Camilla smoothed a hand down her dress, surprised Heath had packed one of her favorites in his haste to get out of Charlotte. The wispy fabric fit snugly across the bosom and through the waist, and then flared over the hips to swirl around her legs. A gauzy material with flourishes of blues and greens in wavy and spiraling patterns, it made her feel utterly feminine. The only flaw in the ensemble was the lack of heels. Instead, she wore the pair of ballet flats she’d tossed in at the last second. With her hair in a messy up-do, applying mascara and a bit of lip gloss, she was ready for wherever Heath planned on taking her for dinner.
They’d arrived in New Orleans a couple of hours after leaving North Carolina. Flying on the luxurious private jet with Heath had been…wow. During the flight, they’d shared champagne and chocolates. He’d made sure she relaxed, so much so she’d actually missed their takeoff. Their subtle flirting made her feel special, even though she knew from Beth and Tessa that Heath was a notorious flirt, and she shouldn’t take his sweetness and attention seriously. But it felt nice having somebody pay attention to her, catering to her needs and wants, even if his attentiveness might disappear like a puff of smoke come morning.
“Whoa.”
She smiled at Heath, doing a quick spin and felt the fabric swirl around her legs. “You like?”
“You look gorgeous.” He took a step forward and lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a light kiss against it. A tingle raced through her at his gesture. She had to remind herself again not to take his actions for anything more than casual flirtation. It didn’t mean anything, and she’d best not read anything more into it. As attracted as she was to the big lug, she couldn’t afford to risk her heart.
“Thank you.” She reached onto the bed and picked up her purse, slinging the strap over her uninjured shoulder. “Were you able to get hold of your cousin?”
Heath nodded. “Ranger doesn’t have a problem with us using the apartment. I figured he wouldn’t, especially since Uncle Gator gave the okay. Sarah said to feel free to use any toiletries you need, since apparently I’m—and I’m quoting here—, ‘a Neanderthal who probably swept you up like a Texas tornado to keep you safe’ unquote.”
Camilla laughed at his peeved expression, his lips pursed like he’d been sucking on a lemon. He was such a big goof, rarely taking himself seriously. Why did that appeal to her so much? “Guess she knows you pretty well.”
Heath chuckled. “Not really. She’s been around all the Boudreau testosterone for years. Dealing with Ranger and his brothers, not to mention the men working for Carpenter Security Services, all alpha and overprotective types, she’s used to riding rein over men. Guess it runs in the Boudreau genes or something.”
“Maybe it’s the Boudreau name and reputation. I noticed all the Texas Boudreau men have the same traits, present company included. Though you’re not blood Boudreaus, it doesn’t seem to matter one wit.”
“True. Guess we could debate the whole nature versus nurture argument.”
“Not tonight. Much too heavy a topic for a quiet dinner. Besides, I’ve never been to New Orleans. I plan to absorb all the ambience and atmosphere, people and places. It’ll provide good research for future books.”
Heath leaned toward her and brought her hand up, placing it lightly on his crooked elbow. “My lady, your carriage awaits. There’s a lovely restaurant in the French Quarter I’ve visited several times. Best seafood you’ve ever tasted.”
“Can’t wait. After all the goodies on the plane I shouldn’t be hungry, but I’m starving. Let’s go.”
They took the elevator down to the ground level, and once again Camilla couldn’t help being impressed by the sharp, modern décor of Carpenter Security Services office space. It took up the entire first floor of the building, and she’d noticed a couple of people earlier, including a pretty brunette manning the reception desk. She hoped there’d be time for her to do a little judicious snooping around, strictly for research. There was this series she’d been making notes for and fleshing out, and this setup would be perfect. Getting firsthand intel on the ins and outs of security work would help lend an air of authenticity. She loved it when she got her facts right for her books. Readers didn’t hesitate to let her know if she got something wrong despite extensive research. No matter what anybody said, romance readers were some of the most well-educated, intelligent people she’d ever met, and she loved it.
“You might hear some noises down here, even with the apartment being soundproofed. These guys can get loud, believe me.”
“I love Ranger’s place. He’s lucky to have an apartment so close to everything in New Orleans. I know this area is prime real estate, especially being so close to the French Quarter.”
“Yeah, he can thank Samuel Carpenter for that. When Carpenter moved his headquarters from Dallas back to New Orleans, he renovated an old building his grandfather left him. It had been in the family for generations. He had the place completely redone from top to bottom, outfitting the lower level to contain his security company, and the upper floors were converted into apartments. If he’s around while we are here, I’ll show up the rooftop deck. The view is spectacular. You can see the city, and the bridge over the Mississippi lit up at night is stunning.”
