First & Forever (The Crescent Chronicles Book 4) (9 page)

“Oh. She really left? Did you ever find out what was going on with her?” The kid didn’t bother to hide the disappointment in his voice. I felt relief myself. He wasn’t into Allie.

“Personal reasons.” She shrugged, revealing a tension in her shoulders I was dying to fix. “I’ll see you around.”

I nodded stiffly to the kid as we walked outside into the bright sunlight.

I took her through Jackson Square, watching as she took in all the art hung up on the wrought iron fence. She paused as we passed St. Louis Cathedral. She seemed to appreciate the architecture as much as I did. “There’s nothing quite like New Orleans, huh?”

“Not really. I mean it has a similar feel to Paris, but it definitely has a flavor all of its own.” There was something in her expression that made me wonder whose flavor she was talking about. Her eyes took me in—she was checking me out, and I definitely enjoyed the attention. The only thing that would have made it better would have been her hands doing what her eyes were.

I forced myself to stop daydreaming about her hands on me. “You still interested in breakfast?”

“Absolutely.” She held my gaze. I’d never met a girl who could manage that for long.

After slipping under the green and white awning of Café Du Monde, I pulled out her chair. Once she was seated, I sat down across from her. The table was small enough that my legs brushed against hers with my slightest movements. I didn’t mind at all, and I sensed she didn’t either.

As soon as the server walked over I asked for two orders of beignets and two chicory coffees. I wondered if Allie had ever had the flavorful coffee before.

The coffee came out first, followed by still hot beignets. Allie looked adorable as she spilled powdered sugar all over herself. The best part was instead of getting embarrassed she just laughed. I’d never met a girl with such genuine confidence. It wasn’t an act, it was who she was.

“Wow, these are good!”

“What isn’t there to like about fried dough covered in sugar?” I resisted the urge to wipe some powdered sugar off her face. I refused to do anything that would mess with the confident, happy smile on her face.“So, Princeton, huh?”

“Yup. Home of the Tigers.”

I nearly choked on my coffee. She had this quirky sarcastic sense of humor that took me by surprise sometimes. “Yeah, because that’s what comes to mind first when someone says Princeton.”

“What comes to mind for you?”

“Oh, I don’t know. How about uptight preps who wouldn’t know how to have a good time if it bit them on the ass?” I leaned back in my chair.

“Ouch. You don’t think I know how to have fun?”

“On the contrary hon, I know you can have fun. It’s the others I’m worried about. I’m afraid that next time I see you you’ll be a walking Ralph Lauren ad.” Pushing Allie’s buttons had become one of my favorite pastimes. Without fail it made those cheeks of hers turn pink, and she got this sexy gleam in her eyes.

“What makes you think you’ll ever see me after this summer?”

“You’ve had your taste Al. Even if you leave in August, you’ll be back for more.” I’d make sure of it.

“And what are you referring to exactly?”

“The city.” I paused. “Of course.”

“Of course. If you’re done, it’s my turn.”

“Your turn for what?” I asked with genuine curiosity.

“To ask a question.”

“I wasn’t aware we were taking turns.”

She ignored me. “So, you’re graduating this year, right?”

I nodded, waiting to see where she was going with the line of questioning.

“What’s next for you?”

“Uh, taking over the family business.” I looked away. As much as I’d shared the night before, I wasn’t ready to reveal everything. That might make her run away faster.

“Which is?”

“You asked your question.” She did say we were taking turns.

“Whoa, are there more secrets?”

“It’s kind of hard to explain. Let’s just say it’s a leadership position.” That was true—although it wasn’t the kind of leadership position she was probably thinking.

“You’re not going to elaborate?”

“My turn.” I turned the conversation on her. There was so much more to learn about her.

“Fine.”

“So, what’s the story with Toby?” I wasn’t going to waste my question.

“What do you mean? I already told you he’s my ex.”

“Yeah, but why is he your ex?”

“Why do you even care?”

“Eh, just curiosity.” I knew he was a big part of why she was in New Orleans. I wanted to know more.

“And why would I indulge that curiosity when you evaded my question?”

