Untrusting Hearts: A Contemporary New Orleans Romance

Untrusting Hearts

A Contemporary New Orleans Romance

By Madison Hartt & Evan Asher

Book Summary
:

Jade Broussard is overjoyed to discover a long-lost relative, Maylene Broussard-Dubois, in New Orleans. She accepts the woman’s invitation to visit. Upon her arrival Jade is introduced to the handsome and enigmatic Gage Pichot, friend and employee of her new-found aunt. Their attraction is immediate but hindered by his suspicions of her motives regarding Maylene’s fortune.

© 2015 by Madison Hartt & Evan Asher

All rights reserved.

ISBN-

ISBN-

Printed in the United States of America.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review.

This is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations and events in this work are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously.

Chapter 1

A fierce wind whipped Jade Broussard’s long honey-blonde hair around her face and stung her eyes as she stood on the porch bidding farewell to the last of the mourners. Claire Faris-Broussard, Jade’s paternal grandmother, had been a much-beloved member of the community and she would be sorely missed. When the last car pulled away, Jade returned gratefully to the living room where she found Jeff gathering up paper plates, napkins, and plastic cups.

“The wind picked the worst day of the year to blow,” Jade said. Her emerald-green eyes were moist with unshed tears.

“I know. It was terrible out at the cemetery. But that’s Kansas for you.” He ducked into the kitchen to discard the remnants of the wake.

“Thank you for all your help,” Jade called. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

She sank onto the sofa and stared numbly at the empty fireplace. Drying his hands on a towel, Jeff crossed the room and sat beside her. “Are you okay?” His voice was gruff, as it tended to be when he was faced with strong emotion.

Gesturing at the photographs on the mantle, she said, “She was the last of my immediate family. Though I know I
have
other relatives I’ve never met them.”

His gaze followed hers, his ice-blue eyes traveling over the pictures of her parents, killed in an accident when she was young, her grandfather who died a decade ago, and an uncle who had drowned when his boat was caught in a storm on the lake. He ran a hand through his flaxen hair. “Your family’s sure had its share of loss.”

“That’s true. The few relatives I know about are in the states of Washington and Wyoming. Seems like they all had small families and lots of tragedy, too.”

“I’m sorry.” He put an arm around her and she leaned against his shoulder. “You seem lonely. I can stay tonight, if you want.”

“I appreciate the offer, Jeff, but no thank you,” she said. “I’m going to spend the evening going through some of Grandma’s things. It’ll help me feel close to her again and I want to be alone for that.” Besides, she thought to herself, she didn’t want to give grief a chance to weaken her resolve concerning her relationship with him. It would be too easy to fall back into his arms for the sake of comfort and that was never going to happen. Still, they remained friends and his presence on this, the saddest of days, was deeply appreciated.

“Okay, but you call me if you need me. For anything.” He patted her arm before he stood.

“I will,” she said. “And thanks.”

He gave her a tender smile and a small wink. “No problem. You just sit here and let me finish up in the kitchen.”

After he’d gone home, Jade sat where she was a little longer and let the tears flow. Her grandmother’s death had not come as a surprise; the woman had been ill for months and Jade had taken care of her up until the end. When her parents had been killed, Grandma Claire and Grandpa Eugene had opened up their home to four-year-old Jade, taken her in, and raised her. It had hurt when her grandpa had passed away, but nothing like now. She and her grandma had been very close.

With a sigh, Jade shook herself from under the heavy weight of her sorrow. After a long shower, she dressed in a pair of sweats and a long-sleeved t-shirt, fixed a big, icy glass of soda, and began her organizing efforts in the little room her grandmother had used for an office. It held an old-fashioned writing desk where Claire had sat to pen letters in her thin, delicate scrawl, a worn but comfortable sofa not suitable for the living room, and bookshelves that reached to the ceiling. Ivory-colored lace curtains hung at the windows. This, more than any other room in the house, held the essence of Jade’s grandma.

