Page 76

“Is he okay?” My heart suddenly jumped into my throat.How did I already get so attached to him?

“Yes, but it turns out that he was obedient and quiet those first days because he was a bit shocked by the newness of it all. Then he started to show us how stubborn he can be.”

“I see.”

“But it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. So, listen, we wanted to ask if you were still interested in the ranch.”

“What? Yes, of course.” How could they doubt that? “I loved everything I saw.”

“Right. Because we spoke to Zachary, and he requested to see some numbers.” I felt uncomfortable knowing what they’d discussed with him, almost like it was too much information. “We’ll send everything to you as well, and then it would help if you could make an offer when you can. There’s no rush, of course. We’re now dealing with Starlight and so on, but...”

“Yes, yes, of course. I won’t leave you hanging, I promise.”

“Perfect. Then I hope I can get you the numbers this week.”

“There’s no rush on that either, okay? Whenever you have time.”

“I have to put them together first.”

That didn’t sound good. They hadn’t already calculated everything? That could take a while, then, especially if they hadto get builders quotes and so on. But I was in no rush. “Sure. Just keep me posted.”

“Will do.”

After hanging up, I debated if I should discuss this with Zachary, but it felt weird. And considering that Gaston didn’t even have the numbers yet, this was going to take a while.

I returned to my to-do list. We were planning on partnering up with several physical businesses. We were doing great selling our products online, but I was a New Orleans girl at heart and wanted to see our products in stores, too, especially in the French Quarter. That was our gateway to the rest of the US because it was the biggest touristic spot in the city. I couldn’t wait to visit Isabeau and Celine’s store. I had a great feeling about that.

Half an hour later, my dinner arrived. I tipped the delivery boy very well and went to my desk. The gumbo smelled amazing; even without opening the lid, the aroma made my mouth water. They’d packed a plastic spoon and fork as well. I sent Zachary a picture and then dug in. He called me right away.

“Thanks so much. This is truly delicious.”

“Good. I figured you’d like it. And I also figured this might be a good time to chat. How’s your week been so far?”

“As busy as I thought. At least tonight, I’m getting this amazing dinner. Yesterday, I just had peanuts.”

“For fuck’s sake, Grace!” he growled.

“What? I sometimes forget to eat dinner. Then I get home and I’m starving, so I order some delivery. Seems like it’s going to be that kind of week.”

“I’ll take care of you,” he said easily, and I melted in my chair. “I’ll send you dinner every evening.”

“Zachary, you don’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I do. It’ll be my pleasure.”

I smiled as I ate another spoonful of gumbo. After swallowing, I asked, “Is this going to turn into a flirty phone call?”

“That’s a definite possibility,” he said in a very serious tone, as if we were talking about a business deal. “Just putting it out there, but I have nothing against that. I think late nights at the office are perfect for that.”

“You’re still at the office too?”

“Yeah, eating a steak. It’s quite handy to work above LeBlanc-Broussard.”

“I’d say.” I laughed. “By the way, I’d love to drop by your grandmothers’ store this week. Do they need a heads-up or something? Should I schedule?”

“No, they don’t believe in schedules. The only risk you have is that the store will be too crowded and you might have to wait a bit, so maybe go at nine when they open or in the afternoon. There’s always a lull in the Quarter at those times.”

“Great, I’ll do that.”