Page 20 of Love in Bloom

“Camille,” Connor growled.

“The tour is for couples only. We’re sort of married.”

“Married!” Connor bellowed. His face turned red. Maddie ran from the kitchen to join him on screen.

“You what?” Maddie’s eyes were wider than salad plates, her head smashed up against her husband’s.

“Not really married. We’re pretending so we can go on the tour. It’s the only way.” She pleaded for them to understand.

“That’s it. I’m coming to get you. You’ve lost your mind since the collapse, and how dare that man take advantage of you when you’re convalescing.”

“I was dying on that beach!” Camille took a breath to calm her heart rate. “You shouting at me isn’t helping my stress level, Connor, or yours.”

Maddie put a hand on Connor’s chest. “Hold your horses, darling. Camille is a grown woman, and quite capable of making her own decisions.” To Camille she said, “Though this is a little extreme, even for you. I mean, I know you caught the bouquet at our wedding, but this isn’t exactly what I had in mind when I thought about you finding your own Prince Charming.” Maddie dropped a kiss on Connor’s cheek. “Tell us about the tour.”

“I was bored out of my mind at the resort. Wake up, do yoga, eat healthy, swim, read. Repeat. Tristan showed up, and we reconnected. He’s fun, refreshing, full of surprises.”

“Feeding your action addiction is more like,” Connor retorted.

Maddie shushed him.

“How long have I wanted access to this tour, Connor?” Camille asked.

“Forever,” he admitted with resignation.

“When will I ever have the chance again?”

“Never.”

Camille read the defeat in his eyes. Her argument was working.

“How long is the tour?” asked Maddie as she fingered Connor’s hair.

“Eight days.”

“That’s not so very long. What will you be doing? Anything strenuous?”

Camille shook her head. She could see Maddie was helping her work Connor around to Camille’s way of thinking. Bless Maddie! “Tristan is perusing the itinerary now. But it should be seeing châteaus and gardens, with some behind-the-scenes stuff thrown in. Meetings with gardeners or historians and such.”

“Sounds wonderful and very low key,” Maddie replied. “Right up your alley. The dream of a lifetime. And you’ll have a mate to share the experience with. Much better than being alone. Remember how much more enjoyable sightseeing is when you have a friend?” she asked Connor.

Connor focused on Camille. “I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I won’t.” At least she hoped not. With Maddie’s help bringing Connor around, she didn’t want to rock the boat by admitting she might have the beginnings of a crush on her fake husband. “And if I do, I know I can count on you both to help me pick up the pieces.”

Maddie nodded. “Can you trust him?”

Camille took only a moment to consider. “Yes, I believe I can. He’s been nothing but a gentleman since we met. He’s sleeping on the couch. I think he’ll kip there or on the floor or wherever so as to not cross boundaries.”

“Seems I can’t win when you two gang up on me,” Connor said.

Camille did an inner dance of joy at Connor’s defeat.

“But if he steps one toe out of line,” he threatened.

“You can come clock him right after I do,” Camille agreed.

Maddie laughed. “She would too.”

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