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"This is fine. Have a great day."
I practically jumped out of the car, grinning as I walked into the square with quick steps. We'd only met here once, but I knew exactly what he meant by “our beignet bench.” That evening was branded into my memory.
When I got there, I saw Chad had already arrived. He was sitting down with a small box next to him but rose to his feet when he saw me.
"Good morning. I see everything worked out flawlessly." He grinned.
I chuckled, playing with a strand of hair between my fingers. "Except for the fact that I didn't get to dry my hair, and your brother saw me in my robe with shampoo still in my hair."
I decided not to tell him about Simon’s call right now, as I didn’t want to ruin this moment. But I would eventually. I didn’t want any secrets between us.
Chad growled. "He didn’t tell me that. Were you naked?"
I couldn't believe he was actually asking this.
"No! And your brother probably didn't tell you because he's a gentleman."
He barked out a laugh. "No, he's not."
I pointed at the small box bearing the Broussard & LeBlanc Bakery logo. "Is that for me?"
"Yes," he said, "but later."
"What do you mean, later?" I asked as we sat down.
"First, we need to talk."
"Oh my God. Yes, we do. Thank you so much for that painting. How did you get it?"
"My mom pulled some strings."
I giggled. "I can't believe you asked your mom to do that."
"Why not? It's her area of expertise. I talked to her last week, and she surprised me this morning."
"It's gorgeous. And my favorite spot in the city."
"I know."
He held his hand out palm up, and I knew what it meant. I put my hand in his, and he closed his fingers tightly around it.
"Scarlett, last night didn't go the way I planned. I never for one second want you to think that I don't want you here, okay? Because I do. It's all I fucking want."
I opened my mouth, but he shook his head. "Just hear me out."
"Okay." I pressed my lips together.
"Bella and I both love you. We'll always love you, and whatever you choose to do, we can make this work. You taking that job doesn't mean we’re not together.”
“But that's not what I want,” I cut in, making him frown. “I'm sorry, but I can't help myself anymore." I started to move closer to him on the bench, then stopped, picked up the package with my free hand, and put it on my other side so I wouldn't squish it in my desperation for this man. Sliding up against him, I said, "I've already got everything I want. You and Bella and New Orleans. I love working at the restaurant. I've never had aspirations to be some globetrotting chef. All I ever wanted was to have my cozy spot where people treat me right, and I've got so much more here. It's everything I need to be happy."
"Fuck, woman." He cupped my face. "I want to devour you right here."
"We’re in public," I murmured.
Taking a deep breath, he pressed his forehead to mine. "I just want to stay like this with you, just for a moment."
"Okay," I whispered, and I could’ve sworn it was the most romantic moment of my life. I was here in Jackson Square with this man all wrapped up around me.
