She smiled and kissed him softly. “Thank you, Gabe. You just keep coming to my rescue time after time.” She pulled away from him and searched his eyes as if looking for some hidden answer. He was sure he didn’t have one, but wished he did.
“Get me to my car. I guess I’ve put us both through enough trouble. Let’s go home.”
”Rainy, if the last hours are your idea of putting me through trouble, I’m all up for it anytime you’re ready,” he smiled and pushed her hair behind an ear then trailed his finger down her neck. They needed to leave, but he wanted more of this marvelous woman while he had her here in this secluded place. Unfortunately, she was a practical woman, and she knew the check out time was upon them.
At the hospital parking lot, he asked again if she needed to see Martin one more time.
“No. I think I’ll let Toni have him.”
Gabe couldn’t help but smile at that answer. He followed her back to Hartford, stopping when she stopped for bathroom breaks and wishing they were in one car instead of two.
In her driveway, she leaned in at his window and asked, “Come inside?”
“I better get to work,” he said with a frown.
“Too bad,” she said. Her eyes twinkled and Gabe opened his car door.
“They can wait another hour.” He caught her up in his arms and kissed her until Delilah’s barking got too loud. They kissed as she fumbled to open the door. Delilah followed them up the stairs, wagging her tail and barking.
Rainy pressed her finger to his lips and said, “Wait. I have to let this puppy outside. No telling what she’s left me in the kitchen floor.”
She was back before he’d completely undressed and fell into his arms. Later, when he was dressed again, he helped her clean up after Delilah. Luckily, Rainy had put a doggy piddle pad in the floor before she left for Longview, so all they had to do was roll it up and stash it in the outside garbage pail. With that finished, they shared a quick cup of coffee. He was standing in her kitchen, fiddling with his tie, when he remembered that his mother had insisted all the brothers attend a charity event she was hosting soon. He’d thought to go alone and duck out early, but wondered if Rainy would enjoy going.
When he asked, she lit up. “I’d like that. I don’t get the chance to dress up and rub shoulders with the hoity-toity crowd often.” She laughed when he acted offended by her description of the crowd he hung around.
“All right, it’s a date. Semi-formal. I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty. I’m so far behind at work, I don’t know if I lost my horse or found a rope. I probably won’t be able to see you as much as I’d like between now and then.”
“I’ll miss you.” She put her arms around his neck and pulled him close for a scorching kiss.
“I think I’ll miss you more,” he said.
He hated to leave, but duty called, and he knew that she needed to get back to the café. He drove away smiling like a love-smitten teenager.
True to his word, he buckled down and got an amazing amount of work done in the following days. He wanted to be free of worries about the office when he was with Rainy at the event. He’d never looked forward to one of his mother’s fundraisers in the past, but this would be different. He’d have his arm around the waist of the woman he loved during cocktail hour. He’d sit by her and inhale her scent during the boring speeches. He’d ask her opinion about the food and service. And best of all, he’d steal kisses as often as possible all night.
He dressed carefully in anticipation that evening knowing that Rainy would look amazing. He listened to a soothing, classical symphony while driving to pick her up. It helped keep him calm. His palms were sweaty just thinking about being with her. The woman had such a strong affect on him. He kept thinking that she’d return his declaration of love, but so far, no go.
He’d ordered flowers for her, red tulips, that he picked up from the florist earlier in the day. They lay beside him on the passenger seat. He wanted the evening to be perfect.
Anticipation turned to happiness when she opened the door in a forest green dress that brought out her olive complexion and made her more attractive than usual.
“These are for you. You might want to put them in water before we leave,” he said as he held the bouquet out for her.
The smile he got in return was all the reward he could ask for. She motioned him inside, and he followed her to the kitchen with Delilah dancing in circles in delight. He stooped to pet the little dog while watching Rainy arrange the flowers. She hummed a tune as she worked.
“There. Perfect,” she said as she turned to him, beaming.
He stepped toward her and encircled her waist, and pulled her in for a kiss. She came willingly, and he noticed again how well they fit together.
