by Taisha Demay
“I think I need some air.”
“Wait, I’ll go with you.”
She looked over at him. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to be alone.”
Not quite understanding, but he heeded nevertheless. “Okay.”
Outside, April took a deep breath to calm herself; that was the moment she heard someone call her name.
“April!”
She whirled around to see her ex. “Paul?”
He was walking toward her, clad in faded denim jeans, a white cotton shirt, his eyes shadowed and remote, he embraced her in a hug.
“What are you doing here?”
“Looking for you.”
Her thoughts whirled in disjointed disorder. Had Donna told him where to find her. Had he thought it might be amusing to pay her a visit. “You shouldn’t have come.”
“Why would you even say that?”
“Because we’re over. We have been for a while.”
He grimaced. “I was hoping we could reconcile. Can we start over?”
“No, we can’t. I’ve moved on with a man that cherishes me. He makes me feel like I don’t come in second to his career which was something you did.”
“I know that now, and it was a mistake.”
“Why the sudden change of heart?”
He shoved his fingers through his hair. “I realized that after I landed in Seattle, I didn’t want to be where you weren’t.”
“Well, it’s a little too late. So, you may as well go back to America where you belong.” When she turned to walk away, he reached out and grabbed her arm. “Let go of me.”
“Not until we’ve talked.”
“There’s nothing to discuss. Goodbye Paul, I’m sorry you came all this way for nothing. Now please release me.”
“I understand from Donna that you’re involved with another man.”
“I am, and we’re planning to be married.”
He laughed dryly. “How long have you known this man?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“Why won’t you give us a chance?” Paul argued. “I understand why you would be hesitant. But I’m crazy about you, I always have been, always will be. April, please say you’ll give me another chance?”
April let out a dry laugh. “Obviously, you must think I’m desperate. Well, you would be wrong. Like I told you earlier, I’m with someone who makes me happy. Can’t you just accept that we’re over and move on?”
“Never,” Paul told her arrogantly. “ If you were honest with yourself you won’t either.” He reached out to graze the side of her face, but she stepped out of his reach.
“Let go of my hand.”
She felt the tension in his body. “Only when I’m good and ready. Why do you keep rejecting me? I know you aren’t indifferent toward me.”
April made a dismissive sound. “That’s where you’re wrong, I am. Now, let go of my hand.”
“You heard the lady,” Jean-Luc said from behind them.
Seeing him, Paul frowned. “Mind your business, this is between me and her.”
“Not from where I’m standing. If I were you, I’d let her go.”
She noticed the menacing look in Jean-Luc’s eyes and his brawler’s stance. “Please, Paul. Do as he asks; I don’t want any trouble.”
Her ex looked from April back to Jean-Luc. “Is this the guy you’re involved with now?”
April nodded. “Yes, that’s my fiancé.”
“I can’t believe you’d get involved with a foreigner and a white guy at that. Have you completely lost your mind?”
“No, I’m perfectly sane. And, for the record, he’s the man I love.”
“Phiff! You only think you do. Let’s face it, this guy is a rebound. I’m the one you should be with. We have two years invested in our relationship, can’t you see that?”
“The only thing I see is a man who kept stringing me along for his own amusement. A man who wanted me to agree to a long-distance relationship, while he focused on his career. A man who had no intention of ever committing to me.”
“I never told you I didn’t want to marry you, April. I just wasn’t ready, that's all.”
She stared at him for a minute. “Now that I’ve obviously moved on, you are? Is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes.”
April chuckled dryly. “You really are delusional, you know that?”
“If wanting you makes me that way, then so be it,” Paul replied.
She glanced over at Jean-Luc then back at Paul. “It escapes me from what I ever saw in you. I must have been out of my mind to think you were ever husband material. Boy, was I wrong. Go back home. Paul, it’s over between us. It had been for a long time.”
Paul looked over at Jean-Luc and then back to April. “You’d better treat her right. If you don’t, I’ll be back to pick up the pieces.” Then, he turned and walked away.
Immediately, April rushed over to Jean-Luc. “I’m sorry about that.”
He leaned in, kissing her on top of her head, his arm around her waist. “It’s not your fault.” He framed her face in his hands. “Did you mean it when you said you loved me?”
She sighed deeply. “Yes.”
His hand slid down her back. “I love you too, cheri.” He kissed her again, this time, with all the pent-up desire he felt for her.
With a soft sigh, she brought her arms up to encircle his neck, and somehow, she forgot about everything that mattered, except the two of them.
“Have you any idea of what seeing your ex stand there and profess his love to you?” he demanded savagely once they were back inside the apartment. “When I heard him ask you to marry him, I held my breath waiting for what your response would be. When you refused, I felt like a great weight had been lifted from me.”
April felt herself quiver with want and longing for this man, her breath suddenly unsteady. An articulate murmur strangled in his throat as his mouth took hers in a hungry kiss, fanning the flames of hunger burning through her, passion like a dark underground river that possessed her. This was the kind of love she’d search for
most of her adult life and now she had it, with Jean-Luc, the man she was meant to be with.
