“Non!” He laughs. “It’s not what I mean. You look so petite and delicate. Not an athletic type at all.”
I roll my eyes. I’m about to swim again when I notice from the corner of my eye that Gavin is watching me. He looks as if he’s jealous. I’m reminded of his rejection earlier and suddenly possessed by a naughty idea.
“Do you prefer the athletic type?” I ask Louis. I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I shouldn’t flirt with Louis. I shouldn’t do it to hurt Gavin either. He’s trying to be an honorable man. But I can’t help myself.
Louis chuckles. “Non. I don’t. Not at all. You’re exactly my type, ma chérie.”
I blush, regretting being frivolous. “No way,” I say, avoiding his eyes.
“I’m serious,” he says. “I like American girls.”
“Are you saying I’m your type because I’m American?” I try to laugh it off.
“No,” he says. “It’s the opposite. I like you because you’re American and yet you’re very French. French women are less showy, more reserved and elegant, and more self-conscious in public.”
I realize I made a big mistake leading him on. “Seems like you prefer French women,” I mumble.
“Not really,” he says. “I also like American girls’ lack of self-consciousness in public, and they spend less time to groom themselves.”
Shit. It’s not easy to end the topic. I laugh nervously. “Well, if you live in Napa one day, then you’ll find plenty of American girls.”
“I’ve met one already,” he steps closer to me, putting his arms against the wall above my shoulders as if to trap me.
I notice Gavin’s eyes on me again. I’m ashamed of myself to start this silly act. I wish he would do something to save me.
As if he heard my thoughts, Gavin shouts at us, “Ivy and Louis, it’s time to get ready for dinner.”
Louis drops one of his arms as he turns to respond to Gavin and I take the opportunity to slip away.
Chapter 12
Gavin
After dinner, I left the chateau for a walk. Ivy was practicing French with Louis and it was all I could do not to rudely drag her along. During the dinner, she sat next to me, across the table from Louis. The fellow never took his eyes off her, which was the reason I lost my appetite. I couldn’t have Ivy, but I couldn’t stand other men laying eyes on her, either. Even now, away from her, I still have the urge to go back to make sure she’s safe. I don’t trust Louis. I know he wants what’s mine…mine? Jesus, I need to pull myself together.
I walk around my property, visiting my favorite spots. I go across the plantation and around the hills. I’m going to miss this place.
Well, at least I found it a suitable buyer. Paul submitted his offer to me already, cutting the price by a million. I guess my eagerness to sell the place is apparent to him. We’ll negotiate over the price tomorrow morning, and then, I’ll put my past behind me and start anew.
I find myself on the lakeside again. The remembrance of walking side-by-side with Ivy warms my heart. God! The girl has an irresistible power over me. I can’t act normal around her. Today in the pool, I almost kissed her again.
Frankly, her boldness and eagerness surprised me. I wasn’t kidding when I said she matured within just a week. She is no longer the timid girl who was Richard’s little girl. Sometimes I think Richard is over-protective of her, to the point of clipping her wings. Richard worries her little girl wouldn’t be able to find her way if she flew away, but he underestimates Ivy’s potential.
When Ivy applied for out-of-state colleges, she had a fight with her dad. It was just over a year after the passing of Olivia, Richard’s wife. Ivy wanted to get away from the grief, while Richard was desperate to keep his only family close to him. Ivy asked for my help when I saw them over dinner, and I stood on Ivy’s side. Richard thought his daughter wouldn’t survive, but Ivy proved her ability.
I’m proud of the girl. Of course, she still struggles with self-doubt, and she also tends to be pessimistic. Her mom’s death must’ve cast a heavy shadow over her. I want to cheer her up. I want to love her and make her forget all the worries in the world. But she’s Richard’s princess. She is forbidden to me.
My cell phone rings, startling me out of my misery. I sigh and check the screen.
An unknown number. Whoever it is has been calling me a few times lately. I consider for a moment and decide not to pick it up. It might be a potential buyer but I’m not in the mood to answer it. Besides, they have the option of emailing me. Who makes business calls at this time of the day?
I sit down on the bench Ivy and I sat the evening before, savoring the sweet memory for a moment before heading back to the chateau.
Chapter 13
Ivy
“So tell me, why do you admire George Sand’s work?” Louis asks as we are taking a walk around the chateau after dinner.
I had two glasses of Gavin’s fine wine at dinner and feel a bit tipsy. Louis had at least half a bottle, and his breath is heavy with alcohol.
“I don’t know,” I say. “Besides being romantic and beautiful, she was so unconventional and fearless.”
“So, you think she is cool?” Louis sounds a bit sarcastic.
I ignore him. “My favorite quote from her is ‘Life resembles a novel more often than novels resemble life.’”
Louis raises his eyebrows. “Nice!” he says with a playful smile. “I feel like being in a novel at the moment. The story takes place in a vineyard, a typical setting of Sand. You, the beautiful heroine, are trapped in an unhappy marriage, and I, the handsome hero, will free you.”
I giggle at his silly comment, although I sense he isn’t just kidding. I know I should call it a night and return to my room because I’m feeling giddy. But I keep walking with him. I even let him drape his arm around my shoulders. He’s been a fun companion and a great French teacher. I’ve gained so much confidence in my ability to speak the language, thanks to his help. My French doesn’t sound American anymore, at least to my ears.
Paul has already presented the offer to Gavin at dinner, and tomorrow morning, Gavin will let him know of his decision. If he accepts the offer, the two parties will continue to sign the purchase agreement.
I feel sad again. Tonight might be the last time I’ll get to stay in the vineyard. Only hours ago, I had the wish to stay here forever. While Louis is rambling, my mind drifts to Gavin. Where is he? I saw him going toward the plantation earlier, and I wanted to follow him, but Louis was speaking to me, and I didn’t want to be rude.
Another reason I haven’t returned to my room already is I want to wait for Gavin to return. I want to speak to him. Tomorrow we’ll be leaving the vineyard. I want to tell him my feelings for him. It’s clear to me he wants me as much as I want him. I want to convince him I’m an adult and I have the right to pursue my happiness. My body yearns for his touch at the very moment.
My phone rings, and I see Kayla’s number.
I excuse myself and answer it. “Hey,” I say. “You should be working. Is the restaurant not busy?”