Blue Autumn in the Bayou (Gumbo Love)

by Clay, Ann

  “You look stunning as always, Savannah.”

  Savannah leaned in close to Travis. “Hello, lover boy.” She beamed when he eased in the chair next to her. Throughout the meal, she hung onto his every word, nodding, and grinning as she’d always done when she was with him. She’d summoned him to this talk because she wanted to share some news with him. She had the entire meal to tell him this news but by dessert, his favorite, pecan pie, she’d not told him anything. Savannah ordered crème brule and was ready to share it with him; and anything else he wanted.

  As soon as Travis savored a mouthful of the delectable pie, his cell phone chimed the ring set specifically for Autumn. His heart leaped. He looked at Savannah, who seemed to think nothing of the ringing phone until he answered it.

  CHAPTER 20

  “Hello, sweetheart. How are you?” He met Savannah’s angry eyes. He held up his index finger, and whispered, “Please give me a minute, okay?” She didn’t respond. Instead, she looked away. Travis stood and walked over to the lobby with the phone to his ear.

  Ordinarily, he would have taken his call in front of Savannah, but this was Autumn and the last thing he wanted was her interference. Her behavior was proving to be unpredictable and he didn’t want to have to explain to Autumn why he was with her, at least not over the phone. So he walked to the far end of the lobby.

  * * * *

  “I was just thinking about you,” Autumn confessed.

  “I’m always thinking about you, darling. How did rehearsal go today?”

  “Not too bad. I think I’m finally over my soreness.”

  “That’s great news, babe. “

  “So, what are you up to this evening?” She folded her legs beneath her in the middle of her bed.

  “I’m having dinner with a friend.” He would never lie to Autumn. At the moment, he hoped she wouldn’t press him to tell her who his dinner guest was. He took pride in telling the truth and being up front. In this case, though, he feared she wouldn’t understand why he was talking to Savannah; especially after the stunt she pulled at the wedding reception. He knew Savannah would never be anything but a friend. He was clear about that. Autumn was the only woman he wanted or needed.

  Travis closed his eyes and concentrated on Autumn’s sweet voice.

  “Okay, babe. Call me when you get home. I want to talk to you for a bit. I love you,” she said without further inquiry.

  “I love you, too.” He suddenly lost his appetite for the fat piece of pecan pie. When he returned to the table, he found a pouting Savannah with her arms folded beneath her ample breasts. He sighed. “Savannah.”

  She didn’t look at him at first. When he touched her arm, she glared at him. “Is there a problem?”

  “No! No problem.”

  “Well, I’m sorry, but we will have to cut our evening short. Maybe you can share your news…” He didn’t get a chance to finish. She grabbed her purse and stormed from the restaurant without looking back. Travis rubbed his hand down his face. He could only hope that this was the end of Savannah’s antics. Even so, he was going to have to tell Autumn.

  By the time he made it home, he wondered if he should tell Autumn that night. At first, he thought no, but then he came to his senses. The longer he waited, the more difficult it would be to explain why. He took a cleansing breath and dialed her number.

  “I miss you, so much. Guess what I did today? Oh wait, but first, let me tell you about Rykard and Erica. And, then I’ll tell you my good news.” This went on for the entire time they were on the phone, He didn’t get to say much, only listen. The last thing she said was, “I love you Travis. I wish I was in your arms tonight.”

  Travis didn’t have the heart to ruin her good news or her good mood. “I love you, darling. I can hardly wait to see you again.” He could handle this thing with Savannah. And he definitely planned to tell Autumn that she was back in the city.

  * * * *

  For two weeks Travis and Autumn talked their way through the day. They met by webcam every evening at the same time. Seeing her sufficed for not being able to touch for the time being. He considered telling her about his visit, but decided to keep his pending trip to New York a secret. She gave him an open invitation before she left New Orleans. He was about to make good on his promise to visit the city she loved so much. He had, however, failed to make good on the promise to tell her that Savannah was on the prowl. He scolded himself because he wasn’t the type of man who played mind games. He didn’t have that kind of time. Nor was he interested in putting Autumn’s feelings in jeopardy, making her regret she’d trusted him with her love. Luckily, he’d not heard from Savannah since dinner at the Gumbo Shop weeks ago. He convinced himself that he was protecting Autumn by not making her worry about someone as insignificant as Savannah.

