Hello everyone! In anticipation of the release of Love and Betrayal in the City of Lights I’m starting up #teasertuesday where I’ll share a teaser of the book every week until it’s release. As always enjoy and make sure you preorder your copy today.

“I can’t believe Claude wouldn’t walk me home.”

Annette repeated the phrase for the third time and as he had done the two previous times, Jean shrugged. “Claude doesn’t always think before he speaks. It’s not one of his talents.”

It was evening, and Jean had nervously glanced at his wristwatch when they left Claude’s apartment, noting they had about forty minutes before the curfew was enforced. Thankfully, Annette only lived about ten minutes away. If Jean hurried, he would be back home with a few minutes to spare. It was a tight timeframe, and while Jean wanted to walk a bit faster, Annette’s slow pace forced him to match her while he offered a sympathetic ear to her complaints about Claude.

“Is he always like this?” Annette looked at Jean. For a moment he could almost see the flicker of her second-guessing her interest in Claude.

Jean wanted to give an emphatic yes, but then he focused on Annette’s eyes—soft, gentle, and cloaked in a sadness he knew went deeper than what had happened that afternoon.

“No, he isn’t,” Jean lied effortlessly. “I think it was more the alcohol speaking than Claude himself.”

Annette seemed to ponder what he said before nodding slowly and looking across the street. Despite walking along a busy boulevard, the sidewalks were mostly quiet except for a couple here or there scurrying by, talking in hushed whispers or restrained giggles.

Still not looking at Jean, Annette said, “I haven’t been very kind to you lately, have I?”

Jean was surprised by the question. “What makes you say that?”

Turning her head to look at him, Annette smiled sweetly. “You really are a terrible liar.”

Not as bad as Annette thought, but Jean slouched his shoulders. “I understand why you were upset with me. You told me something deeply personal and I didn’t respond appropriately. For that, I’m sorry.”

“No.” Annette shook her head. “I should be apologizing. I…overreacted.”

That flabbergasted my brother. “You did not overreact in the slightest. I would have done the same.”

“What a horrifying thought.” Annette laughed, which seemed to echo down the abandoned street.

Jean was not amused. “I’m serious, Annette. You were within your rights to act the way you did. I’m the one who did not act right.”

Silence. The only noise was a distant car engine, the whispering of occasional wind, and Annette’s heels clicking against the sidewalk.

Her building came into view, and soon they were standing in front of it. Jean expected Annette to head right inside, but instead she stopped and turned to face him.

“Thank you,” Annette said softly.

“Of course.” Jean was just as quiet.

“Not only for the walk,” Annette spoke methodically, “but for your understanding with…that.”

Jean nodded once. “If you ever need to talk to someone, I’m here.”

They stared at each other without saying another word. Then, after what felt like a lifetime, Annette murmured, “I should go inside. Good night, Jean.”

As she turned away, Jean was seized by a realization: he loved Annette. No matter how much he propped up Claude, it would never erase his feelings for her. He had to do what Jacques had told him to do a long time ago. He had to take a chance.

“Annette.”

She stopped and faced him.

Despite the overwhelming nausea, Jean refused to back away like he had in the past.

“Would you like to go out with me? On a…outing?”

Annette’s face cracked into a smile. “You know, you’ll be the third man I’ve seen in this friend group.”

Jean’s body shook, but he outwardly appeared calm. “I don’t care. As long as I’m the last.”

Annette giggled, touching the side of her face before recovering and staring into his eyes. “I would love to.”

Jean felt an unexplainable happiness ripple through him and he was sure he was smiling like a fool.

Annette was far more composed and practical. “You should go. Curfew is enforced in fifteen minutes.”

“Oh.” Jean blinked rapidly. “Yes, you are right. Well, good night!”

Annette turned away, waving her little fingers. “Good night, Jean Janvier.”

She was already on her way before Jean was able to whisper, “Good night, Annette Zabek.”

Link: https://mybook.to/CityofLights