I stepped away from Philippe’s embrace. “About that.”
“Please.” Philippe rolled his eyes. “Don’t give me some speech about how we don’t belong together. All I ask is the chance to prove something to you.” A mischievous light danced in his deep blue eyes.
“And what would that something be?”
“You’ve been spending months with the King of Gloom. I’ve been carefully waiting for my chance, and at last, it’s here. This is my opportunity to keep you company as you settle into your new life, and if possible, have a torrid love affair at the same time.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “This is your plan, eh?”
“Brilliant, isn’t it? You need a break from all the overblown seriousness with Genesis Rex. Mindless enjoyment… That’s what I recommend. I’m the perfect man for the job.”
The offer was tempting. The gods knew I could use the company. I worried my lower lip with my teeth, debating if this was a good idea.
Philippe stepped closer again. I was weakening and he knew it. “Besides,” he said smoothly. “I’ve already been you naked. We’re halfway there.” He offered me his arm.
“This is a farm, Philippe. Not a Royal mansion.”
“Oh, I might even do physical labor if required.”
“You? Actual work?”
“I’m quite strong. Although my best muscles don’t show in this outfit.” I knew he was referring to more than his velvet longcoat. Cheeky.
“That was terrible.” I still couldn’t help smiling, though. “Tell me, do your charms work on other women?”
“Inevitably. Still, why not find out for yourself?” He wagged his elbow in my direction.
I shifted my weight from foot to foot. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
Philippe lowered his voice. “In all seriousness, Elea. You need a friend. Let me make you smile.”
Those words made my decision clear. I did need a good smile from time to time. “All right.” I wrapped my hand around his forearm and together, we walked up the hill toward Braddock Farm. I gave Philippe’s arm a gentle squeeze. “Thank you for finding me, by the way.”
“I could say the same to you, you know.”
“You could?” Philippe seemed to be getting awfully serious, all of a sudden.
“That’s a conversation for another day. Come, let’s enjoy a pleasant stroll in the sunshine.”
I glanced about. Philippe was right. The sun had fully risen and burned off the last of the clouds. I’d been so concerned with Wyatt, I hadn’t even noticed. Now, the forest’s leaves gleamed like emeralds under a sapphire-blue sky. This was the life I remembered: my farm, a lovely landscape, and the chance to make something grow.
I was coming home. At last.