I Promise You This (Love in Provence Book 3) (6 page)

During those early days in Antibes, before she and Philippe had had an opportunity to open their hearts to each other, Nick had charmed her at every turn. He had a sexual magnetism about him, along with sharp wit and intelligence, and his movie-star good looks didn’t hurt either.

A memory of their cruise to Saint-Tropez on his yacht flashed into her mind.
That night at La Voile Rouge bordered on hedonistic . . . it was crazy . . . so out of character for me . . . and so much fun.

She would never forget that it was he who had made her feel more attractive and sensuous than she had in decades. Nick had most definitely lit those fires. In spite of everything, she would always remember that night in Saint-Tropez.

She gave herself a shake now and put her camera back to work.

“You’ve got a rare opportunity here,” the pilot told them. “The times this happens are few and far between.”

Mist and spray from the Falls combined with the cold drifting winds. Nearby ornamental walls, lampposts, trees, and buildings were transformed into whimsical ice sculptures.

“I’ve never been here in the winter,” she said. “It’s such a different atmosphere from summer, and I honestly can’t decide which season is more pleasing.”

They put their heads together and took a selfie, catching a glimpse of the waterfalls out the window beside them.

This is one for my “Gratitude” journal, for sure. A dear friend and a most unique experience!

The pilot was a wealth of information about the Falls and surrounding area. He enjoyed Nick’s spirited interest and probing questions, while Katherine’s camera kept up a steady rhythm of shutter clicks.

By the time they disembarked back in Toronto, dusk was falling.

CHAPTER SIX

“Nick, what can I say? Thank you for that phenomenal experience. Talk about carpe diem—you certainly know how to seize the day!”

Putting his arm around her shoulder, he chuckled. “Y’know, gorgeous, I prefer to let the day seize me! You’re right, though. That flight over the Falls was ace!”

Kat noticed she had missed a call from Philippe, but her return call went to his voicemail. She left a short message about the action-filled day she was having and about Roslyn’s recent update. Nick commented that she should tell him his pilot would be contacting Philippe about the flight to Toronto.

When Katherine put her phone away, Nick pointed over her shoulder. “That’s the CN Tower, right? Let’s go do it!”

Katherine laughed. “Do you ever run out of energy?”

“Never when I have such fabulous company, my beautiful companion. Let’s catch the sunset from there! I have to leave in a couple of days,, so I’m running out of time. Are you game?”

In less than fifteen minutes, they were on their way up the glass-enclosed elevator to the top of the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere. “It was the tallest in the world until a few years ago when a couple of even higher towers went up in Asia,” Katherine told him.

From their perch in the sky, they caught the sunset over the continually burgeoning urban sprawl. He commented on the islands, saying he never really thought of Toronto’s waterfront personality.

“It’s easy to forget when you live in the heart of the city,” Kat agreed. “There’s been increasing focus on developing lakeside parks, and bicycle and walking paths. In the summer, that part of the city comes alive. Extensive biking paths make Toronto a cyclist’s delight.”

“And how would you compare it to your biking experience in the South of France?” Nick bantered.

“Don’t even go there,” Kat shot back. “No contest.” She felt a quick bolt of yearning for France.

“Oh, look.” Nick read the information on an enormous poster. “Too bad the EdgeWalk doesn’t open until April.”

“Darn it anyway,” Katherine replied, not hiding her relief about missing that part of the adventure. “Even your irresistible charm could never convince me to hang over that ledge.” Nick threw his head back with laughter.

As they waited at the appointed pickup spot for Mo, back on the ground and watching the rush-hour traffic crawl by, Nick casually took Kat’s hand and said, “At the risk of sounding food-obsessed, I would say it’s time to think about a cocktail or two while we decide where to have dinner. Since I chose lunch today, it’s your call this evening, Kat.”

Sensing her hesitation, Nick added, “Would your rather go home and change? Or would you rather not go out at all? I’ve held you hostage today.”

Kat laughed and acknowledged inwardly she really didn’t want the day to end. “It’s been an incredible day, Nick! Truly! I would love to have dinner with you. Why don’t we compromise and go as we are so we can make it another early night. Feel like seafood?”

“Too right! Good plan!”

“Since we’re in this end of the city, let me show you the Distillery District. It’s a dynamic new area in the restored, red-brick Victorian-era buildings of the historical Gooderham and Worts whiskey distillery. This restaurant was one of my favorites. I hope it is still as good.”

As they drove over, Kat gave the update from Roslyn’s last message. “She said Molly is stable and the process is continuing . . . and they are removing the feeding tube tomorrow.”

“Beauty! We’ll toast to that!”

