For more than a decade, renowned chef Alain Tiessart has been married to his restaurant, driven to make it one of the finest in Paris. But time is slipping away. Lonely and ready for a change, he packs up his bags on one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year and drives into the French countryside.<br><br>Retired Brit Simon Hastings is prepared to spend Bastille Day as he always does -- quietly and alone. When his oldest friend arrives on his doorstep prepared to spend the next few days together, Simon is surprised but welcomes him in. He’s even more surprised when Alain suggests they move their relationship to a deeper one.<br><br>Unwilling to jeopardize their friendship, Simon turns him down, a decision Alain accepts gracefully. Until a friendly bet and an eager young man cast Alain in a new light. Now, Simon doesn’t know what he wants. Or who ...

Vintage

The croissant didn’t melt quite so quickly on his tongue then.


“It won’t take me long to shower after we eat,” Alain said. “We can still be in the village at a decent hour, in spite of my lazy start.”


“Actually, I was hoping we could stay in and have a more private celebration. Take it easy.” Simon tore a chunk off his croissant and seemed to really savor the flavor and texture of the pastry. “Unless you were looking forward to going into the village.”


He arched an eyebrow in surprise. “No, I was simply looking forward to spending the day with you. Are you sure?”


“Oh, yes, I’m sure. I don’t have the sort of energy I used to. When I was younger, I wouldn’t think twice about fucking all night, partying all day, and then staying up all night again, but I’m not that young anymore.”


“Fucking all night?” His mouth twitched. “What, did you sneak Marc back into your bed after I retired?”


Chapter 21