She put distance between them until the coffee bubbled. He poured two little cups, brought her one, then took up his station at the island.
“Was Maison Perdue damaged in the storm?” he asked, obliging with neutral territory.
“Not much. But there is some damage in Mirabelle. We’re cleaning it up.”
“My lawyer is preparing Ruth’s paperwork, so that will be ready when she returns.”
“Thank you so much.” Now she really felt like a heel. Guillaume had been so helpful, and she’d slept with another man.
“And you will need land transfer papers from Rémy. She will be in Nenier tomorrow.”
Oh joy. Rémy.
Given Marlow had come straight from the hardware store run, and Luc had dropped her off, she was without a moped, so Guillaume offered her a lift home. She put her dishes into the dishwasher. He did the same. They were suddenly close again.
“I only wish I were competitive,” he whispered, “because then I would not acquiesce—is this a word in English, too,acquiescer? I would see who is the better man. Fight for your hand.”
Not once had Marlow ever had a man offer to fight for her. And yet. “That thinking is old-fashioned,” she said. “And not evolved.” But it was also hot. So very hot. Damn. Weak knees again.
She explained the whole roster and situationship shenanigan as reported by her helpful teen. A possible state of affairs that Marlow was still trying to wrap her head around.
“And what did Luc think of this?” Guillaume asked.
“He politely declined. You?”
“Thumbs up.”
She gaped at him. “Really?”
“I did not know it was called this,” he said, “but I too have a few … situationships.”
She raised her eyebrows. Well well. Wasn’t that an interesting development.
“I can tell you more if you want to discuss it further. Perhaps in the shower?”
“If kissing you was a bad idea,” said Marlow, “having a shower together is worse.”
“Bah non. It is an efficient use of our time, that is all. I require a shower, and we have more to talk about. We can do both at once.”
“I think I’ll stay here and wash the dishes,” she said.
“That is what the dishwasher is for.”
“Then I will stand here like a fool and contemplate life.”
The moment he was gone, she texted Violet for advice.Herattempt at juggling two men hadn’t gone well at all. Just remembering how that had imploded kept Marlow from running upstairs and joining Guillaume.
After he had showered and changed, alone, Guillaume drove Marlow to Nenier. On the way, Marlow’s curiosity got the better of her.
“You said you have a few situationships … Why not something more? Why not a steady girlfriend? A fiancée? A wife?”
He shot her a bemused smile.
“Have you seen you?” she asked. “You’re a catch.”
“You think so?”
“Come on. You’re charming, smart, kind, wealthy. The full package, as we say.”
