The Pepper in the Gumbo (Men of Cane River #1)(66)

“Her parents’ wedding rings were on the necklace.”

“They divorced?”

“They died in an accident when she was little.”

Andy dropped his head into his hands. He let out a low sound.

“If I can help, I want to. It won’t change anything between her and me. I’m not doing this so she’ll…” Paul didn’t know how to finish sentence. Love him? Stop fighting him? Give him a chance?

Andy grabbed his laptop and logged in. “Let’s get it started.”

He grinned. “You’re sure?”

“Hey, just remember who came up with the idea when it all goes bad.” Andy shook his head. “I have to give you points for originality, though. Most guys just bring flowers.”

“Funny,” Paul said. He rummaged for a pen and started preparing to do what they did best, causing a firestorm in the gaming world. This time, it wasn’t just for profit. It was to bring back something that was lost, something precious. He didn’t want to think too closely about why he was going to this much trouble for a woman he’d just met, but he knew with everything in him that it was the right move to make.

***

Alice looked up at the sound of the brass bell and blinked at the sight of Alphonse DeCote. He wasn’t wearing a cowboy hat today but his jean shirt was nicely pressed. He wore a wide smile and greeted her with a hug. Alice wasn’t a touchy person but she leaned into him, not able to keep the smile from her face.

“Hey, there. I’m surprised to see you,” she said.

“How’s that? I made you a promise.” Al gave her a wink. “I came down to see my brother, T-Bear. I thought maybe we could go to lunch, if y’all aren’t too busy here.” He looked around at the empty store.

“I’d love to, but I’m the only one here right now.” Alice smoothed back her hair. She did like the idea of a lunch with someone completely unconnected to the drama of the past week. It didn’t seem like there was a person in the whole city who hadn’t heard about the new store or the handsome tech billionaire. “But I’ve got someone coming in about ten minutes.”

“Well, I s’pose I could sit a spell until you’re ready.” He smiled and Alice noted two perfect dimples. He really was the most handsome Creole man she’d met in a long time. Paul was handsome, but in a boy-next-door way. Or maybe he was more like the nontraditionally handsome guys, like Tom Hanks, that sneak up on a woman. Alice pushed back the thought and tried to focus on Al.

The door opened and she looked up, thinking Bix was in a few minutes early. She caught her breath at the sight of Paul.

Paul walked forward, taking in the two of them standing there. He held out a hand to Al. “You played at the zydeco festival, right?”

“I sure did,” Al said, grinning. “Name’s Al DeCote. And I managed a little dancin’ before our set, too. I live in Lafayette but I got myself back here to see if my pretty partner would allow me to take her for hushpuppies or somethin’.” He gave Alice a wink.

Paul looked as if he didn’t know what to say. “Oh, well, sorry to get in the way, but I wanted to remind Alice about the cable crew coming today.”

“Do you know what time? I was hoping…” She glanced at Al, then Paul. Awkward.

“I’d be glad to supervise, if you trust me with it,” Paul said.

“Of course I do.” She tried to keep her voice light. “As long as they don’t wire up my apartment with some big screen and a lot of gadgets.”

Darcy jumped down from the top of the nearest range and Al clapped a hand to his heart. “Why’s there a big black cat in here?”

“Oh, sorry, he’s harmless, really. He’s just curious.” Alice stepped forward, trying to shoo Darcy away but he gave her an icy stare and walked between them.

“He crossed my path,” Al said in a strangled tone.

“Depends on which way you’re going.” Paul pointed toward the door. “If you go now, I don’t think your paths would technically be crossing. No telling what would happen if you stayed.”

Alice shot Paul a look. If she didn’t know better, she’d say he was jealous. “About those cable guys, I’m okay with you handling that.”

He nodded, not smiling. “Well, have a good time. Nice seeing you again, Al.” He turned and left without another word.

Alice tried to shake off the feeling that she was caught doing something wrong. Sure, they’d shared a very unplanned kiss, but they both knew there couldn’t be anything real between them. It was impossible, considering he wasn’t even going to be around very long. Of course, Al lived in LaFayette, which wasn’t exactly next door, either.

“That a friend of yours?” Al jerked his head toward Paul.

“I rent out the apartment upstairs to him. Just let me sort a few papers before Bix gets here,” she said. “You’re welcome to pick out a book and have a seat.”

“Oh, I’m not much of a reader.” Al shrugged. “I think I read half of some book called Grapes of Wrath in high school. Made me depressed. I prefer music.”

Alice forced a smile. “I’ll be right back.” She angled behind her desk and pulled a few papers out from under Van Winkle’s furry body. She pretended to study them until Al wandered toward the chair.