Page 69 of The One for Me
I love that he cares so much. I love that he is thinking of Austin and the kids on that team as though they were his. He was so damn adorable at practice when he started running around with them, showing them all his moves.
The car stops in front of an old building that has the most intricate carvings on the front. When we step out and the warm air hits us, I’m glad I wore this dress. Back in Pennsylvania, I was cold in it, but here, the night is almost balmy. People are out with just a light jacket instead of the full-blown snow gear we would be wearing had we been home.
“This place is beautiful,” I say, taking in the view. My heel catches on a crack in the road, but Sean holds me steady. There’s so much to take in at once that I feel breathless. The buildings are painted in vibrant colors with green plants hanging from the balconies. The neon lights make everything seem alive and warm.
There’s music all around, trumpets and horns as people dance and laugh on the sidewalks.
It’s nothing like home.
“It’s one of my favorite cities.”
I can see why.
“You know, I’ve always loved the idea of the South. People seem nicer, the pace of life is slower, and it’s always warm. I don’t know, it’s just that I could see myself enjoying this version of winter instead of the crap we deal with.”
Sean’s eyes dance with joy. “You like the milder weather?”
Oh, please. He isn’t fooling me with that. I’ve always loved summer. “You know I do.”
“Florida is warm.” His hand moves up to my neck, playing with the hair on the back. “It’s sunny, we have Mickey, and lots of other very attractive qualities.”
“Like bugs?”
He laughs. “I was thinking that it has me . . .”
Yes, he is a very attractive thing that would make me want to go, but there are reasons for why my leaving Sugarloaf isn’t going to happen.
“You also have alligators.”
He rolls his eyes. “I’ve yet to see one just roaming around the complex. We have a gated community.”
“You lie. Those damn things are everywhere.”
“I’ll protect you. No alligators come near me. I’m a repellent.”
I want to focus on this and not the deep conversation I know is coming so I laugh. “Good. At least I don’t have to worry about you being eaten.”
Sean opens the door, and immediately someone rushes forward, arms wide and his smile wider. “Sean!”
I step to the side as Sean and the man embrace. “François, it’s good to see you.”
“You as well, my friend.” His Parisian accent is thick.
“François, this beautiful woman—who is much too good for me—is Devney.”
I extend my hand to shake, but he brings it to his lips and kisses my knuckles. “It is so lovely to meet you.”
“You as well.”
“François and I met a few years back when he was . . .” Sean stops himself, but François steps in.
“Dating one of his teammates who was a horrible lover.”
I giggle. “I see.”
Sean shakes his head. “Anyway, when he opened this place, I came to support him. You’re about to find out why this is the best food in all of New Orleans.”
François clears his throat. “All of the world, my friend.”
