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  “Only the truth.”

  I want to say more, but I clench my lips together, determined to not give too much away in my drunken stupor. Thankfully, Joe returns with our entrees, and Eli and I both dig in, enjoying the sounds of the diners around us, the night birds, and crickets. My cheeks feel warm from the alcohol, but the fuzzy haze is clearing from my head a bit with the food. Eli finally places the rest of the lemon drop he confiscated in front of me to finish with a grin.

  “I’ve learned something about you tonight, cher.”

  “Yeah? What’s that?”

  “You have a three drink limit,” he replies with a laugh. “And, from now on, I’m asking for the oldest, ugliest waiter on staff.”

  “I probably wouldn’t have dumped you for Joe,” I inform him with a grin. “Although, the man is pretty hot. And has strong hands. And brings me drinks.”

  “Are those your requirements?” Eli asks.

  “Some of them.”

  “What are the rest?”

  “What are your requirements?” I ask, rather than answer him.

  “As of about a week ago, I only have one requirement. That she be you.”

  I blink at him, unsure that those words actually came out of his mouth.

  “You’re charming.”

  He shrugs one shoulder, watching me closely. “Call it what you want.”

  Eli settles the check and then holds his hand out for mine, pulling me to my feet. He leans in and kisses the corner of my mouth sweetly, then whispers in my ear, “You’re all I want, Kate.”

  My nipples tighten, and the expensive lacy panties I’m wearing under my black maxi skirt are soaked as he leads me back to the sidewalk and toward our homes. I slip my hand in his and link our fingers, loving the way his big hand feels in mine. I lean back just a bit and take a quick look at his tight butt in his khaki slacks. He’s wearing a white button-down with the sleeves rolls up on his forearms, showing off the sinewy muscles that flex and move under his skin.

  “You okay?”

  “Yep, I was just checking out your butt.”

  He shakes his head and laughs. “And?”

  “It’s there.”

  “Is that all?”

  “And it’s impressive.”

  He moves my hand to his other hand and cups my ass in the palm of his hand, gives it a pat, then takes my hand back in his. “Likewise, dawlin’.”

  “My loft feels really far away right now.”

  “It’s right there,” he says, and points to the building just a half of a block away.

  “Really far.”

  But, before I know it, we’re climbing the stairs to my door, and when we reach the top, Eli spins me, pins me to the door, and kisses me like a man starving. I grip his hair in my hands, loving the way the soft strands feel between my fingers, and press my belly against his pelvis. He’s hard and thick, and I need to get him naked.

  He pushes his hand under the hem of my top and glides his magical hand up to cup my breast over the lace of my bra.

  “God, I fucking love your lingerie choices,” he mutters, and drags his lips down my jawline to my neck, nibbling as he goes, sending shivers all over my body.

  “I have a thing for pretty underwear.”

  “Thank Christ.” His other hand cups my ass and he boosts me up high on his thigh. I shamelessly rub myself on his thigh, needing to get closer. God, he’s just hard, everywhere.

  “Come inside,” I murmur and kiss his cheek when he rests his temple on my forehead, then turns his face and kisses me lightly on the lips. His thumb brushes my nipple again, making me gasp and press harder on his thigh, but he pulls away, breathing hard, and swallows thickly.

  “I can’t.”

  “What?” My eyes snap up to his. He’s panting, and just as turned on as I am.

  “Kate—”

  “No, it’s okay.” I look down, disappointment singing through my veins, but he tilts my head up and kisses me sweetly.

  “I’m not turning you down, and trust me when I say, I’m going to have you in every way there is to have you, but you’ve had too much to drink, and I’m not convinced that you trust me all the way yet. We’re getting there, cher.”

  “I trust you. I trust you to give me a few of the best orgasms of my life.”

  “Killing me,” he whispers, before planting his lips on my forehead and taking a deep breath.

  “It’s this door.” I pull the hem of my shirt down and try to gain my balance. “I think you have an aversion to this door. Should I buy a new one? Is it the color you don’t like?”

