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  “It’s okay. I’m fine. I was in a hurry as well.” Being close enough to touch his adorable face had been captivating. She wanted to turn and leave but curiosity held her in place. “This floor is filled with law firms. Are you looking for an attorney?”

  “Yeah. I need help with a traffic ticket. A friend recommended an attorney who helped him. It was Mac…something, I think.” His eyes looked deep into hers. “Are you an attorney?”

  “I am.” She shrugged. “I’m Chelsea Constantine. I’m with the District Attorney’s office.

  The other side. What kind of ticket did you get?”

  “Uh…speeding. I was late for the airport.”

  “I’ll make you a deal, Mr. Charbonnette. I’ll get the ticket reduced to a warning if you promise not to speed, even if you are late for the airport.”

  A wide smile spread across his face. “Deal.” He fished the ticket from his pocket, along with Weldon McShane’s business card. “Guess I had it all along, but I won’t be needing it now. I don’t plan to speed again.”

  His smile was the most awkward and appealing she had ever seen.

  “Stay alert and keep your mind on the streets when you’re driving.” She took the

  crumpled, yellow paper. Her fingers lingered on the warmth of his skin.

  “I promise. Right now my mind is on taking you to dinner tonight, if you’ll accept my invitation.”

  Chelsea ranked their dinner as number one for first dates. The vibes between them had sizzled enough to make strangers take note. She had quickly erected a barrier between her desires and her willingness to fall into arms that were inviting enough to bring tears to her eyes. Isaac remained charming, attentive, and patient. She had wanted him much more than she was willing to admit, even to herself.

  Making a list of questions she wanted to answer before proceeding to the next step had been a waste of time. Magic was the only way to describe her feelings when they were together.

  The tremendous ache she suffered when was away had erased her need for caution. His phone calls became the highlight of her days. His voice had been almost as exciting as his presence.

  Bouquets of white roses, teddy bears, and loves notes had showed the big man’s soft side. She quickly went from being an average Saints fan to following their every move.

  Unable to concentrate on work on the day of the team’s return to New Orleans, she had been pleasantly surprised when Isaac appearance, unexpectedly, at her office door.

  “I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you.” He placed his signature roses on her desk.

  White for friendship, though the look on his face and pain in her heart told a different story. “I wasn’t sure what time you were planning to leave, but I thought we could get an early dinner.”

  Barely able to catch her breath, she had declined his invitation. “If it’s okay with you, I’m not really in the mood for dinner. I…”

  “Oh, hell.” He stood. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have just dropped by like this. You probably have other plans for—”

  “No,” she had interrupted, shaking her head and sending her hair swishing around her face. “That’s not what I mean.” Watching his eyes darken, she had blurted out her feelings. “I’m ready to leave, but I was thinking we could go to my place. We can order something later, unless you’re really hungry.”

  Isaac was not her first, but he had awakened her womanhood in ways that made every time with him seem like the first. He loved to please her in and out of bed, carefully manipulating her body and erasing all inhibitions until she became fluid with desire. He spoke to every facet of her femininity. When he did, she saw her sexuality reflected in his haughty gaze.

  She worked to return the pleasure in ways she had never thought to do with anyone else.

  “Last night was like nothing I could have imagined,” she had confided to Dee the

  following morning when Isaac went in to shower. “No waiting for him to undress me, no polite conversation, or even foreplay. I was out of that suit before we got to the bedroom. I hopped on that man like a horny rabbit. I guess spending time with him without much touching, and then missing him for three weeks just got to me. We shared pizza—he can put away some food—and I was back for number three and four. He has the most gorgeous body I’ve ever seen, Dee. The things we did to each other were amazing. I’m sure he thinks I’m a wild woman.”

  “Did he say that?” Dee had asked.

  “He called me a lioness. A hot chameleon. His mother is a full-blooded Native American.

  His face is smoother than mine, and the rest of him…I can’t find words to describe.” Her desires not yet quenched, she had hung up the phone and joined Isaac in the shower.

  Abandoning thoughts of the past, she wrapped in a soft towel, sat on the bed and

  answered her emails. The first was from Dee, who was still her best friend and confidant.

  “Hey, girl. I know your man will be in this weekend, so let me know if we’re still on for tonight.”

  The second message, from her brother, Skip, asked the same question, and the third was voice mail that sharpened her sexual sensitivity.

  “Hey, sweet ass.” Isaac’s deep voice dripped with sexuality. “I’m on my way home. I don’t know if I’ll see you tonight, but you belong to me tomorrow, all day and night, so don’t make any other plans.”

  Shivering, Chelsea anticipated the sound of his baritone whisper telling her how glad he was to be in her arms. She took his photograph from the dressing table and held it to her chest. In that moment, she realized something had happened to her heart. She missed sex, but she also missed Isaac. She never tired of him when he was home, and no one had come close to offering the kind of satisfaction he brought to her mind and body.