“I’d love that.”
Heath opened the front door, leading Camilla out to the street, where a large town car with a driver waited at the curb.
“Carpenter didn’t stop there,” he added, helping her into the car before sliding onto the seat beside her. “He’s a good friend of the family, has been since he was a kid. He had an apartment set aside for all four of my cousins, all of whom work for the company. Each one got their own place, totally paid for, lock, stock, and barrel. All they had to do was move in. He made the same arrangement for my cousin, Gabi, though she didn’t want to be in the same building with her brothers. After she graduated from college and spread her wings figuring out what she wanted to do, Carpenter got her and her fiancé a place close to the French Quarter.”
“Talk about generous. I could use a benefactor like that. The mortgage payments on my townhouse eat up a large chunk of my royalties every month. Hmm, maybe I should look for a sugar daddy, to keep me in the style I’d like to become accustomed to.” She grinned, letting him know she was joking.
“I wouldn’t plan on using your feminine wiles on Carpenter. No offense, but his fiancée would wipe the floor with you, sugar, and you’d never see it coming. She’s former CIA, a fully trained operative. They’re getting married soon.”
Camilla chuckled softly, letting him know in a roundabout way she got the message. Not that she had any intention of making advances on anybody—except maybe him. The more time she spent around him, the more she liked what she saw. For such a large man, he was surprisingly tender. During the flight, she’d learned they shared quite a few of the same interests, had a similar sense of humor, and he never tried to intimidate or overwhelm her. Oh, she knew he was strong, physically and emotionally, but he seemed to know exactly how far he could push her without stepping over the line, a fact she credited to his mother. Having met Ms. Patti, she knew exactly who ruled the Boudreau men with an iron fist.
“So, you mentioned the restaurant you’re taking me to is in the French Quarter?”
He leaned back against the plush leather seat and picked up her hand, tracing his thumb across the back in a soft gesture. “I thought we might walk through the Quarter a bit before we eat. Or we can eat first, if you’d like.”
“I don’t mind looking around first. Maybe you can point out the interesting landmarks, or the quirky stuff only a local would know. This city has always fascinated me, and I’m looking forward to learning more about it.”
The car pulled to a stop close to Jackson Brewery on Decatur Street, and Heath helped her from the car. Camilla knew she looked like a gawky tourist, but everything was so different from Charlotte. Not that North Carolina didn’t have its unique charms, but she’d always loved seeing pictures and reading about New Orleans. Everything about the city fascinated her. If she’d known she was coming, she’d have made a list of all the things she wanted to see and do. A carriage ride in the French Quarter. Going on a ghost tour through the cemetery. Seeing all the artists around Jackson Square painting and selling their works. At least tonight, she’d get to fulfill one of the things on her impromptu bucket list: eating in a New Orleans restaurant.
“Jackson’s Brewery has been a landmark in New Orleans for decades.” Heath leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “It’s evolved into everything from a restaurant to a wedding and special events venue now. Plus, there are condos, you name it. But the building itself is impressive.”
Heath grasped her hand again, threading his fingers through hers, and she felt a tingle race through her. He seemed to like holding her hand. In the car on the trip over, he’d played with her fingers almost absently. While she hadn’t pictured him as one who’d necessarily be comfortable with public displays of affection, he ignored everyone around them, focusing his attention solely on her as they walked down the street and headed into the more formal French Quarter.
“It can get a little loud the farther in you get,” he leaned closer as he spoke, and she caught the slightest hint of his aftershave. “If you look right there,” he gestured with his right hand, “you can see the Mississippi River.”
She stopped and spun in the direction he’d pointed, and her mouth dropped open. There it was in all its glory, the most famous river in the United States. There was a huge bridge spanning the majestic sight, and now that she was listening closely, she heard the sounds of boats. Taking a deep breath, the tang of briny air filled her senses, and she turned toward Heath.
“I can’t believe I’m in New Orleans, standing this close to the Mississippi.” She practically vibrated with excitement, her mind racing with story possibilities. It was an occupational hazard: being a writer, she was also cataloging sights and sounds and places for use later.
“She’s a beautiful old city. Once everything has been resolved, and you’re safe, you’ll have to come back and explore at your leisure. There’s far too much to see, and we’re only going to be here for a little while.”
