Untrusting Hearts: A Contemporary New Orleans Romance (11 page)

He flipped through the money he held. “Not really,” he said, bending to retrieve the rest of the bills. “This is all Confederate money. Back when plantations were up and running, and heck, probably even today, people sometimes secreted their valuables inside of walls, behind wallpaper, and inside mattresses. They were quite creative at finding hiding spots. You might as well add these to your collection.”

“You’re sure it’s okay?”

“I’m positive. If you really want, a trip to the courthouse would tell us the property owner’s name and we could return all of this. But, if we do, we’d have to admit we were trespassing.” He held up his hand that was filled with their findings. “What do you say? Keep them or try to turn them over?

“I don’t know.” She stared at the items in question for a moment, battling with her conscience. Finally she said, “Let’s play it by ear.”

“That sounds good to me. Let’s head downstairs now.”

At the rear of the home, a magnificent built-in spiral staircase led down to the lower level. When they reached the first floor, Jade looked up and gasped. “Oh, Gage. Look at this. You can see all the way up.”

The stairway weaved its way up, centered far above by another ornate chandelier on the third floor ceiling.

“Nice.” Gage nodded.

Jade laughed. “It’s better than nice, it’s fabulous.”

Gage stared into Jade’s uplifted face. “Yes,” he agreed, “it is fabulous.”

Hearing a change in his voice, Jade turned to look at him. She was surprised to find his eyes on her, not the chandelier.

“You look beautiful, Jade.” He took a step closer, laying their booty on a small nearby table.

Holding her breath, she didn’t move. Her heart pounded in her chest. He folded her in his arms and lowered his mouth to hers. “So beautiful,” he murmured right before his lips met hers.

She melted into his embrace and returned his soft, searching kiss. His lips were hot against hers. Her arm dropped to her side, camera dangling from her wrist. She thought she might need the fainting couch, so intense were the feelings rushing through her. She was almost lightheaded when they stopped. “Shall we continue our exploration?” he asked, voice husky.

Jade nodded, thrilling at his closeness. She looked up into those whiskey eyes and perceived his desire mirroring her own. But this was not the place for satisfying their passion. Reluctantly, they parted and Gage retrieved their findings.

Just as Jade turned away, they heard a sound from the front of the plantation. The creak of the massive front doors. Echoing footsteps. Jade froze and shot a wide-eyed look at Gage.

“Mr. Pichot?” a voice called, causing Jade to turn inquiring eyes on Gage.

A sheepish look crossed Gage’s features. “Party’s over, I guess. This way.” He led her down the hall to the entryway.

Puzzled, Jade walked beside him to where a tall, thin man in a gray security uniform stood and looked at them expectantly. “I just wondered if you’re done yet, Mr. Pichot. I need to lock up the gates and set the alarm.”

“Sure, Charley. I think we’re finished.”

Charley tipped his hat at Jade and stood aside to allow them to pass. “Ma’am.”

Jade’s face felt stiff, unnatural. She held her silence, though, until they reached Gage’s car.

“That man called you by name,” she said in an accusatory tone as she settled into the front seat. She made Gage wait while she put her camera back in its case and placed it on the dashboard, then she accepted their treasures from him, setting them in her lap.

“I know the owner,” Gage admitted. He started the car, circled the drive, and headed down the long lane to the gates. “This house, it was the surprise. Not the river.”

“You let me think this was all spontaneous. Dangerous. Risky. When you had the whole thing planned. You tricked me.”

“Guilty as charged,” Gage said, “but I had the best of intentions. I wanted it to be an adventure for you. I figured it would be more interesting if you thought we weren’t supposed to be here.”

“It’s so contrived. So…” She paused, searching for a word. “Devious.”

“You’re angry.” He passed through the gates, and stopped the car.

“Damn right I am.” She refused to look at him, stared instead at the journal and Confederate cash in her lap. Running her fingers lightly over the found items, a thought occurred to her. “These things, then. Are they genuine?”

“Of course.” He sounded surprised.

“You planted them, didn’t you?”

He sighed. “You think too much, Jade.”

“Well, did you?”

His silence was all the answer she needed.

“I wondered why there didn’t seem to be any vandalism. No graffiti or trash. Only a couple of broken windows.”

“Could be because the place is so remote,” Gage offered.

“Or it could be that it’s guarded by a security firm.”

“Yeah. Could be that,” Gage conceded. “Look, Jade. There are plans in the works to completely renovate the plantation and grounds. I wanted you to see it before that happens. I thought it would spice things up if you found a few old keepsakes to take away with you. So, yes, all the things we found today are authentic and it’s okay if you keep them.”

“You stashed these things here and then acted as surprised as I was when we found them.” She crossed her arms, embarrassment warming her cheeks. “You let me ooh and ah over all of our
findings
like an idiot? You set me up. Humiliated me.”

