Page 141 of Steal My Heart

I’m all hot and flustered as the door opens, and Angelo slides out first, holding out his hand to help me out.

The flash of photographers is blinding, but Angelo takes my hand, leading me down the red carpet.

“Mr. Calvani, this way,” a photographer shouts.

Angelo pauses, wrapping his arm around me.

“Who’s your friend?” someone shouts.

“This is my girlfriend, Remi Landry,” he announces before pressing a kiss to my lips, making my heart all warm and tingly. “Talented jazz pianist and star of the soon-to-be rebranded Hotel D’Amico lounge.”

More questions are hurled our way, but Angelo holds up his free hand. “All will be announced in due time. Right now, I have a key that needs to be returned to the mayor.”

We enter the restaurant and climb the stairs to the rooftop patio, to find it transformed into a Mardi Gras wonderland. I spot the mayor on stage; he’s seated on a kingly throne, the crush of partygoers dancing to the music pumped over the speakers.

Laurie waves the giant key in her hand, making a beeline for Angelo. She notices me, her stride faltering, but she continues her march.

“Angelo, there you are. It’s time for the ceremony.” She turns her attention to me, giving me the stink eye. “Why is your sister’s piano teacher here?”

Angelo presses his lips to mine. “Be right back,amorina.”

Laurie’s jaw is on the floor as Angelo snatches the key from her and moves to the stage.

Tapping the microphone, Angelo announces, “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s midnight, and that means Mardi Gras is over.”

The crowd playfully boos.

“Sadly, it is time for the King and Queen of Carnaval to return the key to the city to the Mayor.”

Laurie pushes her way on stage, standing beside Angelo with a tight smile.

The music is killed, and the crowd parts as a swarm of police officers appears, flooding the stage. “James Morrisey, you’re under arrest.”

“What is this?” Laurie demands.

“Laurie Kohl, you’re under arrest.”

Both the mayor and the doctor are escorted out of the party in handcuffs, cellphones and cameras capturing every angle.

Angelo announces, “Because I’m still technically the king, I say we keep this key andlaissez les bon temps roul!”

Angelo

The firework display begins, and I make my way through the crowd in search of Remi.

“Didn’t you get the last laugh?” My colleague on the hospital board tells me with a jovial handshake.

“Not a hand in this,” I lie. “But while I’ve got your ear, I’d like the city council to know that I’d be interested in the interim mayoral appointment. Should one become necessary if our mayor were to step down. Hypothetically, of course.”

He slaps my back. “Consider it ‘hypothetically’ done.”

Excusing myself, I make my way to Remi, who smiles at me.

I wrap my arms around her petite frame, kissing the top of her head. She tilts her head backwards, looking up at me. “Nice fireworks,” she says with a giggle.

Leaning over, I steal another kiss. One of many I plan on stealing for the rest of our lives.

Chapter Forty-Three