For Lovers Only

Chapter 12: Your body is a wonderland

As the night progressed, the two women had a few drinks, danced, and spoke with a few of the townspeople – some of whom spoke English, which was a welcome relief. Being able to talk with these people gave them new insight to the city, both learning about its rich and colorful history.

One man, by the name of Anton, told the duo about his bookstore, which was just a few blocks down the road from their hotel. It was family-owned, passed down from generation to generation, for just over a hundred years. He invited them to come pay a visit while they were in Troyes, wanting to see the two of them again.

Anton was an older gentleman, but he had an air of innocence and child-like wonder. He told Beca and Chloe about his three kids, now grown with kids of their own, and how he loved to spoil his grandchildren. His entire face lit up when he spoke of his family, but when he told the couple about his wife, Jacqueline, that's when the smile on his face grew. He loved his wife more than anything, and it showed.

By the time their conversation with Anton came to a close, it was nearing on one o'clock in the morning. They'd been at this festival for hours now, time slipping out of their fingers. It was then they realized just how truly exhausted they actually were.

A good night's sleep would fix that right up.

Bidding goodbyes, Beca and Chloe meandered their way out of the crowd, pushing passed the many people that filled the street, trying to make their way out of the hustle and bustle of the festival. The blue glow of the moon descended upon them, its light shining brightly down on the city as a crisp breeze skirted by, the cold wind causing goose bumps to appear on the couple's arms and legs.

Walking hand-in-hand, they traveled down the fairly crowded sidewalk, which soon emptied out until there were only two. Swaying to a beat that only existed in her head, Beca began to twirl in small circles along the sidewalk, pulling Chloe with her. The redhead let out a laugh of surprise but quickly discovered the rhythm and the two started to dance and spin and laugh in the middle of the street.

She felt free. For the first time in a long time, she was free.

Chloe's dress billowed as she spun, her face glowing, and the sight stopped Beca in her tracks as she watched her in awe. The moon hit her just right, the sharp lines of her cheekbones, the long, delicate lines of her arms and legs, and the womanly curves of hers were all on display for Beca to admire. She held her arms out and twirled, head lifted toward the heavens.

Beca took action and ran over to her, her arms wrapping tightly around Chloe's middle as her back pressed firmly to Beca's chest, the redheadh's feet lifting from the ground. Beca then spun her in circles, giggles bubbling out of her like no other. Chloe gripped the other woman's forearms with all of her might, not wanting to let go as they whirled around.

Neither could last much longer, the continuous spinning making them dizzy and causing everything to be fuzzy.

Gently setting Chloe down, the couple stayed still for a minute as they tried to gain their vision back, both a bit wobbly on their feet. When they could see again, by mutual agreement, the twirling and spinning was put on hold, and instead, they walked calmly back to the hotel. Both were beginning to feel the strong pull of exhaustion, its grip relentless.

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When they eventually stepped onto the lift settled in the lobby of their hotel, Chloe pulled herself into Beca's body, winding her arms around the brunette's waist as she pressed a single kiss on the column of her throat before resting her cheek on her shoulder. Beca wrapped one arm around Chloe's waist, holding her close. The couple remained like that the entire ride up to their floor, with their eyes closed as the fatigue settled in.