Free I Promise You This (Love in Provence Book 3) by Patricia Sands Page B

days we had on the boat . . . over and over again.”
    He cupped her hand tenderly between his as his eyes searched hers.
    Katherine wasn’t certain how to sort out the hurricane of emotions swirling through her mind. Disbelief was definitely high up there. She felt immensely complimented too.
    She had been aware earlier in the meal that the last time she had eaten at the Oyster House had been with James, her ex-husband. That had caused some turmoil in her mind, but Nick made her laugh so often that she soon rid herself of that discomfort. Now she was feeling shocked and embarrassed—and special.
    Was this really happening? This handsome, smart, articulate man who also happened to be sexy and fun and who would provide a lifestyle most people could only dream about—this man was gazing into her eyes and professing his love for her. She had not seen that coming.
    “Nick . . .” she tried to begin again, but he interrupted once more.
    “I’m sorry for putting you on the spot. Don’t answer me now. Just think about what I’m saying.” His eyes never left hers.
    A shiver ran through her. She did care for Nick. Another flashback took her to those halcyon days on his yacht before he had to abruptly leave France. She remembered, though, that his advances had unnerved her at the time. She hadn’t known how to handle them and was almost relieved when he had to leave so suddenly.
    And then Philippe had won her heart, slowly and patiently.
    Would things have been different if Nick had stayed?
    She gulped, trying to find her voice. Finally, she answered, almost apologetically. “Oh, Nick. You are exceptional. You’re such an amazing man in so many ways. I’m flattered. You’re a most special friend.”
    “We could be so much more, Kat.”
    Yes, we could . She searched for the right words.
    “I know there are many, many women, much younger than I am, who would love to hear you say those words.”
    “That’s just it. Been there, done that. I don’t want younger women. I saw how happy I could be with a woman like you, someone my age . . . full of life . . . beautiful inside and out. I want to spend the rest of my life with someone like you. Wait, let me correct that—I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
    “I’m flattered, and I know you mean no disrespect to Philippe. You’re good friends. But . . .” She could feel her heart overflow at that very moment, hearing her words. “I am in love with Philippe, truly, madly, deeply. Like a young girl, really. I’m quite stunned by it all. And very happy.”
    Nick nodded and patted her hand. Disappointment mixed with acceptance showed on his face. His shoulders dropped briefly with resignation. “That’s all I need to hear . . . although not what I wanted to hear.”
    Picking up her glass of water, Katherine took a long sip, attempting to gather her composure.
    Nick squeezed her hand lightly before pulling his back. “Know I will always be there for you. And promise me we still can be friends.”
    “Of course. The best of friends . . . always. And I know there is a special woman out there just waiting to be discovered by you. That would make me very happy.”
    Nick nodded slowly. His eyes signaled a certain resignation before he spoke again.
    “Philippe is a fine man and I’m happy for you both. I needed to make sure you knew how I felt in case there was any chance at all for me. We Aussies don’t give up anything without a major go at it. I reluctantly, but graciously, accept defeat—at least momentarily.” He raised one eyebrow and gave her a cocky grin.
    Feeling her poise begin to return, Kat said, “Well, you certainly surprised me.” It was her turn to reach out for his hand. “I’m sorry . . .”
    With a squinty look, he briefly scowled. “I will wallow in despair, but just for a moment or two. Because we all know despair is the solace of fools.”
    Katherine blinked at his somber words before he added, “I believe I got that