“Excuse, me. What is so wrong with being a woman?” Cat looked back and forth, tired of hearing this complaint.
“Nothing, if you’re female.” Alec groused. His frown quickly turned to a smile when their flight attendant made her way toward him.
Cat turned her attention back to Braden. She wanted to continue their conversation regarding what he’d been able to experience while in his frame. “So, if you couldn’t smell the city, what could you see?”
Braden took their clasped hands and rested them on his thigh. “I could only be where you were as long as the portrait traveled with you. It was my portal or door into your world.”
“So that’s why I was able to dream about you on the train when I came to Scotland.”
“Aye. And then I could only experience the things you were experiencing. If you watched television, we could watch television. You were on the computer; we could see that as well.”
His description really brought to life how secluded their lives had been for centuries. “So how did you and Alec see the world change around you? Did the owner of the portrait have to dream about you, or did you simply have to be hanging on the wall?”
Braden laughed. “You do have a way with words, lass. I personally didn’t hang on any wall. Very few of your ancestors managed to feel a connection to me. Those that did kept the journal and painted my picture. The portrait was a blessing because it gave me a door into your world. As a result, I could experience things and it helped to break the monotony of our existence.”
“I can’t imagine all the things you saw.” Just thinking of how much history and changes he’d experienced once the painting was done was mind boggling. Talk about sensory overload.
“Aye, the world has changed a great deal. Some good, some not so brilliant.”
“I like the television,” Alec said. He was as pale as a ghost.
“Are you feeling all right?”
“No, I have a serious pain in my belly.”
Good lord, she had forgotten to buy Dramamine. “Try to take deep even breaths.” She stood and found his air sick bag, and handed it to him. “If you think you’re going to be ill, use this.”
Alec frowned at the small bag. “Are you sure, lass?”
Before Cat could answer, Alec was sick. She cringed hearing him. Although she’d never suffered from motion sickness, she couldn’t imagine how horrid it must be to feel so sick and not be able to find relief until getting off the ride, so to speak.
Immediately the cabin crew moved to assist Alec.
Hours later he finally slept, and so did Braden. Cat was tired and couldn’t wait to finally sleep in her own bed. This trip was draining, and she still had to get them home to her place in the Quarter. Yeah, that was going to be fun. But at the same time she was eager to see their reaction to her home. New Orleans was unlike any place anywhere in the world. And she had a feeling it would never be the same once Braden and Alec arrived.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The plane touched down in New Orleans with little issue. The second flight was much quicker and Cat and her timeless companions made their way through the concourse and down to the baggage claim area. Thankfully, they only had to clear customs in New York.
Their luggage arrived with little waiting and Cat pulled out her Jeep’s keys from her backpack. She looked forward to driving on the correct side of the road.
Alec was feeling better and announced that he’d managed to leave the airport with no less than five phone numbers and promises to call. He was such a man-hussy.
Outside Cat inhaled a deep breath of humid Louisiana air. She was home and it was a wonderful feeling.
She turned to see what Braden and Alec’s first reaction was and frowned. Granted it wasn’t the Highlands, but it wasn’t the armpit of the country either. “What’s wrong?”
Braden smiled. “Nothing, lass.”
“What is that smell?” Alec looked around with a frown. “‘Tis God-awful.”
Cat sniffed the air. “I don’t smell anything except maybe bus exhaust.”
Alec sniffed the air again and coughed.
Braden frowned. “‘Tis not polite to make such a comment about her homeland, Alec.”
“It’s okay, Braden. The air isn’t as clean here in the city as it is in your Highlands.” She hefted her slipping bag back on her shoulder. “Come on, let’s get to my car so we can get home. I’m tired.”
The three made their way through the rows and rows of parked cars until they reached Cat’s Jeep. After she unlocked the back, Braden quickly stowed their bags.
Alec climbed into the back and settled himself, looking around with interest. “How far are we from your home?”
Cat turned the key in the ignition and met his gaze in her rearview mirror. “Provided there’s little traffic, I’d say about thirty minutes or so.”
The trip from the airport to the Quarter was made in silence. Cat noted both men were agog at everything around them. She tried to imagine seeing this for the first time through their eyes.
“Why are there so many buildings with wood over the windows?” Braden faced her with a frown.
“Several years ago there was a hurricane, a horrible storm with a great deal of wind and rain. The levees that held the Mississippi River back broke and the flood waters engulfed a lot of what you’re looking at now.” Cat shuddered remembering that frightening time. She’d evacuated and didn’t have to be there for the first few days after the storm, but the newscasts and images shown around the world had torn at her heart. She’d wanted to rush back and help all those poor people left without homes and, in many cases, without hope.
They drove past the Superdome and she got into the correct lane in order to get off the interstate.
Christmas decorations hung from the Victorian lights marching up and down the median. It was good to be back in The Big Easy.
Cat loved this city. There were so many different influences—Creole, Cajun, African-American, as well as the often forgotten Irish who erected the Celtic cross. They labored digging the New Basin Canal and many died of malaria.
So many diverse people called this place home and if any one of these influences were missing, the dynamic of New Orleans would be forever changed.
