Free Sunrise on Cedar Key by Terri Dulong

that look meant anything, then he sure has a strange way of showing it. He’s really made no attempt to get better acquainted on a personal basis.”
    â€œYou might think tonight is about business. Trust me, I’d bet anything it’s not.”
    I ignored Monica’s comment. “White heels with the dress, do you think?”
    â€œYup, and I have just the pair,” she said, going to her closet. “Here, try these.”
    I took one look at the four-inch heel and smiled. “Really?” Now these were hot. Open toe, open back, and all slim straps.
    â€œReally,” she said, as I slipped my feet into them. They were surprisingly more comfortable than they looked.
    â€œOkay,” I said, twirling around once more and pleased with the reflection I saw in the mirror. “Like I said, you’re a lifesaver, Monica.”
    â€œGlad I could help. Only one thing ... I want all the details tomorrow morning. Got it?”
    â€œGot it,” I promised.
    Â 
    Sitting across from Lucas at the Island Room, I did feel hot. By the look on his face when I walked in, he may have been thinking that exact word. Of course, I could be all wrong, but it seemed like I was able to read his mind from the expressions on his face. And the one he had when I walked in certainly made me feel like a woman. Maybe even a desired woman.
    â€œBonsoir,” he said, standing up as I approached the table, formally extending his hand.
    â€œBonsoir,” I repeated, taking his hand, and that electric jolt I’d felt this morning was even stronger. Feeling flustered, I let go of his hand as he pulled out my chair. With a European man, chivalry is never dead.
    â€œYou look very nice this evening,” he told me.
    I said a silent thank you to Monica before verbally thanking Lucas. I noticed he looked pretty dashing himself with pale blue blazer, open-collared shirt, and gray dress slacks.
    The waitress came to take our drink order, and we both ordered a glass of Pinot Noir. When it arrived, he touched his glass to mine and said, “To a great coffee café.”
    â€œYes, and much success,” I said, before taking a sip. “Oh, I have the catalog.” I reached in my tote bag and passed it across the table.
    Lucas opened it and began turning pages. “Do you have any suggestions?” he asked.
    â€œWell, you can never go wrong with a Bunn or Braun coffeemaker. Personally, I feel they’re the best. And will you be serving espresso and cappuccino?”
    â€œOui,” he said, reverting to his native language as he continued turning pages.
    I smiled. “Toward the back of the catalog, you’ll see the machines for those.”
    By the time dinner arrived, Lucas had made all of his selections. With my guidance, of course.
    â€œThank you very much for helping me,” he said. “I’ll be ordering everything on Monday, and I’ve already spoken to the workmen about coming in to build that counter and do a few other things.”
    â€œThat’s great. So I’m sure it won’t be long before your coffee café is open and ready for business.”
    â€œWell, there’s still the problem of furniture. Those tables and chairs you mentioned, along with the love seats. I got the ones for the bookshop in Gainesville.”
    I took a bite of my pork and nodded. “Right. You’ll be able to find whatever you need there.”
    â€œYes, well ... the problem is ... for the coffee café, I’m still not sure exactly what I should purchase.”
    â€œOh,” was all I could think of to say.
    â€œSo ... is there any chance ... I mean, I know how busy you are helping your aunt, but ... do you think possibly you might be able to drive into Gainesville with me and help me make a selection?”
    Yes, true, this appeared to be another business-related outing. But I enjoyed Lucas’s company and the thought of spending much of the day with him