Chance

Author: Aria

Rated: UnRated

Rating :

This is my rewrite of Chance Encounters. I didn't feel it was fair to take another story from the site so I've altered this one. There will be some parts that will be very familiar, but hopefully the rest of it will be completely new.

Enjoy.

~~~~

Chance

Chapter 1

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Hayley looked over at her best friend and wondered whether or not to go along with yet another one of her zany adventures. She looked over at the little folder on her vanity. This time she managed to snag a pair of last minute tickets to Nice.

"Of course! What do we have to lose? Neither of us are working and we might as well try to make the most of the money we've got!" she stuffed more of Hayley's clothes into a suitcase.

When Hayley didn't say anything, Zoe turned around. "Look, the tickets are on sale. We've never been to Monaco. And just think of the money we could make on the tables! Not to mention the glamorous people we'll meet! How could this not be a good idea?"

Hayley's green eyes studied Zoe through her, "But using what's left of our cash to go halfway around the world to maybe win at gambling? I'd rather stay here to look for a job."

Zoe slammed the lid of the suitcase down and grabbed Hayley by the arms and dragged her to the full-length mirror hanging on the wall. "What do you see when you look at yourself?"

Hayley took a look at her reflection and saw what she always did. Average height, poker straight, black, shoulder length hair, green eyes, and slender build. In other words the same old Hayley Anderson. "Me."

Zoe's pixie face and flaming red hair peered over her shoulder. "No. You see Hayley Anderson, mild and meek, on the verge of her greatest adventure." Sensing she still hadn't convinced her friend, she continued. "Hayley! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! How often do you get the chance to see a glamorous foreign country and hobnob with the rich and famous?"

It did sound wonderful. Hayley could feel her resolve crumble. "Almost never."

"Exactly!" Zoe's hazel eyes flashed triumphantly. "So how could we possibly pass this up?"

"I suppose you're right. It's is a great offer. And I hear it's a beautiful place."

The petite redhead was back at the bed now and was attacking suitcase with renewed vigour. "Of course I'm right! I'm always right!"

"Like that time you suggested that skiing holiday?"

"So we didn't know how to ski. We learned quick enough didn't we?" She looked at an old pair of jeans and hurled them over her shoulder.

Hayley bent down to pick them up and put them back in her dresser. "We spent most of the time cooped up in the lodge after we each both broke a leg!" Even as she said the words, Hayley found herself packing up her things. "And that time we went diving in Mexico and you wanted to explore that underwater cave?"

"How was I supposed to know that sharks slept in there?" Zoe huffed, "We're still alive aren't we?"

"Luckily or else we wouldn't be able to embark on yet another adventure." She replied sarcastically.

"Don't be nasty. I promise you this will be a trip you never forget."

"I don't think I've recovered from the others yet," she grumbled.

"You wait and see. You'll be thanking me!" Zoe slammed the suitcase shut and grabbed Hayley with her free hand. "We've got an hour to get to the airport!"

They landed in Nice and putted over the border to Monaco in their wreck of a rental car. Hayley navigated while Zoe took her hand at manoeuvring through French and Monegasque traffic. After an hour behind the wheel she slammed her fists on the dashboard and let out a scream.

"This is impossible! I never thought traffic could ever get this nasty! Look at it!" she pointed accusingly at the road like it was its fault that they were stuck.

Hayley smiled wearily. "I told you we should have taken the train." She rolled down the window and when it wouldn't go any further, pushed it down the rest of the way. "It wouldn't be so bad if we had air conditioning."

"That's your fault." Zoe hung her head out of the window to get some air and to take a look at the traffic situation. "You're the one who insisted in the cheapest car they had."

"We barely have any money, Zoe. Just make me feel better and do this one thing for me."

"Trust me, we are going to leave here very rich women. You don't have to worry about that." She giggled and whispered conspiratorially, "And think of all the fabulously rich men that will be there!"

Hayley snorted, "Well I'm not after a rich guy. I'm not after any guy. I've had it up to here with men." She sliced the air over her head to demonstrate.

"Do what you like. I'm here to win big money and failing that, I'll marry it."

They both shared a laugh at that, the tension broken.

The rest of the trip was filled with curses at other drivers and plans on what they would do when they got to the hotel.

All the ideas flew out of Hayley's mind when she caught a glimpse of the incredibly beautiful city. She had never seen such opulent buildings or even more breathtaking scenery. She had to forcibly keep herself in her seat lest she hang herself out the window to get a better look. It felt as if they had been transported into a fairyland. "Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?"

"Not ever." Zoe was in as much awe as she was and she pulled up to the casino.

In the evening light, the ornate stone building glowed pink almost like it was blushing at its own extravagance.

Hayley stood for a moment just taking in the scenery. Zoe was right. This would be good for her. She could feel herself perk up just standing there.

"This is where we are going to prove luck is a lady." Zoe whirled around with her arms spread wide. "I can just see it now!"

Hayley could picture it too. It would be amazing not to have to work anymore. Not to have to put up with the daily grind, to pay off all her bills and to lounge for the first time in her life. The thought put a smile on her face. She truly hoped that luck was on their side.

They got back in the car and drove to their hotel. It was nothing spectacular but it was still better than anything they had stayed in before.

They quickly checked in and headed to their room. Exhausted they fell into bed and went to sleep, dreaming of the great things that were waiting for them the next day.

The bright morning sunlight sliced its way into the room through a crack in the heavy curtains as Hayley woke up bright eyed and feeling ready to tackle anything that came their way.

Seeing that Zoe was still sleeping off their trip, she went to the bathroom to take a shower. On the way, she flung open the balcony doors to let the air in and was taken by the sight of the sea.

She stopped for a moment to breathe in the air and watch the sea undulate, bobbing the boats up and down. Humming happily, Hayley continued to the bathroom to get ready for the first day of their newest adventure.

By the time she was dressed, Zoe was up and zipping around the room excitedly. "Hayley! You're not going to wear that are you?" she eyed her casual clothing critically.

"Yes I am. I'm on vacation and this is what I'm going to wear." She looked at herself in the mirror and thought that the loose linen blouse and khaki pants looked good enough to wander around the streets of Monaco. "We're not going anywhere where we're going too meet any tycoons yet so quit worrying. I'll wear something nice tonight when we go to the casino, ok? Does that make you feel better?"

She grinned. "Much. Thanks. I don't know why I'm getting myself so rattled. I just think this could be…it! You know the beginning of the best for us!"

Her enthusiasm was infectious but she knew if she showed any, Zoe would run with it. Hayley simply smiled as she applied her lipstick. "Well just don't go overboard, ok?"

Zoe smiled, knowing that Hayley was just as excited as she was. "Let's go do some exploring!"

----

They spent the morning delving into Monegasque life. Hayley had always heard about those seventy year old women with their little dogs and tons of plastic surgery but never believed that they really existed until now. She watched as the third woman matching that description walked past their table. It was like being in a different world altogether. She sipped at her coffee and sighed contentedly. Just sitting and drinking something as simple as coffee and watching the world walk past was utter bliss. She hadn't been this relaxed in a really long time.

"See you're looking happier already! Didn't I say this was exactly what you needed?"

Hayley leaned back and smiled. "You did."

A handsome man in a designer suit caught Zoe's eye and they didn't leave him when she spoke to Hayley. "I still think that you should forget about what's his face and concentrate on finding someone new. Someone better." Her head whipped around as a blonde in a designer suit walked in the opposite direction to the other man. "I feel like I'm on a safari."

"No kidding. It's only the first day and your eyes are bugging out of your head."

"Have you ever seen so many beautiful people?" she gaped at yet another man and was rewarded by a wink.

"Careful now, you'll end up with whiplash," Hayley laughed. "So what now? Lounge until this evening?"

"Definitely. We need to conserve out energy if we're going to be out all night."

"Well, I wouldn't say all night."

"Oh yes you can say all night. How else are we going to win anything?"

"It's also a great way to lose everything."

"Yes, mother. I'll keep that in mind. Why don't we go back to the hotel to get some sleep before tonight?"

Hayley, wanting to see more of the city, shook her head. "No you go ahead. I want to do some more exploring."

The red head slipped out of the chair and stretched a little. "Suit yourself. See you later."

Hayley did the same and waved. "See you later." She watched Zoe round the corner and looked around for her next exploration quarry. There were a few shops that she hadn't taken a look at yet. The thought of wandering much further wasn't very appealing. She didn't think that her feet would forgive her if they were forced to do much more.

"Why don't you just sit here with me?"

Hayley spun around to face the owner of the smoothly accented voice completely expecting to be face to face with one of those greasy men with a medallion around his neck. Instead, she found herself staring into a very well clad, completely medallionless, male chest. Her head snapped up to find a very handsome man smiling down at her. She struggled to stutter, "I b-beg your pardon?"

The tall blonde smiled dazzlingly, "I only noticed that you looked as though you didn't know what to do with yourself. I am right, non?"

Hayley shook her head. It was the first thing she could think of doing. She was so flustered to have caught the gorgeous man's attention, she could only think of getting out of there. "I was just trying to figure out where to go next." She pointed at a shop across the way. "That looks like a nice one."

The man chuckled. "If you are into skimpy lingerie." His gaze dropped for a moment as if imagining her in just that, before returning back to her face.

Hayley could feel the blush blaze across her cheeks as she tried not to look into eyes that matched the sea at sunrise. "You know what? I think I'll go for a walk instead." When she saw him step forward she added, "Back to my hotel."

"It's up to you. If you want to lock yourself up in a boring hotel room, then go ahead." He smiled at her again, giving her one last look before walking away, leaving Hayley wondering what brought on that interesting encounter. She brought her hand up to her flushed cheek. How had he managed to ruffle her feathers in a matter of seconds?

Shaking her head, she continued on her solo excursion. She wouldn't be seeing him again.

----

Her feet ached by the time she got back to their room. Pulling out her key, Hayley was about to open the door when she heard some loud shuffling on the inside and something that sounded like Zoë's muffled screaming.

Hayley looked around the hall. There was no one to help her. Eyes wide she shoved the door open and ran into the room, ready to give it to whoever was hurting her best friend. What she saw had her skidding to a halt.

"What in the world are you doing, Zoë?"

Zoë stopped rolling around on the bed long enough to let out an excited squeal and drag Hayley onto the bed with her. "Look at all the money I won today!" she tossed a handful of bills into the air and bounced in delight.

Hayley couldn't help but smile. "That's great, Zoë!" Then she noticed that there was more in a bag on the bed. Quite a large bag. Her heart fluttered. "How much did you win?"

Zoë shrieked again, "Ninety thousand dollars!"

Emerald eyes bugged out of her head, Hayley gaped at her. "N-ninety thousand?"

