by Emery, Lynn
“Wish I could see Darcy’s face when Simon tells him the deal is off. Oo-wee, he’s not gonna be pleased.” Andrew cackled with delight.
Rae wondered if Andrew was right. Would Simon drift away? Was his interest only to obtain the property? Rae felt an unpleasant pang at the thought and tried to tell herself it was nothing.
“Cher, it’s for the best.” Neville touched her arm. He seemed to read her thoughts. “If he doesn’t stay with you then you’re better off.”
“That’s up to him.” Rae tried to make her voice light. “We’re just having fun anyway. I do enjoy dating Toya’s ex-husband. She has a fit when she sees us together.” She gave him a wicked wink.
Neville gave her a wise look. “If you say so.” His tone said he was not fooled by her act.
“I do say so,” Rae shot back. “Now, I made some tea cakes from Monmon’s old recipe.”
Rae steered them on to other subjects. Even while she chattered with her brothers about family and town happenings, Simon was on her mind. During the hours before he arrived, Rae worked hard to convince herself that she would not care if he did pull away.
When he stepped onto her porch later that afternoon all those efforts were for nothing. Simon exuded sensuality with every graceful move. Dressed in a slate-blue, crew-neck T-shirt and blue jeans, he looked fabulous. The brown skin of his muscular arms begged to be touched. He was tall, dark and handsome. Just the way she liked them. Even more, he was thoughtful, had a sense of humor and was smart.
When he smiled at her, Rae’s pulse increased. But all this just made her feel irritated with him for having this effect on her.
“Hello. Ready to see the sights?” asked Simon, taking off his sunglasses.
“Sure.” Rae was short with him. She wanted this feeling to go away.
“I’ve been looking forward to this all morning. Thinking about you made it hard to focus, but I finally finished.” Simon moved closer to her.
“Oh?” Rae gazed up at him. Her mind told her to move away, but her body stayed put. The nearness of him felt so good. He had not touched her, yet she could feel him.
“Yes, doing business with you will be very different.” Simon grinned at her. “I’ll have to work on my concentration from now on.”
His reference to buying the property stirred her to action. “Let’s sit down a minute, Simon. You may not want to go riding after all.” Rae figured she might as well get it over with.
“I doubt that.” Simon’s smile faded at the sober expression she wore. “What’s happened?”
“I talked to my brothers this morning. We don’t want to sell.” Rae spoke in almost a defiant manner.
“I see.”
“We’ve never had much, but at least we had our land, Daddy’s pride and joy – that and the dance hall.” Rae did not look at him. “So that’s it.”
Simon was silent for a moment. “Well, I knew giving up ownership of any of the land would be difficult. But I understand.” He stood up. “Let’s get going. There’s a spot on Grande River waiting for us.” He held out his hand.
“I didn’t spoil your mood for an outing?” Rae eyed him warily.
“The ideas I had for your property weren’t a make or break proposition. I could still do a modified version of it on my grandfather’s property, off Bayou Pigeon,” Simon said with a shrug.
“Really?”
“Yes. In fact, I was going to tell you I really only needed about five acres from you. Of course, Papa Joe’s land isn’t as pretty and doesn’t have easy access to Grande River, like yours, but it’s still a good idea.”
“You put a lot of work into that plan. I spoiled it. Just like a Dalcour,” Rae needled him for a reaction.
Simon raised an eyebrow. “So you figured I was only trying to soften you up to get my hands on Dalcour land?”
“Well, I…” Rae examined her fingernails.
“That I was pretending to be attracted to you?” Simon took her hand. “Come here.” He pulled her up from the chair and over to the cypress swing at the other end of the porch, where they could sit close together.
“Our families have been fighting for a long time. Admit it, Mr. Joe thinks Pawpaw stole from him.” Rae could feel the heat from his body.
“There was tension between both generations. But that was years ago. My father doesn’t care about all that now.” Simon placed one arm along the back of the swing.
“His brothers and sisters still hate us.” Rae knew from Lucien that the St. Cyrs still living in the parish were belligerent.
