Good Woman Blues (19 page)

“Ready?” Gabriel’s eyes seemed to ask for
approval. He looked at her as though ready to turn back if she gave
the sign.

“No, but let’s go.” Erikka stretched out her
legs. “Good thing I’m into country casual these days.” She pointed
to herself. She wore a dark red shirt, navy split skirt, and flat
loafer mules.

Gabriel looked at her over his shoulder. His
gaze settled on her bare legs. “You look fine. Really.”

“Sure I do,” she said. Erikka touched her
face without thinking and wondered if she should check her
makeup.

“Erikka,” Gabriel said. Something in his
voice made her gaze up at him.

Suddenly she wanted to run and hide. He was
staring at her. Erikka wasn’t ready for this kind of examination.
She glanced off into the distance, turning away from him.

“Maybe today isn’t the best time after
all.”

Gabriel walked over and sat next to her. He
tenderly put his large hand over hers and tugged it away from her
face. “Yes, it is. When you look in the mirror, what do you
see?”

Her throat hurt from the strain not to cry.
“Like I can’t cover up the ugliness with makeup.”

“I see a wonderful woman who has a right to
look everyone right in the eye,” Gabriel said softly.

“I just keep thinking everyone must look at
me and feel repulsion, or pity.” Erikka wanted to turn to him, but
couldn’t for fear she would indeed see pity in his eyes. “If that’s
what this is about then please, let’s not go any further. We
shouldn’t even leave the dock.”

“I want to be right where I am, with you, and
I say let’s go,” Gabriel said, his face so close she could feel the
heat of his skin on her neck. “Do you want to?”

“But what about—” Erikka shivered when his
long fingers brushed hair from cheek.

“Baby, I’ve been looking at you all along and
seeing everything. I just hope that one day you’ll believe me when
I say you’re beautiful. Because you are. I can’t make you see it,
but Lord knows I do,” Gabriel rasped.

Erikka finally had the courage to face him
again. She looked at his broad chest. All three buttons of his
pullover shirt were open. A triangle of brown skin covered by soft
dark curls of hair made her pelvis ache. She licked her bottom lip
as she took in the hard thighs encased in denim. As though afraid
the lovely words he’d spoken were a dream, she touched his mouth.
He kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose, then her mouth. Erikka
put her hand on his chest as she pressed her lips against his
hungrily. A fever to have him spread over her body, and she leaned
into it. His strong arms wrapped her in more warmth than she’d ever
felt before. In just one moment Erikka felt she wasn’t alone
anymore. This wasn’t escape the way giving herself over to lust had
been before. For a long, heart-stopping time they kissed. Then both
came up for air.

“I’m going to give you the grand tour,”
Gabriel whispered. He rested his forehead against hers.

“Tour, right,” was all Erikka could gasp.
When he started to pull away, she kissed him again, then let go
reluctantly.

“Ever been this far out?” Gabriel asked over
his shoulder as he turned the wheel.

“I thought I had, but I was wrong.” Erikka
found a paper napkin and dabbed sweat from her brow.

Gabriel gave a sultry chuckle. “I’m talking
about the swamp.”

“No. I’ve been fishing, though.” Erikka
grinned when he shot a surprised look her way. “From the bank not
far from my grandparents’ back door.”

“Come up here.” Gabriel waved to her.

Erikka stood carefully. The humming vibration
from the motor came through the soles of her shoes. When the barge
rocked gently she grabbed his shoulder. Gabriel put an arm around
her waist and pulled her until their hips touched. He smiled
encouragement at her, and Erikka felt safe. They stood side by side
for the next forty-five minutes. Egrets and a few brown pelicans
swooped around from treetop to treetop.

“Lots of nutria, coyote, and deer that way,”
Gabriel said, close to her ear. He pointed east to a stretch of dry
ground leading to forestland.

“Coyote?” Erikka took comfort in how far they
were from shore.

“Maybe even a Louisiana brown bear or two.”
Gabriel laughed when Erikka clutched his arm.

“Notice I’m not amused,” she frowned at him,
pretending to be more annoyed than she was.

“Those creatures are more afraid than you
are. They’re very shy and will run away.”

“Yeah, well let’s not test that theory.”
Erikka nodded for him to keep the barge well out in the water.

“Sure. We’ll visit the water snakes and
gators today.”

