Your Wish Is My Command

by Donna Kauffman

  Jamie groaned silently. She recognized the sudden twinkle of matchmaking fervor in Ree's eyes. For the first time, she sympathized with the guy.

  “He'd be perfect for Marta,” Ree whispered as they watched Baxter's renewed kissing spree across Bennett's chin.

  “I'd really like to compensate Marta for her time and trouble,” he said, chuckling as he pushed the adoring Baxter's tongue away from his face. “My sister, Susan, usually watches him for me, but she was unavailable and this trip was sort of sudden. So I recruited Jane, who happened to be in town on holiday. She left Bax in her courtyard while shopping, and the rascal managed to escape. She's been looking all over for him.”

  “He followed Marta home from the French Market several days ago during a really bad storm,” Ree explained. “Maybe the thunder spooked him. We put a call in to your vet, but Marta has been the one caring for him ever since. She's great with animals. She has a very big heart.”

  “Laying it on thick enough?” Jamie said out of the side of her mouth. Ree ignored her.

  “I can't begin to thank you all enough. Thank goodness Bax has good taste in women.”

  Ree's expression brightened further. “Yes, well,” Jamie interrupted, “we're just glad it had a happy ending.”

  “That is the name of our shop, after all,” Ree added with her infectious laugh. “You should really save your thanks for Marta, though. She was the one that fed and bathed him and gave him a home. You two have something else in common—”

  Jamie sent Ree a warning glare, knowing Marta would not be happy to have her past revealed to some stranger, but Ree shushed her with a pat to the arm.

  “She lost her husband about the same time you lost your wife. So it was good for her to have Bax around, even for a few days.”

  Jamie sighed in relief when Marta finally bustled back to the front with a paper bag full of dog toys. She had to stifle a laugh at the size of the bag. She'd had no idea Marta had indulged the dog so much.

  “Here, this is what I have in the office. I have a few more things at home, but …” She trailed off, suddenly looking embarrassed. Ree and Jamie laughed.

  Baxter chose that moment to all but lunge from Bennett's arms into Marta's. She dropped the bag and clutched the squirming ball of fur close. Bax transferred his adoring affections to Marta's face.

  Bennett laughed and extracted Baxter from her arms, putting him down on the floor. He took a leash out of the bag and connected it to his collar. “Behave, Bax. You've got better manners than that.” He smiled apologetically. “He really does like you.”

  Marta pushed her bun back toward the top of her head, but it slid right back down again. Her glasses had lick marks all over them, so she took them off. “So I've noticed.”

  Jamie watched in admitted interest when Bennett gently took the glasses from her and cleaned them with his handkerchief. How many men actually carried those around anymore?

  He handed the lenses back to Marta. “I … I want to thank you for all you've done for him.”

  “No need. Really.”

  “I want to repay your kindness. It means a lot to me to know there are one or two Samaritans left in this world. Most people would have carted him off to the pound.”

  Jamie coughed and Marta shot her a dark look. Her skin flushed as she turned back to Bennett. “Yes, well, I'm just glad it all worked out.”

  “That is your specialty, I guess.” At her confused look, he added, “Happily ever after, right?”

  Marta laughed, and Ree poked Jamie in the side again. They did seem to make a nice pair.

  “At the very least, let me take you out to dinner.”

  Ree's nails dug into Jamie's arm. “See,” she whispered in her ear. “Am I good or what?”

  Baxter wandered away, exploring. Bennett and Marta both moved after him, stopping to talk near Marta's office, where Bennett retrieved the end of Baxter's leash.

  “He'll talk her into going.”

  Jamie extracted her arm from Ree's grip. “She's not going to let him sweet-talk her—” Jamie was cut short when Marta laughed.

  “That's more like it,” Ree said. “We don't hear that often enough. Laughter is a perfect way past her defenses. My money's on Bennett.”

  Bennett came away from the office with a triumphant, boyish grin. “See you at closing time, then,” he called over his shoulder. “Ladies.” He nodded to them on his way out the door, Baxter right on his heels.