Heath’s words brought reality crashing back, dimming her excitement for a second or two, before she decided she wasn’t about to allow some nameless, faceless enemy to destroy this moment. She was in one place she’d fantasized about visiting, and she was seeing it with a man she’d had more than her fair share of sexy dreams about. Nobody was going to rain on her parade.
“Let’s go. I want to see everything.”
Heath laughed, his joy rippling across her skin like a physical caress. She needed to put the brakes on her feelings before things progressed past the point of no return. Falling for the big, brawny cowboy would be the biggest mistake she could make, because there wasn’t a chance in creation he wouldn’t end up breaking her heart.
As they walked, he started pointing out little hidden gems along their route. Little mom and pop shops, the voodoo priestess store tucked away around a darkened corner. They walked in amiable silence, her hand still tucked in his. Music painted the air with jazz played by street corner musicians, and people danced in the streets with utter abandon, wrapped up in the magic the city imbued. The vibe of freedom and joie de vivre was alive and well in the Big Easy.
When his phone trilled, Heath pulled it from his pocket and looked at the screen, a frown forming little lines across his forehead. Without missing a beat, he shoved it back into his pocket and kept walking, gently tugging her along with him.
“Who was that?”
“It wasn’t anything important.”
She stopped, digging in her heels when he tried to keep going. “Don’t lie to me. From your frown, it wasn’t news you wanted to hear. If you need to call them back, let’s find a place that’s a little quieter, and you can make the call.”
“We’re almost at the restaurant. Let’s get a table, and I’ll call them back then.”
Walking another block, Heath pointed to a restaurant set back off of Bourbon Street, hidden down an alley, away from the boisterous crowd. With a hand on her back, he guided her through the front door. Within mere seconds, they were led to a table on the patio. The courtyard was enclosed with wrought iron fencing, decorative and intricate, giving the illusion of privacy. The sounds coming off Bourbon Street were muted this far back, and Camilla felt like she’d stepped into her own little corner of paradise.
“This place is beautiful. Exactly what I picture when I think about a New Orleans restaurant.”
“My Uncle Gator recommended this place to me years ago, when I spent a few months on a job for the ATF. He knows the owners. Of course, he knows just about everybody in the city. He’s a bit of a local legend.”
“I guess you’ve been here a lot.”
“Not as much as I’d like. When I’m working, I tend to be more of a grab some fast food on the way to my hotel room type. The food here is excellent, though.”
A white-shirted waiter appeared at their table, holding a bottle of wine, and Heath nodded. The bottle was quickly uncorked and poured, and the waiter disappeared. The deep redness of the wine under the sparkling lights overhead tempted Camilla, and she picked up her glass.
“I know I haven’t said it, but thank you. I’m still having a hard time believing somebody is after me. I wish I could wrap my head around what I did or said, or what they think I know to make them want to hurt me.” She took a sip of the wine, feeling its warmth spread through her.
“We’ll figure it out. I’ve got people working on it.”
“I appreciate it. You didn’t have to do any of this. I’m not your responsibility. I mean, we hardly know each other.” Camilla lowered her gaze, not wanting to see pity in Heath’s eyes.
“Cam, it wasn’t that I didn’t want to get to know you better. Meeting you in Shiloh Springs…let’s simply say you got under my skin. But long-distance relationships rarely work out, and I didn’t want to drag you into my life.”
“I know. When we met, I wasn’t in a great place mentally. Evan had been giving me fits about signing some papers my parents needed. He’s my brother, but I’m not oblivious to his faults. I hate what he did to Beth and Jamie, the agony he’s put them both through. I feel kind of responsible, because I grew up with him. I should have known what he was capable of, but he fooled everybody. Even me.”
“Your brother’s actions are his alone. There’s nothing for you to be sorry for; you didn’t know what he planned, or you’d have stopped him. You aren’t the kind of person who’d stand idly by while people you cared about were in danger.”
She took another sip of wine and studied Heath closely. Maybe he understood her better than she thought. Opening her mouth, she started to ask him a question, but the ringing of his phone interrupted. Shoot, she’d forgotten about his call a few minutes earlier, the one she’d urged him to return.
“I’m sorry, I really need to handle this. Be right back.”
He walked several feet away, to stand beside the decorative fencing enclosing the patio, and she wanted for several moments while he spoke quietly to whoever was on the other end, then listened intently. Everything about him screamed alpha male, from his size to his obvious affection for those he cared about. She got the feeling maybe she was being added into that select few, too.
