Murder in the South of France, Book 1 of the Maggie Newberry Mysteries
Page 26
Chapter Twenty
Maggie rolled over in bed and saw Laurent was already awake and watching her.
“Morning,” she said. He smiled. “You’ve got that thing today, don’t you?” she said.
He nodded and she noticed he was already drinking coffee. A second cup sat on the side table.
“You been up long?”
“No, chérie. Just long enough for coffee.” He handed her the cup and she took a quick sip. As usual with everything about Laurent and everything he touched, it was just right.
“They’re expecting us tonight at six,” she said.
“I will get the cadeau.”
“Cadeau? Oh, Nicole’s birthday present. Will you have time? That’d be great if you would.”
“No problem.”
“You okay, Laurent?”
“Je t’aime, chérie.”
“Je t’aime, too.” She paused. “I’ll be back from France before you know it.”
“Je sais.”
“I leave here tomorrow afternoon, I’m back Wednesday night.”
Laurent narrowed his eyes. “Almost not worth the jet lag.”
“Yeah.” They sat quietly for another moment. “Did you take the dog out this morning?” Danford’s wife had returned the animal to them late last night. He had been professionally stitched and bandaged. The woman had shoved the dog into Laurent’s arms along with a bag of veterinarian prescription drugs with a rushed, “The instructions are on the label,” before she disappeared down the hall.
“Oui,”
“I hated having Danford take him to the vet. Next time, I’ll do it myself.”
Laurent frowned. “You are not thinking of keeping the dog?”
Maggie sighed. “I’d love to, but I can’t. The apartment doesn’t allow animals over ten pounds.” She turned to look at the animal curled up in a brand-new dog bed in the corner of the room. “He’s probably over that now. No telling how big he’ll get.”
Laurent took their empty coffee cups and set them aside. He pulled her effortlessly into his arms and her mouth met his naturally and easily. After the kiss, she whispered, “Last night was fun.”
“I was important to make sure there are no long-lasting damages from your head.”
“I think we definitely determined that. Although I’m pretty sure I saw stars at one point.”
“Très amusant,” he said, a smile tugging at this full lips.
“You’re not nervous about doing your chef’s thing at lunch today? Everything’s under control?”
Laurent laughed. “Bien sûr. Everything is under control.” In one fluid movement, he turned so that she was on her back and he was positioned over her. He leaned down to kiss her again, and Maggie let out the same small sound of appreciation and relish that he himself often made when enjoying something particularly delectable.