A fine work of art…

Legendary engineer Darryl Boudreaux is a master with his hands, and his creative genius is unparalleled. Many a woman has desired Darryl’s expert tutelage, but he is off the market—for anything serious. Experience has convinced him to focus his passion on his work.

When architect Camryn Charles gets sight of her new partner, she is determined to keep things professional. This is easier said than done. Is it the heat of the smoldering French Quarter, or is it Darryl’s quiet sexiness that is raising her temperature? Camryn would never sacrifice her integrity for a few wanton moments between the sheets. Yet Darryl’s burning gaze suggests there could be something more between them—something that could dare them both to lay everything on the line….

“We have to keep our relationship strictly professional,” she whispered, her tone hardly convincing.

Darryl whispered into her ear. “If you say so,” he said, just before sliding his tongue along the edge and sucking Camryn’s earlobe between his lips.

Camryn gasped loudly, shivering with expectation. “Ohh! Darryl, you have to stop!”

Heaving a deep sigh, Darryl suddenly tapped her lightly against the curve of her hip. “I’m sorry. We should be going,” he said, as he gently separated himself from her and stood up. “Before I do something we’ll both regret.”

Moving to her feet, Camryn wrapped her arms tightly around her torso. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly as she struggled to regain her composure. The man had her feeling some kind of way and it was almost too much. She lifted her face to the bright sun, allowing the heated rays to tenderly soothe the unrest brewing inside of her. When she finally opened her eyes, Darryl was staring at her, a pained expression wrinkling his brow. He reached a large hand out to gently stroke the side of her face. Without him saying a word, Camryn felt that she could feel exactly what he was feeling. She took a step toward him, moving her body easily against his.

The look she gave him was enchanting, her stare an overflowing fountain of emotion. “I won’t regret it,” she whispered as she slid her arms around his waist, the soft curves of her body pressing tightly to the hard lines of his. “I won’t have any regrets at all,” she repeated.

DEBORAH FLETCHER MELLO

Writing since forever, Deborah Fletcher Mello can’t imagine herself doing anything else. Her first romance novel, Take Me to Heart, earned her a 2004 Romance Slam Jam nomination for “Best New Author.” In 2005 she received “Book of the Year” and “Favorite Heroine” nominations for her novel The Right Side of Love, and in 2009 won a RT Book Reviews “Reviewer’s Choice Award” for Tame a Wild Stallion. Deborah’s eleventh novel, Promises to a Stallion, earned her a 2011 Romance Slam Jam nomination for “Hero of the Year.”

For Deborah, writing is as necessary as breathing and she firmly believes that if she could not write she would cease to exist. For Deborah, the ultimate thrill is to weave a story that leaves her audience feeling full, and complete, as if they’ve just enjoyed an incredible meal. Born and raised in Connecticut, Deborah now maintains base camp in North Carolina but considers home to be wherever the moment moves her.

Truly Yours

Deborah Fletcher Mello

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dear Reader,

Allow me to express my sincerest appreciation for all the support and love you all have shown me. I am extremely grateful for each book you’ve purchased, each comment you’ve shared, every review you’ve written, and all the critiques that have hopefully helped me get better and better with each story.

I hope you are starting to love my Boudreaux family as much as I do. Breathing life into Darryl and Camryn’s story was not without some challenges but I hope you’ll agree it was well worth the ride. Admittedly, Darryl Boudreaux put me through some changes. If it wasn’t for Camryn Charles, I probably would have pulled my hair out! Camryn is definitely the yin to his yang!

I do love hearing what you think, so please don’t hesitate to contact me at DeborahMello@aol.com.

Until the next time, take care and God bless.

With much love,

Deborah Fletcher Mello

www.deborahmello.blogspot.com

To Priscilla Meza Mello

May your journey be everything you want it to be

…And more!

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 1

Annoyance painted Darryl Boudreaux’s expression as his gaze shifted from the line of police cars encroaching in his driveway to the Jaguar XF pulling into it. He prepared himself for the barrage of questions he knew would be coming from his older sister, Maitlyn Parks, who was flinging her thin frame out of the luxury vehicle.

Minutes earlier Darryl had been unnerved by the sound of sirens blaring toward the front of his home as his former girlfriend Asia Landry laid sobbing into the wool fibers of his newly installed carpet. The small-caliber handgun that she’d pointed in his direction moments before lay on the floor by her side, still as ominous as when it had been aimed at his head. Now he stood, troubled by the spectacle of it all, just imagining what his neighbors had to be thinking. He let out a deep sigh, blowing warm air past his full lips.

“What the hell is going on here?” Maitlyn asked as she bounded up his front steps. “Are you all right?”

“Fine as wine,” he said sarcastically, his expression shifting into a mask of indifference. “What makes you think anything could be wrong?”

Maitlyn shot him a look of irritation, countering with her own sarcasm. “Uh, maybe because Asia has her face pressed against the glass in the back of that police car, looking like she stepped right out of someone’s horror movie, that’s why!” Maitlyn pointed with her index finger.

Darryl sighed. “She had to have one last hurrah.”

“Darryl, this is—” Maitlyn started before the two were interrupted by a uniformed police officer. The man extended a clipboard in Darryl’s direction.

“Mr. Boudreaux, sir, we just need to get your signature. Then we’re going to take Miss Landry down to the police station.”

“What will happen then?” Darryl asked as he took the clipboard from the man’s hand and swiped his moniker across the document that was secured to it.

“Miss Landry will be booked and held until she can see a judge in the morning. He and the district attorney will decide what happens then, sir. I can assure you, though, that they take possession of a weapon and threat to cause bodily harm very seriously.”

Darryl nodded as he handed the formal complaint back to the officer. “I leave for New Orleans later tonight. I’m scheduled to be away on business for the next few months. Is that going to be a problem?”

The officer shook his head. “I don’t think so, sir. And we have a number to contact you should it be necessary, correct?”

“Yes, and thank you. I’ll also make sure my attorney contacts the D.A.’s office about that restraining order.”

As the man in uniform wished him and Maitlyn a good night, Darryl pushed his hands deep into the pockets of his khakis. His gazed locked on the woman whose face appeared permanently fused to the faintly tinted glass pane.

Asia Landry looked crazed, but not nearly as crazed as when Darryl had told her their relationship was finished and he no longer had the desire for a future with her. He had tried to be as civil as possible, hoping against all odds that they could end their relationship amicably and remain friends. But when he had said goodbye and had wished her a bright and prosperous future, the one good screw in her brain stem had come unhinged.

As Darryl and his sister watched the police cars pull out of his driveway, he couldn’t help but wish that he’d listened to his brothers when they told him to break up with Asia on neutral territory, their suggestions ranging from a local Starbucks to the public library. But no, he’d wanted to be more sensitive to Asia’s feelings, not wanting to cause her any public embarrassment, and so he’d invited her to his home.

Now, as his neighbors waved at him, eyeing him with raised brows before disappearing behind their own closed doors, he was the one left feeling mortified. Maitlyn’s nagging suddenly broke through, intruding on his moment of reflection.

“We told you she was crazy! How many times did we tell you that witch was a raving lunatic!” Maitlyn sighed with exasperation.

“Thank you, Mattie. Smack my hand for not paying any attention to all that advice you and the rest of our family dish out every minute of every day,” Darryl said dryly.