“And I’ve told them how silly it is, too. It’s time we put this whole family feud thing to rest, don’t you think?” Simon put his face within inches of hers. “It’s so ridiculous to hold his family responsible for what your grandfather did. They suffered just as much as anyone, more from what I understand.”
“Monmon Marie never got over it, and struggled to feed six kids.” Rae remembered the grim set to her grandmother’s face. She did not smile often. “Daddy used to joke they were too poor to pay attention.”
“So it’s only natural that Mr. Lucien would want to hold on to the only thing his father left them. With what he went through, no wonder parting with even an acre was unthinkable.” Simon gazed out at the scenery before them.
Rae looked at him. The sincerity in his voice was strong. Something deep within told her this was no act. She followed the line of his jaw up to the tight curls, like soft wool cut short. Before she knew it, her lips were pressed against his face.
“What’s that for? Not that I’m complaining,” Simon murmured. He wrapped one arm around her.
“For being you.” Rae rested her head against his shoulder.
“Now that’s good news. All I have to do to get a sweet kiss from a beautiful lady is to be myself,” Simon quipped. He brushed his lips against her forehead.
They sat quietly as the gentle swaying of the cypress swing lulled them into a shared contentment. For the first time in her life, Rae felt completely at ease in a man’s arms. She wanted to forget the past. What mattered most was that she held on to this wonderful sensation of floating on air. Rae felt ashamed that she’d considered using Simon to get back at Toya, or anyone.
“It’s almost four o’clock. Shouldn’t we get moving?” Rae asked.
“If we don’t, you may have to slap my face,” Simon replied with a soft chuckle.
“We’re taking it slow.” Rae said this more to tame her hunger for him than for his benefit.
He stood up. “I agree. Besides, I have a surprise for you. Come on.”
For the entire ride they played a game of tease. Rae tried to trick him into revealing his secret. Simon only laughed at her attempts. Both enjoyed the lovely ride that took them through the countryside to a portion of Grande River at Ventre’s Landing. Next to the wooden dock, a large building housed a grocery store, café and bait shop.
“Here we are.” Simon got out of the Explorer. “We’re going for a boat ride, courtesy of my pal, Ike.” Simon waved to a tall man, the color of milk chocolate, who waved back with a wide smile. “And forty bucks to rent it.”
Rae broke into a delighted giggle. “It’s been years since I’ve been for a boat ride. Oh, Simon, it’s a real beauty.” She walked toward the bass boat.
“I’ve got some refreshing drinks in my trusty cooler, life jackets and a pretty woman. I’m ready.” Simon helped Rae into the boat tied up to the wooden dock.
He steered the boat to the center of the river and gradually increased their speed. Rae reveled in the smell of the river. The sun sparkled on its surface like liquid diamonds. For the next two hours they rode at a moderate cruising speed, with Simon testing Rae’s memory of her favorite landmarks along the river.
Luxuriant growths of swamp oaks, red maples, sweet gum trees, grass and shrubs of a hundred varieties spread out around them. Egrets opened white fluffy wings as they lazily took flight. Time slipped by in the most delightful fashion for the couple. After drifting lazi
ly for a while longer, they returned to the landing.
Simon wiped his hands after removing large rubber boots worn to wade into the water. “I’m starving. What say we head for Pat’s?”
“Perfect,” Rae said, happy at his choice of the nearby restaurant.
Sitting on the patio of the restaurant, the couple watched boats go by on the bayou. Rae had to admit that she enjoyed watching the way Simon’s full mouth curved up when she told a funny story. This was not at all what she’d planned. Her feelings for him were the real deal.
“Whoa, I’m stuffed. Two soft shell crabs might have been overdoing it.” Simon leaned back in his chair.
“Hum, maybe it was all those hush puppies you wolfed down before they brought our order,” Rae said.
“Me? You helped, if I recall.”
“Guilty as charged.” Rae wiped her mouth with a paper napkin. “My crawfish bisque was delicious. I’m feeling a bit full myself.”
“Then I take it no dancing tonight?” Simon leaned forward to gaze at her.