“You smell wonderful,” he murmured into her hair before kissing her neck. Her shiver brought his heartrate up a notch.
“Thank you. You feel wonderful,” she answered.
He cleared his throat and dropped his hands from her waist. “We’d better get going before I try to talk you into going upstairs and letting me take that gorgeous dress off of you slowly.”
“Hmm,” she said with a smile spreading across her face. “Tempting.”
He took her hand and pulled her toward the doorway leading to the living room and staircase, but she pulled away.
“Tempting, but our presence is expected. I’d rather go now and not after you get me all rumpled.”
“But you look fantastic when you’re rumpled.”
“Not in front of your mother and father, please.” Her smile gave a hint of things to come, so he relented.
“I’m curious to hear your take on the food tonight. These big events aren’t known for the fare, but the club has a new chef. We could be in for a treat.”
“The evening just keeps getting better,” she said. “Let me get my clutch, and I’ll be ready to go.” He was petting Delilah’s stomach when she returned with a sequined bag in her hand. He thought there couldn’t be much in that little purse, but most things about women and their apparel escaped him.
He had to be the proudest man at the event as he walked into the reception area with Rainy holding onto his arm. The ache from where the bullet hit him was worth it as he watched men’s heads turn in appreciation of the beautiful woman who’d granted him the favor of her company. He hoped this would be the first of many times she would accompany him to social events. They would be so much more fun for him if that were the case.
He bent to sign them in and was greeted by Frannie Masterson, a woman he’d dated briefly a year ago at his mother’s request. The smile she beamed at him was a thousand kilowatt, at least. He nodded politely, but said nothing.
“You’re looking fine tonight, Gabe,” she said.
“Thanks,” he turned to find Rainy waiting behind him. Anxious to escape, he reached for her arm.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your date? I don’t believe I’ve seen her at the club before.” Frannie was still smiling, but Gabe thought her look was more predatory than friendly.
“Oh, sorry. Frannie Masterson, I’d like you to meet Rainy Daigle.”
“Rainy? What a cute name,” Frannie said as she held a limp hand out for a shake.
Rainy stepped up and shook the proffered hand. Her smile was tight lipped, and Gabe couldn’t wait to get away from the table and Frannie’s curious eyes.
“Pleased to meet you,” Rainy said.
“And how do you know Gabe?”
“Frannie, there’s a line forming behind us. We’ll talk later,” Gabe said as he cupped Rainy’s elbow and led her away.
“She’s very pretty,” Rainy said.
Gabe thought she was fishing for information, but she wasn’t getting any from him.
“Compared to you, she’s an old hag. Did I tell you that you are simply stunning tonight?”
“Why thank you, Mr. Hart.”
A roaming waiter passed, and Gabe took two red wine glasses from the tray.
“Thank you again,” Rainy said as she sniffed the wine. “Smells great.” She sipped and smiled.
“Glad you like it,” he said.
“Hey, you old dog. Who’s this beauty?” Craig Furman pounded Gabe’s back like the ex-line backer he was.
“Craig. So nice to see you here. This beautiful woman is Rainy Daigle. Rainy, Craig Furman. We played football together in high school.”
“I remember you, Craig. You were quite the heart throb for all of us teenagers, but Mary Lou had you wrapped around her finger, as I recall.”
Craig threw his head back and laughed.
“She still does.”
“Ah, you married her?”
“Sure did, as soon as she’d let me. We’ve got three kids now, and thankfully, they all look like her.” His laughter carried over the classy music played by a string quartet in the corner of the room.
“I’d love to catch up on old times, but Mary Lou sent me to fetch wine, and I try not to disappoint.” He walked away when he spotted one of the roaming waiters.
“He’s the same as I remember him, except he had hair back then,” Rainy said. She sipped more wine and watched the people moving about the room.
“There’s Sophie and Zeke,” Gabe said nodding his head in their direction. “Shall we go talk with them?”
“Sure.” She set her glass on a tray as another waiter passed by and took Gabe’s hand in hers. He squeezed lightly to let her know he liked having her hand in his.