"Ninety thousand!" Zoë launched herself at the taller woman. "Think of everything we can do with that! You can pay off your student loans! I can finally get a decent car!"

They danced around the room doing their own variant of the polka. Finally exhausted, they fell back onto the bed.

"This is amazing! I can't believe that things are going so good for us!" Hayley was beaming happily.

"I know! Just think of what we can win tonight!"

Hayley pursed her lips. "Do you think it's such a good idea?"

Zoë rolled her eyes, "God, Hayley, you can be such a downer sometimes you know!" her smiled faded and she got up to pace around the room. "Of course it's a good idea. Didn't I just prove that luck was on our side for once?"

Hayley felt guilty for bringing Zoë down. "I'm just saying that we should be careful. You know maybe set some aside?"

Zoë's shoulders heaved with a big sigh, "Fine. We'll set a side a quarter of it. Does that make you feel better?"

Hayley patted her on the shoulder. "Much, thanks."

Zoë waved it off. "So what are you planning on wearing tonight?"

Hayley got up and reached into the wardrobe, pulling out a deep purple dress. She held the slinky silken material up against herself. "What do you think?"

Zoë nodded sagely, "It's definitely got potential." She grabbed Hayley's hand and pulled her to the bathroom, shoving her in. "Hurry up and get ready. We'll head to a restaurant before we hit the casino."

Hayley grinned at her, "Sounds like a great plan." then slammed the door shut in Zoë's face.

It took them an hour to ready themselves to Zoë's satisfaction. Hayley had to redo her make up three times before she relented, sighing something about her being completely gauche.

Hayley rolled her eyes for the hundredth time and turned away to look at her reflection. She didn't know what Zoë was going on about. She thought she looked great. The dress fit her perfectly, clinging to the spots it was supposed to, hanging from the rest. Her hair was bunch artfully at her nape and a few soft tendrils fell to dust her spaghetti strapped shoulders.

She touched her fingers to her lips. They were too dark, too obvious. Hayley peeked over her shoulders.

"Don't you dare rub it off!"

"It's too much! I never wear this much lipstick!"

It was Zoë's turn to roll her eyes. "I think it's about time you did. You look great!" she smiled at Hayley. For once she wasn't going to let her fade into the background. This was the place to shine. She would make sure they both did. "Are you ready?"

"Absolutely. I think you're going to like the restaurant I picked out."

"You picked out a restaurant?" Maybe being here really was doing Hayley some good.

"Yup." She pulled on her wrap and smiled. "We have reservations at the Restaurant du Port."

"Wow!" then she stopped. "Wait a sec. You didn't know that I won all that money."

Hayley blushed, "It's my treat. Call it a thank you for dragging me along."

"Aw, that's so sweet!" Zoë launched herself at her best friend. "But I can't let you do that!" she winked.

"Oh, ok. Twist my rubber arm," she linked hers with Zoë and they headed off to the restaurant.

----

When they arrived, the host led them out to the balcony. Glowing spheres of light radiated softly from the middles of each square table, gently lighting up the faces of the other patrons.

Hayley was concentrating on navigating through the sea of tables when a familiar face caught her eye. It was the same man she met that afternoon. The longish blonde hair was more styled and chiselled features looked even more angular in the candlelight, but it was definitely him.

Across the table from him, sat a stunning auburn haired woman who seemed to be hanging off of his every word. She was dressed as perfectly as he was and looked very much at home in the lavish surroundings.

Hayley quickly ducked her eyes and kept walking but couldn't help but take another peek at him. She nearly tripped when she found him watching her. He excused himself from the conversation the woman he was with thought they were having and stood up.

"We meet again."

Hayley blushed furiously and could feel Zoë, as well as the rest of the restaurant, staring at her. "Hello."

He winked, "Perhaps we should make these meetings more regular, non?"

"Perhaps." Hayley smiled coyly at him and continued onto their table.

She was impressed that Zoë managed to hold back the questions until the host left them. But as soon as he was out of earshot, the interrogation started.

"When did you met that guy?" she peered at him over her menu. "He's gorgeous! What's his name?"

Hayley skimmed the menu. "We met, well sort of met, this afternoon. I don't even know his name."

Zoë still hadn't picked up her jaw from the immaculate flooring. "How did you meet him?"

"He asked me to sit with him." Hayley looked back to the menu.

"And did you?"

"No."

Zoë's eyes roamed over him again. "You are insane?"

Hayley put her menu aside. "Let me guess you would have sat with him?"

The petite redhead nodded dazedly. "That's for sure."

Hayley took a peek over her shoulder. Was he really that good looking? She quickly looked back at the table when he caught her looking at him and winked. Good looking? Maybe. Full of himself? Most definitely. She turned back to Zoë, "Can we talk about something else?"

She grinned. "How about all that money we're going to win tonight?"

Hayley laughed, "We'll clean up!"

"Absolutely!" she held up her glass and Hayley did the same. "To us. Soon to be richest women we know."

Laughing, Hayley clicked her glass to hers. "I can drink to that."

Their conversation stayed on the subject of gambling, pumping up their spirits. By the time they made it through the incredible meal, they were brimming with excitement.

Hayley managed not to look at him throughout the entire meal and was relieved that when they finally got up to leave.

They took another cab up to the casino and stood outside looking at it for a moment it was like they knew their lives were going to change that night. There was just something buzzing in the air that they could both feel.

Linking arms, the two women walked in to embrace their destiny.

Hayley followed Zoë's lead as they wandered into the golden building. She paused as they walked into the atrium and presented their IDs to the man waiting there. Satisfied he handed then back and nodded. Heels clicking on the black and white marble, they stepped in and Hayley took a look around at the beauty of the interior. "This is absolutely amazing!"

"I know! I almost passed out when I came this afternoon." Zoë clutched at her arm and did her best to look calm and sophisticated, something that the friend at her side never had any problems achieving. "So what do you want to do first?"

"Is there anything you haven't done yet?" Hayley was still admiring her surroundings and was sure that whatever they got up to in this place would be amazing.

"Hmmm, ok. How about the Sun Casino? It wasn't open when I was here earlier."

Hayley agree with a shrug of her bare shoulders. "Sounds good to me. Just as long as we come back here later."

"Of course!" Zoë tugged on her arm and led the way.

The room was filled with lines and lines of slot machines on one side and the other half was occupied with roulette, craps and black jack tables, most of which were already occupied by expensively dressed patrons.

"So what do we do now?" Hayley turned expectantly at her friend.

"We buy some chips and let the fun begin, that's what!" she pushed Hayley to a slot machine and sat her down. "Wait here I'll be right back."

"Ok." she stared nervously at the machine front of her, unsure of how to act. Acting nonchalantly as she could, Hayley stopped her impulse to fidget with her hair and stared at the handle. She wasn't even aware of someone coming up beside her until she heard his voice.

"Laissez-moi, mademoiselle." the man stepped up to the machine, put in a coin and pressed the button. She watched in amazement at how the electronic fruit lined up. She gasped and looked at the man, who in return winked and walked off.

Not knowing what to do she called after him. "Merci!" Zoë returned the same moment she turned back to the machine, which was still sending for a cascade of coins.

"What's the matter?"

"I think I just won."

"Ok...you should be smiling then."

"Some guy just came up, won the money and walked off."

Zoë looked in the direction that Hayley was pointing and gasped. "I heard about that guy! Apparently he has so much money he doesn't know what to do with it!"

She licked her lips and Hayley knew what she was thinking. "No, Zoë. To leave me now would be in very bad form. I'll never speak to you again."

Zoe's brow arched. "Since when have you ever been clingy?"

Hayley waved her arms around. "We're in a foreign country, I have no idea how to gamble I think it's a good time to start."

"Relax, will you? I won't leave you here on your own, I promise." She patted her friend on the shoulder.

Hayley smiled. Emotional blackmail always worked so well on Zoë.

----

Twenty minutes later, however, Hayley wasn't smiling quite so smugly. Zoë decided that she really needed to go and talk to the man that won on her slot machine. Hayley looked at the clock, and she hadn't seen her friend since.

Getting a little bored of waiting, Hayley wandered past an exuberant crowd of people but stopped short when a hand jutted out in front of her face.

"Blow on the dice."

Hayley gaze followed the arm down to the owner's face. The small man wore the most ridiculous cowboy outfit she had ever seen complete with a ten-gallon hat. "Excuse me?"

He wiggled his arm impatiently, a shouted at her in his southern drawl, "Blow on the dice! You know for luck!"

"Ok, sure." Hayley blew a tiny gust on his fist and watched him hurl the dice onto the table. Whatever happened must have been great because the group went wild.

"Hey girlie, come on over here." The man shoved some people aside to clear a space next to him. "You're lucky for me."

Hayley shyly made her way through the crowd and stood next to him. She blushed furiously when everyone cheered. She looked down at the jubilant man. "Now what?"

"Just keep on doing what you're doing, darlin'." He shoved his fist in her face again.

She ended up doing that a few more times before he switched tactics. "Let's see if you can do more than just blow."

Hayley's brow arched at his suggestive sounding words. "Excuse me?"

He grabbed her hands and placed them roughly on his chips. "How high should I go?"

These people certainly weren't interested in subtlety. She rolled her eyes a little and pushed a couple of the little stacks forward.

The man whistled through his teeth and grinned. "I like yur style girlie." And he threw the dice again.

"Seven!"

A deafening roar rose from the table and everyone was either patting her on the back or shaking her hand as if she personally had something to do with it. Only now, Hayley found herself getting caught up in the excitement as well. It was contagious and now she was grinning from ear to ear and itching to throw the dice again like the rest of the afflicted.

"Hayley!"

She heard her name being called and she looked around. "Zoë? Where are you?"

A small hand shut up into the air and started waving. "Over here!" Hayley walked over as the crowds parted for her and Zoë waded her way over. She looked up at Hayley's beaming face and shook her head at the transformation. "What happened to you?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Girlie! Get yur perky butt back over here!"

Zoë's jaw dropped when Hayley smiled and took her place back at the man's side. She shoved her way through and grabbed Hayley's arm. "You're this guy's girlie?" she gaped again when Hayley shushed her and took the dice.

"Just a sec, Zoë." She blew on the dice and tossed it down the table.

There was a hush for a spilt second before the man shouted, "Seven!" yet again.

Hayley grabbed Zoë and bounced up and down screaming her happiness.

The Texan clapped her on the back and beamed up at her. "Wow, girlie that was one hell of a trip!"

Hayley stuck out her hand. "Hayley."

"Curt." He shook her hand heartily. "Listen, I want to thank you. I don't think I would have won without your help."

Hayley shook her head shyly. "I didn't do anything."

"Of course you did!" his grin suddenly grew wider. "I'll give you half of what I won, as a thank you."

