by Emery, Lynn
“Don’t fight with me. I don’t want anything or anyone to stand in the way of your future.” Miss Georgina gazed at him.
He got the message and smiled. “Don’t worry about me. I’ve got my eye on the future and Carlton.”
She gave a satisfied nod. “Good. I’ll let you get back to work, then.”
“Goodbye, Grandmother.” He accepted her maternal peck on the cheek.
Much as he loved her, Georgina St. Denis could drive him up the wall. He sighed with relief once the door dosed behind her. Noel thought about Lyrissa being only a few feet down the hall. His grandmother considered tier a dangerous temptation, and she might be right. The last thing he needed was to lose his head over a woman. His father had taught him the perils of choosing the wrong woman. Noel did indeed have priorities. Being distracted by a lovely set of... everything was not on the agenda.
Three days of searching, and Lyrissa found it. She strained to read the faded ink of a letter dated 1888. Phillip Jean St. Denis had written to his lawyer about a large painting by a passable local artist called J. Joubert.”
“Yes!” Lyrissa made notes with a big smile on her face.
Noel walked in. “You look excited. Found the lost treasure of Jean Lafitte?”
“Ah, no. I’ve finally made some headway through most of the papers. I should be through soon.” She shuffled the letter in with a stack of other sheets.
“Then we can celebrate over lunch. To discuss the appraisal, of course,” he added quickly.
In a good mood, Lyrissa could see no harm in one quick lunch. “I suppose so.” She carefully put the documents back in their protective folders.
“What?” He blinked in surprise. “So easy?”
“No, but I can tell you a bit more. Might as well be today.” Lyrissa picked up her purse. “I’m ready.”
“Great! I’ll just let Eddie know.” Noel held the door for: her, and they went toward his office.
Julie appeared around a corner. “Noel, I need to talk to you.” She glanced at Lyrissa but didn’t greet her.
“I’m on my way out to lunch. Unless it’s an emergency I’ll call you when I get back,” Noel said.
“I’m starving myself. Where do you want to go?” Julie fell in step with them.
“We were going to grab something and discuss the collection.” Noel pointedly did not extend an invitation.
“We?” Julie said.
Noel stopped with a hand under Lyrissa’s right elbow. “Yes, Lyrissa and I are going out to lunch.”
Lyrissa glanced from him back to Julie. It was her turn. Julie plastered on a smile. Had to admire the woman for self-control, Lyrissa mused.
“I’d be interested in hearing about the collection. Besides, it would save time if I talked to you over lunch about the warehouse lease agreement. I need to take care of it today.”
“Fine,” Noel said with a curt nod.
Julie’s smile took on a feline quality when she looked at Lyrissa. “I hate to bore you with dry business.”
“Not at all.” Lyrissa had no intention of being gracious and backing out now.
Julie switched tactics. “You must have a pretty busy schedule with school and a job.”
“Not so busy I can’t have lunch,” Lyrissa smiled back. “How nice.” Julie looked as though she’d swallowed a bug.
Noel’s eyes flickered irritation when he looked at Julie. “Okay, let’s get going.”
Noel drove. His Infiniti was parked in a public lot adjacent to the office building. Lyrissa graciously stepped back and allowed Julie to join him in front. Julie clenched her jaw at the gesture, but said nothing. Noel looked at Lyrissa before they both got in the car. The trip along the narrow streets in downtown New Orleans was tense.
“So Julie, where did you finish school?” Lyrissa asked in a chatty tone as though there was no undercurrent. “Spelman,” was the short reply.
“Wow, great school. I stayed right here at home. Saved money you know.” Lyrissa sighed. “Dillard U. grad here.” “I see.” Julie’s voice was flat. She sat straight in the leather seat without looking left or right.
“And Noel is a Harvard man.” Lyrissa looked up at the rearview mirror.
Noel’s brown eyes danced with silent messages. “Yes, but only for my MBA.”
“That’s right, Howard for undergrad, wasn’t it? I’d love to visit that campus one of these days.”
