Page 46 of The Flirt

I tried to act like it was nothing, then decided to throw her off the scent. "How do you know it’s not someone I’m working with?"

"Process of elimination," she said as she started the machine. "You wouldn't be getting coffees for your brothers or any business partner. You usually just come here on your own. So if you're making the effort of getting your favorite coffee, it's a lady you like a lot." Maria was too savvy for her own good.

"True, but can you keep it a secret?" I admitted.

She rolled her eyes. "Who would I tell?"

I laughed. "The rest of my brothers."

She waved her hand. "I would never do that. That would only encourage them."

As I paid, I replayed her words. "What do you mean?"

"Well, after your visit at the bar with your new chef, they already have plenty of ideas."

I threw my head back, laughing. "Did they spread the news to everyone we know?"

"No, I actually found out from your mother. She stopped by this morning, too, and we got to talking."

I thought the French Quarter was a small world of its own. Then again, my mom owned a gallery on Chartres, and Celine and Isabeau ran their shop with custom-made perfumes on Decatur. They spent most of their time there—they only closed it if they went on vacation and when they filled in at the restaurant as chefs. And my brothers were spread around the Quarter, too, so the LeBlanc family certainly had enough representation.

"Fine. Can you keep this a secret from everyone?" I emphasized.

"You can count on me."

"Thanks, Maria."

With a wave, I headed back out and hurried up to the rooftop. I had to be careful so the coffee wouldn't slosh out of the cups as I went up the stairs. I didn’t put any lids on them because I disliked them. In my opinion, it hindered the experience.

Still, I got up to the roof with a few minutes to spare. I looked around, thinking how we really could do more with this space. I had no idea why we didn't use it. The view was great. You could even see the three turrets of St. Louis Cathedral from here.

"I'm here, I'm here," Scarlett said in a rush.

When she appeared, she was wheezing. She stopped in the doorway, leaning forward and resting her hands on her knees.

"Scarlett, you didn't have to run," I said, but when she straightened up, I changed my mind.

She was red in the face and looked absolutely fucking delicious. Then she saw the cups I was holding and licked her lips. My dick twitched again.

"I smell coffee."

I handed her a paper cup. "This is my favorite coffee in the Quarter. Tell me your opinion."

She sniffed it first. "It smells exquisite."

"I know."

Then she took a sip and closed her eyes. "And I am in heaven."

I’d bring her coffee every day if it earned me that smile.

"Thanks, Chad. How did this even happen?”

"You said you love to have a coffee break in the afternoon but don’t have time. Hint: I know the owner. I can make that happen."

She whispered, "It's crazy in the kitchen right now."

“But lunch rush is over.”

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