  * * * *

  When Travis set foot on New York soil, a thrill ran through his body like a flame lit by dynamite. He quickened his pace as he walked through the gate area, down a set of escalators, and past the security checkpoint. He walked up to the man holding a sign with his name on it. “I’m Travis Brooks.”

  “Good morning, sir. My name is Patrick. We’re all set to go. I’ll take those for you.” The man reached for Travis’s garment bag and attaché case.

  When the car finally pulled into the hotel’s circular drive, a doorman opened his door. “Good morning, sir. Are you checking in with us, today?”

  Noise filled the air… cars honked, truck doors slammed, and there were voices of people hailing taxis. The sun was high and bright, but hid behind the towering buildings. Travis stuck his hand into his left breast pocket and retrieved several bills for the driver and the concierge. “Yes, I need my bag sent up to my room while I attend a meeting.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll take care of that for you.” He handed Travis the stub from a ticket. In turn, Travis handed the young man a tip.

  He then turned to one of the two drivers. “Will I need to call for pickup?”

  “No, Mr. Brooks. Your pickup arrangements have already been made. If by chance you need to change them, please call me directly, and I’ll make sure to take care of it for you.” He handed Travis his attaché case and a card with his name and number on it.

  Travis accepted both and then placed several bills into the man’s hand. Without waiting, he walked through the revolving doors and he didn’t stop until he entered the double doors of the Hudson Meeting Room. Only a handful of people were seated and they all stood when he entered the room.

  “Jacob, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”

  “It’s great to have you here. Let me introduce you to my colleagues.”

  Travis walked over and began to shake hands with each person present.

  * * * *

  Several hours later, Travis hastened his steps through the hotel lobby, hopped into the back of a rented car, and instructed the driver to stop at a florist on his way to Autumn’s condo. He sent flowers all week to mask his plan. He didn’t want to spoil his surprise, even though he almost spilled the beans this morning. “What are our plans tonight?” he asked her earlier today.

  “Mindless television is all I’m up to tonight, Mr. Brooks.” Her voice was cheery and she seemed to be in a really good mood.

  “I’m with you, sweetheart. Hey, let’s play a game. Are you in?”

  “Okay, I can be in.”

  “No, matter what?”

  “Yeah, no matter what,” she answered without hesitation.

  “I’m going to serve myself up one of my favorite meals.”

  “Will that include pecan pie?” she interrupted.

  “It’s possible. You know I love my pie. So I tell you what, I’m going to dress up, and want you to do the same from your end; and then we can meet on webcam for dinner tonight. Are you still game?”

  “Who’s paying for this date? It’s been a long time since I’ve gone on a dutch date, you know.”

  Travis laughed. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll make it up to you.”
/>   “Even if I order lobster?”

  “Especially if you order lobster.”

  “Okay. You’ve got a date.”

  “So I’ll meet you at say seven.”

  “I’ll be starved by seven.,” she complained.

  “Well you have to remember I’m an hour behind you and I have a meeting. So eat a little something early enough, so you can be good to go at seven. Or have yourself an appetizer before we meet. That’ll be on me as well.”

  “Sure, that’s what you tell me now. I order my appetizer and lobster, and I’ll end up footing the bill. Some sham you’re trying to pull on me,” she teased.

  “I can’t believe you question my motives.”

  “Humph! I’ll meet you at seven, and don’t be late.”

  “I won’t.”

  “Love you, babe.”

  “I love you, sweetheart.”

  Traffic jammed the streets as the driver weaved in and out of the cars, buses, and bikes compacted down the busy street. Travis didn’t know what to expect and really wanted to get to Autumn ahead of time, to make sure their meeting was timely. Once he got a fresh bouquet of flowers he was on his way again.

