She left the car and ran to hug him. If something was still bothering him, he didn’t let it show as he crushed her against him and swung her around. The intensity of his kiss melted her insides before he swept her toward the car. He helped her in the passenger seat and got in the driver’s seat out of habit. Paul sat in back.
Abby turned to her brother-in-law. “Did business go well?”
“I never realized how much I didn’t know.”
“He’s going to do great work for us,” Raoul commented. He dropped him off at the château, then drove them to the cottage. Her husband was still in an odd mood.
“Before we go inside, I want to know what’s wrong. You haven’t been yourself since we talked on the phone last night.”
He shut off the engine and turned toward her. “The truth?”
“Always.”
“I should never have left you this soon after our wedding. When you told me you’d taken a drive and had gone shopping, I knew you couldn’t bear to be here alone. You seemed a little evasive. I was angry with myself and I’m afraid I let it show.”
“All is forgiven.” She might have known that he’d sensed she’d been keeping something from him. Raoul wasn’t a man you could toy with, not when it came to his deepest emotions. “I was being evasive, but for the best of reasons. At six this evening, all will be revealed. Can you trust me until then?”
“You know I trust you with my life,” his voice grated.
With those words she jumped out of the car and hurried inside first. When he followed her through the door, he had to run to catch up with her. She reached the bedroom first. “I thought you’d never get here.”
“Mignonne—” He caught her to him. The moment their mouths fused in need, the world reeled. His loving took her to such a divine place, she almost forgot about the party.
“Darling? What time is it?”
“Ten to six.”
“Uh-oh. We have to get ready.”
“For what?”
“You’ll find out. Put on something semi-dressy. I’ll shower first.” She dashed away before he could pull her back. They were going to be late.
At ten after six she walked in the living room where he was waiting for her. As Josette had predicted, his black eyes glittered with desire as he studied every curving inch of her. “I approve of your shopping spree.”
“Good. I like your black silky shirt. You’re impossibly handsome, you know. So handsome, I’d like to lock myself up in a tower with you.”
She thought he sounded a little out of breath. “Where are we going?”
“To the château.”
He looked taken aback. “I don’t understand.”
“You will. In fact you’re going to have to show me where to go. We were due at your parents’ suite ten minutes ago.”
Raoul shook his head. “Don’t tease me about this.”
“I’m not, my darling.” She grabbed the sack with the presents. “We need to hurry.”
Abby started for the car first and got in without his help. He was totally quiet as he drove them to another entrance to the château she hadn’t seen before. This time he opened the car door for her. Before he let her go, he ran his hands over her hips and back. “You’re so beautiful, it hurts.”
She kissed his lips before hurrying inside with him. He led her up the stairs to the second floor. When they came to the entrance, the doors had been opened. Abby hooked her arm through his and they walked inside.
The first person they saw was an adorable brunette boy who came running toward Raoul, calling out something like “Rool.” Abby loved the little guy already. Her husband picked him up in his arms.
Maurice asked him something in French. “What he did say, Rool?”
Raoul’s laughter delighted her. “He wanted to know if I bought him a present while I was in Paris. I can’t believe it, but I forgot to get him anything on this trip.”
“No, you didn’t.” She lifted the sack. “These are for him.”
His black eyes stared at her in shock.
“Go on. Give them to him.”
He carried Maurice to the couch in the salon and reached inside the bag to hand him his presents. Josette and Paul came in to see what was going on. A smile lit up their faces to watch as their boy tore off the wrapping paper and examined his new toys.
Raoul grabbed Abby around the waist, propelled by emotions erupting inside of him. He stared at his sister. “You look lovely tonight.”
“Don’t they both?” Paul had his arm around her shoulders. “Our wives went on a shopping spree while we were away. I have a feeling we’re in for it when we have to travel on business.”
Abby shook her head. “Mon mari won’t be leaving town any time soon, so you don’t need to worry.”
Josette smiled. “Maman has dinner waiting for us on the terrasse.”
Once again Raoul stared at Abby. She grasped his hand. “Come on.”
Paul swept Maurice into his arms, toys and all, and they walked through the suite to the terrasse that overlooked a fabulous rose garden. Abby heard one of those male whistles and looked to the side. Jean-Marc stood there with his arms folded, wearing a grin.
“Congratulations on your marriage.” He walked toward her and kissed her on both cheeks. “I should have been the one who went to Switzerland.” Then he faced his brother and gave him a hug that brought tears to her eyes.
Over their shoulders she saw his mother wheel their father over to them. She wore a filmy yellow dress. On the shoulder, she was wearing the pin. Abby could hardly breathe.
“We’re so happy for the two you.” She approached Raoul who wrapped his arms around her. As they clung, his father