"Oh no, I couldn't."

"Of course you can! Just let me do this one little thing to thank you."

"But-"

"If you say you didn't do anything one more time, I'm going to call security in here and tell them that you're harassing me."

Hayley choked back a startled laugh. "You're not serious!"

"I am." He busied himself writing out a check on the edge of the table. "Here." He handed it to her and clapped her on the back once again. "Thanks, girlie." And with that he disappeared into the crowd.

Zoë stuck her arm around her friend's waist. "What was that all about?"

"Curt wanted to give me something to thank me for helping out at the table." She flipped open the folded check and nearly fainted.

"What?" Zoë stood on tiptoe to take a look.

Hayley's hand were shaking, they weren't accustomed to holding half a million dollars in their grasp. "He-he gave me…" she could barely breathe.

Zoë grabbed it and screamed, "Oh my god!"

Both women threw their arms around each other and leapt up and down screaming in absolute joy.

"This is incredible! Aren't you glad I made you come?"

"Yes!" This was a dream come true! "Let's go celebrate!"

----

Several hours later, the two stumbled into their hotel room, still jubilant though they could barely walk.

Tip toeing and shushing each other they managed to make it to the bed before flopping down on it.

Hayley kicked her shoes off and smiled into the darkness. Now that they had all this money they could do what they wanted. She rolled over onto her stomach and screamed into the bed.

"I know what you mean!" Zoë flopped her head onto her pillow. "I can't believe this is happening. Nothing like this sever happens to us!"

Hayley giggled. "And now you won't have to marry some old creepy guy."

"Thank god!" she sat up and leaned in closer to Hayley. "But think of the guys we can pick up now!" she fell back when a hand shoved her face back.

"Don't be stupid. We don't need a guy now we've got all this cash." She patted the bag that was filled with money when they cashed the cheque.

"Who said I was going to use him for money?"

Hayley groaned and buried her face into the satiny sheets.

"What are you doing?"

"Going to sleep. What does it look like?"

Zoë thumped her on the head with her pillow sending flashes of light behind her eyelids. "What? How can you go to sleep?"

"Well, considering I drank way more than I'm used to and it's," she squinted at their clock, "Close to 4am. I think I should call it a night." She squinted at her friend. "You should too. We've got to do some shopping tomorrow."

Zoë clambered off of the mattress. "No way. I'm drinking some coffee and I'm heading back out again."

Hayley's eyes were already closed. "Do what you want."

She didn't even hear Zoë leave.

----

The morning light slashed its way into the room and straight into her eyes. Hayley blinked at the light and when that didn't soothe her eyes, she pulled the pillow over her head.

Her mouth and throat were parched and they wouldn't let her lounge in bed any longer. Slowly sitting up, she waited until the room slowed its spinning and shuffled her way to the bathroom.

The shower got rid of most of her headache but no matter how hard she tried, her eyes wouldn't stop feeling like swollen golf balls lodged in her skull. She could only imaging how Zoë would feel when she finally woke up. He gaze drifted over to the lump on the bed.

Her slender form was still tuck up in bed and sleeping peacefully.

Smiling, Hayley ordered breakfast for them both and enjoyed her half on the balcony before deciding to take a walk. She quickly wrote a note and was then on her way.

The crisp morning air turned out to be exactly what she needed. She slowed and turned to face the sun, letting it warm her.

It had been a long time since she'd felt this carefree. The smile on her face broadened when she remembered the night before. She was rich! Hayley did a little twirl. It was such a fabulous feeling to know that anything was possible now.

On her way back to the hotel, Hayley made a few stops to purchase a few things she had been admiring the day before but never thought she could afford.

Lugging the bags out into the rapidly warming sun, Hayley just couldn't stop herself from smiling. The trip back to the room was the fastest she'd ever had.

"Hey, Zoë! Take a look at what I bought!"

The petite redhead was charging around the room at full speed. "I can't right now, Hayley. I'm kinda in a rush."

Hayley noticed how pale Zoë was, "Are you ok?"

"Y-yeah, I'm fine." She laughed nervously. "Why wouldn't I be ok?" she ran over to the door.

"Are you sure?" she watched the other woman fidget with the door handle. "Where are you going?"

"Just out. I'll be back later ok?" Zoë's eyes fluttered around the room. "Walk out with me? You probably want to do more shopping, huh?"

Hayley held out the bags. "But I just went shopping."

Zoë rushed back in a dragged her out the door. "I bet there's more out there that you want." She looked up at her and nodded. "See? I know you too well!"

"Yeah, I guess I can afford to splurge now, huh?" she was too distracted with the thought to see Zoë cringe.

"Yup! I'll meet up with later ok?"

"Yeah, see you later!"

Zoë gave her a quick hug and walked off.

Hayley shook her head as she watched her friend's retreating form. Shrugging and armed with her credit card, she headed in the direction of the shops.

----

It was beginning to get dark when she decided to return, dragging another huge load of shopping bags. She dropped them by the bed and looked around. Zoë still hadn't returned from the looks of it. Everything was still strewn around the room the same way they had left it.

Kicking her shoes off, she padded to the balcony and sat down to admire the rapidly changing colours of the sky. She sighed happily; this certainly was the life.

Hayley was watching a pair of birds swooping in the sky when she heard the door swing open. Happy that Zoë was finally home, she walked back into the room to find her friend crying hysterically.

"Zoë?" she strode over and put her arms around her shuddering shoulders. "What happened?"

"Hayley, I'm so sorry! I tried but I couldn't get it back!"

"Get what back? What are you talking about?" Hayley had a sneaking suspicion at what had happened but pushed it aside. Zoë couldn't have.

"I lost all the money."

Apparently she did. "What?" the strangled whisper managed to scratch it's way out of her throat. She immediately went to the bag that they put the money in and tore it open. It was empty except for a few bills. "Oh my god." She whirled around and caught Zoë by her shoulders, shaking her. "How could you, Zoë?"

"I'm so sorry! I barely remember what happened!" she clamped her hand over her mouth to stifle a sob. "I gambled away my winning last night when I went back. I didn't mean to, I just figured I could make more on it." She slid boneless onto the bed. "Before I knew it there was barely anything left. So I borrowed from your bag…and now…" she sobbed freely now. "God, I'm so sorry!"

Hayley was a little numb. She automatically hugged her distraught friend. So much for living easy. A tear escaped and slid down her cheeks. "It's ok, Zoë. We were prepared to leave here with nothing and now it looks like we were right." She picked up her shopping for the day and set it aside, planning to return everything in the morning.

Zoë let out a wail. "Hayley, we can't leave."

She stopped fussing with the bags and turned around. "What?"

"I kinda lost the tickets this morning."

"You what?" her head was starting to whirl. "How on earth did you manage that?"

Zoë sniffled and wiped her eyes. "I had to make the money back somehow, so I joined up with a group of players in their private room."

Hayley rubbed her eyes with the heel of her hands and stared at her friend. "You don't know the first thing about gambling, Zoë. What made you think you stood a chance?"

"I didn't think about that did I? I was more concerned about winning the money back so you wouldn't hate me!"

The room was getting too small and she headed for the door. "You know me better than that, Zoë! If you came to me at the beginning…I gotta get out of here."

"Wait! Where are you going?"

"I don't know. I'll be back later." She walked out and shut the door quietly behind her.

Aimlessly, she wandered through the streets. Hayley's mind was reeling from information overload. First of all they had no money. They had no plane tickets. She had to return everything to get back her money, there was no way she was going broke just for a pair of Ferragamo shoes and other like branded clothing. And to top it all of, they had to figure out a way to get back home, they couldn't afford staying here much longer as it was.

Wringing her hands, she walked past the casino again and looked at the beautiful building that had built up her hopes and dashed them again in such quick succession. How could such a beautiful thing be so cruel?

Sighing, Hayley kept walking. There was nothing she could do without any money. She stopped for a split second contemplating going in there and begging for their tickets back but she wouldn't even know where to start. Dragging her feet along, she started walking again.

She shuffled along looking at the greenery around the casino. That's when she heard the most beautiful music drifting from the building.

It soothed her a little so Hayley stopped fighting against her knees collapsing and gave in, sinking down to the grass. She leaned up against the trickling fountain and closed her eyes, letting the music carry her away from all her troubles.

----

A small blonde boldly pushed her way past several women and approached the tuxedo-clad figure in the middle of the crowd. "Monsieur le Conte, can you sign this for me please?"

The gorgeous, tall, broad-shouldered man before her turned and smiled, accepting the book. His fingers touched hers when he took it. She shivered with pleasure and smiled as beautifully as she could, hoping that he would notice her.

He smiled kindly, but barely noticed her. The concert had lasted three hours and now all Luc le Conte wanted to do was relax. He quickly signed his name in it and handed it back to her. She thanked him profusely and disappeared in the crowd.

Luc ran his hands through his blonde hair and took a deep breath. Women surrounded him on all angles, pushing and shoving trying to get as close as they could to him. Luc had gotten use to their admiring glances and attempts to get him to notice them over the years. The truth was he didn't have any time for anyone at the moment and besides that, he wasn't interested in a relationship. He thought about how the last one ended and shook his head. Talk about a disaster. He looked around at the pushing women and smiled broadly. But he did find the whole thing amusing. Luc sighed and signed a book handed to him by another trembling female.

A dark haired man, dressed in an expensive Armani suit, pushed through the crowd of women, came up behind him and patted him on the back. "Luc! That was magnifique!" He pushed up his wire-rimmed glasses and looked at his old friend's tired face. "Glad it's over, non?"

He smiled at his friend Michel Noyez. "Oui Michel, I just want to sleep for a month now."

"Ha! You know we're scheduled for another concert tomorrow and then it's off to Asia." He knew he didn't have to remind him. Luc kept on top of everything.

"The things I have to do." He shook his head in mock exasperation. Michel knew as well as he did that he loved nothing more than performing and sharing his gift with others.

Michel laughed. "Come on! The sooner we're done this, the sooner you can get some sleep."

Luc signed the last of the autographs while Michel and the rest of Luc's crew gathered up their things and packed up some equipment and stored it for the following night. Luc walked over and joined in to help them do it. He never could just sit by while the others were busy. Luc didn't feel it was fair at all for him to go and sleep while his friends slaved away. He took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves and helped move the equipment.

Some time later, they finished up and walked out. Luc was the last to leave after making sure that everything was in order for the next performance. He took one last look, turned off the lights and walked out the front doors of the theatre, nodding to the attendant as he walked past.

Luc stretched and inhaled the fresh night air. There was nothing like a good performance and a nice night afterwards. His crew knew that he liked to take a walk to clear his head after a performance so he wasn't surprised that everyone had left. It wasn't often that he experienced solitude so he cherished every moment.

