Untrusting Hearts: A Contemporary New Orleans Romance (7 page)

Conversation was surprisingly pleasant during the meal. Gage seemed to have determined a truce was called for and smiled and joked along with Ty. At last, when they were full to bursting, their waiter asked if they desired dessert.

“I couldn’t possibly eat another bite.” Jade put a hand over her flat stomach.

Maylene agreed but insisted they come another time. “You must try the Bananas Foster Torte. It’s banana cake with banana cream, brown sugar frosting, and Foster sauce.”

“It’s spectacular,” Gage agreed.

“We can stop in for some when we go out, if you want,” Ty said, causing both Gage and Maylene to pause as they were getting to their feet.

“Out?” Gage asked, frowning.

“That’s right,” Ty smiled. “Jade’s agreed to see Bourbon Street with me.”

“Oh, has she?” Gage looked deeply into Jade’s eyes, causing her to blush.

She answered for Ty. “She has. Do you have an issue with that?”

“No, no.” Gage shook his head. “Just be sure to stay where there are people.”

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning nothing,” Ty jumped in. “Gage is just sorry he didn’t think to ask you himself.”

But Jade wondered. Was Ty dangerous in some way? Surely not, or Maylene would insist she stay home and she didn’t say a word. Although, Jade noticed she didn’t look completely pleased.

“Shall we go?” Gage held open the door and they made their way back to the street where both vehicles.

They went directly to a swank old-fashioned club with old-time big band ambiance. A table was reserved for them at the edge of the inset dance floor and in clear sight of the stage that was crowded with musicians taking their places. Candlelight graced the tabletops and the lights were dim. Gage held Maylene’s chair for her. Jade couldn’t help but smile when he frowned as Ty did the same for her.
All this gallantry
, she thought.
And competitiveness.

The group ordered drinks, wine for Jade and Maylene, a gin and tonic for Gage, and Jack and Coke for Ty. At Maylene’s frown, Gage assured her he would stop after two, since he would be driving. Ty said nothing.

The music started. The saxophones, trumpet, and trombones competed with the rhythm section. For a while, the foursome watched as a few couples stepped down to the dance floor. The band played some swing classics and Jade clasped her hands together, awed over some of the moves the dancers made. Maylene clapped in pleasure and Ty whistled loudly.

Sophisticated Lady
by Duke Ellington started and Ty rose to his feet, a hand held out to Maylene who accepted it at once.

“Shall we?” Gage raised an eyebrow toward Jade.

“I’d love to,” she said.

She fit into Gage’s arms perfectly and they moved around the floor as if they had danced together for years. He was every bit the gentleman, and gave her his complete attention. It was so unexpected, she found it disconcerting.

“How have you enjoyed your stay so far?”

Jade cocked her head. “It’s been…interesting.”

“Interesting? How so?”

“Well, some of the people I’ve met change their emotions like snakes do their skins.”

“Ah, I see.” Gage smirked. “Well, if you’re referring to me, you must understand that Maylene’s interests are my own. I have to look out for her; I have to keep the vultures at bay.”

“Vultures?” Jade stiffened.

Gage pulled her closer. “Don’t get all uptight. I mean in general; nothing personal. What are your plans for tomorrow?”

“I was thinking about visiting some of the places I found online before I came here. You know…there’s the Pharmacy Museum, the Historic New Orleans Collection, or maybe the Aquarium of the Americas.”

“What time should we go?” he asked as they danced to the strains of
Smoke Rings
by Glen Gray.

“I beg your pardon, but I don’t need an escort. I’m going to borrow Maylene’s car.”
That should shut him down.

His hand slid up her back, sending unexpected thrills of desire over her skin. “Maylene surely doesn’t plan for you to roam around town alone.”

“I am a grown woman.”

“Oh, yes. I know you are.” He pulled her nearer and breathed in her perfume. “A very beautiful woman. Which is why I’m going with you tomorrow.”

