He’d wanted to believe Nathalie’s explanation even though he felt she was still hiding something from him. Why it bothered him so much was a mystery to him. A virtual stranger couldn’t possibly be this important to him no matter how beautiful or intriguing.
But the closer he got to the chateau, he knew that wasn’t true. He’d been intimate with some attractive women over the years, yet nothing remotely like this had ever happened to him before.
Even if Nathalie was to disappear suddenly and he never saw her again, the fact that he could be swept away by her this fast had changed him in a fundamental way. Nathalie had lit a fire that wasn’t going to go out.
It seemed there was a woman out there for him, one he wanted to get to know and would do whatever it took to do so. She was an original with a verve and freshness that was a constant delight to him. Her thoughts about everything fascinated him. If he believed in witches, he’d think she’d put him under a magical spell.
Dominic didn’t know he could feel this way about a woman. Meeting her had revealed the real reason why he’d reached the age of twenty-nine and still hadn’t married. Was it possible he’d unknowingly been waiting for her to come into his life?
He entered his apartment a different man. Needing more coffee, he went in the kitchen to fix it, then called his cousin and gave him the figures he wanted. Silence followed. “Raoul? Why aren’t you saying anything?”
“I’m surprised that much money has accrued. It’s all because of your expertise. But I’m afraid I may need more than that.”
He took a deep breath. “Talk to me.”
“When I got home from Saint Tropez Monday night, I told Sabine I was filing for divorce.”
Dominic let out a sound, overjoyed for him. “That’s the best news I’ve ever heard.”
“Except that you don’t know the bottom line.”
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I can’t go into it now. Can you meet me at our usual place Thursday evening to talk?”
“Of course.”
“Suffice it to say all hell has broken loose. The family has already heard about it, and it’s getting ugly.”
“I’ve got your back all the way. You know what I mean.”
“I do. Before we hang up, tell me about you.”
“I wish I knew.”
“Why do I have a feeling this is about Mademoiselle Fournier?”
He paced. “I was with her this morning, at lunch and after work.”
“All in one day? You’ve got to be kidding me!”
“I know I sound like I’ve lost my mind. She’s not who I thought she was, but I still don’t know why she came here.”
“And I can tell you’re not going to give up until you get answers. I take it she’s a knockout.”
“You have no idea. I didn’t know I could have feelings this fast for another woman.”
“That’s how it happened with me. One evening while I was checking on the inventory at the Guinguet I met Toinette. As you know, my world changed that night when I called and told you about her. But circumstances forced me to break off with her in order to marry Sabine. I’ve never been the same since. Thank heaven you’re back home and not in Paris because I need to reveal a truth you don’t know about yet. I’ll tell you on Thursday. For now, I’ve got to go.”
Raoul rang off before a puzzled Dominic could say goodbye. No matter how bad it got, he was thrilled Raoul had decided to get out of his marriage. He’d do whatever he could to help his cousin.
As for his own situation, before any more time passed, Dominic needed to talk to Corinne. He didn’t want to put this off any longer. It wasn’t fair to her to let her go on expecting an imminent marriage proposal. She was attractive. Dominic knew she’d meet another man, hopefully one who would love her for who she was, whether she came from money or not. She deserved to find true happiness. So did he.
Once he told her the truth and ended any thoughts her parents had put in her mind about marrying him, her pride might be hurt, but it was the only way to handle what their two families had tried to set up.
He had his own life to live. And now that he’d met Nathalie Fournier, he couldn’t imagine her not being in his life.
CHAPTER FOUR
“MAMAN?”
Wednesday evening had come. Dominic would be arriving shortly to show her around the vineyard. It was a beautiful evening and she was going crazy waiting for him so had called her mother to check in.
“Yes. What is it, darling?”
Nathalie had left work to eat dinner and was freshening up in the mobile home. She’d brushed her hair, leaving it loose, and wore a fresh pair of jeans and a yellow pullover. “I’ll be home a little later than usual and don’t want you to worry.”
“That’s all I’ve done since our talk. I don’t think it’s wise to keep this up. Either walk away now, or tell Dominic Fontesquieu why you’re there.”
“I will. I just need a little more information and to think everything through. If worse comes to worst and he demands an explanation, I’ll tell him the truth. Depending on the outcome, I’ll bring him to the house so he can see Alain for himself.”
Her mother’s sigh was telling. “You could be wrong and it could cause trouble.”
“It won’t come to that, Maman. When I get home, we’ll talk.”
After they hung up, her mother’s concern ate away at her. Was Nathalie wrong about Dominic having been Antoinette’s lover? Of course, the only way to find out was to ask him and hope he’d be honest with her.
But to approach him about such a sensitive matter was daunting. “Did you have a brief affair with a woman you met at the Guinguet during the harvest two and half years ago? If so, then I believe you could be the father of my deceased stepsister’s son.”
