CHAPTER THREE

TUESDAYMORNINGNATHALIE woke up at 5:00 a.m. with new aches and pains. Picking grapes was a killer, but she was determined to see this through. Whether he was Alain's father or not, the hope of seeing Dominic again was all she could think about. The man had already captivated her. He had a polish that attracted her to him like mad.

After showering, she hurriedly dressed and tied her hair back, covering herself in sunscreen. After eating breakfast, she packed a sandwich, fruit and water in her backpack, where she'd left the knee pads and scissors. Then she stole from the house.

Right now Alain was still sound asleep. So was her mom, who wouldn't open the pharmacy until eight. She'd hired Denis Volant, another pharmacist from Nice, to help run things while she was undercover at the vineyard. Minerve, the woman who tended Alain, was scheduled to arrive at the house at 7:30 a.m.

Already the air was warm and once again it seemed that it would prove to be a hot day. Nathalie drove along the road to the mobile home and parked her car around the side. After freshening up inside, she left and started walking toward the workers' tent at the vineyard to wait for the truck.

But that meant Paul would be there. Having no desire to encourage him, she changed her mind. As she started out for the terroir on foot, she was surprised when a familiar sleek black Renault sedan drove past her.

She glanced at the driver. The sight of Dominic Fontesquieu caused her heart to leap. Everything about him spoke of sophistication and a privileged life most people would never know anything about. It was there in his manner and speech.

He pulled to the side ahead of her on the roadway and got out of the car. In jeans and a pale gray crew neck, his male charisma was devastating. Those black eyes played over her.

"You're still alive," he murmured in that deep voice she loved.

She smiled. "Barely."

"That's honest at least."

"You did warn me."

His hands went to his hips in a totally male stance. "Then I suggest you get in my car now to reserve your strength."

"That's very nice of you, but I don't want to put you out."

"Not at all. I can't allow word to get around that one of our new pickers has been worked to exhaustion after her first day."

She laughed gently. After hoping she'd see him today, she didn't dare let this precious opportunity get away. "You're a lifesaver. Thank you, monsieur."

"My name is Dominic." He opened the passenger door for her so she could get in carrying her backpack. He'd just thrown her a lifeline to get to know him better.

The interior smelled of the soap he used, teasing her senses. In a minute he'd climbed behind the wheel and they were off to the terroir in the distance. "I pass by here several times a day checking on the carriers. If ever you need a ride, just let me know."

Encouraged by the offer, she said, "I might take you up on that since by the end of the day I'm quite sure I won't have enough strength to climb in one of the trucks. You weren't kidding when you said I'd need painkiller."

"The pain will pass."

"I hope so. I've never appreciated the kind of hard work involved. While I was cutting grapes, I marveled to think of all the care needed to keep the vineyard healthy and thriving. No one should complain about the price of wine. Ninety-nine percent of the world has no clue what goes into making it."

He darted her an amused glance. "That's quite a testimonial. What's your favorite kind?"

"I don't have one. I dislike the taste of wine and much prefer to eat the grapes."

A burst of deep male laughter came out of him.

"I know that sounds crazy, especially when you work for a vineyard, but I just don't care for it, and I really despise the sour white wine they serve at the Guinguet."

"You mentioned that yesterday."

Did it bring back memories of being there with Antoinette?

"That's right. One of the workers suggested I go there to relax, so Friday evening I drove there and looked around before driving home. MonsieurCortier saw me and asked if I'd like to try their famous sour wine." She shook her head. "It was awful. He said it comes from the Fontesquieu winery, but I can't imagine anyone wanting to drink it."

"I don't like it either."

"You're not offended by my frank speaking?"

"Not at all."

Too soon they'd arrived at the terroir. Afraid he would realize how much she was enjoying their conversation, she got out of the car. "You saved my life giving me this ride."

"It was my pleasure. I'd like to get to know you better—why don't I come by at noon to take you to the winery for lunch? Since you don't like wine, it ought to be an interesting experience for you to see how the other half lives."

His smile thrilled her. "You'd do that?"

"A man has to eat. I'd rather have company."

"So would I."