“No way, a quiet evening in with a cup of good old-fashioned, Louisiana dark-roast coffee is all I can stand.” Rae propped her chin on one hand.
“Done. I make a mean cup, if I do say so myself.” Simon handed his credit card to the waiter.
“What?” Rae had an uneasy feeling.
“My townhouse is in that new complex on Picou Lane. You know the one. It’s not far from downtown. We can be there in twenty minutes, if I obey the speed limit.” He winked at her.
“Your place? Coffee at your townhouse?” Rae blinked at him.
“You don’t trust me on my home turf?” Simon smothered a smile. He tried to look serious at the cutting look she gave him.
Rae hoped her embarrassment did not show. Her doubts were not about his behavior, but her own. “Of course not. Let’s go.” I can do this, no problem.
*
Her fragile confidence wilted the moment the door closed behind them and they were seated in his living room. The room opened onto a dining area to the right. A breakfast bar separated it from the small kitchen. The carpet was the color of dark clay; the furniture a striped pattern of clay, brown and forest green. A combination of African and Creole art made a nice blend. Five small figures were scattered around, the smallest three across the top of the mantle above a brick fireplace. Soft jazz flowed from a compact disc player.
All the time, Simon kept up an easy chatter from the kitchen. Rae divided her attention between answering him and bolstering her resolve to be cautious with her heart.
“Here we go.” Simon handed her a mug and sat next to her. “The Simon St. Cyr Special.”
“Thank you, sir. So far the service is excellent.” Rae took a sip. “Not bad.”
“I know my way around the kitchen, thank you very much. I cook a mean jambalaya, too.”
Rae waved a hand around the room. “Nice place. You decorated it?”
“It wasn’t hard. I got some furniture from the house after the divorce. But a lot of this is new,” he added quickly.
“Bet you’ve had a lot of women willing to help you with cooking and housework.” Rae kept her tone casual.
“I got more casseroles pushed on me than Father Boudreaux when he organized the church potluck dinner,” Simon said with a chuckle. “But there is no one special tucked away. I’ve dated, but that’s about it.”
“I wasn’t trying to get in your business.” Rae groaned inwardly. She felt that she was being too obvious.
“Yes, you were, and it’s okay. I’ve been trying to get around to asking you if there is someone in your life right now.” Simon turned to her, one arm draped across the back of the sofa.
Tension eased from her body. “No. I was dating someone, but we’re kinda drifting apart. I wasn’t home much. I think he’s found someone else and just hasn’t told me yet.”
“You had an apartment in Houston, right?”
“Yeah, but it definitely wasn’t home. Oh, I enjoyed being there after traveling for weeks on end. But until I got back to our house here, I didn’t realize that I was just sorta camping out in Houston. It had a real temporary feel to it. Everything about my life did. Even my relationship with Kaleb, the guy I was dating.” Rae stopped abruptly. She had never told these things to anyone. Why am I spilling my guts to this man?
Simon took her hand in a gesture to make her feel at ease. “After my divorce, I felt this kind of emptiness. The divorce was the right thing, don’t get me wrong, but I guess I was mourning the fact that my marriage hadn’t been the lifetime love affair I’d hoped for. I wanted to be like my parents and grandparents.”
“Mr. Level-headed Business Man, you’re a romantic underneath,” Rae teased gently.
“Ms. Well-known Rebel, so are you,” he said in a low voice. “And we both feel this thing growing between us.”
“Sounds like a wart or something!” Rae tried to make a joke, but her voice was weak, mainly because she was having trouble breathing. The lights were low and he was so tantalizingly close.
“You know exactly what I mean, Raenette Marie Dalcour,” Simon whispered.
With the careful deliberation of an artist, he traced a line with his forefinger along her jaw until he touched her bottom lip. Rae watched his face move closer with no thought of resisting. His mouth tasted of love and desire. Under the coaxing of his big, but gentle hands moving over her body, Rae shed her hard shell of cynicism about picture-perfect romance. She wanted him in every way.
“I know we’ve only known each other a few weeks and…” Simon murmured between delicate kisses to her neck. He paused in the act of going further down the V-neckline of her deep red T-shirt.
