by Emery, Lynn
“Gorgeous.” Erikka breathed in the scent of flowers on the warm breeze.
“Not bored? I mean this is pretty tame compared to New Orleans night life.” Gabriel looked at her.
“I enjoyed every minute. Thanks for sharing information that will probably never make it into the tourist brochure.” Erikka returned his gaze.
“No big deal really.” Gabriel looked across the rows of flower beds.
“That’s a lot of tradition to carry around. Living up to the family name and all that.” Erikka tried to imagine what being from a rich old family would be like.
“Mostly I don’t think about it,” he replied.
“Damn, must be nice.”
“You know the old saying about money not buying happiness,” he said in a soft tone.
“It sure does help you tolerate misery,” Erikka replied. She grew serious again at the thoughtful expression he wore.
Erikka decided enough had been said on that subject. Both lapsed into silence, simply enjoying the fine day. Erikka leaned her head back. Cotton ball clouds dotted the robin’s-egg blue sky. For a few days each spring Louisiana experienced low humidity and mild temperatures. Birds flirted with each other in the tree branches above. She’d never been the outdoors type, but Erikka loved a beautiful day. Sunshine on her skin always seemed to promise happily ever after. Brilliant blue skies that stretched into eternity promised endless bright possibilities. Erikka always wanted to believe, but then reality had a way of biting hard. Life wasn’t a bowl of cherries, roses had thorns, and dreams did not always come true. She glanced at Gabriel and wondered if he was thinking the same thing.
“You didn’t bring me here just to see antiques and a really fancy house,” she said finally.
He turned toward her and put one arm along the back of the bench. “I thought you’d enjoy the day and get to know me—to understand my business.”
Erikka really had come to like that smile of his. His teeth were slightly uneven, and that reassured her. He wasn’t perfect. Still, she saw few reasons to find fault with his looks. She’d come to have a particular affection for the few lines around his eyes that appeared when he was amused. Sunglasses, a great smile, and a dimple in his chin—one hell of a combination.
“Business, right,” she prompted.
“I get inspiration for the furniture I create. Some of my customers want an antique touch, and I kind of like recreating them.”
“You wanted me to know a little more about your family.” Erikka decided to plunge ahead.
“I guess. Maybe I wanted you to know more than what you’re likely to hear third hand.” Gabriel shrugged.
“About you, too.” Erikka looked over her sunglasses at him.
“Goes both ways.”
The smile that threatened to pull Erikka in over her head widened. She’d been in too deep before and ended up with nothing more than a bitter taste in her mouth. Gabriel brushed a small brown leaf from Erikka’s shoulder. She looked at his large hand. The fingers were broad, what she’d call the perfect shape for a carpenter. Erikka suddenly wished he’d let it rest on her body. She’d only been involved with men who wore suits all day. Men whose hands probably never held a saw or screwdriver. Without thinking, Erikka grabbed it and turned the palm up. She ran her fingers along rough spots, felt the dry hard skin that sanded wood all day.
“Hmm, that’s nice,” Erikka said absently.
She turned his hand over and explored the knuckles, lines, and patterns like they were clues to him. Gabriel’s smile softened, and he offered her the other one as well. After a few more seconds Erikka awakened from her daze. Embarrassed by the intimacy of her examination, Erikka let go.
“Don’t stop,” he said softly.
Erikka’s breathing quickened. Heat moved through her hips, making her squirm. His words conjured up the image of his rough hands rubbing against her naked body. When Gabriel reached out for her, Erikka sprang from the seat.
“One step at a time, baby,” she said.
“Sorry, I didn’t intend to push or go too fast. I only meant—” His voice faded.
Erikka worked on slowing her pulse and being able to breathe normally again. Even a few feet of distance from him helped clear her stupefied, lust-filled brain.
“I was talking to myself. See, I have a tendency to make quick and bad decisions. I’m trying to change.”
“Okay.” Gabriel continued to sit and watch Erikka pace in a small circle in front of him.
