Page 43 of You Had Me at Chateau
Don’t blush, don’t blush.
‘Do guests often barge into your room, in their underwear, and throw themselves at you?’ I ask.
‘It’s what you English call an occupational hazard,’ he tells me cheekily.
Fair enough.
Henri smiles as he glances around the room, stopping when his eyes home in on the washing machine behind me. I follow his gaze and feel my cheeks heat up as I realise he’s looking atmy underwear, spinning around in there. I don’t know why but it feels more embarrassing than it did when he saw it on my body.
‘Oh la la,’ he says, raising an eyebrow and giving me a teasing grin. ‘Those were a good choice. Very beautiful.’
‘Are you seriously hitting on my underwear?’ I joke.
He laughs, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
‘Only in the most respectful way possible. I promise,’ he insists.
I shake my head as the mood lightens.
‘I’m not usually the kind of girl to air my dirty laundry in front of people,’ I tell him. ‘You’ve got to let me explain, so that you don’t think I’m a pervert.’
‘I don’t mind thinking you’re a pervert but, okay,’ he replies.
I take a deep breath, leaning back against the wall behind me.
‘It’s just… I’m having trouble writing romantic scenes at the moment,’ I begin. ‘The other authors suggested that if I set a romantic scene to write in, that it might inspire me to write romantic stuff.’
‘Like method acting,’ Henri says, nodding.
‘Yes, exactly,’ I reply, almost excitedly, because he gets it. ‘But I was zero method and all madness. Everything just seemed to go wrong, and I didn’t find myself feeling inspired to write anything but slapstick.’
Henri’s smile softens.
‘Well, perhaps I can help you out,’ he suggests. ‘This is a very inspiring and romantic place, after all. I can recommend some locations that might spark that romantic creativity.’
I perk up at that.
‘Really? That would be great!’ I reply.
Henri nods.
‘Sure. I have some work to do now, but later I can give you the grand tour. Ideally somewhere other than the bathroom.’
I laugh, and practically melt at his cheeky grin.
‘I’ll hold you to that,’ I tell him. ‘Thanks, Henri.’
He gives me a playful salute and heads for the door.
‘I’ll see you later, Amber,’ he says.
‘Bye, Henri,’ I say, feeling a rush of relief to have smoothed everything over. Of course, I still have to try to explain things to Mandy. I can’t imagine her being so understanding.
Okay, I’ve messed around long enough. Time to get on with what I’m actually supposed to be doing today, that might actually benefit me in some way. Meeting Caleb.
I take my phone from my pocket and message him, telling him I want to meet, and that I’m willing to work with him. Well, it’s something to do, and if things go south with my career, well, it’s some money. How long it will last me though, I have no idea.
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