Page 42 of Right With You
I was here for a man who’d become my friend. At this point, insanely, he mattered to me.
A minute later, I returned to the room, more resolved than ever to hold my head high and see this through. The men all stood, and Luc’s gaze speared into me, searching my face like he might be able to see exactly what I’d been thinking or what Aurelie had said.
Michele had been speaking and continued once Luc had helped scoot in my chair. His lilting accent was so engaging, it provided a welcome distraction from the swirl of awkwardness slithering around the table whenever a pause in conversation occurred.
After another few minutes, and a few bites of a truly spectacular steak I no longer had much of an appetite for, the waitstaff cleared the tables and set down desserts I didn’t recall ordering.
Once everyone had taken a bite, Mr. Devereaux said, “I’ve been thinking Odette should stay with you.”
I blinked, then glanced up to see him looking at Luc.
Luc finished chewing the bite of the double chocolate torte he’d taken. “That’s not happening.”
“Why would she stay with Luc? Doesn’t she have a room at the resort?” Aurelie asked, skepticism ringing loud and clear in her voice.
“Unfortunately no. The resort was full by the time we booked. I looked at booking a little cabin associated with the inn down the road, but I’m not sure the accommodations will suit her needs. Staying with Luc affords them the opportunity to get to know one another.”
In a flash, a few things happened.
First, out of my peripheral vision, I saw Luc’s entire posture go rigid and his jaw flex.
Second, Aurelie’s mouth dropped open enough to show me she was truly shocked by her grandfather’s audacity.
And third, I lost my damn patience.
The fantasy that flew across my mind was of me taking a perfectly white glove and swatting it across his face, channeling Dove in all her glory. Since I couldn’t do that, I’d take a different tack.
Setting aside my napkin, I turned to the man in question.
“Unfortunately, Luc’s home will be full. We’ll be there together, and we’d hoped Aurelie and Michele would join us and stay in the guest room. Perhaps, if they’re amenable, Odette could take their room at the resort, and then everyone will be comfortable.”
Mr. Devereaux’s expression hardened.
That’s right, sucker. You just got outmaneuvered by a donut maker!
“I hadn’t realized you two were living together. It seems a bit hasty considering?—”
Luc was on his feet as he spoke. “We’re engaged to be married, Grand-père, and with all due respect, it is none of your business who lives where.”
He held out a hand to me, which I eagerly accepted and slipped out of my seat.
“We’ll see you all tomorrow to get settled at the house?” he asked Aurelie and Michele with expectant eyes.
Michele’s grin was so wide, it could’ve powered the sun as he rose from his seat and pressed kisses to either side of my head. “Absolutamente.We’ll see you both.”
Aurelie repeated the gesture, catching my eye and raising her brows. I returned the look with an “I don’t know what happened, it just did,” and then we departed.
Hand in hand, Luc led me through the opulent restaurant’s main room and down the hallway to the magnificent resort lobby. We exited into the cool night air of spring, a touch of sweetness and the bright tang of green things growing on the breeze. He kept going, his pace measured and a little quick for my taste, though I appreciated his desire to get the heck out of there.
He opened the passenger side door to his car, and I got in. Seconds later, he ducked into the driver’s seat and shut the door.
We both stared ahead, my mind running wild with an almost giddy sensation after putting the old man in his place while also edging around some real concern I’d overstepped.
Finally, he shifted in his seat to look at me and our gazes locked.
“So, you’re moving in?”
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