His audaciousness was simultaneously galling and charming. She moved woodenly, fighting the urge to melt into his powerful arms. She was halfway convinced his friendliness was phony, but it was hard to think clearly within the circle of his embrace. She still hadn’t gotten over that kiss. She put a syrupy tone in her voice. “I don’t want to take you away from work, and who knows, maybe I won’t go out at all. I might choose to hang around the house.”

“Why would you do that?” he asked, sounding almost accusing.

“What’s wrong? Are you worried I’ll end up with the deeds to JP’s?” She laughed to show she was joking.

“Should that concern me?”

“I don’t know why it would.”

He held her away and considered her. “Maybe I
ought
to worry. I mean, look at you. You only arrived a day ago and already you’ve managed to turn yourself into a young Maylene. You’re wearing the same color she wore in the portrait in the library; in fact, it could almost be the same dress. You’ve borrowed her most prized jewelry and have even styled your hair like she used to wear hers. Should I worry, Jade?”

“My hair? I had my hair fixed before Maylene even saw me tonight. As far as the dress is concerned, I brought it with me from Kansas; I hadn’t even seen the library portrait of Maylene when I packed it. And trust me, I did not ask to wear this jewelry; in fact, I tried my best to refuse. But she was insistent. Frankly, I’m sick and tired of your suspicions and allegations.” She realized they had quit moving and started to turn away toward their table.

But Gage swung her back into motion. “Maylene is studying our every move. She’s dear to me and I won’t let you hurt her. So keep dancing until the music is over.”

Working hard to look happy for Maylene’s sake, Jade complied. Through a frozen smile, she muttered, “You, Mr. Pichot, are an ass.”

“And you are a minx.” He dipped her smoothly. “Very hard to resist and, I’m quite sure, not nearly so innocent as you seem.”

She shook her head; words were useless with Gage. She’d never abandoned a dance partner mid-song, but she virtually ached with the desire to do so now.

As soon as the music was over she hurriedly returned to the table, leaving Gage to helplessly follow. Sliding into the seat, she wrestled to contain her feelings of outrage. With grim determination to survive the evening, she sipped her wine and set her features in a placid expression.

“Are you having fun, dear?” Maylene wore a slightly concerned look.

“Of course, Maylene. Everything is perfect. I’m just not used to this much activity in one night. After staying home with Grandma these last couple of years I’ve forgotten what going to a club was like.”

“I understand…” She abruptly stopped as the band segued into
You Made Me Love You
by Harry James. “Oh! This is my and Jean Pierre’s song.”

Gage sprang to his feet. “May I have this dance, Maylene?”

“Oh, yes. Thank you, Gage.”

Gage escorted Maylene onto the floor. Ty, who had put away an impressive number of drinks, held a hand out to Jade. “Join me?”

Not wishing to appear rude, Jade accepted. Ty cupped her elbow as they moved down the two stairs to the dance floor and then pulled her into his arms.

“Ah, Jade. I’ve wanted to get close to you all evening.” He nuzzled her ear, his breath hot. “Watching you with Gage has been eating me alive. You should have been in my arms, not his.”

Conflicted over this statement, Jade said nothing. Ty was handsome, but he was her cousin, even if only by marriage. Still, his embrace was comforting and his attentions seemed sincere. They were a balm on her wounded spirit after Gage’s abrasiveness. She let herself be wooed.

At the end of the dance, she remained in Ty’s arms through the next number, spinning and twirling around the floor, feeling quite pretty and taking a certain grim pleasure in the look of dismay on Gage’s face. She even began to enjoy herself.

But, as all good things do, the night eventually ended. The lights came up and people began making their way to the exits. “I’ll take Jade home,” Ty said, staggering slightly.

“You will do no such thing, young man,” Maylene said in an aside. “You’re drunk and you shouldn’t drive at all.”

“I’m fine, Auntie.”