Jade’s eye fell on the old family bible that rested on a small table. Idly, she opened it and then her attention sharpened. In the first pages, she found a family tree, loaded with ancestors from long ago, a page she’d seen many times before but had paid little heed. Now, after losing the last of her immediate family, her interest was piqued. Taking the bible to the desk, Jade fired up the computer her grandmother had used to track bills and play games like solitaire and hearts, and gently laid the open page on the scanner. She replaced the tome on the table and took the page from the printer. Excitement edged the worst of the grief out of her mind. A little research and Jade might be able to track down family she hadn’t known existed. She might not be as alone in the world as she felt.

Disconnecting her grandmother’s older, slower PC, Jade carried the information to her bedroom and turned on her laptop. Long into the night she perused Google, searched social networking pages, and initiated contact with those she thought might be her relation. She fell asleep with a sense of accomplishment.

Chapter 2

Less than a week later, Jade received a warm and encouraging email from a woman named Maylene Broussard-Dubois, the only one so far who had responded with positive news to her inquiries. Jade read the letter with anticipation coursing through her.

Correspondence began on a regular basis. Jade printed out the emails and gathered them into a pile to read through whenever she took a break from going through her grandmother’s belongings. Before long, Maylene invited Jade to visit her in New Orleans. In spite of the warm and friendly nature of Maylene’s letters, she really knew nothing of the woman. Still, Jade was tempted to accept the invitation. Not only would she love to meet Maylene, but she’d always wanted to visit Louisiana.

Soon enough, Jade thought, she would need to find a job that fit her degree in Business Administration. While her grandmother was alive, she compensated Jade for taking care of her. It would have been impossible to work a job and have time to devote to the constant care her grandmother had required. But now Jade needed to consider her future. She had inherited the house and a small death benefit along with a policy that more than covered the funeral. Since she had enough money put back to live comfortably for several months, this would be the perfect time for a trip. When she got back, she could make plans for the rest of her life. Assuming she decided to go.

One evening, Jeff stopped by on his way to work at The Green Dragon where he bartended. “How’s everything going?” he asked as he gave Jade a light kiss on the cheek.

“Pretty good, actually,” she said as she stepped back to allow him entry. He wore his uniform of khaki slacks, white shirt, and black vest. His pale hair was gelled into an edgy style and his lean form radiated its usual energy.

He sprawled on the sofa, propped an ankle on his knee, and blew out a breath. “Going to be a long night,” he said as he retied the laces on his sneakers. “Two private parties in addition to the regulars.”

“Want a cup of coffee?”

“Nah, I’m already wired. How about a glass of water?”

She returned with his drink, folded her shapely legs beneath her, and settled beside him. “You know that distant relative I’ve been telling you about who lives in Louisiana? She’s invited me to come for a visit.”

He raised his pale eyebrows, took a sip of water, and set his glass aside. “Are you going?”

“I might.” Jade reached for the pile of emails and handed them to him. “She lost her husband several years ago. I think she’d enjoy some company.”

“Sounds like a great opportunity,” Jeff said as he skimmed over the letters. “She must want to meet you pretty badly; she’s offering to pay for your flight.”

“That she is. I wish she wouldn’t, but she’s pretty determined. I worry that she can’t afford it. As far as I know, her only income is from the little restaurant she and her husband opened years ago. I’m afraid the price of an airline ticket will strain her budget.”

“She probably wouldn’t offer if she couldn’t handle it. Exactly what relation is she to you?”

“It makes my brain crazy to think about it. Maylene tried to explain it to me but it had so many ‘great-greats’ and ‘twice-removeds’ in it
that she finally said I should just call her my aunt.”

He chuckled. “Okay. Whatever.”

“I emailed her a picture of myself and she swears I look just like she did when she was young.” Jade smiled, erasing for a moment the look of stress she’d been wearing.

Jeff studied her. “This is your family, Jade,” he said. “It’s important for you to make this connection. If it’s a matter of money, I can help buy your ticket.”

“No, Jeff, but thanks for the offer. I’ve got some money put back if I need it, but I suspect Maylene will have her way. She seems like a sweet older lady, but very strong-willed.”

He squinted at the papers he held. “Has she sent you any pictures? Other than of herself?”

“No, just the one of her.”

“Who’s Gage Pichot?” He kept his tone light.

“I’m not sure. I think he’s a close friend of the family.”

A frown crossed Jeff’s face. “She’s sure talking him up.”

“You’re right.” Jade agreed. “Maylene makes him come off sounding perfect.”