“New Orleans is actually below sea level, which is why threat of flood is so very dangerous. This city is rich in history and lore. Not unlike your Highlands. I can’t wait to show it all to both of you.” Cat smiled at Braden.
“I look forward to the history lesson, Catrìona.”
Cat shivered. His tone of voice never failed to evoke a reaction from her. The brogue and husky notes were food for her senses.
“Braden, are you seeing this?” Alec was sitting forward in his seat. “Look at the women.”
They’d finally reached the Quarter proper and Cat had to drive at a snail’s pace. The Vieux Carre was alive year-round. The slogan Laissez les bon temps rouler—let the good times roll—was spot on. Nothing was taboo in this part of the city. Millions came to visit and experience the food, entertainment and general feel of this place.
The evening was warm for the season and the tourists were out in full; crowds in good cheer, drinking and soaking in the atmosphere.
“Did you see that, Braden? That woman was walking around with her breasts exposed.”
Cat smiled. Alec was like a kid with his face pressed against the window of a candy shop. “This may come as a surprise, but you’ll get used to this over time.”
Braden chuckled. “If you say so.” His head was turned toward the road watching the scenery. “You don’t dress as such, do you?”
“Wh . . .what? Are you kidding? The answer to that would be no.” Her heart pounded in her chest just thinking about being so uninhibited. Totally not in her make-up to flash any part of her anatomy from the knees up and neck down. In many ways she was very repressed. God, she was going to have to do better if she wanted to hold on to her Highlander. Not that he was vain or shallow in that way
, but because she knew other women would do what they needed to get a hold of him.
“Good, I don’t want anyone seeing my woman in such a state.”
She smiled. He sounded so Alpha Male. And very, very protective. Cat didn’t know it could be such a turn-on.
“Well, I’m glad the women are so expressive,” Alec joked.
“Down, boy. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the’er . . . sights. If you’re not careful, you’ll give yourself whiplash.” Cat stopped at an intersection and waited for the drifting tourists to move along.
“‘Tis an amazing town. I will be very happy here,” Alec said.
“And aren’t we happy about that?” Braden teased.
“Someone has learned sarcasm. Welcome to the twenty-first century,” Alec quipped from the backseat.
Braden growled and Cat laughed. “Ah, he still growls.”
Cat inched the SUV through the intersection and turned right. She drove another couple of blocks before pulling over and hitting the remote control that opened the wrought iron garden gates. She waited for more pedestrians to cross in front of her before she pulled into the crushed shell drive, the gates closing behind them.
After pulling up under the magnolia tree, she cut the engine. “We’re here.”
All three stepped out and Cat unlocked the back. The sun was beginning to drop and with its loss, the temperatures slipped. The sultry air was fragrant with jasmine and the spicy food of the Creole restaurant a block over. Her mouth watered, reminding her it had been awhile since they’d eaten.
She unlocked the back door and moved aside as Braden and Alec walked past weighed down with their bags.
“Where would you like these, lass?” Braden asked.
“Follow me.” She walked down the long hall and turned and went up the staircase to the guest room. This was awkward. Did Braden want to stay with her or have his own room? Totally out of her element and not as well versed in this as say Summer or her other friends, she pushed the door open. “Alec, you can stay here.” She moved around the space and flicked lights on. “You have your own bathroom with shower through here.”
“Thank you, lass.”
Alec dropped his new suitcase on the bed and rubbed his hands together. “I’m fair starved, lass.”
“I was just thinking the same thing. Let me get Braden settled and then we can walk down the street for something to eat.”
Braden followed her. “Where is your room?”
“At the end of the hall.”
“Take me there.” He pulled her close and kissed her deeply. “I want to stay with you, not in a guest room.”
“I want that too.”
Cat led him down the dark hallway and pushed her door open.
“‘Tis exactly how I remember it.”
She wrinkled her nose. “It’s odd that you’ve been here before, but haven’t.”
Braden wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on top of her head. “I know what you mean.”
Their quiet moment was interrupted by a moan. “Can we please eat before I’m forced to watch the two of you be so lovey? Remember, I’ve had an upset belly today.”
“How could we forget? We had to listen to you through the entire flight.” Braden turned and faced his cousin. “If you don’t want to see this, I would suggest closing the door. I’m about to kiss my lady senseless.”
“Oh, for crying out loud. I’m hungry, Braden. Kiss her senseless later.”
Cat laughed as she peered over Braden’s shoulder. “We’ll be down in a minute.”
Braden kicked the door closed on Alec’s face and smiled at her. “Now, where was I?”
“Just about to kiss me senseless.”
His mouth covered hers and she melted. How did he manage to heat her to the core every time? Brushing his lips back and forth, she tried to keep her hands under control and her lust reigned in. Not an easy task when her panties were wet and her nipples were pebble hard against his chest.
“You taste wonderful.” Braden dragged his lips down her jaw and over to her ears. “Let’s go feed the beast so I can make love to you in your bed like you’ve dreamed of me doing.”
He stepped away and over to the door. “Are you coming, lass?”
