Page 24 of Bayou Sunset

Romeo didn't have a clue about the boat engine, but he would still attempt to help Daisy Mae. As he stepped onto the boat, the weight of his backpack hit the bench with a thud. He made his way across the deck toward her.

Daisy Mae narrowed her eyes at his waist, then looked up athim. “Dat be necessary?”

Romeo nodded in acknowledgment, the weight of her words sinking in as he realized she was referring to his firearm. “Mais oui.”

Daisy Mae rolled her eyes. “Mon Dieu!We no going anywhere if I can’t turn dis engine over.”

“I know my way around a truck engine. They can't be much different.” Romeo was aware of their differences, yet he endeavored to bring a smile to Daisy Mae’s face with a lighthearted comment.

It worked perfectly.

Her smile brightened her entire face. Daisy Mae handed him the wrench in her dirty hand and said, “Go ’head,couyon.”

Romeo graciously accepted the wrench, and with a sense of anticipation, he drew closer to Daisy Mae. Gently, he brushed his lips against hers, reveling in the tenderness of her lips. Reluctantly, he eventually brought the kiss to a close with a lingering, affectionate peck. “Good morning, Rocket.”

“Why do ya call—”

“Bonjour,” a voice called from the dock.

Romeo could have sworn that he heard Daisy Mae growl with an unmistakable air of disapproval as they turned around.

“What ya want, Mario?” Daisy Mae asked, not too kindly.

“What be going on?” Mario asked.

“What does it look like is going on, youcouyon?” Daisy Mae asked.

“Careful, the mosquitoes be big.” And the man walked away.

The mosquitoes be big. What did that mean?“Who dat be?”

Daisy Mae grunted. “Mario Xenos. Me rival.”

The man’s demeanor and words immediately caught Romeo’s attention, almost as if he had set off an alarm on Romeo’s radar. It became evident that it would be highly advantageous to Mario if Daisy Mae sold out her operation.Romeo needed to learn more about the man, such as Mario’s whereabouts yesterday when he and Daisy Mae were under fire on the boat. It wasn’t just treasure hunters that would benefit from her absence on the water.

“Come on,”—Daisy Mae waved—”let's get dis engine going. I have a charter inune heure.”

Romeo didn’t know how to help, but he would use all his knowledge of engines to assist Daisy Mae.

Ultimately, Daisy Mae found it necessary to cancel the charter. She cursed a storm when she realized someone had tampered with her boat. Sabotage after a shooting, didn't sit well with Romeo. Something was rotten in Bayou Junction, and it centered around his Daisy Mae.

He realized he needed a capable investigator on the ground so that he could provide round-the-clock protection for Daisy Mae. He was confident he knew the right men to call for the job.

Before doing anything else, he needed to ensure everything was in place for date night while ensuring Daisy Mae remained within his view. Romeo knew she wouldn’t react well to his protectiveness, but she would have to deal with it. It was in her best interest and his sanity.

“How ’bout we visit my papa in the hospital since ya have to wait for da part to repair dabateau?Mamauwould love ta see ya.” It'd also keep her by his side.

Daisy Mae closed her eyes and let out a heavy sigh. He was keenly aware that her reaction wasn’t prompted by his request but rather by the weight of everything that had transpired in her life. Canceling the charter today cost her money. Mario was free when the four men were looking to go fishing. Romeo could feel Daisy Mae’s heartbreak when she approached Mario and asked if he could accommodate her passengers. However, putting her clients first, she persevered and made the necessary arrangements.

He was proud of her but suspicious that Mario was conveniently free when her engine was sabotaged. Only he couldn't ponder that at the moment.

Keep her by his side, call the guys, take her on a memorable date, and get to at least second base tonight. Those were his priorities, in order of necessity, not desirability.

Chapter Fourteen

THE HOSPITAL CHOSE to keep Romeo’s father one more night for observation. Thankfully, his papa was on the mend.

While Daisy Mae and his mom talked to his papa, he excused himself and stepped out of the room.

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