“What we have isn’t meant to be neat and clean and antiseptic, it’s a passion that’s mingled with fierce elemental hunger, waiting to be satisfied. That’s how much I want you. So much so, that I’ll go mindless with the intensity of it; you’ll forget every other man you’ve ever known, I love you, April,” his voice thick with emotion.
“I love you too,” she whispered, as he deepened the kiss, feeling like she had at last found where she belonged.
“I cannot believe he actually thought you’d take him back?” Donna said after April explained to her what had happened.
“What I’d like to know is what possessed you to tell him where I was when it was none of his business?”
Donna shrugged. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was supposed to be a secret.”
“It’s not. But he didn’t need to know,” April pointed out.
“Well, what’s done is done. So, how’s things going between you and Jean-Luc?”
April smiled, thinking about the spectacular night they shared, making love. “It’s going great. In fact, this is the best move I’ve ever made.”
“I’m glad to hear that. So, how’s the set up with the new shop coming along?”
She made a face. “There’s been a few bumps in the road, but Jean-Luc’s been helping me navigate it all. So, I think it’ll be fine. How are things back there?”
“Not too bad. I mean, I really miss you and wish you were still here. But, I know you had to do what was best for you. You’re with the man you love, and he makes you happy; that’s all that matters.”
“Thank you for saying that. And I miss you too. What’s new with Tim and the kids?”
When Donna hesitated, April frowned. “Is everything alright? Did something happen?”
That was when her friend began to cry.
“Tim says I spend too much time working. He thinks I’m neglecting him and the boys. He’s mad with you for leaving me in this position.”
“Oh, honey, I wish you had said something. I told you I would come back if you needed me.”
Donna dabbed her eyes with a tissue. “No, there’s no need for you to do that. I’ve hired some extra help along with the people we already had, so I can be home at a reasonable time.”
“I feel bad for doing this to you. I’m so sorry.”
“Stop apologizing,” she admonished. “Everything is going to be fine. I’ve told you a dozen times not to even think about returning. Stay there, open that shop and make it your own.”
Her friend was trying to make her not feel bad about deciding to relocate to Paris to be with Jean-Luc. But, April knew her friend just wanted her to be happy, and she was. She knew she was taking a huge gamble starting over and in a foreign country. Sure it was a bit overwhelming, but she was certain everything would be fine, at least, she hoped they would be.
“Just so you know, you did the right thing following your heart.”
April smiled, nodding. “Thank you for saying that.”
“Well, I’d better go. I have to make sure Josh and T.J take baths. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Okay, bye.”
The next morning while Jean-Luc was at the bakery, April spent her day at the building she rented for One Stitch at a Time Un Point à La Fois. It was in a location that had a lot of foot traffic and would guarantee she’d have a steady stream of customers. So far, things were going well after the electrical problem was solved. The carpeting and the shelving had been installed, the walls were freshly painted a lavender. Now the only things left to be done were having the computer, the cash register and the internet service. One of which Jean-Luc promised to help her negotiate a good price.
Around lunchtime, she looked up to see him walk through her office door carrying a wicker basket, and she smiled.
“I figured you wouldn’t eat unless I made sure.”
Hearing this, she made a face. “Has anyone told you, you have a tendency to exaggerate?”
Placing the basket down on the table, he leaned over and kissed her soundly on the lips. “Let’s clean this off, so we can eat.”
She did as he asked, and then, watched him remove the content of the wicker basket, placing everything down on the surface, before grabbing a folding chair and joining her.
“I see things are coming along well. It won’t be long before you’ll be open, and the first customer walks through that door.”
“That’s true,” she sighed. “I admit, I’m kind of scared.”
He glanced up at her, frowning. “Why? You have nothing to worry about.”
“I know. It’s just that I’m in a place I’ve never lived before. Surrounded by people who don’t know me, all because I want to be near the man I love.”
“I love you too, cheri.”
While they enjoyed their meal, they continued to make small talk.
“I was thinking we could spend a weekend away in the mountains in Annecy. Of course, we’d take plenty of provisions and anything else we would need.”
She made a face. “I don’t know Jean-Luc. I would much rather stay here just in case something happens with this place.”
“April, nothing is going to happen, trust me.”
“You don’t know that.”
Jean-Luc reached out and took her hand. “Relax, okay. Everything is going to be alright, stop worrying. We’re going to spend the weekend away together, I already made the reservations and rented a cabin by the lake. We’ll drive up early Friday morning, go shopping and afterward we’ll get settled.
He was taking control of the situation, April thought wryly. Listening to him talk about their plans, the more it appealed to her. She’d never been to the Massif Central; she may just like it, and having Jean-Luc with her, would be a major plus.
“I’ve already made sure the bakery would be in good hands,” he told her, picking up his glass of wine and taking a sip. “Aunt Madeline has also offered to pitch in while I’m away. The weather is going to be pleasant, although I did hear a rumor that it may snow, but we’re prepared just the same.”