The fountain in the centre of the square caught his attention as it bubbled cheerfully in the middle of the green. The lights illuminating the water gave it an inviting glow so he decided to take a look. He slowly rounded it and stopped.

Leaning against the other side was a woman. And from the looks of it she was fast asleep.

At first he didn't know what to make of it, but he decided to investigate the small body curled up alone. He shook his head, grimacing to himself. It wasn't safe for a young woman to be out alone at night.

Luc approached her and gently tapped on her shoulder. He didn't want to startle her. He had to tap several times before she responded. She must be so drained! She looked incredibly tired and looked at him with big green eyes. For some reason tears were drying on her cheeks. Luc suddenly had an inexplicable urge to wipe them away with his fingertips. He quickly halted that thought; sure that he would alarm her if he gave into the temptation. Wisps of her ebony hair had escaped from her ponytail and softly framed her heart shaped face. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. A bolt of lightning went through him when their eyes made contact. It was the same woman he had seen all over the principality. This had to be more than coincidence now. It was fate.

Luc decided then and there that he was going to do whatever it took to keep her in his life.

He smiled warmly at her. "Allô."

----

Hayley must have fallen asleep, because the next thing she knew was someone was tapping on her shoulder.

"Allô? Miss? Are you ok?"

Hayley heard a deep male voice talking to her. She looked up and saw a silhouette in front of her. The bright light behind him made it impossible for Hayley to see his face. She shielded her eyes from the light and squinted trying to make out who it was.

"Oh, je m'excuse." He kneeled down so their faces were even.

Hayley now saw a handsome blond man kneeling in front of her with a concerned look on his face. Her jaw dropped as she stared at him. He was magnificent! A lock of golden hair tumbled onto his forehead. He quickly brushed it out of the way. He had gorgeous features; his cheeks looked almost as though they were chiselled out of the smooth stone that made his skin, but what got her the most were his eyes. They were an unreal shade of blue. They seemed to pierce straight into her. Wow! A jolt went through her when their eyes met. It was the man who had invited her to sit with him the other day! Hayley shivered and taking in his face again, saw that he was smiling at her. Up close he was even more handsome. Quickly, she regained her senses and shook her head absently. "I'm fine, thank you. I must have fallen asleep."

"Why do you cry?" He smiled at her kindly.

She brushed at her cheeks and found that he was right. She quickly wiped the tears away. "Oh. It's nothing. I'm alright."

"It is not right for someone so beautiful to cry." Again, he instinctively raised his hand to wipe the tears away but stopped. Instead he brought it back and reached into his breast pocket, pulling out a silk handkerchief. Luc handed it to her. "Here."

She noticed his words were heavily accented and saw that he was wearing an elegant black tux. "Thank you." She carefully wiped her eyes. "You were playing in there?"

He grinned. She might be upset about something but she was still perceptive. "Oui."

"What are you doing in Monte Carlo?" she closed her eyes in silent mortification at the idiotic question.

Luckily, he didn't seem to notice. "I was playing here tonight as part of a tour. It is my last night in Europe before heading to Asia."

Her eyes widened. He was the one who had been playing. "I heard you. You were wonderful."

"Merci, that is very nice of you." He studied her face again. "But what has you so troubled?"

"Nothing." She rubbed her eyes with the heels of her hands, fighting the urge to cry again and sighed, "Everything. But I don't want to burden you with my problems."

"It would not be a burden. You must not let it get to you like that, it is not good for you," he extended his hand. "Join me for coffee? We can discuss your woes."

She looked at his hand and then back at his face. It was a very tempting offer. She definitely needed a diversion. And Hayley had to admit he intrigued her as well. But she didn't even know the guy. She shook her head. "No, thanks. I have to get back to my friend." She went to stand up.

"S'il vous plait? Please, it will be nice to drink and relax for a little bit." He extended his hand further. "It will help me relax too."

Hayley thought about it for a bit and agreed. "Ok, but only if we stay nearby." Why not? Going back to have another argument with Zoe wasn't appealing at the moment and he looked like a pleasant distraction. She took his hand and felt a frisson of pleasure go through her. Hayley looked at him as he easily pulled her onto her feet. He was unexpectedly strong. "Merci beaucoup."

"You speak French?" He looked at her incredulously.

"I took French classes in high school so I speak a little. It's not very good though, it's been along time since I've spoken it so you'll have to bear with me." Hayley stopped when she realised she was babbling idiotically.

He smiled warmly at her, "I'm sure it is wonderful." He looked around. "So where can we go?"

She looked around, "A café?"

"Sure. I know a good one." And he led the way to a little café on the corner a few blocks away. He walked up to the counter and ordered two cappuccinos. The waitress' eyes flicked over to Luc several times as she handed over the coffees.

Hayley couldn't blame her; she couldn't keep her own eyes off of him either. "Thanks." Chagrined, Hayley realised that she didn't have a cent on her. She walked out in such a hurry that she left her wallet behind.

Without a thought, Luc handed the girl the money and smiled at Hayley.

Hayley smiled back. "Thanks. Want to sit over there?" She pointed at some of the taller tables. He nodded. They wandered over and sat down. Luc pulled out her chair for her. Hayley smiled at him and stepped up into the seat. "Thanks."

Luc looked around and was aware of the strange looks people were giving him. He smiled. "People are looking at us. I guess I am a little over dressed, non?" He began pulling off his tie and jacket. In a flash he had them off and hanging on the back of his chair. "Do I blend in now?"

Hayley looked at him. No, he didn't blend in. He looked more like a gorgeous apparition. Hayley didn't think there was anything he could do to distract attention from his looks. He sat straight and tall in his chair and had a very dignified air about him that commanded attention. He looked absolutely regal. She watched as he undid to top button of his shirt with his long fingers and wondered what he looked like with it off. She cleared her throat and took a sip of the bitter brew. Hayley didn't like where her mind was straying and tried to focus on the conversation. "You couldn't be picked out a crowd now."

He laughed. She was a nice person. "So what is your name? I am Luc le Conte."

Amazingly, she'd forgotten that she didn't even know his name. "I'm Hayley Anderson." She stuck her hand out sideways for him to shake but he turned it palm down and kissed it instead.

"Enchanté" Luc let his lips linger on her silky skin. He inhaled her fresh scent then looked into her eyes. God, she was beautiful.

Hayley blushed and gently disengaged her hand from his. She busied herself with dumping sugar into her cup and stirring. Mechanically, she lifted her coffee and sipped nervously. That was new. She'd never had anyone kiss her hand before. She looked at him. What was she doing having coffee with some man she didn't even know? Her thoughts were sidetracked when she tried the coffee. She looked up from her cup. "This is fantastic!"

"It is very good, non?" He looked over at her smiling face and grinned, displaying gleaming white teeth. "See? You are relaxing already."

Hayley did feel more relaxed now. She took another sip and looked at him. "So tell me about yourself."

Hayley was amazed at how relaxed she was with him. Usually she kept quiet around people she just met, but with him it was like they knew each other forever. For the next few hours they talked about everything.

He told her about his childhood on a vineyard in the southwest region of France. And about how at an early age he exhibited a talent for music. Now he toured all over the world sharing his gift. He told her about the places he'd been to and the interesting things he'd seen on his travels.

She told him about how she grew up in a small town and how now after university she found that her degree in English Literature was pretty much useless so she drifted from job to job.

They then moved onto other topics, science, politics, and news. He was a fountain of information. He happily discovered she was as well. They discussed their views on everything and found that they felt the same way about most things. Luc was on cloud nine. It was rare to find anyone as interesting, intelligent and beautiful as Hayley. And he had managed to do it by accident.

Hayley looked at him as he sipped his fourth cup of coffee. He was the nicest person she had ever met. Luc seemed to be totally honest and at ease with her as she was with him. Hayley reminded herself that people were often nothing like they seemed. But as she continued to talk to him she slowly lost her reservations. She was having too good a time to be wary of him.

Hayley was laughing hysterically at a story he was telling her about one of his school day antics when she caught a glimpse at his watch.

Hayley looked at her watch to make sure that the time it was showing was correct. It was well past midnight! "Oh! I didn't realize how late it was." She looked over at Luc. "Luc, I'm sorry but I have to go. My friend will be wondering where I am."

How had it gotten so late? Luc was reluctant to go, he was having such a good time. But she was right it was getting late. Luc smiled at Hayley. "Bien sur. I must be going myself. It is getting late and I have another performance tomorrow." He drained his cup and looked at her. "Will I see you again, Hayley?"

She definitely wanted to talk to him again. "You want to meet again tomorrow night?"

"It is a date." He helped her out of her chair and kissed her hand. "We will be setting up at around six pm." He grabbed his jacket and tie. "Just tell the doorman who you are and he'll let you in. À bientôt!"

"Bonsoir." Hayley smiled watching him weave his tall form easily through the crowd.

Grinning from ear to ear she made her way back to the hotel. She couldn't deny it; she was in a very good mood now. She couldn't remember the last time she laughed so hard or felt so at ease with anyone let alone a man. After that talk with Luc all of the tension was gone and she felt great.

She walked into the room quietly so she wouldn't wake Zoë. Hayley was careful not to let the door slam and turned silently. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw she was awake and waiting for her in the living room.

"Hayley, are you alright? Where have you been?" Zoë jumped up from the couch and walked over with a worried expression on her face.

Hayley smiled. "Just out for a walk. To clear my head."

Zoë was obviously puzzled by her good mood. "I've been worried about you. You said you were going for a walk four hours ago. And you definitely weren't in a good mood." Zoë grabbed her face and looked into her eyes. "Are you on something?"

Laughing, Hayley shook her off and did the same to her shoes. "Nope, I'm just happy. Can't I be happy?"

Zoë looked at her and picked up on the happy aura around Hayley. She arched her brow, "I know that look!" she stared at her open mouthed. "You've met someone!" Zoë pointed at her accusingly. "You hooked up!"

Hayley stopped and looked at them open mouthed. "No I didn't." She still couldn't stop smiling.

"Come on, dish! I want to hear it all."

"I don't know. Maybe I have, maybe I haven't. What I do know is that I'm tired and I need a shower. So if you don't mind…" she disappeared into the bathroom. Hayley took a nice, leisurely, hot shower and when she came out Zoë was right there waiting, leaning on the sink.

"Come on!" Zoë stood staring at her. Hayley proceeded to brush her teeth and wash her face. "He's got to be something special, you've turned down almost every man who's ever asked you out."

"I have not." She mumbled with the toothbrush still in her mouth.

Zoë brightened, "It's that Curt guy who gave you all that cash, right?"

"You have got to be kidding me!" Hayley was laughing as she climbed into bed.

"I'm going to find out sooner or later so you might as well tell me!"

