“I was hoping you wouldn’t remember that,” he said, grinning as he pushed aside his plate. “So did you see any real-estate properties that might interest me in Boston?” he asked, knowing she would prefer if they stuck to the business at hand.

She nodded as she pushed away her plate, as well. “I saw quite a few available that I think will work for you. Will you maintain your place here as the primary headquarters?”

“Yes. I am a Louisiana guy through and through.”

She nodded again. “You’ll be making a big step for your company, Kaegan.”

Was that caution he heard in her voice? “Yes, but Reid thinks I’m ready. The first place he expanded LaCroix Blueberries was in Boston and he has done well there. I’m ready to tap into that market.”

“I think what you’re doing is wonderful. Good luck.”

“Thanks. Now show me the comp listings you’ve come up with.”

After clearing off the table, they spent the next two hours going over listings before he selected two for her to check out. “I checked comps in the area, and I think we can negotiate for both.”

“Good, but, of course, I’d want to see them. When can we take a trip to Boston?”

He noticed her hesitation. Then she asked, “When would you like to go?”

“Preferably within the next two weeks.”

“Okay.” She checked her watch. “I can’t believe I’ve been here for four hours.”

“We had a lot to go over.”

“Yes, we did,” she said, standing.

He stood, too, as she stuffed the papers into her folder. “What are your plans for the rest of the day?”

She glanced over at him. “I don’t have any. Why?”

“After I straighten up things here, I’m driving to New Orleans. There’s a jazz show that’s starting around five.”

“Jazz?”

“Yes,” he said, grinning. He knew her. You said the word jazz and automatically her toes would start tapping. As proof, he glanced down and her feet were moving to some inaudible beat. When he glanced back to her face, she laughed.

“I can’t help it.”

He nodded. “I know you can’t. That’s why I believe in another life you were a jazz musician.” He’d always told her that. “That’s also why the band I recommended to the high-school-reunion holiday committee was big on jazz.”

“I noticed and appreciate you for it.”

“So will you go with me to listen to some jazz?”

She nibbled on her bottom lip, as if she was trying to make a decision. He then said, “You spent two hours with me on my yacht this week, so you should know I don’t bite.”

He thought that at least he used to not bite, but now he could imagine putting all kinds of passion marks all over her while branding her his. That way other men would know whom she belonged to because they would see his imprint. Kaegan’s woman. For years he’d thought of her as his girl, but over the years she’d developed into a woman.