Page 94 of The Exception

“Yes, but…” Luc glanced between us. “Shouldn’t you be enjoying your honeymoon?”

I placed my hand on Graham’s arm. “As long as we’re together, we’ll enjoy ourselves.” I smiled up at him. “Isn’t that right,mon kinkajou?”

Graham clenched his jaw at my term of endearment. I wanted to kiss him there just to see what he’d do. See how far I could push him.

We’d see how he liked being referred to as my kinkajou.

Luc merely shook his head. “Okay.” He turned and headed for the door to the château, and we followed.

“Do you have an interest in restoration?” Luc asked Graham as we walked, the dogs trailing behind. They seemed happy in their new environment, and that was a relief. I knew how much they meant to Graham, and I cared about Prince Albert’s and Queen V’s welfare.

“Very much, yes.”

I climbed the stairs to the first floor, greeting each of the crew members by name and introducing them to Graham. After Luc explained what needed to be done, Graham and I set to work with the team. I’d remove the tiles and take them to Graham. And he’d file the edges. It was exhausting and dirty work, and I was secretly curious how long he’d last.

After a few hours, he was still going strong. Making jokes with the crew in French, talking about construction techniques. Engaging with them. He was one of them.

“Having fun?” I teased, bringing him another bucket of tiles. His clothes and hair were covered in dust.

He’d always seemed like this buttoned-up billionaire who didn’t like to get his hands dirty. And now, he’d shown me a different side to him.

“Yes, actually. This task may be tedious, but I like working with my hands. And I enjoy the repetitive nature of it.”

“In that case, we have many tasks around here that you will enjoy.” I grinned, pleased at how seamlessly he’d slotted himself into my life here at the château. Maybe the novelty would wear off for him at some point, but for now, I was impressed. Relieved. Grateful.

I’d always known Graham was a hard worker, but I’d never seen him take on such a physical task. It was hot.Hewas hot—forearms flexing, dust flying. His face set in concentration. He looked up, and I ducked away, embarrassed that he’d caught me watching him.

On and on, it went. Removing tiles. Moving stacks of them. Dust and more dust.

My body was aching, but with the afternoon light quickly fading, the crew was wrapping up for the day. I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen Graham so relaxed, so at peace as he’d been today. We finished and shared a beer, celebrating the completion of the project. They thanked Graham for his help, and we followed them down the stairs. I was covered in dust, and it was going to be a nightmare to clean this wig, but it was worth it.

After we returned to our apartment, we ate a simple meal on the stone bridge overlooking the dry moat. Queen V and Prince Albert rested at our feet. As I glanced out over the grounds and château, I was filled with a sense of contentment and ease. I’d missed this place, and it was bittersweet to be back, only to know we’d be leaving again so soon.

“Thanks for your help today,” I said.

“It was fun.”

“It was.” I smiled. “I’m impressed.”

“Why?” He furrowed his brow. “Because I pitched in?”

I lifted a shoulder. “I mean, honestly, yeah. I didn’t realize you’d get into manual labor.”

“Who do you think manages the garden at my penthouse?”

“A team of gardeners.”

“When I have to be away, yes. But that garden is mine. My design. My plantings. My domain.”

“Wow. I had no idea.”

“My grandmother and I used to love to garden. She taught me so much about plants. About respecting our environment.”

I’d noticed that he was passionate about the gardens and often knowledgeable about plants and their care and uses. Even when I’d been his assistant, he’d always pointed out various plants and told me interesting facts about them. Now, I realized it was his way of keeping his grandmother’s memory alive.

“I’m guessing you have some ideas for the château’s gardens,” I said. When he nodded, I added, “I’d love to see them.”

“I’d be happy to help. Tomorrow.” He stretched his arms over his head with a groan, and I had to tear my eyes away from the sliver of abs he’d revealed with that movement. “I need a hot shower and a comfortable bed, but I’m not sure either of those is on offer,” Graham said, setting down his wineglass. “Unless you were messing with me about the cold water.”

---