L'amour a Paris: Love in the City, #1

By S.L. Stacker

At twenty-two years old, Paige Anderson received a phone call—a phone call that would change her life and land her an opportunity to work her dream job in Paris, France. However, she didn't think accepting the job would cost her the life she planned with her fiancée.

Fast forward eight years. At thirty, with her past behind her, she's now the vice-president of the company and is loving every detail of her life—except the lack of romance it involves. When her best friend cons her into participating in the annual bachelor's auction—a charity event for a children's hospital in Paris—she suddenly finds the desire she's been missing when she comes face to face with someone from her past.

Will Paige continue to focus on her professional life and ignore the man who wants more than friendship, or will she succumb to her feelings and find L'amour a Paris?

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.L. Stacker
• Release date: Jun 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386410430

Book preview

Prologue

PAIGE TUCKED her legs beneath her in the worn recliner her dad had given her when she moved out and looked at her mobile phone. As it rang, she stared at the screen. This call shouldn’t happen for a few more weeks. This was the call she’d been waiting for. This call could change her life.

She shook her head and mustered the courage to answer. Hello?

Paige Anderson? the woman asked.

Yes, this is she.

"Hello, Paige. This is Sonya Harrington with The Venue. I’m calling to inform you we’ve decided on a candidate for the regional manager position, and we’d like to extend the offer to you."

Unable to contain her excitement, Paige bounced up and down in her chair. Her dream had come true. Are you serious? That’s wonderful news! I accept.

Sonya laughed. Great. Can you start on Monday? I realize it’s short notice, but the previous manager left early, and we need a replacement as soon as possible.

The question caused some of her excitement to diminish. She wanted this job more than anything. How did they expect her to start in three days? It didn’t leave her time to prepare for anything.

Paige? The woman’s kind voice pulled her from her thoughts.

Yes, I can start Monday. She raised her hand and chewed the corner of her nail. An earlier start date meant she’d have to cancel her plans for the weekend and prepare for the new job.

If you’ll meet me at the Paris, France location Monday morning, we can review the responsibilities your job entails.

Paris? I thought you told me I’d work out of the Meadowview location.

I apologize for the confusion, but the position requires you to live in Paris. We’ll pay for your flight and all expenses until you find a place to live. Is this a problem?

No, it isn’t. I’ll see you bright and early Monday morning.

That’s great. I’ll book your flight and will send the confirmation to you this afternoon. Have a wonderful day, Paige. Welcome aboard.

Thank you.

Paige ended the call and panicked, dropping her phone onto her lap. Where would she stay? Who would move her things? Could she get out of her lease? What would Alex say? When she glanced at the time on her phone, she realized she’d find out soon. He was coming over for dinner.

He’d been on board and happy for her when she’d told him she was in the running for the job, but that was when they assumed she’d be working in Meadowview. They’d become engaged the day after they graduated, and all their plans involved them living here. He wouldn’t be happy, but she thought he’d show support. They could alter their plans and start their life together in Paris—the City of Love. The location shouldn’t be a problem if they’re together.

***

Paris? That’s halfway across the world.

I know, Alex, but it’s the job I’ve wanted forever. I’ll be able to put my degree to use. Paige sat on the couch beside him, one leg tucked beneath her and the other on the floor. She took his hand between her small ones and caressed the back of his with her thumb. "The job I have now doesn’t utilize the skills I learned in college. I want to prove my education wasn’t a waste of money."

Paige, we’re twenty-two years old and barely out of college. I’m sure, if you give it time, you’ll find something here in Meadowview. Besides, once we’re married, you won’t have to work. I want you home to raise our children.

Had she heard him correctly? Did he say he wanted her to stay at home and raise their children?

Alex, where did that statement come from? We’ve never discussed this.

I assumed since I have an excellent job, you’d want to stay home and do nothing. He ran his free hand through his hair.

She dropped his hand, rose, and paced the small living room. I can’t believe you said that. You know having a career is important to me. I don’t want to be a stay-at-home-mom.

What’s wrong with being one? My mom stayed home with my brothers and me.

Stopping, she turned and faced him. Her hands rested on her hips. "There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it isn’t for me…at least not at this point in my life. I want to work and build my career. This job is important to me."

"Is it more important to you than us?"

What do you mean? What are you insinuating?

He stood and crossed the small space before he looked her in the eyes. It means, if you take the job in Paris, we’re over.

Tears filled her