She jerked as if she’d been slapped. “That’s insulting.”
“I agree. It is. It’s insulting to my intelligence and, more importantly, to Maylene’s generosity.” He pinned her with his gaze. She’d never before realized that brown eyes could be so cold.
“I can’t believe it.” Jade shook her head in wonder. “You still think of me as some kind of avaricious money-grubber.”
“Do you care what I think?”
“No,” she choked. “Not really. Your opinion is irrelevant.”
“I thought as much.”
She sped up, walking ahead of him to his car. Climbing in, she dropped the sack containing the gift from him onto the back floorboard, determining she wouldn’t be accepting it after all. She sat silent as he entered the traffic.
Incredibly, he chatted in a friendly fashion on the drive back as if the incident hadn’t taken place. He pointed out landmarks and expounded on local theatres and clubs.
She glanced at him in awe. Couldn’t he tell she was upset? If he was too obtuse to realize how taken aback she’d been by his words, he should have at least picked up on her anger. Plus, she barely responded to anything he said. Anyone else would have shut up by now. But not him; he just droned on and on.
When they arrived at Maylene’s, he turned off the ignition.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Walking you inside.” He opened his door.
“Don’t trouble yourself,” she said with disdain. “I doubt if anyone is going to swoop around the side of the house and assault me.”
“I’d feel sorry for anyone foolish enough to accost you right now.”
So he did sense her anger. “You’ve got that right. I’m so mad I could explode.” She shot him a look of pure scorn, hoping he’d see the loathing she felt for him. “I’ve encountered rude people here and there, but never before in my life has someone worked this hard to insult me.”
There was a wry twist to his mouth. “Probably not. You’re a very attractive woman, Jade. You come across so sincere and likeable, most people wouldn’t see past the surface. But I’m not most people.”
“No, you’re one of a kind for sure.” Jade took a measured breath, striving for patience.
“Thank you,” he said.
“It wasn’t a compliment.”
“I choose to view it as one.” His grin aggravated her.
What an exasperating and arrogant man! It was time to regain control of the conversation. She attempted to do so with her next icy words. “You probably expect a show of appreciation for the tour today, but I’m not feeling particularly grateful toward you right now. Goodbye, Gage.”
“Hold on.” He took her arm. “Remember we have plans for the evening.”
“How could I forget? I’m sure it will be the high point of my entire day.” She gave his hand the same look she’d give a cockroach if it crawled onto her dinner plate, then lifted her gaze to meet his. She could see the wheels turning in his mind. If he was composing a new insult for her, she wasn’t going to hang around to hear it. “Will that be all?”
“No. There’s more.” His voice was low and husky. With his disheveled hair and stormy eyes, he exuded a roguish masculinity.
She shook free of her observations. “Don’t keep me in suspense. What else is there?”
“There’s this.” With a moan, he removed his hand from her arm, slipped it around her, and pulled her close.
She was shocked into immobility. As he claimed her mouth with his, she instinctively melted into his arms. It was not a long kiss, but it was spectacular. Exquisite feelings rushed through her like wildfire. When it was over, she continued to lean against his broad chest for a breathless moment, inhaling his clean, manly scent.
Gradually, she regained her composure and shoved him away. “That was a disgraceful thing to do,” she gasped. “Not out of character for you, I would assume. But disgraceful.”
“If I’d asked first, would you have acquiesced?” His eyes challenged her.
“What do you think? Of course, I wouldn’t have! Under the circumstances, it was completely inappropriate.”
“Why?”
“A kiss is supposed to be a tender exchange between people who at least like each other. I feel nothing but contempt for you.”
“Exactly.” He ran a hand through his hair. “But I was compelled to do it. Maylene might have been peeking through the blinds.”
“What?” She stared at him in surprise.
“I didn’t want to let her down. It’ll make her happy to see us getting along so well.”
“Aren’t you considerate? Putting aside your own feelings to please someone else.”
“I like to help out whenever possible,” he said humbly.
“Maylene, my foot.” Her eyes burned with outrage. “Don’t act like you did this for her.”
