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Lucas’s belly rumbled loudly.He laughed as he gathered the bag.
Rene grinned.“I had them throw in extra French fries.”
“Thanks.”Lucas stood.“Hopefully, we’ll sort this out before the events take place.”
Felina emerged from the hallway leading to the back of the bar and Rene’s office.“Ready?”
Lucas held up the bag of dinners.“Ready.”
“I want to stop by one of the Colonial homes on the way back to the shop.”She grimaced.“Well, not exactly on the way.Still, I need to meet with this customer so that I can document the dimensions and contents of the arrangements she needs.I want to include her requests in the order I’ll make today.”
“We can do that,” Lucas said as they reached his truck.
Felina climbed in and pulled out her cell phone.“I’m texting the homeowner now.”
Lucas rounded the truck and slid into the driver’s seat.
Felina glanced up from her cell phone with a smile.“Mrs.Crabtree said it’s okay to come now.”
Minutes later, Lucas pulled up to a closed gate with a keypad.He pressed the talk button and waited.
“Felina Faivre to see Mrs.Crabtree,” Lucas announced.
No one responded, but the gate slid open, allowing Lucas to drive his big truck through.
Lucas studied the perfectly manicured landscaping and natural elements.The trees parted ahead, revealing a two-story colonial mansion with wraparound porches on both levels.Ancient oak trees lined the driveway up to the house.
“It hasn’t changed much since the last time I was here as a kid.”Felina sat forward, her eyes shining.“Perhaps it has a new coat of paint on the outside.I can’t wait to see the inside again.”
Lucas stopped in front of the house and shifted into park.He climbed down and hurried around to help Felina out.
She was so intently studying the house that she missed her footing on the running board and tumbled into Lucas’s arms.
He caught her and held her close until she had her feet firmly beneath her.Then he pressed a brief kiss to her lips and turned toward the mansion in time to see a woman step out onto the porch.
Mrs.Crabtree wore a cream-colored skirt suit and matching shoes.Her hair was swept up in a neat twist, and her face was expertly made up.She looked like she’d be more at home in New York City than in Bayou Mambaloa.
“I should’ve dressed a little more professionally,” Felina murmured under her breath, wrapping her arms over her chest as though she were cold.
Lucas smothered a smile.He hadn’t missed the fact she wasn’t wearing a bra.Anytime she was in air conditioning, her nipples puckered, forming twin points against the fabric of her T-shirt.
She lifted her chin, strode up the steps and held out her hand.“Mrs.Crabtree, thank you for contacting me about your floral needs for Colonial Day—and just in time.I was going to place the order today for the flowers I’ll need for the event.”
The woman briefly laid her hand in Felina’s and pulled it away.
Felina turned to Lucas.“I hope you don’t mind that I brought my boyfriend, Lucas LeBlanc.He’s helping me with the Colonial Day preparations and will work with my usual driver to deliver the arrangements.”
Mrs.Crabtree’s gaze briefly swept over Lucas.“I suppose it’s only natural to want him with you after last night's break-in.”
Felina nodded.“Yes, ma’am.”
“Does the sheriff have any idea who might have done it?”
“Not yet,” Felina said.“They dusted for prints.Hopefully, they’ll get a match.”
“Since you’re here today, I assume he didn’t hurt you,” the older woman said.
“No, he didn’t,” Felina said.“Thank you for your concern.”
