Saving The Brother's Best Friend (Gems 0f Love Book 4) Read online

Giada recalled the dark eyes and penetrating glance of Gabriel’s dad. In his good moments, his father could be enchanting company. Only, it rarely happened. The majority of the times Giada had seen him, Michel Roche was either tipsy or just plain angry with the world. Giordano used to joke that it must be a French thing to start the morning with a Chardonnay.

  Fleur noticed the effect of her words, because her eyes filled with worry. She patted Gabriel’s cheek. “I was just joking, Gabe. You’re nothing like my brother. By the way, you’ll need to tell me how we should—”

  Gabe coughed and tapped his aunt’s shoulder. “Look, Fleur, Giada’s here, too.”

  Fleur twirled around, blushing. “Oh, my. Look at me babbling about when I forgot to greet this delightful young lady here. It’s a pleasure to see you again, Giada. You might not remember me, but we—”

  “We met at Gabe’s birthday when he turned thirteen.”

  Fleur clapped her hands. “Superb memory.”

  “Well, actually, I have to give credit where credit’s due. Gabriel told me on the flight that we’d already met.”

  “It’s been so many years. You both were so young then.” Fleur gave her a benevolent smile. “And now? Look at you. You’re a happy couple in love.”

  She rubbed Giada’s arm with one hand and put her other hand on Gabriel’s shoulder. Her glance bounced between their faces, and a tiny tear appeared at the corner of her left eye.

  Giada’s chest tightened. She felt like an impostor for lying to Aunt Fleur about being together and in love with Gabriel.

  Well, if she listened to her hammering ribcage, then it was only a partial lie. But this realization did nothing to ease the lump in her throat.

  Gabriel didn’t seem to share Giada’s concern. He gave his aunt a wink and hauled Giada closer to him. “Yes, Fleur. Who would’ve thought, huh? First best friends, then lovers…”

  Giada’s heart skipped a beat. His voice was so honest, so natural, that she almost believed he was narrating their real story. She mentally grabbed and shook the dreamy teenager who seemed to take possession of her soul. Gabe doesn’t love you and he never will. Stop it with the silly thoughts and get on with the act you’ve signed up for.

  She peeked up at Gabriel and brushed her thumb on his jawline. “It’s so true. I didn’t expect this either. But I’m so glad it happened, and that I can finally see this great place where Gabe spent his summer holidays. He raved about the beauty of the cottage and the surrounding scenery.”

  Gabriel stiffened under her touch, as if the fact that Giada was proactively playing her role startled him. But in a second, the smile was plastered on his face again.

  Fleur wiped her eyes with the back of her palm. “Well then, my two lovebirds, come. I’ll show you your house.”

  Gabriel took their luggage, and Fleur snaked her arm around Giada’s elbow. She pulled her toward the Rodin sculpture. “You can access the guesthouse either directly through the park or from the backyard of the mansion. We’ll just take this shortcut for now. I’ve cleared most of my personal belongings from the rooms so that you’ll have a comfortable stay.”

  Giada bit her lip. She felt bad for kicking Fleur out of her own house. Perhaps they should’ve stayed in the mansion. Even if that would mean she’d have to sleep in the same bed with Gabriel. The first time he mentioned this topic in the plane, Giada had needed all her willpower to keep her voice from trembling. She had told him that it wouldn’t be an issue.

  But she knew it would be. Her stomach brewed with a giddy feeling at the mere thought of his masculine body lying close to hers. No, no. It was much better to show immense gratitude for Fleur’s kindness than to face the unbearable temptation of gawking all night at a sleeping Gabe. “It’s so incredibly nice of you to lend us your home.”

  Fleur patted Giada’s hand. “Not worth mentioning, ma chérie. My mother can be exhausting for young people like you. It’s better if you spend your mornings and evenings alone. Also, Aurélie arrived yesterday.”

  Fleur added this last part in a lower voice, as if she wanted to avoid Gabriel overhearing.

  Giada threw a quick glance at Gabriel. He was a few steps behind them and didn’t give any sign of paying attention to their hushed conversation. She turned back to Fleur and whispered, “You don’t like Aurélie much, am I right?”

  Fleur snorted. “It’s not my place to judge. But I’m sure happy that she isn’t marrying Gabriel. I don’t know why Jean-Pierre decided to propose to her. They didn’t seem to have many sparks in the past.”