Dominic Fontesquieu had a sense of humor and was incredibly easy to talk to. When she'd been hired on here, she'd been intent on finding Alain's father. She'd never expected that she'd meet a man who swept her away with every look and smile. The fact that he could have been Antoinette's lover made this whole situation more complicated. "A bient?t,Dominic."

He leaned across the seat. "I'm sorry, I don't recall your name."

Her heart thumped. "It's Nathalie."

"A bient?t, Nathalie."

He'd just said he'd see her soon. Once again the sound of that low male voice wound its way to her insides.

A tremor of excitement raced through her as she shut the door and hurried toward the row where she'd been working. Without looking back, she could hear the engine as he drove away. Her hope to spend time with him was coming to fruition much sooner than she'd anticipated.

He'd said he wanted to get to know her better. He wasn't the only one. It shocked her how much she longed to be with him again. For someone of his status, there wasn't an atom of arrogance in him, which made him so appealing she couldn't get enough of him.

Before long the trucks came with the workers and she plunged into her day. But knowing Dominic would be picking her up at noon carried her through the rest of her morning. His irresistible charm had seeped its way beneath her skin and she found herself thinking constantly about him. That was a side effect she hadn't anticipated when she'd considered trying to look for Alain's father.

But therein lay a problem. She needed to learn a bit more about him before she revealed why she'd come to the vineyard in the first place. That meant she had to close off her personal feelings about him because this was all about Alain. She couldn't let it be about her desire for the man himself. She just couldn't!

"Did you know you're talking to yourself?"

She snipped another bunch of grapes in frustration before glancing at Paul. "Bonjour."

"How about going out with me after work tonight? I know you don't want a relationship, but can't we be friends at least?"

"Of course, but I'm afraid I have plans."

"Is there a night when you'll be free?"

Nathalie wasn't interested, but didn't want to be rude since he was one of the supervisors here. "Maybe Thursday evening right after work? Get a pizza? I saw a pizzeria near the Guinguet."

He nodded. "Thursday it is. I'll pick you up."

"No, no. I'll meet you there in my car."

She heard him sigh. "Have it your way."

"Thanks for understanding. Ciao, Paul."

When he moved on, she got back to work. As for Dominic, Nathalie realized she couldn't allow the situation about Alain to go on much longer before telling him why she'd come.

Nathalie kept checking her watch. When it was noon, she grabbed her backpack and hurried out to the road. Dominic sat in his car waiting for her. She couldn't believe how excited she was to see and talk to him.

He reached across the seat and opened the door for her. When she climbed in, he put her pack in the back, then flashed her a smile that melted her bones.

"You came!" The white crew neck shirt brought out his olive skin. He was such a striking man with that black hair and all-seeing black eyes, she could hardly breathe.

"As if I wouldn't," his voice grated and they took off down the road.

"I'm so lucky to be whisked away in the middle of the day."

"It's a treat for me too."

Something was going on here. She knew how she was feeling about him, about how she'd felt the moment she'd met him. It was like an explosion going off inside her. If she wasn't mistaken, he was just as attracted and couldn't stay away from her.

Was he the man Antoinette had met? Her conflict was growing. How ironic that Nathalie had hoped to find Alain's father, yet now that she thought Dominic could be the one, a part of her didn't want him to be the man her stepsister had loved.

Before long they approached a chateau that looked older and smaller than the main chateau. There were clusters of cars parked outside. Dominic drove around the back of it. "We'll eat lunch first, then I'll take you on a tour before you have to return to work."

After he'd helped her out of the car, Dominic took her inside a vaulted room with some interesting framed documents and pictures to do with wine. The place was filled with tourists seated at tables drinking wine and enjoying lunch.

Once he'd found them a table in the corner, he deserted her long enough to talk to the aproned man behind the ancient-looking bar. Armed with two bottles of Perrier water and two croques monsieurs,he returned.

She took a bite of the melted ham and cheese sandwich. "Mmm. I haven't had one of these in ages. It's delicious. Does every winery offer food like this?"

"Not many."

"The sales must skyrocket after someone has been here."

He finished his food. "That's the idea." His eyes gleamed as he looked at her. "I can get you coffee if you'd prefer it."

"Thank you, but water is much better while I'm working."

"I couldn't agree more. When you're ready, I'll show you around the winery."