“Is she trying to hook you up with him or something? I think I know a sales pitch when I see one. Tall, good-looking, great personality, blah, blah.”

At the perturbed look on Jeff’s face, she put a tone of mirth into her voice. “Come on, nobody’s
that
wonderful. I don’t take any of it seriously.”

He gave a slight shrug of his shoulder as if acknowledging that he had no right to care anyway. “So, how old is he?”

“I think she said he’s thirty.”

“So, what’s this guy do for a living?”

“I don’t know exactly, I think he helps out with the restaurant.”

“Oh,” he said, sounding relieved. “So, he’s like a dishwasher or cook or something?”

“I really have no idea.”

Jeff stood, dug his keys from his pocket. “Well, I can’t see any harm in taking the trip. Who knows, maybe it will help you, lift your spirits. Just talking about it seems to make you happier.”

“You know what? You’re right.” She walked him to the door. “I do have an urge to find out more about the Louisiana Broussards. And I’d dearly love to see New Orleans. I think I’ll give Maylene a call tonight and see how it goes. See if I feel comfortable with the whole thing after I hear her voice.”

“Good,” Jeff said. “You do that. Let me know how it turns out. I’ll even keep an eye on the house while you’re gone.”

Jade watched him bound to his car, his step quick with his usual nervous energy. With a sigh, she pushed the door closed.

New Orleans. The Big Easy. A thrill shot through her as she picked up her phone to call Maylene.

Chapter 3

Once Jade made the decision to go to Louisiana, she busied herself with all the arrangements. She went online and checked out things to do and see in New Orleans. Her clothes were packed, a copy of the house key had been given to Jeff, and Jade had purchased a hand scanner for copying old photographs and documents. She intended on obtaining as much family history as possible. Finally the day of her departure arrived. She hoped she hadn’t overlooked anything. She was just so excited to meet her aunt.

Though Jade and Maylene had exchanged photos via email, she wanted her aunt to know what she’d be wearing on the flight. This would make it easier for her to spot Jade in the crowd at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Now, gazing into a full-length mirror, Jade had misgivings about the jeans, button-up cotton top, and loafers she’d chosen for the trip. Quickly, she fingered through the clothes remaining in her closet and selected a sleeveless coral-colored waist dress and a lightweight beige sweater. She chose a pair of off-white, two-inch heels. The tan purse she had already filled would work fine. She’d also carry her laptop, which rested snuggly in its bag. She shot off a quick text, advising Maylene of the wardrobe change.

Maylene had described herself as nicely padded with deep blue eyes set in a round face. Jade had studied the photographs the woman had emailed. She thought Maylene had a kind yet stern face, gentled by age. Her white hair was well-coifed, her makeup understated and flattering. She’d advised Jade she planned to wear a lightweight suit of azure and pearl earrings so it should be easy to spot her at the airport.

Jade’s trip was uneventful and she landed in New Orleans without incident. She began the long walk through concourse B, past gift shops, restaurants, snack bars and more, to the baggage claim in the main terminal where she’d arranged to meet Maylene. As she arrived at the luggage pickup, she recognized Maylene right away. But it was the tall powerfully-built man beside her who caught, and held, Jade’s eye. Standing over six feet in height, he was solid, without a trace of excess fat. Handsome and poised, he smiled down at Maylene as she spoke. Every strand of his dark brown hair was in place except for a lock that fell over his strong forehead. His lips were surprisingly sensuous.

This had to be Gage Pichot, Jade reasoned. Maylene’s description of him had been accurate, as far as it went. But words couldn’t capture the sheer presence of the man, his charisma.

As if discerning her appraisal of him, he looked up and stabbed her with piercing deep brown eyes, the intensity of which left him no less attractive. As his gaze slid over her, she felt as if he were taking her measure.

Undaunted, she continued her bold scrutiny. He wore dark gray pants and a pin-striped dress shirt with a maroon tie, which enhanced his complexion. A shiver of pleasure wafted through her.

However, Jade couldn’t help but wonder at his presence here; Maylene hadn’t mentioned his accompanying her. Jade suspected maybe the woman had matchmaking on her mind. She wouldn’t have been all that surprised if Maylene planned on handing her over to Gage like they did in the old days. She could just hear it.
Gage has given your father two cows and five chickens for your hand in marriage.
She shook herself mentally as she neared the pair.