Maitlyn cut an eye in his direction as she assessed the wreckage in his living room. His glass coffee table had been shattered. His personal possessions had been thrown from one side of the room to the other. Everything was in a complete state of disarray. And then she saw the bullet holes through the family portrait that hung on the wall. Maitlyn’s palm flew to her mouth as she stepped in to take a closer look. Tears rose to her eyes.

She shook her head as she turned to face her brother, meeting his intense stare. Noting her distress, he shrugged his shoulders as he reached to wrap his arms around her. “It’s okay, Maitlyn,” he said, trying to make light of the situation.

“No, it’s not,” she said, visibly shaking. “You could have been hurt. She could have killed you!”

As Darryl hugged his sister tightly, he had no words. He could still hear the harsh sound of that gun being cocked and the shots that had rung through the air as bullets had whizzed by his head. He refused to let it show but the moment had been life-altering, everything feeling as if it had changed. He closed his eyes as he gathered his thoughts.

“I’m fine and that’s all that matters. Now, if you help me get this mess cleaned up, I’ll buy you dinner.”

Maitlyn swiped at her eyes. “Don’t worry about cleaning up. I’ll handle it while you’re gone. Are you all packed?”

He nodded. “Yeah, my luggage is in the bedroom.”

“Then let’s just go grab something to eat and I’ll make sure everything is as good as new after I drop you off at the airport. Right now, though, I need a drink.”

“Are you sure?” Darryl questioned.

“What’s a big sister for?” Maitlyn said, forcing a smile on her face.

Darryl smiled with her. “Well, since you’re being a good big sister, I need one more thing from you,” he stated firmly.

“What’s that?”

“I need you to promise me you won’t tell the folks about what happened.”

“Darryl!”

“Promise me, Mattie!”

Maitlyn met her brother’s gaze and held it for a brief moment. As she slowly nodded her head, she slid both her hands behind her back and crossed her fingers. “Whatever you want, Darryl,” she said unconvincingly.

“I mean it,” Darryl intoned as he headed toward the back bedroom and his luggage, instinctively knowing that every one of his siblings would know about what happened before the clock struck midnight. “Don’t you dare tell Mommy and Daddy!”

Grabbing his leather bags, he headed back to the front of his home and his sister, who was still assessing the damage Asia had caused. As he stood beside her, he was suddenly grateful for the time away. By midnight he’d be on the red-eye flight headed east, soaring sky-high as he headed to his parents’ home in New Orleans. Tomorrow he’d be back to work, ready for one of the most rewarding opportunities of his career. And with any luck everything about his time with Asia Landry would soon be nothing but a bad memory.

* * *

Katherine Boudreaux tossed up her hands in exasperation. “She tried to kill you? Lord, have mercy!” she exclaimed, the palm of her hand pressed tight to her chest.

“Asia did not try to kill me, Mom,” Darryl said as he looked toward his brother for help.

The oldest of the Boudreaux offspring, Mason Boudreaux, shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t look at me. I wasn’t there. I was just repeating what Maitlyn told me.”

Darryl blew out a deep sigh. He opened his mouth to make his point when their father interjected. “Just for the record, son, when a woman points a gun at you and pulls the trigger, she’s past the point of trying to scare you,” Senior Boudreaux said matter-of-factly.

Darryl rolled his eyes. “Maitlyn has blown this whole thing out of proportion.”

“We wouldn’t have even known if it hadn’t been for your sister,” Katherine noted, her finger waving at her son. “And I’m not happy about that. I’m not happy at all.” Katherine shook her head. “Come get some breakfast. Y’all got a long day today,” she ordered.

Mason glanced at his brother. Both men knew their mother was angry and Katherine Boudreaux angry could get them all hurt. He tipped his head toward Darryl as he turned to follow their mother.

Darryl muttered under his breath as he made his way out of the room. “I swear I’m going to wring Maitlyn’s neck for this.”

Mason smiled as he and his father locked gazes. “I’ll talk to him,” he said softly.

Senior nodded his approval. “Darryl needs to take this more seriously. Now, let’s go get some breakfast before your mother beats him, you and me, too.”

* * *

By the time Darryl and Mason made their way through New Orleans to the Roosevelt Hotel, the two men were laughing heartily. Breakfast had been tense as their mother had slapped bacon, eggs and grits onto their porcelain plates. But by the end of the meal she’d calmed down enough to listen to Darryl’s apology. Mason had been poking fun at him since.

“It’s just like what happened when that mess went down with me in Thailand. The old folks were mad because they heard about it from the girls and not from me. Your sisters will get you in trouble every time. I don’t know why you haven’t learned that yet,” Mason said with a robust chuckle.

Darryl shook his head. “Maitlyn better be glad we’re not kids anymore, because I’d find a mud hole for her sure ’nuff!”

Mason grinned. “But Maitlyn kept her promise. She didn’t tell them. She just told the rest of us. Your other sisters all called and broke the news to them. Then, of course, the minute I walked through the door they were looking at me to confirm it. You know you should have called each one of us and made us pinkie swear.”

“I’m still going to wring her neck,” Darryl exclaimed.

Mason shook his head. “So what do you plan to do?”

His brother shrugged. “Nothing. The court system will deal with Asia and I plan to focus all my attention on this project.”

“I’m sure that throwing yourself into your work will make it all go away,” he said, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

With a roll of his eyes, Darryl changed the subject. “So, what’s Mr. Charles like? I’m really looking forward to working with him and his firm.”

Mason smiled. “Kenneth is quite the character. I think this will be a great partnership.”

“I’m anxious to meet him and his son, Cam. That’s his son’s name, right, Cam Charles? I admire a lot of his work, as well.”

Mason’s eyes widened. “Oh, Cam’s not a—” he started, suddenly interrupted by the cell phone chiming loudly from the breast pocket of his suit jacket. He held up his index finger, gesturing for Darryl to hold his thought. Mason pulled the device into his hand, grinning as the smartphone’s screen projected an image of his wife.

“Hey, baby!”

Phaedra Stallion-Boudreaux exclaimed joyously on the other end. “Good morning, good-lookin’! Are you busy?”

“Darryl and I are headed into a meeting. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Missing you, though.”

“I miss you, too, darling,” he said, his voice dropping an octave. “How long are you planning to stay in Texas?”

“That’s why I’m calling you, actually. I have to fly to New York. I’ve been hired to get some shots of the city for a tourism project. I’ll be there for at least a week, and then I’ll head to New Orleans.”

Mason nodded into the receiver. His wife’s photography career was important to her and despite the abundance of wealth they shared, he supported her desire to work and have her own. She’d been fiercely independent when they’d first met and was even more so since she’d become his wife.

“Mason, you still there?” Phaedra questioned.

“Sorry, baby. I’m fine,” he responded. “Are you going to be okay traveling by yourself?” he asked.

Phaedra laughed. “I can’t believe you asked me that,” she said. “But for the record, I won’t be alone. Mark is going with me.”

Mason laughed with her. “You know how I worry about you.”

“I’m not the one who goes around getting kidnapped,” she teased, reminding him of the time she’d had to call upon her newly discovered brothers to help find him in Thailand. She continued, “I’ll be fine. You’re just as bad as my brothers.”