“Hey there,” Gabe said as they approached the other couple.
“Rainy!” Sophie reached for her friend and enveloped her in a bear hug. “You look awesome. Love your hair that way. That dress looks better now than it did when you tried it on at the store.”
Gabe shook Zeke’s hand and they stood back to watch the women talk.
“I would give you a compliment on your suit,” Zeke said, “but I don’t really care.”
“How’s business?”
“It’s going great.”
“The new guy working out?”
“Yep. It’s awesome. If someone signs up and they look like they’ll be a pain in the patootie, I give them to him. He never complains. I think he’s just grateful to be out on the water every day,” Zeke said.
“Have you seen Nat?”
“He’s over there hitting on some red head.” Zeke motioned with his glass in the direction of the quartet. Nat looked up as if he heard his brother’s talking about him. He scanned the room and nodded when he saw them. The three men lifted their glasses in a salute.
“He gives it the old college try, doesn’t he?” Gabe asked.
“Never give up. That’s his mantra.”
“She looks interested.”
“Do you know who that is?”
“No,” Gabe said and he didn’t really care. If his brother got serious about the woman, then he’d worry.
“That’s the Pattersons’ daughter, Gwen.”
“Gwen? The one with the buck teeth and freckles.”
“She’s grown up,” Zeke said.
“You ain’t kidding.”
“Kidding about what?” Sophie asked as she hooked her hand through Zeke’s bent arm.
“I was just pointing out Nat’s latest conquest,” Zeke said.
“Where?” Sophie stood on tip-toes to see over the crowd to where Zeke indicated.
“Is that Gwen Patterson? I saw her at the nail salon a couple of weeks ago. She’s really nice.” Sophie nodded her approval.
“Good to hear. Looks like Nat thinks so too.”
“I thought he liked Olivia,” Gabe said.
“She won’t date. Says she’s sworn off men,” Rainy said.
“Why?” Sophie asked. “They’re so much fun.”
Gabe watched Sophie tease his brother and thought it must be nice to have such an easy rapport with a woman.
Rainy said, “She won’t talk about her past, so I have no idea. She stays busy with two jobs, a kid, and living with her mother. I think her mom’s in a wheel chair. Don’t know why, but Ollie takes care of her in exchange for a place to stay. Saving on rent helps her with the other bills. That’s as much as I’ve gotten out of her, although she’s nosey enough about my business.”
“Isn’t that always the way?” Sophie asked with a laugh.
The lights dimmed a couple of times.
“Drink up, ladies. They’ll be wanting us to sit down soon.
Nat had made his way through the crowd with Gwen at his side.
“Hey guys, you remember Gwen Patterson?” he asked.
“Sure do. You look gorgeous tonight,” Zeke said. “Do you know Sophie?”
“Yeah. Hi there,” Gwen said with an open smile. “Gabe.” She nodded at him.
“You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman, Gwen,” he said. “Zeke and Sophie had to tell me who you were when I saw you with this one.” He patted Nat on the shoulder.
Rainy cleared her throat, and Gabe turned to her and pulled her toward him. “This is Rainy Daigle.”
“Hello,” Rainy said. She held her hand out. Gwen smiled and shook hands.
“You own the café? Rainy Daze?” Gwen asked.
“Sure do. Have you been?”
“I come for the Tuesday specials. Your chef is amazing.”
“You’re looking at her,” Gabe said. He had never felt prouder.
“Ah, you are a chef and proprietor? I’m impressed.”
“Thanks. Be sure to ask for me next time you’re in the café.”
“I will do that.”
The lights dimmed again. People were heading into the dining area.
“Shall we take our seats?” Gabe asked.
Chapter Thirty-Five – Rainy
Gabe led the group into the dining area. He held Rainy’s hand lightly, but had barely let go since they arrived. She wondered if he thought she was going to bolt. He might as well stop worrying, because she was having a great time. The wine was excellent, and she’d enjoyed talking to Craig, the old high school heart throb. She was glad he was happy with Mary Lou. Some people had all the luck.
