Page 47 of Lucas

“Then why did Gaither wait until now to bring this video to Bayou Mambaloa?”Felina asked.

Lucas nodded.“And why was he at the Crawdad Hole, and not the Crabtree mansion?”

Remy grimaced.“Right now, we have more questions than answers.I’d like that to change soon.”

“We all would,” Hank said.“In the meantime, stay safe.”

Lucas glanced at his watch.“It’s getting close to four.I promised to get you back to the shop before four-thirty.”

For the first time since she assumed ownership of the flower shop, she really had no desire to go there.She wanted to follow the threads and solve the mysteries of the two murders.She wouldn’t feel safe, and the people of the town she loved so much could be in danger until the ones responsible were caught.

However, in the midst of uncertainty, life moved on.

She had customers counting on her to provide flowers for special occasions to express love, appreciation, pride in accomplishments and condolences for loss.She needed to be there for her community.

Lucas held out his hand.“Ready?”

She nodded, slipped her hand in his and smiled.“Thank you for being here for me.”

“My pleasure.”He lifted her hand and brushed a soft kiss to the backs of her knuckles.“Really.I’m just glad I finally got your attention.I was running out of space in my room at the boarding house.”

Felina looked at him closely.“Did you keep all those bouquets for yourself?There wasn’t a girlfriend?”

He shook his head.“Only you.Every time I came in to order, you had an assistant help me at the counter.”

“Oh, that would’ve been Anna.I don’t use her often.She’s a student in New Orleans and only comes to town between quarters.She’s not full-time.But she can handle the front and take orders like a pro.”

Lucas led her out of the war room and down the long hallway to the exit.“I was beginning to think you were avoiding me.”

Felina’s lips twisted.“I was probably too busy in the back to know you were even there.”She squeezed his hand.“My loss and one of the reasons Marty mentioned for why our relationship was doomed.”

“The man was a fool to let you go.”

She shrugged.“I prefer to think of it as a timely parting.We weren’t meant to be together.He made the leap where I would’ve just continued as we were.It was easier to do nothing than something.”

“Then I’m glad he left you.He didn’t deserve you.You need someone who is loyal and loving no matter how hard you work.Someone who is there when you get home and loves you no matter what.”

Felina laughed.“You just described a golden retriever.Are you suggesting I get a dog rather than another man in my life?”

He grinned.“Why not both?There are men out there who appreciate a woman who’s driven and ambitious.”He leaned close, touching a finger beneath her chin, his mouth a breath away from hers.“Especially when she’s passionate.”

Felina forgot how to breathe.

Lucas was so close all she had to do was lean up a little, and their mouths would meet.Before she could make that move, he continued.

“Passionate about flowers.”Lucas raised his head, grinning.“After your customers collect their items, do you want to get something to eat at the diner?”

She forced a laugh past the air lodged in her lungs.“A fake date with real food?I’m in.”

Her breathing had barely returned to normal by the time they’d completed the short drive between the boat factory and her shop.

Lucas helped her down from the truck and walked with her to the front door.

After Felina unlocked the door, she flipped the sign to read OPEN and got to work, pushing the almost-kiss to the back of her mind.Why torture herself for not rising to make that connection when she had the chance?

Not long after she’d reopened the shop, the four orders were picked up.

Felina’s belly rumbled.She went in search of Lucas and found him in her apartment, sweeping up broken glass.Drawers had been tucked back into her dresser, and the hanging clothes were lined up neatly in the closet.He’d even made the bed.

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