Summer's End Read Online Free PDF Page B

you need more, call Dominique at the office, and she’ll transfer it. I told Sullivan I want him to look in on you at least twice a week. And …”
Deanna looked at her husband in surprise. “You told Jim to look in on me? Why?” Jim Sullivan was Marc-Edouard’s American partner, and one of the few Americans he truly liked.
“Because I want to make sure that you’re well, happy, and have everything you need.”
“Thank you, but it seems silly to bother Jim.”
“He’ll enjoy it. Show him your latest paintings, have him for dinner. I trust him.” He looked at his wife with a smile. And she smiled back.
“You can trust me too.” In the eighteen years of her marriage, she had never cheated on Marc. She wasn’t going to start now.
“I do trust you. I’ll call as often as I can. You know where I’ll be. If anything comes up, just call. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible, if I’m not in.” She nodded quietly at his words, and then let out a small sigh. He turned to look at her in the silence of the Jaguar. For a moment there was worry in his eyes. “You’ll be all right, Deanna, won’t you?”
Her eyes found his. She nodded. “Yes. I’ll be fine. But I’ll miss you terribly.”
He was already looking back at the road. “The time will go quickly. If you change your mind, you can always join Mother and Pilar in Cap d’Antibes.” He smiled at his wife again. “Not that you will.”
“No, I won’t.” She smiled back.
“Têtue, va. Stubborn one. Perhaps that’s why I love you.”
“Is that why? I’ve often wondered.” There was a teasing sparkle in her eyes now as she studied the handsome profile next to her in the car. “You’ll take care of yourself, won’t you? Don’t work too terribly hard.” But it was a useless admonition, and they both knew it.
“I won’t.” He smiled at her tenderly.
“You will.”
“I will.”
“And you’ll enjoy every minute of it.” They both knew that was true too. “I hope the Salco case comes out in your favor.”
“It will. You can be quite sure of that.”
“Marc-Edouard Duras, you are unbearably arrogant. Has anyone told you that yet today?”
“Only the woman I love.” He reached for her hand as he took the turnoff for the airport, and she touched his fingers gently with her own. It made her think of the night before and the rare meshing of their bodies that she cherished so much. Ma Diane. … “I love you, darling.” She pulled his hand to her lips and gently kissed the tips of his fingers. “I wish we had more time.”
“So do I. We will one of these days.”
Yes … but when? She carefully put his hand back on the seat and left her fingers intertwined with his.
“When you come back, do you suppose we could go somewhere together, for a holiday?” She watched him, her eyes wide, childlike. She still wanted him, wanted to be with him, to be his. After all these years she still cared. Sometimes it still surprised her how much she did.
“Where would you like to go?”
“Anywhere. Just so we’re together.” And alone.
He looked at her for a long moment as they pulled up outside the terminal, and for an instant Deanna thought she saw regret in his eyes. “We’ll do that. As soon as I get back.” Then he seemed to catch his breath. “Deanna, I…”
She waited, but he said no more; he only put his arms around her and held her close. She felt her own arms go around him and hold him close. She squeezed her eyes tightly shut. She needed him more than he knew. There were tears sliding slowly down her face. He felt her trembling in his arms and pulled away to look at her with surprise.
“Tu pleurs?” You’re crying?
“Un peu.” A little. He smiled, it had been so long since she had answered him in French. “I wish you didn’t have to go.” If only he’d stay, if they had some time without Pilar…
“So do I.” But they both knew that was a lie. He pulled the keys out of the ignition and opened the door, signaling for a