  He laughs and cages me between his hands. “I don’t want to fuck this up before we really get started, Kate.”

  “And then you say things like that that make me swoon and my panties all wet.”

  “Are your panties wet, Kate?”

  “My panties have been wet for a week, Eli.”

  “Good.” He kisses me softly, ending it on a growl. “Please tell me you can get yourself to bed.”

  “I can’t get myself to bed.” I grin and bat my eyelashes. “You might have to help me.”

  “Why do I think you’re not as impaired as I originally thought?”

  “I’m fine.” I clear my throat and rest my hand on his rock-hard chest. “I’ll get myself to bed.”

  He nods and steps away. “I’ll see you Friday.”

  “Friday.”

  Chapter Eight

  It’s early and I’m dragging, getting ready for work, when there’s a loud knock on my door. I check the clock and frown, wondering who in the world would be here at six in the morning.

  Did Eli come home early?

  My heart starts to beat frantically as I dash to the door.

  “Oh, Declan.”

  He flashes a smile, and then laughs. “Gee, don’t look so excited to see me, superstar.”

  “Of course I’m happy to see you.” I step back and invite him in. “But why am I seeing you at this time of day? You’re typically going to bed right about now.”

  “Yeah, well, I haven’t been to bed yet.” He smiles again, making me roll my eyes.

  “You’re a man-whore.”

  “The ladies like a man who knows his way around a musical instrument.” He shrugs as though it’s no big deal and yawns widely. “I’ve come to take you to breakfast.”

  “I have to be at work in two hours,” I remind him.

  “Plenty of time for breakfast,” he insists.

  “Let me finish my hair.” I wave for him to follow me to the bathroom, where he leans his broad shoulder against the doorjamb and watches me with humor-filled hazel eyes.

  Eyes just like his older brother’s. I haven’t heard one word from Eli in four days. No flirty texts or phone calls. I know he’s away for work, and he’s probably busy, but I can’t help but be a little disappointed.

  I miss the sexy charmer.

  “Did you have a gig last night?” I ask and pull my flat iron through my hair.

  “Yeah, at a new place. The owner is trying to get me to commit full time, but I like bouncing around.”

  “Bouncing being the operative word,” I reply, and smile brightly at him in the mirror.

  “There wasn’t a lot of bouncing happening last night, actually.”

  “I don’t want to know.” I put the finishing touches on my hair, smooth gloss over my lips, and turn to Declan. “I’m ready.”

  “Good, I’m starving.” He takes my hand in his and leads me out of the loft and down the street.

  “So, who was the lucky lady this time?” I ask, as we stroll hand in hand into the heart of the Quarter.

  “Clarice,” he replies, and a slow grin spreads over his lips. “She’s a dancer.”

  “Oh, God. Clarice? Seriously?” I giggle and lean my forehead on his strong bicep, then glance up into his handsome, frowning face. “Does she hear the lambs screaming?”

  “Stop it right now. You know that movie scared the hell out of me.”

  I laugh loudly a
nd shake my head. This is too good to pass up.

  “Did you drink chianti?”

  “Kate—”

  “You’re right. I’m sorry.” I try to school my features, but it’s no use. I dissolve into laughter again.

  “I’m never going to be able to see her again after this,” he complains. “Do you know how flexible dancers are?”

  “Does she also have a moth collection?”

  He glares at me as he holds the door to the restaurant open for me, making me laugh all the louder. We’re seated quickly, not many people are out at this time of day, and I chuckle all the way to the table.

  “Damn it. She was fun.”

  “Oh, come on. You had to know it was doomed from the beginning with a name like Clarice. You had nightmares about that movie for months. The only thing that would have made it worse is if you swung for the other team and went for someone named Hannibal.”

  “You got mean,” he replies, glaring at me over his menu.

  “You know I love you,” I reply, and blow him a kiss. “I forgot how much fun it is to rile you up.”

  The waitress arrives and takes our order. When she leaves, I lean back in my chair and study my friend. “You look tired.”

  “I am tired.”

