Page 83 of His Surrender
“The St. Joseph’s Day parade,” I said, having a lightbulb moment. “Today’s the twenty-first. There will be floats, marching bands, and probably a lot of food.”
“We should go.”
And then we did.
Just like with Mardi Gras, beaded necklaces had been thrown around during the parade, and Jay had gathered as many as he could. Once his neck was full, he tossed them on mine. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d laughed so much. Probably the biggest thing I learned that day was Jay and I could have just as much fun out of the bedroom as we did inside it.
He cracked jokes, smiled, and made me feel special with every joyful glance and touch of his hand on mine. It was the attention I’d craved, and he gave it without me having to ask.
“The fun isn’t over yet,” Jay said later that afternoon when we returned to the hotel.
“Where to next?” I took off the beaded necklaces and shook my head at the massive pile of them.
“Did you bring your hat?” he asked. “You’ll need it where we’re goin’.”
“Should I be scared?”
Jay winked and walked over to the closet where he’d hung up his shirts. He rifled through them before taking one off the hanger. A black V-neck tee that made his already toned biceps look even better.
“Just change into something suitable for a club and put on the damn hat,” he said, turning to me.
“Does your plan for the night involve food? Because I’m starving.” I opened my bag and grabbed the fedora sitting on top, placing it on my head. Then, I took out my white suspenders, blue button-up shirt, and navy blue slacks.
Jay’s gaze roamed my body as I undressed. “I’m starving too.”
My cheeks heated and I looked away.
“Have I ever told you that I adore your quirkiness?” Jay said, coming closer.
I shook my head and reminded myself to breathe. Funny how basic functions became so hard around Jay. Like breathing and thinking. My heart sure knew how to beat, though, as it thumped wildly.
“Then let me say it now.” Jay caressed my jaw as his eyes darkened a little. The temperature in the room skyrocketed, and I regretted putting on a long-sleeved shirt because I was burning up. “You’re fucking adorable. All that’s missin’ is a bow tie.”
I opened my mouth to respond but then searched through my suitcase instead, bringing up a black bow tie.
“I think your nickname should be Sinatra, not Piano Man,” Jay said, as he broke out into a smile. He then grabbed the bow tie and fastened it around my collar, tying it like he’d done it a thousand times.
“I didn’t know you knew how to tie one.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” Jay’s voice was soft. So were his eyes as they lifted to mine. “But I really want to tell you. Some things just might take time.”
He might’ve messed up before, but he had stepped up and proven he wanted this, that he wanted me. For that, I didn’t mind being patient.
“I’m here when you’re ready.” I stepped into his arms as they slid around me. We didn’t kiss, even though I really wanted to. And the fact he didn’t kissmesaid a lot. He wanted to take things slow, to build a solid foundation.
So did I.
Once we were ready, we left the hotel. I asked Jay where we were going, and he’d answer with nothing but a smile. The devil. I let him drive my car and relaxed in the seat, staring at all the people walking along Bourbon Street. The Big Easy came alive even more at night. The windows were down, and I could hear trumpets and saxophones wailing in the distance, being carried by the gentle breeze. We reached the French Quarter and drove a little farther.
“Here we are,” Jay said.
It was a two-story building with a balcony above the entrance. We parked on the street and walked toward people who stood outside on the sidewalk, holding drinks while swaying to the music pouring out from inside. A sign hung from a pole, and I saw the name. The Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro.
“Hey, I’ve heard of this place.” Excitement buzzed in my body. “They have a live band seven nights a week. It was on my list of places to visit.”
“You have a list?” Jay grabbed my hand.
I stared at our hands in silent awe. “Y-yeah. I do.”
