by Gorman, A.
Chapter Two
Gemma entered the customer’s order into the Point of Sale system and smiled. “That will be eight ninety-nine.”
She took his payment with a smile and handed him a silver holder with a number on it. She blew a lock of red hair out of her face and greeted the next customer in line with an automatic smile that fell when she saw who it was. Jasper Leblanc.
“Well, hello to you too, cher.” He greeted her with that same damnable smile. Two guys that looked like younger versions of him jostled each other for attention. Had to be the other members of Leblanc Brothers Construction.
“What can I get for you today?”
He smiled again. “What you got?”
She exhaled an impatient sigh and gestured to the menu on the wall. “Those are our everyday sandwiches. Right here,” she said, pointing to a small chalkboard, “is our special of the day.”
“What if I want something that’s not on the menu?”
“Special orders are subject to approval by the owner. Me. And right now we’re not entertaining special orders.”
He held a hand over his heart. “How you wound me. I just don’t know if I’ll ever recover.”
“My manager knows CPR. You’ll live. Now what do you want?” She pointed her gaze to the line that was beginning to grow behind him and his brothers.
“I’ll take the Cajun Destroyer and an order of Bite Me Fries and a big glass of sweet tea.”
She noted that on the computer screen as well as his brothers’ orders. She handed him his number, and he and his entourage went to find a table. Gemma continued taking orders until the line had dissipated. When it had, the girl who worked the counter stopped expediting orders and came back to the register. Gemma began helping bus tables. She would never ask her workers to do something she wouldn’t do. It was a vow she had made herself when she opened.
As she bussed, she made it a point to go by each table and visit for a moment. She would ask how they enjoyed their meal, how they were doing, and just generally tried to make them feel at home. Some had become regular lunch customers, and she would ask them how their family was and other questions about their lives.
She groaned inwardly when she saw the table of three still lingering in the corner. It would be bad business and manners to ignore them completely.
“Hi, guys,” she greeted as she walked up.
“Hi there,” Jasper said.
“How was everything?”
“It was good, really good. Can’t believe we haven’t come in here already,” one of the brothers said.
“Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.”
“Jasper said you were interested in my photographs,” the same twin said.
“Lucien, I assume. Yes, I am. I’d be glad to talk to you. At the moment is not good, but maybe some other day before or after the lunch crowd.”
He smiled, and Gemma could see how that smile melted hearts and reservations. She could also see the resemblance to Ryder.
“I’d be glad to.”
She nodded. “Please do. I really am interested in displaying your work here. Now, is there anything else I can do for you guys?”
Jasper leaned back and crossed one leg over the other one. “A date would be nice.”
His brothers, who had been smiling, turned to look at him as if in shock. Lucien raised a golden eyebrow.
“Well, I was thinking more clearing the plates off your table.”
“If you go out with me, you wouldn’t have to clean the table.”
She bristled. “I don’t need some Prince Charming to come rescue me from my chores.”
His eyes widened. “That’s not what I meant at all. I’m damn sure not a prince, and I’m not here to save you. I simply want to take you to dinner. If you’re scared, that’s okay. Just admit it.”
“Scared? I’m not scared.”
“Then why not? It’s just dinner. Two people enjoying a meal. Like we did a couple of nights ago. Nothing to be afraid of.”
“Okay then. You’re on.”
“Alrighty then. I’ll pick you up at eight o’clock. Wear some dancing shoes.”
His smile was victorious, and Gemma groaned inside. She had just played right into his hands. But she wasn’t backing down now. She would show him how just unafraid she really was.
Chapter Three
Jasper
Cheauxnuff, his black Lab, stared at him from the comfort of the king size bed as Jasper got ready for his date. Every now and then, he would cock his head to the side as Jasper would mutter an expletive as he showered, shaved, and dressed for the first real date he’d been on in years. Yes, years. After watching his father’s disastrous encounters with four different wives, Jasper had sworn off relationships in general. They weren’t worth the hassle. He had seen his dad start over numerous times, losing money every time there was a divorce. Luckily, the man had the sense to keep the family home. The very house Jasper walked in right now. He had inherited it two years ago when his dad succumbed to cancer. The brothers had gotten some money and were happy to get it. They bought a house in town, close to the action. But still both came back regularly to sleep in their old rooms and spend weekends fishing and hunting the swamp. The best of both worlds, they claimed.
Clad only in jeans, he walked to his closet and flipped through his shirts. He finally decided on a striped blue cowboy-style shirt and black jeans. He’d wear his white cowboy hat tonight.
Showered, shaved, dressed, and a dash of cologne, he was ready to go. He patted Cheauxnuff on the head.
“Be good, girl. You’re in charge.”
Gemma
Gemma stared at the contents in her small closet. She frowned, looking down at her mixed breed dog, Annie Oakley.
