My hand left the railing, and I clutched the lapels of his shirt. The boat dipped again, and my stomach whooshed. It broke the kiss.

He scowled, looking out to sea. “It’s getting rough. Do you get seasick?”

“I haven’t before today. But then again, I don’t really like boats, so I have little experience to know if I will.” I shrugged and brushed a strand of hair that suddenly blew across my face. The wind had picked up.

“You like my boat.”

I lifted a shoulder. “It’s okay.”

His eyes narrowed.

“But I like you,” I added. “And Dauphine. And everyone who works for you. Well, I guess you’re right. I like your boat. Anyway, you better go and get that work done before I climb you like the jungle gym at my favorite playground.” I reluctantly let go of his shirt and smoothed it out.

He frowned, a smirk playing around his mouth. “Jungle gym? Is that some American thing? It sounds kinky.”

I laughed, loving that he could actually joke with me after the rather gruff demeanor he’d worn since I arrived.

“All right.” He stepped away, his palms up. “I’m going. I have to rearrange all the meetings I blew off to stay in Corsica for two nights. The water is getting very rough. If you feel sick, ask Chef for ginger tea. Look out at the horizon. Or come find me.”

“I will.” I nodded, processing what he’d just said. He may have needed to go to Corsica tomorrow, but his decision to stay an extra night was made with me in mind.

I dug my teeth into my bottom lip to fight the grin.