  “So, why are we out to breakfast?”

  “Because I miss you.”

  I narrow my eyes and feel my heart catch. I love this man with my whole heart. He and Savannah are like siblings to me. But I can also tell when he’s not telling me the whole truth.

  “You just saw me on Tuesday when you and Van took me out for drinks after work.”

  He shrugs a shoulder and sips his coffee. “Eli’s due home tomorrow.”

  Ah, there it is.

  “Yes, that’s what I heard.” I sip my orange juice and study the little placard on the table, announcing the daily lunch specials.

  “Okay, I’m not Van.” He leans forward, getting right to the point, which is his usual M.O. “You’re a grown woman, and my brother is a good man, so if y’all want to bounce on each other, who am I to say you shouldn’t?”

  I roll my eyes at the bounce word, but he keeps going.

  “But I want you to be careful, and if he hurts you, I’ll kill him. Brother or not.”

  “That’s so sweet,” I reply sarcastically, and fake a tear rolling down my cheek.

  “I’m fucking serious, Kate.”

  “I love you, too,” I reply, serious now. “Eli and me, well, it’s been confusing and exhilarating at the same time. But I haven’t even spoken to him since Sunday night.”

  I shrug, but I can’t help the stab of pain in my chest. I miss his voice.

  “He’s working. He rarely calls home when he’s working.”

  I nod and sip my juice, just as Dec’s phone rings.

  “Hello, Clarice,” I whisper in a creepy voice. Dec flips me off as he answers his phone.

  “Hello, big brother.”

  I still as my eyes whip up to find his. He simply nods.

  It’s Eli.

  “Yes, I spoke with her. Beau is taking care of it today.” He pauses. “I’m having breakfast right now with Kate.”

  I raise a brow and inwardly cringe as Eli’s words from the other night fill my head. It seems I’m jealous of my own fucking brother when it comes to you.

  “I’ll tell her. Safe travels.” He clicks off and sends me an apologetic smile. “He’s heading into a meeting.”

  The waitress arrives with our food and I simply nod.

  “If it helps, he didn’t sound pleased that I’m here with you.”

  I laugh and wave him off. “I’m sure he doesn’t care.”

  “Oh, I’m sure he does. He’s been glaring at me since you came to town. I’m just too easygoing to call him out on it.”

  “I don’t want to cause any issues in your family, Dec.”

  “Now, that’s funny.” He laughs and covers my hand with his. “Trust me, you haven’t caused any issues. You’re helping us fix some issues, and well, Eli just has issues. Mostly asshole issues.” He smiles fondly, then looks at me and sobers. “I mean that in the best brotherly way possible. He’s not really an asshole.”

  “I know.” I chuckle and decide that we’ve talked about this long enough. “So, tell me more about the lovely and flexible Clarice.”

  “Damn it. I liked her.”

  ***

  I am sick of my own company. I check my phone for the hundredth time since I got home from work three hours ago and blow out a disgusted breath.

  Nothing from Eli.

  What in the world is wrong with me? I’m not this needy woman. So what if I haven’t heard from him in three days? He gets home tomorrow.

  It’s not like we’re sleeping together. We’ve only been out together a few times and shared some kisses.

  Some amazing, mind-blowing, ruin me for all other kisses kisses, but just kisses all the same.

  But I’ve missed seeing him on his balcony in the evenings.

  Maybe he hasn’t missed me.

  I glare at my phone, then bring Eli’s number up in my text box and send him a quick message: How is your trip going?

  I bite my lip and hit send. It’s a friendly message, but doesn’t sound too needy.

  Good Lord, I’m such a girl.

  I flop onto the couch and turn the TV on, flipping through the channels and stopping on a show that I’ve heard good things about, but have never watched before, and try to get lost in the handsome actors and suspenseful story line.

  Two hours later, after no response from Eli, and staring at the TV without following any of the shows that have played, I snap it off and scrub my hands over my face.

  I want something sweet. That’ll make me feel better. Now, ice cream or beignets? Café du Monde is open 24/7, thank goodness, because when I glance at the clock, I realize it’s almost midnight.

