by V. A. Dold
Thomas stared at something over her shoulder like he was watching his childhood play out on the wall behind her.
“Luckily, that was about the same time he stopped coming home. We rarely saw him, but when he did come around, I would hustle John out. We would hide out in a cave I had fortified with bedding, clothing, water, food, everything we would need to stay for days. I kept binoculars in my bug out pack so I could watch the house. We took turns as look out, and as soon as his car drove off, we returned so mom knew we were okay.
“He never physically touched her, not until the huge fight they had in the hotel after she met Cade. Did you know she knocked him out cold?”
“I heard that, but I wasn’t sure if it was true or a rumor.”
“Oh, it’s true. He threatened Cade’s life and Mom opened a can of whoop-ass on him. God, I wish I had been there to see it.”
Julia giggled; his blissful expression was comical.
“If she had been in danger physically from him, I would never have left her alone at the house. But, for some reason, I don’t know why, maybe he knew he couldn’t take her. But he left her alone. I think that was his way of tormenting her, through loneliness. Well, that and his blatant affairs. He didn’t try to hide them from her and even seemed to do things to make sure she knew about them. I’m ashamed to admit, a man such as that is my father.”
Julia brushed her thumb back and forth across the back of his hand. Giving what little comfort she could.
“My mother is an extraordinary woman. There aren't many like her, and the world needs her in it. I would have done anything to protect her and John. I still will. For some reason, she thought it was best for us to stay a family until we were grown. My guess is it was her religious upbringing. As misguided as it was, she stayed for us and tried to give us a happy childhood in spite of my old man. She told me after we moved here that she realized how horribly wrong she had been and begged both my and John’s forgiveness. I NEVER want to see my mother that devastated again.”
Thomas looked Julia in the eye and held her gaze, his expression fierce.
“I will kill that piece of shit before I ever let him lay a hand on anyone I love ever again.”
Julia pulled him into her arms and held him. The emotions raging through him were so intense he shook from them.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered into his ear. “That was a horrible way to grow up, Thomas. But cutting yourself off from meaningful relationships, that takes its toll too. I’m glad he can’t affect you – no, control you, anymore. I think what happened to you growing up, your passionate desire to protect others, influenced you to be a police officer.” A funny look flitted across Julia’s face. “And, as selfish as it sounds, I’m happy I’m the only woman you’ve ever had feelings for.”
He leaned forward, wrapped his hand around the nape of her neck and drew her in for a heart–stopping kiss. “I’m happy you’re the only woman too.”
“So, what happened in Las Vegas?”
“John and I were coming out of a club.” Thomas shuddered as he recalled the stripper that looked like Julia shaking everything her mother gave her on stage.
“Any way, I saw Tim, my father, manhandling a woman young enough to be my sister. To make a long story short, I made him let her go and beat the shit out of him.”
“I can’t say I’m surprised. After what you told me, you had a lot of years of pent up anger to unleash on him.”
“You could say that.”
If the streets of Las Vegas didn’t end Tim’s existence, the day would come when he would have to do it, but he wasn’t going to worry her with that. He had better things to do.
“Now, let’s talk about happier things. I believe we have a date in the French Quarter today, Miss Le Beau.”
Chapter 12
Julia’s eyes lit up like fireworks on the Fourth of July.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am! I haven’t been to the Quarter in ages.”
Grinning at her excitement, Thomas chuckled. “Pack your bag and we can head out.”
“Pack a bag? Why would I pack a suitcase for a date?”
“I’m taking you to the Quarter for the entire weekend. I arranged it with Logan. The bar staff is covered, and you’re all mine until Monday.”
Julia trailed her fingers down Thomas’s chest seductively. “I had no idea you possessed such mad skills, Mr. James.”
“Now stop that, woman.” Thomas laughed as he captured her wayward hands. “If you keep that up, we’ll never get to the Quarter.”
Thomas pulled her close, held her gaze, and growled. “And I have plans.”
He chuckled as her eyes glazed over. She told him once that he melted her brain and made her forget her own name every time he looked at her like that. Looks like he did it again.
Even though he hadn’t planned to court a woman in his lifetime, he had watched his stepfather and uncles closely the past few months. One tip he’d picked up was women loved old– fashioned gallantry. Holding her gaze, he brought her hand to his lips and placed a romantic kiss on her knuckles. From the instant flush of her skin, the burst of fresh snow scent, and shy smile, he knew she liked it. Good, he would definitely be doing that more often. If he knew little else about women, he knew a man needed to both show and tell his woman every day how much he loved her.
Thomas loosened his hold and stepped back. “Now shoo. I can’t wait to get you all to myself in the French Quarter.”
Julia turned toward the bedroom, giggling when he gave her a little swat on the butt.
It was one in the afternoon, and they were finally on their way. First stop had been Grandma Emma’s; he needed the healers to fix his face before taking Julia out in public, and there was no way he was explaining this to his mother in her condition. Grandma and the other healers made quick work of his injuries and as far as anyone would know, he’d never been in a fight. It had gotten so late; they had lunch with Isaac and Emma before they were able to get back on the road.