“Technically, we’ve know each other for years,” Rae mumbled. She did not want him to stop. “Well, we met at least once when I was a teenager,” she added when he looked up at her with in amusement. “My point is we’re not strangers.”
“True. We know all about our families, where we went to school, and lots of other details.” Simon resumed his task of kissing every inch of exposed flesh.
Rae sighed with contentment. “Yes, right there.” She shivered as he nuzzled her breast through the fabric.
“So, technically, we’re much farther along than just a second date.” Simon nibbled at the cotton harder.
“Third – I’m willing to count that first meeting in your office,” Rae put in quickly. “We did share coffee and talk about non-business topics. Don’t forget the phone conversations.” She guided his hand beneath her T-shirt.
He reached under the lace cup of her bra. The touch of his warm palm covering her right breast made her moan.
“Works for me,” he mumbled.
There was no need for any more discussion. In a daze of passion, they undressed in slow motion, savoring each delicious stage. Rae lay back against the cushions and watched him push down the blue jeans over his hips, revealing white cotton briefs against his brown skin.
Simon stood over her for a few seconds, gazing at her body, still clothed in a matching bikini and bra, the color of dark wine. Rae stood up and removed them both as she gazed back at him. With one quick motion, he removed his briefs. They stood together kissing and touching for one long luscious game of foreplay.
Soon their slow, tantalizing caresses gave way to urgent need. They eased down onto the sofa, their bodies molded in a neat fit. Simon drew back to look into her eyes. Then he entered her, pushing his hips to hers in slow motion until they were locked in a heated embrace that made them one. More than sexual pleasure, she rode a tidal wave of joy at having this wonderful man inside her. She wanted all of him.
In a blinding flash, Rae knew what it meant to be consumed with passion. Simon was moaning her name, whispering endearments in a string of words that meant nothing in particular and everything. The orgasm began like a flower opening, each glorious second taking her higher. Feeling her contract around him pushed Simon over the edge. His thrusts were sharp and deep. He came, shouting out a gut
tural moan, every muscle rigid; his fingers digging into the flesh of her thighs. They lay wrapped together for a long time, unwilling to break contact.
Rae combed his dark hair with her fingers. It was strange how each strand seemed to stand out, all shiny and beautiful. She glanced around the room to check. Yes, the colors were brighter. The feel of everything was somehow better.
“Now what?” she asked in a soft voice of awe. So this was love?
Simon eased away from her, and retrieved a pair of light gray pajamas from his bedroom. “Now we take a nice warm shower together, put on these, and drift off to sleep in each other’s arms.” He smiled. “I’ll get the shower started.”
Rae grabbed his wrist. “You know what I mean, Simon.”
He sat next to her. “Now we decide that no one, and I mean no one, will come between us. If this doesn’t work, it should be because we say it won’t – not your brothers, my grandfather or anybody else.”
“Sounds simple enough. We just have to ignore ninety percent of the population of Belle Rose and hope Toya doesn’t hire a hit man to take us both out.” Rae wondered if Simon could take being an outcast.
“Piece of cake.” Simon tucked her against him. “Seriously, what I feel for you is like nothing else I’ve ever felt. I’m willing to fight for it.”
Rae looked up at him. He was serious. Not a trace of hesitance or doubt was evident in his handsome face. She was ready to take on everyone to hold onto the joy of being with him.
“You know I’m not exactly a slave to public opinion. So let the games begin.” She giggled.
“There’s a shower and soft jumbo bath towel with our name on it, lady.” Simon led her to the master bath in his bedroom.
A light-headed, relaxed feeling took control of them both. The warm, soapy water rinsed away all cares; worries about the rest of the world did not belong here tonight.
Chapter 8
The next four days were a busy time for Rae. She spent all her waking hours talking to carpenters, electricians and beer wholesalers, trying to get the best prices. She met with resistance. One liquor salesman finally admitted that the word was out not to do business with her. Henry Jove had a lot of powerful friends. Still, greed eventually won out. She had to accept higher prices, but she was determined not to let the Joves win.