Gage reached over and touched Maylene’s arm, directing her attention to Jade.

“Jade,” Maylene gushed, reaching out to hug her. She pulled back, still clasping Jade’s wrists and gazed at her with affection. “Oh, my dear, I’m so happy to see you.”

“I’m glad to be here.”

“For heaven's sake, where are my manners? Jade, this is Gage Pichot. Gage, my niece, Jade.”

“A pleasure to meet you,” Jade murmured.

He pressed Jade’s hand with strong, smooth fingers. “Jade,” he drawled, causing her to tingle slightly at his touch.

His voice was melodic, deep, and sexy and sent a shiver of pleasure through her. She tried to shake the feeling off. She was here to get acquainted with her aunt, not for romance. Besides, she’d just met the man.

After gathering her luggage, they made their way to the outer doors. Jade was surprised at the temperature. It felt like mid-to-upper 70s. “I thought it would be really humid,” Jade said, pleased it was not.

“You picked the right time of year to come,” Gage said. “Mid-April to mid-May are our least humid times.”

“Well, that’s a good thing.” Jade smiled, attempting to keep the conversation going.

Gage guided them to short-term parking and stopped beside a fancy charcoal-colored car. “Here we are. Not much trunk room but I think we can fit everything in if we try.”

While he maneuvered her luggage into the tight space, Jade strolled around the vehicle.
A Porsche. And it looks new. Impressive.
She’d had no idea restaurant work was this lucrative.
Of course
, she thought,
he must have inherited
. Still, it was a puzzle. “Nice car,” she said, as Gage closed the trunk and moved to open the door for the ladies.

Jade started to climb into the rear seat but Maylene stopped her. “No, no, dear. I will sit in the back.”

“Oh, but I don’t mind,” Jade said, thinking it would be difficult for the older woman to maneuver into the small space.

“It’s no trouble. Besides, I want to visit and it’s easier for me to lean forward than to strain my neck looking back.” Maylene squeezed past Jade and slipped easily into the rear seat, arranged her skirt and jacket, put on her seat belt, and smiled demurely.

Gage watched this exchange with what appeared to be mild amusement. With a shrug, Jade got in and he closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side of the car. When he eased his large frame behind the wheel, he shot Jade a quick glance. She could read nothing from the look.

In the tight confines of the sporty car, Gage’s cologne was a subtle but compelling presence. Cooking with Grandma helped Jade identify some of its elements. A hint of fresh citrus, a rosemary spiciness, and an undertone of jasmine, all blended into a wonderfully woodsy scent that heightened her awareness of the man who wore it.

She shook her head at the feelings she was having. It was her first trip to New Orleans and she should be looking at the sights, not sneaking peeks at Gage Pichot. Still, she found her eyes drawn to his powerful legs
as he worked the accelerator and the sight of his strong hands on the wheel. His clean nails, trimmed short. His curls of dark hair on his wrists, disappearing beneath his jacket sleeve. His expensive watch and the absence of a wedding ring. And then there was the fact that his arm grazed hers when he changed lanes or turned a corner. Even this innocent contact put her senses on high alert. There was no denying the appeal of this man.

They had left the airport behind, driving down Airport Road, which in turn changed to Interstate 10. Jade observed that Gage managed to keep an even distance at all times from the car in front of them; now that they’d left the airport she saw that he hardly used the foot pedals. He must have noticed her interest because he said, “The car has adaptive cruise control which regulates the speed of the vehicle in line with the speed of the vehicle in front. Just about drives itself.”

“Wow! That’s cool,” Jade said, before looking over her shoulder as Maylene asked a question.

“So, Jade, how was your flight? They didn’t serve a meal, did they?”

“Oh, the flight was perfect, no turbulence at all. And no, we weren’t in the air long enough for a meal, though they did pass out a miniature bag of nuts and drinks. I had a Coke.”

Maylene made a few other polite inquiries and Jade responded in kind.

Mr. Pichot said little, but she felt the press of his silent scrutiny. His eyes held tacit suspicion each time he looked at her. She was convinced, inexplicably, that if they were alone, he would be interrogating her. Was she being silly or was her intuition accurate? The notion was rather intriguing, she decided, as she wondered what was going on in the man’s handsome head.