"Let's go now. I'd love to see everything possible before I have to get back. I don't want Gregoire to think I'm taking advantage."

"We can't have that." That slow smile made her pulse race.

She held on to her half-full bottle of water and followed him through a door that led to the heart of the building. The huge vaulted rooms filled with machinery and barrels overwhelmed her. The place reminded her of a scientist's laboratory all devoted to producing sumptuous wines that kept the Fontesquieu Corporation one of the top winemakers in the world.

Dominic smiled at her while they walked from room to room. "You're not saying anything."

That was because his native intelligence pretty much staggered her. "I'm too busy marveling over this amazing world. I'm afraid I feel guilty that I don't like wine."

A chuckle escaped him. "Your liver is much healthier leaving it alone."

"I don't think I dare quote you," she quipped, loving this hour spent with him while he explained the winemaking process, overwhelming her with knowledge he'd been learning since birth. He knew so much about everything that it seemed he could go on forever, but it was past time to leave. "I should get back to work."

"I was afraid you'd say that," he whispered. "I'll explain to Gregoire it was my fault that you're late. Come this way."

Dominic led her to another exit not used by the public and they walked around the building to his car. As he cupped her elbow, his touch sent a dart of electricity through her body, making her come alive.

He helped her in before driving her back to the terroir. After he stopped, he said, "Since I don't want this day to end, why don't I pick you up after work?"

She sensed he wanted to be with her as much as she wanted to be with him.It was hard to believe this was really happening. "Only if you have time."

"I'll make it," he declared in a firm tone of voice that sent an unmistakable message of his desire to be with her.

"Thank you for lunch and the tour, Dominic. To be shown around by an expert has been a highlight for me I'll never forget." She meant what she'd said and knew she sounded breathless.

"That makes two of us."

He handed her the backpack before she got out of the car. Their hands touched, once again making her feel weak with longing. Nathalie walked to the row where she'd been snipping grapes. When she reached her spot, she finished the bottled water and got busy, counting the minutes until she could be with Dominic again.

When the heat reached its zenith, Nathalie checked her watch. It was four thirty. Quitting time. She gathered up her things, so eager to see Dominic, it was ridiculous. But after reaching the road, there was no sign of his car. Undoubtedly something had held him up because she knew he'd had every intention of coming for her.

Disappointed, she avoided the trucks and started to walk toward the mobile home, anxious to get out of the hot sun. Three-quarters of the way back, she saw the black Renault coming toward her. It shouldn't thrill her to see him, but it did. She was in so much trouble. When she'd followed through on her plan, she hadn't considered being enthralled by the man she'd been searching for.

He stopped and got out. "I'm sorry to be late, but it couldn't be helped."

"Please don't apologize. I know you're a busy man."

In seconds he'd opened the passenger door. This time their arms brushed as she climbed inside, making her acutely aware of him. The AC felt wonderful and she was relieved she didn't have to walk. He made a U-turn and drove them back toward the mobile park.

He pulled up behind her blue Peugeot. "Why don't you go in and freshen up, then we'll drive somewhere for a bite to eat before I bring you back here. Lunch didn't fill me and I'm starving."

"I'm hungry too. Thanks. I'll be out soon."

His invitation opened up a whole evening where she could learn more about his personal life. Totally intoxicated by him, Nathalie slid out of the car and unlocked the door of the mobile home. She hurried inside and took a quick shower. After putting on jeans and a blouse, she brushed her hair.

Her body trembled on the way out to his car because her feelings for him were growing to the point he was all she could think about. She hurried back to the car and got in. "Where are we going?"

"I've ordered us some takeout so you can stay in the car and rest while we eat."

A soft laugh escaped her lips. "Only someone who has picked grapes before would understand how I feel."

He started the car and drove them out to the main road into Vence. "It was my first job. I think I was about four when my papa walked me and my five-year-old brother, Etienne, to the vineyard and showed us what to do."

She turned to him. "Did you live near this one when you were little?"

In the next breath, he said, "Are you going to tell me that after Paul plied you with sour wine, he didn't tell you who I am?"

Oh, boy. She'd walked right into that one. "No. I was only trying to be discreet. Paul did say you were a Fontesquieu, but the last thing I've wanted to do is presume anything and he didn't go into detail."