Her husband grinned as he thought about his new in-laws. Phaedra had only recently come to know her four brothers, John, Matthew, Mark and Luke Stallion. Doing business with the family had been the catalyst that had opened the doors to his relationship with their baby sister. He would be forever grateful. “We’ll, I’m glad he’ll be there with you. Just stay in touch with me, please.”

“You know I will,” she said, making kissing noises through the receiver. “I love you!”

Mason laughed softly. “I love you, too, baby! I’ll call you after my meeting, okay?”

“I can’t wait,” Phaedra said.

Disconnecting the call, Mason stood with a wide grin on his face. He tossed a glance over at Darryl, who was rolling his dark eyes. “Live and learn, Darryl. My woman never tried to shoot me,” he said smugly.

“Asia wasn’t my woman,” Darryl said sarcastically.

Their bantering continued as they made their way to the upper suites that Mason had rented for temporary office space. As they stepped over the threshold, the doors closing behind them, both men shifted headfirst into business mode.

Chapter 2

“Boudreaux Towers is a multilevel office complex the likes of which has never been seen in New Orleans, Louisiana.” The comment came from Kenneth Charles, renowned architect and owner of the design firm Charles & Charles Architecture. “This will be a magnificent partnership for us.” He and his daughter were riding in the company limo to their meeting. He lifted his gaze from the iPad he was making notes on to stare in her direction.

Camryn Charles eyed her father back. “And we’ll be working directly with Mason?” she asked.

Her father nodded. “I don’t know if you’re aware or not but he sold off his hotel business. This is a new venture for him and I’m honored that he wants us to design the building. He has a brother that will be working on this project, as well. I haven’t had the opportunity to meet him yet.” Kenneth paused as he leaned forward in his seat, passing a prospectus to his daughter. “And this is going to be a great opportunity for you, as well, Camryn. I’ve given it a lot of thought and I want you to take the lead on this project. Mason and I have agreed that you should head the design team.”

Camryn’s eyes widened as she took the documents from her father’s hand. “Really?”

The man’s salt-and-pepper head moved up and down. “You’re making a solid name for yourself in the industry, independent of me and the business. It’s been impressive, and I think if you design the newest skyscraper in downtown New Orleans, it will take both you and the business to a whole new level.”

The young woman smiled warmly. “I appreciate the confidence, Father,” she said, flipping through the documents in her lap.

Camryn fought to contain the excitement that sizzled in the pit of her stomach. Although she’d been eager to work on a new project with her father, to have him hand her the reins of one of the company’s biggest contracts was a big deal for the both of them. Determined to prove herself worthy of his trust, Camryn couldn’t wait to get started.

As their driver stopped the car in front of the Roosevelt Hotel and moved to open the door for them, she turned to her father. “How much creative control do I have?” she asked.

The man eyed her teasingly. “How much do you want?”

She grinned. “Why doesn’t that sound promising, Father?”

He chuckled warmly. “As far as I’m concerned, Camryn, you have full and total creative control. However,” he concluded, tossing her a wink of his eye, “you’ll have to negotiate the specifics of that with our client.”

“I hope our client is an old softy like you, then!”

Her father laughed. “There’s nothing soft about your old man, Camryn Charles. Not one single thing.”

Camryn laughed with him. “So there’s hope for Mr. Boudreaux, is that what you’re saying?”

Kenneth grinned. “For some reason, I think the Boudreaux family is in for more than they bargained for.”

* * *

The two men sat at the large conference table as Mason detailed the budget for his new multimillion-dollar building. Darryl listened intently, digesting the details like a good meal. He’d been inundated with information since he arrived, his brother’s excitement fueling his own. Adding to that exhilaration was discovering that Mason had hired Kenneth Charles to work on the architectural design.

Kenneth Charles was one of his idols, having won numerous awards for his work. He was considered an architectural genius amongst his peers, and Darryl was excited about the prospect of working with the legend. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the conference room door, the entrance swinging open easily.

Both Darryl and Mason came to their feet as Kenneth Charles made an entrance. “Mason, how are you?” the man said, extending a large hand as the two old friends greeted each other warmly.

“It’s good to see you, Kenneth.” He gestured behind him. “Let me introduce you to my brother. Darryl Boudreaux, this is Kenneth Charles. Kenneth, my brother Darryl.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, sir,” Darryl said, his eyes wide with awe.

“Your brother speaks quite highly of you, Darryl. I understand from Mason that you are quite talented in your own right. Is that true, son?” Kenneth asked.

Darryl shrugged ever so slightly. “I think my brother is a bit biased, sir.”

“Family usually is. Trust me when I tell you that the work I’ve done isn’t all that impressive, either. However, to hear my daughter tell it, you’d think I’d built stairwells past the moon and straight to heaven.”

A soft voice echoed from the entrance behind them. “Actually, Father, I tell people you’ve built stairwells past heaven and into the stratosphere.”

Darryl turned toward the entrance and stared. There was no missing the familial resemblance between Mr. Charles and the young woman entering the room. Without realizing it, Darryl found himself holding his breath. The stunning beauty had commanded his full and undivided attention.

She shared her father’s warm chocolate complexion and large dark eyes. He assumed that the full lips and pouty mouth that begged to be kissed had been inherited from her mother. In the tailored navy skirt and ruffled white blouse she wore, there was no denying the woman had a figure that could make even a strong man beg for her attention. She was curvaceous with a full bustline, whisper-thin waist and pleasingly thick hips. As he stared, Darryl suddenly felt weak, his legs feeling like jelly. He had to fight to shake the unnerving sensation. He took a deep breath and held it.

Mason laughed. “That’s right! Give credit where credit is due!” he said as he moved to wrap the young woman in a quick hug. “How are you, Camryn? It’s good to see you again.”

“I’m doing very well, Mason. It’s good to see you again, too. And congratulations! Father tells me you recently got married!”

“Yes, I did.” Mason grinned. “I hope to introduce you and your father to Phaedra in the very near future.”

The young woman smiled sweetly. “I can’t wait to meet her. It looks like marriage is serving you well.”

“It definitely is!” Mason said, nodding his agreement.

“Camryn, come say hello,” her father interrupted. “Darryl, this is my daughter, Camryn. Cam, this is Mason’s brother Darryl Boudreaux.”

The young woman tilted her head in greeting. There was no missing the good-looking man who’d caught her eye when she’d entered the room. Darryl Boudreaux was quite the male specimen. Standing tall and lean in a black silk suit, white shirt and red necktie, he had distinctive features that hinted at an African-Asian ancestry. He boasted slightly angular eyes, a thin nose, a high cheek line and full, pillow-soft lips. His complexion was a rich, deep umber and Camryn felt her heart quicken a beat or two as she met his intense gaze. “Mr. Boudreaux, it’s my pleasure.”

Still in awe, Darryl stared, his eyes wide, his mouth agape. “You’re Cam Charles?” he questioned as he took her extended hand, her palm gliding like silk against his.

The beautiful woman laughed lightly. “Is that a problem?”

Darryl shook his head, cutting an eye in Mason’s direction. “No, I just wasn’t expecting—”

Mason laughed heartily as he interrupted. “Sorry about that. I think my brother thought you were a man.”

Camryn nodded ever so slightly. “That happens often, but I’m very much a woman,” she said with a soft chuckle that made Darryl smile. She pulled her hand from his, acutely aware of the hold he had on her fingers. The two were still studying each other intently.