“Alright, fine.” He gave her a slow smile. “If you won’t act like you didn’t enjoy it.”
She stepped from the car, prepared to deny it, but the words wouldn’t come. “You’re unbelievable.”
“The compliments just keep rolling in. Thanks again.” He gave her a jaunty little salute. “Oh, and before you storm off, don’t forget your purchases.”
Grabbing all the sacks except the one containing the little bird, which she stuffed up under the front seat, Jade glared at him. He rested his long fingers on the keys in the ignition and said, “I’ll be back at seven. I don’t like to wait, so be ready.”
“And I don’t like to be rushed, so don’t show up early and expect me to be breathlessly awaiting your arrival. And anyway, maybe I’ll be too tired to go. It has been a busy day.”
His eyebrows shot up in surprise and a smile played at the corners of his mouth. “And keep Maylene from showing off her establishment? I doubt that.”
“No, I suppose I can’t get out of the evening. But don’t push me, Gage. I don’t play those games.”
“What kind of games, I wonder, do interest you?”
He was toying with her. And enjoying it. She slammed the car door, turned on her heel without giving an answer, and marched toward the house. She heard him start the engine and move slowly down the drive as she climbed the brick steps, face flushed and heart racing.
Jade stood on the porch and watched him pull into the street. Her lips still tingled from his kiss, even as her anger simmered. The man was impossible, charming one minute and rude the next. Her hand shook slightly as she opened the door.
As soon as she was inside the house, she heard Maylene speaking from the living room. “I think you’re making this far more complicated than it need be, dear.”
As Jade deposited her things on the table in the entry hall and headed toward the sound of conversation, she heard a male voice respond to Maylene’s statement. “On the contrary, I’m trying to simplify matters.”
“For heaven’s sake, why shouldn’t I invite the Chaissons?”
“I can’t believe you’ve forgotten.” His tone exuded exaggerated patience.
Her aunt looked up and patted the sofa next to her as Jade entered the room. “Hi, sweetheart. Sit by me while I finish with this issue.” She sniffed with aggravation, tapped the notepad in her lap with the tip of her pen, and lifted her eyes to the man looking over her shoulder. “What have I forgotten?”
“You’ve got the Dufrenes written down,” he said gently.
“And?”
“Remember, the Dufrene girl left a scathing review of the Chaissons’ downtown hotel last month. It ended up plastered all over the internet. She didn’t even have the good sense to do it anonymously. Mavis Chaisson was livid and her husband wasn’t much happier about it. Inviting both families is like welcoming a war battalion into the house.”
Maylene frowned. “Oh, that! Much ado about nothing, if you ask me. But you’re right; there are hard feelings.” She marked the Dufrenes from the page. “Well, that takes care of that.” She set the tablet on the coffee table and sighed as she reache
d for a glass of tea. “I’ll be glad when I at least have a working guest list.”
Jade’s eyes followed the man as he sauntered around the sofa and stopped in front of her. He shook her hand, jerking it up and down like a water pump. He had sandy-colored hair cut in a shaggy style. His brown eyes held hers a moment; they were lively with undisguised interest.
“And you must be Jade,” he murmured approvingly.
“You have me at a disadvantage.” Jade reclaimed her hand.
“My apologies, Jade. Aunt Maylene has been extolling your virtues since I arrived. Ty Dubois at your service.” He gave a small bow and took a chair opposite them.
“Ah yes, Ty. It’s nice to meet you.” Jade leaned back on the sofa, out of reach of his clutches. Maylene had written about him, the nephew on her husband’s side of the family.
“Ty’s been in Miami, but he cut his trip short so he could meet you. Hopefully after finishing up the business he was there to conduct.” Maylene smiled brightly at Ty. “So, isn’t she every bit as enchanting as I said?”
“Without a doubt. She’s pretty enough to make me forget the misunderstanding with airport security.”
Jade wondered how her looks figured into the equation, but assumed he was making an effort to be charming. Maylene, however, latched onto the other part of his remarks. “Oh, Ty! Airport security? What happened?”
