Page 146 of Forbidden Fruit
“Nice to meet you,” I reply, keeping my smile polite and closed-lipped. Without missing a beat, I step closer to Calvin, sliding an arm around his waist and leaning into him. A not-so-subtle declaration ofmine.
Calvin chuckles under his breath, clearly catching on. His arm slips around my shoulders, pulling me even closer, andhe presses a kiss to the top of my head. The warmth of his gesture sends a little thrill through me, even as I keep my gaze firmly on Juliette.
Juliette clears her throat, her smile tightening just a fraction. “Shall we begin the tour?” She spins on her heel with a confidence that makes her ponytail swing like a metronome.
As we follow her inside, Calvin dips his head to murmur in my ear, “Blondes aren’t my type, you know. Pretty brunettes with fiery attitudes? Much more my thing. But I’ve got to say, I’m loving this cavewoman energy.”
I stifle a laugh, swatting his arm lightly as I whisper back, “Behave.”
Juliette leads us deeper into the apartment, her heels clicking against the glossy floors. The moment I step inside, I’m hit with a rush of awe. The space is stunning. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretch across the walls, offering a panoramic view of the city skyline. Sleek, modern furniture fills the expansive room, and the sunlight streaming in makes everything look golden and ethereal.
“Whoa…” I breathe, taking a hesitant step forward. “It’s beautiful.” I glance back at Calvin. “But it’s way too big for me.”
I don’t even need to see the rest. It’s the kind of apartment that screamspower couple,notsingle student.
Calvin leans casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed and a faint smile playing on his lips. “You can have anything you want,” he says. “Just say the word.”
For a moment, I’m caught between the breathtaking view and the man looking at me like I hung the moon. My heart swells, and I can’t help but smile back at him, knowing he’d move heaven and earth to make me happy.
Juliette chimes in, “We also have a smaller two-bedroom unit that is fully furnished. Shall I show you that one?”
I nod eagerly. “Yes.”
The two-bedroom apartment is perfect. It’s spacious enough to feel airy but not so large that it’s overwhelming. The view is breathtaking, a panorama of the city that makes my heart skip a beat. I can already imagine the little corners where I’ll study, relax, and daydream during my last two months here.
“This is the one,” I say softly, turning to Calvin with a smile that I can’t contain.
“Then this is the one we’ll take,” he replies. His gaze lingers on me, warm and full of something that makes my chest tighten in the best way.
Unable to hold back, I rush over and throw my arms around his waist, clinging to him like a kid on Christmas morning. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” I squeal, standing on my tiptoes to pepper kisses all over his face. He leans down to make it easier, his deep chuckle vibrating against me.
“Anything for you, Peach,” he says. My heart feels like it might burst.
Once the paperwork is finalized, Calvin takes my hand, his fingers lacing with mine. “I have a date planned for us,” he says, with a tinge of excitement. “And after the date, I’ll help you pack.”
“A date?” I grin up at him, my curiosity piqued. “Where?”
“You’ll see,” he teases, bringing my hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. “Just trust me.”
We leave the building hand in hand, and I’m surprised to find a sleek, luxurious car waiting for us. Calvin opens the door for me, ever the gentleman, and soon we’re on our way.
As we drive, the city fades into the distance, replaced by sprawling green fields and quaint farmhouses. The airbecomes fresher, the scent of wildflowers and earth wafting through the open window. The golden glow of the setting sun paints the landscape in soft, warm hues, making everything look like a scene from a painting.
After about forty minutes, the car slows and pulls into a beautiful vineyard nestled in the rolling hills. Endless rows of grapevines stretch across the landscape, their leaves glowing in the evening light. At the center of it all is a charming villa, its stone walls covered in ivy that climbs toward the terracotta roof. It’s elegant but cozy, in fact it feels like a dream.
“Wow,” I breathe as we step out of the car. “This is stunning.”
Calvin walks around to my side. “I thought you’d like it.”
We’re greeted by a friendly host who leads us through the vineyard, pointing out the types of grapes and the history of the estate. The stroll is peaceful, the scent of ripe fruit and earth surrounding us as Calvin keeps a steady hand on my lower back.
The tour ends at a private patio overlooking the vineyard. The area is secluded, adorned with fairy lights and a small table set for two. A soft breeze carries the scent of lavender from the nearby garden. There is some kind of outdoor heater embedded in the walls that makes the patio nice and comfortable.
“Calvin, this is… incredible.”
He pulls out my chair, helping me sit before taking his seat across from me. “Only the best for you.”
The meal begins with an amuse-bouche, a delicate bite of smoked salmon topped with crème fraîche and caviar. Each dish that follows is more divine than the last: arugula and pear salad with candied walnuts, freshly baked rosemary bread, and a main course of perfectly seared duck breast with a cherry reduction.
