Having the Frenchman's Baby

“I believe you. They look ominous.”

“This whole area will be deluged through tomorrow. If you’re not used to the conditions, you could find yourself in real trouble.”

He honestly feared for her safety. She could feel it.

That meant she’d been given another day with him if she wanted it.

Heavens—if she wanted it—

Shifting restlessly, she said, “What about that plot of new vines at your vineyard? Will the storm destroy them?”

His face had lost some color and was close enough that if she lifted her hand she could touch his cheeks and nose and lips with her fingers.

It took every ounce of control to keep her hands to herself.

“Not if I get there first to reinforce them. But I’m going to have to leave now.”

Without saying anything else, he put her cases in her car.

“Let me help you with the vines—” she blurted.

“Out of the question.”

“Why? I’m available. Let’s not waste time. All you have to do is give me a job. I want to learn.”

His sharp intake of breath spoke volumes about the battle going on inside him.

“Please, Luc. I hadn’t planned to stay, but under the circumstances this is one way to repay you for all you’ve done for me.”

“Your generous wine order has more than accomplished that,” he bit out.

“Then I take it you don’t trust me to do a good job, so I guess that’s it. You’d better get going while I check back into the hotel.”

She got in her car, feeling on the verge of tears she didn’t dare let him see.

He stood at the open window. “Rachel—” His voice grated.

“What?”

“Don’t think I’m not grateful for your offer.”

“Then prove it and let me come with you.”

She had no pride left. Her desire to be with him and help him had reduced her to begging for the opportunity.

He muttered something in French she didn’t understand. At the last second when she thought he was going to tell her goodbye she heard,

“Follow me.”

Joy surged through her body until she thought she couldn’t contain it.

The second she saw his tail-lights go on, she started her car and trailed him. Once they reached the road, Luc took off fast, but she was able to keep up because there wasn’t a lot of traffic.

With such an alarming forecast, the locals knew better than to be out in droves.

She’d done it now.

Luc knew she wanted to be with him. Finally Rachel knew he wanted to be with her too. He hadn’t been able to let her go yet either.