Free Untrusting Hearts: A Contemporary New Orleans Romance by Madison Hartt, Evan Asher Page A

Gage raised an eyebrow toward Jade.
    “I’d love to,” she said.
    She fit into Gage’s arms perfectly and they moved around the floor as if they had danced together for years. He was every bit the gentleman, and gave her his complete attention. It was so unexpected, she found it disconcerting.
    “How have you enjoyed your stay so far?”
    Jade cocked her head. “It’s been…interesting.”
    “Interesting? How so?”
    “Well, some of the people I’ve met change their emotions like snakes do their skins.”
    “Ah, I see.” Gage smirked. “Well, if you’re referring to me, you must understand that Maylene’s interests are my own. I have to look out for her; I have to keep the vultures at bay.”
    “Vultures?” Jade stiffened.
    Gage pulled her closer. “Don’t get all uptight. I mean in general; nothing personal. What are your plans for tomorrow?”
    “I was thinking about visiting some of the places I found online before I came here. You know…there’s the Pharmacy Museum, the Historic New Orleans Collection, or maybe the Aquarium of the Americas.”
    “What time should we go?” he asked as they danced to the strains of Smoke Rings by Glen Gray.
    “I beg your pardon, but I don’t need an escort. I’m going to borrow Maylene’s car.” That should shut him down.
    His hand slid up her back, sending unexpected thrills of desire over her skin. “Maylene surely doesn’t plan for you to roam around town alone.”
    “I am a grown woman.”
    “Oh, yes. I know you are.” He pulled her nearer and breathed in her perfume. “A very beautiful woman. Which is why I’m going with you tomorrow.”
    His audaciousness was simultaneously galling and charming. She moved woodenly, fighting the urge to melt into his powerful arms. She was halfway convinced his friendliness was phony, but it was hard to think clearly within the circle of his embrace. She still hadn’t gotten over that kiss. She put a syrupy tone in her voice. “I don’t want to take you away from work, and who knows, maybe I won’t go out at all. I might choose to hang around the house.”
    “Why would you do that?” he asked, sounding almost accusing.
    “What’s wrong? Are you worried I’ll end up with the deeds to JP’s?” She laughed to show she was joking.
    “Should that concern me?”
    “I don’t know why it would.”
    He held her away and considered her. “Maybe I ought to worry. I mean, look at you. You only arrived a day ago and already you’ve managed to turn yourself into a young Maylene. You’re wearing the same color she wore in the portrait in the library; in fact, it could almost be the same dress. You’ve borrowed her most prized jewelry and have even styled your hair like she used to wear hers. Should I worry, Jade?”
    “My hair? I had my hair fixed before Maylene even saw me tonight. As far as the dress is concerned, I brought it with me from Kansas; I hadn’t even seen the library portrait of Maylene when I packed it. And trust me, I did not ask to wear this jewelry; in fact, I tried my best to refuse. But she was insistent. Frankly, I’m sick and tired of your suspicions and allegations.” She realized they had quit moving and started to turn away toward their table.
    But Gage swung her back into motion. “Maylene is studying our every move. She’s dear to me and I won’t let you hurt her. So keep dancing until the music is over.”
    Working hard to look happy for Maylene’s sake, Jade complied. Through a frozen smile, she muttered, “You, Mr. Pichot, are an ass.”
    “And you are a minx.” He dipped her smoothly. “Very hard to resist and, I’m quite sure, not nearly so innocent as you seem.”
    She shook her head; words were useless with Gage. She’d never abandoned a dance partner mid-song, but she virtually ached with the desire to do so now.
    As soon as the music was over she hurriedly returned to the table, leaving Gage to helplessly follow. Sliding into the seat, she wrestled to contain her