  Giada gulped. “Sometimes people hide their emotions when they think it’s directed at an unattainable goal. Maybe after Gabriel and Aurélie broke up, Jean-Pierre had the courage to admit his secret adoration for her.”

  What was she doing? She didn’t need to rationalize the behavior of Gabriel’s cousin. She didn’t even know him. Also, was she truly talking about Jean-Pierre?

  Luckily, Fleur didn’t find Giada’s phrase strange. She just shrugged. “Yes, that might be. Look, we’ve arrived.”

  They were standing in front of a pretty house with white walls and dark green sunshields. A pink peony bush stood beside the nutmeg entrance door, surrounded by several blooming lavender plants. The humming of bees created a delicate melody in the air.

  Giada’s jaw dropped and she grabbed at her chest. “This is so pretty. You have a wonderful house, Fleur. “

  Fleur smiled and picked a lavender blossom with her index and thumb. She crushed the petals between her fingers and held it out to Giada. “Smell this. These are a special kind, only found in this part of Provence. They are late-blooming and create an enticing scent.”

  Giada sniffed at her palm. “Mmmhm, delicious. Do you make oil from the flowers?”

  Fleur sighed. “I used to, but nowadays I’m too lazy. I think I’m getting old.”

  “Don’t exaggerate, Auntie. You’re in great shape.” Gabriel reached them and dropped the two valises.

  Fleur chuckled and searched her pocket. Just as she pulled out a key, a loud baritone interrupted them.

  “Coucou, Gabe. I didn’t realize you’d already arrived.”

  Gabriel’s face pulled into a frown for a second, but as he turned, he arranged his features into a friendly expression. “Jean-Pierre, cousin. It’s great to see you.”

  Giada twirled around as well.

  Wow, Gabriel’s cousin was a looker, too. He had much in common with Gabriel, actually, from his stubborn jaw and straight nose all the way to his rich brown hair. But their senses of style were clearly different.

  The man strolling toward them looked like he’d just stepped from a Parisian fashion magazine. His muscular build was highlighted by his unstructured but formfitting summer blazer and lightweight linen pants. As he smiled, his teeth glistened almost too brightly in the afternoon sun.

  Giada’s eyes moved to Jean-Pierre’s shoes. One could read a lot from a man’s shoes. Of course, two-tone brogues in pastel-on-neutral hues to anchor the look.

  Jean-Pierre caught up with them and the men embraced, kissing each other on the cheeks three times.

  Then Jean-Pierre turned to Giada, and his eyes widened. “And this magnificent young lady? Is she your mystery date? Aurélie has been chewing away on my ears to find out whom you were bringing.” His voice had a hint of French accent, which made his words sound more exotic.

  Giada’s cheeks heated. Was she embarrassed because Jean-Pierre called her magnificent, or was it the information that Aurélie had been asking about her?

  Whichever it was, she shouldn’t be flustered like this. She squared her shoulders and stretched her hand toward Jean-Pierre. “Hi, I’m Giada, nice to meet you.”

  Jean-Pierre’s brows arched. “Giada? Isn’t it Jade?” Then he took her hand and brought it to his lips.

  Gabriel stirred. “Cousin, keep your charms for your own fiancée. And by the way, it’s Giada, not Jade. Giada’s family is originally from Italy.”

  His voice was strained, as
if he was having a hard time controlling his temper. What was happening? Was Gabriel putting on a show of the jealous boyfriend, or did Jean-Pierre’s gallant gesture truly bug him?

  His cousin released Giada’s hand. A lopsided grin tugged at his lips. “Ah, a fellow European then. I knew, Gabe, that you wouldn’t choose a purely American companion. Not after having tasted what our women can do.”

  Gabriel held up his hand. “Jean-Pierre, it’s quite enough. I don’t need your opinion on my choices. After all, aren’t you marrying my ex?”

  Jean-Pierre threw back his head and laughed. “Touché.”

  Giada narrowed her eyes. There was clearly much rivalry going on between the cousins. Gabriel didn’t have brothers or sisters, so it was normal that he would have the usual sibling fights with his closest male relative. But the tug-of-war between these two had to originate from some deeper past issues.

  Fleur shook her head. “Mes garçons, please stop this peacock fight. Jean-Pierre, where is Aurélie, by the way?”

