“I had some hair color and colored contacts in my luggage. You never know when it’ll be necessary to make a clandestine exit from somewhere.”

“I’m impressed.”

“You should be. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to braid my own hair.”

The reminder of her social status doused the flicker of attraction he felt like a bucket of cold water. “You normally have a servant do that for you?”

“My sister, actually,” Cassie corrected. “Annabelle loves that kind of stuff.”

“Did you manage to get any rest?” Levi asked.

“I did, thanks.” She fell into step beside him as they moved down the hall toward the main stairwell. “It was the first time in days I have fallen into a deep sleep. It was a bit disheartening when I awoke and didn’t realize where I was.”

“I can imagine.” Levi guided her down the stairs and into the hallway that led to the kitchen.

“Something smells amazing.”

“Patrice mentioned something about lasagna.”

“That isn’t often on the menu at state dinners.”

“I know. I thought it might be a nice change for you,” Levi said. “No one at the dinner table tonight will judge you on whether you know the right way to eat pasta.”

“So, who are we eating with?”

“The Saldera family. Patrice is the cook here; her husband, Enrico, is the head chauffeur; and Paolo, Enrico’s father, manages the stables.” Levi opened the door to the kitchen and waited for Cassie to walk inside. As expected, Patrice was standing by the stove, a spatula in hand. “Patrice, this is Cassie.”

Patrice wiped her hands on her apron and bustled across the room to greet Cassie. Patrice took both of Cassie’s hands in hers. “It is so good to meet you. I hope you are hungry.”

“Famished.”

“Good, good. I always make too much.”

“I have never heard anyone complain about that,” Levi said.

Patrice’s wide face split into a grin. “This one likes to steal my leftovers.”

Cassie squeezed Levi’s arm. “I’ve always known he was a very smart man.”

“Go, sit.” Patrice waved at the doorway on the far side of the room. “The rest of the family will be in shortly.”

When everyone else arrived, Levi made the introductions, then managed to take only one bite before the questions started.

“Cassie, what brings you to the chateau? I thought you were the new security person.”

“No, although Levi tried to convince me to take that job.”

“She’s here to visit me for a few weeks,” Levi offered.

“Then you’re dating?” Patrice asked.

“Yes.” Cassie spooned some vegetables onto her plate.

Levi lifted his fork for another bite. “Patrice, this lasagna may be your best ever.”

“Don’t try to change the subject on me,” Patrice said in her mom voice. “Why didn’t you tell me you had a girlfriend?”

“Cassie and I haven’t known each other that long.” Levi reached for the bread basket and broke off a piece of baguette. “Only since the energy summit last fall.”