“I thought you’d like it.”
When she lifted her head to smile, a gasp escaped her lips and every thought went out of her head. Raoul, dressed in a polo shirt and chinos, had just entered the bistro with another man who was dark-blond and looked to be in his mid-thirties. Then she remembered seeing him at the funeral. It was Paul. He’d been the one sitting next to Raoul’s sister.
Raoul’s black gaze surveyed the room, looking for a free table when he zeroed in on Abby. Lines darkened his features to see that she was with his brother. He walked over to them without hesitation and drew up two chairs.
“So this is where you are. Mind if we join you?” he asked, staring directly at her.
CHAPTER EIGHT
ABBY WAS SO happy to see him she blurted, “I’m glad you’ve come!”
The waitress came over and took their orders.
“Abby? You met our brother-in-law, Paul Ridoux, at the funeral. He’s married to Josette.”
“Hello again.”
“Have you enjoyed your day so far?” Raoul inquired as if they were the only ones at the table.
“Very much because I’ve learned a lot. While I was out walking in the vineyard, I met your cousin Gilles and your brother. He took me to the domaine office so I could see all the maps. I’m afraid I studied them too long.”
“You liked the display?” His eyes seemed to pierce hers.
“Who wouldn’t? But a lot of the script was in Old French. I would imagine that would take a long time to learn.”
“Not if the interest is there.”
What did he mean by that? “Do you know this bistro has the funniest name? The Petit Pinot Noir has a ring to it that makes me laugh.”
“I can’t figure out why,” Jean-Marc interjected.
But Raoul could. Suddenly she saw amusement light up his eyes, melting the frost.
Had he been upset because she’d come with his brother? Raoul had given her a look she never wanted to see again. When she got him alone, she’d explain the circumstances.
Soon their meal arrived and the waitress brought two more wineglasses. Raoul reached for the bottle and filled three of the goblets. The other one was Abby’s, but she’d barely touched hers.
“Let’s drink in celebration. The domaine has a new concierge in Jean-Marc, and Paul has just accepted the management of our European investment accounts.” When their father died, Raoul would make Josette the head of the company. “My workload has just been cut in half and no one could be happier than I am. Next week we’ll fly to Paris, Paul, and I’ll introduce you to the groups I’ve been working with.”
“I’ll look forward to that.”
Abby rarely drank alcohol, but this was one time she felt she needed it and picked up her glass to sip some. After they ate, Raoul was the first to break up their meal. He put some bills on the table that covered everyone’s food and got to his feet.
“We’ve all got more work to do before this day is out. Since I have to run Paul back to the château, I’ll take you with us, Abby.”
Thank heaven he’d said that.
He looked at his brother. “That’ll free you to meet the Spanish ambassadeur from Madrid. Félix just informed me that he and his entourage will be arriving within ten minutes. I have no doubts you’ll have them eating out of your hand.” He eyed Abby. “Shall we go?”
She stood up. “Thank you so much for the tour, Jean-Marc. It’s been one of the highlights of my trip here. And this is a charming little bistro.”
“À tout moment,” he said through wooden lips.
Abby didn’t know what that meant. But she did know that the advent of Raoul coming into the restaurant had changed Jean-Marc’s mood and she couldn’t have been more grateful to leave.
When they walked out to the Jaguar, Paul climbed in back and Raoul helped her in the front passenger seat. On the short drive back to the estate, she turned to him. “I’ve never heard the expression à tout moment.”
“My brother meant that he would be glad to do it for you anytime.”
“Oh. Thanks for telling me.” She looked over her shoulder at Paul. “I understand you and your wife have one child and another one on the way.”
He nodded. “Maurice is three and waiting for a brother.”
“How exciting! When’s the due date?”
“Two months.”
“Have you thought of a name yet?’
“No. We’re still arguing over it.”
She smiled, but talk of babies was no doubt painful to Raoul. If he married again and had a child, would it help fill the hole in his heart? Every day he had to live with the loss of his little girl.
Before long they arrived at the estate. Raoul stopped at the petit château and let her out. “I’ll call you in a few minutes.”
She nodded. “It was nice talking with you Paul.” Abby got out of the car and hurried inside her apartment, wishing Raoul didn’t have to leave.
* * *
Much as Raoul wanted to follow her, he had to drop Paul off first.
His brother-in-law leaned forward. “She’s one beautiful woman. Nice.”
“I agree. If we hadn’t happened to stop in there, Jean-Marc would have forgotten all about the appointment with the Spanish contingent.”
Except that it wasn’t an accident. Raoul had seen Jean-Marc’s car. He was curious why he’d gone there to eat so late on his first day as concierge. It wasn’t his kind of place. Seeing Abby at the table explained everything.
Raoul wound around to the east entrance. Paul got out. “I can’t thank you enough for giving me the new job. I know Josette complained to your father.”
“That’s not the reason, Paul. Since my trip to Switzerland, I’ve been thinking about several changes to relieve me of so much work. Your head for finance makes you the ideal choice to work with the Paris group. You’ll be a great asset.”
“Thanks for the confidence, Raoul.”
They shook hands. After he walked away, Raoul headed back to Abby’s apartment.