His heart rate increased every time he glanced her way. He still couldn’t believe he was her chosen mate. Taking Julia’s hand into his, he was instantly home. Her skin was soft, warm satin under his stroking thumb. It reminded him just how soft the rest of her body had been last night.
She turned her gaze from her passenger side window to look at him.
“Where were you just now?” Thomas asked.
“I got a nasty email from my mother while I was packing. I’m just trying to zen myself into the proper state of mind for our weekend.”
“You want me to stop stroking with my thumb?” Thomas asked with a tone of worry in his voice; then his lips tugged into a tentative smile. “I can leave you alone, so you can find your happy place.”
She smiled back and shook her head. “No. I found my happy place the minute I saw you at the gathering. Forget my crazy mother, we’re going to have an amazing time.”
About thirty minutes later, he carefully parked in the spot he had reserved. Visions of Julia’s mouth doing magical things to a certain part of his anatomy had been testing not only his driving skills, but also the integrity of the zipper and seams in his jeans.
About fifteen miles back, she had licked her lush lips, then adjusted her v–neck sweater, flashing her generous cleavage. The final straw had been her short skirt riding so far up her thighs he caught a glimpse of red satin panties. No red–blooded male could withstand that!
He pulled the keys from the ignition and turned toward her. The heat in his gaze fried every brain cell she possessed. And when he pulled her face toward him, she forgot her darn name. Again. His kiss was demanding and earth moving. It was wow, just wow!
Thomas kissed her lightly one last time before he exited the car and walked to her door to help her out. Taking her hand, he led her to a skinny brick walkway off Dauphine Street between a brick privacy wall and another building.
“Where are you taking me?”
Thomas grinned from ear to ear. “You’ll
see.”
The sidewalk ended at a well–maintained private entrance with five–zero–nine in brass numbers tacked to the forest green wooden door.
Thomas opened the door, keeping his hand on the small of her back as she preceded him into a beautiful, lush garden.
Julia gasped. It was incredible! “What is this place?”
“Our hotel for the weekend. It’s called the Audubon Cottages because this is where John Audubon created his bird books.”
“No way! How the heck did you find this? There isn’t even a name on the door.”
“Etienne told me about it.” Thomas chuckled. “It seems he was good friends with Audubon back in the day and used to hang out here.”
Julia shook her head. “That man gets more interesting every day.”
“Good morning, sir. How may I be of service?” the man behind the counter asked.
“Thomas James. I have a reservation for Cottage Two.”
“Yes. I see it right here.”
They finished the business end of checking in and then the manager grinned happily. “Now that the boring business issues are taken care of let me tell you about this little jewel of the French Quarter. The Audubon Cottages prides itself on transporting its guests back in time to the charm and elegance of old New Orleans. We are your relaxing retreat when you need a break from the energy of the French Quarter.
“We offer many amenities. Your cottage has a private patio with a fountain. Mr. James, this is the key for the fountain. I’m sure you will find it satisfactory. There is a heated saltwater pool and towel and slippers are available poolside. Wi-Fi, of course, breakfast each morning, and in–room kitchenette stocked with complimentary drinks. There is also a Keurig® coffee and tea maker, and the pride of the Audubon, your own butler.
“Holy moly,” Julia whispered under her breath.
Thomas just grinned.
“As you can see, there is a large living room and dining table with seating for four. Through this doorway is your king bedroom with large ensuite with a Jacuzzi tub. And the private courtyard is through here. Please, let me know what your needs are, and I will take care of them. Have a wonderful weekend.”
“Thank you. It looks perfect,” Thomas told him.
The manager gave Thomas a nod and backed out the door.
The instant the manager was out of earshot, Julia rounded on Thomas. “A butler?”
He had to laugh at her expression of disbelief. “Of course, nothing is too good for my lady. If you would like, the butler will unpack your suitcase for you.”
“I’m not going to let a complete stranger touch my bras and panties!”
He knew his suggestion would get a reaction. And he busted out laughing all over again.
It only took Julia a few minutes to unpack and meet him in the living room. The room was beautiful, hardwood floors covered in an antique rug with a soft suede couch, two matching chairs, and a marble top table for the large flat screen TV. The other end of the space had a round antique dining table with four matching chairs and a kitchenette.
“Are you all set?” Thomas asked.
“All set,” she grinned as she snuggled into his open arms.
“I have reservations for dinner at Antoine’s at seven, so we have a couple hours. Would you like to take a stroll and browse the shops with me?”
“I’d love to.”
He had a plan, thanks to Cade, and he needed to get Julia into Jack Sutton Jewelry to make it happen.
They walked a block and a half down Dauphine Street toward Canal before turning down Conti.
“The Erin Rose bar is just down here on the left side before we reach Bourbon Street. I love their frozen Irish coffee. Would you like one?”
Julia smiled. “That sounds yummy.”
They got their frozen coffee and chocolate delight and continued to stroll toward Bourbon Street. It was still early, so the famous party street was fairly quiet. When they reached Bienville Street, Thomas steered them left toward Royal Street.