  * * * *

  Autumn hummed as she stuck the five ounce salmon filet in the broiler, She then headed around the corner from her kitchen to the bathroom, and turned on the shower. She’d already set up the webcam session on her laptop. By the time she stepped out of the shower and into a dinner dress the timer, for the salmon chimed. She slipped into a pair of black satin sandals and headed for the kitchen.

  She’d already prepared the mixed salad chilling in the refrigerator. All she had to do was add the salmon to her salad, and she would be set to have dinner with the man, who up to this point, had consumed her every waking thoughts. She removed the salmon and placed it on top of a cooling rack to rest. Her phone rang. It was Travis. “You better not be late, Travis Kane Brooks or I’m getting you.” She fussed when she answered his call.

  “I’m not late, my love. Can you go to your door for a minute? Someone should be delivering a surprise to you. He’ll need your signature… from me to you, sweetheart.”

  “What? What did you send me this time, Travis, more flowers? The ones you sent already are absolutely gorgeous. I’m not sure I have room for more flowers, man,” she fussed. Just then, her doorbell rang. “Hold on, there’s someone at the door right now.” She pulled the phone from her ear. “Who is it?”

  “Delivery.” Travis disguised his voice. He’d already hung up his cell phone.

  CHAPTER 21

  When Autumn looked through the peephole of her door and saw Travis standing on the other side, she almost screamed, but she didn’t. Instead, she dropped the cordless phone, which startled her when it hit the hardwood floor. She took several steps back into the foyer. She covered her mouth with both hands, and her whole body shook. “Oh, my God!” She kept repeating over and over again.

  Travis rang the doorbell again. And after a second time, he rang it again, only this time it was followed by several knocks on the door. “Autumn, baby, open the door. Your neighbors are going to get suspicious.”

  His voice pulled her from her stupor. With shaky hands, she groped the door. By the time she got the lock pushed back, Travis had stepped away. When she didn’t respond, he wondered what to do. Wait until the shock wears off? In the meantime, he stood at her doorway knocking, which could have created an awkward situation. He worried that his surprise might have been a little over the top, maybe not a good idea after all. But when Autumn finally appeared and she leaped into his arms, that thought vanished.

  Travis wrapped his arms around Autumn just as tightly as she had wrapped her arms around his neck. He pulled her snugly against his body. He took caution not to crush the flowers in his hand, but for the moment, their importance paled compared to the soft body meshed against him. He met her hungry kiss with pure passion, and couldn’t quite get all they wanted, but held on to what he had. Something would have to give soon. The bouquet was losing the battle.

  No words were spoken. Only the sounds of ragged air every so often as their lips moved from one position to the next could be heard in the small space between them. Travis picked her up, lips still locked, and eased them through the open door of her apartment. Happy to be there with Autumn, he held her tightly until he finally pulled back. “So you’re happy to see me?” Teary eyes stared up at him.

  Seeing them pulled at Travis’s gut. “Please don’t.” He frowned as he looked down into her gorgeous face. But it was too late. Water trickled down her checks. He moved his hand from around her waist and captured her face with it. He still clung to the flowers.

  He wiped away the tears with his blunt fingertips. “Oh, baby, I didn’t mean to make you cry.” He pulled her closer.

  “They’re happy tears.” She pulled away. “What are you doing here?”

  “You’re here.” He gently kissed the tip of her nose.

  “You didn’t tell me you were coming. I mean, I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “It wouldn’t have been a surprise if I told you. And I wanted to surprise you. These are for you.” He handed her the flowers.

  Autumn accepted the fresh bouquet. “You definitely surprised me and thank you. You’ve been sending me flowers all week. Was this a part of your scheme Mr. Brooks?” She held up the flowers.

  “Did it work?”

  “That and the sham about ‘meet me on the webcam.’ I should beat you, man.” She tapped him in his chest.

