I ignored her sarcasm. “Yes. After our evening ended abruptly. I’m sorry about that.”
She returned the flute to the table. “It wasn’t your fault. Since that night there have been no more parties and I haven’t had a single oyster.”
I chuckled. “That’s terrible news.”
“I did have a good time with you, Knight. But I don’t see it happening again.” Her cheeks turned a soft crimson. It was hard to keep my distance. I wanted to reach out and touch her hair. Stroke the side of her face. But I hadn’t forgotten Kimble carried a gun, and his attention was directed to me.
“Yet, here we are.” I grinned. “Together. Same table. Same bottle of champagne.” I loved watching her lips curl into a smile. “What did happen when you got home?” I wanted to know what kind of consequences Lucien Martin doled out. It was a good sign that she was out in public.
She shook her head. “Actually, nothing. Kimble promised not to say anything about it. My father has no idea about our after party.”
My head jerked toward the bodyguard. I was surprised. “What’s Kimble’s deal? Why would he keep that to himself?”
Kennedy eyed me. “He wanted to give me a pass.”
I wasn’t sure if that was true. “Interesting.”
“My father said this was an important meeting. What did you want to discuss?” I noticed she continued to check the time on her phone.
“I think maybe I should wait and talk to him.”
Her forehead crinkled. “Why? I’m here representing the business.”
“I didn’t think you had any interest in the family business.” I shrugged.
“You don’t think I’m capable?” she posed.
“No. I’d never say that.” Whatever it was, it created a gleam in her eyes. A spark in a sea of emerald green.
“But all right. What does Lucien Martin plan to do with the Vieux Carre hotel?”
It was quick, but a noticeable squirm. She tugged on the edge of the red dress. “What do you want to know?”
“Why that hotel? What does he want to do with it?” The original blueprints for the hotel had been lost in a fire once prohibition ended. The secret of the underground passageway had been kept within a small circle of families. I wanted to know if Lucien had been tipped off.
Her lips twitched. “Why is that any of your concern?”
I leaned toward her. It was hard to be this close and not reach for her. I was impressed my restraint had lasted this long. The more minutes passed, the harder it was to not think of the way her lips tasted.
“What about the project by the docks?” I asked.
/> The corners of her mouth wiggled. “What do you want to know?”
“All of it.” I waggled my eyebrows. “What does Lucien have planned for that area?”
Kennedy began to shred the corners of the cocktail napkin. She cleared her throat. “My father didn’t send me to tell you everything about his plans. You must know that. I can’t just lay it out there.”
“But will you?” I asked. “What could I say to make you come around?”
She laughed, placing the empty champagne flute a few inches from her clutch. “To unlock all the secrets?”
“How about one or two?” I taunted.
She glanced at her phone. “This was nice. Thank you for the champagne, but I need to go.”
I stared at her. “You can’t be serious.”
“Why not?”