“I was hoping you’d be able to spend the summer here, Jade. Is there any reason you have to return home so soon?” Maylene probed. “We have so much to talk about, so much to learn about each other. Two weeks is hardly any time at all! Couldn’t you possibly extend your visit?”

“I’m afraid not. I still have some issues that need to be addressed over Grandma’s death,” Jade told her, a sad look sweeping her face.

“But I’ve made so many plans. Just visiting the sights will take more than two weeks.”

“I’m sorry, Maylene.”

“We have such amazing attractions, you know,” Maylene enticed. “Places that should be enjoyed at leisure.”

“I’m sure it’s all fascinating,” Jade said, tearing her eyes away from Gage’s profile. “I’ve looked at tourist sites online since I took up your offer to visit, and know I won’t be able to squeeze all them in. I’d love a longer visit, but it would be impossible.” She stared out the window at the darkening city.

“Perhaps you’ll change your mind,” Maylene said brightly.

Jade smiled at the woman’s optimism. She explained that she needed to hit the computer when she returned home to get her resume out to employers and be available for interviews. “The little bit of money I have put away won’t last long.”

“It sounds tedious,” Maylene remarked.

“Well, it’s a necessary evil,” Jade assured her with a small chuckle, “if I plan to eat, that is.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Maylene shrugged.

Jade couldn’t help but notice that Gage hadn’t participated much in the conversation. His face remained set and impassive as she and Maylene chatted. She didn’t know if he was usually this reticent, or if Maylene wasn’t giving him a chance to speak. The latter was most probable. Jade figured the man could be quite glib if the situation called for it. She was Maylene’s niece and he probably felt he shouldn’t insert himself into family discussions, so he ignored her for the most part.

About twenty minutes into the drive, Gage exited the interstate, made a right onto Esplanade Avenue, and drove under the overpass. They had gone only a short distance before Gage turned into a drive and stopped to enter a code that opened the wide wrought iron gates. They swept past the entry, up a brick driveway, and stopped before an immense three-story white mansion, with three tall gables above. The beveled windows were adorned with deep gray shutters. “Here we are, ladies,” Gage said. He got out and walked around to open the passenger door for Jade and Maylene.

Jade was confused. This couldn’t be Maylene’s house? Impossible. Jade had noticed that several of the large dwellings they’d passed were Bed & Breakfasts. Maybe she wasn’t going to Maylene’s. Maybe they’d reserved a room for her here. But, a place like this would be expensive. She mentally scanned her finances, thinking she might have to shorten her stay, but kept these thoughts to herself. She’d have to see how it all played out, but she was a bit thrown by this development.

As Gage held Maylene’s arm, the three made their way up inlaid brick steps to a porch with fluted columns. She was introduced to Parker, the butler who greeted them at the door, accepted the keys from Gage, and stepped outside to bring in her suitcases from the car.

They entered a small foyer with wide doorways on either side. The wood floors were polished to a soft glow. Straight ahead, a wide blue runner covered all but two feet on either side. A stunning crystal chandelier was the centerpiece of the hallway. Standing just inside a doorway was a thin quiet girl in a neat navy blue and white uniform. She allayed any doubts that this was Maylene’s home when she greeted the woman warmly. “Madam, will you be requiring dinner immediately?”

“I believe so, Ciana. Jade? Would you like to freshen up? I had Philomene hold back our meal since we knew you’d be coming in rather late.”

“No, I…I’m fine. Well, I would like to wash my hands first, if you could direct me to the restroom.”

“Of course, dear.” She turned to Gage. “Would you show Jade to the downstairs lavatory?”

“I certainly will,” he answered and gestured for Jade to follow him. He was silent as he led her down a long hallway and pointed out the correct door.

When Jade returned, Maylene noticed the perplexed look on the girl’s face.

“Jade,” Maylene exclaimed. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, yes. I’m fine,” Jade finally managed. Before her trip, Jade had envisioned a much different setting. She’d assumed she’d be sleeping on a sofa, or perhaps an air mattress on the floor. She never imagined Maylene in this immense home. She’d figured the woman would live in an apartment or condo. “This house is magnificent. 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.