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I paused, expecting him to grab me like the hounds had. But he wasn't a hound. Ace was a southern gentleman, and he had a little more class than that.

Ace bowed, hand to his heart. “Forgive my urgency. You're right. Romance should be savored. But when faced with a rare gem like you, it's difficult to restrain oneself. Please.” He offered me his arm again. “I was so proud to have you on my arm. Don't take that away from me just yet.”

I burst out laughing and shaking my head. “You certainly have a way with words.” I took his arm. “It's a shame all men aren't so genteel out here.”

“Oh, now, that sounds like an interesting story. Have you had a run-in with an unsavory sort?”

“Not really.” I looked away—right at the restaurant. “Oh! Is this the place?”

“It is indeed the place.” Ace escorted me into the clubhouse, which was right beside the lagoon, with indoor and outdoor seating.

They, of course, knew him, and the hostess took us immediately to an outdoor table with an enormous umbrella over it and a view of the water.

“I'll be right back with some water for all of you,” the woman said. “Alan will be here soon to take your order.”

She brought us the water, including a bowl for Bruno, and Alan was as prompt as advertised.

Normally, I would have wanted more time to peruse the menu, but it was their special brunch menu and featured very few items. I started with dessert—lemon ice box pie and beignets.

Yes, both of them. For my main, I had the chicken and waffles.

“Now, are you gonna share those desserts or do I have to order my own?” Ace asked.

“I don't share.”

Both Ace and Alan laughed.

I stared at Ace.

“Oh, my. She's serious, Alan. Better make it two of those lemon ice box pies. And café au lait for me.” Ace looked at me.

“Mocha.”

“Very good. Would you like your pie brought out with the lady's?”

Ace smirked. “Oh, yes. I can't be watchin' her enjoy such a delicacy without indulging myself.”

“Yessir.” Alan wrote it all down and hurried off.

“How long have you lived here?” I asked as the server left.

Ace leaned back in his seat. “Oh, it feels like forever.”

“Are you a part of a family who has been here for generations?”

“You could say that.” He took a sip of ice water. “What about you? Where are you from?”

“Somewhere I have no intention of returning to.”

“Another mystery. How lovely. In this age of social media and oversharing, there are so few mysterious women left.” He picked up Bruno, settled him on his lap, and asked, “Will you at least tell me why you chose New Orleans?”

I almost told him the truth—that I didn't choose it, nor was I pleased with the choice.

But I knew that was a can of worms that could get me in trouble and wreck this blooming relationship.

And I was feeling more and more inclined to let this blossom.

So, I said a half-truth, “I love the houses here.”

“That's it?”

“So far.”

Chuckling, he pet Bruno. “Hopefully, we can find you more to love.”

“More to love.” I looked out on the lagoon. Recovering my composure, I looked back at Ace to say, “I went to an art auction the other night. That was fun.”

“Where at? I didn't hear about any auctions.”

“Oh, it was invite-only.” I winked at him.

“How long have you been in town?”

I shrugged. “A few days.”

“And you've already been invited to a private art auction? By who?”

“His name is William Goldring. I met him in a cafe. Nice man. We share a love of classical art.”

Ace snorted just as our coffee arrived.

“Sir?” Alan asked.

“Alan, have you heard of William Goldring?” Ace asked the server.

“Yes, of course. Everyone has. Richest man in Nawlins.”

“Is he?” I asked as if I had no idea.

“This beguiling, mysterious creature right here has only been in town a few days and yet, she's already met Mr. Goldring and been to his home.”

I shrugged at the server's surprised look.

“Well, a face like that can open any door.” Alan inclined his head at me. “If you'll forgive my saying so, ma'am.”

“Honey, never ask to be forgiven for giving a woman a compliment.” I winked at him. “I'd much rather have a face that opens doors than one that launches ships.”

“Ships?”

“Troy, Alan. She's talking about Helen of Troy.”

“Oh.” The server nodded but his expression remained blank.

“The face that launched a thousand ships?” Ace tried again.

“Sorry, sir. Don't know what you're talking about.”

“Dear God, man!” Ace smacked Alan's arm. “You must know Helen of Troy. They made a movie about it. Brad Pitt was in it.”

“Oh! Troy! Yeah, good movie. Stupid ending though.”

I laughed. “It sure was.”

“That's Greek mythology for you.” Ace made a face.

“Yessir.” Alan nodded and hurried away before he got quizzed on more ancient literature.

I shook my head. “Kids these days.”

Ace chuckled. “No one appreciates the classics anymore.”

“Oh, I do.” An image of Cyrus, then Jake popped into my head. “And I believe in them too.”

“You what? Are you saying you believe in the Greek Gods?”

“Absolutely. I know they're real.”

“And how do you know that?”

I leaned forward and whispered to him, “Because I'm a goddess.”

Ace burst out laughing, pushing himself back in his wicker chair. “You had me going for a second there.”

“You don't believe me?”

“Oh, I know you're a goddess, cher. Just not a Greek one.”

“Well said.” I sipped my coffee and tried to decide how long I should wait before I took Ace to bed. Another hour should do it.