Page 10 of Mine This Time
I glanced down as I hit the key fob, and the trunk popped open. “I might have plenty of money, darling, but I am at heart a very practical man. I also wasn’t raised rich. This car is reliable as hell, and that’s all that matters.”
“No?” Mari queried as I took her suitcase from her and put it in the trunk.
“My daddy was a shrimper. He made decent money, but it’s hard work. He always says a car is just something to get you somewhere.”
Rounding to the passenger side, I held the door for Mari. I didn’t miss the glimpse of her tan thighs when her skirt slid up as she sat down.
I could practically feel the wheels spinning in Mari’s brain as I drove away from the airport. Considering that I knew she was in a bit of a financial bind, and I knew she had nothing more than a temporary place to stay if she went home, I offered up the easiest thing.
“If you looked me up, you probably know I own a number of properties in and around New Orleans. You’re welcome to stay in one of the staff apartments at my main office building.” I came to a stop at a stop sign and glanced sideways when Mari stayed silent. Her cheeks were pink, and she was staring out the window. It felt as if she were purposefully not looking in my direction.
After a moment, I prompted, “Mari?”
She turned quickly, her blue eyes colliding with mine. “Thanks for the offer, but I’ll figure something out, Nash. I’m going to call my boss and see if there are any stories I can work on while I’m here.”
A horn honked behind us, and I looked back at the road, turning and heading toward downtown. “Mari, it might seem like an extravagant offer, but it’s really not. At any given point, I have several empty places available. It’s honestly no trouble for you to stay in one. Plus, since I know your brother, I wouldn’t feel right leaving you without somewhere to stay.”
I kept my eyes on the road. I thought perhaps if I gave her the privacy afforded by indirect conversation, she might be less defensive about the situation.
After several more quiet beats, she replied, “Okay. I do appreciate it. I just need a few days to get my bearings and figure out what my plans will be.”
“Excellent. Shall I go ahead and drive you there?”
Mari laughed softly, and I took that as a sign she was relaxing somewhat. “Seeing as I don’t know where to go, I’m entirely reliant on you to tell me where it is.”
When I took an exit leading to downtown New Orleans, Mari commented, “It sure is beautiful here. I’m glad I finally got to visit even if it wasn’t the best vacation.”
I slid my gaze sideways briefly and saw that she had unlaced her fingers over her knees, and her hands were relaxed in her lap now. “New Orleans is a wonderful city. Everyone should visit. I’m sorry you didn’t have a good trip. Perhaps we can remedy that. Where were you supposed to stay?”
“I spent three nights at Creek’s End Inn. It’s …”
“Oh, I know right where that is. Gorgeous place. I know the Grantham family and am friends with Hannah. She’s good people.”
“Of course you know them,” Mari said dryly.
“Of course?” I countered.
“You strike me as the kind of man who has connections everywhere. You know my brother, you know the Grantham family, is there anyone you don’t know?”
“That’s your brother and one family,” I said as I shook my head. “Forgive me for being well-connected in the area where I live. As for knowing your brother, we have business connections. Because of my real estate business, I’m constantly in need of security. I’d think you know that’s one of his specialties.”
Mari looked my way with a slight smile. “I get it. I was just teasing.” After a pause, she added, “Here’s hoping I can enjoy my next few days in New Orleans.”
“Let’s make a deal.”
“A deal?”
“Yes, a deal. I was born and raised here. Let me show you the city I love. She’s a good friend.”
“She?”
I lifted a shoulder in a slight shrug. “Yes, she.” I forged ahead with my question. “Look, I don’t know much about the nature of your relationship with your ex. He is your ex, right?”
“Oh, most definitely,” Mari said firmly.
“I don’t know what you intended to do on this trip with him, but he left, and he was pretty shitty about it if you ask me. I normally wouldn’t comment on this, but since you told me, I might as well point out that it doesn’t sound like things were all that great with y’all for the last few months. Consider this an entirely fresh start. Leave Brett in the dust and enjoy yourself here in Louisiana.”
Exiting off the highway, I slowed when I came to a stoplight and glanced in Mari’s direction. She was studying me, her gaze thoughtful.