Erikka playfully slapped his muscled arm.
Gabriel’s rich laugh sent ripples of pleasure up her spine. She
felt more than comfortable with his body leaning into hers as the
barge swayed. A short time later he cut the motor close to the
shore.

“How about a snack? I brought my own version
of spicy wings, fresh rolls, chips, and soft drinks.”

“Gee, no dessert?” Erikka teased.

“Pound cake.”

Gabriel set the basket on an extended
built-in seat at the other end of the barge. In minutes he set a
place with red matching plates and thick white paper napkins. Then
he poured ginger ale into two translucent plastic tumblers.

“You did that like a pro,” Erikka said as she
settled beside him.

“Here, taste.” He handed her a plate with
three wings.

Erikka licked sauce and savored it. “Hmm,
ginger, a hint of honey and dill I think.”

“Hey, that recipe is secret,” Gabriel
said.

“Not anymore. I do some cooking myself,”
Erikka said modestly.

Gabriel chewed on a chicken wing. “What’s
your specialty?”

“I’d have to say my crawfish bisque is the
best. Now this is good stuff. You amaze me, Gabriel Cormier.”
Erikka polished off the second wing.

“I guess that was a compliment.” He wore a
half grin.

“Oh, yeah. To be honest I was expecting you
to be spoiled and still eating at your mama’s house. I like the way
you’re so self-sufficient.” Erikka didn’t think that description
went far enough.

“Keep this up, and I’ll have a swollen ego,”
he joked.

Erikka blushed. “I’d better be nice to you. I
want to get out of this swamp.”

“Oh, come on. You love it out here.” He
tossed a bone into the water. It sank, sending a tiny circle of
waves that faded quickly.

“Until it gets too hot, too buggy, and too
dangerous. Other than that, I’m a regular outdoor gal.” Erikka
followed his lead and tossed a bone overboard. In minutes they ate
a dozen wings between them and drank two glasses of ginger ale
each.

“Now admit it, this is better than hanging
out in a noisy French Quarter restaurant on a Sunday afternoon.”
Gabriel handed her a small packet of moist towelettes.

“I won’t admit any such thing. I love New
Orleans. The noise is part of its charm.” Erikka wiped her hands
and stuffed the dirty towelette in a trash bag.

“If you say so. You missed a little sauce
here.” Gabriel dabbed at a spot on her chin with a napkin.

“Thanks,” Erikka said, enjoying the
attention.

Gabriel leaned forward. He touched her lower
lip with the tip of his finger “And another spot.”

“I must look like I washed my face in the
stuff,” she said quietly, careful not to move so she wouldn’t break
the lovely spell.

“I’ll fix it.” Gabriel licked her bottom
lip.

Erikka looked into his eyes the entire time
until her breathing went ragged. In moments they were wrapped in
each other’s arms. Without thinking, Gabriel pushed the basket
aside and eased her down onto her back. Erikka held on tightly and
never stopped tasting him. He was a delightful flavor that she had
hungered for a long time.

His strong arms assured her that she was
secure. Neither noticed when the plates clattered to the floor. His
hands rubbed her thighs, pushing the skirt higher. Then he
hesitated.

“Don’t stop,” Erikka said, and put her
fingers in his thick, dark hair. She brought his mouth to hers
again for more.

“Your skin is so beautiful. Like polished
pecan wood, so smooth,” Gabriel whispered as he brushed his lips
along her shoulder.

“You sure we’re alone out here?” Erikka
gasped. She nipped at his earlobe.

Gabriel only grunted and continued to caress
her legs. Erikka wanted to rip her clothes away. Her body burned at
every point he touched. He stood and took off his shirt. Erikka
stared at the expanse of chest covered by dark hair. His nipples
stood out like dark chocolate against nut brown skin. Gabriel took
one long extra cushion from a compartment and put it on the floor.
Erikka lay down and wriggled free of her skirt. With the sides of
the barge and the peaceful quiet of the swamp, she felt totally at
ease. Gabriel lay beside her in the narrow space. He traced an
invisible line up her right leg until he reached her hip. He hooked
a finger under the waistband of her panties. Erikka raised up
enough to help him push the silky garment down. Next her shirt,
then bra came off. He put his face between her breasts with a
sigh.

“More, please,” she whispered, and caressed
the tight curls on top of his head.

