Coming Home

Another contribution to the "Romantic Friday Writers" Challenge, where participants offer up to 400 words on a specific subject.

This week's theme is 'Coming Home' and my excerpt (393 words) is from 'Fragrance of Violets' which will be released by Whiskey Creek Press in February, 2012. 

Abbey has gone to Paris to meet Jack and to tell him she loves him, even though she knows it may be too late for them ever to get past their previous conflicts:

Jack's eyes met hers “Ask me why I’m here in Paris, Abbey.”

“Okay.  Why are you here in Paris?”

“I was about to sign a contract for a year as a staff writer with the Paris city government.”

Abbey didn’t have to think about her response.  “Then I’m going to stay here in Paris with you. If you still want me.”

He stared at her.  “Here?  For a year?  But what about your career?  What about your filming commitments?”

“If it means giving that up, then I’ll do it.  You’re more important to me than any acting role.  I love you and I want to be with you, more than anything else in the world.”

His hold on her hand tightened so much that it hurt, but she didn’t care. 

“Think again about what I just said, Abbey.  I said I was about to sign a contract.  But I was at the airport when Louise called me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was going home.  Back to London, back to Rusthwaite, back to wherever you were.  I’ve tried to live without you but last night I realised that I didn’t want to live without you.  So I refused the contract and I was on my way home.  I was going to win your trust, even if it took me the rest of my life.”

She could hardly believe this was really happening.  “So – so what now, Jack?”

“Tomorrow, my love, we’re going home, back to Rusthwaite.  We have the opening ceremony of the newly refurbished Old School later this week, and next week we have a Drama Festival in Kendal, where your drama group are sure to take all the honours.  And next month you start filming The Rycroft Saga.  Meanwhile –”  He kissed her again, then stood up.   “Don’t go away.”

Abbey watched him walk across to the reception desk and talk to the girl there.  Her heart was so full she thought it would burst, and her longing for him raged inside her. 

He smiled as he came back   “Sorry, I couldn’t get the penthouse suite again.  It’s just an ordinary room but it has a balcony and a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Her eyes met his with a seductive gaze.  “As long as it has a bed, who gives a damn about the view?”