Darryl finally shook the daze that had consumed him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Charles,” he said.

“Please, call me Camryn,” she said, “or Cam.”

Darryl nodded as he pulled a chair out for Camryn and gestured for her father to take a seat. He caught his brother’s eye and nodded. “Shall we get down to business?”

Hours later, Darryl pulled at the necktie around his neck. Like his brother and Kenneth Charles, he’d tossed his suit jacket aside some time ago. The back-and-forth banter between the two companies was beginning to take its toll on all of them.

“I don’t agree,” Darryl was saying. “You have to keep the safety factor first and foremost in the design.”

“I’m fully aware of that,” Camryn responded, clearly perturbed by his insinuations. “However, the aesthetic value of the building and how it will complement the landscape is equally as important.”

Darryl shrugged his broad shoulders as he tossed his ink pen to the tabletop. He took a deep breath, totally annoyed that Camryn Charles was challenging him.

“I’m sorry, but what actually will your role be in this project?” Camryn suddenly asked. She was staring directly at Darryl, the two having already butted heads over more than that one issue.

Standing, Darryl leaned over the table, his weight resting on his arms. “Pro-ject man-a-ger,” he replied, uttering each syllable distinctly. “It’s my responsibility to see that this project comes in well within budget, to our exact specifications. I will be accountable for every single detail, including the specifics of the final design.”

Camryn rolled her eyes. It hadn’t taken long for her to realize that Darryl Boudreaux was going to be a royal pain in her well-rounded behind. The man had criticized, critiqued and questioned every suggestion and comment that she’d had. With the way he’d been hammering her, you would have thought that she’d had no previous experience in the design and building industry. Clearly, the man didn’t have a clue and she didn’t appreciate him being so confrontational. She also didn’t have a problem letting him know how she felt.

Camryn came to her feet, as well, crossing her arms over her chest as she met his gaze evenly. Annoyance tapped the toe of her leather pump. “And tell me again what makes you qualified for the job, because from my perspective our firm is more than capable of meeting your brother’s wish list without outside supervision.”

Darryl bristled. “Perhaps, but my brother would be unwise to not have a system of checks and balances. You don’t build a multimillion-dollar office complex by putting all your eggs in one basket. And as far as my qualifications go, I have a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and I’m a licensed building contractor. My forte is my penchant for details. All aspects of the details. So I am more than capable of overseeing this project and you.”

Both Mason and Kenneth leaned back in their seats, obviously amused by the standoff. Mason chuckled softly. “I think this is a good time to call it a day,” he said calmly. He cut his eye toward Kenneth. “We can pick this back up tomorrow, same time.”

Kenneth nodded. “I agree. But I’m also thinking that it would probably be a very good idea for Camryn and Darryl to get to know each other better, especially since they’re going to be working so closely together.” He picked up his iPad and typed into the keypad. “Do you eat seafood, Darryl?” he inquired. His gaze never left his device. “And sit down, Camryn!” Kenneth commanded.

“Yes, sir,” Darryl answered, still squared off against the man’s daughter.

Camryn huffed as she finally dropped back into her seat. Darryl followed, each still eyeing the other warily.

Kenneth continued. “Camryn loves seafood. My secretary will make reservations for you two for dinner. You don’t have anything planned, do you, Darryl?” he said, finally lifting his eyes to look at the young man.

Mason interjected. “No, sir. Darryl has no plans whatsoever. He’s here to work, no matter what that might entail. Isn’t that right, Darryl?” he said, answering on his brother’s behalf.

“Good,” Kenneth said, nodding his head. “Camryn is free, as well.”

“Father!”

He ignored his daughter’s treaty, dropping his gaze back to his electronic device. “You two kids have seven o’clock dinner reservations at The Bourbon House. Take the time to ask whatever you need to ask each other so that we can finalize the details of this project when we meet tomorrow. Is that clear, Cam?” he said firmly.

“Yes, sir,” she said through gritted teeth.

Mason smiled. “You, too, little brother,” he said, tossing Darryl a quick wink. “Work it out!”

Darryl’s eyes narrowed into thin slits as he shot his brother a look. Mason seemed to be enjoying the discomfort he was causing him, a glint of mischief shimmering in the look he threw back. Biting his tongue, Darryl glanced over at Camryn. She was looking at him closely. As he nodded his head, he couldn’t help but think that working it out might be a whole lot easier if the woman wasn’t so damn intoxicating.

Chapter 3

Darryl was still heated when he and Mason arrived back at their family home. His brother had found the whole situation amusing, which had irritated him even more. He was grateful that neither of his parents was home, just imagining the feedback that would have come if Mason had had the opportunity to fill them in on what had happened between him and that woman.

Camryn Charles had worked his nerves and having her father and his brother manipulating the situation didn’t help. He slammed his bedroom door closed and threw his body across the twin bed. He was further irritated that he now had to spend the evening with her, because after his experience with Asia, spending the evening with any woman was not high on his priority list.

From start to finish Asia Landry had made life difficult at best, their entire relationship being one firestorm after another. Jealousy fueled Asia’s spirit more times than not. The first time Darryl had been introduced to the green-eyed monster, she’d keyed his car, leaving the vehicle looking like an Etch A Sketch gone horribly wrong. Apparently being too friendly with a sales clerk had been his crime. He should have cut his ties with Asia then but after her tearful apology he’d welcomed her back into his arms.

Asia hacking his personal email “to confirm that he was cheating” had been the last straw. Her threatening his life had cemented his conviction. He was done and finished. Darryl refused to be with a woman who clearly didn’t trust him. And he refused to be with a woman he couldn’t trust to deal with her frustrations and anger as though she had some God-given sense. Thinking about everything he’d gone through with Asia tightened a knot in the pit of his stomach. Asia had burned him. Bad. And now, thanks to Asia, Darryl was adamant that no other woman would stand an ice cube’s chance of getting under his skin. Not even one as enticing as Camryn Charles.

* * *

Camryn arrived early for her dinner with Darryl Boudreaux. She’d contemplated not showing at all but had figured a few uncomfortable hours with Darryl was far better than dealing with her father’s wrath at their meeting tomorrow. She allowed the restaurant’s hostess to guide her to their reserved table.

As she settled down into her seat, she was suddenly nervous about their dinner. There was something about Darryl Boudreaux that she found equally irritating and intriguing. Good looks aside, the man’s confidence bordered on arrogance. Clearly, his engineering skills and construction background made him an ideal partner for the project. But he had a serious control problem and she had an issue with him questioning her abilities. He was obviously going to be problematic and Camryn hadn’t expected to work quite so hard.

She took a quick sip of water from the crystal glass that rested on the table in front of her. Glancing around the restaurant, she couldn’t help but notice the many couples who were more intent on each other than on their meals. Camryn suddenly couldn’t remember the last time she and a man had sat together so totally and completely focused on each other.

She saw Darryl before he saw her. As he eased into the restaurant, he paused to take in his surroundings. It was evident from the expression on his face that he had about as much desire to be there as she did. For a brief moment it looked as if he might turn tail and run but he didn’t. Instead he appeared to search her out with his eyes.