  Ree shot a smug look at Jamie. “Not bad, sugar. Not bad. That's what I call trading up.”

  Marta scowled. “It was the only way to make him stop.”

  Jamie couldn't hide her smile. “Stop him from what? Making you laugh? What a cad he is.”

  Marta glared at them both. “Be serious. He's a nice guy with a somewhat warped sense of humor. He caught me off guard.”

  Both Ree and Jamie planted their hands on their hips and looked back at her.

  She blushed. “Okay, okay, so he's a nice guy and we're having dinner. Sue me. It's the least he owes me for putting up with that dog of his.”

  Ree grinned. “And that Hugh Grant accent isn't too hard to take either. Just think, if you two get close, you don't have to give up Baxter. Not completely anyway.”

  “Don't go making plans, Ree,” Marta warned. “It's just dinner.” She headed back into her office.

  “This is going to be good,” Ree said. She pointed to Marta's retreating back. “Watch.”

  Jamie saw the little dip in Marta's shoulders when she paused at the door to her office, then remembered Baxter wasn't there to follow her into the room.

  “See? She misses his dog. I'm telling you, this is a good thing, Jamie Lynne.”

  “He'd better be nice to her” was all Jamie said. “Or he'll answer to me.”

  Jack chose that moment to come bustling into the shop. “Good morning, all you lovely people. I've arrived. Life as you know it may now continue.”

  Ree laughed and Jamie just shook her head. “What's up with you?”

  He popped up onto one of the barstools and helped himself to some biscotti. “Nothing much. I turned in with the moon last night and I'm up with the sun today. I thought I'd see if you needed any of my expert help.” He feigned a dramatic swoon as he swallowed the first bite. “I'm in love.” He blew a kiss to Ree. “Make me a cup of espresso to go with and I'm yours forever.”

  Ree ducked out of Jamie's grasp and went back to the coffee counter. “You missed all the excitement today.”

  Jamie sighed in resignation and went to the back room to get the magazine cart, leaving the two of them to their laughter and gossip. She arranged the stack, taking out the old issues and stripping the covers. Her attention kept wandering back to the closed office door.

  Bennett, warped British sense of humor and all, seemed like a nice enough guy. His dog worshiped him. Always a good recommendation. And she knew he was gainfully employed. She just didn't want to see Marta hurt. Not that she didn't wish her friend to have some fun and frolic in her life, but of the three of them, Marta was the most fragile and least social. She'd always been like that.

  Ree handled men like she was born to the task, which, considering her background, she basically was. Jamie, despite her reprehensible choices in husbands, had been around the world enough to hold her own in basic social situations. Marta, however, was the most sheltered of the three. She'd never dated much before she met Dan, and Jamie didn't think she'd dated much, if at all, since his death. Jack dragging her out on rare occasions didn't count.

  Jamie hoped tonight's date was a positive step for her friend. Marta deserved some fun, probably more so than any of them.

  She was so lost in her thoughts, she didn't hear the bell ring. She didn't even know that there was anyone else in the shop, until a bright orange gerbera daisy was brushed across her cheek.

  She jumped back, only to find Sebastien grinning at her from across the magazine cart, a fistful of colorful flowers in his hand. He presented the daisy to her wi
th a bow. “For you, mademoiselle.”

  Way too gallant for her peace of mind. He winked at her, making her pulse spike. She snatched the daisy. “Thank you. To what do I owe this … honor?”

  He feigned hurt, but his twinkling eyes ruined the pretense. “You owe me nothing, mon amie.I come bearing flowers for Mademoiselle Marta. I understand she lost her four-legged beau today, and I had hoped to cheer her up.”

  Jamie's eyes narrowed suspiciously. “How did you know Baxter was gone?”

  “Simple. I saw him and his owner—friendly chap— over on St. Phillip.”

  “You talked to Bennett?”

  “Oui. Why do you frown? There is nothing wrong with passing some time in conversation with a friend.”

  “So now he's a friend?”

  “I'd like to consider him so. Did you not like him?” He looked honestly concerned.