“My good looks?” I took a long sip of my coffee. I’d been so content watching her that I’d barely had any yet.

“Very funny. Really there isn’t much to tell. We dated about a year, and we worked, but I got tired of the lack of sparks. I brought up my concerns and he brushed them off, so I broke up with him.” She was holding back. I knew it but decided not to press the issue. I was more concerned with what she had said.

“Lack of sparks? You’re looking for passion then?”

A slight tinge of pink crossed her cheeks. Had I finally made Allie blush?

“Okay, my turn again. What’s with Jared and Owen?”

“What do you mean?” I tried to predict where she was going with the question. She already knew they weren’t human, what else would she want to know about?

“You act like girls or something. You’re never apart.”

Like girls? Not exactly. “They’re not here now.”

“I get this vibe that they answer to you or something. Does this have to do with the ‘family business’?”

Perceptive. “Maybe.”

“Seriously? You’re evading my question again?”

“And here I thought girls liked a man of mystery.”

She groaned. “On that note, are you ready to get going?”

“Sure.” I tossed some cash down on the table.

She stopped to dust some powdered sugar off her skirt. She needed to wear skirts all the time. I’d never seen a better pair of legs. “So, where to now?”

I forced my eyes up to her face. “Where do you want to go?”

“Hmm, I don’t know.”

“What would you be doing if you were home?” Today needed to be about her. Or at least about making her comfortable.

“I’d probably be at the beach.” Her face brightened. “It’s pretty much my favorite place to be.”

“I’ll have to keep that in mind. The beach is a little hard to give you right now, but how about we check out the French Market?”

“Shopping?”

“Is that a problem?”

“Not at all, I am just surprised by the suggestion.” Her arm brushed against mine as we walked.

“It’s not like I’m taking you to the mall.”

“True, but you don’t seem like the shopping type.”

“If you’re done complaining…” I gave her a slight smile.

“Lead the way.” She gestured with her hands. She was cute that way.

Allie let out a sigh of relief as we entered the French Market. Aside from my desire to show her more of the classic New Orleans downtown, I knew she’d appreciate the shade. Even after twenty-two years in New Orleans, I still wasn’t always prepared for the brutally hot and humid summers. I’m sure coming from the north it was nearly oppressive.

I led her carefully through the crowds, mentally cursing myself for suggesting the stop. Shade or not, it wasn’t worth dealing with so many tourists. “I think I remember now why I don’t come here much.”

“Not one for crowds?” she asked.

“Not really. You?”

“I actually kind of like them. I think it’s why I like New York City so much. I love the feeling of getting lost in a big crowd.”

“I learn something new about you every day.” I guided her down the center aisle. I knew she was a city girl, but I didn’t realize quite how much she liked it.

“I think you won that contest last night.” She smiled once again surprising me with how well she was taking things. I kept waiting for it to be too much for her. “Well, we can leave if you want.”

“Not until we do one thing.”

“Okay…”

“You like sweets, right?” I asked. Her answer was important. If a girl liked sweets, providing dessert was a crucial part of a date.

“Of course.”

“Loretta’s has some great pralines you’ve got to try.”

I stepped into the small store. She hung back, so I hurried with my selections. I was glad she trusted me to pick hers out. I went with the traditional. Some things are just better classic.

She took a small bite and smiled. Evidently I’d picked well.

“Ready?” I took her hand again, loving the feel of her small hand in my own.

We walked back through Jackson Square and directly over to the next stop of our day. The large building didn’t look like much on the outside, but it was the roof I wanted her to see. “The view here isn’t quite as good as last night, but it’s pretty nice.”

“Pat O’s?” She pointed to the wooden sign.

“It’s Pat O’s on the River, good drinks and a nice view.”

“Drinks in the middle of the afternoon?”

“You’re in N’awlins Al, get used to it.” I led her inside and into the elevator. We took it right up, and we walked through the indoor bar directly out onto the patio.

We passed a waitress on our way out. “Hi Levi.”

I gave her a curt nod. Had I met the woman before? I didn’t know and didn’t care. The only girl on my mind was currently holding my hand.