He had beautiful eyes, Camryn thought. She hated admitting that his dark, seductive orbs made her weak in the knees. If she was honest, being in his presence was like walking through fire. He made heat radiate out of every one of her pores until she was completely drained. But there was also something soft-spoken and gentle about his spirit, like a welcome, cool sweet breeze even when he was being a thorn in her right cheek. But it remained to be seen if they could come to an understanding and work together in harmony. Her full lips lifted to a warm smile as he finally approached the table, his own expression softening considerably.

Darryl was suddenly unnerved by the eagerness that consumed him as he sauntered slowly to where Camryn was sitting. The attractive woman was even more stunning, having changed from her business attire to a formfitting Herve Leger dress. The fabric’s vibrant red color complemented her complexion nicely. Her dark brown curls had been slicked back into a neat ponytail, and big bold earrings decorated her earlobes. Her makeup was impeccable and her easy smile showed dazzling white teeth. Her dark eyes were large and bright, her crystal complexion reminding him of deep, rich molasses. The sight of her took his breath away.

“I’m not late, am I?” Darryl asked, a quiver of heat shooting through his spirit. He tried to be casual as he pulled out the chair on the other side of the table and sat down.

Camryn took a deep breath and swallowed before speaking. “No, not at all, Darryl. I was actually a few minutes early.”

Darryl’s smile widened. “So, here we are,” he said as a wave of nervous energy seemed to blanket the space around them.

“Here we are,” Camryn echoed, suddenly feeling like a grade-schooler with her first crush.

The silence was unnerving and both were grateful when their server moved to the table to take their orders.

“Bourbon. Definitely bourbon,” Camryn said, her eyebrows lifted in jest.

Camryn laughed. “I’ll take mine straight,” she added. “Three fingers, please!”

By the time the drinks were delivered, the two were making small talk. Camryn commented on the unusually warm weather and an unplanned shopping excursion. Darryl reflected on his flight into town and the storms that had delayed his travels. Camryn bragged about the two awards she’d recently won for the family business. Darryl detailed the multimillion-dollar project he’d worked on before being hired by his brother. She talked about her father and their family business. He shared his vision for Boudreaux Towers and what might come after. They shied away from sharing any personal information, only very briefly mentioning anything about their respective families. Neither ventured to divulge whether or not they were in a romantic relationship. Instead, the duo had seemed to come to an unspoken agreement of not wanting to know if there was someone significant in the other’s personal life.

Darryl finished his drink first and over her feigned protests ordered another for each of them. His dry sense of humor made her smile and soon the laughter rang easily between them. Camryn liked how he looked into her eyes when they talked, his gaze sometimes skirting over her features as if he were trying to remember every line and dimple in her profile.

Darryl liked how she sometimes tapped his arm and hand when she laughed. The flattering gesture and soft touch both excited him and made him feel guilty.

Just before their entrée was served, Camryn excused herself to the restroom, needing a quick moment to recompose. Staring at her reflection in the polished mirror, she found herself grinning from ear to ear. She hated to admit it but she was having a really good time and that Darryl was actually likable. She giggled softly, glancing at a woman who’d entered the space behind her. The woman smiled back just before she disappeared behind a stall door. Taking a deep breath, Camryn touched up her makeup and then headed back to the table.

“Everything come out okay?” Darryl asked as she sat back down.

Camryn paused, meeting his teasing gaze. “Everything came out just fine, thank you!”

Darryl laughed heartily. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”

She laughed with him. “My brother Jason used to make the same bad joke when we were kids.”

“My brothers and I still make the same bad jokes. My sisters hate it when we do that to them.” He paused, a slight smile pulling at his mouth. “We do it anyway,” he concluded.

Before she could reply, the waiter delivered their meals to the table, setting an appetizer of fried calamari between the two of them. Darryl had chosen the seared tuna and she compared his plate to her crabmeat-and-lobster pasta.

“It all looks good!” she said, the decadent aromas rising to her nostrils.

Darryl nodded his agreement. “It does look good but let’s bless the table before we taste it, please,” he said.

Camryn dropped the fork in her hand back to the tabletop and slid her hands into her lap. She stole a quick look at Darryl as he closed his eyes and lowered his head in prayer.

“Precious Lord, bless this food that we are about to receive for the nourishment of our bodies. And make us ever mindful of the needs of others. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.”

“Amen,” Camryn echoed, lifting her gaze to his. A burst of nervous energy fluttered in her midsection and she quickly shifted her eyes back to her plate.

“Is something wrong?” Darryl questioned as he pulled a forkful of food into his mouth.

She shook her head. “No, nothing at all,” she said, not willing to admit that it had been quite some time since she’d been in the presence of a man who prayed so readily, so openly and with such ease. Her father was a praying man. She had often imagined what it might be like to be in a relationship with a man who actually walked his faith. As she pondered the possibilities, she cut an eye toward Darryl, who seemed totally focused on his meal.

She was taken aback when Darryl leaned across the table and lifted a forkful of her pasta. She watched as he slid it past his lips and chewed. “Was it good?” she asked, amused by his boldness.

Darryl nodded easily, unconcerned by his brazen behavior. “Very. So is the tuna,” he said, passing a bite of his own dinner in her direction. “Here, give it a try,” he cajoled. Camryn rested her hand on his as he guided the flatware toward her mouth. Heat wafted in the core of Darryl’s groin as he watched her take a bite, her tongue slipping sweetly past her lips, her fingertips tapping gently against his skin. It was suddenly hot and both reached for their beverage glasses at the same time.

He chuckled softly and Camryn laughed with him. Turning back to their meals, they resumed the small talk, discussing everything and nothing. A spirited debate about politics and education was engaging, with both making valid points that gave the other something to consider.

Soon the hostess brought them dessert. Darryl hadn’t anticipated the decadent layers of mousse and pastry drizzled in chocolate and topped with whipped cream. Neither was he expecting it when Camryn dipped her manicured finger into the sweet treat, drawing it through her lips to her tongue. The erotic gesture lengthened a rock-hard erection in his slacks, the thick of it pressing tight against the fabric. Darryl quickly crossed his legs, accidentally kicking the table as he did. Their dishes and utensils clattered noisily.

The ensuing silence was thundering. It dropped down over the table like an unexpected storm. Both Camryn and Darryl refocused on the food on their plates, struggling with the rise of emotion that seemed to sweep between them. Darryl was chewing so intently that he bit down on his tongue. He cursed under his breath.

“What’s wrong?” Camryn asked.

His response was brusque as he threw his cloth napkin to the table and reached for his drink glass. “Nothing!”

She watched him, her eyes blinking rapidly. “And you’re yelling at me because...”

“I wasn’t yelling. I just...I...” Darryl stammered, his erection twitching for attention. He couldn’t find the words to say he was unnerved by her presence. It felt good to be with her and he wasn’t supposed to be having such a good time. She excited him and he didn’t want to be excited by Camryn Charles. He lifted his eyes to stare into hers. “Look,” he said finally. “We know we can get along. That should make your father and my brother very happy.”

She nodded. “I’m sure it will. Let’s just agree to smile and pretend we like each other until we get this job done.”

“Pretend. Right.” Darryl nodded. “And let’s agree that you have full creative control as long as your design encompasses all of my safety recommendations. And I mean all.”

“Agreed.”

Darryl sighed and then tossed back the last of his drink. He unconsciously licked his lips, his tongue sweeping over his bottom lip before he sucked it in and bit down.