  Jamie's suspicions grew. “Exactly what scheme are you cooking up? And where have you been these past few days?”

  He brightened, his grin instantly turning sexy and knowing. “Ah, so you missed me, my mistress?”

  “I didn't miss you. And stop calling me that. I was simply … concerned.” She narrowed her eyes. “Not for you. For the citizens of the Quarter.” She grew serious. “Where exactly do you go? I mean, what do you do with your days? Do you have a regular job?”

  “You well know what my occupation is.” He sighed deeply. “I see I have not yet convinced you.” He recovered quickly. “But I will. Soon. You shall see.” He abruptly turned and walked out of the storeroom.

  Jamie followed him out front and watched him walk to the office and knock. When Marta opened it, he bowed deeply before presenting her with his bright bouquet. She ushered him inside. Seconds later she heard Marta's laughter once again. She sighed and shook her head. Maybe she was being too paranoid about everything. Bennett was most likely perfectly harmless, just a nice guy with a goofy dog. And Sebastien …

  Well, she couldn't bring herself to say the same about him. She sniffed the daisy and stroked the petals along her jaw, much as he had moments ago.What was she going to do about Sebastien Valentin? And why did he assume she'd be convinced now? Did he honestly think she thought he'd been responsible for fixing up Marta and Bennett?

  She wheeled the cart to the front counter and laid the stacks of covers on it. Sebastien hadn't even met Bennett until after their date had been made. For Sebastien to have had any role in this, he had to be instrumental in getting the man to the shop in the first place. But Bennett had shown up only because of the dog. She paused…. No. No way. It was ridiculous to think Sebastien had somehow been responsible for hooking Marta and Baxter up. Besides, no one could have foreseen the conclusion to that mixup. And he couldn't possibly have known the dog would take to Marta the way he had or that she'd keep him.

  She walked behind the counter and started stuffing the stacks of covers into marked manila envelopes. But he had shown up just after Marta arrived in the shop with the dog. And he had helped in getting her to take the dog in and make him feel at home.

  Sebastien came out of the back room and made a short bow to Jamie before sailing out the front door. A moment later he tapped on the window.

  “Believe in me, Jamie,” he said through the glass.

  Jamie stood staring out the window after him, still lost in thought long after he disappeared from view.

  Chapter 7

  Sebastien smiled at the waitress as she seated him on the restaurant balcony overlooking Royal Street. He could just see the bookshop two blocks down. Suzanne, his bountiful brunette server, had made it clear she was interested in serving him more than lunch. Sebastien watched her hips sway as she retreated, and he considered following up on the silent invitation.

  He'd been “back” for almost a month now and hadn't found time to indulge himself in life's more sensual pleasures. Except food. The spicy scents of jambalaya and gumbo wafted through the warm noon air. Ah, but there were some scents even more delectable than those. Like the scent of an aroused woman. He shook his linen napkin over his lap and smiled to himself. Yes, it was time to enjoy the more positive elements of his eternal incarceration.

  Jack bustled in moments later and took a seat across from Sebastien. “Sorry to be late. It's just been murder this morning.”

  “Not to worry. I've been enjoying the view.”

  Suzanne chose that moment to bring him his drink and a menu for Jack. Sebastien smiled at her.

  Suzanne smiled in return, openly interested. “What will you have?” she asked Jack flirtatiously.

  “Stick with the tall one, sweetheart. He and I order off different menus, if you catch my meaning.”

  Unoffended, Suzanne laughed and flipped her pad open. “Sorry to hear that. What can I get for you gentlemen?”

  “The women in New Orleans must love you,” Jack said after Suzanne had gone. “They're not used to men as good-looking as you who also happen to be hetero.” In the short time since he'd been summoned, Sebastien had educated himself on the changes that had taken place since his last visit. He'd learned that a rather substantial homosexual community now resided in the Quarter. He'd learned aboard ship how to fend off unwanted advances. The gentlemen here were far more polite about the whole thing. And, more to the point, it meant more women for him.

  A happy set of circumstances for all, as far as he was concerned.

  He nodded to Jack. “Yes, well, let's just say I hope to prove your assumption correct.”