Deep in thought, she was startled by noise outside. He was here. A burst of adrenaline shot through her. She reached for her purse and hurried out the door. Dominic had parked his car behind hers and Nathalie climbed in the passenger side before he could get out.
“Hi,” she said, knowing that once again she was out of breath. It happened every time she saw him. He smelled so good and had dressed in a blue sport shirt and khaki trousers. There could be no other man like him in existence.
His black eyes ranged over her, taking in every inch. “You look too beautiful for a woman who’s been picking grapes all day.”
“That isn’t true, but I like hearing it.”
“If you’d glance in a mirror, it would remove all doubt.”
His words brought heat flooding to her cheeks. “Where are we going to go?”
“I thought we’d take a walk in one of the terroirs at the upper elevation. It overlooks the land down to the sea for a spectacular view.”
The male sight before her eyes was so spectacular, she was at a loss for words.
He backed around and drove down the road past the place where she picked grapes. When they came to a crossroads, he turned right and followed another road. It paralleled more rows of healthy vines for a long time, then rose until he pulled over to the side and parked.
“The grapes have all been picked here,” she observed.
“That’s right. They’ve turned a few days sooner because of the elevation. The terroir you’re working on is one of the last that has to be denuded.”
She shook her head. “There’s so much to learn. Tonight the vines seem to be lined up like soldiers to the horizon. It’s an amazing sight. If I were an artist, I’d like to paint the vineyard the way it looks right now. I love it.”
“I love your descriptions of everything.” The tone in his deep voice filled her with warmth. “This is my favorite spot in the whole vineyard.”
After getting out of the car, she let out a soft cry. “I can see why, Dominic. This landscape is like a little part of heaven.”
“Fontesquieu wine,” she corrected him. He squeezed her hand a little harder. “I feel horribly guilty that I don’t like the taste of wine.”
“But you like the grapes.” He gave her a meaningful look. “All is forgiven because you appreciate the vineyard housing the limestone and shale soil that feeds the roots.”
A gentle laugh escaped. “Thank you for trying to make me feel better.”
“You mean I didn’t succeed?” he teased.
“You know you did.” He had a captivating way about him.
They kept walking beneath a sky full of stars. As their bodies brushed against each other, she’d never known such rapture in her life. At the end of the row, he moved behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.
“Did you know your hair is the color of starlight?”
She could feel his breath on her temple. “Dominic—” His name came out sounding ragged.
A kiss against her neck opened the portals, releasing her longing for him. She turned in his arms and began to kiss his jaw, relishing the feel of his hard, male body. Their mouths slowly came together, seeking and finding what she’d wanted from the moment she’d sat across from him. This was ecstasy. Never in her life had she known this kind of passion.
When he finally relinquished her mouth with reluctance, he said, “Don’t you know how dangerous it was to come out here with me tonight?”
His question penetrated deep inside to that spot reminding her they wouldn’t be together like this if she weren’t trying to find out if he’d been Antoinette’s lover. For a little while tonight she’d forgotten.
Shocked by how carried away she’d been, she looked up at him. “Thank you for reminding me. Maybe we’d better go back.” Nathalie eased out of his arms and started walking fast, reaching the car first.
He didn’t try to catch up with her. While she was a trembling mass of need, Dominic seemed in perfect control driving them down to the mobile home park. He stopped behind her car and turned to her.
“I won’t be able to see you tomorrow, but I’d like to see you after work Friday evening if you’re free. We’ll go to dinner.”
Friday evening... That would have to be the night she asked him about Antoinette. “I’ll make sure I am.” She got out of the car. “I won’t ever forget tonight’s experience.”
With her heart palpitating out of her chest, she rushed inside. The kiss they’d shared had turned her world upside down. To love a man like him, and have to tell him she couldn’t have his baby...
* * *
After work on Thursday, Nathalie drove to the pizzeria in town and met Paul outside the entrance. They made their way inside and had to wait before being shown a table with menus propped on the red-and-white-checked cloth. She could tell it was a popular place, especially at dinnertime.
After studying the menu, Paul flicked Nathalie a glance. “How do you like your pizza?”
“A little bit of everything except for anchovies.”
“Sounds good to me. Anything else?”
“Coffee.”
A waitress came over for their order and hurried off.
Nathalie eyed Paul. “Wouldn’t it be nice if the Fontesquieu family hired a food catering service that pulled into the vineyard every noon and evening? Think how happy it would make all the workers!”
He smiled. “That’s a thought I’ll pass on to Gregoire.” But not to Dominic or Etienne, either of whom could make it happen.
“I saw clouds gathering this afternoon.”
“It’ll rain tomorrow.”
“I can feel the extra humidity. It ought to make grape picking more interesting.”
He grinned. “You mean messy, dirty and wet.”
“I guess I’m going to find out.”
“Want to go to a film after we eat?”
She shook her head. “I have to get back to the pharmacy where I work and do inventory. That’s why I brought my car.”
“You’re a pharmacist?” Surprise was written all over him.
