“Yes, ma’am. I know.”
“Well, look at my manners. Come on in, honey. Any friend of Catty’s is welcome in this house. I’m sure she’s on her way.” She smiled and opened the door wide to allow him access.
“Thank you.” He stepped inside. The house was old with tall ceilings and hardwood floors. The antique furniture was well worn, and photos covered the wall. It was like he’d stepped back in time.
“Would you like some tea? Or coffee perhaps?”
“Coffee would be nice.” He hadn’t gotten his caffeine infusion for the day. He’d gotten dressed and headed over here as soon as he read Catty’s note.
“Who’s this?” A slender young brunette sauntered into the living room. She wore black shorts that had her ass hanging out and a T-shirt with a plunging neckline. Even with her makeup on, she looked barely legal.
“Hi, I’m Lucien. I’m a friend of Catty’s.” He held out his hand. She took his hand in hers and held on a second too long as her lips curled up into a slow smile.
“Catty’s lucky. I wish I had friends like you.” She stepped into his personal space. Her breast brushed against his arm.
“This is my granddaughter, Shelly. Shelly, can you bring us some coffee?” Mrs. Willis cleared her throat, clearly not impressed with her granddaughter’s flirty tone.
The old woman might be blind, but she could still see.
“Sure.” Shelly’s tone was less than eager, and she took her time walking out of the room.
“Please sit, Lucien. Sometimes Catty stops and picks me up some sweet treats at the coffee shop.” Mrs. Willis made her way to the rocking chair and sat.
He waited until she was seated before he took a seat on the couch.
“So tell me, how well do you know Catty?” She rested the handle of her cane on the arm of her rocking chair and laced her fingers together and placed them in her lap.
He knew her pretty damn well, he wanted to say. But Mrs. Willis probably wouldn’t appreciate his language.
“I actually met her this week. I know her brother, Zane.”
“Ah, and what does her brother think about your interest in his sister?” The corners of Mrs. Willis’s mouth tipped up.
He cleared his throat and shifted in his seat. Mrs. Willis let out a laugh.
“Don’t worry, Lucien. I’m glad she has you. I may not see a person’s appearance, but I can see their heart. You don’t need eyes for that.”
“I guess you don’t.” He smiled at the old woman. “Catty speaks very highly of you, Mrs. Willis. Thank you for being so kind to her while she’s been in New Orleans. I know it’s meant a lot.”
“That girl has helped me more than I could ever thank her for.” Her face lit up with emotion. The maternal affection she felt for Catty made him homesick for his own mother.
“Catty is like that. Incredibly generous.”
“Yes, that’s what worries me.” Mrs. Willis thanked her granddaughter as Shelly handed her a mug of hot coffee.
“Thank you,” Lucien murmured as Shelly passed him a cup. She smiled and sat next to him on the small couch.
“Shelly, dear, are there any tea cakes left in the pantry? I’m sure Lucien would love some with his coffee.”
“I don’t know. I didn’t see any.” Shelly kept her gaze fixed on him and continued to ignore her grandmother.
“I’ll go check.” Mrs. Willis stood up.
“No, Mrs. Willis, don’t bother yourself. The coffee is perfect. I don’t eat anything sweet first thing in the morning.”
“I bet I have something sweet you would love to eat.” Shelly murmured and leaned into him.
He glared at the girl’s sexual innuendo.
She leaned in closer and rested her hand on his thigh.
He grabbed her hand and looked into her eyes.
“No, thank you. I’ve already had my appetite satisfied.” He shot her a glare.
She arched her brow, knowing what he was insinuating.
“Mrs. Willis, when do you expect Catty? I hate to impose on your hospitality.” Even though the woman couldn’t see him, he turned and gave her his full attention and ignored Shelly. Maybe she would get the hint he was not interested.
“It’s no imposition at all, Lucien.” A smiled brightened her features. “It’s been a while since this house has had a man grace its presence.”
“How long has it been since your husband passed?” he asked quietly.
Shelly sighed and got up, already bored with the topic of conversation. She sashayed into the kitchen.
“About twenty years. We moved into this house right after we were married.” She tapped her cane gently on the floor. “She’s a grand old house. Or used to be, anyway.”