“No. I was thinking of it more as a scavenger hunt. An adventure.”

“So pulling a trick on someone is your idea of adventure?”

“Look at me, Jade.” He reached over and took her chin in a gentle hand, but she pulled away, refused to turn her head.

“Just take me back to Maylene’s.” She stared stiffly out the window.

“I’m sorry,” Gage said quietly as he pulled back onto the road. “I really screwed up.”

Tears stung her eyes as she stared out at the passing trees and shrubs. “You made a fool of me. Maybe that’s what you wanted all along.”

“No. Never. What I wanted was to give you an experience to remember. You told me how much you used to love going through abandoned buildings. I just wanted to recreate some of that youthful excitement for you. That’s the honest truth, Jade.”

They rode in silence for a ways. Her anger slowly faded, but the sting of his deception stayed with her. “Are you one of those men who likes to manipulate people?”

“I wouldn’t describe myself that way, no. Darn it, Jade. You’re blowing this out of proportion. Can’t you just accept that my intentions were good, even if the result wasn’t the best?”

“I feel stupid.”

“Probably not as stupid as I feel right now.” He rubbed his forehead before returning his hand to the wheel.

A short time later, they reentered the city. Gage parked in front of Maylene’s house and turned to look at her. “Can we start over? I mean, how long can you hold this against me?”

Jade flushed under his scrutiny. “I don’t know,” she muttered, already sorry for both of them. His ill-advised outing had started with such promise but now was ending in awkwardness. “Probably not long.”

“That’s pretty vague. What can I do? I’ve already apologized. Should I grovel? I’m not very good at it, but I guess I could try.”

A grin teased her lips. “I can’t see you groveling.”

“Whew,” he said with exaggerated relief. “I’m glad of that. I didn’t think I’d be able to pull it off.” His confident air had returned. “Besides, we
did
have fun, didn’t we?”

“Yes,” she admitted grudgingly. “At first.”

He got out, walked around the car, and opened the door for her. “Don’t be mad at me too long. Please.”

“It’s going to be hard to get over. I don’t like being deceived.”

“I don’t blame you; neither do I. But who hasn’t used a little mild deception when trying to plan a special surprise for someone?”

She paused for a few seconds. “I see your point, but this feels different somehow.”

“Maybe not so different. Give it some thought.” He kissed her lightly on the cheek and walked beside her as she carried her purse, camera, and the things they’d found at the old plantation into the house. He declined Maylene’s invitation to stay, said he had some work to catch up on. Before leaving, he gave Jade a long, steamy look, one she would replay in her mind throughout the afternoon and evening.

Chapter 7

The night had been filled with half-remembered dreams of passion that brought her to the verge of waking more than once. In spite of her restless sleep, Jade felt energized when the soft morning light shone through the pale blush-colored curtains. She stretched luxuriously before swinging her legs to the floor and padding to the bathroom for a shower.

As she soaped her body under the spray of warm water, she found herself imagining Gage’s hands on her skin. The thought made her flush with anticipation. She hardly knew the man and had never before had such a rocky start to a relationship, nor, for that matter, the kind of thrill she felt in his arms.

She took special care when choosing her clothes for the day and applied a little more makeup than usual. Happiness bubbled up inside her as she bounced down the stairs. It was going to be a beautiful, exciting day.

Jade had just sat down for breakfast and had gotten no further than taking a sip of orange juice when Maylene entered with a stormy look. “I have bad news, Jade. Gage will be out of town for a couple of days straightening out some matters Ty left unattended. It’ll just be us girls today, dear.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that.” Jade added a crepe and bacon to her plate along with some cantaloupe, concealing the fact she was terribly disappointed she wouldn’t be seeing Gage. She couldn’t believe how much the thought of not seeing him bothered her; it wasn’t as if they were dating. She shrugged her regret aside and smiled. “After all, I didn’t even know Gage until I arrived. It was you I came to visit, right?” Still, she couldn’t quite push Gage from her thoughts; she’d so been looking forward to the afternoon. Gage had suggested they go out on an airboat. But such was business and she did understand.

“That’s sweet of you to say, dear. It’s just so unexpected.”

“What happened?” Jade dabbed at her mouth with the napkin.

“Honestly, I’m not sure. I just got off the phone with Ty. He insisted that he had everything under control. But that simply wasn’t true. Those contracts need to be signed before Monday. Sometimes that young man drives me to distraction,” Maylene grumbled and filled her own breakfast plate, nibbling a sausage link as she spoke. “Luckily, Gage has come to the rescue, once again.”

Knowing Maylene felt let down over Ty’s disregard of his work duties, Jade determined she’d make the day enjoyable. “Don’t you have photo albums here as well as at the homestead?” she asked, nonchalantly, trying to divert Maylene from her worries.

“Why, of course I do. Actually, we should bring the trunk down from the attic that has all kinds of memorabilia. This will be so much fun.”

