“You don’t have to be an expert on me,” I say softly, “to belong.”
“I want to be, though.”
“Then you only have to ask, and I’ll answer anything.” I pull her closer. Her lips are warm, and she tastes minty. I kiss her slowly and thoroughly.
Because we’re not in a rush.
When I release her, she’s breathing hard, and nestles against me with another soft sigh.
“We’ll figure it all out in time.” I run my hand over her back. “I want to know all there is about you, too. Going to Gloucester last week was only the beginning.”
“I’m glad you liked it,” she said. “I would have had your head if you didn’t.”
I chuckle. “I know. It’s been a fun change, living on my toes like this.”
“Good. Because you’re not getting rid of me.”
Her hometown had been exactly like she’d described it. Rustic and charming, with ocean winds that constantly reminded you of the Atlantic at it’s doorstep. We’d walked around the Mather & Wilde factory, and I’d asked her to introduce me to every single employee.
I could see why she loved them so much and why she’d fought to protect them with everything she had.
I’ll do the same.
Even if I’m planning on giving all my shares to her. I’m happy to continue working with Mather & Wilde as a Maison Valmont brand… if that’s what she wants. But I won’t have the shares be leverage between us. They’re hers, and that’s where they’ll belong.
“Darling, I never want to. You’re stuck with me. Even if you discover a new terrible fact about my past.” I tighten my arm around her waist. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” she murmurs. Her breathing is evening out with each inhale. “And I want… a rematch tomorrow.”
“Always,” I say.
EPILOGUE
PAIGE
One year later…
Villa Egeria comes to life in the summer.
Returning to Como feels like finally taking a deep breath. I’ve missed being surrounded by high mountains, fresh air, and the glittering blue lake.
I drop my bag in the foyer and try to keep up with June. It’s her first time here, and she rushes through the house with all the determination of an eager puppy.
“Remember when you said no pets in this house?” I call over my shoulder.
Rafe answers in French. I can make it out this time. My lessons have paid off.That was before you,he said. It still takes me a while to formulate my own sentences. He likes to say that the only time he sees me think before I speak is when we’re practicing French.
Only a little while longer,I like to remind him. That’s a phrase I’ve memorized. Once I’m fully fluent, that’s over with.
June’s claws make a pattering sound across the marblefloor. I throw open the French doors to the garden, and she rushes out, tail wagging.
The dog had been my idea, but Rafe can’t do anything by half-measures, and he’s now invested in the way only he can. She comes everywhere with us, and he now reads books about dog training.
I follow June into the garden. The trip from Paris hadn’t been long, but it feels like a different world. Como is a stark contrast to the city. As lovely as Paris is, it’s notthis.I always miss the water when we’re there.
Rafe knows. Somehow I’m always whisked away to weekends in Normandy or by the Mediterranean, or we go to New York and Gloucester. I’m there a lot, seeing as it’s now my company. We’re partners with Maison Valmont—not owned by them.
It’s constant adventure. Living with him is like being in the eye of a storm. Good thing I’ve never enjoyed staying still.