“Nothing. That’s the point,” Ty said dryly. “They’re so touchy. Do I look like a terrorist?”
“A terrorist? What are you talking about?” There was a nervous edge to her voice.
“Now, don’t worry, Aunt Maylene. Really, it was no big deal. It just took awhile to convince them I had bourbon in my flask, not liquid explosive.”
“Well, maybe if you’d left your flask at home...” Maylene cast a judgmental eye in his direction but relaxed visibly before glancing back at Jade. “All that nonsense aside, were you able to glean from my conversation with Ty that I’m planning a party? Actually, a masquerade ball. It will be such fun picking out costumes to wear. It’ll give you a flavor of Mardi Gras, but of course the real thing would have to be experienced for full effect.”
“A masquerade ball! I’ve never been to one,” Jade exclaimed, trying to hide the displeasure such a gathering would cause her, especially after being mortified by Gage. “I don’t want you to go to any trouble on my account.”
“Trouble? Oh, Jade.” Ty chuckled. “You don’t know how much Aunt Maylene loves hosting a fancy shindig. Makes her happier than a bee in a buttercup.”
“He’s right,” Maylene admitted, a gleam in her blue eyes. “There are few activities I enjoy more than putting together a ball or a social, especially a masquerade!”
Jade shook her head slowly, imagining how uncomfortable she would be as the center of attention. “I don’t know…”
Maylene’s smile drooped. “But Jade, it would give me such pleasure to show off my lovely niece. Please say it’s okay, dear. Please.”
“But how can you show me off if I’m in disguise?”
Maylene’s laughter was musical. “The masks come off at midnight. Then everyone will see how lovely you are. Oh, Jade, it would make me so proud. And you’d love a party, wouldn’t you? All young ladies do. You simply must say yes.”
Jade looked back and forth between Maylene and Ty, searching for a gracious way out, but found none. At last, she sighed and said, “You’re right, Maylene. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.”
“Oh, wonderful.” Maylene smiled happily. “Now, the evening awaits. When will Gage pick us up?”
“Promptly at seven.” Jade paused, then added, “And I do mean promptly.”
“Splendid.” Maylene said, missing Jade’s allusion to Gage’s annoying punctuality. She moved toward the stairway, then stopped. “Ty, will you join us? After all, it’s a family outing.”
“Pichot’s not family,” he said quietly.
Maylene gave him a sharp look. “What?”
“I said there’s nothing like family.” His smile was beguiling.
Her features softened. “That’s right, dear. When you think about it, family is the only real treasure we have, isn’t it?”
“So true. Nonetheless, I believe I’ll pass.” Ty wore a look of purely counterfeit sorrow. “Besides, I need to rest after my flight.”
As Maylene ascended the stairs like a queen, Jade walked with Ty toward the door.
“I hope Pichot didn’t bore you stiff today,” he scoffed.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m sure he pointed out all the regular tourist spots like Jackson Square and the Café du Monde.” He feigned a yawn. “So predictable.”
“As a matter of fact, we did visit those places; I found them delightful. He took me to some of the spots I already had on my itinerary.”
“The internet sites are limited in their portrayal of the city.” He paused and raised an eyebrow suggestively. “If you went out with me, I could show you places you’ll never see with Gage.”
They were standing in the foyer. She cocked her head in a playful challenge. “Like what?”
“I can take you to spots around the French Quarter where ghosts have been known to walk.”
“That sounds quite a bit like the Ghost Tours offered nightly. I made a note that I might check one of them out while I was here. But it is a guided tour, so I’m not sure what part you would play,” she teased.
“Ah, but I could show you the same sites with just the two of us present; we wouldn’t be with a crowd. Groups of tourists take something out of the whole thing, if you ask me.”
“You might have a point there. What else do you have?”
“We could go through one of the cemeteries at night.”
“They have tours after dark?”
“Well, no, but we could get in. It would be a blast.” His light brown eyes twinkled with mischief.