We took seats at a high top table overlooking the river. It was easy to forget that New Orleans was a seaport city in day to day life, but one glance at the river reminded you of the rich history and significance of the Crescent City. I wasn’t exactly a history buff, but I loved my city.

“You weren’t kidding. This is a great view.” She glanced up at the awning. She seemed grateful for the shade from the intense heat.

“I thought you would like it. You seem to really like good views.”

“The usual?” A waiter interrupted.

“Yes, and a hurricane for her.”

“All right, be right out with those.” The waiter quickly hurried off.

“Does everyone who works here know you?” she leaned forward slightly in her chair.

“Not
everyone
.” Admittedly almost all of the employees did at least know of me.

“Well anyway, what did you order me?”

“You’ll like it. It’s pretty much the signature drink of the city and the specialty drink here, so you need to have it at least once.”

“Is it as good as the other drink you keep buying me?”

“Maybe not as good, but you’ll still enjoy it.”

“What did you get?”

“Whiskey.”

“How do you know I wouldn’t prefer that?” There was a challenge in her words.

“I don’t take you as the type to take your liquor straight.” I watched her, daring her to contradict me. I knew her well enough already to know what she’d want to drink.

“You’re right. I was just asking.”

The waiter brought over our drinks, and Allie took a slow sip. She smiled and closed her eyes for a moment. “Ah, it’s such a gorgeous afternoon.”

“I’m glad to see you enjoying yourself.”

“Is there any chance you’ll take me—” The blare of a barge drowned her out. “Any chance you’ll—” The barge blared again.

“What were you asking?”

“Any chance of a repeat performance of last night?”

“You liked that, huh?” I teased.

“Yeah, I can’t say I’ve ever had a ride like that before.”

A middle-aged woman at the table next to us coughed, and I decided to run with the innuendo. “Sure baby, I’ll take you for a ride anytime.”

Allie hit my leg under the table, and I pretended it hurt. “Ouch.”

“You so deserved that.”

“You’re the one that wants the ride.” I unsuccessfully tried to stifle a laugh.

“Is that a yes? You’ll take me again?”

“Of course, I have no intentions of letting you down.”

Bringing Allie back to my place for the second time was a different experience. This visit wasn’t to try to talk her into staying the night; it was about getting her used to my world little by little.

When I opened the front door, I wasn’t surprised to find Jared and Owen playing video games. They barely acknowledged us when we walked in. I didn’t mind.

“Can I get you anything?” I noticed Allie eyeing my black and white photography of New Orleans street scenes on the wall. Maybe that was another interest we shared.

“I’m fine, but thanks.” She was nervous. Not overly so, but being in my home put her on edge. I needed to change that because if I had my way she’d be spending a lot of time there.

“Want a tour?”

“A tour? Is there really that much more to see?”

“Of course there is. You never even saw my room last time.” I headed off down the hall to my room assuming she’d follow.

“You probably remember that’s Jared’s room,” I pointed, not wanting to bring up the sore subject of Jess more than I had to. “Owen’s is over there and I’m here on the end.” I walked into my room, excited at the thought of her finally entering it.

“Wow, you don’t see too many beds that big in college apartments.”

“How many college apartments have you been in? Didn’t you just graduate high school?” Once again I had to tease her.

“I have older friends…”

“Older friends who like to show you their bedrooms with inadequately sized beds? Good to know.”

She glanced around at my room. By the expression on her face I probably should have cleaned up before inviting her in, but it really wasn’t that bad. You could actually see the hardwood floor.

“So is it Owen who keeps the rest of this place clean? I mean, obviously it’s not you.”

“You automatically assume it’s Owen?”

“Yeah… wait, don’t tell me it’s Jared.”

“Okay, I won’t.”

“Wow, Jared the neat freak,” she said with surprise.

“You’re not his biggest fan, are you?”

“No, not at all.” She could be so honest. It was both refreshing and terrifying.

“It has something to do with your friend, doesn’t it?”

A frown marred her face, and I immediately regretted my line of questioning. “I don’t want to talk about Jess, okay?”

“Sure, but Jared’s not all bad.”

“If you say so.”