Page 10 of Secrets

“I like that,” he smiled. “We all create worlds of make-believe.”

“Did you? Do you?” she asked.

“I did when I was younger. Everyone thinks that being a big man, a football player, is a good thing. That it will attract women. But I found it attracted the wrong kind of women. I’ve never been a party guy. I mean, I like planting gardens,” he smirked. “That doesn’t exactly scream gigolo.”

A roar of thunder rolled over them, and the lightning flashed sideways across the property.

“On that note, let me walk you safely back to your cottage,” he said, smiling at her. He held out his hand, and she stared at it, then slowly laid her own into his massive paw.

“Your hands are so much bigger than mine. They could hurt me.”

“I would never hurt you, Millicent. I might squeeze too hard, or I might step on your toes, but it would all be accidentally. I’m not a man who has ever hurt a woman intentionally.”

“I didn’t mean to imply that,” she said, trusting him with her hand. They could feel the raindrops coming fast, heavier, and finally Trevon looked at her.

“Do you trust me?”

“I-I think so,” she said.

“Hold on. We’re about to get wet.” He lifted her in his arms and swung her around his back, carrying her piggyback style. She laughed, squealing with childhood delight. The raindrops were heavier now, falling in huge sheets.

When he reached her porch, he took the steps two at a time and then set her down.

“Are you alright? Did I hurt you?” he asked.

“No,” she laughed. “That was so much fun!”

“Didn’t anyone ever give you a piggyback ride?” he asked.

“No. I mean, I don’t remember anyone ever doing that for me. It really was fun, Trevon. Thank you!” She hugged his big waist, leaning her head against his middle. She was so much smaller than him, her head hit below his chest.

“You’re welcome, Millicent,” he smiled. “Sleep well tonight.”

“Wait. You’re going to get soaked if you leave now. I can make some tea, and we could sit out here and just listen to the storm.”

“Okay,” he grinned. “I could drink some tea, or just water is fine. You don’t have to go to any trouble.”

“Perfect. And it’s no trouble at all. I’ll be right back.” He watched her run into the house and took a seat on the rocking chair. Smiling to himself, he nodded.

“I’ll be right here.”

CHAPTER SIX

There were days that Trevon felt as though he were making huge strides with Millicent. And then other days, she was quieter than normal and seemed to retreat from him and the others at Belle Fleur.

“You know,” said Matthew, staring at him after breakfast, “I believe I could use a good catfish dinner tonight. Are you busy with the gardens?”

“No, sir. I mean, I’m always busy with them, but nothing urgent.”

“Well, son, why don’t you take one of the boats and head out to the east side of our bayou. It’s great fishin’ out there.”

“Sounds like a perfect day to me,” smiled Trevon. He was dressed for fishing with his wide-brimmed hat, shorts, and t-shirt.

“Here’s some extra grits, Trevon,” smiled Millicent, setting the plate before him. “Good morning, Mr. Matthew.”

“Good morning, child,” he said, touching her hand. He held it there a moment, just looking at her, and she seemed to lighten, her eyes growing wider.

“Wh-what’s your plan today?” she asked Trevon as she removed her hand from Matthew’s.

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