Page 92 of Absinthe Minded

He whispered, “She’s doing field research for her book.”

Maggie shoved the pin into the lock, twisted it, and frowned. “The entire situation with the bar is ridiculous.”

“Right?” Dahlia huffed. As Leo’sfriend, I figured she’d heard her fair share of my brother’s bitching. “I don’t understand why Papa Joe insists that Leo run this place. He has his hands full with the restaurant.”

Dahlia was a looker—jet black hair, pale skin, and a body like a supermodel. What the hell was Leo waiting for? They seemed into each other from day one, and that was almost ten years ago.

“Do you guys always do what Papa Joe tells you to do?” Maggie glanced between me and Leo.

I pinched her leg under the table. This conversation didn’t need to happen in front of witnesses. Besides, I was more interested in going home and trying out the handcuffs.

“Almost always.” Jessie unclipped her hair and gave her head a quick shake. Growing up, she’d spent so much time at my folks that I thought of her more like a kid sister than a cousin.

Maggie perked up. “Jessie, you ran the place before. Have you thought about taking over for Gabe?”

“Women in this family only work until they have babies, if they work at all.”

“That’s ridiculous.” She glanced at me as if for confirmation.

“Pops is old school. So is Jessie’s father.”

“So… Maggie. If the whole writing thing doesn’t work out, you could become a dominatrix or maybe join the police academy?” Jessie winked, easing the tension at the table.

“Like hell.” I jabbed my index finger into Jessie’s ribs.

Maggie rolled her eyes. “He’s right. I would stink at both. This is research. My main character is shackled and has to escape. It’s much harder than I’d hoped.”

“Let’s practice at home…in bed.”

The woman stunned the hell out of me by looking from my face to my cock and back again.

I took her hand and pulled her to her feet. “Time to go.”

Dahlia sipped her wine. “Maggie, you have to get dressed for the gala with us. The guys can’t see us before the big reveal. It’s a tradition.”

Son of a bitch.I’d forgotten to tell her about the party.

“Mardi Gras Gala? Aren’t we working?” She glanced at me.

I’d screwed up. Big time.

“No way. We’re all expected to be at the gala. Gabe closes early that night.” Jessie gave me a dirty look. “You didn’t tell her?”

The gala was one of the largest social events of the year, hosted by none other than my father. “We’ve been busy.”

Dahlia gave me an equally dirty look and turned to Maggie. “Have you ordered your gown?”

“I’m not much of a gala person.” She tossed the unlocked cuffs on the table.

“Nonsense. I even scored a ticket for Shanna. You have to come. It won’t be the same without you.” Dahlia glanced between me and Maggie.

“I might be able to squeeze into one of Rebecca’s old dresses.” She chewed her lower lip.

“Oh no you won’t. I’m going to take you shopping. Face it, Maggie. People know you two are engaged, they will expect to see you on his arm looking good.” Dahlia turned to Leo. “I’d murder you in your sleep if you forgot to tell me about something like this.”

Maggie sighed. “It’s no big deal. I doubt we can get a sitter on Fat Tuesday anyway.”

I squeezed her hand, thankful she didn’t seem too upset. She’d saidwe. “Ready to get home?”

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