"Good night, Zoë!"

"Fine!"

And the light went off.

----

The next morning, she woke up refreshed and smiling. Zoë kept trying to interrogate but gave up when Hayley would just ignore her questions. She decided not to push her luck and instead got them breakfast before heading out to see what she could do about getting some tickets back home.

The rest of the day went by tediously. Red-faced, she returned all of the things she bought the day before and wasn't surprised when some of the stores refused a refund.

She walked around some more hoping to come up with an idea or two about how to get them home. Hayley was in such deep concentration that she narrowly missed a corner and raked her shoulder against it.

"Ow!" she rubbed at her raw skin and looked accusingly at the offending corner. The anger soon faded when she saw what was posted there.

Luc was photographed sitting at his piano smiling, dressed to perfection in his black tux. His marine blue eyes twinkled with obvious love for his art and he had a dimple in his right cheek that she hadn't noticed the night before. It announced that tonight was his last night in Monaco. Smiling she turned around and walked past the main entrance and toward the hotel, at least she'd get to see him one more time before he left. Too bad she couldn't spend more time with him. He was incredible, and she could definitely fall for him. She shrugged to herself. It wasn't meant to be.

She walked into the hotel room and found Zoë pacing up and down. "Couldn't get tickets?"

"No. But I'll figure out something." Her pensive expression quickly morphed into a smile. "Whatever, so tell me about this guy. Is it that guy on the poster I saw you staring at? You know, that guy we saw in the restaurant."

Hayley's jaw dropped, "You saw me?" Her face started to get really hot.

"Oh, I saw you mooning over the poster all right." She reached by her bedside and pulled out a familiar looking roll of paper and laminate.

Hayley's face must have been a million degrees. "You can't just rip those off the walls!"

Zoë noticed her face going red. "So it's him? Luc something, right?" she grinned, "So is he rich? How long is he here? Do I get to meet him?"

"Yeah, his name is Luc le Conte." She pointed at the poster, his name was clearly written on it. "He's from France and no, you're not going to meet him. He's got a performance tonight, his last one here."

"Yeah, but you're going to meet up with him right?" Liz looked as interested as the rest of them. "I think I'll just have to tag along."

Hayley put up her hand. "Oh no you don't. I know how you get all protective and stuff. You'll end up scaring him back to France," she teased. She looked at her watch. "It's about time I got dressed anyways, so if you'll excuse me." She got up and started searching through her bags.

About five seconds later she was holding up two dresses. "Which dress do you like better?" She held out a simple black dress that was short and had no sleeves and a fiery red one that didn't have sleeves either but reached her ankles and had a daring split up one leg.

Zoë looked at them and grinned, "A dress! It must be serious! The red one is sexy. Go with that one."

Hayley shrugged and held up the black one. "I like this one better."

"Then why did you ask?" retorted the red head. Even as she grumbled she helped to pick out accessories to match the black dress.

About twenty minutes later they had decided on a pair of black pumps, a small black sequinned bag and simple jewellery, otherwise known as the stuff that Hayley couldn't return. Might as well make use of it.

Zoë watched as Hayley emerged from the bathroom wearing everything they had picked out. She looked stunning. Her hair was held back with delicate combs and her make up was carefully applied. The jewellery sparkled as she walked into the room.

"So how do I look?" She looked at Zoë and smiled nervously.

Zoe replied with a catcall, "You look incredible, Hayley." She ran up and hugged her.

Hayley hugged her back before pulling back to fidget nervously for a moment.

"You look fantastic. Now go!"

She picked up her wrap and exhaled. "Ok, ok. See you later."

When she arrived at the opera house and looked around until she found him, working with the others getting everything put into its place. They apparently finished just as she walked over to Luc, he was laughing along with some people and put his hand in his pockets.

"Hi, Luc." Shyly she walked over to him. Hayley noticed the curious looks everyone was giving her and she blushed.

He looked over at her. Luc's breathtaking eyes widened as he looked at her and he smiled. "Hayley, bonjour," He gently took her hand, brought it up to his lips and kissed it. "You look beautiful." She looked stunning. Luc gazed into her eyes and for a moment everything else around them fell away. He recovered first and smiled at her, knowing she felt the same thing he had.

Putting his arm lightly around her waist, Luc directed her toward the other people. He introduced Hayley to everyone without taking his eyes off her even once. Hayley shook hands with each of them and said hi, though there were so many that she very much doubted if she would remember their names.

"You help with the setting up?" Hayley was very surprised when she saw him working along side his crew. She expected him to be like those Hollywood stars that you read about in the paper who couldn't even do their own laundry let alone set up complicated equipment.

"Bien sur, or course, many hands make light work." He was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, a huge departure from the tux he wore when he performed. Still, Luc looked terrific.

Hayley admired his physique. He was well built, something that was hidden under the jacket and shirt last night. He wasn't muscular in a bodybuilder sort of way, but he was definitely fit. His hair was tousled and he was smiling at her.

"Come, would you like some coffee?" He took her hand a sat her down on his piano bench. She ran her hands over the keys as she waited. Moments later he brought back her coffee. "Two sugars right? I saw you do that last night."

"Thanks, yes two sugars I have a bit of a sweet tooth." She looked at the piano. "I have never played on a grand piano before." She lightly fingered the keys.

"You play? Show me." She shook her head shyly.

He sat down beside her and gently put her fingers back on the keys. "Please." The request was made quietly. He smiled encouragingly at her so she began to play nervously, praying that the lessons that she had as a teen would come back to her. Stumbling a couple of times she managed to play ‘Für Elise'. When she finished, he applauded her, smiling from ear to ear. "Magnifique! You play very well, chérie. Especially when you say you haven't played in a long time." He looked at his watch. "Je suis désolé, Hayley. I'm sorry, but I must get dressed for tonight's performance. I have to go to the hotel. Come with me?"

Blushing, Hayley shook her head. "No, I think I'll wait here." She didn't think that it would be appropriate for her to go with him.

He smiled when he saw her cheeks colour. "Ça va, I will return very soon." He kissed her hand and disappeared with three of his entourage.

She wandered around making small talk with some of the people who worked with him. She found that they were very friendly and quite funny as well, especially Michel Noyez, who turned out to be a good friend of Luc's. He told her amusing stories of their childhood and about how Luc took him on when he lost his job in Paris. No one had anything bad to say about the man. It seemed that his generous nature was not a façade as she had feared.

About thirty minutes after he left, Luc returned dressed and groomed perfectly. "Did I take too long?" He kissed her hand, something that Hayley was getting pleasantly use to. She shook her head. "Good, I trust my friends took good care of you?"

Michel jumped forward. "Of course we did. How could we not? She is such a winning creature." He winked at her and smiled.

Hayley laughed happily. Luc did as well.

He sat her back down on the piano bench and went through what was going to happen. "Ok Hayley, the performance will start in about thirty minutes. Once everyone is seated, I will come through those doors over there," he gestured at the doors to the left of the piano. "Would you like to come out with me?"

"On stage? Oh no! I couldn't!" Hayley blushed.

Luc laughed and took her hands. "Do not worry! I am just teasing you." He smiled even more when Hayley the blush on her cheeks deepened. "You can sit here in the front. I will play several pieces with maybe a couple of encores and then we are done for tonight." He made it all sound so simple. "I must go now I will be back in a little while. Michel will keep you company." Michel had returned and was now dressed in an expensive looking suit. Luc kissed both hands, looked into her eyes and walked out the door.

Michel leaned over to her. "I have never seen Luc so happy. You are good for each other." He smiled and led her to their seats and sat down.

They chatted quietly as they waited while people streamed into the theatre and took their seats.

Hayley smiled at what he had said. She had never been happier either. But the thought of what Adam was going to tell her kept nagging in the back of her mind. Was it what she thought he was going to say? No it couldn't be. He was interested in Liz not her. She looked at the piano. And Luc. He was fantastic. He was everything she wanted in a man. He was funny, intelligent, exciting, good looking... She adjusted herself and sat back in her chair.

Michel looked at her. "Are you alright?"

"Yes I'm fine. I'm just getting comfortable. How many people are expected to attend tonight?"

"It is a full house. Luc is very happy about that." He smiled at her. "Even more so, that you could come. He talked about you all last night. He's my oldest friend and I have never seen him behave this way before."

Hayley blushed. "That's very nice of you to say, but I doubt that I will ever see him again after tonight." She really liked spending time with him and would have loved getting to know him better. "You all are going to Asia next right?"

Michel smiled, "Yes, but if I know Luc, he will not let you go very easily. He has always fought for what he wants." The lights dimmed and the crowd grew quiet. "It is time." Everyone settled in their seats.

Hayley turned toward the door waiting for Luc to make his entrance.

Deafening applause erupted from the audience when Luc strode in a moment later looking very confidant. He bowed and took his place at the piano. Again the crowd grew quiet. The anticipation was almost palpable as they waited for him to strike the first note. From the second that the first chord was stuck, it felt as though the entire audience held their breath. The music held everyone in its grasp, including Luc. Hayley looked at him and saw that he was playing with his eyes closed, like the piano was a part of him and the music was something that was completely natural to him like breathing. She was mesmerized as she watched him work his magic. His fingers caressed the keys tenderly evoking the most beautiful melodies. Hayley closed her eyes and let the music carry her away. The poignant music stirred something deep inside her, but she was only able to sit and listen, completely enraptured.

After what seemed like an eternity later and his third encore, the audience exploded into a thunderous applause. Hayley stood up and joined in, eyes streaming with tears. He bowed in every direction and last of all looked directly at her. He winked and bowed deeply before walking off the stage. Michel turned to her as she tried to wipe away the tears and clean up her makeup. He handed her a handkerchief.

"He's wonderful, non?"

Hayley could only nod. He was extraordinary.

"It is time for the backstage fiasco." He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows comically. "Ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

He pulled her through the crowd to where Luc was. As they approached she saw women literally throwing themselves at him; blatantly flaunting themselves and handing him what Hayley knew to be underwear, phone numbers, and hotel keys. Hayley watched as an endless stream of women flirted and smiled at him. One after another they approached him trying to catch his attention. It was really starting to bother her when Luc looked up and smile directly at her.

He finished signing the book some woman was holding and much to the disappointment of the woman, walked away from her. "Hayley. Did you enjoy the performance?" He scribbled his name into another book that was thrust in his face.

"Yes, it was fabulous!" Hayley ducked a book flying past her face.

Scowling, Luc looked at Michel and issued some quick orders in French.

"Luc says for me to take you out of here before you get hurt."

Luc nodded at her and she understood. The women looked like they wouldn't let anything get in their way on their mission to get to Luc.