  Jean-Pierre shrugged. “No idea, maybe still in town.”

  Giada’s eyes drifted to his impassive expression. Somehow Jean-Pierre didn’t look like a man about to marry his chosen one. But maybe true Frenchmen hid their feelings behind a facade of nonchalance? She’d need to ask Gabriel about it.

  Fleur pointed at Jean-Pierre. “You need to let her know that tonight we’re dining together. Sophie is preparing a special welcome meal for the arrival of Giada and Gabriel.”

  Jean-Pierre nodded. “Fine, I’ll go.” He tapped Gabriel’s shoulder. “Catch you later, cousin.” He glanced at Giada and winked. “And you, ma belle, I hope to see a lot of you during your stay.”

  Giada’s pulse accelerated. Was Jean-Pierre flirting with her? It sure seemed so. She peeked at Gabriel to see his reaction. He stood there with his jaw clenched. His masseter vibrated as if he were trying to keep himself from speaking.

  Jean-Pierre turned and walked to the mansion with a breezy stride.

  As soon as he was out of earshot, Gabriel snorted. “He never changes. I don’t get why Noëlle wants me to follow in his footsteps.”

  Fleur patted his left cheek. “No, she doesn’t. She accepts your choices and cherishes them—in her own way, of course.”

  Giada’s heart dropped. So he wasn’t upset with Jean-Pierre for his cheeky comment to Giada. No, it was just his uncertainty about not measuring up to his grandmother’s expectations.

  Fleur opened the door and waved for them to enter. “Come, let me show you the house.”

  Chapter 6

  Gabriel slammed his valise shut. He hoped he could distract himself by unloading his stuff into Fleur’s wardrobe. It didn’t work. The throbbing in his temple was less intense, but it was there nonetheless.

  How could Jean-Pierre be such a jackass? Wasn’t it enough that his cousin fulfilled the family duty as Gabriel should have done? Why did Jean-Pierre need to eye like a predator everything that Gabriel had?

  His heart gave a loud thump. Well, technically he didn’t have Giada. They were just pretending to be together. But Jean-Pierre couldn’t know that.

  “What are you so gloomy about, Gabe?”

  Giada’s voice made him jump.

  She was standing at the doorway, rubbing her wet hair with a towel. She had changed into new clothes and looked fresh and rested. Nothing like a person who’d traveled thirteen hours in an uncomfortable airplane seat.

  Gabriel’s breath caught as he stared at her. A few droplets of water glistened on her cheeks, emphasizing the golden freckles on her nose. “Wow, the shower really did you good.”

  Giada’s brows shifted into a startled expression. “Okay, do you mean that I looked like a wreck before or that I stank?”

  He shook his head. “I just mean that you seem invigorated.”

  Her features smoothed. “Ah, yes. I am. The warm water eased up all the tension in my shoulders. Sleeping on a plane isn’t my favorite thing in the world. Maybe you should hop under the shower yourself. You seem in desperate need of a mood change.” She hung her towel on the doorknob and walked into the room, then hopped on the bed. “So, do you mind telling me what’s going on with you?”

  Gabriel’s stomach tightened. What could she be referring to? Did she realize Gabriel was having all these confusing ideas about her?

  Giada was like a cat, blessed with an exceptional sixth sense when it came to people.

  He shifted his weight to the left, trying to assume a relaxed posture. “I’m not sure I know what you’re getting at.”

  Giada sighed. “Oh, Gabe, let’s not play this game. What’s the deal with you and your cousin? You said you had some kind of antagonistic thing going on, but I didn’t picture him to be like…your nemesis.”

  Gabriel’s neck relaxed. Ah, she just wanted to speak about Jean-Pierre and not about the weird way Gabriel was gaping at her. But as soon as the wave of relief washed over him, his back tensed again.

  Why did she want to hear more about Jean-Pierre?

  The way his cousin kissed Giada’s hand flashed through his mind and his stomach churned. Ugh, playing on the old stereotype of French gallantry should be an obvious trick. Was Giada dazzled by Jean-Pierre’s gesture?

  He shrugged. “He isn’t my nemesis. I actually like my cousin, though I realize it must be hard to tell from the way we behave with each other.”

  Giada clicked her tongue. “Yes, I agree.”

  “Jean-Pierre is two years older than me. I think his mother, my aunt Agathe, and my dad must’ve had their own war going on when they were children, because they instilled in us this sense of needing to be better than the other.”