“I’d like to look at the fine antiques and shops on Royal. I still need to furnish my new house.”
“Awesome! I love to pick out furniture and decorate! I did the entire Backwater with antiques from the Royal Street dealers.”
“Excellent! You can help me because I’m at a total loss.”
They were headed toward Rothschild’s Antiques when Thomas pointed out Jack Sutton Jewelers. “This is where Cade bought my mom’s ring. Let’s check it out.” Then he chuckled. “You can show me what girls like because like every other man on the planet, I have no clue when it comes to jewelry and my mom’s birthday is coming up.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll help you pick out something.”
As they entered the store, Thomas pulled his wallet from his pocket. “I better be ready for when you find the perfect gift for my mom,” he joked.
They scanned the displays as they slowly walked through the store. Julia pointed out this and that as they went. When they finally reached the engagement rings, Thomas bent closer choosing a large round solitaire.
“That’s pretty, don’t you think?”
“A lot of women like those huge diamonds in a high setting that stands about a quarter inch above their finger but I think they snag everything.”
“Really?” Thomas folded his arms across his chest and casually challenged her. “I hadn’t even thought of that. So in your opinion what is the perfect ring?”
Julia scanned the entire case then moved on to the next. Thomas began to panic; he needed her to pick a ring, and she was walking away from the bridal sets.
That’s when he heard a small gasp and her hand went to her heart. “This one,” she exclaimed triumphantly as she pointed to a wide intricately engraved platinum band with one karat of pave set diamond around the edges.
Not in a million years would he have guessed she would choose that ring. Not that it wasn’t stunning; it just wasn’t what he thought of as a normal engagement ring. But then, Julia was just as unique as that ring. So after thinking about it, yeah, it was perfect. Now he had to get her to try it on.
Thomas squinted at it again, making a show of doubt over her choice. Finally, he looked at her with a frown on his face. “Are you sure? It doesn’t look like much.”
“Let me show you. Ma’am, may I try this ring?”
The sales lady unlocked the case and pulled the ring from the display. “It’s a lovely ring. We have had a few in by this designer, but I think this is the most stunning we have had to date.”
Julia slid it on her ring finger and thank God, it fit perfectly. He had been sweating bullets for a minute; he knew a ring that wide wasn’t the kind of thing the store could resize.
“See,” she wiggled her finger at him. “It’s perfect,” she said almost reverently.
It was a good five minutes before she slid the ring off and reluctantly gave it back to the sales lady. As soon as she moved a few cases down to continue their search for a gift, Thomas slid his credit card to the sales lady. Julia didn’t know it, but he had called ahead and arranged the sale before they left her house.
After a few more minutes of shopping, Thomas said. “I do not see anything here. Maybe we can find something in one of the antique shops for her house?”
“Okay, that sounds like a good idea.”
Thomas let Julia precede him out the door and winked at the sales lady as she stealthily slid him the credit card and velvet box. Now he could breathe a little easier and enjoy the rest of their shopping and dinner.
*****
Two hours later, he held Antoine’s door open for Julia. The dinner he had planned was going to be spectacular.
“May I help you?” the maître d' asked.
“Reservation for James,” Thomas said in his most authoritative voice.
“Yes, Mr. James. I have a private table waiting for you.”
Thomas held the chair for Julia, before leaning forward to whisper in her ear, “You’re the most beautiful woman in the
entire Quarter tonight.”
Julia bowed her head before whispering, “Thank you.”
He took his seat and reached for her hand.
Moments later a waiter walked to their table. “Good evening, I’m Reginald and it’s my pleasure to serve you tonight. I understand you pre–ordered the five course meal we have created to celebrate our one hundred seventy-fifth anniversary, an excellent choice. The first course is Pommes de Terre Souffles, which is Antoine's classic fried puff potatoes. That is followed by our Appetizer en Trois–a trio of Shrimp Remoulade, Lump Crabmeat Ravigote, and Oysters Rockefeller. The third course is Gumbo Creole. A rich Louisiana gumbo with blue crab, gulf shrimp, and oysters.” Reginald paused for a moment to take a leather order pad from his pocket. “For the last two courses you each have your choice of Filet de Boeuf avec sauce Marchand de Vin et les champignons – that’s fancy for grilled center cut of beef tenderloin topped with Antoine's Marchand de Vin sauce and mushrooms. Or Pompano Ponchartrain, which is grilled filet of Pompano with lump crabmeat sautéed in butter.” Reginald looked at Thomas for his answer.
“We will both take the beef tenderloin,” Thomas confidently answered. He knew Julia preferred beef to fish.
“Very good, sir. Lastly is dessert. You each have the choice of Meringue Glacee au Chocolate – which is French vanilla ice cream on a lightly toasted meringue shell draped with chocolate fudge sauce. Or Pudding de Pain de Noix de Pecan – a cinnamon and raisin bread pudding topped with a caramel rum sauce.”
Thomas looked at Julia for her choice; this was the only course he hadn’t been sure of.