“I have no idea what to wear,” she said with a frustrated sigh. Her wardrobe for the past several months had consisted of work t-shirts and blue jeans. She didn’t want to be that casual. But she definitely didn’t want Jasper thinking she had put too much effort into this date. Which wouldn’t happen anyway—she didn’t have any date apparel in her closet anymore. She didn’t have any little black dresses, any revealing shirts, no pants just a little too tight or skirts a little too short. She’d given all of those to Goodwill when she’d divorced.
He’d said dancing, so she’d definitely need some boots. That’s where she’d start. She picked a cute set, a plain black t-shirt, and blue jeans. It was simple and practical. She couldn’t resist big silver hoop earrings. She was putting them on when Jasper knocked on the door.
Annie Oakley barked in response. Gemma went to open the door. Jasper’s tall frame overpowered her small space.
Annie barked again.
“Sorry, Annie Oakley doesn’t take well to strangers,” Gemma said.
“Annie Oakley?” Jasper asked with a raise of a golden eyebrow.
“Yeah, as in, ‘I ain’t afraid to love a man. I ain’t afraid to shoot him either.’”
“You have a gun?”
“Would you like to find out?” Gemma asked, batting her eyelashes.
Jasper laughed. “You are a spitfire. I like that that. Are you ready to go, Ms. Oakley?”
“Yes, let’s.”
He bowed his head and gestured to the door. “Your chariot waits again, ma cher.’”
Jasper
When he saw her in her apartment, it had taken everything he had to resist taking her in his arms. He couldn’t remember when he’d let a woman get under his skin like this. If he had any sense, he’d run now, but he’d made a commitment, and now he was bound to it.
He tried not to inhale her flowery scent as she sat next to him in his truck. He tried not to think about smelling her scent close up when they danced later. Or what she would feel like in his arms.
He shook his head and turned the volume on the radio up.
This was a bad, bad idea.
They made general small talk on the short drive from Lafayette to Henderson. Soon they were pulling into the parking lot of Pa
t’s on the Basin.
Every time he came in here, he was struck by the history of the place. This place had been here longer than he’d been alive. They’d have a good Cajun dinner and do a bit of dancing and go from there. It had been so long since he’d been on a real date, he felt like he was doing the right thing. He guessed he would see.
Gemma
After a great dinner of local seafood, she and Jasper made their way to the dance club that was next door. The band playing was a popular one, and the dance floor was crowded—more so than what she was used to. After several instances of bumping into other dancers, she frowned.
“You want to go somewhere else, cher?” Jasper whispered into her ear.
She nodded. She’d never been good around crowds, and the closeness of the people, of Jasper, and the heat was beginning to wear on her.
“I have the perfect place in mind, and it’s not that far from here.” He reached out and grabbed her hand. “I think you’ll like it,” he said.
She nodded. She joined him in his truck, and soon they were on their way to somewhere else. Just a few minutes down the levee and they were pulling up in front of a place called Turtles.
It was small, a Louisiana hole in the wall. She looked at him, her eyes saying everything that needed to be said.
“Patience, come on in. You won’t regret it,” he said.
Gemma followed him into the small bar. He was greeted with hugs and hellos. This was obviously a place he felt at home, and the very fact he had brought her here made her uncomfortable. She wondered if they were wondering which flavor of the week she was.
“You want something to drink?” he asked.
“Yes, I need a beer.” He asked what kind, and she responded. He went and retrieved the drinks.
“You want to go outside?” he asked, two longneck bottles in hand.
She nodded. “Yes.”
He grinned. “Let’s go then.”
She followed him outside and around the porch area to a deck that overlooked the swamp. The only thing you could see was the lights from the house boats docked nearby and the boats coming in from fishing all day.
She took a deep breath and inhaled the wonderful earthy smell that could only be found in South Louisiana. Music played from the bar’s jukebox, light music that blended in with the soft sounds of splashing water, the singing of the frogs, and other sounds of the night.
Gemma rested her hands on the wooden railing and looked out at the stars that sparkled on the still water.
“Gorgeous,” she said.
“I agree.” Gemma turned then to see Jasper looking at her.
“Like diamonds,” he said. He reached out and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear.
As if on cue, an old country song about diamonds and the moon started playing.
Jasper held out his hand, and she took it.
They moved slowly to the music, a bit awkwardly at first, as most couples do when they’re just getting to know each other.
He tugged her closer, her body pressed against his. “Like a gem, she sparkles,” his smooth voice sang close to her ear. She shivered.
The bastard chuckled and pulled her even closer, and she let him, enjoying the feel of him.
The music trailed off, and an old Southern rock staple began playing, but they paid no attention to the new music.
When he stopped dancing, she looked up, lost in his stormy blue eyes. He lowered his head to hers. When their lips touched, any chill that was in her body was instantly burned out. She was on fire. His lips moved slowly over hers, softly exploring, teasing. Her hands drifted from his shoulders to feel the expanse of his broad back. She explored the rippling muscles under the soft fabric of his shirt.
The sound of someone clearing their throat brought them both back to reality. Sheepishly, she looked away, stepping back and turning again toward the water. He pulled up two stools, and they sat there talking about music, bands, favorite local haunts, until finally Gemma couldn’t fight back a yawn.
