“Do you know the individual strands sparkle in the sunlight like there are little jewels in them? I never saw anything like it.”
Her heart quivered. “When I was a little girl, my dad told me the same thing. From that point on, he called me Sparkles.”
Luc bunched her hair in his hands. “It’s beautiful, just like you.” After kissing it, he found her mouth once more and kissed her with an urgency that carried her away. At the height of her excitement, he said, “If I keep you out here much longer, I’m going to eat you alive.” The glitter of desire in his eyes melted her insides. “Since I made you a promise, we’d better go back to the cruiser quick and find me something else to eat.”
She groaned in disappointment, but knew he was right. Together, they headed for the end of the boat. He paced himself to stay with her. The feeling of oneness couldn’t be described in words. It was too overpowering for that.
He climbed on the transom first, then pulled her up. She reached for her wrap and followed him on to the deck. Luc stopped at the top of the stairs to look at her. “While I put the food on the table, why don’t you get the map and show me where you’d like to go.”
Jasmine hurried to her room and secured her hair with an elastic. After putting on a T-shirt and shorts, she joined him in the galley and made the coffee. In a few minutes, they were poring over the chart of the Mediterranean while they ate.
“I’d like to head for Palmaria island if it’s all right with you. My grandmother told me there’s the most fantastic beach, but you can only reach it by boat. She also mentioned a cave.”
He nodded. “Pozzale. I haven’t been there in years. We should be there by early afternoon. It’s the perfect place to swim in crystal-clear turquoise water and explore the caves.”
“There’s more than one?”
Luc flashed her a smile that sent a shockwave through her. “The side of the island in the Gulf of La Spezia faces west toward the open sea. It has high cliffs that overhang the water, in which there are many caves. You’re going to love it.”
She discovered that she loved doing anything with him. When this vacation was over, she would never be the same again. By coming with him, she’d crossed a line and was playing with fire, but she couldn’t help it.
“I can’t wait. Let’s get going. I’ll do the dishes, then join you.”
He got up and planted a kiss on the side of her neck. “Don’t be too long. I’m already lonely without you.”
So was she, at the thought of never being with him again.
Three hours later, Luc weighed anchor and together they swam to the beach. “What do you think?” he asked Jasmine, clasping her hand as they reached the sand.
“Look at all these polished pebbles! They’re fantastic! This whole place is unreal!”
“It’s very unique with its unspoiled natural landscape and rocky backdrop.”
“I want to find some to take home to my nieces and nephews.” And one for herself to remember this day.
“I’ll help you take them back to the cruiser, then I’m going to show you the Blue Cave while there aren’t any tourists around. You’ll understand the reason for its name when you see it.”
For the next half hour, she studied the pebbles until she found the ones she wanted. Then they swam back to the boat. In another few minutes, he drove them around to the north side of the rocks. As they rounded a curve, they came to the cave opening.
She gasped. “Luc—I’ve never seen such a heavenly blue color.”
“It’s almost as heavenly as your eyes. During your television interview, they glowed like hot blue stars.”
Jasmine was afraid to look at him. She feared that to spend much more time like this with him was the greatest mistake she would ever make and she would suffer for it for the rest of her life. “Can we swim in?”
“Of course. But not too far because I want to take you past another cave you’ll find even more interesting.”
The fun of entering the cave via the water was only eclipsed by their journey to the next cave Luc called the Grotta dei Colombi. Translated, it was the Cave of Pigeons.
“You have to descend by ropes, but you need a guide. In this cave, they’ve found fossilized bones of Pleistocene animals. I have a feeling your grandmother explored this cave with your grandfather.”
“I’m sure you’re right.”
“If you’re ready, I’ll drive us around to the civilized side of the island and we can explore before it gets too dark.”
One adventure after another awaited her as Luc dropped anchor and they swam ashore to do a little exploring through the broom.
“Um...I can smell sage.”
He put his arm around her waist and hugged her to his side. “With a nose like yours, I’m not surprised. Do you have any idea what those trees are ahead of us?”
They walked closer to see red-orange balls among flowers on the evergreen leaves. Jasmine couldn’t believe it. “This side of the island is covered with strawberry trees! I’ve got to taste one.”
“You’re sure you want to do that?”
“Absolutely. They’re edible. I’m curious about the essential oil.” She bit into one then made a face. “It’s very bland.”
Luc laughed. “Not as tasty as a regular strawberry?”
“Not quite.” She pulled another one off for him. “Are you game?”
“Try me.”
She put it to his mouth and he took a bite. “It’s mealy too. I think it’s time to get back to the boat and fix dinner, but I want another kiss first.”
Jasmine knew she’d remember this kiss, this moment, for the rest of her life. She clung to him against a setting Mediterranean sun, enjoying the taste and scent of him, including the hint of strawberry on their lips.
* * *
By the time they’d finished eating, night had fallen. Luc pulled into a small protected bay and set the anchor. It had been a hot day, but the light breeze off the water cooled them enough to make the air perfection. He placed the extended loungers side by side again and stretched out on one of them.
