Page 23 of Bayou Sunset

“I'll save da rest for me date.” Daisy Mae pushed herself away from the embrace of Romeo’s arms. “I've had a trying day. I'm going ta call it quits.”

Was he being dismissed? It certainly seemed like it. The situation was almost comical, making him want to laugh again. Daisy Mae always tried to dominate her brothers while growing up. Then, Romeo's mind raced to sex again. Was she a kinky sort?

He was transfixed and unable to move, captivated by histhoughts. He’d always been a plain vanilla kind of guy. He had experimented with many positions but had never explored anything wild or kinky. Okay, maybe a bit kinky, but only a bit.

Knowing that the answer to his next question would most likely be negative, he asked anyway. His mother had ingrained in him the habit of always acting like a gentleman. “May I escort ya to ya truck?” he inquired.

Daisy Mae thought for a moment and then sighed. “Oui.”

Surprisingly, he was taken aback by her response. Given her earlier dismissal of him, he had anticipated a refusal. “Bien, let’s go,” he said.

They disembarked from the boat and strolled along the pier to the parking lot. Romeo desired a physical connection with her, so he kept his hand on her back as they walked. As he caught sight of her opening her truck door, he endeavored to lean in and kiss her goodnight.

Daisy Mae put up a hand to his lips. “Date.”

Once more taken aback, he leaned back and looked at her closely. Was she fucking with him? The intensity in her gaze indicated that she wasn’t playing around. Was she being coy? It didn’t seem like his Daisy Mae.

“Date,” he agreed. “Tomorrowsoir?” He had decided not to wait any longer for her presence or involvement.

Before she sat in her truck, she nodded. “Demain soir.”

Romeo closed the door and watched her drive away. Tonight had been a whirlwind of confusion for him. He needed to sit down and carefully contemplate everything that had transpired to make sense of it all.

After learning that she genuinely harbored feelings for him, he was determined to persist until she comprehended that she belonged to him.

Chapter Thirteen

ROMEO PEERED OVER his steaming cup of coffee at his mother. “Are ya sure it be okay if I don't go to da hospital ’til later?” Guilt plagued him for leaving hismamanfor Daisy Mae. He had to remember it was at his papa’s request.

Barbara shook her head. “Go, Steve. I know ya papa be worried ’bout Daisy Mae, et now dat someone shot at her, we both expect ya be dere protecting her.Mais, dey might release him today.”

With a glimmer of hope in his eyes, Steve nodded and forced a smile, desperately wishing that things would turn out in their favor. He cherished and longed for his parents, just as he yearned for the home where he spent his formative years until he left for college. After taking another sip of the hot brew, he stood up. It was time to go.

Today, Romeo was visibly armed. He grabbed his backpack and kissed his mother on the cheek. “Lock up after I leave,” he instructed.

She stood and followed him to the door.

“Keep me updated on Papa, if you please.”

Tears shimmered in his mother’s eyes as she spoke, “You no worry ’bout us. Take care of datpetite fille.”

Romeo nodded, unsure how hismamanconsidered Daisy Mae a “little girl,” but he guessed that was her Southern coming out in her.

At the wheel of his dad’s sturdy truck, Romeo made his way to the quiet docks and skillfully maneuvered into a parking spot. As the first light of dawn broke over the water, the red glints of alligator eyes became visible in his headlights, casting an eerie glow over the landscape. It was just another typical day in Louisiana.

Romeo looked around the parking lot and spotted DaisyMae’s truck. He wondered how she would respond to his presence that day, thinking back to her fearless demeanor the previous night. A smile spread across his face. Indeed, Romeo had selected a remarkable partner for life.

Contemplating a lifetime together, he nodded to himself. He realized that he would need to find a way to persuade her to spend the rest of her life with him. Whether they relocated to Baltimore or stayed in Bayou Junction, he didn’t care as long as she was his.

Checking the status of his weapon and ensuring it was ready for any potential trouble, Romeo holstered it at his side. After grabbing his backpack, he exited the truck, locked it, and pocketed the key fob.

As he strolled down the brief dock, he couldn’t help but notice the hustle and bustle of people on their boats, some embarking on charters while others enjoyed the privacy of their vessels. Stopping atSeas the Day, he worried when he didn't spy Daisy Mae on deck.

When Romeo heard loud cursing rising from below, he smiled. “Permission to board,” he yelled. Romeo vowed never to attempt sneaking up on Daisy Mae again. He had learned the hard way that she didn’t appreciate his particular talent.

The sun had risen above the horizon, and Romeo knew it would be another sweltering day. When Daisy Mae emerged from below, the light caught her face, revealing adorable but grease-stained features.

With a dirty rag in her hand, she waved him aboard. “Bonjour!Do ya know anything ’boutbateauengines?”

---