As the limousine drove them through the heart of Paris, Emily gazed out the window, marveling at the city that seemed to have come out of a fairy tale. The narrow streets, golden lights, and ancient buildings created a unique and romantic atmosphere that made her heart beat faster.
"It's so... surreal. I've always wanted to see Paris, but I never thought it would be like this," she commented, intertwining her fingers with Matthew's.
He smiled, watching the enchanted expression on her face. "And now that you're here, I couldn't be happier to be the one to show you around."
They continued talking about the sights they planned to visit, such as the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and of course, the iconic Eiffel Tower. But when the conversation turned to the hotel, Emily found herself suddenly nervous, remembering that Matthew had mentioned that his grandmother had booked a room for them. She blushed slightly, looking away to the window.
"Matt… is there really only one room?" she asked hesitantly, a slight blush spreading across her face.
Matthew was also a little disconcerted, chuckling softly as he scratched the back of his neck, unsure of how to react. "Well… it seems my grandmother decided to get a little… creative when it came to booking. I think she already figured… well, you know."
Emily let out a surprised laugh, her nervousness giving way to a funny complicity between them. "Your grandmother is quite… perceptive, huh?"
"Yeah, that's one word for it," he replied, nodding with a smile. "She said something about wanting to 'encourage romance.'"
Emily laughed, a little more at ease. "She seems like an amazing person."
"She is," Matthew confirmed, now more relaxed. "She's always had a way of showing that she cares… even if sometimes that means going against convention."
They laughed together, their initial nervousness softened by humor. When the limousine finally stopped in front of the hotel, a luxurious building with classical architecture, they looked at each other, a mix of excitement and anticipation.
Matthew got out first, holding out his hand to help her down. "Ready to face our suite?"
Emily took a deep breath, trying to contain her smile. "More ready than ever."
The hotel lobby was immaculate, with crystal chandeliers, gleaming marble, and a sophisticated ambiance that enveloped them. They were led to the elevator by a staff member who wished them a delightful stay. When they reached the door to the suite, Matthew unlocked the door and, with a smile, gave her a gentle push, inviting her to enter.
The suite was spectacular: a living room with a view of the city, a bedroom with a king-size bed decorated with rose petals, and a balcony that looked directly at the Eiffel Tower. Emily couldn't hide her blush when she saw the bed so romantically prepared.
"I… wow. Your grandmother really thought of everything," she murmured, trying to hide her shyness.
Matthew, in turn, felt his blush appear as well, scratching the back of his neck again. "It seems so. I guess I'll have to thank her… or ask her to take it easy next time."
They looked at each other, an embarrassed smile on their faces. It was a delicate and intimate moment, but also wrapped in a joy that they both shared. Without saying anything else, Matthew intertwined his fingers with Emily's and pulled her to the balcony, where they could admire the enchanting view of the city of lights together.
As they stood on the balcony, the view of illuminated Paris seemed even more magical with the imposing Eiffel Tower in the background, every detail of the city standing out under the golden lights. The air was fresh and lightly perfumed, and Emily couldn't help but sigh, taking in the moment.
Matthew pulled her closer, his arms wrapped around her waist. "You know, I always imagined seeing this view with someone special," he murmured, looking into her eyes.
Emily felt her heart race at the closeness. "And here we are... it's almost surreal," she replied, with a shy smile.
They stood there in silence for a while, just enjoying each other's presence. The city below seemed distant, as if they were the only ones in the world. Matthew looked down at her, and the intensity in his eyes made her look away for a moment, slightly embarrassed.
"Are you still thinking about the… room situation?" he asked, laughing softly.
She blushed, but ended up laughing too. "Maybe a little… But I think I've gotten used to the idea," she replied, a glint of amusement in her eyes.
"So why don't we start the vacation off right?" he suggested, taking her hand and leading her back inside.
In the center of the room, there was a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket, left by the hotel as a welcome gift. Matthew opened it deftly and poured the glasses, handing one to her. They toasted, the clinking of the glasses echoing softly through the room.
"To a new beginning," he said, his eyes fixed on hers.
Emily smiled, her eyes reflecting a mixture of affection and anticipation. "To a new beginning," she repeated, raising the glass to her lips.
After a few sips, Matthew led her to the luxurious sofa in the living room, where they could relax and talk about what they would do in the coming days. He suggested a stroll along the Seine River, dinner at one of the city's most exclusive restaurants, and visits to some of the city's tourist attractions.
"So, tomorrow we'll start at the Eiffel Tower, then a boat ride along the Seine, and finally a special dinner. How about it?" he asked, seeing the sparkle of excitement in her eyes.
"Perfect," she replied excitedly. "It's everything I've ever dreamed of doing in Paris."
The night went on between laughter and affection, the romantic and relaxed atmosphere enveloping them more and more. When tiredness finally began to take over, they headed to the bedroom. Matthew opened the bedroom door for her, a welcoming smile on his lips.
Emily approached the bed, observing the rose petals carefully scattered. "It seems like your grandmother really thought of everything, doesn't she?" she joked, still slightly embarrassed.
Matthew laughed, taking off his shoes and jacket. "Yeah... she wants to make sure everything is special for us."
He came closer, looking at her affectionately. "Emily, there's no need to feel pressured. We'll do everything in our own time, I just want you to feel comfortable."
Emily relaxed, appreciating his sensitivity. "I feel safe with you, Matt."
They lay down together, and he gently pulled her to his chest, both sharing the warmth and tranquility of being there, finally free from all worries. Little by little, the soft sound of their breathing and the comfort of their embrace warmed the Parisian night, sealing the beginning of their vacation with a touch of tenderness.