  “That’s a pretty messed up thing to do. Especially because Jean-Pierre is your only cousin. I love my cousins. I can’t imagine fighting with Matteo or competing with Bianca at all.” Giada wrinkled her nose. “So did you guys always clash when you were here for the summer? It mustn’t have been very pleasant.”

  A string of memories flooded Gabriel. “No, my summers at Mémère Noëlle’s weren’t all bad. But they weren’t what you’d call relaxing either. My grandmother made me take French classes to perfect my accent, and she kept pointing out how much better Jean-Pierre was at school. Mostly everything Jean-Pierre did pleased Mémère more than the choices I made. Well, everything except…”

  Gabriel stopped. He didn’t want to admit that he’d dated Aurélie for three years to please his grandmother.

  Giada arched her brows. “Everything except…?”

  Gabriel avoided her glance. For whatever reason, Giada seemed to think Gabriel was a strong person. She often joked that she had a lot to learn from him in terms of self-determination. Revealing to her that the opinion of the others was very important to him would shatter this image. And he didn’t like the idea that Giada would look at him differently. “Mémère believes that the most important task in anyone’s life is to have a family. She used to praise me when I was dating Aurélie, because she thought I was going to marry her.”

  This was true. The fact that Aurélie’s father’s connections could multiply the Roche family’s wealth didn’t need to be mentioned.

  Giada cocked her head to the side. “So that’s why it’s so important that you have a date for the engagement party? To show your grandmother that you’re as much on the way to building a family as your cousin?”

  Her voice was compassionate but it held a strange undertone.

  “Yes.”

  Giada stood up and stepped over to him. She took his hands, her eyes searching his. “Don’t worry, Gabe. We’ve got this covered for you. I promise that by the end of the vacation your grandmother will be in love with me, and she’ll be happy that you chose me instead of Aurélie.”

  Gabriel’s throat swelled as the warmth from her fingers swamped him. If Giada kept touching him so unexpectedly, by the end of the vacation, it wouldn’t be only his grandmother falling for Giada.

  No, no. What a pitiful thought. Giada was doing this
to help him out. He couldn’t ruin their friendship by developing an infatuation for her.

  “Thanks, Giada. I think my cousin already regrets that he didn’t meet you before proposing to my ex.”

  Giada released his hands and narrowed her eyes. “Gabe, are you jealous of Jean-Pierre?”

  Shoot, did she realize it? “No, of course not. You’re like my little sister. I just feel protective of you.”

  Giada grimaced, but her odd expression vanished as soon as it came. She winked. “Relax, I’m kidding. I get it, though. Jean-Pierre did behave a bit too forthcoming with me. But I guess it was only to provoke you.”

  “Yes, you’re probably right.” He forced a chuckle, hoping to cover up his previous inadequate reaction.

  “You know what? I was just thinking that you two actually look pretty similar.” She bobbed her head from the left to the right.

  Gabriel snorted. “Oh, yeah? The heck we do. Have you ever seen me wear a lime-green scarf?”

  Giada giggled. “No, I haven’t. Does Jean-Pierre do that?”

  A wicked smile spread on Gabriel’s face. For some reason it felt good gossiping with Giada about his cousin’s shortcomings. Maybe because this confident talk reassured him that Giada wasn’t getting interested in Jean-Pierre? “Oh, yes. He has a collection of scarves.”

  Giada pursed her lips, her eyes filling with a sly glint. “Well, I hate to break it to you, Gabe, but wearing a baseball hat isn’t the only way to accessorize your outfit.”

  Gabriel laughed. “Fine, I’m not the most impeccably dressed man, and I do love my running shoes. I know my cousin would never wear those unless he’s running. But really, he doesn’t run. It would dishevel his scarves.”

  “Aww, you’re being mean now.” A delicious cackle bubbled up from Giada’s throat.

  “Maybe a little. But for my work, I don’t need all those fancy clothes.”

  Giada stopped giggling and frowned. “Right, to walk into the flames you wear your uniform. Do you mind telling me why you took a sabbatical? It’s so unlike you.”

  Gabriel’s throat dried out. Leave it to Giada to turn the easy topic into an unbearably heavy one. She was always so honest and straightforward with her feelings. She didn’t mind being questioned directly about her motives in life.