She followed Michel out of the crowd. They wove their way through and walked out a side door and into the back of a shiny black limo. "He will be a little while longer. He usually spends about twenty minutes or so signing autographs and then he comes back to the car. Would you like a drink?" He went to the small bar and poured two glasses of wine. Suddenly, there was a loud banging on the window. Looking puzzled, Michel put down the drinks and unlocked the door. "That cannot be him."

It opened and tall blonde woman slid into the opposite seat. Dressed in obviously expensive clothes, jewels and fur, she sat down pulled off her dark glasses and looked at Michel. She was absolutely gorgeous.

"What is going on here? How come no one came to get me before you left Lyon!" She pulled a cigarette out of a gold case and lit it, blowing smoke into Michel's face. He sputtered and started yelling angrily while the woman leaned back, apparently unperturbed by his outburst.

Then it hit Hayley, she had seen her in some magazines before sitting the exact same way and with a cigarette in her mouth. She remembered admiring her for her looks when she was in high school. But what was she doing here? Hayley returned her attention to the two arguing in rapid French, she quickly translated as much as she could.

He coughed but she didn't seem to care at all. "Luc told you months ago that he didn't want to see you anymore!" He glared at the woman, his dislike of her extremely obvious. "You can't follow him all over the world you know. You have no right!"

"Of course I have the right!" She replied haughtily. "I have more right than anybody!"

Hayley looked at her, her spine straightened. "And you would be?" She could have as much attitude as any crazy French woman.

She looked at Hayley like she had just noticed a bug on her sweater. "I am his fiancée, of course!"

Fiancée! Shocked, Hayley sat very still for a fraction of a second not knowing what to do and then collected herself. Her appearance as cool and calm as ever; Hayley turned to Michel looking for an explanation.

Michel was outraged. "She is not! And she never was." Michel glared at her. "Luc hasn't spoken to you in almost a two years! Why don't you take the hint?"

The door opened and Luc waved at the crowd one more time and then got in. He was smiling until he saw the woman. It quickly faded as he muttered an oath. "Sabine, que fait tu ici?" He did not look happy to see her. Luc stood close to the door eyeing her with displeasure.

"Luc, darling," She purred, putting on a seductive voice. "It wasn't nice of you to leave me like that. I was so scared and alone." She pulled him down beside her.

Luc pulled his arm out of hers and moved as far away as he could in the small space. "Sabine, I told you to leave me alone! Now please leave!" He looked worriedly at Hayley. She didn't look at all happy. It was obvious what she thought. He had to get rid of Sabine so that he could explain things to her.

Sabine ignored his words and looked at Hayley as well. "Who is this delightful child? She'll be quite beautiful when she grows up won't she Luc?" She looked down her perfect nose at Hayley. "Is she a fan?"

Hayley had had enough. As gracefully as she could, considering her knees were threatening to fail, Hayley stood up and opened the door, "No one." She climbed out, slammed the door and walked away. Again she fell for a slimy creep.

Luc shouted for her to stop but she didn't listen and kept walking. She could hear more shouting from the back of the car but no one came out. Pulling her wrap tightly around her she prepared to walk back into the hotel.

She turned and headed toward the fountain. She felt a tear run down her cheek. She angrily wiped it away hugged her arms around herself. How could she have been so stupid? She hung onto and believed every single word out of his mouth like some love struck idiot! Men were bad news, every single one of them. Why couldn't she remember that when she was with him?

Her thoughts halted when she became aware of a presence behind her.

"Bad night?"

She took a look at him over her shoulder and snorted. "Go away, Luc. I want to be alone." She took a hiccupping breath and the tears started to pour down her face. Hayley quickly turned away from him so that he wouldn't see.

He sat down beside her and put his arm around her shuddering shoulders.

She pushed him off. "Get off! I don't need you to comfort me." She took another jerky breath, "I don't need anyone." She added in a whisper. Anger started to conquer the hurt and the tears slowed.

"So what? You are just going to shut yourself off?" He grabbed her by her shoulders and shook her gently until she looked at him. "Now are you going to talk or do I have to shake harder?" Luc was torn apart seeing her like this. Why wouldn't she just talk to him?

"Go away." She tried to walk away but he pulled her back to his side.

"No. Talk to me."

She looked at him with dull eyes. Sighing she closed them. "Where's Sabine? I thought you two were together."

"That ended years ago."

"Really? Is that why she's still following you around?"

"She just doesn't understand that it's over."

"Are you sure you haven't been encouraging her? Because I doubt any woman would take that kind of about if she thought it was completely futile." She saw the hesitation and sneered, "Goodbye, Luc."

She turned around to walk away, but he grabbed her arm and pulled her into his embrace. Before she could even think of pushing him away he gathered her up in his arms and kissed her.

She tried to struggle out of his arms but there was no use, she didn't have the strength to fight him.

He felt the subtle change in her and groaned, deepening the kiss. His touch softened and they sank into the warmth of the kiss.

Feelings that Hayley tried to keep buried for too long came bubbling up to the surface. She desperately fought to keep them in check but she couldn't. It had been so long since anyone kissed her like this, her treacherous body didn't listen. Hayley found herself kissing him back. Shakily, she wrapped her arms around him and inhaled his cologne. The feelings overwhelmed her; it had been such a long time since she let herself feel. Her bag slipped from her fingers and fell into the fountain.

The splash woke her from the spell. She broke the kiss and pushed him away as hard as she could. "S…stop it!" Unsteady she sat down on the couch and buried her head in her hands. "What do you think you're doing?"

"What's wrong?" The intensity of the kiss caught him off guard and he was a little shaken himself. He sat down next to her and took her hand. She pulled away.

"I can't, I…." Not knowing how to express herself she got up and paced. "I have to go." How could she let him kiss her? She was such an idiot!

"I will walk with you."

"No, I'd really like to be alone." She grabbed her wrap and fished her bag out of the fountain. "I'll see you later."

"Why will you not talk to me?" He tried to take her hand again.

"Just leave me alone alright?" She turned on her heel and walked out, leaving Luc standing there completely bewildered.

At the suite she walked in the door and without a word to Zoë walked straight to the bathroom and locked the door. She took all the jewellery off and tossed them carelessly onto the edge of the sink. Kicking off her clothes into a pile on the floor, she prepared to take a long, hot bath.

Sitting in the full tub she dunked her head a couple of times and resurfaced feeling a little better. Taking her loofah she scrubbed herself until she was almost raw. Then she tackled her hair, furiously massaging her scalp until she had suds running into her eyes. She dunked her head again. There was a timid knock on the door when she resurfaced.

"Hayley?"

"Yeah?"

"There's a gorgeous blonde guy with an accent at the door looking for you. Should I tell him to go away?"

Hayley felt like screaming in frustration. "Yes! Tell him that I don't want to talk to him and to go away!" She returned to her manic scrubbing. "Tell him to go with Sabine!"

She climbed out of the tub a while later when the water started to feel too cool. She dried herself off, put on her robe and walked out. She headed to the balcony for some fresh air.

Hayley looked up when she heard a shuffling noise. Alarmed she whirled around to find Luc was standing there, at the table waiting for her holding a long stemmed red rose and a bottle of champagne. Two crystal champagne flutes were sparkling on the table in the dim light. He was still wearing his tux but his tie hung limp and undone done on his neck. His hair stuck out and his eyes looked tired. The girls were nowhere to be seen.

She stared at him astonished by his audacity. "What are you doing here?" Hayley's hostility was obvious. "I don't want to talk to you." She walked over to the door and opened it. "Please leave before I call security."

Luc stood where he was. Security would have to drag him out kicking and screaming unless he had a chance to explain things to her. "Chèrie…" He looked at her and saw how infuriated she was yet he still didn't move. "Hayley, I am so sorry about what happened earlier." He offered the rose.

"You think that you can offer me a rose and say a few nice words and I'll forgive you for deceiving me?" She shook her head. "I don't think so."

"I didn't deceive you." Luc stared at her directly in the eye.

Hayley turned away from his infuriating eyes. "It doesn't look like that from where I am." She let the door close. Hayley knew she wasn't going to get him to leave that easily.

He looked miserable. "Please give me a chance to explain."

Hayley looked at him. He looked truly dejected. She still glared at him but motioned for him to sit. "How did you find me?" She sat across from him and placed the rose on the table without so much as a second glance.

"I searched et voila, here I am."

She had to admit that she was impressed that he would go to such lengths to find her. But she still frowned. She didn't like surprise visits.

"S'il vous plait, Hayley. Tell me how I can make it up to you." He took her hand. "I will do anything."

Hayley let her hand sit in his. "You could start by explaining. Who was she? And why did she say she was you fiancée?" She couldn't make her words have any feeling.

"She was former girlfriend. She is a bit much to handle if you have not noticed. She was not always like that. She used to be a sweet girl, but when she became a model it went to her head. She was never my fiancée. I have never asked anyone to marry me before." He said the last bit quietly.

"Why is she still following you around if she was a former girlfriend?"

"She does not want to accept that it is over between us. She is very…uh… têtu? How do you say it?"

"Stubborn."

"Oui stubborn. It's because she knows that being seen with me will add to the publicity." He shook his head. "Hayley, I do not know what to say to make you believe me." He looked at her intently. "All I can say is that everything I have said and told you about me is true. I can never lie to you. Not to the woman I love."

Her suspicions arose again at his last sentence. "How can you say that? We only just met. Besides, you're better off with someone like her. Someone sophisticated, beautiful, she's everything I'm not." Hayley looked down at her clenched hands feeling stupid for being so upset over someone she just met and hardly even knew.

He put his hand under her chin and gently lifted her head to look at him. His emerald eyes were shining in the dim light. "And you think that you are not beautiful? That you are not desirable?" He could see her disbelief mirrored in her eyes. "I have not stopped thinking about you since I found you crying outside the theatre. I took one look into your eyes and I knew you were the one. It is…coup de foudre. I think of nothing else. You're beautiful eyes, cute little nose, soft lips…" He brushed the hair from her face and lightly kissed each part as he said them. Hayley's resolve started to crumble. "You are more than she ever could be." He pulled back and looked into her eyes. "Everything that I have wanted and could ever want." He kissed her again.

Hayley closed her eyes as the world tilted crazily. It was as though someone poured brandy into her. She could feel the delicious warmth pool somewhere in her stomach and then seeped into her limbs. A long while later they surfaced. Hayley was breathless from the myriad of feelings zipping through her body. She stared at him in complete wonder, nothing had ever made her feel this way. Shaky, she thought about what he just said. Could it be true? That he felt the same about her as she did about him? "C…coup de foudre?" She wasn't familiar with the phrase.

"Um…" He stopped a moment the think. "Lightning? Oui, Lightning. When I first looked into you eyes I felt like electricity went through me."

Hayley's eyes widened. He felt it too?

