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

feelings of outrage. With grim determination to survive the evening, she sipped her wine and set her features in a placid expression.
    “Are you having fun, dear?” Maylene wore a slightly concerned look.
    “Of course, Maylene. Everything is perfect. I’m just not used to this much activity in one night. After staying home with Grandma these last couple of years I’ve forgotten what going to a club was like.”
    “I understand…” She abruptly stopped as the band segued into You Made Me Love You by Harry James. “Oh! This is my and Jean Pierre’s song.”
    Gage sprang to his feet. “May I have this dance, Maylene?”
    “Oh, yes. Thank you, Gage.”
    Gage escorted Maylene onto the floor. Ty, who had put away an impressive number of drinks, held a hand out to Jade. “Join me?”
    Not wishing to appear rude, Jade accepted. Ty cupped her elbow as they moved down the two stairs to the dance floor and then pulled her into his arms.
    “Ah, Jade. I’ve wanted to get close to you all evening.” He nuzzled her ear, his breath hot. “Watching you with Gage has been eating me alive. You should have been in my arms, not his.”
    Conflicted over this statement, Jade said nothing. Ty was handsome, but he was her cousin, even if only by marriage. Still, his embrace was comforting and his attentions seemed sincere. They were a balm on her wounded spirit after Gage’s abrasiveness. She let herself be wooed.
    At the end of the dance, she remained in Ty’s arms through the next number, spinning and twirling around the floor, feeling quite pretty and taking a certain grim pleasure in the look of dismay on Gage’s face. She even began to enjoy herself.
    But, as all good things do, the night eventually ended. The lights came up and people began making their way to the exits. “I’ll take Jade home,” Ty said, staggering slightly.
    “You will do no such thing, young man,” Maylene said in an aside. “You’re drunk and you shouldn’t drive at all.”
    “I’m fine, Auntie.”
    “Don’t Auntie me, Ty. Call a cab.” Maylene stormed toward the door with Gage at her heels. Jade sneaked a look over her shoulder at Ty as she followed along. He stayed at the table, downing one more drink as he watched them go. A look of resentment marred his handsome features.
    In the car, Maylene gushed over the evening. “Oh, I had such a good time. In fact, it looked like we all did. You should take Jade dancing again before she leaves,” she suggested to Gage.
    He murmured something vague and Jade stared out the window at the city lights.
    Once back at the house, Maylene asked Gage in for coffee and cake. Jade, more than anything, wanted him to just go home, so, of course, he accepted.
    “Ciana?” Maylene called. The young girl appeared from the bowels of the house. “Please bring coffee and cake into the sitting room. Don’t worry about staying up; we’ll take care of the dishes.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Ciana gave a brief curtsy and left the room. She returned within minutes with the requested tray, set it on a side table, and excused herself.
    “Now, if you two will give me a few minutes, I’m going to get out of these confining clothes.” Maylene didn’t wait for a response before leaving Jade alone with Gage.
    “Shall I pour?” Gage asked, indicating the coffee.
    “Thank you, but I really don’t like coffee.”
    “That so? Would you care for hot tea?”
    “I’ll just grab a Coke. I won’t be but a minute.” Jade dashed into the kitchen, startling Ciana who was wiping down the counters before calling it a night.
    “Oh, Miss Jade. You frightened me.”
    “Sorry, Ciana. I just need a soda.”
    “You do not drink coffee?”
    “Never liked it. I usually have hot tea or, preferably, a Coke.” Jade gave a small laugh.
    “I will remember. Here, let me do it.” Jade had been opening cabinets in search of a glass. Ciana made a shooing motion and Jade stepped back, allowing the girl to fill a glass with soda and ice. As