pulls out his own phone the one that's supposedly dead.....no battery.
I have been played!
He puts my phone to his ear and speaks to whomever he needed to then taps away on my phone.
"I thought you had no battery?"
"Well how else was I going to get you to agree to a date with me?"
"Smooth" I say chuckling. "I have to give you props." I gently clap him for a job well done.
"Thank you, thank you." He bows and I can't help but laugh. "So about that date?"
"If you can think of a lame ass excuse to come talk to a random woman in an airport I am sure you can come up with the perfect date."
"And how about a name? Do I get the pleasure of that?"
I nod a smirk tugging at my lips. "I'm Esmée."
He smiles and I am dazzled yet again - honestly sucker for a smile.
"I'm Quinn, pleasure to meet you Esmée."
"C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer." (It is a pleasure to meet you.) I decide to play on this confidence boost and give him a peek at my French side, what's hotter then a fuy or girl speaking French?
"Oh my days." He not so subtly licks his lips before bitting down on his lower one. Giving him a little wink and smile, I am loving this new confidence I have.
"So I slipped my number in your phone, mind if I get yours? He grins.
"Maybe Mr Quinn you will just have to be patient and see if Esmée from the airport messages you." I smirk at him, he doesn't break eye contact with me.
Then I hear her before I see her, "Eeeeekkkkkk! There you are!" The next thing I know I am being wrestled to the ground by my bestie.
"Daisy!" I feel the flush thats surely coated my face in a bright red tinge.
"Es.....god I missed you." She plants kisses all over my face, this girl is loopy.
The sound of a throat clearing reminds me of where we are. "Is this what you were waiting for? Me to witness this and to get the hint that your not in to guys?" Quinn asks laughing as he does.
"What! Nooooo! This is my best friend. I haven't been in London for ten years."
"Ahhhh, that makes more sense. I did think you were flirting slightly." That grin back again.
"Flirting huh?" I roll my eyes all I need is her nosey ass getting involved.
"Nope, no flirting. I simply leant this gentleman my phone."
"Yes it was very kind of you Esmée, thank you so much. I think my driver may be here now. I will see you again soon hopefully?" He grins that smile is breathtaking.
"Ye bye Quinn, it was nice to meet you." I wave my handas he walks away, totally not checking him out. No not at all! I turn and look at my best friend who is also looking in the direction of hot Mr airport dude. And I can't help but chuckle, she's unreal - I'm sure i see drool!
"Earth to D.....Hello."
"Huh.....what?"
"Where are the idiots?"
"In the car waiting for us, come on they'll be pissed if we take too long." I grab my suitcase trolley and follow her lead. Stepping out of the airport in to a cold and rainy London. I don't know what I expected it is the beginning of October. Seeing my brothers Audi waiting and Beau stood at the passenger door tooting away on his vape thing. A mass cloud leaving his mouth when he blows out after a drag, he's been using that for close to a year. I thought he'd have quit by now. He moves to the back of the car pulling me in to his embrace.
"ES!!"
He picks me up and twirls me around, on doing so I catch a glimpse of Mr airport hottie, and he winks and smirks at me before getting in to the back of an all black Mercedes. Who is that guy he must be important to have a driver.
"Let's get you home." Beau says pulling me from my stare.
"Ye and we need food I am starving, and you guys kept me waiting."
"Right away boss.....I knew there was a reason I left your ass back in France."
"Missed you too big bro!" I lean through the front seats placing a kiss on his cheek.