With effort, Cat shook with the lust rushing through her blood and followed Braden’s tight behind down the stairs. Suddenly, she wasn’t as hungry for food as she was for Braden.
* * *
Braden and Alec were both starving but Cat didn’t think it would be a good idea to put anything spicy in their stomachs after traveling all day. So she decided to take them to her favorite jazz bar, only three blocks from her house, where they served a mean po’boy.
The bar was located in an old row house and, although small, was still nicely furnished. Dimly lit candles on each table provided an intimacy Cat always enjoyed.
The place was not yet crowded but Cat knew this would change as the evening progressed.
“Hey, Cat. Glad to see you’re back from your trip.” Valerie, one of the waitresses, gave her a hug. “Who are the hunks with ya?”
Cat turned and introduced Braden and Alec. Valerie was instantly at Alec’s side. “Oh, a Scottish lad. How are you, darlin’?”
“Very good.” Alec smiled.
“Can we get a table, Val? We’re hungry.”
“Oh, sure.” She grabbed a few menus. “Do you want your regular spot? I think it’s available.”
“That would be great.” Cat linked her fingers with Braden’s. She didn’t like how Valerie kept eyeing both men.
Braden leaned over. “You have nothing to worry about, mo chridh. She can’t hold a candle to your beauty.”
His words loosened the knots in her stomach and she began to feel foolish.
Once seated, Valerie took down their drink order and handed them menus then, with a sway of her hips, she was gone.
“So what’s good here, Cat?” Alec looked over the plastic-covered menu with a frown. “I’m starving.”
“I know. I think you’d like the hamburger po’boy. It’s my favorite.”
“That’s what I’ll have.” Braden sat back and took hold of Cat’s hand.
“Me, too.” Alec winked at a woman sitting near them.
Valerie returned with their drinks. “You’re favorite band’s here tonight, Cat.”
“Oh, you’re both in for a treat. Sonny and his crew play jazz better than anyone in the Quarter.”
The band stepped out onto the small stage and took their places. Before long the sweet sound of the sax sang out over the crowd.
Eventually their meals arrived.
“These things are very big.” Alec picked up his sandwich and took a hearty bite.
“Mmmm. This is delicious.” Braden smiled and chewed slowly.
“What are these potato strings called again?” Alec stopped to stare at them. “They are delicious.”
“French fries. Well, actually they’re Cajun French fries.”
Cat glanced at her watch. She was tired and anxious to get home. Braden’s promise rang in her ears and she didn’t want to hang about longer than necessary. She was in the process of trying to get the guys to get moving when she heard her name ringing out over the sound of the band.
“Well, crap,” Cat said, as she watched her evening go to hell in a handbasket.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Cat’s friends had arrived. Summer, Generosa and Meagan wended their way to their table. Summer and Generosa were both childhood friends. Cat had met pretty blonde-haired Meagan at a party and a fast friendship had formed between the two. In many ways, Cat was closer to her than the other two women.
Meagan was originally from Wisconsin, where she claimed most people went to die of terminal boredom, or never left because they didn’t know better. She’d come to New Orleans five years earlier to have a vacation and to do a little research for a book she wanted to write. Cat had little doubt that the girl would one day be a megastar in the publishing world. Sh
e planned on giving up the design business to be her friend’s personal assistant, but until that time came she’d plug away at designing dresses. Meagan knew about the portrait and about Cat’s indescribable attraction to a man she didn’t think existed. On more than one occasion, she had provided the Pina Coladas when Cat wanted to grouch about a nasty client or a disastrous date. They were the kind of friends you wanted at your back.
Although Cat was happy to see them, she cursed their crummy timing. She wanted to go home and have Braden all to herself. Okay, as much to herself as she could while sharing the place with Alec. Instead, she plastered a smile on her face and stood for hugs. She’d be lucky if she and Braden could escape in less than an hour. Drat!
“So, did you enjoy your trip?” Summer asked as she eyed both Braden and Alec. “Wait, never mind. If these guys came back with you, the answer has to be yes.”
Generosa held out her hand. “Hi. My name’s Gen.” She pointed to the other two women. “And this is Meagan and Summer.”
Alec stood and kissed all three women on the hand. “‘Tis a pleasure to meet you.”
Cat had to smile as her friends got that melty I-have-to-have-him look in their eyes. She could understand it. “Would you like to join us?”
“Sure,” All three women replied at the same time.
Meagan leaned over Cat and whispered, “Good going, girlie, he’s even hunkier than the picture.” She waved her hand and their waitress came over. “I need two Pina Coladas over here.” She winked at Cat. “We have some celebrating to do.” She turned and faced Alec. “Hello, I’m Meagan.”
“I’m Alec.” His smile was killer, and Cat knew her friend was down for the count. She might go for the hottie ‘Orlando Bloom’ pirate look or Legolas the elf, but was apparently not immune to Alec’s Scottish charm.
The women scrambled to sit beside him. In the end, Meagan won the lottery. If his smile was any indication, he was pleased that Meagan won that round of a twisted version of musical chairs.
“Seriously, how was the trip?” Summer asked.
“I had a great time,” Cat said. Braden squeezed her hand and she smiled. “A very good time.”
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