  Eli warned me not to wander around at night by myself, but the café is only a few blocks away. It’ll take me less than five minutes each way to walk it. I can almost taste them now, and my mouth waters at the thought of the sugary goodness.

  I’ll stock my freezer with ice cream later for future emergencies such as this.

  With a decisive nod, I slip my feet into my sneakers, grab my keys and some cash, and dash out the front door, walking briskly. There aren’t many people out at this time of night. Some homeless people with their dogs curl up in doorways, sleeping. Someone is playing a saxophone on a balcony nearby, filling the night air with beautiful notes, making me think of Declan.

  When I come upon Jackson Square, I decide to walk around the park rather than walk through it. That would just be asking for trouble.

  Before long, I’m at the café and standing at the take out counter where I order a bag of the doughnuts and wait for just a few minutes while my order is filled. I glance around at the mostly empty café. There are a few people out, but it’s mostly deserted, making me regret the walk out by myself.

  I just have an uneasy feeling.

  I check my phone, frowning when there still isn’t a response from Eli. I understand that he’s working, but he could have at least returned the message. Now, it’s after one in the morning in New York, and he’s most likely asleep.

  Or with someone.

  I shake my head in disgust, pay for my pastries, and set off back to my place. My stomach is in knots; this time, it’s not because I miss Eli, but because it’s actually kind of spooky in the Quarter at night.

  “Really shouldn’t have done this, Mary Katherine,” I murmur to myself, as I clutch my warm bag of beignets to my chest and walk quickly, head up, constantly watching my surroundings. I pass Jackson Square and turn the corner near my loft when I see a taxi pass me and slow down, and then I’m suddenly jerked from behind.

  “Scream and I’ll kill you,” a mean, hoarse voice snarls in my ear, as I feel something sharp pressed to my ribs. “Give me your money.”

  “I don’t—” I begin, but lean forward, stomp on h
is foot, and smash the back of my head into the man’s face, making him wail.

  “Kate!”

  I turn and jab my elbow into the man’s stomach, but suddenly, I’m pulled away and Eli is there, landing a hard blow to the man’s nose, knocking him cold.

  “I almost had him,” I say, panting and beginning to shiver as Eli dials 911 and reports the attempted mugging.

  “What in the hell are you doing out here?” Eli spins, plants his hands on my shoulders and glares down at me.

  Chapter Nine

  Eli

  “What were you doing?” I ask again when she only stares at me, her green eyes dilated in shock as she begins to shake. I pull her against me, wrap my arms around her shoulders and hold on tight, as sirens can be heard in the distance.

  “Sir, the cab fare?” The cabbie approaches us, and I swear under my breath, wrap one arm around Kate and fish my wallet out of my pocket. I pay the cabbie and keep an eye on the man beginning to moan on the sidewalk.

  “The luggage?”

  “Leave it on the fucking sidewalk.”

  I want to fucking kill him.

  “I’m sorry,” Kate whispers in my arms. She’s clinging to me now, her eyes pinned on the asshole waking up and dabbing at his nose.

  “If you fucking move, I’ll knock you back out.”

  “I just—”

  “Shut the fuck up!” I reply, my voice hard and cold. Kate flinches, burying her face in my chest, then takes a deep breath and pulls away, meeting my eyes with hers.

  “I’m okay.”

  “Kate—”

  “I’m okay,” she repeats stubbornly and glares at her mugger for roughly ten seconds until the police show up. For the next thirty minutes, Kate and I are questioned by the police, and the mugger is cuffed and taken away. We are finally given the okay to go home.

  “I’m sorry about this,” Kate says, as we reach my luggage on the sidewalk in front of my house. “Do you need help in with your bags?”

  “No,” I reply shortly. I’m so fucking pissed. Adrenaline is still coursing through me. I wanted to keep punching that fucker for just thinking of putting his hands on her.

  “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “You’re not going home,” I reply, and take her hand in mine and lead her into my house.