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“So, you’re serious about her,” Mom concluded.

I cleared my throat. “I like her a lot.”

“Oh, I’m always so thrilled when one of you finds happiness. It’s all I want for my sons. Having a partner is one of the greatest joys in life. I’ll tell everyone you’re bringing her to brunch,” Mom said.

“Thanks. How did you know I was going to ask that?”

“Because I have a sixth sense. I know when my boys need something from me. Not that you do very often. You’re all very independent—maybe a bit too much so.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“You’re welcome. Now, I have to go because I want to explore this very unusual new shop that opened next to the gallery. I’ve been meaning to check it out for a while.”

“Sure. Have fun.” I laughed as I hung up. My family was definitely a strange bunch.

I felt good about bringing Grace. Sure, it could be overwhelming, but at least she’d already met some of the clan. I couldn’t wait for Saturday.

As the day passed, though, I realized I didn’t want to wait that long to see her. So, at five o’clock that afternoon, I texted her.

Zachary: Workday over?

Grace: No chance in hell. It’s going to be another dinner-at-the-office kind of week.

Zachary: I’ll take care of you.

I was about to instruct LeBlanc & Broussard to send her dinner when I got a better idea. I was going to deliver it to her myself. That way, I could also see her.

I’d never felt the impulse to be close to a woman. To seek her presence so often. But things were changing. I took everything with ease my whole life, and I never questioned why I did something. I simply followed my instinct.

Forty minutes later, I entered the lobby of Grace’s building with two portions of jambalaya. Since it was comfort food for both of us, why not share it? I walked straight to the reception desk. A tall brunette looked up at me.

“Delivery from LeBlanc & Broussard?” she asked.

I nodded. “Exactly.”

“I will have to ask for ID, just because you’re a different guy than last time.”

“Sure.”

I took out my wallet and showed her my ID.

She jerked her head back. “ZacharyLeBlanc. All right. Fourth floor, Unit B.”

“Thank you.”

The building was still teeming with people coming in and out. The atmosphere was much less casual than in the Quarter. There were plenty of offices there, too, but you wouldn’t know judging by how people dressed. But almost everyone I met in this lobby was wearing a suit or something similar and seemed very businesslike.

I went straight to Grace’s floor and was surprised by the complete silence. There was a light at the end of the corridor onthe right. I assumed that’s where her office was. I didn’t want to call out and give myself away.

Was she the last one working?

Then again, it would fit Grace to a T. She demanded more of herself than of the people surrounding her.

“I’m in my office,” she called loudly. “Just like last time.”

I walked there with quick steps, then stopped in the doorway.

“Just a... Oh, Zachary?” she asked, noticing me as I stepped in. “Did you tell me you were coming?”