I chuckled.
Loriana looked between the two of us. “I try to give people a moment to settle before I start asking them questions.”
Andre’s brow furrowed. “Uh, what questions?”
“You really don’t want to know.” I continued to smile. “Andre is my guest for the next little while and is not, to the best of my knowledge, looking to be matched with anyone. Should that situation change, I will encourage him to speak to you.”
Loriana beamed. “See that you do. I know several unattached and interested men and women in town. If you’re looking—” She gave Andre a once-over.
Mitch wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Leave the poor man alone. He’s barely in town. Let him get his bearings.” He caught my gaze.
I gave him a subtle nod. I wasn’t in a position to say how long Andre was staying. Or if he would be interested in being set up. Hell, was I even aware if he was gay or bi?
Andre offered a small smile. “Thank you. Just…not right now.” He grasped my hand.
Tight.
“I’m not sure how long I’m going to be here. And I’m in a good place.” He turned toward me. “Zahir is a gracious host, and Daphne is the best dog ever.”
“Oh, that’s so true.” Loriana bent to give my girl more scritches. “She’s so darn happy.”
“On that note, we might consider letting them go.” Mitch gave me a knowing look.Go now while the going’s good.
“Yes, it’s getting late, and Daphne needs her beauty sleep. Lovely to see you again. Goodnight.” I guided us away.
Andre gave a little wave as we walked past the couple and headed down the street.
Murmuring reached me, but nothing I could make out.
“That was—” Andre let out a long breath. “—intense.”
That brought a smile to my lips. “Yes, she’s something else. Her heart’s in the right place, though. Even when she was single, she wanted to match everyone. When she met Mitch, that seemed to intensify her desire to ensure everyone who wants a partner has one.”
“And if someone doesn’t want a partner?”
“Well…she tries to convince them that they do.”
“Ah.”
We crossed the street and headed home.
“Ah what?”
“Did she try to set you up?”
I chuckled ruefully. “I can laugh about it now, but it wasn’t so funny then. She tried to set me up with Sloan Lavoie. Lovely young man. Friendly as anything. Completely, uh, dominant. In fact, I got Daddy vibes from him. I don’t know if he sensed them off me. Anyway, we agreed to be friends, and I haven’t followed up with that.”
“You should.” Andre squeezed my hand.
“Yeah?”
“If he was honest with you about who he was. Brave enough, I would even say, then maybe you should keep in touch.”
“Because I don’t have many friends?”
We checked both ways before we crossed the street.
“You said it—not me.” He slowed his pace. “Am I out of line?”
