Untrusting Hearts: A Contemporary New Orleans Romance Read Free Page B

But you told me you’d given up your home.”
    “And I did. I sold our summer home after Jean Pierre passed.”
    “Oh, I understand….” She spread her hand out, encompassing the entire house. “I just hadn’t expected something so…lavish.”
    The older woman smiled indulgently and took her arm. “It’s just home to me; I’m sure you’ll grow accustomed to it quickly. Come with me.”
    Jade was fully aware of Gage walking behind them. She decided to go with the flow as Maylene led her down the hall to a vast dining room. The end of the room featured a bank of windows, covered in beautiful soft blue drapes. One wall contained a massive sideboard, its gleaming surface holding an array of covered dishes. The walls opposite the windows and sideboard were filled with artwork. A pale gray, almost silver, rug ran the length of the table; a delicate floral pattern graced each corner. The table could seat twelve but tonight only three places were set. Jade thought she saw reluctance in Gage’s expression and suspected he’d like to be anywhere than here.
    As Jade’s eyes returned to the table after admiring the room, Gage whispered softly enough that only she could hear, “Totaling up the assets?”
    Jade gasped. “What did you say?”
    “You didn’t catch the question? I didn’t realize I’d stuttered.”
    “Oh, I caught it. I just don’t understand why you’d say such a thing.” She came very near slapping the man but just managed to keep her hand at her side.
    “So innocent,” he murmured contemptuously.
    Jade shook her head, stunned. Luckily, Maylene had been inspecting the covered food and missed the exchange. Jade counted quickly to ten and then walked over to stand next to her aunt. “Is there anything I can do?”
    “We’re eating buffet-style tonight, so all you need to do is wait until Ciana removes the covers.”
    As if on cue, the girl came from the kitchen and revealed the dishes.
    Maylene gestured toward the offerings. “We kept it simple: Louisiana beef stew, rice, and salad.”
    Jade, who had been a little worried about being served crawfish or some such thing, smiled happily. “It looks wonderful.”
    “Well, take a plate and help yourself.” Maylene went first, placing rice on her plate and covering it with stew. The salad went to the side. Jade followed her lead. She placed a small amount of rice on her plate and ladled on a bit of stew. She started to move to the salad but then decided she wanted more stew. Gage had reached for the ladle at the same time and their hands met, his cupping hers for a moment. Tingles raced through her and she could feel her face flush. Jade jumped and pulled her hand away. What was wrong with her? It wasn’t as if she’d never had her hand touched by a man before. Her response to this man was especially perplexing considering the rude remark he’d made earlier. She concentrated on filling her plate and carried it to the table. Everything was delicious, including the sweet tea that was served. Conversation centered on the different things there were to do in New Orleans.
    When the meal was finished, they adjourned to the adjacent sitting room. Pocket doors were slid closed to allow the servants to move about without disturbing conversation. Jade noticed a small white fireplace with a marble mantle. Comfortable, overstuffed furniture and glass-topped tables faced the hearth. The artwork was soft and warm, subdued fields of flowers and cloud-topped mountains. Lamps lit the room, lending the space a cozy feel. Jade imagined how pleasant the room would be in the daylight with the sun shining in.
    “So, Jade, I understand you recently lost your grandmother.” Gage picked up his coffee cup from an end table.
    “That’s right. It still hurts to think she’s gone, that I’ll never see her again.” Jade, who had just taken a sip of hot tea, blinked hard to keep her tears at bay.
    “Were you close?”
    “Very. My parents died when I was quite young