Tell Me Something Good

Tell Me Something Good by Lynn Emery Read Free Book Online Page A

Book: Tell Me Something Good by Lynn Emery Read Free Book Online
Authors: Lynn Emery
Tags: Romance, Louisiana, Art, New Orleans, french quarter, lynn emery
succeeded in plastering on a
subservient smile.
    “Of course. I only meant you would have the
report faster if the list were more complete,” Lyrissa said.
    After a few beats, Mrs. St Denis gave a
slight nod. She wore the expression of a queen granting reprieve to
an of-fending subject. “Time is a consideration. But I don’t think
you’ll have a difficult task.”
    Rosalie came in. “Miz Olivier is on the phone
for ya. Somethin’ ’bout a problem with the St. Augustine charity
ball.”
    “Can’t Beatrice do at least one thing without
calling me?” Mrs. St Denis muttered in irritation. “I’d better take
this call.”
    Noel stood. “I’ll show Lyrissa where to
begin. My grandfather’s study has a small display room next to it,”
he said to Lyrissa.
    Mrs. St. Denis flashed him another silent
message, but merely nodded. She watched them leave, and then
punched a blinking button on the phone before her. “Yes, yes,
Beatrice. Now what?”
    Lyrissa walked beside the tall, handsome man
very much aware that Mrs. St. Denis was not pleased. “Rosalie can
show me the way. I know how busy you must be.”
    “No problem,” he said with a charming
smile.
    “Uh-huh,” was Rosalie’s arch comment as she
headed off in the opposite direction.
    As she followed him back to the antique doors
she’d so admired, Lyrissa had the distinct feeling she was walking
into trouble. Being alone with Noel would be a distraction. She
wanted to get rid of him so she could snoop around. The fact that
he had an uncanny knack for turning her on was an even better
reason.
    “Here we are. Grandfather’s inner sanctum.”
Noel swept a hand around, indicating a large study. Two walls
consisted of floor-to-ceiling bookcases.
    “What a marvelous collection of old books!”
Lyrissa crossed the thick carpet to read the spines. Many had
titles in French.
    “So you’re a book lover, too.” Noel joined
her.
    “I could spend hours in here,” she said,
brushing her fingertips along the embossed leather covers.
    “What a great idea. We could spend them
together.” Noel wore a bland expression when Lyrissa glanced at him
sharply. “—Working on completing the list, of course.” “Of course.”
Lyrissa stepped away from him. He was far too sure of himself for
her taste. “You mentioned a display room?”
    “Through here.” Noel went to a door set in
the opposite wall. He opened it and waited for her to follow.
    To her dismay, the door was narrow and she
brushed against him as she entered the room. Her pulse raced at the
brief contact. Still she remembered her real purpose for being
here. She looked around. There were four long glass display cases.
Two contained old documents. The others held antique eyeglasses,
writing pens, and other items no doubt owned by St. Denis
ancestors. Framed antique maps of New Orleans, Louisiana and Haiti
hung on the walls.
    “This is a small museum,” Lyrissa said and
looked at Noel. “These should be catalogued as well.”
    “Taken care of, ma’am. The Amistad Center
will get these on permanent loan from the family.”
    Lyrissa nodded. The Amistad Center had been
established to preserve African-American history. “Very good.”
“We’re not completely irresponsible,” Noel said dryly. “Why didn’t
you have them catalogue the art as well?” “We need a professional
appraisal.” Noel stood aside so she could lead the way back into
the study.
    “I see. I assume I can work here after a tour
of the house’s art. I’ll sit at this small table.” Lyrissa started
for-ward, but he put a hand on her arm. Her skin tingled at his
touch through the fabric of her jacket.
    “You’ll need more room. Sit at the desk.”
    “Your grandfather’s desk? Mrs. St. Denis
might not like that at all.” Lyrissa moved away to break contact
and clear her head of bothersome fantasies forming.
    Mrs. St. Denis came in. “I don’t mind one
bit. You’ll have more room and your work will go faster.”
    “Right.”

Similar Books

Killing Gifts

Deborah Woodworth

Listening to Stanley Kubrick

Christine Lee Gengaro

The Cat Who Tailed a Thief

Lilian Jackson Braun

The Shadow Prince

Bree Despain

Whirlwind

Nancy Martin

Tokyo Vice

Jake Adelstein

Cold Pursuit

Carla Neggers