Lyrissa gabbed on about nothing in particular. Her empty small talk flowed almost non-stop. Noel put in a few single sentence contributions. Julie spoke when forced to by a direct question. When they got to the restaurant fifteen minutes later, Noel looked drained.
As they’d expected, the place was already filling up. Still they managed to get a table next to the window. A slender young woman dressed in a crisp white shirt and black pants appeared with menus.
“Here /all go. Lemme get you somethin’ ta drink.” She smiled at them warmly.
“Iced tea,” Julie barked in a raspy voice.
“Same for me.” Noel eyed Julie worriedly, as though looking at a boiling volcano.
“Diet cola. Gots to have my fizz.” Lyrissa smiled at the waitress who smiled back.
“Got ya, bay. I’ll be right back” The woman darted gracefully around tables.
“We’re going to be seeing each other at the office,” Julie said to Lyrissa, forcing the words out like sour seeds. She arranged her round face into a smile. “Do you mind if I call you Lyrissa?”
“Of course not,” Lyrissa answered in a “Let’s-be-pals* manner.
Lyrissa had to appreciate Julie’s effort. It was obvious the woman wanted to strangle her and claim Noel over Lyrissa’s dead body. She took time to study her. Julie was; attractive, no doubt about it. Her skin was the color o dark cream with a hint of tan. Her long hair was a hone; brown, darker in some places than others. She had a habit of tucking it back in place behind her ears. Perfect mating material for a St. Denis.
“Good. So tell me about the inventory.” Julie glanced at Noel and Lyrissa expectantly.
“The family art is all over the place,” Noel explained. “To get a real picture of the total worth, we’ve got to track it all down.” He broke off when the waitress appeared.
Lyrissa spoke up once the woman left. “Mrs. St. Denis can point us in the right direction.”
“Directions,” Noel corrected and scowled. “Like I said, there are things spread all over.”
“Sounds like a huge job, Lyrissa. More work than you can do in a few weeks of your summer break.” Julie took a small sip of iced tea.
Lyrissa smiled. “Art historians are used to playing detective. Besides, Mrs. St. Denis will probably make it easy. She remembers a lot about who has what.”
“I wouldn’t count on her memory. It’s not what it used to be. Don’t tell her I said so.” Noel grunted.
“No promises. I might need the leverage later on,” Lyrissa teased. “So behave yourself.”
Julie tapped the table with her knife a few times before she spoke. “Anyway, where will you start?”
“I drafted a revised list of the scattered pieces after checking my grandfather’s will and talking to my grand-mother.” Noel took a long brown envelope from a pocket in his jacket. “Here’s a photocopy.”
Lyrissa took it from him and extracted a single legal-sized sheet. Her hands shook as she scanned the yellow lined page. There were forty-five items. Most of the descriptions were vague. A few were labeled simply “painting.” Some were described by dimension but none had the artist listed next to it. Still Lyrissa’s pulse raced at the thought that she was so close to her prize.
“You’re excited about this—it’s in your eyes,” Noel said, breaking into her thoughts.
“I love old houses and dusty rooms with hidden treasures. Of course, most people call it junk.” Lyrissa laughed.
“Art can bring in big bucks these days,” Julie said in a thoughtful voice. “And if we could sell the collection ...” She leaned
toward Noel.
“I didn’t suggest we sell the entire collection, just certain pieces. That’s where Lyrissa comes in. She can set a value and help us make the decision.” Noel nodded at Lyrissa.
“One valuable item could be a nice shot in the arm.” Julie spoke to Noel as though Lyrissa had vanished. “We could go ahead with the renovations on the Basin Street property.”
“No, any money from the art would be for long-term projects. I want us to take our time. Some of the works might be too important to our family historically.” Noel shook his head.
“Y’all ready to order?” The waitress stood with her pen poised.
They made quick work of selecting their entrees. The talk turned to everyday things like local politics and news. Lyrissa watched Noel and Julie, two shining examples of the Talented Tenth’s descendants carrying on the torch— except that they were the unique New Orleans Creole version. Suddenly Lyrissa had a familiar feeling. She was on the outside looking in. Her plain off-the-rack-clearance- sale dress was in sharp contrast to the Nicole Tracy suit Julie wore. Lyrissa resisted the urge to stare at herself. There was nothing wrong with the way she looked.