“Don’t Auntie me, Ty. Call a cab.” Maylene stormed toward the door with Gage at her heels. Jade sneaked a look over her shoulder at Ty as she followed along. He stayed at the table, downing one more drink as he watched them go. A look of resentment marred his handsome features.

In the car, Maylene gushed over the evening. “Oh, I had such a good time. In fact, it looked like we all did. You should take Jade dancing again before she leaves,” she suggested to Gage.

He murmured something vague and Jade stared out the window at the city lights.

Once back at the house, Maylene asked Gage in for coffee and cake. Jade, more than anything, wanted him to just go home, so, of course, he accepted.

“Ciana?” Maylene called. The young girl appeared from the bowels of the house. “Please bring coffee and cake into the sitting room. Don’t worry about staying up; we’ll take care of the dishes.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Ciana gave a brief curtsy and left the room. She returned within minutes with the requested tray, set it on a side table, and excused herself.

“Now, if you two will give me a few minutes, I’m going to get out of these confining clothes.” Maylene didn’t wait for a response before leaving Jade alone with Gage.

“Shall I pour?” Gage asked, indicating the coffee.

“Thank you, but I really don’t like coffee.”

“That so? Would you care for hot tea?”

“I’ll just grab a Coke. I won’t be but a minute.” Jade dashed into the kitchen, startling Ciana who was wiping down the counters before calling it a night.

“Oh, Miss Jade. You frightened me.”

“Sorry, Ciana. I just need a soda.”

“You do not drink coffee?”

“Never liked it. I usually have hot tea or, preferably, a Coke.” Jade gave a small laugh.

“I will remember. Here, let me do it.” Jade had been opening cabinets in search of a glass. Ciana made a shooing motion and Jade stepped back, allowing the girl to fill a glass with soda and ice. As she handed it to Jade, she asked, “Anything else?”

Jade eyed the door, trying to think of a way to avoid going back into the room where she’d be alone with Gage. “No. That’s all. Thank you.”

Gage was standing when Jade reentered the sitting room. Jade was moving past him when he reached out, took her drink from her hand, and set it aside.

“Excuse me?” Jade looked askance.

In response, Gage pulled her close, a hand sliding up her neck.

Heat rose in her like a sudden storm and she automatically raised her lips to accept his. But a kiss wasn’t his intention. “We mustn’t let you forget to return these,” he said as he removed an earring.

Slapping his hand, Jade turned away, humiliated by her obvious desire to have his lips on hers. She quickly slipped off the other earring, managed to undo the necklace, and dropped them both into his outstretched palm before walking to the door. Over her shoulder, she snapped, “I would have returned them, Mr. Pichot. I am
not
a thief.” She stormed up the stairs, meeting Maylene as she exited her room.

“Jade? Is something wrong?”

“No, Maylene, everything is grand.” Then, remembering her manners, she forced a polite tone into her voice. “I’m sorry. That sounded rude. It’s just that I’ve developed a raging headache. So if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to bed.”

“Oh, that’s too bad,” Maylene said softly. “Can I bring you some aspirin?”

“Thank you, but no. I just need to lie down.”

“Of course, you must get some sleep. I’ve some matters to discuss with Gage and then will retire also.”

“Speaking of Gage, I left your jewelry in his
safekeeping
.”

Maylene frowned slightly, obviously concerned over the young woman’s tone, but chose not to address the issue. “Goodnight, dear. I’ll see you in the morning.” She glided gracefully to the top of the stairs and made her way down.

Jade fumed on the way to her room. After removing her gown and accoutrements, she slid into a filmy deep-green nightgown and matching slippers and headed for the kitchen to get a Coke. At the top of the stairs she heard Maylene and Gage speaking and even knowing it was wrong, she sat down to eavesdrop.

“I’ve gone through all the files here at the house and can’t find the deeds for the land in Florida. I think they may be at the homestead.”

“If Ty had dealt with the paperwork from the beginning, this wouldn’t be an issue now. Why don’t you send him out to get the papers tomorrow?”

“No, no. I’d love Jade to see the old place.”