Unforgettable by Adrianne Byrd Page B

conversation. “Is something wrong with Granny?”
    â€œShe’s not feeling too well,” Marcel informed him. “We’re going to head out.” They slapped hands in a friendly handshake and gave each other a one-shoulder hug. “I’ll catch ya later.”
    â€œNo doubt,” Tee Bo said and then leaned down to plant a kiss on Louisa’s pudgy cheek. “You take care of yourself, Granny. I want to see you back in here soon.”
    Louisa’s face blushed burgundy. “You can count on that.”
    â€œWell, I wouldn’t,” Diana said sternly before looking back at her boss.
    â€œThe offer is still good,” he said.
    She cast another futile glance around and relented at her grandmother’s obvious exhaustion. “Okay. If it’s not too much trouble.”
    His full lips captured her attention when they eased into a wide smile. “It’s no trouble at all.”

Chapter 8
    F irst Marcel welcomed any excuse to leave Club Secrets. His heart just wasn’t into smiling and posing for the cameras, though he’d put on a good show. Making appearances at the hottest clubs was just another part of his job.
    Stepping out of the loud club and into the night’s cool air was an instant relief. Despite the hour drawing near 1:00 a.m., a crowd remained outside trying to get into the packed club.
    â€œYou really are popular,” Louisa commented. “It’s like you’re a movie star or something.”
    â€œNot quite,” he said, waving to the crowd. “But you’d be amazed at how many people in this town are trying to break into the music business.”
    â€œIt’s awfully nice of you to take us home,” Lou said, smiling.
    He grinned. “Don’t be silly. It’s my pleasure.” His gaze slid to Diana and it seemed that she made a conscious effort to avoid his stare.
    When a stretch limousine pulled up in front of them, Lou gasped. “Is this yours?”
    Marcel nodded and enjoyed the look of excitement plastered on the older woman’s face. “My job comes with a few perks.”
    Lou clapped her hands. “I’d say. Diana, isn’t it gorgeous?”
    â€œYes, Nana. It’s very nice.”
    There was that tone again, Marcel noted. What the hell had he done? Maybe he should take a page of his own advice and apologize for any and all things.
    Charlie Lopez, Marcel’s driver for the past eight years, jumped out of the limo and rushed around to open their door.
    â€œAh, Ms. Guy,” Charlie said when his gaze landed on Diana. “A pleasure to see you this evening.”
    â€œGood evening, Charlie. I see you’re back from vacation. How was it?”
    â€œGreat. We’ll have to get together again so I can tell you about it.”
    â€œSounds like a date.”
    She smiled and Marcel was painfully aware that her attitude toward Charlie was a hell of a lot friendlier. And what did she mean by date?
    â€œWe’re taking Diana and her grandmother home,” Marcel said.
    â€œGrand…Louisa?” His eyes widened as he recognizedthe woman standing beside Marcel. “Well, I’ll be damned. Tonight is just full of surprises.”
    â€œYou can’t keep a wild tiger caged for long,” Louisa singsonged.
    The men laughed and helped her into the limo.
    â€œDon’t worry, Charlie,” Diana said, patting him on the arm. “I’ll tell you the whole story later.”
    Charlie smiled. “I look forward to hearing the details.”
    When they laughed, Marcel felt excluded from their obvious friendship. It was odd to be bothered by that, he realized, but he was.
    Once inside, Marcel continued to be amused by Lou’s fascination with her surroundings. However, Diana looked bored. Limousines were nothing new to his secretary. In fact, seeing them was nearly an everyday event. Still, he wondered what it would take to impress her. Was she the