“Ready to go back?”
She nodded. It was well past her normal bedtime, and after a full day of work, she was exhausted.
Twenty minutes later, they were pulling to a stop in front of her apartment.
“Want me to walk you up?” he asked.
As tempting as the idea was, Gemma was too afraid the walk to the door would end up with him in the door, in the house, and rolling around naked in her bed.
She shook her head to rid herself of the tempting vision. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“I think it’s a very good idea…” He winked. “But we can save that for later.”
She grinned. “You’re impossible, you know that? I see where Ryder gets it.”
“I taught the boy everything he knows. Never let him tell you otherwise.”
He reached out and grabbed her hand; he turned the palm up. He touched his warm lips to the sensitive skin. She shivered again.
“Until next time,” he promised. She chose that moment to open the door and all but escape up to the safety of her apartment.
Chapter Four
Gemma
“You’ve been looking at that cell phone and smiling for days,” her cook, Zack, said as she slid her phone into her back pocket. “What gives?”
“Nothing.”
“It doesn’t look like nothing to me.”
“Don’t you have some prep to do or something?”
“I’m all done. Just waiting for the first customer to come in.”
The front door swung open. “Saved by the bell.
“Lucien!” she said as one of the younger Leblanc brothers walked in with a few samples of his work under his arm.
“Call me Lucky. Everyone else does. You wanted to see some of my photos for Art Walk?”
She walked around the counter to meet him. “Yes! Definitely! Come see.”
He followed her over the table she used as her “office” when needed. She held interviews there and did paperwork when the shop was slow.
He laid out the framed photographs on the table.
“Those are gorgeous,” she said. And they were. They were larger versions of the pictures Jasper had shown her on his phone that night they’d first met. “I would love to display them in here. Could you have them ready for next month’s Art Walk?”
“I sure will. Will you be charging a commission to display them?”
“Of course not! I simply want to give some local talent some exposure.”
“Well, I appreciate it. Anyway, I better get back to work. That boss of mine is a real pain in the ass sometimes.”
Gemma laughed. “I bet he is.”
Lucky tucked the frames back under his arms, a gentle move for such a large man.
He stepped back and took a good long look at her. “You know what, Gemma St. John? I think you might just be the one.”
“The one?” Gemma raised an eyebrow.
“You’ll see.” And with that cryptic statement, he winked and nodded before leaving.
She was frowning as he walked out.
“That doesn’t look good,” said a female voice behind her.
“Emily!” Gemma said as she recognized the voice of her soon to be business neighbor. The dark-haired beauty was shadowed by her husband, Noah. When they came to Lafayette to take care of their business, they always stopped in.
“Have a seat!” Gemma gestured toward the booth. “Did you order?”
“Yes, we did,” Emily said as they slid into the seat. “By the way, I saw you talking to Lucky when we came in. Did he say something to you? You were frowning.”
“Oh no. He just said something that didn’t make any sense right before he left. He came in to show me his pictures. I’m going to display them here for Art Walk next month.”
“That sounds great! So you’re finally ready to open on the weekends?”
“Just for special occasions for now. Like Art Walk. As we continue to get our feet wet, as they say, I’ll keep
adding shifts.”
“Awesome. Jasper said that we’re still on schedule to be ready to open around the first of the year. Then it will be us getting our feet wet.” She turned to smile at Noah. The look in his eyes as he looked at Emily made Gemma’s heart melt.
Only to ice over again. What was she thinking? Jasper would never be the type to settle down. If she was looking for someone to look at her the way Noah Devereaux looked at his girlfriend, she best look elsewhere. Jasper would never look at her the way Noah was looking at Emily. Jasper, like all the Leblanc men, was not meant to be tamed. Nor did they want to be.
“Did I say something?” Emily asked.
Gemma smiled. “Of course not. It’s…it’s nothing. Tell me more about your business. Are you going to be in town long enough to have dinner this time?”
“Not this time. We’re planning to come back for Festival Acadian. Our friends Grace and Gabe came last year and loved it. We’re making a weekend out of it.”
“Great. We’ll have to make plans then.”
Gemma noticed that the lunch crowd was beginning to pile in. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work. It was great seeing you guys again.”
“You too. We’ll get together soon.”
Soon, Gemma was too busy to think of Jasper. She was taking orders, helping with to-go’s, bussing tables, whatever needed to be done.
After the rush, as was her habit, she went out back to the porch area. It was a place off limits to customers for the time being, until a few repairs were made. This was the place where eventually Gemma wanted to host live music. For now, it was her sanctuary.
She sat in one of the chairs and put her feet up on another that was across from her. She sipped on her glass of tea and let her mind wander. Where did it go? To Jasper, of course. What was she going to do? To keep going would end up breaking her heart. The sex would be great, there was no doubt about it, but would it be worth it in the long run? With Jasper, would there be any ‘long run’? Any future?