Page 152 of My French Love Affair

I scoff. "Not in the slightest."

His chuckle is quiet, indulgent. "I would think that sending flowers and jewelry is quite romantic."

I roll my eyes, but I don’t argue. Instead, I tilt my head slightly, studying him.

"So, is this what you do?” I ask. “Lure unsuspecting women into fancy restaurants with expensive gifts and smooth words?"

Frederic exhales a quiet laugh, swirling his wine glass between his fingers. "If that were the case, you’d hardly be unsuspecting,Poppy."

I narrow my eyes, pressing my lips together to keep from smiling. "That’s not an answer."

He takes a slow sip of wine, his light eyes twinkling with amusement over the rim of his glass.

"You’re assuming I take women out to dinner often."

I raise a brow. "Don’t you?"

He sets his glass down with deliberate ease, his smirk widening. "Would it bother you if I did?"

I roll my eyes, but before I can deflect, he leans in slightly, resting his forearm against the table.

"Let me guess," he muses, his voice dripping with amusement. "You’ve already made up your mind about me."

I arch a brow. "I think I have a pretty good idea, yes."

He hums thoughtfully. "Go on, then."

I drum my fingers against the table as I look over at him.

"You’re used to getting exactly what you want,” I say. “You’re arrogant, insufferably smug, and you have a habit of pushing people just to see if they’ll push back."

His lips twitch upwards. "Go on."

"You’re incredibly competitive,” I say, thinking of his career. “You can’t resist a challenge. And youdefinitelythink you’re charming enough to talk your way out of anything."

Frederic chuckles, shaking his head. "Not bad."

"Not bad?" I echo. "So I’m right?"

He tilts his head, considering me for a moment.

"You’re notwrong," he allows, his voice teasing.

I lean back, crossing my arms with satisfaction. "I knew it."

"But," he adds smoothly, "you forgot something important."

I feign surprise. "Oh?"

His gaze dips briefly to my lips before flicking back up to meet mine.

"You left out the part where I’m incredibly good-looking."

I burst out laughing, unable to help it. "Oh mygod- youareinsufferable."

He grins. "You didn’t deny it, though."

I shake my head, reaching for my wine glass. "You really need to be humbled."

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