She slid into the chair that Gabe held out.
“I’m glad we’re all together,” she said as the brothers sat at the same table. Gwen sat with Nat, so she was his date, not just someone he’d hit on at the event. The other two couples at the table were old friends of Zeke. He and Sophie sat between them and were already deep into some conversation about a fishing trip they’d all gone on together.
“Are you having a good time?” Gabe asked Rainy as she placed a napkin in her lap.
“Yes, thank you.” She would have said she was having a wonderful time, but the woman from the reception table, Frannie something or other, stopped by just then. She laid a French-manicured hand on Gabe’s shoulder possessively and bent to whisper something in his ear.
Gabe’s mouth tightened, and he shook his head. Frannie laughed a fake laugh and patted his shoulder before walking away with an exaggerated hip swing. Rainy wanted to punch her lights out. She acted as if she hadn’t noticed, and Gabe did the same.
“So, Rainy, how have you been?” Nat asked.
She turned to him, thankful for the distraction.
“I’ve been very busy with the café, but I can’t complain.”
“As a business owner myself,” Nat said, “I can relate. It never ends, does it?”
“No, it doesn’t. It’s nice to have a night out, though.”
“I’ve been to way too many of these events my mother insists on for my taste. But it’s wonderful to be sitting between two beautiful women.” He made sure Gwen heard his last comment. When he saw her smile, he seemed to forget that Rainy was sitting on his other side and gave his attention to his date. Rainy thought Olivia was crazy for turning Nat away. That left Rainy with only Gabe to visit with.
The tables were set with bread and butter before the guests were seated, so she selected a roll and broke it apart. It was room temperature. Not ideal for spreadin
g butter, but she knew it was difficult to serve a couple of hundred people at once. She spread butter on the roll she’d torn apart and took a bite.
Gabe watched her with a smile on his face.
“Told you the food wasn’t going to live up to your standards.” He broke a roll apart and ate some with no butter.
A waiter offered red or white wine. Rainy and Gabe selected the red. It was the same as she’d had in the reception area. Not a bad choice.
Salads were placed before them. The room buzzed with conversation. Gabe’s leg touched hers, and she smiled at him. They ate their salads. Rainy commented on the centerpiece of pastel roses in round, clear vases.
“Mom says we should take one home,” Nat said. “Would you like to take it?” he asked Gwen.
“I’d feel greedy after you gave me those roses,” Gwen answered. She seemed quite pleased by his gift. Rainy felt the same way about her tulips and said so when the flowers were offered to her. One of the women who’d come as Zeke and Sophie’s guest said she’d gladly take them.
The main course arrived and everyone at the table grew quiet as they ate. Rainy’s chicken breast was tender, and the simple volute was delicious. The vegetables were cool and a bit rubbery, but Gabe had warned her that the food would only be average.
Phyllis Hart was the sponsor of the event, and she made the first speech, mostly to thank everyone for their generous support for the cause, but also to introduce the guest of honor, the mayor of Hartford.
The mayor seemed quite pleased to have a microphone and a captive audience. He gave a long and boring talk about the improvements made to the town under his regime.
Rainy leaned toward Gabe and asked if it would be rude for her to go to the ladies’ room before the mayor wound down. She’d seen several people get up and head that way.
“No. Not rude at all. These things go on forever. You have to go when you need to, or you’ll be miserable for the rest of the evening.”
“OK. I’ll be back soon.”
“Take your time.” As she stood, Gabe smiled up at her and nodded.
There was a line for the ladies’ room, so Rainy was gone longer than she’d anticipated. She even had to wait for a free space at the sinks to wash her hands. She freshened her lipstick and made sure her hair looked all right before heading out. The speaker droned on in the dining room, so she decided to take a look around the club. The floral arrangements were pieces of art. She admired the one on the reception table and noticed one in the hallway to her left. As she walked toward it, she heard voices. A couple was obviously having a quick trist in an alcove. Rainy stopped so she wouldn’t walk upon them.
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