Page 91 of The Grump

“I’m not even sure. I like planning ahead and thinking about the future, but...”

“This seems fast,” I finished for her.

She nodded, her smile dropping a bit.

“It is fast, but you know what? It feels damn right.” I wrapped an arm around her waist. Clearly just touching her fingers wasn’t enough.

“I know. I usually go with the flow,” she whispered, “but not you, Mr. LeBlanc.”

“Not me. You’ve got that right,” I admitted. “But this is different.” I felt it in my bones. I’d never felt as close to anyone as I did with Bailey.

I kissed the corner of her mouth, and she sighed. “You’re going to make me swoon in the street, aren’t you?”

I was about to answer when her stomach rumbled.

I laughed. “First I’m going to feed you.”

“Mm. What are we having? I was starting to get a bit hungry at the house, but I was ashamed to say anything.”

“They always have excellent food. Next time, just look in the fridge.”

She blinked rapidly at the words “next time.”

“Scarlet cooks in her free time?”

“Not as much, but Chad does, and he’s skilled in the kitchen.”

I looked at her intently. She still seemed to be processing the “next time” thing. I was confident about it. I wanted Bailey to be part of my life more than I wanted anything else.

“Where exactly are we going?” she asked.

“How do you feel about po’ boys?”

Her eyes widened. “Helloooo? I love them.”

I chuckled. “Had to ask. After all, you said you’re not a beignet girl.”

“I know, but still. I was born and bred in NOLA. I do like most of our treats. I just think beignets are overrated.”

“Don’t let Bella hear you say that. She won’t be a fan of you any longer.”

“My lips are sealed.” She mimed the action, laughing. “So, where is it exactly?”

“Just around the corner. I often grab one if I’m in the area. It’s my favorite po’ boy.”

“Must be a fancy place.”

I wondered why she’d say that. “It’s actually not. It’s just a take-out spot.”

“You’re joking.”

I frowned. “No. Why?”

“I thought you always had fancy meals in one form or another.”

As we turned to the left, I pointed in front of us. “Here it is.”

Her eyes lit up. “A mom-and-pop shop. I love those!”

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