“Right now my mind and body is screaming at me to jump you, right here. Find a quiet comer around here and get some love.” Erikka found a tissue in her purse and dabbed at the sweat on her top lip.
“Really?”
She glanced at him sharply. Gabriel’s expression behind the dark lenses of his sunglasses was unreadable. “Really.”
“I might say no. I do think past my fly,” Gabriel said with a poker face. A comer of his full mouth twitched.
Erikka blinked in shock for a moment, and then burst into nervous laughter. “Miss Thang here is assuming she’s irresistible. Believe me I know better.”
“Miss Thang is pretty damn irresistible, make no mistake about it. That’s not it at all.” Gabriel’s large hand covered one of hers.
She wasn’t sure she believed him, but it sounded good. “Look, I don’t trust myself alone with me, much less alone with a man. I got some major work to do on Erikka. What I’m trying to say is—”
“I’m in no hurry. We can go as slow as you want to,” Gabriel replied.
Erikka mused at how they were beginning to finish each other’s thoughts. “Thanks.”
“Or as fast. Just throwing it out there,” Gabriel added, with a grin.
Erikka had a tempting vision of a secluded shady corner of the garden. She fanned her face and looked anywhere but at him. “Let’s find that tour group again.”
Two hours later they’d visited another historic home and made an impromptu stop at an estate sale. Erikka’s libido had calmed down. She was able to think coherently about the when, why, and consequences of getting involved. Gabriel did not talk much. He seemed content to be with her, a new experience she savored.
“Guess you’ve had enough of dusty chairs and white elephants pulled from hundred-year-old attics.” Gabriel steered his truck down the highway toward his home, where Erikka had met him.
Erikka stretched. “Not such a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I did volunteer work for a New Orleans historic preservation foundation, mostly the financing part. But I did get to go on field trips.”
“I travel to New Orleans every few weeks.” Gabriel glanced at her, then ahead through the windshield again.
“Most folks end up there sooner or later. Do you come for concerts, go to any clubs, or on business?”
“Not just on business,” he said.
“Hmm.” Erikka squinted behind her sunglasses and watched the scenery whiz by for a few moments. Might as well put it right on the table. “Are you seeing anyone? I wouldn’t want to look up and see some woman coming at me with a hammer or something.”
“I recently stopped dating someone. Nothing heavy, just didn’t work out. There was no shouting, just a quiet talk and an agreement that we needed space.”
“A break,” Erikka repeated. “Yeah, that’s the epitaph of every failed relationship. ‘Let’s take a break from each other.’ Right up there with ‘I’ll call you.’ ”
“I was honest with her,” Gabriel said mildly.
“Hey, no judgment from me. I’ve said those words a few times. Then gulped in a big taste of freedom as I drove away.” Erikka looked at him.
Gabriel lifted a shoulder. “Guess it was easier than saying the obvious.”
“That you didn’t have a love jones for her,” Erikka said.
“Yeah,” Gabriel admitted.
‘To avoid the drama, tears, angry accusations. You did a version of saying it was you and not her.” Erikka liked being on this side of the couch for once. The s
witch wasn’t lost on him.
Gabriel grinned at her. “You’re good.”
“Thank you. I studied at the Crash and Burn Your Life Institute,” she said, with a short laugh.
“Me, too. But she’s not like that at all. Very calm, logical, and proper.”
Erikka made the mental interpretation. Gabriel had grown bored. She wasn’t sure if he realized it. He probably wondered why he didn’t adore Ms. Perfect. He wanted space to figure out what was wrong with him.
“Well, I promise not to throw things and have hissy fits. Part of my probation.”
“I wasn’t worried at all.” Gabriel smiled at her from behind his sunglasses.
They discussed plans for more trips. With Sunday dinner agreed to and nothing more definite planned, both were content. Erikka slid down on the worn leather seat and enjoyed the ride back to his house.
Chapter 11
Three days later Erikka went back to Gabriel’s house, this time on business. Their Sunday dinner had been wonderful. She hadn’t heard from him since though. Erikka decided to be philosophical about it. He was busy, and she hadn’t expected more. Or had she?