“By profession.”
“But I thought you were on vacation.” He looked stunned. “You have to go tonight?”
She nodded. “They need help so I promised to come in.”
“Even when you’ve got a full day’s work tomorrow?”
“I can’t turn down a promise.”
“You’re one amazing woman.”
Thankfully their food arrived at that moment.
“This pizza is good.”
“It’s all right,” he muttered. “I’d rather we went out for a real dinner.”
“Honestly, I’m too exhausted working seven days a week to do anything but fall asleep watching TV. Monsieur Fontesquieu warned me to take it easy so I don’t burn out and collapse. Actually, he saw me walking and gave me a lift home the other day. It was very kind of him. If he has a wife who knows about it, I hope she’ll understand he was only helping a lowly, exhausted grape picker make her way along the road.”
Paul shook his head. “He’s never been married.”
The unexpected news filled her with joy for several reasons. “I see.”
“Not yet, at least. According to Gregoire, who’s on close terms with Etienne, Dominic Fontesquieu is on the verge of getting married to a woman with the kind of money most people only dream about.”
After hearing he wasn’t married, the revelation of impending marriage to a wealthy woman came as a shock. If that was true, how could he have kissed Nathalie like he did last night? Or made plans to be with her tomorrow evening?
Distressed, she wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin. “Paul, I’m afraid I have to leave.” Nathalie pulled some euros out of her purse and put them on the table before standing up. “Stay and finish the pizza.”
“Don’t forget to wear extra rain gear in the morning.”
“I will. See you in the morning. Merci for the friendly chat.”
Nathalie was tormented as she sped home. After the kiss they’d shared, she didn’t know what to think about Dominic. At least he didn’t have a wife or children to consider if he were to learn he’d fathered Antoinette’s baby. But if he were getting married soon, he shouldn’t have been with Nathalie. Following that thought, the news that he had a son could turn his world upside down.
What was she doing? This couldn’t go on any longer.
* * *
On Thursday, Dominic had been summoned to the salon of his parents’ apartment at the chateau. He knew why.
His father, clearly recovered from his pneumonia, sat on one of the damask couches with his mother, whose stylish black hair showed a few streaks of silver. Dominic’s older sister, Quinette, and her husband, Philippe, both serving on the board, had settled on the love seat. Etienne wasn’t there because he hadn’t shaken his flu completely.
He kissed his parents and sister and nodded to his brother-in-law, but he didn’t sit down. “I came as soon as I could. It’s obvious you’ve heard news before I could tell you myself.”
“Corinne’s mother called me this afternoon to tell me you won’t be seeing her anymore.”
“That’s right, Maman. We’ve been thrown together at various family parties you arranged, but I never was seeing her.”
“I simply don’t believe it.” Her voice shook. “She sounded hysterical. We’ve all been planning on your marriage.”
“I can’t help that. I’m not in love with Corinne, and she doesn’t want to be married to a man who can’t give her the kind of love she needs.”
She turned to his father. “Talk to him, Gaston.”
“I tried talking to him when
he left home at eighteen. My foolish son has cavorted with Parisian women with no class for too long. His judgment disgusts me.”
His chilling pronouncement couldn’t disturb Dominic. His father was lamenting all the money Corinne would have brought to the marriage. “I’m aware of that, Papa, but I have to please myself.”
His mother’s dark eyes filled with tears. “What’s wrong with you, Dominic?”
“Maman,” his sister remarked. Having been stuck in a bad marriage, she’d begun to see the light and had taken his side.
He smiled at Quinette before he said, “If I ever find the right woman, you’ll be the first to know, ma mere. In the meantime, if you’ll excuse me, I have plans. Bonne nuit.”
Now that his parents had let him know they were devastated, he left to meet Raoul at Chez Gaspard, a café on the outskirts of Vence where they could enjoy privacy.
They met there when they needed to talk away from the estate. Tonight there were two households in chaos at the chateau.
Raoul was already waiting for him when he entered and walked to the back table in the corner. The waiter brought coffee Raoul had already ordered for them. Once he’d left, Dominic handed Raoul the financial report.
“Thanks for this.” He lifted his dark head and sat forward. “I promised you some new information. As you know, I’d been dating Sabine and made the mistake of sleeping with her once, a mistake I regretted because as time went on I knew my feelings for a permanent relationship with her weren’t there. I had to tell her the truth even though it hurt her and I broke it off with her.
“Right after that I happened to meet Toinette Gilbert and found myself in love for the first time in my life. She’d become my heart’s desire. We saw each other for a month and I wanted to marry her.
“But out of the blue I got a phone call from Sabine. She told me she was expecting our baby and we had to get married immediately. Her doctor verified it with me.
“I was horrified. Of course, I had to tell Toinette the truth, the most painful thing I’d ever had to do in my life. She said goodbye to me and refused all my phone calls. I never saw her after that. My world had crashed around me.”
Falling for Her French Tycoon Page 5