“Dinner is on my father,” Camryn said as she suddenly stood tall, reaching for her clutch. “It’s been a pleasure, Mr. Boudreaux.”

“The pleasure has been all mine, Ms. Charles.” Still conscious of the rise of nature between his legs, Darryl hesitated for a quick moment, the two staring at each other awkwardly. “May I walk you to your car?” he finally asked as he felt the problematic fullness begin to subside.

She shook her head vehemently. “No. That won’t be necessary. I’ll be fine.”

“See you tomorrow, then,” Darryl called out as Camryn turned on her high heels and scurried across the room. “Have a good night!” he chimed as she reached the front door, gave a quick wave of her hand and disappeared outside.

Camryn rushed to her car, her cheeks heated. Once she was locked inside her vehicle, she dropped her forehead down onto the steering wheel, her breath coming in heavy gasps. Her nipples pressed hard against the fabric of her dress and moisture puddled between her legs, her silk thong saturated. It had taken every ounce of fortitude she possessed not to throw herself at the good-looking Darryl Boudreaux. The moment had become so heated that all she could think about was what it might have been like to have his lips pressed against her own. Camryn hated to admit it but if Darryl had asked, she would have agreed to almost anything.

She took a deep breath and held it, counting to ten in her head. When she finally blew the air out, her nipples had receded and the quiver between her thighs was almost nonexistent. Her breathing finally steadied and she started the ignition.

As she pulled out of the parking space, she finally felt a semblance of normal. It was unfathomable to her that any man could have her quivering so unabashedly without ever laying a finger on her. Camryn shook her head at the thought. Despite having known men in her past who’d excited her sensibilities, Camryn couldn’t recall any man who’d ever had the impact on her that Darryl seemed to be having.

Although everything felt out of sorts and the feelings she was currently experiencing for Darryl were completely out of her character, she knew that she could slow the momentum down and take back her control. And she was determined to take back her control. As far as she was concerned, Darryl Boudreaux would be one man who wouldn’t stand a chance of ever getting the best of her.

Chapter 4

“Really, it went well!” Darryl exclaimed, annoyance punctuating his tone. He shifted his gaze toward his brother and then back down to the morning newspaper.

Mason returned the look, skepticism painting his expression. “And you two ironed out all of your differences, in one night?”

Darryl sighed deeply. “What part of ‘I have it handled’ don’t you understand?”

Mason raised an eyebrow. “I just need to make sure we’re not going to have any issues with you and Camryn. You were a little hostile yesterday.”

Darryl stuck his face further into the newspaper he was pretending to read. If nothing else, he fully intended to ensure that nothing interfered with the project. He could not, however, promise that there would be no issues with Camryn Charles, because he already had issues with the beautiful woman. Issues that two ice-cold showers had still not resolved. Darryl shifted in his seat, recrossing one leg over the other.

He changed the subject. “I’ve arranged for Camryn and me to do a site tour this afternoon.”

Mason nodded. “Good deal. And if you’re sure you have everything under control, I might fly to New York tonight to surprise my wife.”

Darryl smiled. “Give Phaedra a hug and kiss from me,” he said sweetly.

Mason nodded. “Will do! And please, don’t screw up my building before I get back.”

“I won’t screw up your building, Mason.”

* * *

Hours later Mason and Kenneth swiped both their signatures across the final contracts, cementing the partnership between the two families. Camryn stood off to the side, an easy smile gracing her face. She fought not to steal a quick glance at Darryl. Throughout the entire meeting both had been unusually quiet and exceptionally polite with one another. And each had gone out of their way to avoid any form of contact with the other, eye or otherwise.

The previous night had incited a desire that neither had bargained for. It was consuming, like a tidal wave that had swelled thick and full, threatening everything in its wake. Neither one would admit to it but the sensation had them both reeling, unable to fathom what might happen if they didn’t maintain some control.

Darryl rose to his feet, pulling his suit jacket closed. Extending his hand toward Mr. Charles, he smiled warmly. “Congratulations, sir! We look forward to working with you and your daughter,” he said, tossing a nod of his head toward Camryn, who smiled shyly.

Kenneth chuckled heartily. “This is very exciting, son! Very exciting! And I have all the confidence in the world that you and my daughter will do a wonderful job.”

“Thank you, sir,” Darryl said.

“We won’t disappoint you, Father,” Camryn interjected.

Kenneth moved to her side and wrapped his daughter in a deep bear hug. “Don’t give this young man too hard a time,” he said with a wink.

Camryn nodded, rolling her eyes. “So what is it we’re supposed to be doing this afternoon, Mr. Boudreaux?” she asked.

He took a quick glance down at his wrist watch. “Actually, we have to be going,” he said. “Gentlemen, it’s been a pleasure. Camryn and I will keep you both updated.”

Mason nodded his appreciation. “Kenneth, can I interest you in a late lunch?”

“Sounds like the best way to celebrate!” he answered.

As the two men led the way out of the room, Darryl hesitated, his gaze meeting Camryn’s. The woman was eyeing him keenly. His mouth lifted easily, a margin of a smile warming his face.

“I’ve arranged for us to do a site tour. I think it will be of benefit to us both.”

“I’ve been to the site already,” Camryn responded curtly, her arms crossing over her chest.

Darryl sighed heavily, his gaze narrowing into thin slits.

Camryn tossed up her hands as if in surrender. “My apologies! I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

“Apology accepted. And I know you’ve already toured the site. So have I. But I thought that it would be useful for us to do an aerial tour. I was thinking about what you said yesterday about the aesthetic value of the design, and with the proposed height of the building, I thought that our looking at it from the air would be helpful.”

“I hadn’t thought about that,” Camryn said.

“Finally!” Darryl exclaimed as he pretended to slap his forehead. “Something you hadn’t considered!”

Camryn giggled softly and Darryl couldn’t help but laugh with her.

* * *

The laughter didn’t last long. The ride to Crescent City Helicopter was teeming with friction. Despite her best efforts, Camryn had initiated the first fight when Darryl had insisted on driving them in his car to their destination. Camryn had insisted on driving her own vehicle, a move Darryl had deemed a ridiculous waste of gasoline. Irate, Camryn had called him a fool, believing she knew better than he ever would. But after a heated back-and-forth Darryl had prevailed.

From start to finish Camryn had been unable to verbalize that riding in a car with him, alone, would cause more angst to her feminine spirit than she wanted to deal with. Darryl made her hot, point blank. And there was no amount of cool air or ice water capable of extinguishing the fire that burned from the pith of her crotch as he sat so closely by her side. So no, she hadn’t wanted to ride in his car, nor did she want to be so close to him in that darn helicopter, but there she was, seated so near to him that the sweet scent of his cologne was beginning to make her dizzy with desire. She sighed as the R44 Raven soared through the sky, dipping down low against the New Orleans skyline. Turning her attention to the views outside, she whispered a silent prayer that they would soon be done and finished.

The gesture did not go unnoticed as Darryl took a deep inhale. He cut an eye at her, distracted by the exuberance across her face. She was so intoxicatingly beautiful that it completely unnerved him. It unsettled him because just minutes earlier she’d been so contentious. She’d pouted and flailed over every suggestion he had made. But he was even more frustrated by the rise of desire that loomed heavier and heavier with each minute they spent together.