But when Jasmine came up on deck, she propped hers forward and sat down. He sensed she had something serious on her mind. In the dim light from the boat’s navigational system, her features looked more severe. “What’s wrong?” he whispered.
She stared at him. “This.”
He sighed and sat up. “It’s been a perfect day.”
“I know,” she whispered back. “Too perfect. I can’t do this anymore.”
“Do what?”
“Be with you.”
A grimace marred his features. “In other words, you’ve had enough of me.”
Jasmine rubbed her arms. “I wish I’d phoned you the good news about Remy and left things alone. I was out of my mind to burst into your office, and then think I could take a vacation with you before leaving France without paying a huge price.
“Please don’t misunderstand. You haven’t once stepped out of bounds with me. Just the opposite in fact. But it’s already a painful situation for me and needs to end. I’d like to return to Cagnes-sur-Mer tomorrow.”
Lines bracketed his mouth. “Even if it pains me?”
“Luc—it’s no use,” she blurted. “I wish there were a drink of forgetfulness so I could fly home with no memories of any kind. But that’s not reality. You know I’ll never forget you, so to spend even one more minute with you will only make things that much worse.” She sprang from the lounger. “We haven’t known each other that long, but whatever it is I’m feeling, it’ll tear me apart if I don’t get away from you as soon as possible.”
“What about the party at Nic’s on Saturday night?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. I need to sever all ties with you. I don’t want to meet your friends or your family.
It’s better this way.”
His anger flared. He got up from the lounger and put his hands on her shoulders. “Why would you say that?”
“You know why! You’re the CEO of the biggest bank in the South of France. Your life is here. Your family is here. My life is there with my family. I’m afraid if I don’t go home now, I could lose their love. Being with you simply can’t work. That dreadful cliché about ships passing in the night describes our situation. Please let me go. This isn’t getting us anywhere.” Her eyes had taken on a haunted cast.
“You want to go back that badly?” He almost hissed the words.
“Yes, because I don’t trust myself with you any longer.”
He slowly exhaled before releasing her. There was more than one way to fight this battle, but this wasn’t the time. “If that’s what you want, then we’ll leave now. Go down to bed. By morning we’ll back in Cagnes-sur-Mer and I’ll drive you home.”
Her face had gone pale. “Luc—” She was swallowing hard. “I’m sorry. So sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’ve enjoyed every second we’ve spent together. It’s been a thrill, but it will have to be enough. Bonne nuit, chérie.”
The moment she disappeared below deck, he pulled up anchor and started the engine. He’d spent his life maneuvering in these waters and welcomed the night ahead of him since he knew he wouldn’t have been able to sleep. Luc had too much thinking to do and would need the whole night to figure things out.
If Jasmine slept at all during the night, she didn’t remember. All she knew was that when she awakened at seven with her pillow still sopped by tears, the engine had stopped and there was only the motion of the cruiser rocking gently back and forth.
She freshened up and caught her hair back with a clip. Once dressed in a top and shorts, she packed her few things and went up on deck to discover they were back in Nice without incident. Not that there would have been any problem with Luc at the wheel. He’d been sailing these waters all his life.
He’d already tied up the cruiser against the dock. In the distance she could see his tall physique coming back from his car, where he must have taken a load of things from the boat. More guilt consumed her because he was doing all the work. He should have wakened her to help, but he was too much of a gentleman for that.
His jet-black gaze scrutinized her from the crown of her head to the soles of her sandaled feet. He might as well have been touching her for the way it felt. “I knew you wanted to get home as soon as possible, so I packed up any provisions left to take to the villa.”
“Thank you. I couldn’t possibly eat right now. Is there anything else I can help take to your car? You must be exhausted after having to be awake all night.”
“I’m fine and it’s all done. Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
He took her bag for her and steadied her arm while she stepped on to the dock. Then he let go of her and they walked to the parking area separately. Once they got in the car and were on their way, he turned to her. “Would you like to stop for coffee on the way back to Grasse?”
“I don’t need anything, but thank you.”
After a few miles he said, “Are you definitely leaving Sunday?”
“Yes.”
“Then this will be our last time together.”
“Don’t get me started, Luc. I don’t want to say goodbye to you, but I have to.”
“I know. You’ve done a wonderful thing for Remy and the company. You’ve honored your grandfather’s wishes. Now there’s nothing left except to go home and love your family. I understand more than you think.
“After my accident, my parents stood beside me and refused to let me wallow in self-pity forever. They gave me life and were my mainstay of existence through that tumultuous period. I’ve tried to be a devoted son ever since.
“You’re doing the honorable thing, Jasmine. I can only imagine how thrilled they’ll be to know you won’t be leaving again. You’ve got years to enjoy the life you were born into. I want you to know how much I admire you for what you’ve done. I’m sure your papa couldn’t be happier with the way things turned out. Working with you has helped me to know him and Remy, two great men. I thank you for that.”