And so they did, with a perfectly chilled sauvignon blanc, before they shared an enormous seafood platter. Laughing, they simultaneously declared, “What a feast!” when it was placed before them on the table.

They lingered over the generous servings of mussels, scallops, shrimp, crab, and lobster before their cappuccino and espresso were served. There was no shortage of conversation, as Nick asked Kat about her adjustment to life in France and told her about his most recent adventures.

“The last time you and I shared a meal like this, we were in Saint-Tropez,” Nick reminded Kat, his voice suddenly quiet and serious. She felt her face flush as the memory of that weekend returned. She looked away awkwardly.

Nick took her hand. His touch was gentle but his gaze was strong and deep into her eyes. “Kat, please don’t take this the wrong way. You know how much I like Philippe. He’s a great bloke. And I know the two of you have something special going. But I need to say this . . .”

He paused, his eyes filling with such emotion that Katherine felt almost fearful. “Ever since that night on the boat in Saint-Tropez . . . bloody pissed as I was . . . and I’m so sorry about that . . . I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind.”

Katherine felt her face burn with embarrassment, even as Nick made her laugh. With his inimitable humor, he reminded her of their dinner and all that followed at La Voile Rouge. “You said you had never seen so much champagne. We danced up a storm, didn’t we—put those youngsters to shame!”

Kat’s cheeks raged brighter, remembering her musings earlier that day. She recalled that night through a bit of a fog, but at the same time in vivid detail. It had been another turning point for her. Never had she dreamed of feeling so alive and sensual, at her age, as Nick had made her feel that night. He had made love to her like no one ever before. And then passed out.

With a wide grin, Nick went on, “Every time I hear ‘You Sexy Thing,’ I see the two of us boogying like there was no tomorrow. They wouldn’t stop playing it, remember? I’ll never forget it.”

Then he sang, in a wacky falsetto with the most devilish look on his face. “I believe in miracles . . . where you from . . . you sexy thang . . .”

Kat laughed in spite of herself.

“Did you hear that the town shut down the club?” he told her. “Too many noise violations—we got there just in time!”

His amusement ebbed, and his change of tone now left no question of the depth of his feelings. Kat could not believe her ears.

“I’m in love with you, Kat. I need you to know this.”

Flustered, Kat looked down and fidgeted with her napkin before she began to stutter a response. “Nick . . . I . . .”

Nick held up a hand to still her. “Wait, let me finish.” His voice was warm, thick with feelings. “I think you’re a fantastic woman and if there is any chance for me to win your heart, I want to do that. You’ve no idea how much I thought about you last year when I was waiting out that ridiculous Interpol issue. I looked at pictures of us in Saint-Trop . . . and other days we had on the boat . . . over and over again.”

He cupped her hand tenderly between his as his eyes searched hers.

Katherine wasn’t certain how to sort out the hurricane of emotions swirling through her mind. Disbelief was definitely high up there. She felt immensely complimented too.

She had been aware earlier in the meal that the last time she had eaten at the Oyster House had been with James, her ex-husband. That had caused some turmoil in her mind, but Nick made her laugh so often that she soon rid herself of that discomfort. Now she was feeling shocked and embarrassed—and special.

Was this really happening? This handsome, smart, articulate man who also happened to be sexy and fun and who would provide a lifestyle most people could only dream about—this man was gazing into her eyes and professing his love for her. She had not seen that coming.

“Nick . . .” she tried to begin again, but he interrupted once more.

“I’m sorry for putting you on the spot. Don’t answer me now. Just think about what I’m saying.” His eyes never left hers.

A shiver ran through her. She did care for Nick. Another flashback took her to those halcyon days on his yacht before he had to abruptly leave France. She remembered, though, that his advances had unnerved her at the time. She hadn’t known how to handle them and was almost relieved when he had to leave so suddenly.

And then Philippe had won her heart, slowly and patiently.

Would things have been different if Nick had stayed?

She gulped, trying to find her voice. Finally, she answered, almost apologetically. “Oh, Nick. You are exceptional. You’re such an amazing man in so many ways. I’m flattered. You’re a most special friend.”

“We could be so much more, Kat.”

Yes, we could
. She searched for the right words.

“I know there are many, many women, much younger than I am, who would love to hear you say those words.”

“That’s just it. Been there, done that. I don’t want younger women. I saw how happy I could be with a woman like you, someone my age . . . full of life . . . beautiful inside and out. I want to spend the rest of my life with someone like you. Wait, let me correct that—I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“I’m flattered, and I know you mean no disrespect to Philippe. You’re good friends. But . . .” She could feel her heart overflow at that very moment, hearing her words. “I am in love with Philippe, truly, madly, deeply. Like a young girl, really. I’m quite stunned by it all. And very happy.”