Gabriel managed to push down his pants
without taking his mouth from her breast. With a groan he forced
himself to stop long enough to get completely naked. He fumbled
with a square of foil. Erikka took it from him and tore it open.
With slow deliberation she rolled the thin ribbed latex onto his
penis. Gabriel closed his eyes as she stroked him. She parted her
thighs and offered everything to him. He thrust inside her with
such delicious force that Erikka melted inside. Gone was the desire
for either to take it slow. She held on as he rode her hard until
she screamed. Erikka felt as though the climax lifted her up and
spun her soul around. Electric shock waves of ecstasy made her beg
for more. When he came, her joy peaked again, and then quieted.
After lying still for a long time he planted gentle kisses on her
face.

“Scared?” he whispered in a breathless
voice.

‘Terrified,” she confessed. A tear escaped
from a corner of each eye.

“You don’t have to be.” Gabriel shifted so
that they lay side by side. He rested his head on her breast as
though it were die most natural position in the world.

Erikka wanted to believe in him. That was the
easy part. She wanted to believe in herself more. She had a way of
messing up anything good. Erikka had a keen sense of what she’d
lose this time.

“You’ll be my big strong protector?” Erikka
pushed away the doubts nibbling at her.

“No, I’ll be your lover and friend. I have a
feeling you don’t need protecting,” Gabriel said softly.

Erikka shivered at the warmth of his breath
on her skin. “Spoken like a true therapy graduate. No codependency
for you.”

“Can’t help it. My therapist forced me to
grow up,” Gabriel said.

She felt his smile when his mouth curved
against her breast. “Thanks.” She kissed the top of his head.

“Thank you, too, baby.”

They held each other in silence for a few
moments longer. A breeze dried the sweat from their bodies. Birds
called across the bayou. The barge swayed, lulling Erikka into a
daze.

“Thought we heard somebody calling for help.
Y’all all right?” A male voice shouted from a distance in a thick
Creole accent. The soft hum of an outboard motor was
unmistakable.

“Damn. Let’s pretend we’re not even here,”
Erikka whispered.

Gabriel lifted his head with a grin. “They
might come over to investigate.”

“Hurry up and say something.” Erikka tried to
sink even lower.

“We’re just fine, man. Thanks for asking.”
Gabriel lifted up just enough so the man could see him.

“Heh, heh. Guess you doin’ fine all right,” a
different male voice spoke up.

The men chuckled. Seconds later the motor
hummed louder as they passed, then it slowly faded. Gabriel gave
them one last cheerful wave.

“If you wink at them, I’m going to toss you
overboard,” she warned.

“I wouldn’t dare.” Gabriel settled next to
her again. He affected a serious expression.

“Yeah, well—” Erikka looked at him, and they
burst into laughter.

“We’ve lost our minds,” Gabriel said.

Erikka rested her head on his chest. She
enjoyed the rumble of laughter that made his body vibrate. Rubbing
her cheek in the curls of hair on his Pecs, Erikka felt her flesh
quiver in response. The mixture of sweat and soap smelled
sweet.

“Maybe,” she whispered, and savored the sight
of his buttery brown skin. The natural light, a mixture of shade
and sunshine, seemed made for him. Then she thought of what her
skin must look like. A hand flew to her cheek, and she turned
away.

“It’s okay,” Gabriel said as he reached for
her.

“We’d better cover up before the insects eat
us for lunch.” Erikka relaxed. They dressed in silence.

On the trip back to his house he let her
steer the barge. He stood right behind her with his hands on her
waist. He’d guide them back whenever she turned too much to the
left or right. Once they arrived, Gabriel tied up the barge to his
dock. Erikka gazed at him through the tinted lenses of her
sunglasses, and then looked at her car.

“Guess I’d better go.” Erikka waited for the
typical post-sex brush off.

“Why?” Gabriel brushed a loose tendril of
hair behind Erikka’s right ear.

Since she couldn’t think of a reason, Erikka
followed him into his house.

Chapter 12

Erikka went back to New Orleans a few days
later to empty the rented storage unit that held possessions from
her former life. She happily donated the few furnishings left to a
local thrift store. Erikka felt ready to start fresh. After a day
of tossing the last bit of stuff she didn’t want, Erikka went to
Hope’s apartment to spend the night.