Page 32 of Easy Reunion
Chapter 14
Kelsey
The city of New Orleans is described as pure temptation. For me, it’s amplified by the combination of seductive magnolia and the sweet lilies that embraces the city. As the warmth of the day passes, their scent is more fragrant. The barrier that separates sinners from saints seems to disappear in the fiery heat, making everything more enticing. It’s as if everything is permissible if it’s wrapped in a seductive scent.
I decide to keep the top down on my sports car for the short ride to Commander’s Palace. The ends of my scarf are flapping in the wind as I follow the GPS. Turning left on Lasalle, I keep an eye out for the quick right I need to make onto Washington Avenue.
Spying the distinctive turquoise and white striped awning, I decide to forgo searching for a parking spot and pull up to the valet. Unwrapping my hair, I drop my scarf into the center console before I raise the roof on my BMW. As soon as the roof is secured, I nod to the patiently waiting valet who opens my door. Grabbing my clutch, I slide out. “I’m meeting someone for dinner.”
“Of course.” He hands me a ticket, and I give him a smile and a folded bill. He nods in appreciation before sliding behind the wheel of my car.
Taking a deep breath, I walk inside and up to the maître d’. “Good evening. Welcome to Commander’s Palace. Do you have a reservation?”
“I’m meeting someone for dinner,” I repeat again, quietly.
“Do you know if your party is here yet?” I shake my head just as a hand slips under my elbow.
“Hello, Elliot. I called for a reservation yesterday. I believe there should be a table for two in the Garden Room.” Ry’s voice comes from behind me, and I turn. My heart stutters in my chest when I see how gorgeous he looks in a gray suit with a black shirt that highlights his extraordinary blue eyes even more. I’m completely flustered when his gaze rakes over me before murmuring, “You look beautiful, Kelsey.”
“Thank you,” I say automatically even if I believe it about as much as I believe I’m about to win the Louisiana State Lottery. I’m trying to formulate a coherent sentence, but his next words stop me cold. As menus are being gathered so we can be taken to our table, he whispers against my ear, “That dress you’re wearing was designed to drive every man in this place wild.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I sputter in shock.
He shakes his head slowly in response, dragging his nose against the tendrils of hair that I left down. “It’s elegant with the perfect amount of allure.”
I look down to make sure we’re talking about the same dress. I put on a gray silk fitted halter that has a keyhole neckline with a ribbon tie in the back that flows almost to my waist. The pleated skirt falls to my lower calf. Pairing it with a pair of strappy black sandals and a large onyx ring, I figured the look was fresh enough for summer and classy enough for a place like Commander’s Palace.
Before I can formulate a reply, a host has quietly approached us. “Mr. Perrault, your table is ready. If you’ll follow me.”
“After you, Kelsey.” Ry slips his hand firmly against my lower back, guiding me forward. We begin to weave our way toward a side room when I come up short.
“Oh my,” I breathe. “Look at that oak tree.”
“It’s stunning, isn’t it?” Ry murmurs.
I nod. “It’s like sitting on the edge of the highest branch, perched for flight. It’s the feeling of excitement without the fear of wanting to try,” I whisper.
His fingers drag across the silk of my dress as he pulls me tighter against his side. “I’ve been here a million times, and I’ll never see this view again without thinking of you,” Brushing a kiss against the side of my head, he guides me to our table.
Right next to the window.
“How did you manage this at the last minute?” I ask once our waters are poured.
A flash of humor passes across Ry’s face. “Well, I suspect the phone call I made home yesterday helped.”
“What do you mean?”
“My parents are longtime friends with the owners.” Lifting his water to his lips, he waits for my reaction.
I frown. “They didn’t have to cancel someone else’s reservation for us, did they? I’d feel very uncomfortable about that—as lovely as this is,” I tack on hastily.
Putting his glass back down, he reaches across the table for my hand. “One of the things I’ve always liked about you, Kels, is you never cared about the fact I was a Perrault.”
Sliding mine back from under his, I gaze out at the oak tree that’s withstood so much damage and remained standing. Nothing and no one has managed to drag it down. “Why would I care about something like that when I cared much more about finding someone who would even be my friend.” As I reach for my water, my hand is stopped.
“I was your friend,” he rasps. But before I can counter, a waiter appears to ask for our drink order.
Since I drove, and I hope Ry and I plan on talking, I’ll allow myself one drink I can nurse for most of the night. I tip my head toward the waiter and request, “A French 75, please.”