Nick nodded and patted her hand. Disappointment mixed with acceptance showed on his face. His shoulders dropped briefly with resignation. “That’s all I need to hear . . . although not what I wanted to hear.”

Picking up her glass of water, Katherine took a long sip, attempting to gather her composure.

Nick squeezed her hand lightly before pulling his back. “Know I will always be there for you. And promise me we still can be friends.”

“Of course. The best of friends . . . always. And I know there is a special woman out there just waiting to be discovered by you. That would make me very happy.”

Nick nodded slowly. His eyes signaled a certain resignation before he spoke again.

“Philippe is a fine man and I’m happy for you both. I needed to make sure you knew how I felt in case there was any chance at all for me. We Aussies don’t give up anything without a major go at it. I reluctantly, but graciously, accept defeat—at least momentarily.” He raised one eyebrow and gave her a cocky grin.

Feeling her poise begin to return, Kat said, “Well, you certainly surprised me.” It was her turn to reach out for his hand. “I’m sorry . . .”

With a squinty look, he briefly scowled. “I will wallow in despair, but just for a moment or two. Because we all know despair is the solace of fools.”

Katherine blinked at his somber words before he added, “I believe I got that from a fortune cookie,” and they burst out laughing.

Beckoning to the waiter, Nick ordered a cognac. “I need a bloody stiff drink after all this. How about you, Kat?”

“I’m going to pass, but you go ahead. I’m still working on my cappuccino.”

Katherine feared the rest of the evening might be awkward. However, in Nick’s classic style of good humor and endless topics of conversation, he had them chatting effortlessly in no time. He encouraged her to describe how plans were progressing with the property on the Cap that she and Philippe were restoring and turning into a bed-and-breakfast inn. He assured her he would be one of their first guests, with or without his yacht in the harbor.

After dinner, when they pulled up in front of Kat’s house, Nick stepped out of the car and held the door for her. “I’ll walk you to the front door. What a sweet house, Kat. You grew up here?”

She nodded. “There are a lot of memories in its walls. I’m still unsure what I’m going to do with it. Sell, rent it, I dunno.”

“The best thing with houses is to not make hasty decisions. See how things play out first.”

“It seems I’ve been making a habit of hasty decisions.”

At the door, Kat touched Nick’s cheek as their eyes met. “Thank you . . . for everything. What a day.”

Nick opened his arms. “Come here, gorgeous.” Before she could react, he pulled her to him and held her tightly. Then he kissed her on each cheek. “Friends forever. Agreed?”

Katherine hugged him back. “Agreed.”

“However . . . I will leave you with this. If you already know that you are in love with Philippe, I respect that. If you ever have any doubts, I’ll be waiting.”

Feeling flustered all over again, Kat said, “You don’t give up easily, do you?”

“Nope!” And then he completely changed his tone. “I’ve got a meeting first thing tomorrow, so I won’t get to the hospital until around ten. Shall I send Mo to pick you up or will it be the subway again?”

“Subway! See you when you get there. I’m excited and scared to see how Molly is coming along.”

Once inside the house, she leaned against the wall. Her head was spinning, wondering what other surprises lay in store for her. Only fifteen months before, no man had been in love with her. Now there were two. Two very special men.

She hung up her coat and took off her boots before Kat noticed the message light flashing on the phone. She walked into the living room and picked up the phone, wondering why the messages hadn’t been left on her cell.

One was from Lucy, saying her colleagues from her former job were planning a dinner for her and asking her to confirm an evening. She also suggested they meet for lunch in Chinatown the next day and asked for Kat’s cell number.

Another message was from Andrea, saying they would pick Philippe up at the airport when he arrived. Kat knew he would be delighted to see them there. Andrea also asked her to call back and let them know what was happening with Molly. She asked if Kat’s cell had a problem.

Kat called her cousin, and Andrea picked up immediately.

“Hey! Are you okay? I couldn’t reach your cell all afternoon. It wouldn’t even go to voicemail.”

“You won’t believe my day. But first let me give you the Molly update.” She went on to say she would let them know as soon as Philippe’s travel details were set.

“Nick is such a generous man. Can’t wait to meet him. Terrence has been telling all our friends about him—we’ve never heard of anyone like him.”

“Well, here’s another tale Terrence can tell.” Andrea listened in amazement as Katherine described Nick’s impromptu helicopter escapade.

“What an adventure, Kat, and what a good friend he is to you and Philippe. How nice that he’s been in town to keep you company these past few days. I hope it’s helped you feel better about everything.”