The rest of breakfast passed in a blur. The next thing Jade knew she was following Maylene up a wide set of stairs that was hidden behind a panel on the third floor. “Watch your step, dear,” Maylene cautioned her, although the stairs were in perfect condition, their hard wood polished to a shine even here where eyes wouldn’t pry.

Outside, thunder rumbled across a gray sky, threatening rain.

“Sounds like we’ll be getting a shower,” Maylene said. “I love the rain. It makes the house feel so cozy.”

The attic took up the entirety of the top level which was about half the size of the floor below. Furniture that looked new to Jade filled most of the space. A coat stand overflowing with hats stood next to a dresser with an oval mirror. Jade chose a small lavender hat with a long deep-purple feather and slipped it on. “What do you think, Maylene?”

Maylene turned and a giggle slipped forth. She quickly joined Jade and they took turns modeling hats with fruit, one with a bird’s nest replete with eggs, and even a top hat with a lacy red band. After laughing themselves silly, the two finally caught their breath.

“Why do you have such a variety?” Jade asked.

“For Mardi Gras, of course! Jean Pierre and I used to go every year when we were younger. Oh, you should have seen the costumes we’d come up with. And you probably will; I’m sure there are photos in the trunk.” Maylene went to an intercom on the wall and pressed the button. “Parker? Are you there?”

“Yes, Ma’am!” Parker responded after a brief wait.

“Could you please send up Henry and Jake to carry down a trunk from the attic?”

“Yes, ma’am, right away, ma’am.”

“Who are Henry and Jake?” Jade asked.

“Oh, you haven’t met them, have you? They come twice a week to work on the yard. It does take tending to or it just overruns the house.”

“I’m sure that’s true.”

“It’s lucky the rain has held off so far or the men would have been gone.”

While they waited for the workers to arrive upstairs, Maylene poked about in her treasures and Jade daydreamed about Gage. She knew this time away from him was good; she needed to evaluate
how they had gotten intimate so quickly. It wasn’t like her to fall into the arms of a man. But their time together yesterday had felt like they were meant to be side-by-side and she needed to reflect upon her feelings. She had gone from anger to lust in a flash. And his attitude had changed from suspicion to desire just as quickly. Yes, she decided, it was good he was away; she needed the time apart from him and she was determined to enjoy it.

At last, she and Maylene had the trunk at their feet next to the long dining room table. A soft rain fell, fulfilling Maylene’s prediction.

The morning and afternoon passed quickly. They lunched at the table and later sipped hot chocolate as Maylene pulled one photo after another from the box and exclaimed over it. Jade eventually stopped scanning the pictures unless something special appeared. Her laptop was going to be overflowing and she would have to spend hours deciding which images to keep, which to print, and which to discard.

At five, Ty phoned. Maylene informed Jade that he wanted to make amends for upsetting his aunt, so he was taking them to dinner and to the opera. “He wouldn’t have to try to placate me if he’d just do his job.” She sighed. “I so hope he’ll grow out of his boyhood soon.”

Boyhood
, Jade scoffed inwardly,
he’s twenty-seven years old, for heaven’s sakes.
But she kept these thoughts to herself. “Should I wear a dress or slacks? I have no idea where we are going.”

“Oh, my, that’s right, you wouldn’t know. Well, he said we’d eat at the Court of Two Sisters prior to attending Puccini’s La Boheme opera at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts. You won’t need anything too fancy. A nice dress but nothing formal.”

“I’ve never been to an opera,” Jade admitted.

“You’ll love it, especially La Boheme. Shall we retire to ready ourselves? Ty said he’d come for us at six.”

Glancing at her watch, Jade exclaimed, “Six! We’d better get to it.” She followed Maylene up the stairs. 

Jade selected a short-sleeved cobalt-blue dress that fell just below her knees. The belted waist showed off her trim figure. A pair of two-inch white heels and a small white bag finished off the outfit. She added silver hoops to her ears and dabbed on a sparse amount of powder and blush and soft pink lipstick before going downstairs to await Ty.

Maylene entered the foyer just as Ty came through the front door wearing a pair of ash-grey slacks and a long-sleeved beige and white shirt, tucked in, with the sleeves rolled up above his wrists. Maylene had chosen a lightweight suit in soft green with a white silk blouse. Pearls adorned her neck and ears.

“Ladies. You look marvelous.” He gave his aunt a peck on the cheek and pulled Jade in for a hug she found slightly inappropriate. Just before it reached the point where she would have to say something, he released her, stood back, and opened the door. “Shall we?”

The rain had stopped, leaving the world glistening and fresh. Jade inhaled, filling her lungs as they walked outside.

Ty’s car, though not as impressive as Gage’s, was none the less exceptionally nice. Also a convertible, he had the top up to protect the women’s hairstyles. Always the gentleman, he held the doors of the car and the restaurant to allow the ladies to enter first.