  “Yes you should, but it’ll have to wait. Right now, we have to leave. We have a dinner date or did you forget?”

  “I should stand you up because you tricked me.”

  “Then I guess I will have no other choice but to ask one of those pretty young women I saw in passing to show me around New York.”

  “I wish you would try!”

  “So let’s go. I have a car waiting. Grab you keys.”

  “Wait, I need to put away the food you had me prepare.”

  “Okay, but hurry.” He kissed her on the brow.

  The driver got out when he saw Travis come through the entryway of the apartment building. He walked around and held open the door. Autumn got in first, followed by Travis before he closed it.

  “So where are we headed?” Travis raised an eyebrow but didn’t answer. “Oh, I guess that’s a surprise too.” She squeezed his hand.

  “Yes. Sort of… come closer, you’re sitting way over there. I’ve missed you.”

  Autumn scooted closer and leaned into Travis’s body. “I’m so happy you’re here,” she whispered. Her whole body sang. The tingle crept up her legs, igniting a flame at the spot that made her woman, and continued up to her mouth and eyes.

  Travis took his time kissing her. He touched her lips lightly at first, moving to the corners of each side before capturing her lips fully. He savored them. His hand moved slowly up her bare legs beneath her dress. The softness of her skin hypnotized him. So much so that he found it hard to lift his head but he did. “I have to leave in the morning.”

  Autumn failed miserably to hide her disappointment. “Okay.” She could hardly breathe. Travis’s hand burned straight through her flesh. The heat of it moved quickly up her entire body.

  “Then I guess I won’t make you fend for your dinner.” He smiled down at her. Again he changed the mood. He found control he didn’t know he possessed. He didn’t want their night to end before it began. So he tried to slow things down.

  “You owe me lobster, brother man.” She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth as she gave him a saucy grin. She refused to linger on the news that she only had hours to spend with him.

  “You’ll get your dinner, little lady. You can have whatever you want.”

  “Does that include you?” Autumn continued to tease Travis. Her hand traveled down the center of his chest and was headed south when he caught it in his hand. She knew she was playing with fire but tonight something about seeing Travis at her f
ront door made her want to fling caution to the wind and damn the consequences. For the past two weeks they shared intimate conversation, each made promises to the other.

  Travis’s smoldering passion grew at the thought of having her beneath him. There was no way to hide the evidence that he wanted her. He dragged her hand back up between them and pressed it to his lips. “You can have me whenever you’re ready.” His nostrils flared, and he moved his face close to hers without touching. He watched Autumn’s eyes close, signaling her submission. “Can you handle it, Autumn?”

  Autumn, paralyzed by his statement, didn’t respond. Her head fell into his shoulder. She wanted so badly to tell him yes, but she couldn’t. Travis held the back of her head with his hand and planted a kiss on her hair. “My sweet, Autumn. We have plenty of time for me to love you. Because, baby when I do, there won’t be any turning back.”

  He glanced out of the window at the city lights and tall buildings. He knew there was no way he could. One night would never be enough for him. Travis’s appetite for a woman hadn’t change since meeting Autumn, and the lack of sex kept him on edge. So to tame that craving a bit, he stepped up his fitness routine. The intense regimen was supposed to distract him and keep his mind on work and Autumn. He hadn’t counted on Savannah disrupting his routine and his train of thought. He almost broke the promise to not bed anyone when he was tempted by Savannah’s impromptu visits. Each time the desire was so strong, that he could have easily succumbed to the moment. But Travis understood who he was, knew without a doubt, that the slightest indiscretion with her would ruin his chances with Autumn. The strong love in his heart for Autumn, he was certain, kept him from a potential misstep.

  At this point it was all or nothing. He wanted to take his time. For the time being, just holding her was enough to get him through their separation, and to help quiet the storm raging in his groin. “New York is a beautiful city.” His words brought her gaze back up to his. They stared at each other for a long moment without a word. Travis smiled and after a moment, she did too.