“Sweetheart, I need a little more than one-word answers. I can’t see your face.” Gael’s soothing voice had more tears streaming down my face.
Taking a steadying breath, I responded, “I’m fine. I’m more than fine. It’s hard to put into words what I’m feeling. Your passion for me stuns me. The way you talk about me as if I’m precious to you is overwhelming, in a good way. You make me feel all sorts of things I’m not used to feeling. I’ve been drowning and numb for longer than I care to admit. With you, I feel alive and that I can finally breathe. But then the logical side kicks in, and we literally just met. I’m just—we just—”
Gael stopped my stumbling. “Sweetheart?”
“Yes?”
“It’s going to be okay. We’ll figure this out and take it at a pace we’re comfortable with. Harris isn’t going to stop us from finding out where this can go. I don’t care what he tries. Ashlin, you make me feel the same way. You’re not alone in this. Okay?”
“Okay, good. How close are you to baggage claim?”
Gael gave a low chuckle. “I’ve been hiding in an alcove for a few minutes, hoping François doesn’t see me. But even if he did, I wouldn’t hang up until I knew we were okay.”
“We’re more than okay. I promise. You need to get to François. I’m about to head to bed. Will we be able to talk tomorrow?” The longing in my voice was evident.
“Yes, I’ll call every chance I get. I’ll have a better idea after we have our initial meeting of what my schedule will look like.”
“Night, Gael. Have fun, good luck, and learn yummy recipes to cook for me.”
He took a deep breath. “Night, Ashlin. Dream of me.”
“I promise.”
We hung up and I did as Gael had asked—dreamed of him.
PUSHING THE LIT-UP blue button on the coffee machine, I watched as my coffee magically brewed in to my cup. My robe was cinched tight as the house tried to warm up. Through the night, a cold front I hadn’t expected swept through the Savannah area. As I added my creamer, my cell rang. I saw it was Gael and a grin formed.
“Hello?” My voice cracked from lack of use this early in the day.
“Morning. Did I wake you?” Gael sounded tired, but pleased to hear my voice.
Grabbing the coffee off the counter, I turned and leaned against the cream-colored cabinets, letting the warmth of the cup seep into my hands. “No, I’m making my morning cup of java as we speak. How was your first day?”
“Exhausting. We cooked as soon as we arrived. He’s tough, but I’m learning a lot. I’m going to make you Fraisiers when I get home.”
“What’s a Fraisier?”
Talking about food always had Gael speaking with passion. “It’s strawberries and pastry cream sandwiched between two slices of Genoise cake drenched in a Kirsh simple syrup. You’re going to love it. It’s a delicate dessert.”
It sounded delicious and my mouth watered. “I think you’ve learned enough and are ready to come home.”
The happy laughter on the other end made me miss Gael’s touch. “I’m glad you’re missing me like I am you. It’s refreshing you don’t hide your feelings or try to play games.”
“I feel the same way.” A knock sounded from the front door. “Hold on, Gael. Someone is here.”
“Okay.”
Whoever it was would have to deal with the just-out-of-bed look. Undoing the chain and lock, I opened the door. Harris stood there in his black-tailored suit with a limo in the background. The driver stood on the sidewalk in front of the car.
“Harris, what in the hell are you doing here?”
“Do you have a second?” The tone he used implied he wasn’t asking, but demanding.
Oh, shit, Gael is on the other end and now knew Harris was here. This wasn’t going to end well on any account. “Now’s not a good time. Plus, we don’t have anything to say to each other except how I can get my stuff.”
“I think we do.” Harris pushed past me and entered the house. Quickly, he looked around as if he expected someone else to be here.
My voice turned impatient and uncharacteristically cold. “Harris, please leave.”