Wanting to capture the moment, because she might never get the chance to come back to New Orleans, she pulled her cell phone from her bag and turned it on. She’d powered if off earlier for the flight. Turning on the camera app, she snapped several pictures of the patio, trying to capture its beauty and the unique blend of French and Creole culture in the ambience. She snapped the metalwork fence, the white bulbs illuminating the courtyard, the flameless candles burning in holders on the individual tables. The patio wasn’t crowded, with a smattering of people spread out, enjoying the evening air.
She heard Heath before she saw him, and he snatched the phone from her hand, scowling at her.
“What?”
“Are you insane?” He shook his head before shutting off her phone. “My fault. I meant to give you a burner phone on the plane, but forgot.” With deft movements, he popped open the back of her phone and slid the battery free, then put the back on.
“What are you doing?”
“You can’t use your phone. Anybody with half a brain can trace your location via your GPS. We’re going to have to move again faster than I’d hoped.”
“Darn it, I never even considered that. I should have. Such a stupid move.”
“Not your fault. I keep forgetting you’re not used to having your life turned upside down. Remind me when we get back to the apartment to give you a burner phone to use until things get back to normal.” He handed her the phone and the battery he’d removed.”
She stared at her phone for several seconds before tossing it and the battery into her purse. “My whole life is on that phone. Names and phone numbers, contact information. Book ideas. Photos I take for reference and research. I can’t afford to lose any of it.”
“You won’t. My brother, Ridge, has a computer genius who works for him. She’ll be able to backup all your data onto the burner phone and give you a copy you can upload to your computer.”
“Cool. Can I ask, and don’t get all testy at the question, is this computer genius a hacker? Because I’d really like to interview a hacker—for research.”
Heath burst out laughing, his shoulders shaking. “I’ll have Ridge ask Destiny if she’ll talk with you while you’re in Shiloh Springs.”
“Excellent.”
Reaching across the table, she took his hand and squeezed it. “I’m sorry for making such a bonehead move. Do you want to leave now and head for your ranch?”
He shook his head, though he reversed their hold, her hand now secured in his. “No, let’s go ahead and have dinner. We don’t know for sure anybody’s tracking your phone, and it wasn’t on that long. We’ll head for Texas in the morning.”
“Thanks.” She gave him a cheeky grin. “Besides, I’m starving. Any recommendations?”
“You can’t go wrong with anything here, it’s all delicious.”
“Mr. Heath?” A feminine voice came from over Camilla’s left shoulder, and she saw Heath grin.
“Adele, my love, how are you?” Heath stood and embraced a tiny gray-haired woman whose head barely reached the slope of his shoulders. Bending forward, he placed a kiss against her weathered skin, and she stood on her tiptoes and patted his cheek.
“Can’t complain. Business is good, though you haven’t stopped by in forever. How are Gator and Ms. Willie?”
“They’re doing well. Gator’s complaining because Ms. Willie’s baking is making him fat and sassy.”
“Jacques and I are pleased he found somebody who loves him. Tell them to come by soon.”
“I will, Adele.” Heath gestured toward Camilla. “May I introduce my good friend, Camilla Stewart. Camilla, this gorgeous woman is Adele Benoit, one of the owners. I keep trying to get her to run away with me, but she refuses to leave her husband.”
Camilla smiled at his gentle flirting with the older woman, whose cheeks had turned a lovely pink. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Benoit.”
“Please, you must call me Adele. Any friend of my Heath’s is welcome here. Have you decided on what you’d like, or shall I have Jacques send you out something special?”
Camilla raised a brow at Heath, and he shrugged. “Everything Jacques cooks is superb. Tell him Camilla has never been to New Orleans before, and we need to make a good impression, so she’ll want to come back.”
“Mais oui. We have a lovely crawfish etouffee tonight with fresh crispy bread. Jacques also made sausage Boudin earlier as a starter. Maybe a lovely white chocolate bread pudding with a bourbon and pecan sauce to finish?”
“That sounds amazing.” Camilla could almost feel her stomach rumbling as the food was described. Knowing she’d be eating authentic New Orleans cooking made it even better. Though she wished she had her cell, so she could take photos to remember sharing this special meal with Heath.
“Sounds perfect, Adele. Thank you.”
“I’ll check back with you later. Anything you need, you tell Benny, your server. I’ll make sure he knows to take good care of you and your lady.”
As Adele walked away, Heath returned to his seat, grinning. “You’ve just seen Cajun hospitality at work. Adele and her husband have been running this place for decades. It’s a local institution, though it’s getting more and more popular with the tourist set.”
