Curves of the French Riviera Read Online Free Page A

their bodies to join. He put his hands on either side of her face, carefully brushing a windblown tendril of hair from her eyes, as he looked into her soul. Megan felt like she didn’t need to breathe to live anymore, that all she needed was to be lost in those green eyes. She felt like a princess in those eyes.
    He turned and led her to the aft deck where a small table sat with candles. An elegantly dressed man held a bottle of wine out to Gabriel as he guided her to her chair. He nodded and waved to the man with the wine, then indicated to the table.
    “William, there will be just the two of us tonight.” His smile lit her world.
    “Very good sir,” William instantly replied with a slight tilt of his head. He cleared the third table from the table, leaving the open bottle of wine chilling in a small bucket. Gabriel reached over and poured her a glass.
    “I noticed you ordered white wine at the restaurant, I hope this is to your liking.”
    She tasted it and smiled. It was perfect. She nodded her approval as William arrived with a covered tray, carefully serving them. The meal passed by in a happy daze. She remembered tasting some sort of delicious fish in a butter sauce, but she was far more enthralled by Gabriel. The two of them laughed, telling jokes and stories, giggling over their food. Gabriel listened intently whenever she spoke, his green eyes glowing with interest. No one had ever paid so much attention to her. It felt as though the world were revolving around her, spinning in heady circles. The stars moved silently overhead, the celestial bodies each taking their turn watching the young lovers.
    William cleared the table, leaving only their half full wine glasses and the low flickering candle.
    “That will be all for tonight, William.” Gabriel dismissed him, his eyes never leaving Megan.
    “Good evening, Sir. Good evening miss.” He bobbed his head respectfully at both of them before disappearing into the darkness.
    “How many people are aboard this ship anyway?” Megan suddenly asked, wondering how many people were watching her, she glanced behind her suspiciously.
    “Other than you and I? Three. William, Jean-Pierre, and Annabeth. They have their own rooms below deck, so you don’t have to worry about them. They have been my sailing crew for years,” he reached out and held her hand. Megan bit her lip, wondering what they must think of her. Gabriel noticed her expression. “If you don’t want them here, I can have them leave.”
    “We’re in the middle of the ocean on a boat. Where would they go?” She asked, imagining William in his fancy outfit swimming through the ocean towards shore.
    “There is an inflatable raft that we use to go into port on long trips. It is easy enough to have them take it and go ashore. I will wake them up and have them leave if it will make you more comfortable.” He held her hand tightly, his eyes linked to hers. She thought about it for a moment. She had only seen William when he brought them their food; he had been polite and respectful, and it was well after midnight now. No need to wake them up.
    “No, they are sleeping. Besides, if you send them away, who will pour our coffee in the morning?” She said, mostly joking.
    His eyes lit up, apparently taking her more seriously than she thought he would. “Would you like to stay the night with me? I would like it very much if you did,” he answered. His voice sounded full of hope.
    She could hardly believe her ears. It was everything she hoped for. “Yes, I would.”
    His smile beamed at her. His happiness filled the deck, and he practically danced in his seat with joy. Megan felt strange to be the center of his happiness, but it felt comfortable and right. Everything felt like a puzzle falling into place with him. He stood and moved to her seat, offering his hand to help her stand. As she rose, the ship suddenly rolled on a large wave. He caught her easily, pulling her into his arms like they were dancing.