Page 186 of My French Love Affair

“Just getting some air,” I say, glancing at the bright sky. “I kind of needed to escape my suite for a bit.”

Frederic murmurs in approval. “You sound relaxed.”

“Disappointed?” I smirk.

“Not at all,” he muses. “Although I did enjoy making younotrelaxed last night.”

Heat creeps up my neck.

Of course he’d bring that up.

“Do youeverstop talking?” I quip, kicking at a loose stone on the pavement.

“I've told you before: not when I’m enjoying myself.”

I roll my eyes, though I can’t fight the smile curling at my lips.

Frederic Moreau is amenace.

“So, tell me,” he continues. “Now that you’re Monaco’s latest internet obsession, what’s the plan? Are you going to bask in your newfound fame?”

I snort. “I’m going to pretend it isn’t happening. I’m going to bury my head in the sand and keep posting my usual content.”

“Avoiding the drama?”

“Obviously.”

“Youdorealise that ignoring it will only make people more curious,” he points out.

“Then let them be curious.”

He laughs; a deep, genuine sound. I don’t know what it is about his laugh - maybe it’s the way it sounds soeffortless, or maybe it’s the fact that I know it’s because ofme- but it makes my stomach twist in delight.

“So,” I say, steering the conversation away from anything remotely dangerous. “What’s left on the busy Frederic Moreau agenda?”

“More meetings, more training, more interviews.”

“Soundsriveting.”

“You have no idea,” he deadpans.

I chuckle. “I take it you’re looking forward to the race, then?”

A pause. “More than you know.”

I can hear the shift in his tone - the subtle way it deepens, the way it sends a slow shiver down my spine.

Because I have a feeling that he’s not just talking about the race.

Before I can respond, he sighs. “Unfortunately, I should go. Myrivetingmedia obligations await.”

I smirk. “Try not to say anythingtoococky in your interviews.”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

“Right, of course,” I say dryly. “I forgot: Frederic Moreau, king of arrogance.”

He chuckles. “I preferchampionof arrogance, actually.”

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