Dominic didn't respond. Within seconds he turned a corner and pulled up in front of a café. "I'll be right out. After I get back, you can tell me why you really came to the vineyard for work you don't need."

She groaned inwardly. Nathalie wasn't wrong about his being strongly attracted to her, but it was clear he hadn't believed her reason for being here.

He soon returned with their food and headed toward the Fontesquieu estate once more. After he pulled to a stop and shut off the engine, he handed her cannelloni, salad and an espresso.

"Thank you, Dominic. This smells and looks delicious." But her heart was pounding so hard, she feared he could hear it.

He tucked into his meal before turning to her. "Now, how about telling me what newspaper or wine magazine you're working for undercover?"

Her heart plummeted. "Is that why you showed me around the winery?"

"I took you there because I wanted to be with you, and because I was hungry. But in case you were after a story, I thought I'd show you the inner workings, something not everyone is allowed to see. If you've been hired by a newspaper to find out how the migrant workers are treated at the vineyard, I wanted to give you a favorable impression."

She ate her food, trying to find the right words. Obviously their family had been bothered by infiltrators before. Nathalie couldn't blame him for being suspicious since she didn't meet the profile of the normal picker.

"I'm not a spy, Dominic. Your assumptions are understandable, but they would be wrong about me," she said in a quiet voice. "Is it impossible for you to imagine that I simply want to work here for a few weeks to enjoy a new experience?"

His black eyes bored into hers, reminding her of Alain. "Yes. Our background check proves you're a full-time pharmacist. If you're truly not here undercover, why don't you tell me the truth about why you chose to work at this specific vineyard for a few weeks?"

She finished her espresso. "This is embarrassing."

"I'm listening." He'd never taken his eyes off her.

"Three months ago I broke up with a pharmaceutical distributor. We met in graduate school in Nice several years ago and continued to see each other off and on. After Christmas I thought maybe he could be the one. But in time I realized we were wrong for each other." Guy's reaction to her being unable to have children had worried her that another man would probably feel the same way. She couldn't help wondering if the man sitting next to her would reject her for the same reason. "Since I'd already arranged my vacation time for a trip we obviously did not end up taking, I decided to do something different that would bring me a little money, not cost me."

"Vintners are noted for paying lower wages," he murmured.

"Nevertheless, I need to save all I can for the future." Now came the lie. "After passing your vineyard, I saw that you were hiring workers for the three-week harvest and thought it would be a fascinating way for me to spend my vacation from the pharmacy.

"I also believed that working with the soil would be so different, it would be cathartic for me. There's nothing like a new challenge." Considering she was doing this for Alain's sake, she hoped lightning wouldn't strike her. "But you would have every right to tell me to walk away now."

"Is that what I'm doing?" he asked in a silky tone.

"No. I'm offering to go." She didn't have enough proof he could be Alain's father to confront him. "If you'll wait long enough for me to get my backpack, I'll return the equipment handed to me. The man running the mobile home park will be glad if I give up mine since there's always a demand for one." She started to get out.

"Wait—" he said, reaching for her arm. She felt his touch to her toes. "You're doing an excellent job, according to Gregoire's nightly reports. Forgive me for jumping to the wrong conclusion about you. It's just that there's nothing my grandfather dislikes more than someone who trespasses on the property for ulterior motives."

"Of course, and you had every right to be suspicious of me when it's clear I'm not desperate for a job."

I'm only desperate for answers.

"That's very generous of you," he murmured. "Maybe you won't believe me, but I'm sorry if I've offended you. Let's hope working with the vines might work its magic for you, even if you dislike the taste of wine." The sudden smile he flashed was enough to reduce her to jelly. "You're not fired, Nathalie."

His ability to admit he'd been wrong made her admire him more than he'd ever know, but she was also filled with raw guilt because she hadn't told him the real reason she'd come. All she needed was a little more information.

"Thank you for a second chance, and for buying me dinner."

"To prove I'm telling you the truth, I'd like to take you on a walk through the vineyard tomorrow evening after you've eaten. You mentioned you'd like to see more of it while we were at the winery. Will your aching joints be able to handle it?"

She turned to him. "There's nothing I'd love more," she whispered.

"Jusqu'à demain soir," he whispered back.

