“It’s not that simple.”
Iris sighed. “Well, on the bright side—at least you’re not allergic to bees.”
“That’s what Maxime said.”
“Sensible man. I like him.”
I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear with a smile. Iriswas an excellent judge of character. She’d always grounded my instinct to leap before looking.
“Well, it doesn’t matter now, anyway. Mum’s been in touch. According to her, she’s found my future husband. Terry, someone or other. He’s good with bankruptcy law, apparently.”
Iris chuckled. “How sexy.”
“Right? I can’t think of anything more spicy than voluntary administration. And don’t get me started on asset liquidation. I may as well admit defeat and study bookkeeping. At least we’d have something to talk about over dinner.”
“But, okay, hear me out,” said Iris. “Why don’t you hang around the coast and see what happens? If you’re blowing up on Instagram like you said, for being a bikini barista, why not lean into it? If you have to get out of Dodge, you could get an amazing gig at one of the bigger beach clubs.”
I thought back to my fact-finding mission in Nice with Sophie. Maybe I could makeChloe Au Laitinto a thing, only not in Maxime’s club.
“If anyone has the star quality it takes to be a social media star, it’s you, Chlo. You could ask Matteo for some tips.”
I scoffed. “I am not pouring coffee while jumping out of a helicopter.”
“Fair point. But promise me you won’t give up on the idea of staying until you’ve properly thought about it.”
“Okay, I promise. But…”
Before I could finish my sentence, something caught my eye down by the shore.I blinked hard against the sea’s blinding glare.Was that Maxime?
He emerged from the water, breaking the surface with a long exhale. Saltwater dripped from his hair, racing in rivulets down his shoulders, leaving droplets clinging to his chest. He looked like something sculpted by the sea gods, left to wander ashore, luring mortal women into wicked fantasies.Every step he took up the sand tightened something low in my stomach.
“I have to go. I’ll call you later,” I whispered to Iris, hanging up before she could speak.
Maxime was fully out of the water now, heading towards me. He wore his usual resting simmer-face, like he would sweep me up and take me back to his sea cave and ravish me. I wouldn’t complain.
When he arrived at my feet, he fell to his knees. His dark hair clung to his cheeks and his shorts wrapped aroundhis thighs like a second skin.
“What’re you doing here?”
Maxime didn’t speak. Instead, he reached for one of my hands, tipping it up and dropping a disc of vibrant blue sea glass in my palm.
I blinked. It was the piece from the rocks. The one I’d spotted the day he caught me in his net.
“You dove for it? Why?”
He zeroed his gaze on mine. “You wanted it.If I could, I’d give you everything.”
His simple words were loaded with meaning, making my breath thin. He gazed at me, his eyes alive. Something lodged in my throat.
“Maxime…”
He shook his head. “Please, I need to say something first. You don’t have to respond. I just need you to hear me.”A line formed between his brows. “I love you.”
I swallowed—harder than ever before, blood singing in my ears.
“I know you’ve only been here a short time, but you’ve become part of my every day. Like the tide, like the sun on the water.” His gaze searched mine. “Just being near you … it calms something in me. Warms me in ways I didn’t know I needed.”
He paused, barely taking a breath.
