“Yet.” The phone at Chase’s side rang. “Yeah, Ted?”
“We’re ready for take off. Should be smooth skies and sunny and clear.”
“Perfect.” Ted ran a fantastic operation and Chase knew that everything would be exactly as he requested. Within seconds of hanging up, the small cabin filled with a soft jazz tune from the limited repertoire, the engines roared and the plane sped down the runway and lifted off the ground.
Clutching the armrests tightly, Grace intently watched the ground fall away. “I don’t understand how something this heavy can fly like a bird, but I’m glad it does.”
“Agreed.” Seated across from her, he leaned back and waited for her to lose interest in the view.
“You must fly a lot to have your own plane ready at your command.” Grace settled back in her seat, crossed her legs, and shifted her focus from the window to Chase.
“I don’t fly much at all, and this is not my plane. Chartered.”
“Still, this can’t come cheap.”
“It’s all subjective. To an Arab prince, the cost is a drop in the bucket. To the cashier at the grocery store, not so much.”
“And to you?”
“It helps that Ted and I have been friends since rooming together in college, but my budget is definitely going to take a hit this month.” He flashed a broad smile in an effort to keep the conversation light. “So what do you think?”
“I think a girl could get used to this.” The way her eyes lit up, he knew he’d hit on her dreams and goals.
Now if he could just give them some new perspective.
“Last time I got to travel in an airplane I fell asleep. Not doing that now.”
He loved the way she smiled when she was excited about something. There was an extra punch to it, one that struck him dead center, sending shockwaves all the way to his toes.
“How long is the flight?”
Glancing up at the digital clock he did a fast calculation. “Little more than an hour.”
“So we’re talking ninety minute flight time.” She squinted out the window and he could almost read her thoughts.
“If you’re going to start mapping the movement of the sun, I’m going to have Ted turn around and take you to the café for dinner.”
“Ha,” Grace burst out laughing. “I actually considered trying to convince you this was too much and to simply have dinner at the café.”
He couldn’t help but grin at her. It was nice that she was worried more about him, or his finances, than having a good time or doing something new and possibly exciting. No matter what the rest of the town thought about Grace’s ambitions, he’d bet his last dollar that, just like Dorothy in Oz, for Grace there could be no place like home.
***
Never had sixty minutes flown by so fast and yet crept along so slowly. The airplane hummed a bit as the landing gear lowered and Grace tried really hard not to squeal at the fast approaching landscape below. She still had no idea where they were. Chase hadn’t dropped a single clue no matter how many ways she’d tried to get him to slip up.
The aircraft jerked from hitting the ground and she gripped her armrests a little tighter, not from fear but sheer energy. Not having to ride an eternity to reach a gate was one of the advantages of a smaller plane in a regional airport. The sooner the plane stopped, the sooner she’d know where they’d landed.
Inpatient, she unbuckled her seatbelt and waited for the plane to roll to a full stop. As soon as Chase pushed to his feet, she sprang up beside him. Extending his hand, she slid hers into his and followed him to the now open doorway.
“Enjoy your visit,” Ted flashed her a conspicuously conspiratorial grin.
“I’ll text you when we’re on our way back.”
Ted nodded and returned to the cockpit.
At the bottom of the steps, Chase squeezed her hand. “Welcome to the Big Easy.”
Chapter Nineteen
Once again that blinding smile took over Grace’s face and lit Chase from the inside out. “Shall we?”
“Lead the way.”
Still holding hands, they walked inside the small terminal and out to where another limousine awaited them.
Shaking her head at the luxury car, Grace slowed to a stop. “Oh you are seriously raising the bar for first dates.”
“You’re on to me.” He’d argued back and forth with himself whether to take her to a local dive for the best shrimp po-boys in the state, but in the end opted for a traditional five-star dinner. After all, the idea was to show her the high life. “Hungry?”
“Starved, though I’m not sure if I could eat a bite.”
“Oh, I think you’ll manage.”
He’d instructed the driver to take the longer route through the more scenic portions of the town. Listening to her ooh at the tree lined streets with original southern mansions and squealing at the streetcars had already made this the best damned date he’d ever been on. First, second or otherwise.
The limousine came down the multi-laned avenue and turned the corner at a narrow street already showing signs of the picturesque and famed French Quarter before coming to a stop at the tired brick building with a kattywampus wooden gate.
Out of the car like a shot the chauffeur circled the hood to open the door for his passengers.
Chase was the first to exit. “I’ll let you know when we need the next ride.”
“Yes, sir. And if you’re looking for nice spot for after dinner, my cousin Louie is playing at Belle Mere’s around the corner from ten to three.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.” Facing the entrance, a pang of unease tapped at Chase’s chest. Maybe she would prefer simple fare. No time for second guessing. He pushed the gate open and followed the tunnel-like brick hall all the way to the open air courtyard and felt his unease drift away at the wide eyed appreciation on Grace’s face.
“It’s beautiful.” Her gaze took in the more traditional French decor blended with a hint of New Orleans Cajun. “You certainly know how to pay your debts.”