He watched as her eyes skated across the landscape, the woman clearly enamored with the experience. He’d gotten it right and it was painted over every square inch of her body. The joy she exuded had him grinning from ear to ear.

The helicopter soared high along the cloudless skyline, navigating the airway over New Orleans. In the distance the sun was just beginning to make its descent, the edge of light reaching to kiss the mighty Mississippi, the brilliant rays dancing over the water’s surface.

“It’s absolutely beautiful!” Camryn gushed, her gaze darting eagerly over the landscape.

Darryl turned to stare at her. Yes, you are, he thought to himself, his own gaze dancing along her profile as he noted her high cheekbones, dark, seductive eyes and those full, lush lips. Her eyes flitted briefly toward him, hesitating for a quick moment before she looked away.

There was something seductive and intoxicating about the man’s stare. Camryn struggled not to meet his gaze, knowing that nothing good could ever come from her staring into Darryl’s eyes. Yet the look of longing he was giving her persisted.

“What do you know about my family, Darryl?” she suddenly asked, still looking out the helicopter window.

“Excuse me?”

“Our history. What do you know about it?”

Darryl shrugged his broad shoulders. “I know that you and your family come from a long line of architects.”

She nodded ever so slightly. Closing her eyes, Camryn took a deep breath before continuing, drawing on the family stories that she’d been told since she was a little girl. “My mother was a Toutant before she married into the Charles family.”

At the mention of the Toutant family name Darryl’s eyebrows lifted curiously. The Toutant family was legendary, their lineage going back to the early 1700s when immigrants first took refuge in the newly established New Orleans. The infamous Lucian Toutant, son of a wealthy Parisian architect, had been an instrumental player in the development of the Vieux Carré, or French Quarter, as it was now known. Darryl leaned forward as she continued, not wanting to miss a word over the loud hum of the helicopter’s engine.

“I’m sure you know that the French Quarter was composed of eight streets in a perfect square. And most of the architecture in the area was built during the time of Spanish rule. Some of the old French colonial influences were lost after the big fires of 1788 and 1794. Lucian Toutant’s business ventures financed a significant portion of that rebuilding.”

Turning to stare where Camryn pointed, Darryl could just imagine the views back then. Having scoured thousands of old maps and street plans, he knew that within the boundaries of the old square, construction had been happening wherever they turned, high-ceilinged homes rising grandly from the rich earth beneath them. The massive white columns and the black ironwork that adorned balconies during that bygone era still existed. Young trees that had lined the length of walkways with newly sprouted branches now loomed large and full, limbs stretched sky-high. In the distance, along the Mississippi waterway, a cruise ship was now docked where cargo ships had once landed and unloaded their goods.

“And it was rumored that his wife, Alexandra Fortier, influenced a number of those designs?” Darryl queried.

Camryn nodded. “My great-great-great-great-grandparents left quite a mark on this city.” Her gaze moved back to the sights below.

As the pilot gestured in his direction, indicating that it was time to end their adventure, Darryl reflected on the moment. He understood that the landscape of New Orleans had changed under the dynamics of Hurricane Katrina, the Category 5 storm that had flooded the whole of the city in 2005. The French Quarter was one of the few areas to remain substantially dry, experiencing minor flooding and wind damage. Areas outside the Quarter had not been so lucky. And with everything their beloved city had endured, Darryl was desperate to ensure that nothing the Boudreaux family ever did would negatively impact the home they loved so dearly.

He turned to stare at Camryn and was taken aback by the tears that misted her eyes. Leaning even closer to her, he dropped a heavy palm against her knee, squeezing her flesh with a firm touch. Camryn lifted her eyes to his, a generous smile stretching easily across her face.

“The only thing my grandparents loved more than each other and their family was this city,” she said softly, “so we can’t get this wrong, Darryl. We can’t get this wrong.”

As Camryn dropped her hand atop his hand, entwining her fingers between his fingers, Darryl smiled back, understanding sweeping between them.

Chapter 5

It had been just over two weeks since Darryl had last seen Camryn. But before he’d departed, Darryl had dropped her back to her car after the helicopter ride. The two had spent another three hours just sitting in the front seat of his car talking before they parted ways. Conversation between them had been as easy as breathing.

Camryn had regaled him with stories of the Toutant clan and the historic plantation that now housed the Charles family. The sons and daughters of Toutant Plantation epitomized their auspicious beginnings. They were a family of “Creoles”—people of Spanish and French descent—and transient “Americans” who migrated from the North, as well as black slaves from Africa and the Caribbean, and members of the native Indian population. They were relationships that had crossed the ethnic divide, where family names and lineages might not have been preserved but true love always prevailed. Darryl had found himself enamored with the tales, which meshed historical fact with good old-fashioned homespun fiction.

Although he’d spoken to her every day, sometimes two and three times each day, he had not set eyes on her. Camryn had insisted on the distance, wanting to focus on her work without him or anyone else being a distraction, and so he’d given her a wide berth of space. But not one day had gone by that he did not talk with her, if for no other reason than to simply hear her voice.

Their conversations had sometimes crossed the boundaries of business, taking them to places that neither had expected to go. Darryl thoroughly enjoyed each encounter, whether they were laughing over something superficial or being rancorous over something substantial.

And when time had allowed, Darryl had found himself researching everything he could about Camryn Charles, reading articles from Architectural Digest and the society page of the Times-Picayune. Because despite his best efforts to resist, thoughts of Camryn Charles had invaded not only his waking moments but also his late-night dreams. Truth be told, he missed her terribly and the veracity of that burdened him even more.

With a picnic basket and thermos in hand, he rode the elevator to the third floor of the Tchoupitoulas Street address. The security guard waved him through. As Darryl entered the brick-and-glass office space, he instantly spotted Camryn pacing back and forth between two rooms. The minute he spied her Darryl broke out into a full and magnificent grin. He’d missed her even more than he’d realized. Glancing down to the Citizen watch on his wrist, he couldn’t believe that Camryn was still in her office. When he’d called her shortly after seven that morning, she’d just gotten to her office. Now it was well past the dinner hour and she hadn’t left. Darryl had no doubts that Camryn was past ready for a break. Taking a quick breath, he knocked before entering, announcing his arrival so as not to startle her.

But that knock caught her completely off guard. When she turned and saw him, Camryn’s hands flew to her head first, her fingers patting down a few stray strands of loose hair, and then to her chest, clutching at the neckline of her ratty T-shirt. Her eyes rolled skyward, the expression across her face illustrating her displeasure. She’d been anxiously awaiting his evening telephone call, a conversation that she had come to look forward to each day, but seeing him was a horse of a whole other color. Darryl Boudreaux was the last man she had expected to see at such a late hour. She’d spoken to him early that afternoon and he had not mentioned anything about paying her a visit. If he had, she would have surely changed her clothes and done her makeup.

“Hey!” Darryl chimed, fighting not to laugh out loud at the expression that blessed her face.

Camryn’s eyes were wide with surprise. “What are you doing here?”

He lifted the basket and thermos in greeting. “You need some nourishment,” he said. “I told your assistant that I would surprise you with a home-cooked meal.”

She eyed him with reservation. “You brought me dinner?”

“Lunch and breakfast, too, from what I’m told.”