"Come with me, Hayley." Luc felt short of breath. He licked his lips and looked at her for an answer. Luc had to concentrate so that his knees wouldn't buckle. It was such an incredible sensation when their lips touched.

Still trembling from the intensity of the kiss, Hayley looked at him and saw that he was sincere. And that he was as affected by the kiss as she was. Hayley saw how his chest rose and fell rapidly as he tried to calm himself down. Her heart softened. She didn't know what it was about him but she believed everything he said. She put her hand on his cheek. "I can't go with you. I have to find a way to get home…" she clamped her mouth shut when she realized what she'd just revealed to him

"What? Find a way home? What are you saying?"

She shook her head. "I didn't mean to say that. I have no right to drag you into our problem."

He gazed into her face intently for a moment. "You've lost all your money gambling."

Hayley squinted at him. "It's not your concern."

He nodded. "I will talk to Michel and see what he can do for you."

"I can't let you do that. It's our problem."

"What kind of a man would I be to leave you stranded here? It is no problem." He took her hand and held it gently. "Just let me do this for you."

She saw the promise in his eyes. "Luc, you are so sweet, but I can't let you." He looked hurt. She took his hand, "Please don't take it the wrong way. You are very sweet to offer but we can find our own way out of this mess." She looked into his eyes hoping that he would understand.

"Of course, I understand." He smiled a wisp of a smile. "I have to leave in the morning…" he let the sentence drop and smiled faintly. "Je t'aime, Hayley. Remember that."

Wide eyed, Hayley smiled but didn't answer.

He stood up and looked at her, knowing it was too soon for her. "We will keep in touch, non?" He looked thoughtful and patted his pockets looking for something. He reached into his coat and pulled a tiny cell phone out of a breast pocket. "Here," he handed it to her.

She stared at him open-mouthed and shook her head.

"Take it, s'il vous plait. I can get another." Before she could turn him down he put it in her hand and closed her fingers around it. He looked at his watch, "I must get going. Michel must be going out of his mind looking for me right now. I did not tell anyone where I was going." He winked at her. "Call me any time. It will work anywhere in the world. And don't worry about the bill, ok?"

Hayley nodded and walked him to the door. "I will." He gave her a hug and she couldn't stop herself from snuggling closer. "À bientôt, Luc."

"See you soon, Hayley." He kissed her cheek and with one last look was gone down the hall.

Hayley walked back to the table and picked up the bottle of champagne. Her cheek tingled where he kissed her and she gently caressed the spot.

Then it occurred to her that it was too quiet. She listened for any sounds. Nothing.

She looked around for a moment wondering where her best friend could have gotten to. Hayley smiled and opened the door that led to the balcony. "Zoë?" She whispered.

Nothing happened for a second but then a shadow emerged from the far corner.

"I was just checking out the view." She offered lamely.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah" she held out the bottle. "Champagne to celebrate our last night here?" She popped the cork and poured. They both took a flute and Hayley smiled, "Here's to the end of another not so great adventure."

Zoë chuckled and tapped her flute against Hayley's. "May there be many more!"

Hayley started laughing as well and took a sip.

Zoë was smiling as she put down the champagne. "That guy sounds great." she picked up the phone and looked at it.

"He is."

"Then what are you waiting for?"

Hayley looked out at the shimmering night. "I don't know."

Chapter 2

Hayley and Zoë sombrely packed their things up the next morning, prepared to go and look for a cheaper alternative.

The word hostel came to mind. It would have to do until they found some way home.

Hayley looked lingeringly at the room then turned to follow Zoë.

She caught up with her at the front desk just as she was getting into an argument with the lady working there.

"What's going on?" Hayley put a restraining hand on Zoë's shoulder to stop her from leaping over the desk.

The smaller woman pointed accusingly at the lady behind the desk. "She says that we're booked in for another couple days."

Shaking her dark head, Hayley turned to the receptionist. "I'm sorry, your computer must be wrong. We are booking out today."

"I'm sorry ma'am according to our records, you are booked for another two days. You can leave now if you wish but we still have to charge you for the two days."

"But that can't be." Hayley racked her brain but with everything that had happened in the past few days it was hard to concentrate. She was sure that they only booked for a couple of nights.

"Yes, it is." The woman was looking as though she was losing her patience with them but fought against it, hard. "What would you like to do, madame?"

What could they do? They might as well spend a couple more nights there than go somewhere else and still have to pay for it.

"We'll have to stay for the rest of the reservation." She looked over her shoulder at Zoë who was nodding in agreement.

"Very well, madame." She typed something into the computer and smiled politely. "I was instructed to give you this." She handed Hayley a small envelope. "Have a good day, ladies." And with that she walked off to attend to some other duties.

The two women stood staring at the envelope in Hayley's hands.

The neat script on the front spelled out one thing: Hayley.

"Well, open it up!" Zoë bounced next to Hayley while she tore it open. "What's it say?"

She quickly read over the neat writing.

Hayley,

I couldn't stop thinking about your problem last night. I just couldn't leave you stranded in Monaco like that. I have taken the liberty of booking you two extra nights at the hotel and you'll find inside this note two tickets home. I hope you don't mind me helping you out. I will give you a call around 10am. You can yell at me then.

Luc.

Hayley looked at her watch and saw that it was almost time for him to call. The envelope was promptly whipped out of her other hand.

"If you're not going to tell me what it says…" Zoë quickly scanned it and grinned. "Oh my god!" she started hopping around the lobby now, much to the annoyance of the woman at the desk. "I told you he was a great guy!"

Hayley wasn't quite as jubilant, as she took it back and read it again. "Who does he think he is? He can't buy me like that."

"Whoa! I'm sure he's just trying to help us out!" she waved the tickets in her face. "And he is! We'd be stranded if it wasn't for him!"

Her mouth was open for a retort when the cell phone rang. She flipped it open and snarled, "Hello."

"Hayley? What is wrong? Did you get my note?"

"Yes, I got your note, thank you. But we don't need your help."

His tone quickly changed in response to hers. "Well, from my point of view you do."

Hayley realized how irrational she was sounding and sighed. "I'm sorry, but I just can't accept it, as generous as it is."

"Hayley, please take it. I can't stand the thought of you being stranded." His voice turned mock menacing. "If you don't, I'll have to fly back and put you on that plane myself."

The thought of him flying all the way back just for her caused a tingling sensation in the pit of her stomach. "You wouldn't. You couldn't."

"Oh I could and I most definitely would. Now am I going to have to play rough?"

Playing rough sounded like a lot of fun. She decided to tease him a bit. There was no way he was going to fly back. "I don't know…"

"That's it. I'm telling the pilot to turn the plane around."

"That's absurd," she giggled. "You can't turn around and come back."

"Yes, I can. Buy yourself a nice dress. We're going out to dinner." And he hung up.

Hayley's jaw dropped.

"What? What did he say?"

"Uh, he's coming back to take me out to dinner."

Zoë started laughing.

"It's not funny."

"Oh yes it is! You've finally met your match and you're smitten!

"I am not smitten!" she could feel her cheeks burning up. She wasn't! "I'm just outraged that he would assume that he can just buy his way into my life!"

"Oh please! You want me to believe that you've got a man that any woman would give up chocolate for and you don't want him?"

"I don't have him."

"Of course you do! He's paid for the hotel and plane tickets home, and now the man is flying back just to go to dinner!" she rolled her eyes. "You have him wrapped around your little finger and you don't appreciate it in the least!"

"Why should I? I've only just met him. It would be absurd to have feelings for him already."

Zoë's eyes caught hers. "In that case, can I have him?" she watched as Hayley hesitated and turned. "See? You do want him!"

"Don't be ridiculous!"

"Hayley wants Luc! Hayley wants Luc!" Zoë ran around the room skipping and chanting in a childlike singsong voice.

Hayley rolled her eyes. "Anyway, we have a bigger problem. How are we going to tell him that we can't accept?"

"Can't accept?" Zoë grabbed her arm and shook her head vehemently. "We have to accept. He would not like it if we didn't accept. Please accept!"

She pursed her lips, "Why do I get the feeling that you're on his side?"

"Because I think he's great and you could definitely do with someone like him in your life." She fluttered her lashes, "Plus, we really need those tickets."

Hayley groaned. Zoë was right. They really did need the tickets. And Luc was nice enough to offer them. Was it so wrong to take him up on the offer? She just didn't feel right about taking advantage of someone she had just met.

"Hayley, listen to me. We need those tickets. I don't think he would offer them if he didn't want us to use them. Seriously, he's just being nice. He doesn't seem like the type who buys affection."

He didn't, did he? She nodded. "Ok. I'll thank him for his generosity tonight. Now you're going to have to help me find something to wear!"

In a happier mood, they ran back to the room and Hayley quickly unpacked her toiletries while Zoë put together an outfit for dinner.

Hayley stepped out of the bathroom later, her hair still wet from the shower, to find the red dress she'd considered wearing the other night lying on the bed. She eyed it sceptically.

"Come on, you've never worn it. And it'll look gorgeous on you. If you're going to wear it, it might as well be tonight."

It was a beautiful dress; she just never had the guts to wear it. Taking a deep breath, she reached for it and ran the delicate material through her fingers, weighing whether or not she should wear it.

"Oh for goodness sake!" Zoë pulled it up from the bed by it's hanger and grabbed the shoes with her other hand. "Just put it on!"

"Fine, but if I look horrible, I'm changing!" Hayley had had a mind to reject it even if it looked good, just to spite Zoë. Grumbling, she went to the bathroom to change.

One look in the mirror and the spiteful thoughts evaporated. She did look great in it. "Damn you, Zoë!" she shouted through the door.

"What?" the voice laughed as she sulked out. Zoë nodded appreciatively. "I told you it would look good!"

"Yeah, yeah. So you were right. Just help me with my hair." She quickly rolled it up and looked over at her friend for approval. Which she didn't get.

"Too severe." She tilted her head and looked thoughtful then jabbed her finger into the air about her head. "Eureka. Try it like this." Zoë vigorously dried her hair with a towel before blasting it with the hotel blow dryer. With a few flicks of her fingers she finished and turned Hayley toward the mirror. "What do you think?"

At this point, she was thinking that Zoë was s genius. He hair was soft and flowed over her shoulders seductively, catching the light and turning it a deep shade of blue. How she managed it without any styling products she would never know. "It looks fantastic!"

"I know. I have some ideas about your make up as well." She brandished a stick of eyeliner. "Do you mind?"

Hayley closed her emerald eyes, "Not at all."

Ten minutes later, she was staring at the reflection in the mirror in awe. "You're amazing."

"Thanks."

"Not you. The woman in the mirror." She teased and hugged her around the shoulders. "You're amazing too."

"Gee, thanks." Zoë turned so that they were both facing the mirror. "Thanks for not hating me."

