He looked around, and dozens of cell phones were up in the air, snapping pictures. He heaved a sigh as many of those in the café began texting furiously.

“Follow me, and I’ll do my best.” Thereze tossed Bijou a smile over her shoulder as she led them through the café toward the back. “Before you leave, you’ll have to autograph somethin’, even if it’s a napkin, for my husband, Emile. He’s the cook here and trust me, honey, he’s your biggest fan.”

Bijou nodded. “Of course. I’d be happy to do that.”

“Maybe a picture with him to put up on the wall,” Thereze added. “We own this place, and he’d be over the moon if you did that for him.”

Bijou’s body brushed against his. Remy looked down at her. Her smile was fixed in place and genuine, but the tension in her body belied her expression.

“No problem,” she agreed, but her smoky voice had dropped another octave.

Remy waited until they were seated, had menus and Thereze had bustled off to get them water and bread. “Will it really bother you to have your picture taken with Emile? I’ve known him for nearly my entire life and he’s a good man.”

Bijou shrugged, avoiding his eyes by looking at the menu. “Of course not. I said I would, didn’ I?”

She sounded casual and sweet, even to his highly trained ears. Still, he didn’t believe her. He reached across the table, pushing down the menu with one hand and tipping up her chin with the other, forcing her head up, forcing her vivid blue eyes to meet his.

“Tell me. I’m okay with you bullshittin’ anyone else you feel you need to, but not me. What is it?”

Her gaze drifted over his face, taking him in. Deciding. There was a moment of hesitation but he refused to release her. He simply waited.

“I don’ mind takin’ a picture with anyone,” she said, her accent thickening, “but you have no idea what one picture will start.” She gave a little shrug. “No matter. If the food is good, it’ll be well worth it.”

That little half smile, so secretive, told him she wasn’t exaggerating. Something was going to happen once she took a picture with Emile.

“I’m not goin’ to leave you here alone, Blue,” he assured. “Whatever it is, you won’ be alone.”

“Tell me that after I’m here a few hours.”

“Hours?”