“I don’t think so; I have no desire to break the law.” She smiled grimly.
Running his tongue suggestively across his bottom lip, he said, “Well, we still have the ghosts. But don’t worry, I’ll keep a tight hold on you; no spook will carry you off while I’m near.”
Jade forced a chuckle. “For now, I need to change clothes or I won’t be ready when Gage arrives.” She could tell she’d struck a chord when she’d mentioned the other man and she found it rather amusing. The corners of her lips curved upward as she turned to go to her room.
Ty recovered quickly. He reached out and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m just a phone call away if you need anything, anytime. In fact, speaking of that, what’s your number?” He pulled his cell phone from a pocket. After Jade gave him her information he grinned and winked. “Thanks, got it. You know, you haven’t done New Orleans until you hang out on Bourbon Street and listen to the bands. It’s something you don’t want to miss. Possibly you’d go with me to the French Quarter one evening this week.”
“It’s hard to say right now,” she responded, her voice unsure. “Maylene might have other plans for me. She’s so sweet and she seems determined to keep me entertained.”
“You’re not scared to spend time alone with me, are you?” he challenged.
“Well, I don’t know you from Adam. Are you dangerous?”
“Not that I know of.”
“I didn’t think so, not really.”
“Wonderful! And in case you haven’t heard, rumor has it that I’m very charming. Handsome, thoughtful, gracious…”
“Vain?”
“You caught me. I may have a touch of narcissism. I hate to be rebuffed, especially by someone as beautiful as yourself.”
She didn’t know if he was sincere, but his flattery verged on endearing. Light laughter slipped out unbidden and she thought, another time I’d love to go out with you, Ty. But now is not that time. She was surprised how easily the men here flirted with her and she wasn’t quite sure how to respond.
“Can I plan on Bourbon Street, then?” he persevered.
; She hesitantly agreed. “Yes, I suppose. Now you must excuse me.” Jade ran lightly up the stairs and down the hall to her bedroom, leaving Ty to see himself out.
After a quick shower she wrapped a towel around herself and stood in front of the bathroom mirror with her blow dryer. She let her hair fall around her shoulders, swept it all to the left, and finally decided to wear it up on one side, fastening it with a plain clip.
It had been easy to select a dress; she’d only brought two of full-length and the maid-of-honor gown was the only one elegant enough for a night like tonight. She skipped nylons since the dress was floor length, and stepped into a pair of white strapped heels.
“Jade?” Maylene entered her bedroom after a soft knock. “I forgot…oh, never mind, I see you have a dress. I wasn’t sure.”
Standing before the mirror, Jade nodded. “Will this be okay?” The deep scarlet of the silk gown enhanced her green eyes. Her bare shoulders shimmered with a dusting of powder.
“Dear, it’s beautiful. Now, I need to finish getting ready. Please stop by my room in about fifteen minutes.” She breezed through the door, trailing a light lavender scent, reminding Jade to apply a spritz of Wild Jasmine.
After checking her makeup, Jade picked up a small white purse and made her way down the hall to Maylene’s room. Knocking, Jade waited for permission to enter. Maylene was resplendent in a floor length, midnight-blue gown that fell freely from the shoulders. The three-quarter length sleeves and high neckline were graceful and stylish. She’d donned a pair of coordinating heels and had laid a matching bag out on the dressing table. Pearl earrings complimented the outfit.
“You look fantastic,” Jade gushed.
Maylene spun to face her. “As do you, sweetheart. But something is missing.”
Frowning, Jade glanced down at her attire.
“Here, let me show you.”
Maylene led Jade into her gigantic walk-in closet. She pressed a button and a cedar shelf of sweaters slid to the side, revealing a built-in cabinet of mahogany with several long narrow drawers. After thumbing a roller combination, she opened the top drawer and lifted a gorgeous necklace from its bed of plush velvet. Four small diamonds graced each side of an enormous ruby. All were set in white gold and gleamed in the subdued lighting of the closet.
Untrusting Hearts: A Contemporary New Orleans Romance Page 5