Page 35 of Wake Me Up Before You Cocoa

“Merci, beaucoup,” Marina quipped.

Their conversation went quiet for a few moments while they ate.

Wade’s head spun with so many conflicting emotions and thoughts, it was overtaking his ability to speak. Being with Marina was engaging, and often entertaining, and yet serene. He didn’t have to worry about what he said, or how she would take his jokes or teasing.

Just then, his phone rang, and Wade pulled it out of his front shirt pocket to look at the screen. “Lydia,” he said simply. “I’d better answer it.”

Marina waved a hand, having just taken a huge bite. “By all means answer it!”

“Hey, Lydia,” he said, turning slightly in his seat. The place was getting more crowded, and the volume of conversations grew in the small dining room.

“Where are you?” Lydia asked immediately. “What are you doing? I’ve been trying to call you.”

“Sorry about that. I was at a new job and silenced my phone. Having lunch in the French Quarter now.”

“The background is so loud I can barely hear you!” Lydia complained. “Did you sign the papers yet?”

“I just got them last night,” Wade said, pressing his lips together.

“Did you read them?”

“Yes, I did. Did you?”

She let out a small sound of outrage. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“I think you should know the details. I’ve already told you that I’m not happy about it.”

“Let’s talk about it on your couch while we snuggle,” she suggested, her voice going low and sensual.

Wade did not appreciate her attempts to use manipulation on him. He felt stupid for not seeing it sooner. Last night’s dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Gravois had really opened his eyes. “That wouldn’t work at all. It’s time to have a real discussion. This is serious business.”

He was suddenly aware that Marina was watching him. She quickly turned away, sipping at her drink while she stared through the window at the restaurant’s garden, and the growing line of people waiting to get in.

“You sound somad,” Lydia said with a grumpy tone.

Wade pressed the phone harder against his ear, pushing the last half of his sandwich away. “If you bothered to read it, you would know why.”

She gasped and Wade knew he’d insulted her. But she was a grown woman, for crying out loud. She should be able to have an adult conversation about serious topics.

“Don’t you love me? Won’t you do anything for me?”

Wade sat back in his chair. That was a particularly good question. He had principles, but he wouldn’t dojust anythingfor anyone—not even the woman he married.

“I can’t talk right now. Gotta get to the office. I’m late already.”

“I’ll meet you there,” she insisted. “Wehaveto talk.”

“Donotmeet me there,” Wade said firmly. “Don’t even suggest it. I have other employees, and this is not an emergency. Goodbye, Lydia.”

When he hung up, Marina was gone, although their beignets had just arrived.

Wade glanced about. Had he offended her? It was all he could do not to let out a curse word and slam the table. Ever since he’d put that big rock on her finger, Lydia had changed into a different person.

All at once, Marina appeared at his side and slid back into her chair. “Sorry, I ran to the restroom. Gave you some privacy.”

“Thanks,” he said weakly. “I apologize for that interruption.”

She shook her head, waving it off while she picked up a hot beignet loaded with powdered sugar and took a bite. A spray of powdery white sugar fell on her plate, her lap, and then exploded over her mouth.

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