Camryn tossed a quick glance over her right shoulder, her hands gliding down the front of her denim jeans. “I really wasn’t expecting company,” she said, hesitancy still ringing in her tone.

Darryl shrugged. “Don’t think of me as company. Think of me as family,” he said as he moved past her, easing his way to the large conference table in the room.

After carefully assessing the surroundings, Darryl moved into a far corner. Camryn watched as he pulled a red-checked tablecloth from the basket and laid it neatly against the carpeted floor. As if setting a picnic meal was something he did every day, he laid out a spread of dinner plates, wineglasses, a collection of plastic containers and, lastly, one of the prettiest flameless LED candles that she had ever seen.

He looked over his shoulder, meeting her curious stare. “Are you going to come eat or are you going to just stand there twitching?” he said.

Camryn’s eyes widened, one hand flying to pat her hair down again and the fingers of the other hand pressing against her face. “I wasn’t twitching,” she snarled.

Darryl laughed. “Yes, you were.” He dropped down onto the floor, settling himself comfortably.

“I really need to get back to work,” Camryn said impatiently.

“You need a break,” Darryl persisted, gesturing for her to come take the seat beside him.

Feeling slightly defeated, Camryn inhaled swiftly and then crossed over to the other side of the room. She dropped down onto her knees at his side as she watched him pour white wine into a crystal flute and pass it to her.

“Thank you,” Camryn said as Darryl poured a second drink for himself. That easy smile he wore so well crossed his face.

“You’re very welcome,” he responded, “and I hope you’re hungry. I cooked and packed a lot of food.”

She eyed him suspiciously. “You cooked?”

“You’re about to find out that I’m quite talented in the kitchen, Ms. Charles. I’ve made you a down-home Cajun meal.”

A wry grin pulled at Camryn’s mouth as she popped the lid on one of the plastic containers. The decadent scent of shrimp gumbo filled her nostrils. Her grin widened when she opened the other container to find red beans and smoked sausage inside.

“Really? Red beans and no rice?”

Darryl laughed. “I done the rice, girl!” he said with a deep chuckle as he passed a third container toward her.

Suddenly famished, Camryn packed her plate full, eating heartily. Amused, Darryl watched her, slowly eating his own meal. After a few minutes of silence he laughed out loud. “I’m glad you weren’t hungry!” he said teasingly.

Camryn’s head waved from side to side. “It’s good, okay? Give a girl a break!” She wiped her fingers and then her lips against a white paper napkin.

Darryl nodded, satisfaction painting his expression. He reached to refill her wineglass. “So how’s it going? I hear you’ve been burning more than a little bit of midnight oil.”

Excitement shimmered deep in Camryn’s eyes. “It’s been amazing,” she answered. “Once I started drawing, I couldn’t stop. After our helicopter ride, when I began to do some preliminary sketches, it just hit me. I think you and your brother will be very happy.”

“So do you have something I can see?” Darryl asked.

Camryn paused as if the question startled her. “Well...I... It’s...” she stammered.

Darryl shook his head. “No interference. I promise. I’m just excited to see in what direction you decided to take your design.”

He smiled that disarming smile and Camryn could feel herself starting to melt. After pondering his request for a quick second she figured one little peek at her blueprints couldn’t hurt.

“Well, I guess you could,” she said softly, hardly sounding convinced.

Darryl grinned. “Would a bribe help you decide?” he questioned, his eyebrows raised.

“What kind of bribe?”

Darryl reached into the picnic basket and pulled out one more plastic container. He cracked open the lid and peered inside. The way he peeked with one eye closed and then peered up at her, one would have thought it held a great secret.

Camryn reached for the container and Darryl snatched it back from her grasp. With his eyebrows lifted and his smile widening, his mischievous expression made her laugh.

“You want this?” he teased.

“I want to know what’s in it,” she said. “I may not like what’s inside.”

“Oh, you’ll like it!”

Camryn reached for the container a second time. There was a playful tug-of-war before Darryl let go and Camryn fell back from the momentum. When Darryl laughed, Camryn shot him a look that clearly showed she was not amused by his antics.

He reached out to help her sit back up. “Sorry about that.”

“You pushed me!”

“I did not!”

“Yes, you did!”

Darryl laughed. “Okay.”

“That’s my story and I’m sticking to it,” Camryn said as she cut her eyes at him. She settled the container against her lap and lifted the lid. Her own smile widened. “Pecan pralines!”

“Homemade pecan pralines.”

“You did not make these,” Camryn said as she bit into what would be the first of many.

“I beg your pardon!”

“Your mother cooked all this food and you’re taking credit for it, right?”

“Wrong!” His expression was incredulous. “Very wrong!”

Camryn smiled brightly and Darryl smiled with her. The two sat staring at each other for a brief moment before Camryn lifted herself onto her feet and gestured for him to follow. She was still holding tight to the candy container, savoring the sweetness of the sugared delights.

Leading the way back to her office, Camryn motioned for Darryl to flip through the sketches and blueprints laid out across the table. As he stepped forward, his expression turning serious, she was suddenly excited for him to see what she’d accomplished.

“I wanted it to be reflective of the city’s history. And I didn’t want it to be just another modernist skyscraper like those in the Central Business District. But with the proposed height, I had to figure out how to marry a contemporary style and a traditional style and make them work together. It was a challenge but I’m really pleased with the results.”

Darryl tossed her a quick glance before leaning over the table to take a closer look at one of the blueprints. His silence was unnerving and Camryn bit down against her bottom lip as she anticipated his critique.

“It reminds me of the grand mansions on St. Charles Avenue. It’s very Queen Anne–like but then because of its size, it’s not.”

“I’m impressed. You got it.”

“Not as much as I am. Are you drawing the structural blueprints, as well? Did you really detail the steel framing by hand, not CAD software?”

“I’m very good at what I do, Mr. Boudreaux,” she said, passing him one of the pralines. “Of course, I expect you to make sure they’re correct. The load bearings need to be detailed precisely and I hear that’s your specialty.”

Darryl took a bite of the sweet confection as he nodded his head. He lifted the blueprint, staring at the details more closely. “This is good work, Camryn. Really good,” he said, turning to meet her gaze.

Camryn felt herself break out into a sudden sweat. Darryl’s close proximity was definitely more than she could bear. She thought about her hair being all over her head and her face lacking even a hint of foundation or lipstick. She had to be one hot mess standing there in torn jeans and a ragged T-shirt.

Before she could catch it, the container in her hand fell to the floor, the last piece of candy rolling under the office desk. Her eyes widened as she dropped down onto her hands and knees, grappling to retrieve the treat.

“Damn,” Camryn cursed, muttering cuss words under her breath.

Dropping down beside her, Darryl laughed. “Need some help?”

“No...I can...” she stammered, words catching in her throat. She shook her head and dropped down onto her backside, her legs extended out in front of her. She crossed her ankles. “That piece of candy was yours,” she said finally, lifting her gaze to his.

Darryl laughed. “No, my candy is safely in a plastic container in the basket,” he said, sitting down beside her. He dropped a casual arm over her shoulder as he continued to laugh heartily.

Before Camryn knew it, she was laughing with him, the booming chuckle rising from deep in her midsection. Tears pressed at the backs of her eyelids, the contagious moment spreading from one to the other. Like a refreshing thunderstorm, the laughter washed away the last bit of anxiety she’d been feeling.

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