Page 32 of The Match
Zachary and I both had plenty of suggestions as dinner went on. It didn’t feel like we were competing—more like we were collaborating.
After we gulped down the food, I leaned back in the chair and put a hand on my belly. “I’m about to explode.”
“We’ve got dessert too. Apple pie,” Felicia told us.
“Oooh, I can always make space for apple pie.”
She brought the dessert to the table, with vanilla ice cream on the side. “I’m sorry this is a bit unceremonious, but Gaston and I usually slice our own portions and spoon whatever we want of the ice cream on top.”
“My brothers and I do the same whenever one of our grandmothers makes pie,” Zachary said. “With so many of us, there’s nothing left after everyone gets their servings.”
Felicia and Gaston looked at each other. I felt like they were going to announce something, and I was instantly on edge.
“We have an idea,” Felicia said. “Why don’t you both participate in this project? You clearly have good ideas, and you could work well together.” She hesitated on those last few words. I didn’t blame her, since we’d been at each other’s throats during our first visit here.
“I’d be good with that,” Zachary said, which completely shocked me.
I swallowed hard, feeling put on the spot. Could I do this with him? I considered it for a split second before realizing it wasn’t possible. After the way things had gone with Roger, I didn’t want to risk anything. Never again would I depend on anyone else or have to ask for approval. I wasn’t sure any of it would actually apply in this case, but my body instantly shifted into fight-or-flight.
“The idea does have merit,” I said, “but I’d prefer to go into it by myself, if at all.”
My announcement was met with silence. I realized they were expecting me to explain my reasoning, but what could I say? I got too burned by my ex-husband?
“It was just a thought,” Felicia said in a low tone as we all helped ourselves to the apple pie.
More thunder rolled in—louder than before. The windows clattered, and I nearly dropped my fork.
“This is turning out to be one big damn storm,” Gaston exclaimed. He looked out the windows. “It’s going to tear out trees at this point.”
“The wind was strong when we came back from the stables,” I said.
“It’s not just strong,” Zachary said, glancing at his phone. “Weather channel says it’s fifty miles an hour. It’s definitely going to tear out trees.”
“It’s going to be madness driving back,” I whispered.
“No way are we letting the two of you go back to New Orleans tonight. It’s unsafe out there,” Felicia said. “You’ll get blown off the road! And what if a tornado pops up? You’ll have nowhere to go.”
I looked at her and saw the worry and concern all over her face. Zachary still had his head tilted to his phone, but he’d raised his eyebrows, indicating that Gaston’s assessment was indeed accurate.
“What do you suggest?” he asked.
“One of the cabins is still fully functional. You can spend the night there,” Gaston said. “It’s not big, but it’ll be comfortable for you two. Has almost all the amenities except air-conditioning. But you won’t need it tonight because temperatures are dropping. You can drive back in the morning. We’d offer to put you up here at the house, but there’s just one bedroom, and that’s ours.”
I swallowed hard. The thought of rooming with Zachary in a cabin was enough to make me hyperventilate. Our smoking-hot kiss flashed in my mind, as if it had just happened.
On the other hand, I truly didn’t want to drive back.
I nodded. “I’ll take you up on your offer. Thank you.”
“I’ll stay too,” Zachary said. “Thanks to both of you for looking out for us. All the news outlets say the traffic is already madness. Some roads have been closed down because of flooding. Apparently, the rain is already too much for the sewer system.”
“Excellent. Since neither of you are driving, how about I bring a bottle of our best brandy? Gaston made it. And we can finish all of this pie while we’re at it too,” Felicia suggested.
“I’m up for some brandy,” I said. “Kind of need it. That cold seeped into my bones even though I didn’t get wet.”
“Not a brandy type of guy, but if Gaston made it, I’ll try it,” Zachary added.
“It’s a party, then,” Felicia concluded.
