Page 26 of Bayou Sunset

Neither Romeo nor Daisy Mae spoke as they exited the room and entered the elevator. Romeo took a chance and reached for Daisy Mae’s hand; she didn’t jerk away but wrapped her small hand in his.

The profound connection between Romeo and Daisy Mae brought peace to his mind and warmth to his heart. With Daisy Mae standing by his side, he found assurance that everything would turn out just fine. He was determined to protect her body while she, in turn, would be the guardian of his soul. The soul he’d lost during those many interrogations and ops that went sideways.

Sadly, Romeo had to release Daisy Mae’s hand to open the truck door for her. After she climbed in, he walked around to the driver’s side. Since leaving his papa’s room, he’d scanned for potential threats. Someone wanted Daisy Mae’s charter business shut down. Did they also want her dead? The thought terrified him. He’d never allow that to happen. He’d bring the entire HIS operation here to protect her if he had to.

“How were memèreandpère?” Romeo asked. He had noticed them together before he stepped out to make his call. He was curious to hear Daisy Mae’s perspective, as she had also been in their company.

Romeo extended his hand as he shifted the truck into gear, and Daisy Mae placed her tiny hand in his. Her small hand seemed delicate and fragile compared to his. Despite her petitesize, Daisy Mae exuded a feisty and spirited energy.

“Bien. Yourmèrebe relieved he be coming home.Mais,she be worried dat he have another heart attack.”

How did she get that second part? Had Romeo’s mom confided in Daisy Mae? That made him upset at himself for not keeping that close relationship with his parents. Speaking with them every week hadn’t been enough. Romeo should have come home sooner.

Romeo squeezed her hand. He was also worried about his papa. The man didn’t like to lie around, so keeping him down would be tricky. Could his mom do it alone? Probably not. It looked like he would be taking an extended leave to help her.

He didn’t mind. It also gave him time with Daisy Mae. He wouldn’t leave until her situation was resolved and she was packed up. Then again, Romeo could leave HIS for Daisy Mae and move back home. He had no idea what he’d do for a living, but he’d do anything for her.

Romeo glanced at Daisy Mae while waiting in the lengthy queue at the fast food joint. She had her hair pulled back under a ball cap, wore minimal makeup, a fitted T-shirt displaying her business name, and loose shorts. He was captivated by her. No woman, other than Daisy Mae, had ever grabbed his attention, appearing as if she had just emerged from the bayou.

Romeo leaned toward the middle of the truck. “Come here, Rocket.”

Daisy Mae narrowed her eyes at him. “Why do ya call me Rocket?”

Smiling, Romeo squeezed her hand. “Come here and kiss me, then I’ll tell you.

With a sly smile, she leaned toward him, and their lips touched. It was a soft, simple kiss, but one that made his libido cry for the evening date. Romeo felt a jolt as they separated at the sudden beep of a horn. Clearing his throat, he turned andpulled forward to place his order. The heat in his face made it clear that he had blushed bright red.

His companions teasingly dubbed him “Romeo” for his awkwardness around stunning women. However, tonight, he was determined to embody the true essence of that name, as she truly deserved a Romeo.

Only Daisy Mae had no idea he was playing for keeps.

Chapter Fifteen

DAISY MAE HADN’T expected to spend so much time with Steve’s family, but after they returned with breakfast, Steve made her sit, and they stayed until Wayne’s doctor appeared.

She had a great time with them. They laughed and listened to Steve’s stories about missions gone—what he called “sideways.”

Barbara briefed him on all the gossip in town so that he would know what to say or not to say around some of the town’s citizens. Even Daisy Mae, who thought she knew everything that was happening in the parish, had learned a thing or two, especially about who was involved romantically with whom.

After Wayne was released, Daisy Mae and Steve accompanied the couple on their journey home. While driving to Steve’s parents’ house, Steve reached over and offered his hand to Daisy Mae. Without hesitation, she entwined her hand with his. At that moment, she didn’t care that he would be leaving again. She simply wanted to enjoy his attention.

Since Steve’s father was discharged from the hospital, would this special evening with Steve also mark the end of their romantic beginnings? Despite having no obvious obligation to stay, she longed to become the very reason he chose to remain by her side.

After finishing a light lunch, Daisy Mae’s phone rang. She almost jumped for joy when she answered it.

“I can be at yabateauinune heure,” her mechanic Etienne said.

She glanced at her watch and understood there would be ample time for Etienne to repair her boat before their date. However, she had traveled with Steve, so she needed to consult with him.

“Hold on.” She covered the receiver and turned to Steve,who watched her at the kitchen table. “Can ya take me back to mebateau? The mechanic be on his way.”

Steve nodded. “I can do dat.”

Talking back into the receiver, she said, “I’ll see ya there, Etienne.”

As Daisy Mae and Steve bid farewell to Steve’s parents, they made their way to the pier, the sky painted with the warm hues of the midday sun. Despite her usual composure, Daisy Mae found herself on edge, her usually steady nerves betraying her as she contemplated broaching the topic of their evening plans. It was a rare occurrence for her to experience such unease, yet in the presence of Steve, certain moments seemed to unravel her otherwise unflappable demeanor.

As Steve parked, she said, “Merci. What time ya be back?”

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