Chapter Eighteen

Two Months Later, Late August

“Hey James,” I said, walking up to the hotel room.

“Did you bring it?” the large man asked, eyeing the shopping bag by my side.

“Have I ever let you down?” I handed him the bag.

He glanced around the empty hallway, as if we might be caught. Cautiously, he reached inside the bag and pulled out a flimsy plastic container. He giggled like a school boy. The sound coming out of such a big, imposing man was very strange and heartwarming at the same time.

“I love these things,” he said, opening the container lid and pulling out the pasty. “Dutch letters are my weakness.”

“Why do you think I bring them?” I teased. “How else would someone like me get time with the Prince of Paradisa?”

James didn't say anything as he stuffed a bite of pastry into his mouth. He stepped to the side of the door so that I could knock.

Freddie appeared in an instant. He kissed me, and for a moment I lost myself in him. His soft citrus scent filled my nose. He needed to shave, but I didn