Arriving back home, she climbed out of his car and rushed inside the mobile home, where he couldn't see her breakdown. Nathalie had to face the truth. It had been only a few days, but she'd already fallen hard for him. Love at first sight was no joke. Nothing like this had ever happened to her before.

It wasn't just his dashing dark looks or the background he'd come from. He was a man of extraordinary substance. There was a kind of nobility about him. That's what made it so difficult for her to understand his behavior if he'd had an affair with Antoinette.

If he was the one who'd fathered her child, how could he have disappeared on her stepsister with no explanation? Nathalie needed to learn the truth about him soon and not get carried away by her growing feelings for him.

He'd shaken her with his ability to see inside her and question her motives. She should have told him the truth, but had held back because of too little proof. One thing she knew by now. You didn't play games with a man like him.

Dominic's mind reeled as he drove home.

He'd wanted to believe Nathalie's explanation even though he felt she was still hiding something from him. Why it bothered him so much was a mystery to him. A virtual stranger couldn't possibly be this important to him no matter how beautiful or intriguing.

But the closer he got to the chateau, he knew that wasn't true. He'd been intimate with some attractive women over the years, yet nothing remotely like this had ever happened to him before.

Even if Nathalie was to disappear suddenly and he never saw her again, the fact that he could be swept away by her this fast had changed him in a fundamental way. Nathalie had lit a fire that wasn't going to go out.

It seemed there was a woman out there for him, one he wanted to get to know and would do whatever it took to do so. She was an original with a verve and freshness that was a constant delight to him. Her thoughts about everything fascinated him. If he believed in witches, he'd think she'd put him under a magical spell.

Dominic didn't know he could feel this way about a woman. Meeting her had revealed the real reason why he'd reached the age of twenty-nine and still hadn't married. Was it possible he'd unknowingly been waiting for her to come into his life?

He entered his apartment a different man. Needing more coffee, he went in the kitchen to fix it, then called his cousin and gave him the figures he wanted. Silence followed. "Raoul? Why aren't you saying anything?"

"I'm surprised that much money has accrued. It's all because of your expertise. But I'm afraid I may need more than that."

He took a deep breath. "Talk to me."

"When I got home from Saint Tropez Monday night, I told Sabine I was filing for divorce."

Dominic let out a sound, overjoyed for him. "That's the best news I've ever heard."

"Except that you don't know the bottom line."

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I can't go into it now. Can you meet me at our usual place Thursday evening to talk?"

"Of course."

"Suffice it to say all hell has broken loose. The family has already heard about it, and it's getting ugly."

"I've got your back all the way. You know what I mean."

"I do. Before we hang up, tell me about you."

"I wish I knew."

"Why do I have a feeling this is about MademoiselleFournier?"

He paced. "I was with her this morning, at lunch and after work."

"All in one day? You've got to be kidding me!"

"I know I sound like I've lost my mind. She's not who I thought she was, but I still don't know why she came here."

"And I can tell you're not going to give up until you get answers. I take it she's a knockout."

"You have no idea. I didn't know I could have feelings this fast for another woman."

"That's how it happened with me. One evening while I was checking on the inventory at the Guinguet I met Toinette. As you know, my world changed that night when I called and told you about her. But circumstances forced me to break off with her in order to marry Sabine. I've never been the same since. Thank heaven you're back home and not in Paris because I need to reveal a truth you don't know about yet. I'll tell you on Thursday. For now, I've got to go."

Raoul rang off before a puzzled Dominic could say goodbye. No matter how bad it got, he was thrilled Raoul had decided to get out of his marriage. He'd do whatever he could to help his cousin.

As for his own situation, before any more time passed, Dominic needed to talk to Corinne. He didn't want to put this off any longer. It wasn't fair to her to let her go on expecting an imminent marriage proposal. She was attractive. Dominic knew she'd meet another man, hopefully one who would love her for who she was, whether she came from money or not. She deserved to find true happiness. So did he.

Once he told her the truth and ended any thoughts her parents had put in her mind about marrying him, her pride might be hurt, but it was the only way to handle what their two families had tried to set up.

He had his own life to live. And now that he'd met Nathalie Fournier, he couldn't imagine her not being in his life.