Page 224 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector
His grin widens. “Have you tried the name yet?”
I lift my champagne glass. “As a matter of fact, yes. Mrs. Javier Martinez Villefond.”
Julian’s smile disappears. “Villefond?”
I cover my smile with my glass.
His eyes narrow. “Not René Villefond.”
“The French chef?”
Javier walks past us carrying a charcuterie board toward the patio.
“That’s my grandfather,” he says without slowing down.
Julian turns to me, his eyes wide. “You knew this?”
“I did.”
“And you never told me?”
“It never came up.”
“It never came up?”
Javier sets the board on a nearby patio table. When he comes back inside, Julian turns to him.
“You never mentioned that your grandfather was one of the most respected chefs in France?”
“I’ve mentioned my grandfather.”
“You called him your grandfather.”
Javier looks at me. “What else would I call him?”
I nearly choke on my champagne. Julian stares at both of us.
“I hate Oakridge.”
“No, you don’t.”
“No. I really don’t.” He drains the rest of his champagne. “I’m going to get another drink.”
The kitchen door swings open again. Emma sticks her head inside.
"There you are. People are arriving."
She glances after Julian.
"What's wrong with him?"
"Don't ask."
I lift my left hand. Her eyes land on the ring. Her mouth falls open. I grin.
“You’re engaged?”
Before I can answer, she crosses the kitchen and pulls me into a hug.