  That realization was not altogether pleasing. She feared the only reason their relationship has outlasted all expectation was because of the amount of time they spent apart. She curled up on the edge of the bed. Her thoughts became frightening. Isaac always said he missed her terribly when they were apart. She wondered if his feelings were emotional or just physical. The more she labored over the issue, the clearer everything became. Isaac did not like clingy, possessive women, so regardless of the depth to which her feelings had progressed, she would not spoil a good thing. Isaac would never learn that her need for him had traveled far from the bedroom.

  She thought of the difficulty she had in leaving home, even for work, when he was there.

  She would daydream of his arms and hurry home as soon as time permitted. She looked at the photograph and spoke to his toothy grin.

  “It may not be this century’s greatest love affair, but when our bodies are entwined, it’s the greatest high I could hope to have.” She blew him a kiss. “Can’t wait to see you, baby.”

  After peeling away the towel and smoothing on grapeseed oil and citrus moisturizer from Primrose Day Spa, she cupped the phone to her ear. She returned Dee’s call first. “Hey. I’m with you tonight. What did you have in mind?”

  “Just the usual, unless you know of something better. We can hit Reverb first, eat, and head down to Sweet Magnolia for the jazz set. I didn’t see a special guest artist in the ad, so Alfred is probably playing. ”

  “Fine, but I didn’t have lunch today, so I’m going to Mama Rose’s first.”

  After Dee agreed, Chelsea called her brother. “Dee and I are meeting at Mama Rose’s around seven-thirty. Coming?”

  “That depends. Is Dee still seeing that creep, Russo? I know she can do better than that.”

  Chelsea laughed. “Don’t go there. You’re starting to sound like a broken record.

  Demetria chased you all through high school and you treated her like a leper.”

  “That was different.”

  “Why? Because she didn’t have big boobs back then?”

  “Because she had buck teeth, gangly legs and a body like a toothpick. Now—-”

  “Now she’s stacked and you can’t stop staring.” She
laughingly interrupted. “I don’t embarrass easily, but I’ve been tempted more than once to douse your butt with cold water when she’s around. You had your chance with Dee back before you were soiled.”

  “Soiled? What’s that suppose to mean?”

  “It means she wanted you before you slept with half of New Orleans. Now you’re

  damaged goods.”

  “When you say half of New Orleans, make sure you specify the female half. You know women go for experienced men. That’s why you dropped the guys you were dating to dog after Isaac full time.”

  Chelsea knew Skip did not completely approve of her relationship with a known

  womanizer, but she and Isaac had an agreement of monogamy. They promised each other in the beginning of their relationship that should either of them become attracted to someone else, the other would be the first to know. “Jealous, big brother?”

  “No. Just being a protective big brother.”

  “I’m dating Isaac exclusively, but it’s still a casual relationship. Dee is ready to settle down. I’m not sure I am.” She thought about his statement and shook her head. “Besides, Isaac’s doing the doggin’, not me.”

  After teasing her brother to the point of anger, she crossed her fingers and agreed to put in a good word with Dee. “She’s still hung up on Russo, though I don’t know why. I’ll let her know you’re dying to get her in bed, but I won’t make recommendations. I wouldn’t want the guilt of knowing I helped break her heart.”

  “I’ve never been the kind of dog Russo is. He’s the one you need to check. I couldn’t count the women I’ve seen him with since he’s been dating Dee.” Skip sounded hurt. “Besides, how do you know she wouldn’t break my heart?”

  “Dee is no heartbreaker.” Thinking of the possible consequences, Chelsea sobered.

  “She’s my best friend and I love her, Skip. Dee has been in my life through good and bad times.

  Nothing would make me happier than seeing you two together, but your proclivity for skirt chasing makes me very leery, my dear brother.”

  She listened to the testimony of a “changed man”, and issued a final warning. “Okay, I’ll let her know how you feel, but remember, if you hurt her, she won’t have to douse your ass with hot grits. I will.”

  * * * *

  Chelsea was mindful of her position, even on weekends. She chose outfits that exposed just enough skin to make her feel and look sexual. Her sleek black top revealed only a hint of the rose embossed cups of her camisole. She added sensible shoes with a black handkerchief skirt that swayed seductively when she danced. Turning before the full-length mirror on the back of the bathroom door, she smiled. “Perfect. Add a nice jacket and I could waltz this baby into the courtroom.”

  She had dried and set her hair before dressing, which gave her shoulder length tresses just the right amount of curl. Using makeup in measured quantities and flattering hues, she highlighted her cheekbones and colored her lips.

  Her body tingled when she thought of Isaac. You’re in for it this weekend, my sweet baby. She locked her front door and strutted out to her car for the short drive to Mama Rose’s.

  Skip was sitting at a table in the corner when she arrived. Scanning the crowd, she easily identified tourists and spotted a lot of familiar faces. Rose’s Seafood Restaurant was a favorite with both.

  “I might have known.” She hugged her brother’s shoulders. “Wrist deep in a seafood platter.”