April nodded. “Alright, I’m convinced now, you don’t have to keep touting how great it is, I’m sold on the idea.”
“I knew you would be,” he replied, his eyes teasing as he added. “It won't be anyone there but the two of us. Oh, and I almost forgot, there’s no cell tower. But there is a landline at the ranger’s station four miles away.”
“You’ve really thought all of this through, haven’t you?”
“Yes. I want to make our time together special.”
She had no doubt that it would be.
Friday was busy. They shopped in the morning, the mound of food stacked on the table was enormous, and made April wonder how they would get it all in the mini-fridge.
“I just got a text that the logs I ordered have been delivered,” Jean-Luc informed her.
“Are you sure you want to go? I mean, judging from the amount of stuff here, you’re prepared in case we get trapped.”
“Mmm, besides you can never be too careful when it comes to these things. I remember one year while I was in college a bunch of us went skiing for the weekend and ended up getting stranded because a bad snowstorm closed the roads. I just want to make sure in case it does happen, we’re prepared. Along with a generator, there’s a gas stove just in case that fails.”
“I’m sure, but if you keep going at this rate there won’t be room for our suitcases,” April pointed out.
“I think spending a weekend naked with you is something I wouldn’t mind doing,” he grinned.
“I have no doubt about that,” she replied, dryly.
“Let’s have lunch and afterward, we’ll pack the car and get on the road. It’s a very long drive.”
This might be the longest she’d ever sat in a car, April thought tiredly, the road almost deserted, the white silence of the countryside around them. The starkness of the scenery all combined to make her unusually edgy and nervous, but the upper Dordogne river valley and the Vezere river valley were beautiful. She was sure she would enjoy this trip. She found that the road leading to the village was steep, but fortunately free from snow and wild animals. When they eventually came to it, they saw that it was nothing more than a cluster of houses and small shops. When he pulled to a stop in front of the most beautiful log cabin she’d ever seen, she just stared out at it in awe. Climbing out they walked up a gravel path and Jean-Luc unlocked the door, pushing it open. She saw that the inside was just as equally impressive.
Surprisingly, it felt welcoming; there was an open, old-fashioned kitchen, complete with stone floor and an antique scrubbed pine table.
“This place is really beautiful.”
“I knew you’d like it.” He kissed her on the cheek, then went back out to grab some boxes.
Once they’d brought in everything, unpacked and loaded the cupboards with the items they’d brought. The living room furnishings were in natural fabrics, the colors a soft green and brown. An open staircase led up to the second floor; the bathroom and bedroom, everything felt comfortable and welcoming. Jean-Luc poured them each glasses of wine, and they relaxed in front of a fire.
“So, what would you like to do first?” Jean-Luc wondered.
Leaning against him, she released a sigh. “I don’t know, maybe we could go on a hike and see the sights, I guess.”
“That sounds like a plan,” he agreed. “But first let’s make dinner, I’m starving.
It was the usual clarity of light that woke her, piercing her closed eyes. Drowsy, she sat up, realizing she was in bed alone. Tossing the covers aside, she climbed out and after pulling a pair of discarded jeans, socks and boots, went in search of Jean-Luc, finding him standing in the doorway, his back facing her, sipping a mug of coffee.
“I didn’t want to wake you, you were sleeping so soun
dly.”
“Thanks, but it wasn’t necessary,” she replied, kissing him.
Pouring herself a cup, April joined him.
After breakfast they decided to go on a hike, following a path through a wooded area, stopping to take a break next to a stream, taking in the scenery around them, the early
morning fog had lifted, but moisture still hung on the grass and leaves. Several kinds
of wildflowers growing in a field made for a spectacular sight.
“Now aren’t you glad we decided to come?”
April looked over at him, a smile touching her lips. “I am. It was a great idea, okay I admit it. Are you happy?”
“I’m happy if you are.”
That made her laugh, she could see the amusement in his eyes. “You’re getting a kick out of being right, aren’t you?”
He shrugged. “Maybe.”
“Yeah, right,” she snorted.
She’d protested so hard against coming here, knowing he was only trying to help her relax; he sensed she was under a lot of stress to get her business up and running. It was funny how well he could pick up on things, like how she was feeling or the mood she was in. It wasn’t long before they returned to the cabin. April went to work preparing dinner, deciding on a thick beef stew with pan-fried cornbread, then they sat down to eat.
She watched as Jean-Luc dished out a generous amount in his bowl, taking the first bite, a smile touching his lips as he continued eating. After assisting her with the dishes they enjoyed a cup of coffee and casual conversation. He told her about the plans he had for
expanding the bakery’s menu, trying new recipes and flavors.
“Madeline thinks I should stick with what works, but I don’t happen to agree. Especially with people’s taste pallets changing.”
“I agree. Practically everyone is going gluten-free and Keto. It’s smart to do that.”
Jean-Luc glanced over at April, who gave him a smile. “You’re good for me, you know that?”
“I think that’s the other way around. When I was having a meltdown, you knew bringing me up here would calm me down. Otherwise, I think I would have run screaming into the streets.”