When Darlene watched her prepare to leave, Erikka made a big show of stuffing her briefcase. Darlene gave a snort of disbelief but said nothing. Spreadsheets were not on Erikka’s mind as she drove along the scenic highway. Gabriel stood outside waiting for her. Erikka smiled and waved as she pulled into his driveway.
“What’s up?” Erikka called as she got out of the car.
“A surprise. Come on.” Gabriel beckoned to her. “You have to close your eyes.”
“What?” Erikka put both hands on her hips.
“Close your eyes. I want you to get the full effect in one instant.” Gabriel walked to her. “Grab my arm.”
“Okay.”
Erikka transferred her soft leather briefcase to her left hand. They walked along the side of his house but didn’t go in. The scent of wet earth told her they were headed toward his backyard. She felt a breeze from the bayou on her face. Afternoon sunshine warmed the skin on her bare arms.
“This had better be good. If we keep walking, my feet are going to get wet. If you make me ruin my shoes—”
“Here we are,” Gabriel announced. “Open your eyes.”
She obeyed. A small party barge bounced on the water at the end of the long wooden dock. “You plan on being a swamp guide, too?”
Gabriel laughed. “No. I’m going to take you for a ride.” He tugged at her hand.
“Wait a minute. You know how to steer this thing?” She frowned at the barge then at him.
“I’ve been operating boats of all kinds since I was twelve. One of my uncles was a shrimper for years. I’m very comfortable on the water.” Gabriel gently tugged again until Erikka started to move with him.
“Yeah, but I’m not. At least not out in the wilderness where gators like to feed.” Still Erikka followed him.
“It’s a beautiful day. I’m trying not to be such a workaholic hermit. Won’t you help me?” Gabriel stepped onto the barge and held out both arms.
Erikka felt a tug of a different kind as she gazed at him. The long sleeves of his light brown cotton shirt were pushed up his muscular forearms. Faded blue jeans hugged his lean, long frame. He smiled, and her resistance melted like a marshmallow on a hot skillet. She got on board as he held her hand firmly.
“See? That was easy.” Gabriel led her down between two rows of padded seats.
“Yeah, easy.” Erikka held on to him when the barge gently rocked. “I don’t know if—”
“Look what I brought.” Gabriel cut her off. He pointed to a large wicker basket.
“Are you telling me this is a dinner cruise?” Erikka clutched at the striped vinyl back of the bench closest to her.
“You’ve been working hard all day, too. I say we should both relax.” Gabriel seated her up front directly behind where he stood at the controls.
Erikka sank into the comfortable cushion. She glanced around. A bright blue cooler sat on the floor. Wide and flat, a canopy overhead provided shelter from sun and rain. Open on all sides, with metal railings for safety, it gave a panoramic view of the swamp.
“Ready?” Gabriel’s eyes seemed to ask for approval. He looked at her as though ready to turn back if she gave the sign.
“No, but let’s go.” Erikka stretched out her legs. “Good thing I’m into country casual these days.” She pointed to herself. She wore a dark red shirt, navy split skirt, and flat loafer mules.
Gabriel looked at her over his shoulder. His gaze settled on her bare legs. “You look fine. Really.”
“Sure I do,” she said. Erikka touched her face without thinking and wondered if she should check her makeup.
“Erikka,” Gabriel said. Something in his voice made her gaze up at him.
Suddenly she wanted to run and hide. He was staring at her. Erikka wasn’t ready for this kind of examination. She glanced off into the distance, turning away from him.
“Maybe today isn’t the best time after all.”
Gabriel walked over and sat next to her. He tenderly put his large hand over hers and tugged it away from her face. “Yes, it is. When you look in the mirror, what do you see?”
Her throat hurt from the strain not to cry. “Like I can’t cover up the ugliness with makeup.”
“I see a wonderful woman who has a right to look everyone right in the eye,” Gabriel said softly.