  “Heck yeah.” Skip licked his fingers. “I was starving. You know Mom left for Morgan City on Wednesday. The only meals Dad and I have had were here at Mama Rose’s.”

  The restaurant’s inviting aroma always whetted her appetite. “I didn’t have lunch, so I’m a little hungry, but I could really use a stiff drink.”

  “I timed your arrival almost to the second. Your drink is on the way.”

  “Thanks. I hope you made it a double. I’ve has one hellacious week.”

  He held out his hand just as she was about to sit. “Before you get comfortable, you’d better see Mama Rose.” He nodded in the direction of the bar. “She’s been waiting for you to get here.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “She seems pretty pissed off, but she wouldn’t tell me why. Said it was a legal matter.”

  Chelsea saw her grandmother across the room, standing toe to toe with a balding man in a black suit who towered over Mama Rose’s five-foot frame. Noise drowned out the conversation, but Chelsea read lips very well. She smiled in admiration of the slight, though intimidating posture of Rose Marie Batiste, an icon in her day, and still a formidable force.

  “Hi, Mama Rose. What’s going on?” Chelsea looked from her grandmother’s still

  striking good looks to the red-faced man who was apparently getting a good old-fashioned tongue-lashing.

  “I’m glad you’re here.” Mama Rose turned on her heels. “How long have I been in

  business?”

  “Ah . . .for as long as I can remember. Why?”

  “That’s right, and I’ve never had problems with the board of health or any other damn board. My place is well above minimum standards, so tell these dickheads to get the hell out of my kitchen before I—”

  “It’s okay.” Chelsea stepped between her grandmother and the man who reached for his pocket when she approached. “Chelsea Constantine. I’m with the DA’s office. Want to tell me what’s going on?”

  He pulled out his badge and huffed in annoyance. “Doing our jobs, just like you do at the DA’s office. We’re health inspectors and we’re . . .” He looked past Chelsea. “Inspecting.”

  “See!” Mama Rose yelled. “I told you he’s a smart-ass. You get out before I chop your slack-jawed butt into crocodile bites. You can’t come in here and take over my place. This is not an inspection. You’re snooping, you little bald piece of shit!”

  Chelsea took her grandmother’s arm. “I’m really hungry, Mama Rose. I’ll take care of this if you’ll have someone fix me a mini version of that succulent seafood platter I saw in front of Skip.” She braved her grandmother’s stares and waited until she was out of hearing range before turning back to the man whose face was now the color of a fire engine.

  “Ditch the smart remarks and tell me what’s going on.”

  “I don’t think that’s—”

  “Look!” She interrupted a little too loudly. Smiling at the customers who stopped to stare, she lowered her voice, but kept the threatening inflection. “Tell me something, or I’ll make a few phone calls and see who has more clout, the board of health or the district attorney.”

  Without answering, he waved his hands to two other men who looked his way. “I’m

  satisfied. Let’s go.”

  “Oh, no. No.” Chelsea blocked his exit. “You don’t get out of here until you answer my question.”

  He waved his accomplices close and shoved a card in Chelsea’s hand. “If you insist on being nosy, you need to talk to my boss. Here’s his card.”

  There was no need to look at the card. Her knowledge of the city’s political inner workings was something she wrestled with each day she walked into her office or the courtroom.

  She knew the city had made certain promises in order to entice deep pockets to the Central Business District. Unfortunately, the small business owners were paying the price. Established businesses in prime locations in the CBD were being driven out to make way for a high-rise hotel or new chain restaurant. It disturbed her greatly that much of the city remained in rubble, and that no one had bothered to rebuild decent, affordable housing for those restaurant and hotel workers to live.

  “Your boss may not know this since he skipped across a few states to get to Louisiana, but my grandmother is an institution in this city. Everyone knows and loves her. Tell him he’s likely to have a few very large feet up his ass if he pesters her again. Mine included.”

  The three men stared. Chelsea was accustomed to questions regarding her grandmother’s ethnicity. When asked direct
ly, Mama Rose’s usual response was, “Ain’t your damn business.”

  Chelsea clearly heard the man’s response to his companions as they walked away. “Her grandmother?”

  She caught them at the door. “Yes, Rose Marie Batiste is my grandmother, and this

  restaurant is above reproach. Take that back to your boss, and stay the hell out of here.”

  He stared and she echoed her grandmother’s depiction. “Dickhead.”

  Stunned that anyone would dare tamper with a New Orleans’ institution, she glanced around the old building that had always been a part of her life. It was better maintained than most in the area, before and after the hurricane. Regardless of the condition, every structure in the inner city was outrageously expensive. Even rebuilt homes in struggling neighborhoods were expensive to purchase or rent. New lending regulations added to situation. She knew many people in the service industry who drove great distances to their jobs for lack of affordable housing. Chelsea shook her head. Her world had changed greatly. Unfortunately, most of the changes are rotten enough to gag a gnat.