Page 30 of Love in Bloom

Clara’s shy voice came over the line, “Morning, Camille. How is your husband?”

Camille sucked in a breath. “Connor told you.”

“Yes.”

She shut her eyes. “Please say you didn’t tell Mum or Dad.”

“No. I thought they should hear it from you, if at all. I didn’t think you were planning to tell them.”

Camille tucked the phone against her shoulder as she placed clothes and toiletries in her bag. “No, it’s a temporary thing so we could go on the French Royal Château and Garden Tour.”

“Oh, Camille. You’ve always wanted to do that. I’m so happy for you.”

She imagined the smile on her sister’s face. “His friend pulled some strings, and we’re going halfsies on the cost, so it’s all on the up and up.”

“But you do like him, don’t you? I can’t imagine you spending time with a bloke you didn’t get on with, much less pretending to be married to him.”

“We get on quite well,” Camille hedged.

“Is he kind? A gentleman?”

“Always.” There was a wistfulness to her answer.

A pause. “You want more,” Clara said. “Are you falling in love with him?”

“No, no, don’t be silly. We’re chums on a tour.” The brown flecks in Tristan’s eyes invaded her thoughts. She could get lost in those eyes.

“If you say so.” But there was skepticism in Clara’s voice.

“Tell me what you’re up to.” Camille decided to change the subject. Her sister had the uncanny ability to read Camille like an open book, even on the phone. If Clara started questioning Camille’s feelings for Tristan, then Camille would have to actually examine them, and that would be a dangerous thing indeed. She’d squashed those thoughts into a tight box in her mind.

“I’m researching Spain. I’ve been contracted by Condé Nast for a series of articles.”

Clara was a freelance travel writer and a school teacher.

“That’s wonderful. I’m sure you’ll love it. You can fill me in on all the most spectacular places to see. When do you go?”

“A few weeks. I hope to see you before I leave.”

“I should be back by then. If Connor will let me come home.”

“How are you adjusting to the new lifestyle?”

“I miss butter and sugar and fried everything, but I’m coming around.”

“Good.”

“I’ve got to go catch the tour bus now. Love you.”

“Love you too. Give my regards to your husband.” Clara let out a small giggle and then ended the call.

Camille stared at the phone. She’d been so caught up in her adventure, she’d forgotten how much she missed the sound of her sister’s quiet breathy voice. A hand touched her shoulder.

“Camille, everything okay?”

Tristan turned her toward him, and she stared into his brown eyes, counting the darker brown flecks.

“Yes, catching up with my sister. I miss her. I miss home.” Her sight became watery, blurring the image of Tristan.

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