Anna

I close my laptop and sigh in relief. It's not even nine in the morning, and my head is already pounding like crazy. Maybe I should go back to sleep, but there's just so much work that needs to be done. I still have three final papers to finish, and two tests to study for. As much as I just want to crawl back into bed with Tyler, I know I can't afford it right now. Only one more week and it's all done. I can do that.

Nothing will work without eating something first though, so I pick up the hotel phone to order some breakfast. Thankfully they speak English, or this order would have probably gone terribly wrong.

My cell phone lights up, shaking the whole table with its vibration. I pick it up before it can make any more noise. The screen shows a picture of my best friend Sara. I smile and push the green button to accept the call.

"Hey, how are you?" I'm trying to keep my voice down, so I won't wake up Tyler.

"Who cares about me?" She squeals loudly in my ear, making me laugh. "How are you? You're the one jet-setting the globe, and you don't update me nearly often enough. I thought we set up your Instagram account so I can vicariously live through you? The last picture you posted was like two weeks ago of an ice cream cone in Italy. Don't get me wrong, I love ice cream as much as the next person, but it's just really not that special, you know?" She has to take a breath at that point, and I use my chance to cut in.

"OK. First of all, relax and calm down. I'm sorry for not updating you more and exploiting my life more on my social media, but I've barely been out of the hotel rooms for the past few weeks. My nose has been deep in my school books almost non-stop. You know how stressed out I am about everything. Tyler actually had to drag me half-way out of the hotel to get that ice cream you didn't appreciate seeing a picture of."

Sara laughs. "Good, I'm glad he did. We all know you forget to actually live your life sometimes." She lets out a loud sigh and cuts me off before I can get another word in. "I know, I know. Your school is important, and finals are coming up. You're also flying around the world with that fine piece of a man. Where is he by the way? Come on, be generous and share a little something with your best friend. I don't even remember the last time I went on a good date."

"I told you not to call him that." Despite my best efforts I end up laughing anyway.

"What can I say? I mean, have you seen him? He's absolutely beyond gorgeous and sexy as hell. Half of the female population wouldn't wait for a second to switch places with you. Literally."

I walk over to the door that connects the living room of the suite to the bedroom and open it quietly. There he is. The man of my dreams, fast asleep. He's sprawled out on the big bed, my pillow tucked tightly against his side. The blanket is pushed down to his hips, which means his upper body is exposed. A small sigh escapes my lips, as I take in the sight of him and his muscular chest and abs. Sara is totally right of course. This man - my boyfriend - is handsome as hell and as sexy as he could possibly be.

"Earth to Anna," Sara yells into my ear. I have to hold the phone away for a moment, rubbing my ringing ear with my other hand. I close the bedroom door as quietly as I can and walk over to the big wall of windows that's on the other side of the room. The street below is buzzing with people and cars, and I can see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. So beautiful.

"Sorry, I was just checking to make sure that Tyler is still sleeping. He didn't get in until late last night. Our schedules are a little mixed up at the moment. I'm glad this will all be over next week. I'm ready to spend some more time with him. We haven't seen much of each other over the last few weeks." I'm trying not to think about it too much. The last thing I need at the moment is another thing to worry about.

"Have you told him about the news already?" Sara's voice has finally calmed down some.

"No, not yet. I'm still not a hundred percent sure what to do." I put my hand on the window and lean my head against it.

"You know how I feel about it. I don't think there's really anything to think about anyway. Plus, he should have a say in this too, don't you think? Doing this behind his back just doesn't seem right." Her voice has taken on a scolding tone. As much as I don't like it at the moment, I'm happy to have a friend who's honest with me.

"I know, I know. There just hasn't been a good moment yet to talk about it. I just wanted to wait until my finals are done. Then I can finally think straight again."

"I'm here if you need to talk, ok? I'm sorry, but I have to go now. My evening class is about to start. Can't wait until we're in the same time zone again. And stop stressing out about everything. It will all work out just fine. Tyler will stand behind you, I'm absolutely sure of it. Now go hop back into bed. At least one of us should get some action."

We both have to laugh.

"Thank you, Sara. You're the best. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Oh don't get all mushy now. I have to sit in class now with twenty other people. Can't start crying now. I better go. Love you, Anna."

Before I can say anything back, I hear the dial tone.

"Love you, too."

"Are you talking to me?" A deep voice comes from behind me, causing my heart to speed up and my body temperature to rise a few degrees. I turn around to see Tyler slowly strolling towards me, in nothing but his boxers. He smirks at me, knowing very well how much he affects me. He's distraction personified.

"That was Sara." I throw the phone over onto the couch, just as he reaches me. His hands grab my waist and he pulls me flush against him. I melt into him immediately, relishing the contact, trying to push the guilt of keeping secrets from him to the back of my mind.

****

Should we guess now what secret she's keeping? You guys always have the best ideas! 🙆

Who's been to Paris? Who wants to go? Loved it or hated it?😍

Thanks so much for all the support!!! You guys are the best! ❤