Your Wish Is My Command Read Online Free PDF Page B

as yet have a fixed address.”
    Oh, lovely, a homeless pirate genie.
With his looks and charm, Jamie doubted he'd have any trouble finding lodging. But it wouldn't be under her roof. She took the bill from the deliveryman's still-outstretched hand and slapped it in Sebastien's. “Then you won't mind taking care of this.” She walked to the other end of the counter and out from behind it. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some stocking to do.” Another lie—she'd sold only three books so far that morning—but maybe if she hid in the back long enough, he'd take the hint and go away.
    Before she could make her escape, Ree Ann opened her perfectly painted mouth and did theSouthern-hospitality thing. “Why, Jamie Lynne Sullivan, I'll tell your daddy what a poor hostess you've become.” All flirtatious smile and curvy walk, Ree Ann turned the full voltage on Sebastien. Jamie had never seen a man yet who could resist her. Deciding she'd enjoy this particular dismembering, Jamie leaned back against the counter and folded her arms.
    “Ree Ann Broussard, meet Sebastien Valentin. Ree Ann is my partner; she runs the café. Sebastien is a … magician,” she managed. “Of sorts.” Close enough.
    Ree's eyes widened in real surprise. “A magician? Are you here performing in the Quarter? Or over at the casino?”
    Sebastien shot Jamie a knowing grin, as if to say he'd play her game. For now. Then he bowed toward Ree with a gallant flourish of one hand. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mademoiselle Broussard.” He straightened. “Let me take care of this transaction, then perhaps we can better that acquaintance.”
    Ree fanned her face and goggled at Jamie as Sebastien turned to the deliveryman. “You've been hiding things from me,” she whispered, waggling a ruthlessly manicured nail at Jamie. “Naughty, naughty.”
    Jamie sighed. Even Ree's killer instincts had gone haywire with nothing more than a gallant bow. “No secrets. He was … in the shop at the grand opening. I think he's a little …” She circled her finger next to her head. “So be careful.”
    Sebastien turned back to them as the deliveryman left, just in time to catch Jamie's actions. She quickly altered the motion, scratching her head instead. “I'll be in the back if you need me.”
    Ree laughed. “No worries, sugar. I'll be just fine.”
    Jamie grinned back. “Maybe I wasn't talking toyou.” She stepped quickly away and studiously avoided looking at Sebastien. She had no doubts Ree Ann could easily handle their guest.
    But, much as she'd like to see Ree Ann in action, she refused to risk getting caught up in any further shenanigans Sebastien might have in mind. That she'd been affected by him at all was as good a wake-up call as any. She'd sworn off impulsiveness where men were concerned. If and when she decided to indulge herself—and at thirty, she had no plans to become a nun—she'd choose someone safe, someone she could control. Someone for the occasional night out, maybe even till morning. But no head-overheels, full-out affairs of the heart. Uh-uh. Those relationships were a thing of the past.
    Sebastien's full-bodied laugh filled the front room, and Jamie's body hummed like an inboard motor.
    Ree Ann ducked her head into the back. “We're going out for a little stroll. Will you cover for me?”
    She managed a nod, quashing the ridiculous stab of jealousy that poked at her. Ree was more his type anyway. Jamie heard the bell clang against the door as they left. With a bit more strength than necessary, she ripped open a box of books that didn't need shelving.

    Sebastien guided Ree Ann along the Moonwalk toward Riverfront Park, the Mississippi rolling along lazily beside them.
    “So, you never answered me,” she was saying. “Are you performing locally?”
    “You might say that,” he responded with a small smile. He'd been doing a fair job of keeping the conversation focused on her. It hadn't been as easy as he'd initially