.. Don’t you think, Lyrissa?” Julie’s finely arched eye-brows lifted.
“What was that?” Lyrissa blinked back to the conversation.
“Instead of Noel, maybe I could help you.” Julie wore a calculating expression. “His hands are full working with Carlton right now.”
“You’re not exactly free, either. You’ve got two major projects going, plus training a new employee. You can’t spare the time,” Noel said, a true manager assessing re-sources.
“I’m almost through with the Richardson sale. That’s the most time consuming. I’ll be free in a matter of a few days.” Julie waved a manicured hand.
“Thanks, but it’s really not necessary.” Noel did not budge from his position.
Lyrissa decided to rub it in. “Besides, no need to tie up two valuable top-level executives.”
Noel nodded. “Good point. Anyway, this is a special family project that Grandmother expects me to handle.”
“Fine,” Julie said curtly. “I don’t see why our food isn’t here yet. Did they go out on Lake Ponchartrain to catch the damn fish? Waitress!”
The rest of lunch was strained, to say the least. Noel looked like a worm trying to get off the hook. He made every effort to be solicitous toward Julie. To his credit, he didn’t give up. He was the perfect Creole gentleman.
Still, Lyrissa heard him let out a soft hiss of relief when they arrived back at the office and Julie finally left them.
“That was fun,” Lyrissa said in a low voice. She watched Julie stride off, back rigid.
“Very funny. Now I’ll spend weeks ducking razor sharp icicles aimed at my head.” He headed for his office.
Lyrissa bit back a belly laugh as she followed him. “But Julie seems like such a sweetheart.”
He guided her into his office and shut the door. Noel stood within tantalizing reach. Lyrissa could feel him even though they did not touch. Just a whisper of fragrant air was between them. He smelled of hardwood, mint, and spice. She searched her memory to name the cologne. That bothersome tickle between her thighs surged again. Resistance to the moment was like swimming against a strong current. She was getting in too deep with each second.
“You don’t like Julie, do you?” His deep voice washed over her.
Lyrissa fought hard to control her breathing. She imagined his skin was the same even light brown all over. Muscles would ripple each time he reached for her or moved against her body. Her voice sounded scratchy when she did speak.
“The feeling is mutual.” She tried to step back. Her but-tocks bumped against the solid wood door.
“You went out of your way to set Julie off. Why?”
She turned her head, hoping to deflect some of his animal power. “I’ve had to take crap from girls like her all my life.”
“It’s more than that, but I’ll let it go for now.”
“How big of you,” Lyrissa replied, gaze still averted.
She felt rather than saw the smile. Despite a tiny voice warning her not to, she looked at him. The tip of his nose brushed hers when she turned her head.
“Why are you trying so hard not to like me?” he said.
His voice was barely above a whisper. He looked at her as though searching for a due in her eyes or in the shape of her face. His gaze traveled from her forehead down her neck. Lyrissa gasped as she watched him stop at the neck-line of her blouse. He looked for all the world as though he was contemplating unbuttoning it. For a crazy moment time seemed suspended. If he reached out, she’d let him. Then the phone on his assistant’s desk outside rang. The magic bubble popped and she came back to her senses. Lyrissa slid sideways away from him. Her escape wasn’t graceful, but it worked. Added distance cleared her head a bit more.
“It’s not as hard as you think,” she wisecracked. Still she stumbled over to the carafe and poured herself a glass of water. She drank deeply to soothe her tight, dry throat.
Eddie knocked, and then came in. Lyrissa kept her back to them as a bid for time to rally. She was sure the X-rated fantasies he inspired were written all over her face.
“Sorry to interrupt, but Ellis Singleton is on line three,” she announced. “Hi, Lyrissa. You sure had your work cut out for you. So did /all get a good start?”
