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For a moment he didn’t respond, as if considering his answer. “It isn’t what I expected.”
“In what way?”
“I was skeptical. But it’s surprisingly good.”
“Success.” She took a drink of hers. “Oh my God. It’s wonderful.” The dark-roast-coffee-to-eggnog ratio was perfect, and the nutmeg dazzled her tongue. “I’m going to have to make this at home tomorrow. A splash of rum would jazz it up considerably.”
“You’re on winter break, I take it?”
“Not setting an alarm until next year is going to be heaven.”
He laughed.
They pulled up in front of the Quarter.
Watching the car drive away by itself was a marvel. “It can actually find parking?”
“Programmed to search on the street and in nearby lots.”
“What if everything is full?”
“It will drive around until something opens up. Unlike me, it doesn’t get impatient.” He reached past her to push the bell next to the door. Then he beckoned her over so they both were in the camera’s view.
Moments later, the lock released, and he stepped aside so she could precede him up the stairs.
The club blazed with lights, and Mistress Aviana herself met them in the reception area.
Abigail had never seen the owner outside of regular operating hours. And she still dazzled. Though she was in jeans, they appeared to have been painted onto her body, and they were tucked into black riding boots.
She wore a slim-fitting shirt that matched the color of her hair. This morning, it was a foot or two shorter than it had been when she descended the staircase. Despite the fact she couldn’t have slept more than three or four hours, she looked as if she were ready for a magazine camera shoot.
“Hayes.” Her eyes, accented with rhinestones, were wide, intrigued. “Imagine seeing you here.” She turned her cheek so he could kiss it.
“Milady.” He did her silent bidding. “Beautiful as ever.”
Evidently done with him, she glanced at Abigail.
She curtsied. “Milady.”
“Raven tells me your evening was a resounding success.”
Abigail hadn’t expected her friend to arrive for at least another half hour. “I think it’s because your events are always so well attended.”
“I’m glad you’re pleased.”
“Are you planning another extravaganza next year?”
“Something totally different. We’ve already hired a Hollywood director.”
“Of course you have.” Hayes’s voice was dry. “If you’ll excuse us.” He placed his fingers in the small of Abigail’s back.
“Hmm.” Aviana folded her arms and curved her long fingers around her biceps.
When they arrived at the booth, Raven had already dismantled it and was sliding the last section into its hard plastic container.
“I thought you were going to wait for me,” Abigail said by way of greeting.
“You only went home a few hours ago, and the van left you stranded. It’s the least I can do.” After finishing what she was doing, she stood and brushed her hands on the front of her jeans. “We’re going to need new lights. I got pissed at how tangled they became when I took them down, and I threw them away.”
