Page 28 of Bayou Sunset

“Non, Rocket. Thebateauneeds repair first.”

She envisioned a lively festival as the setting for their first date, unwittingly shattering her hopes for a romantic evening of candlelight and intimacy. “Hey! Why ya call me Rocket? Ya never said.”

Steve chuckled. “Ever since ya were a young girl, ya were calmmaisquick to explode.”

Daisy Mae was taken aback. Had he really said that? Feeling a surge of emotions, she swiftly pulled her hand away from his, rose to her feet, and placed both hands firmly on her hips, her mind racing with thoughts. “I do not.”

Steve laughed. Laughed. He stood. “Case in point.”

“I did n—” Okay, so she had gone off fast. That didn’t mean she did it all the time.

“Would ya prefer I call ya something else?”

Yes and no. Yes, because it made Daisy Mae feel like Steve thought she was emotionally unsteady. No, because he’d designed a unique pet name for her.

Surprising her, he pulled her into his arms and leaned down to whisper, “How ’bouts I call ya sweetheart?”

Chapter Sixteen

ROMEO’S HEART THUMPED against his chest, each beat echoing the intensity of his emotions as he anxiously awaited Daisy Mae’s response. Questioning his motives, he couldn’t help but wonder why he was putting himself through this, mainly when he had already made plans to leave. Yet, with no obstacle standing between them, he strongly desired to make her his own. He intended to whisk her away with him, envisioning countless idyllic spots to dock her boat and continue her ventures into the world of charters. As he contemplated the possibilities, he couldn’t help but acknowledge the allure of Baltimore’s bustling harbor, a renowned tourist destination ripe with opportunities.

Daisy Mae leaned back slightly, her eyes meeting Romeo’s. She gazed into them, searching for something. Romeo wasn’t entirely sure what she was seeking, but he hoped she would discover it. “Non, I prefer Rocket.”

Romeo’s dreams of persuading her to join him in Baltimore were shattered. Despite the setback, he was unwavering in his determination. With no urgency to return, he could devote as much time as necessary to nurturing their relationship. He harbored the hope that his teammates, all of whom were single, would be understanding of his situation.

“Rocket, it be. Now, let's sitetfigure out tonight.”

Romeo and Daisy Mae were engrossed in lighthearted conversation and laughter while Etienne diligently worked repairingSeas the Day. Their camaraderie provided a welcome escape from reality as they lost themselves in each other’s company.

After the mechanic finished, he told them something they had already suspected.

“Someone sabotage dabateau,” Etienne said. “Merde,couyon.”

Romeo intended to use a worse word than that. He was tempted to throttle someone for touching Daisy Mae’s pride and joy. The boys would be in tomorrow and would find out what was happening.

“Are you going toune bouille d’écrevisses?” Etienne asked.

The crawfish festival. They were, but Romeo hoped Etienne wasn't attending. Even though it was a public event, Romeo wanted Daisy Mae to himself.

“Maisoui,” Daisy Mae said.

After Daisy Mae and Etienne settled business and the mechanic left, Romeo approached Daisy Mae. “How about dat festival? We can drive ’round or take thebateauover. Whichever ya prefer.”

Romeo hoped she said boat so he wouldn't have to concentrate on the roadway. He wanted his focus on Daisy Mae.

“Let's takeSeas the Day. I need to check her out before I can take her on another charter.”

Romeo felt hopeful as things began to look up for him.

“I need to change first,” Daisy Mae said.

Romeo appraised her and deemed her adorable as she was. But he'd learned women were picky about their looks. Only, he hadn't expected it from Rocket. “Ya lookbien,” he said, “maisif ya wants to change, go ’head.”

“Aren't ya goin’ home ta change?”

Romeo looked down at his dark, knee-length cargo shorts and matching black T-shirt. He let out a sigh of dissatisfaction. Although he was fond of his outfit, he also brought a different shirt in case he needed to change. Initially, he had intended to wear the alternative shirt in the morning, but now it seemed like it would serve its purpose.

“I be right back.” After seeing her off, he quickly returned to his truck and changed his shirt. It was a gift from Brad’s wife,who had mentioned that it matched his captivating hazel eyes. Knowing that women were fond of matching, he had deliberately selected it.

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