  “You will. It's not called the Big Easy for nothing.”

  They were both still laughing when their food arrived. Sebastien's bowl of gumbo was half gone before he finally broached the reason that he'd invited Jack to have lunch with him. “It seems as if Mademoiselle Marta is having a fine time with her new beaux.”

  “Beaux? Plural? She's only seeing Bennett, as far as I know.”

  “Let's not forget Monsieur Baxter. Never underestimate the allure of the animal kingdom.”

  “She does seem happier than I've seen her in years.” Jack sobered a bit. “So many of my friends have gone through the agony of watching their loved ones pass on…. It's brutal. Extending an invitation of the heart after something like that is very difficult. Some never get over it.” He sighed. “I suppose once you've found your soulmate, there is no sense in looking again.”

  “You mentioned last time we spoke that Marta and her late husband were such a pair.”

  “Oh, definitely. Such a tragedy.”

  “Oui. But I do not believe that she is destined to be alone. Or that anyone who has known great love and lost it should be relegated to a life of pain and loneli-ness.

  Jack tilted his head in consideration. “Go on.”

  “A soul who has known such sadness is irrevocably altered. That altered soul is destined to have another soulmate, one who would have, at any other time, not been the perfect match. Do you understand my meaning?”

  Jack nodded thoughtfully, then toasted him with his glass of wine. “You, my new friend, are quite the philosopher of life and love.”

  Sebastien smiled and shook his head. “I am merely one who pays close attention to the travails of the human heart and spirit.” He sipped his wine. “I believe Monsieur Graham might be just that new soul for your friend.”

  “I think you may be right.” Jack lifted his glass again. “To old souls finding new mates.”

  Sebastien grinned and tapped his glass. “I will have to remember that one. Santé.”

  They were lingering over coffee when Sebastien finally worked his way to the matter at hand. “I understand from Jamie that each of them has somehow suffered at the hands of love.” He shook his head. “A shame, really. They are such young, vital women.”

  Jack waved a hand. “Don't I know. I've tried to fix them up, but, hey, even I'm not a miracle worker.”

  “I find them each intriguing. Certainly I am not the first to be drawn by their unique charms.”

  “Their charms aren't usually th
e problem, if you know what I mean.”

  Sebastien smiled and nodded. “I also marvel that they are so different and yet such close friends.”

  Jack sat back and crossed his legs. “They've been friends since college. Each of them was an outcast, in her own way. I think that's what drew them to one another. That and their love of reading. They met when Jamie started a book club on campus.”

  “And now they run a store together. Destiny, perhaps?”

  “It's actually more surprising that they managed to hold on to their friendship this long, all things con-sidered.”

  “Things?”

  “Well, you know Marta's story. Thank God, Ree and Jamie finally talked her into joining the store venture. Ree even found her a place over on Esplanade and got a few people in the Quarter who needed a part-time bookkeeper to sign her on.”

  “A good friend, Mademoiselle Broussard.”

  “Amazing is what she is. And what a life she's led.”

  “I can imagine her leading a life as vibrantly rich as the color of her incredibly bountiful hair.”

  Jack eyed him with a knowing smile. “Ah, so you're just feeding my addiction to fine cuisine as a means to get closer to Miss Ree.” He reached over and patted Sebastien's hand. “Well, you wouldn't be the first to try, old chap.”

  Sebastien decided it was best to let Jack think what he would. If Ree Ann hadn't been selected as one of his soul-matching missions, he might have very well pursued her. She was absolutely his type. Lush, sensual, and provocatively intelligent. He would merely concede defeat after matching her, and Jack would be none the wiser.

  Her coworker, on the other hand, would take a bit more creativity on his part. She was not at all what normally drew him. Strong and sleek with no curves for a man to sink into, not to mention her quick wit and defensive air. All of which did little to explain why she was constantly on his mind. Naturally she would be, given that she was his mistress, but still … Maybe it was that glimmer of vulnerability he'd seen just after he kissed her that first night. And again in the bookstore the other day, after Graham had made his first appearance.