“Glad you like it.”
A petite dark haired woman appeared behind the heavy wooden podium. “Reservations?”
“Prescott.”
“Party of two. Yes, follow me.”
Holding hands under the open sky, with dim decorative white lights overhead and soft melodies playing in the background, Chase was sure he’d made the right choice.
Grace scanned the surroundings as they made their way to the corner table he’d reserved. “I bet the seafood here is to die for.”
“Oh, please don’t do that.” Arriving at their table, he let go of her hand and repositioned himself behind her chair. “I have a lot more planned tonight.”
Beaming up at him, she pushed onto her tippy toes and lightly kissed his cheek before settling into her seat. Halfway through dinner and his cheek still tingled with warmth from her barely-there touch.
Conversation came easily, it always had. She’d moaned outright over her sea bass and he’d had to take a long swallow of ice water to counteract the impact. When it came time for dessert, he politely declined the waiter’s offerings, ignoring the surprised look on Grace’s face. “We have a lot to see still,” he explained
“I can eat dessert anywhere.” She rewarded him with another superb smile.
Delicately resting his hand at the small of her back, he ushered her out the way they’d come in. Greeted by a large white carriage with a horse of the same color, Chase waved an arm at the cabby. “Milady, your carriage.”
“Oh, this is so cool.” She hiked her skirt up slightly and climbed up. “It’s official,” she looked left then right. “Nothing like the Brady’s summer hayrides.”
“No. I bet it’s not,” he agreed, delighted when she snuggled up beside him for the duration of the meandering ride across the French Quarter until the carriage came to its final stop. “I hate to have to say this, but we’re here.”
“Here?” Grace straightened and glanced around. “Café du Monde!”
“Can’t come to New Orleans and not have beignets.”
“Dessert,” she added.
“Have to satisfy the sweet tooth.”
“At the rate you’re going, tonight is satisfying a hell of a lot more than a sweet tooth.”
Oh he certainly hoped so.
***
This had to be the most amazing date any girl had ever been on. Flying in a private jet, riding in a limousine and a horse and carriage, topped off with five-star dining with a handsome, sweet man. Cinderella didn’t have it so good. Grace was sure that at some point she’d blink and realize the whole thing was a dream. Though it would have been nice if the dream hadn’t included covering herself in powdered sugar while scarfing down the beignet like a toddler tasting sugar for the first time.
“You up for a little walk?”
“Absolutely. Lead the way.”
“You keep saying that and I won’t be held responsible for where we end up.”
“Promises, promises.” If this was a dream, she might as well live it up for all it’s worth.
Chase led the way down the street and cut through Jackson Square. “This is one of the most recognized squares in Louisiana. Possibly the country.”
“Dallas has some lovely old neighborhoods. Charming houses turned into an arts district or modern residences surrounded by young adults and entertainment galore, but nothing like this.” She glanced around. Most folks were busy mulling about the streets outside the park. Feeling free from the constraints of neighbors knowing neighbors and the small town gossip mill, she kicked off her shoes, and hiked up her skirt just far enough to climb into the fountain. “Look at me!” she squealed.
Chase’s jaw dropped open and his eyes bugged out. For a second she thought she was about to see the mild-mannered storekeeper morph into the Hulk, but instead his head fell back and he barked with laughter.
“Care to join me?”
He shook his head. “One of us needs to stay legal to bail the other one out of jail.”
She bent over and, cupping water in her hands, swung her arms forward in an awkward attempt to splash him, but he sprang back too quickly. “Spoilsport."
In the dark of night, most people walked around the park, not through it. She could see Chase considering his options.
“Chicken,” she squawked.
It took only a few seconds for him to slip out of his shoes, tuck his socks in and roll up his cuffs. “If we get arrested no hablo inglés.”
This time she burst out laughing and loped around the fountain to the other side. The next thing she knew they were playing an odd rendition of catch me if you can and she had no idea why, but suddenly wondered why was she running away. Still giggling from the rush, she shifted her weight left and faked him to the right, except he must have seen the move coming because she almost lost her footing when he wrapped his arms around her.
“We need to get out of here before someone calls the cops,” he muttered softly.
Feeling the warmth of his breath on her face, she nodded. “Yeah, I suppose we should.”
“Yeah,” he repeated seconds before his lips captured hers.
All logic slipped away as she fell into the toe tingling kiss. If they were going to get arrested, this was so worth it.
***
“Jeremiah was a bullfrog.” Her head leaning back in the leather airplane seat, Grace sang loudly then laughed, shaking her head, “How did any song with a name like that become so famous?”
“Same way Lemon Tree shot to the top of the charts back in the day.” Chase had opted to sit across from Grace again. Not very cozy, but the smartest way to keep himself from doing something that would most likely earn him a slap in the face.
From the square they’d walked a few more blocks to Pat O’Brien’s, the home of the famed hurricane cocktail. His plan had been to pop into a few different clubs. Hopefully at least one with some lighter jazz and a dance floor, but they’d had so much fun singing at the popular piano bar that the closest thing to dancing they’d done all night had been the too-brief lip lock at the fountain.
