Chapter 3 heart

before I could think twice. The heroic stranger turned, his thick dark hair falling over his forehead. With one smooth movement, he brushed it away, revealing dark eyes that could melt any heart. I couldn't help but notice his impeccable attire-a crisp white shirt tucked into tailored trousers, topped off with a navy blue blazer. He was certainly not your average tourist. "It would be my pleasure," he replied, his voice rich.

He slid into the chair, his movements strong and sure. "I'm Arial," I offered, suddenly aware of the way my hands were shaking slightly as I lifted my cup. "Dominic. Dominic Bennett," he replied with a smile that made my breath catch. "I must say, I don't usually rescue damsels in distress like this." A laugh bubbled up from my chest, surprising me with its genuineness. When was the last time I laughed like that? "Well, I'm glad you did. It would have been quite a disaster to lose my passport, cards, and money like that." "Are you okay?" He noticed my hand shaking. "Yes, I am." It was all a shock. It happened so fast. The waiter arrived with a coffee, placing it in front of the heroic man. He added a little sugar and stirred. I could watch him as he looked down, intent on his steaming task. He really was very handsome. Dominic looked up and gave me a serious, soft look that sent a shiver down my spine. "Well, I'm glad I was in the right place at the right time. So glad to have been of service to such a beautiful woman. What brings you to Paris, Arial?" The question hung in the air, and I hesitated. How much should I reveal to this handsome stranger?

"I needed a change of scenery," I said finally, opting for a half-truth. "What about you? Business or pleasure?" "A bit of both, actually." I'm here finishing up some work, but I always take time to soak up the local culture before I head back to the States. Our conversation flowed easily. We talked about everything from the incredible beauty of Paris to the best croissants and prettiest streets. Dominic knew Paris well, I could tell from our conversation. But he was also well-traveled. He regaled me with stories of his frequent travels, from Rome to Istanbul to Hong Kong. He was articulate and witty, his stories painting vivid pictures of his travels around the world. As we talked, I found myself leaning forward, captivated by his words and the way his eyes crinkled as he spoke. For the first time in months, the heavy weight of grief that had been my constant companion seemed to lift. Paris and a handsome hero! An hour passed, but it felt like only a few minutes. "Arial, can I offer you a ride somewhere? My limo is right there," he gestured. He's rich, I thought. Maybe my background doesn't scare him. I'm filthy rich. But I try to use my money for good, following in my mother's footsteps. I'll be running the charity again when I get home, I tell myself firmly. "Thank you, Dominic.

That's very kind of you," I say as we stand to walk to the limo. I've grown comfortable enough with him after our conversation. I don't think he'd kidnap me, I chuckle. He's too handsome, heroic, and accomplished for that. He opens the door for me. The soft leather of the limo seats caress my skin as I slide inside, still a little shaken from the pickpocket incident. Dominic settles in beside me, his presence both comforting and intriguing. "Where to, mademoiselle?" His voice is like honey, sweet and rich. "To the Hotel George V, if it's not too much trouble. That's where I'm staying." Dominic's eyebrows rise in surprise, and he chuckles. One I could get used to, I think. "Well, Paris must be a small world indeed." I'm staying there, too." "Really? What are the chances?" I couldn't help but smile. "Fate works in mysterious ways." He winked, sending butterflies through my chest. As the limo glided through the streets of Paris, we continued to talk. Dominic had a way of making me feel at ease, his conversation infectious. "I must say, I'm glad that thief brought us together," he said, his hand brushing against mine. "It's not every day I get the chance to rescue someone as intriguing as you." I rolled my eyes playfully. "I wouldn't call it rescue. It was more like rescuing my purse," I laughed. "Call it what you will." His gaze lingered on mine. "I'm just glad I met you, Arial." The way he said my name made me light up a little. There was something about Dominic, a magnetic pull that I couldn't quite explain. As the limo pulled up in front of the hotel, I realized I didn't want our time together to end. Dominic must have felt it too. "What do you say we continue this conversation over dinner tonight? I know a lovely little restaurant not far from here." I hesitated for only a moment before nodding.

"I would love to." His smile was dazzling as he helped me out of the limo. "See you tonight then, Arial. I'll meet you in the lobby at 7," he said as we said our goodbyes. Chapter Three Arial with Dominic in Paris The morning light dances across my face as I wake from a peaceful sleep, my heart filled with a new sense of hope and excitement. Could it be possible? After all the pain and loss, have I found someone who could be my match, my hero even? Someone who could help me on my new path in life? And while I'm visiting Paris! How romantic. I stretch lazily, a smile playing on my lips as memories of yesterday flood my mind. The way we met at the café and our romantic dinner last night make me feel things I haven't felt since Eric. I'm so glad I decided to come to Paris. Dominic. His name alone sends a shiver of delight through me. The moment we met at the café, after he stopped the thief and saved my belongings, there was an instant connection. His deep, captivating eyes and soft smile drew me in.

When we started talking about art and his travels, it felt like we were the only two people in the world. When he suggested dinner, I couldn't resist. Our dinner last night was like a scene from a movie. We ate in a charming little restaurant on the banks of the Seine, with the candlelight casting a warm glow over the table. Dominic was mesmerizing-his voice, a soft, deep, melodious timbre, weaving more stories about his travels and passions and his knowledge of Paris. He listened intently as I spoke, his eyes never leaving mine, making me feel like the most important person in the world. "I have to say, Arial, I have no one in my life, and you are bringing me to life. Your enthusiasm for art is truly inspiring," he said, reaching across the table to gently take my hand. His touch was electric, sending a jolt through my being. "I've always dreamed of finding someone like you." I was thrilled to hear those words, but they seemed too much, too fast. Could a man like this really dream of finding someone like me? I blushed a little and pulled my hand away. "Paris has always been a dream of mine. Experiencing it with someone like you made it even more special," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Tell me, do you have someone in your life, Arial? Should I worry about turning away boyfriends? I can only imagine they're lining up for you," he said, his face unreadable

. I couldn't talk about my lost love, Eric. Not yet. There had been no one else before or since him. "There's no one else, not now," I whispered, feeling emotional but not wanting to explain. Not yet. He took my hand again and smiled, his thumb stroking the back of my hand. "Well, that's encouraging to me. I'm glad to hear it. There's