She arched her brow. "I'm just waiting for the perfect moment to exact my revenge."

The both giggled but stopped dead when there was a knock at the door.

Hayley looked at Zoë with wide eyes.

"Breathe." Zoë demonstrated with a few deep breaths as she walked to the door. She swept it open to reveal Luc standing on the other side dressed to perfection and holding a single white rose.

"Bonsoir, ladies." He stepped into the room and smiled broadly when his eyes lit on Hayley. "You look incredible, magnifique." He put the rose in one of her hands and brought the other up for a caress of his lips.

"Hi, Luc." Her breath caught when his mouth moved over the back of her hand for the second time. The presence this man had! She barely had time to recover before Zoë rushed between them.

"Thank you so much!" she took his hand and started pumping it vigorously. "You have no idea how grateful we are that you did this for us."

He tore his eyes away from Hayley long enough to smile and reply, "It was nothing. I'm glad I could help out." He turned to look at Zoë, "You're welcome to come along if you don't have any plans."

Zoë blinked and saw Hayley shaking her head behind Luc's back. "Uh, no thanks. I'm just going to relax here and…you know just hang."

Hayley mouthed ‘thank you' and linked her arm through Luc's when he offered it. "We'll see you later, ok?"

Zoë winked a hazel eye, "I won't be waiting up!"

Hayley and Luc chuckled as they turned to head down the hall. She looked down at her feet hoping he wouldn't see the blush on her cheeks. They walked in companionable silence until they got outside.

Hayley felt compelled to say something, anything just to break the silence. "Thanks for everything. We would relay be in a jam if it hadn't have been for you."

He turned his head slightly and looked at her, "Yet, you were going to turn it down. Why?"

She felt her cheeks start to burn again. She couldn't tell him the real reason he might be insulted. "It's just too generous."

"And you thought that it might not be completely selfless."

A giggle bubbled in her throat. He didn't miss a thing. "You got me. Well, can you blame me?"

He shook his head. "Not at all. I would be worried if you weren't suspicious. But I can assure you that I don't have any ulterior motives."

Hayley studied him for a moment in the moonlight. "I guess I'm just not used to people being nice."

Luc's step faltered but he quickly regained his stride. "I can't imagine anyone not wanting to be…nice to you." He noticed her silence and looked over to see a pensive expression on her face and a far away look in her eyes.

He took her hands and squeezed them gently. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you."

Hayley shook her head, "I'm not upset."

He seemed to accept that and they continued to talk for a while.

The night was clear and mild, just as every night was. There wasn't a cloud in sight as the sun's rays faded from the deepening violet sky. The breeze was cool making Hayley shiver a little when it whispered past her bare shoulders.

Luc stopped and took off his jacket. "Here wear this."

"Thanks. Are you sure you won't be too cold?"

He slipped it over her shoulders. "I'll be fine."

They resumed their easy pace while Hayley admired him from the corner of her eye. He looked incredibly good in a black cashmere sweater and light coloured trousers. She mused over his looks until he seemed to sense her gaze and turned to look at her.

With a gasp she turned away, not noticing the curb they were approaching. With a wail, she was on the sidewalk nursing the open toe she had stubbed on the hard cement.

"Ow, ow, ow!" she sucked in a breath between her pursed lips and blinked back tears.

A soft curse left his lips. Luc knelt down and took her foot into his lap. "Can you move it?"

Hayley didn't want to try but forced herself to. "A little."

His hands were cool, almost clinical as they quickly searched over her injuries. He whistled through his teeth and looked up at her. "I don't think it's broken. But you should really get it looked at."

But they were supposed to be spending the evening enjoying themselves. "I'll be ok." She went to stand up to demonstrate but the instant she put weight on her foot she fell back down with a sob. "Ok, maybe not."

"Come on." He leaned down and picked her up.

Hayley wasn't sure how to react to the sudden closeness. She knew her body certainly was enjoying the ride. Having his arms around her and the feeling of weightlessness was having an overwhelming effect on her senses. Her head fell reflexively to his shoulder and nestled there, her eyes drifting shut.

Hayley had no idea how far he had carried her. But it was certainly disappointing when he gently set her down on a chair.

Luc smiled gently. "I'll go and fetch the doctor." He quickly rounded the corner to find one.

Hayley stared at her toe; it was starting to turn a sickening shade of purple.

Grimacing, she tried to move it but found that she couldn't at all anymore. Gingerly, she reached down and touched it. The pain slicing through her foot and up her leg immediately made her wish she never done it.

Hayley was wiping a tear from her eye when Luc reappeared with a man in a white coat.

"Hayley, the doctor is just going to make sure that your toe isn't broken."

She nodded and closed her eyes when the doctor took her foot, anticipating the pain. But the pain she was expecting never registered.

Hayley's eyes fluttered open when she felt Luc kneel down next to her and take her hand gently in his. She looked at him and he squeezed her hand reassuringly. In response she held on tighter while the doctor prodded at her toe.

His hand was warm around hers, tender and strong at the same time. She looked at his face and saw that it was intent as he was observing everything that the doctor was saying and doing. He nodded and asked questions, holding her hand the whole time. Luc relayed a few comments to her and she nodded, even though she was more focused on his lips than his words.

Hayley was beginning to make an effort to pay attention to the doctor, when he turned and smiled at her.

"You'll have to be careful on that foot for a while, but you are free to go."

Already? She looked at Luc to make sure what she heard was right.

He nodded, smiling happily. "Yes, we're free to go." He helped her up and supported her weight against him. "And it's up to me to make sure you take care of that toe."

Why was it his mouth was saying one thing and his eyes another? And why was it she was much more interested in what his eyes were saying?

They thanked the doctor and with Luc's help, Hayley hobbled out into the cool night.

"So I guess dancing the night away is out, huh?" Hayley sighed.

Luc winked, "I can think of much better ways of spending our time together."

Her pulse leapt but she quickly disguised it, "Oh, really? And what makes you think that I'll be interested?"

"And what make you so sure that you know what I'm talking about?" he countered.

Hayley looked up and tried to gauge his mood but couldn't see beyond the mischievous glint in his eyes. "We'll just have to wait and see won't we?"

----

"This isn't what you had in mind, did you?"

Hayley shook her head because couldn't stop laughing. "Stop teasing!"

"Seriously. I saw the look on your face." he leant over to hers and whispered conspiratorially, "You were thinking about something else." Luc stuffed a chocolate covered strawberry into her mouth so she couldn't answer.

Hayley gave up arguing. It was too nice a night to fight, even if it was jokingly. He was right though, this wasn't what she was expecting when he said that there were better ways of spending time together. She was expecting a stuffy restaurant, or a crowded café. Definitely not finding herself half reclined on the softest sand she had ever touched and eating a masterfully made meal with her fingers. No, this was much better.

Luc leaned over until his weight was on his hip and elbow, totally at ease. He plucked another strawberry from the plate and held it a breath from her lips. "Want another?"

She parted her lips to accept the fruit. It was too tempting an offer to turn down. How often did you get a gorgeous man feeding you on one of the most glamorous beaches in the world? Not often enough. And she wasn't about to pass this chance up.

She leaned back again letting the flavours roll around her mouth, then almost choked on it. "Is that the sun coming up?" she pointed accusingly at the horizon."

Luc glanced lazily over his shoulder and shrugged. "Yes, it looks that way."

Hayley shuffled through the sand over to her shoes. "We should get going. I bet Zoë is worried."

His grin grew wry as he watched her struggled to her feet. Then shaking his head, he put an arm around her waist to take most of her weight. "I'm sure she realizes that you are a grown up who can take care of herself."

"Sometimes I wonder about that." She wound her arm around his waist to stabilize herself, enjoying the feel pressing herself up against him. Hayley wasn't usually this brazen and justified it by reminding herself that she was just letting him help her. It wasn't her fault that she needed help supporting her own weight. In any other case she would never let him get this close on a first date.

Date? She mused over the word. It was a date wasn't it? It never occurred to her until now, things were just going so fast that she didn't have time to get hung up on technicalities.

She grinned into his shoulder. Not getting hung up on things certainly seemed to be agreeing with her. Hayley hadn't been this relaxed before meeting Luc.

They slowly made their way back to the hotel and headed to the elevators.

"Je m'excuse." The same lady from the day before was motioning at the elevators. "I'm sorry but they are out of order." She pointed at a doorway near the desk. "The stairs are over there."

Luc nodded thanks and led the way.

Hayley hopped up the first few awkwardly. There wasn't much room and Luc could only support her with his hand and follow behind while she made her way up precariously on one foot.

He growled and stopped her. "This is ridiculous!" he swung her up in his arms and carried her the rest of the way.

Strangely, it was this moment that the time caught up with her and she couldn't keep her eyes open anymore. She murmured a thank you and contentedly curled up against him.

She vaguely remembered hearing a door unlock and open and she was almost asleep until she heard a squeal come from inside the room.

"You two got married!"

Hayley's eyes snapped open and she turned her head in time to see Zoë running toward them. "Oh my god! This is so great!"

Hayley shook her head.

Zoë looked confused and waved her arms at the clock and at how Luc was carrying Hayley over the threshold simultaneously. "So what's up with the being out all night and carrying her into the room?"

Luc was laughing by the time he settled Hayley down on the couch. "No, no. Hayley just hurt her foot and the elevator was broken."

"Oh! Are you ok?" she knelt down beside Hayley and took a look at her foot. "So you spent the entire night in the emergency room?"

"No." Hayley tried to elaborate but Zoë cut in.

"Oh!" her entire face lit up as she turned to look back and forth between them knowingly. "Really? What could you guys have been up to for all that time?"

"Shut up, Zoë. We had dinner on the beach."

The smile hadn't left her face. "And dinner on the beach takes all night?"

Hayley looked up at Luc and shook her head. It wouldn't help to argue. "Whatever, Zoë."

She winked blatantly at the couple and walked over to the kettle, "Coffee anyone?"

Luc smiled but put up his hand. "Sorry, no. I have to get going if I want to get to Moscow in time for my interview tonight." He turned to Zoë. "It was nice seeing you again."

Zoë took the hint and bade her goodbyes before scurrying out of the room.

He knelt down beside Hayley and took her hand. "This has been the nicest night I have ever spent with anyone. I hope we can do it again?" Luc's eyes twinkled hopefully.

"I would really like that." Hayley pushed him gently aside so that she could stand against the couch. "But somehow I get the feeling we won't be seeing much of each other with you travelling around and all."

Luc took her hands and kissed the backs in turn. "I will find a way." His head dropped down to hers and his voice was low and husky. "You," he kissed her cheek, "will most definitely," his mouth moved down to her own, "be seeing me again."

~~~~

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Aria