“I just keep thinking everyone must look at me and feel repulsion, or pity.” Erikka wanted to turn to him, but couldn’t for fear she would indeed see pity in his eyes. “If that’s what this is about then please, let’s not go any further. We shouldn’t even leave the dock.”
“I want to be right where I am, with you, and I say let’s go,” Gabriel said, his face so close she could feel the heat of his skin on her neck. “Do you want to?”
“But what about—” Erikka shivered when his long fingers brushed hair from cheek.
“Baby, I’ve been looking at you all along and seeing everything. I just hope that one day you’ll believe me when I say you’re beautiful. Because you are. I can’t make you see it, but Lord knows I do,” Gabriel rasped.
Erikka finally had the courage to face him again. She looked at his broad chest. All three buttons of his pullover shirt were open. A triangle of brown skin covered by soft dark curls of hair made her pelvis ache. She licked her bottom lip as she took in the hard thighs encased in denim. As though afraid the lovely words he’d spoken were a dream, she touched his mouth. He kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose, then her mouth. Erikka put her hand on his chest as she pressed her lips against his hungrily. A fever to have him spread over her body, and she leaned into it. His strong arms wrapped her in more warmth than she’d ever felt before. In just one moment Erikka felt she wasn’t alone anymore. This wasn’t escape the way giving herself over to lust had been before. For a long, heart-stopping time they kissed. Then both came up for air.
“I’m going to give you the grand tour,” Gabriel whispered. He rested his forehead against hers.
“Tour, right,” was all Erikka could gasp. When he started to pull away, she kissed him again, then let go reluctantly.
“Ever been this far out?” Gabriel asked over his shoulder as he turned the wheel.
“I thought I had, but I was wrong.” Erikka found a paper napkin and dabbed sweat from her brow.
Gabriel gave a sultry chuckle. “I’m talking about the swamp.”
“No. I’ve been fishing, though.” Erikka grinned when he shot a surprised look her way. “From the bank not far from my grandparents’ back door.”
“Come up here.” Gabriel waved to her.
Erikka stood carefully. The humming vibration from the motor came through the soles of her shoes. When the barge rocked gently she grabbed his shoulder. Gabriel put an arm around her waist and pulled her until their hips touched. He smiled encouragement at her, and Erikka felt safe. They stood side by side for th
e next forty-five minutes. Egrets and a few brown pelicans swooped around from treetop to treetop.
“Lots of nutria, coyote, and deer that way,” Gabriel said, close to her ear. He pointed east to a stretch of dry ground leading to forestland.
“Coyote?” Erikka took comfort in how far they were from shore.
“Maybe even a Louisiana brown bear or two.” Gabriel laughed when Erikka clutched his arm.
“Notice I’m not amused,” she frowned at him, pretending to be more annoyed than she was.
“Those creatures are more afraid than you are. They’re very shy and will run away.”
“Yeah, well let’s not test that theory.” Erikka nodded for him to keep the barge well out in the water.
“Sure. We’ll visit the water snakes and gators today.”
Erikka playfully slapped his muscled arm. Gabriel’s rich laugh sent ripples of pleasure up her spine. She felt more than comfortable with his body leaning into hers as the barge swayed. A short time later he cut the motor close to the shore.
“How about a snack? I brought my own version of spicy wings, fresh rolls, chips, and soft drinks.”
“Gee, no dessert?” Erikka teased.
“Pound cake.”
Gabriel set the basket on an extended built-in seat at the other end of the barge. In minutes he set a place with red matching plates and thick white paper napkins. Then he poured ginger ale into two translucent plastic tumblers.
“You did that like a pro,” Erikka said as she settled beside him.
“Here, taste.” He handed her a plate with three wings.
Erikka licked sauce and savored it. “Hmm, ginger, a hint of honey and dill I think.”
“Hey, that recipe is secret,” Gabriel said.
“Not anymore. I do some cooking myself,” Erikka said modestly.
Gabriel chewed on a chicken wing. “What’s your specialty?”
“I’d have to say my crawfish bisque is the best. Now this is good stuff. You amaze me, Gabriel Cormier.” Erikka polished off the second wing.