“She’s a wonderful hostess. I definitely feel welcome.” She lifted her glass higher. “Thank you for bringing me here. By the way, did you get to finish your call before I had the whole screw up with the phone?”
He gave an abrupt nod. “It was my office in DC. We needed to clear up my taking a few days off.”
Camilla felt her heart drop into her stomach. “I knew it. Your helping me is causing you problems. Listen, I can get to Shiloh Springs alone. I’ll rent a car and drive—”
“Stop. Everything is fine. As a matter of fact, my boss asked me to look into something for him while I’m in Texas. So, in reality, I’m actually on the job.”
“Are you sure? I’d hate to be the cause of you losing your job.”
His burst of laughter surprised her. “Sweetheart, that’s one thing you don’t need to worry about, I’m in no danger of being fired. Trust me, the ATF is pleased with my job performance. This is simply a small hiccup; they know I’ll be back to work soon enough.”
Their waiter approached with a platter of something that smelled divine, and placed it in the center of the table. Remoulade and a Cajun mustard dipping sauce accompanied the Boudin.
“Dig in,” Heath said, motioning toward the plate. “I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
Camilla broke one of the balls apart and dipped it into the remoulade and popped it into her mouth. She closed her eyes as the flavors burst upon her tongue, and she heard a soft moan escape. Swallowing the first bite, she opened her eyes and caught the look of hunger on Heath’s face, one which had nothing to do with food. Heat flooded into her cheeks.
“It’s amazing. I could eat this every day and never get tired of it.”
“The variety of food in The Big Easy is known worldwide, for good reason. It would take a lifetime to sample everything this city has to offer.” He popped a piece into his mouth and chewed.
Now she’d had her first taste, she tried the other dipping sauce, and decided she couldn’t pick a favorite because they were both different and delicious, Camilla could hardly wait for the next course. When the etouffee came, she dug in, relishing every bite. She was stuffed by the time she’d finished her last bite.
“You’re going to have to roll me back to the apartment, because I don’t think I’m going to be able to walk on my own.”
“You’ll make it, I promise. Tell me you don’t have a little bit of room for dessert.”
No sooner had he spoke the words, than the bread pudding slid into place before her. She wasn’t sure where she was going to put it, but there was no way she wasn’t taking at least a bite or two of the decadent dessert.
Heath dug his spoon into the one in front of him, making sure to get some of the whiskey pecan sauce along with the white chocolate, and held the temptation in front of her lips.
“Come on, sweetheart, one bite. You won’t regret it, I promise.”
The sultry tone underlying his words made her think he was talking about more than dessert, but she couldn’t resist. She didn’t want to. Opening her mouth, she let him slide the spoonful of sinful goodness inside, and she licked it clean.
“Was I right?”
She nodded instead of answering, staring into his brilliant blue eyes. If she let him, he’d seduce her into more than indulging in a whiskey-soaked temptation. Was she ready for that?
Steeling herself, she broke eye contact, concentrating instead on her own bowl. She managed to eat almost half before pushing it away. “I can’t eat another bite.”
“Did you enjoy your first meal in New Orleans?”
“I can’t imagine anything better. This meal, letting me wander around and do the tourist thing, it’s been amazing. I’m sorry we have to leave in the morning. I’m sorry I screwed up, and ruined everything.”
Heath waved for the check, and the waiter rushed forward and whispered something, low enough she couldn’t hear. Standing, he walked around the table, and helped her to her feet.
“It’s probably for the best. It would be too easy to give in to the chemistry between us, and it’s too soon. But mark my works, Ms. Camilla, once we’ve made sure you are safe, we’re going to explore this thing between us. Don’t try and deny it. You felt the same pull as I did when we were in Shiloh Springs a few months ago. Now I’ve seen you again, gotten to know you a little more, I’m not going to fight this pull, this attraction, any longer. I want to see where it leads, don’t you?”
Camilla rolled his words around, feeling them, tasting them, hearing the sincerity underlying what he said. Did she really want to fight the attraction she’d felt from the moment she’d seen him? Who knows, maybe once she had her life back on track, they could see if making a long-distance relationship work.
“Yes. When everything is back to some semblance of normal, I want to see where this leads. No running, no hiding, because that’s my usual reaction. I want to give us a shot.”
Heath’s heated smile sent tingles racing down her spine, and Camilla mentally crossed her fingers, because she had the feeling she was in for a bumpy ride.