“That was only because of the vocal skills of Peter, Paul and Mary.” Her eyes drifted shut. He thought she’d fallen asleep when she smiled. “I had a nice time. Thank you.”
“Thank you.”
Yawning, she opened her eyes and lifted her head. “Do you always go to such lengths to take a girl out for dinner?”
“This would definitely be a first for me.”
Her eyes narrowed. Either in thought or exhaustion, he wasn’t sure which, or which he preferred.
“Then why me?” she asked
“You said you missed out on New Orleans a few years ago.”
Her chin dipped. “Yeah, I did.”
“The nice thing about Texas being in the middle of the country is it’s easy to get anywhere fairly quickly.”
“Not that easy. Dallas is a major airline hub and I haven’t made it any further than home to Tuckers Bluff in the last three years.”
“That’s different. You’ve been in school. Once you settle into a full time job—“
“I’ll get two weeks a year for vacation.”
“In the corporate world, yes. At least at first. Of course government employees get more vacation time, but that’s no way to get rich.”
“No it’s not.”
“And you are in this for the money?”
She blinked. “Part of it.”
“And the other part?”
Now she smiled. “The excitement of really living life. Like tonight.”
“It’s a funny thing, living the fast life.”
“How is that?”
“Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest for the trees.”
Grace crinkled hear nose. “Oh it is way too late, or perhaps too early, to be speaking in metaphors. English please.”
“People who grow up in big or famous cities don’t really appreciate all the city has to offer. The only times I would go into New York City and do touristy things like visit the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, go to dinner or even attend a Broadway show was when company came to town. Much the same way you hadn’t been on a horse in years until you had to show me around.”
“Not that many years.” She frowned.
“Racing for me that day was as thrilling as any killer deal I ever made. And way better than any night on the town—present night excluded.”
Her frown lifted to a warm almost teasing grin. “It has been pretty exciting.”
“It’s not the place, it’s the company.”
“You’ve got me there. I definitely think I had way more fun tonight with you than I ever would have had at a bachelorette party with the girls.”
“I’m going to take that as a compliment.”
“Please do. It was meant as one.”
Her eyes drifted closed and he wished they were sitting close together like on the carriage ride. So many things he wished were easier.
Landing back in Texas had been pretty much the reverse of leaving Texas. The limo had been waiting faithfully for their arrival. Grace had scooted in and this time, unlike the plane, they sat side by side, her head on his shoulder. She’d fallen into a deep sleep almost before she’d had a chance to close her eyes. They’d be back at the ranch long before he wanted, but it was what it was. For the rest of the drive he was going to enjoy the moment. Just in case it turned out to be the last moment he ever got alone with Grace Farraday.
Chapter Twenty
It took all the self discipline Grace had to keep from falling asleep in church this morning. She knew Chase had walked her to the door and escorted her inside, but that was about all she could remember. She was also pretty sure that if he’d kissed her good night, she would have remembered.
Even now, she wasn’t all that sure she hadn’t dreamt the whole thing. After all, how many ordinary guys fly a gal to the next state for dinner and a night out. Even if they are pretty terrific. And Chase was definite
ly ranked high in the terrific department, even if he hadn’t taken her to New Orleans for dinner.
“What tractor pull did they drag you through?” Catherine came in the back, her daughter Stacey at her side. “Sorry I missed church. It’s been an insane morning.”
“What’s wrong?” Grace stood dicing tomatoes at her aunt’s side.
“Sweetie, why don’t you go with—where are the men?”
“Father Tim wants to fix something or other before the wedding next week so Dad and my brothers stayed behind to see how they can help. They should be home soon.”
“Oh. Okay.” She turned back to her little girl. “Why don’t you color in the other room?” Catherine didn’t have to ask her daughter twice. Stacey bolted out of the room on a mission. Probably to become the next Pablo Picasso. “It’s the new equine therapy program we wanted to do. It’s so much more complicated than I’d anticipated.”
“But you’re a good lawyer,” Aunt Eileen looked up from her spot by the stove.
“Litigator, yes, absolutely. But non-profit is not my area of expertise. What little I learned in law school, I’ve mostly forgotten. And I do mean little. On top of that there are so many complications. If we reach out to young children we have one kind of problem and if we reach out to adults we have another.”
“But you want to do the adult program, don’t you?” Grace had seen it so clearly in her sister-in-law’s eyes the other day.
“It’s too much, between having Stacey home half days until school full-time next year, and handling the business for the ranch end of the ranch—“
“As opposed to the not ranch end?” The question in Aunt Eileen’s voice was clear.
“Right. The legal end of the new stable and hiring help to buying horses is keeping me plenty busy.”
“Not to mention the little bit of legal work you do for the folks here in town.” Aunt Eileen interrupted.
“Exactly. I’ve been able to file with the IRS for the non-profit status and made the necessary changes for the current project, but that’s only the beginning. I could be tied up with paperwork and red tape for the remainder of my natural life.”
Grace Page 13
