Page 70 of Judging Duke

I sat on the opposite side of the square table, remembering at the last minute I was still holding Simon’s trunks. I dropped them to the floor, holding them between my feet. Didn’t want them getting lost. I’d take care of them later.

“Barbara here tells me you give the most wonderful massages. Perhaps we could avail ourselves of your services at some time in the future. I’m happy to pay for you to visit and put you up in one of the exclusive hotels. Or you could stay here on the yacht. Your choice.”

“I don’t know about the first part, but I’d be happy to oblige.” Who knew Barbara had such rich friends? She’d never said a word, just that she liked to spend time in France. I should have guessed when Cyril left the most generous tips.

A cool hand swept across my bare shoulders, and Simon sat down next to me, now fully clothed.

“I can attest to the fabulous massages. He did wonders for me yesterday.”

Was it only yesterday I’d helped him?

“Seriously, there are plenty of others that do the same job. I’m nothing special.” I shrugged nonchalantly.

“Duke!” Barbara’s raised voice had us all looking at her. “I won’t have anyone else touch me. The only other man I allow to lay their hands on me is Cyril. Your massages have helped me no end. You know this.”

I mouthed a silent thank-you to her as a plate of food was placed in front of us all. Even on the yacht, waiters served us. I wondered what Pierre did for a living?

The meal was delicious; a small goat cheese salad, followed by sautéed sole and a classic crème brûlée, all served with the finest wines.

Thankfully, Barbara stuck to water. I couldn’t imagine the journey home otherwise.

Simon and I listened as they talked. They included us in most of the conversations, but it was obvious that the three friends had much to catch up on. Simon told me a little more about Robbie and his thoughts that Carlos was not all he seemed, that maybe they were closer than they let on.

It was refreshing to have a normal conversation with him and not the usual aggressive back and forth we’d been used to.

As soon as we finished eating, the engines started up and we slowly made our way back towards the port, anchoring a little way off.

“Thank you so much for joining us today. Giselle and I would be happy to welcome you again at any time. If you don’t mind, Duke, Barbara has given me your number.”

That was fine with me. We’d more or less agreed that I would visit again.

We said our goodbyes, and the launch took us back to the car.

We looked at each other with dread as Barbara opened the door.

“It was nice knowing you,” Simon whispered before getting into the back.

“Fuck you.” I got in the front and smiled at Barbara. “Nice and steady, yeah?”

She winked and smiled back. “Of course, I don’t drive any other way.”

And right there was the biggest lie ever told.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

SIMON

Hearts in our mouths, we eventually arrived back at the villa. Duke all but fell out of the car onto his hands and knees before kissing the floor.

If I hadn’t been feeling so ill, I might have laughed and possibly joined him.

Whoever said women were great drivers had never been in a car with Barbara, and if Duke was feeling half as bad as I was, a night of unbridled passion was off the table.

It was still early, barely six in the evening. Plenty of time to recover and make good on the promise I’d made.

What we needed, though, was some water and a good dose of fresh air.

I grabbed the first from the always full cooler, and when Duke suggested a walk along the beach, I happily agreed.

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