If he didn’t stop talking, she was going to scream in pain.
“That goes both ways, Luc. I don’t know another man who would have done what you did to help me. Your decency and goodness is a revelation. I don’t know how you thank someone for that. I only know I’m in awe of you.”
“I think we’re even. Since we’re coming into Grasse, tell me how to reach the Fleury farm. I’d like to see it before I take you home.”
Her heart pounded out of rhythm while she gave him directions. Pretty soon they were driving along the side of the violets where she’d seen Remy. Luc unexpectedly pulled over and stopped. “I’ll only be a minute.”
What on earth?
In fascination she watched him get out and walk over to pick a small bunch of them. When he returned to the car, he inhaled their fragrance. “These will always remind me of you.” He handed them to her. “Sweet, like a spring morning.” He pressed a warm kiss to her mouth, then started up the car once more.
Jasmine sat there in shock while he drove her the rest of the way to the house. He pulled up next to her Audi. “This is it. What a journey since Yeronisos. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t have missed it.”
Instead of lingering, he got out and reached for the small suitcase he’d put in the back seat. After he opened the passenger door for her, she had no choice but to climb out with the flowers and her straw bag. Luc walked her to the entrance of the house.
He put it down next to her. “I detest long goodbyes. Have a safe flight home, Jasmine.” With her hands still full, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her once more, this time hotly on the mouth.
Her legs were close to giving way by the time he got back in his car and disappeared around the bend in the gravel drive. She fell against the door, needing to hold on to the handle for support.
Luc... Luc...
* * *
On Saturday afternoon, Luc drove into the Martin ranch on the outskirts of Driggs, Idaho. The stunning view of the Teton mountain range dominated the sage-covered landscape. He found the pine-scented air warm even at the six-thousand-foot elevation. Glorious.
The two-story log ranch house had the authentic rustic flavor of the American West. He saw signs of various ranching equipment and several trucks parked around the side. After parking the rental car, he got out and walked up the porch to the main entrance. A dog started barking inside before Luc rang the buzzer.
He heard a woman admonishing the dog to be quiet. Soon, the door opened and he came face-to-face with a woman, fiftyish, wearing a western shirt and jeans. She was a real beauty in her own right, with a great figure, and couldn’t be anyone else but Jasmine’s mother.
This had to be Blanchette, the youngest daughter of Maxim and Megan Ferrier. Luc knew so much about this family it felt strange to be this close to a first descendant of the famous couple.
Blanchette had inherited her mother Megan’s blond hair. But she’d bequeathed the shape of her face and features to her daughter Jasmine.
“Bonjour, Madame Martin,” he spoke in his native tongue. “Forgive me for arriving at your doorstep without calling first, but I couldn’t find your phone listed. I’ve flown all the way from Nice to meet you and your husband. My name is Lucien Charriere. Your daughter Jasmine and I have been doing business over the last few weeks.”
“Ahh—” was the only sound she made while her brown eyes lit up before playing over him. “You’re Raimond Charriere’s grandson who took over at the bank after his death—”
“Oui.”
“According to her, you made it possible for Remy to become the new head of Ferriers. M
y father suffered terrible grief over that situation. Thank you for the part you played in helping Jasmine right a horrible wrong. Please. Come in. Entrez.”
“Merci.” He followed her inside to a great room that was three stories high to let in the sun. She indicated one of the leather sofas. “Asseyez-vous, monsieur.”
“Luc.”
“Call me Blanchette. I dislike formality.” She sounded so much like Jasmine just then, it stunned him. “My husband, Clark, has gone into Driggs for supplies and groceries. We’re going to have a big party on Monday night to welcome Jasmine home. She’ll fly into Jackson early Monday morning on the company jet. Clark should be back soon.” When she sat down, the black lab lay down at her feet.
“I knew I was taking a chance. I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m here, so I’ll come straight to the point. I’ve taken time off from the bank for a vacation. There’s only one way to say this. I’ve fallen in love with your daughter and hope she’ll end up marrying me. I’m here to obtain your permission. Because your approval means everything in the world to her, it means everything to me.”
She put a hand to her throat in surprise. “Have you already proposed to her?”
“No. I haven’t even told her I’m in love with her. She’s made it clear that her home is here in Idaho with you. When we were last together she told me we were two ships passing in the night, but I could never accept that. I realized that if I hope to get a yes out of her, then I’ll have to move here.
“I love her too much to lose her, Blanchette. If she’ll have me, I’m prepared to live in Idaho and earn my living here in order to be with her.”
A soft cry escaped her lips. “You’d step down as CEO of the Banque Internationale du Midi and move here for her sake?”
“She told me you gave up a life in France to marry your American husband and live here with him. As you found out, when you’re in love, the other things don’t matter if you can’t be together. I’m not different and have been considering several options of work here.
Taming the French Tycoon Page 14
