The French Retreat (Falling for France Book 1) Read Free Page B

want to disturb anyone,’ whispered Will. Marcie was standing in an over sized tee-shirt which was only just a decent length. She had her toothbrush in one hand and a towel in the other.
    She must have suddenly became conscious of her lack of clothing as she caught her breath and her face flushed crimson. ‘Sorry, I was just going to brush my teeth.’
    ‘Hey, don’t apologise,’ said Will. He gave a wink. ‘I won’t tell if you won’t.’ As he tiptoed down the stairs he could hear Marcie scurry across the landing and into the bathroom.
     
    The following morning when Marcie went downstairs, Lisa was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast. Marcie blinked away the memory of meeting Will on the landing last night.
    ‘Morning. Did you sleep all right?’ said Lisa flicking the kettle on to boil.
    ‘Yes, very well, thanks,’ said Marcie. ‘Ooh, what’s that delicious smell?’ She gave Poppy a quick a stroke as the dog trotted over to greet her.
    ‘It’s Breton Butter Cake. I baked it earlier this morning,’ said Lisa, placing the golden sponge on to the middle of the table. ‘Ben will be back from the boulangerie any minute now. He’s gone for fresh bread and croissants.’
    Marcie took a seat at the table opposite Will. ‘Morning. Wasn’t expecting to see you up so early after last night.’
    ‘Never one for staying in bed,’ said Will.
    ‘What’s that?’ said Lisa, picking up on the conversation.
    ‘Nothing,’ said Will, before Marcie could answer. ‘Busy day yesterday. Marcie obviously needs her sleep more than I do.’
    ‘At least you didn’t say beauty sleep,’ said Marcie, she tried a smile at Will, hoping for its return but she was unsuccessful.
    The sound of car wheels crunching on the driveway outside, together with Poppy running excitedly to the door, indicated a visitor.
    ‘It’s Ben,’ said Lisa, looking out of the kitchen window. She poured three cups of fresh coffee and placed a tea bag in a cup for Marcie. ‘I’ve been able to get hold of proper English teabags for you. I know how you hate the French ones.’
    ‘Excellent. You can’t beat an English cup of tea,’ said Marcie pouring a drop of milk into her cup.
    ‘Philistine,’ said Will quietly.
    Marcie snapped her head to look at him. Was that his attempt at humour? Getting his own back for her reference to his musical tastes yesterday?  His face was deadpan as he returned her look. Those dark eyes of his gave nothing away and yet somehow managed to hold her gaze, despite her desire to break the deadlock. And there it was, a small smirk. Just a tiny glimmer of one played on his lips before he looked away and picked up the cafetière to pour his coffee.
    ‘ Bonjour! ’ said Ben with a flourish as he bustled in through the door, his arms full of paper bags. ‘I come bearing gifts.’ He kissed Lisa on the cheek as he passed her the shopping. ‘Not looking too clever out there. Think it might rain later.’
    ‘That’s a shame,’ said Marcie. ‘I was hoping to go for a walk.’
    ‘You’re not going to let a drop of rain put you off, are you?’ said Will.
    ‘Well, no,’ said Marcie. What was it with him; winding her up all the time? ‘It’s not that.’
    ‘You can still go for your walk, then,’ said Will. He took a sip of his coffee.
    ‘That’s easy coming from an ex-soldier,’ said Lisa. She sat down at the table and picking up a knife began to cut the cake. ‘Just because you still like to go out for daily route marches, whatever the weather, it doesn’t mean everyone else does.’ She smiled at Will and gave him a playful tap on the arm as she passed over a slice of cake.
    ‘Got to work off this delicious baking of yours somehow,’ said Will. ‘Can’t say I’m in the habit of having cake for breakfast.’
    ‘I’m not either,’ said Marcie, aware she was rising to Will’s teasing. ‘I go to the gym three times a week, I am quite fit.’
    ‘Is that so?’ said Will. He took a bite of