Lyrissa turned around. “We—”
Noel’s gaze trapped her as though she were a butterfly caught in a silken net. The glass in her hand shook. Lyrissa wanted to shout that he was wrong, that she didn’t feel anything when he was near. Yet she could read the truth in his smoky eyes. She’d wanted him to touch her and he knew it
“Yes, we sure have,” Noel finished for her. “And it will get better as we go along.”
Chapter 8
Noel flipped through the pad of notes. “Anything else? I’ll look over the lease purchase agreement on the Stinson Street warehouse later. I’m sure Val did a thorough job.” Andre pulled papers from a folder. “Yes, but I thought you wanted to talk about the construction plans.”
“No need for that. I’ve been over them twice.” Noel tapped his pen on the table. He glanced at his watch.
“Noel, I think we should at least discuss the alternative floor plans today,” Julie pressed. “There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Now, I think—”
“I say we go with floor plan two,” Noel broke in. “We don’t want the building to be cramped with cubicles.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” Andre added. “One of the larger businesses could move in. We’d actually get more, in terms of income.”
“Right. The Dauphine Street building can be used for small struggling businesses.” Noel nodded. “Well, that’s settled.”
“We could at least discuss our report for the board meeting,” Julie said, with an edge to her voice.
Noel stood. “It’s almost twelve. I say we pick this up in the morning, when we’re all fresh.”
“I feel like we just ran the fifty-yard dash through this agenda.” Julie’s shapely brows drew together.
“We covered everything, right?” Noel glanced at Andre, who lifted a shoulder without answering.
“We skimmed the surface on most of the items,” Julie replied.
“You have questions? Andre?” Noel asked.
“No, I’m okay. See you later at the warehouse, Noel.” Andre gathered up his folders and left
Julie spoke as soon as the door clicked shut behind him. “I have color schemes we can review over lunch. That’s not too taxing, is it?”
“We can do it later.” Nod glanced at his Movado watch again. He looked up to find Julie staring at him hard.
“You’ve got an appointment for lunch, then,” she said.
“Yes. Look, you’ve got such great taste. Pick out three of your top choices and we’ll go from there.” Noel came around the desk and walked her to the door.
�
��Thanks so much for the confidence,” Julie said with acid in her tone. “No need to shove, I’m leaving.”
“It’s not like that okay? When I get back, we’ll take our time.” Noel put his hand on the small of her back. He gently guided her toward the side door in his office that led down a rear hallway.
Julie brushed against him and smiled. “Okay, boss. I look forward to it” Her short skirt swayed as she walked away. She glanced back at him once before going around a corner. Noel turned and headed for the front door to find his secretary. He pushed it open and called out.
“Eddie, did you—”
“Two grilled chicken pita sandwiches with ranch dressing on the side, whole grain chips, and two diet cream sodas. All in an attractive insulated high tech lunch sack.” Eddie handed him a compact dark blue bag.
“You’re worth your weight in gold.” Noel pinched her cheek, and then took the bag.
“When should I expect the armored truck?” she shot back.
Noel only grinned in reply. “I’ll be back no later than two-thirty. Keep Julie happy until then.”
“Oh, Lord!” Eddie rolled her eyes.
He laughed. “Okay, I'll try to be back sooner.”
City traffic was heavier than usual but it didn’t irritate him today. Noel turned up the radio and sang along. He smiled at the bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds over-head. It was a perfect day to meet at the park. A light breeze shook dark green leaves of hundred-year-old oaks along St. Charles Avenue. As he’d expected, there were no close parking spaces. Still humming, Noel parked along a side street. Nothing seemed to touch his good mood, he realized. “Hmm, wonder why?”
Noel smiled as he walked down the sidewalk. The answer to his question was only minutes away. It was the thrill of the chase, he said to himself. Never before had a woman resisted him with such determination. Lyrissa was not playing hard to get. She really didn't want him to get close. He should be content. Still, he kept thinking of reasons for them to get together.
The entrance to City Park was marked by a huge stone arch with ornate carvings. Lyrissa had agreed to meet him here. A set of figurines from the family collection was on display in the art gallery in the park.