Deciding to skip appetizers, Maylene ordered Chicken Oscar, Jade the Veal Oscar, and Ty had the Char-Broiled Tenderloin of Beef. Maylene and Ty selected wine while Jade chose to have sweet tea.

As they dined, Maylene and Ty kept her entertained with their reminiscences of Ty’s childhood antics.

“He was a bit mischievous,” Maylene said fondly.

The food was excellent and the company so pleasant Jade didn’t dwell on thoughts of Gage. All were too full for desserts. They returned to the vehicle and Ty drove them to the theatre.

He left the car with the valet and the three were shown to their box-seats. They just had time to get settled before the lights dimmed. Anticipation fluttered through Jade. Would she like opera? Or would she hate it? She’d soon know.

Jade found herself hanging onto the edge of her seat; even though she couldn’t understand the words, she was able to follow the plot. At intermission, Jade hurried to the restroom and back to her seat. Alone, she amused herself by looking over the audience and trying to decide who had money and who was pretending. Soon, Maylene and Ty returned and the opera continued.

Afterwards, during the ride home, Maylene and Ty discussed the different elements of the performance. Jade didn’t participate but she listened carefully, nodding if she had made the same deductions they had. At the house, Ty entered with them for a nightcap. Maylene immediately excused herself, claiming too much excitement for one day.

“What’s your poison?” Ty asked from the small bar in the living room.

“Something light.”

“Chardonnay?”

“That’s fine.” Jade accepted her drink and took a sip, savoring the subtle flavors of green apple and lemon. She noticed Ty had several fingers of straight Jack Daniels and inwardly shook her head, aware he’d be driving directly.

“So, what’s on the agenda for tomorrow?” Ty asked casually as he sat close to her on the settee.

Jade squirmed further into the corner, a little uncomfortable with the nearness of the man. She turned slightly so as to face him and make her move appear a little less conspicuous. “I was thinking about treating Maylene to an afternoon out. But, to tell the truth, I have no idea what she’d like to do.”

“Well,” Ty laughed, “Maylene loves to shop. You can never go wrong there. There’s a strip of vintage clothing stores intermingled with modern shops near the French Quarter. You might do that. There are also several small delis in the area that are quaint and favorites of hers.”

“How do we get there?”

“Just tell Maylene I told you about Lacy’s; she’ll be able to take you directly to the place.”

“Lacy’s?”

“A boutique. Charming little hole in the wall.” Ty swirled the amber liquid in his heavy glass before taking a long swig.

“That sounds perfect.”

“Now, about you,” Ty said, leaning slightly toward her.

“Me? What about me?” Frown lines marred Jade’s pretty face.

“Well, not you exactly; more like you and me!” He set his drink down and swooped in on her, mashing his lips against hers, startling her and causing a small amount of discomfort to her mouth.

Shoving him back, Jade jumped to her feet. “That was uncalled for.”

“I’m sorry.” Ty rose as well, a look of repentance on his face. He reached out and cradled Jade’s neck gently. “I didn’t mean to be so rough.” Carefully, he lowered his face to hers and brushed her lips with his. “I came on too strong. Forgive me.”

Jade was conflicted. She didn’t want to cause a scene here in Maylene’s house, especially not with the woman’s nephew. And she had felt nothing when his lips touched hers, not a flicker of desire or a shudder of revulsion. Simply a moment of awkwardness. She’d have to be tactful, but direct. Finally, she calmed herself and relaxed slightly. “Of course I forgive you, Ty. But let’s not forget we are practically cousins.”

“Yeah, right. Cousins.” He snorted lightly and then traced her ear with a finger as he stared into her eyes. “So far removed it doesn’t even matter. I’m no more closely related to you than I am to anyone on the street. And you’re so pretty, Jade. You really light my fire.”

His words left her speechless for a second or two as she considered them. He was probably right about their genetic status, but it still made her uncomfortable. Though she couldn’t blame a guy for trying, she didn’t believe she’d given him any encouragement. Nor should she now. It was probably just the liquor talking anyway. She stiffened in his arms. “I’m not sure what to say to that. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to call home before it gets any later.”

Ty released her reluctantly and picked up his glass. “Who do you have to call? I thought your grandma died. Does someone else live with you?”

Thinking it none of his business, Jade nonetheless answered. “No, I live alone. But my boyfriend, well, ex-boyfriend, is taking care of the house while I’m here. I check in with him every night and it’s getting kind of late.”

“Ex-boyfriend,” Ty grumbled. “Fine, you go do that.” He downed his drink and set the empty glass on an end table. “Time for me to hit the road anyway.”

Before Jade could remove herself from his path, Ty cornered her again and leaned her back a bit, kissing her more thoroughly than before. He smiled triumphantly and exited the house.