Читать книгу Risking Delaney - Rhonda Leah - Страница 7

Chapter 3

After a sleepless night, the fishing charter went better than Brock expected. They were back before noon. The old timers were regulars and he’d escorted them into the Gulf several times since his return to Chandler Bayou. They never stayed long on the water and normally came back with a good catch. Today was no different.

After a quick shower, he headed to the office. There were a dozen calls to return, but one from Dirk had caught his attention.

He hadn’t talked to him in weeks. Since the new cabins were completed and the paths re-asphalted, he might have time to take Dirk up on a game of pool or a night out. Spending time stewing over Delaney’s mixed messages wasn’t helping him at all.

“Hello, Jump Shots,” Dirk barked into the phone.

“Hey, buddy, is it that bad?”

“What are you, the happy police?”

“Hell no. What’s going on?” Brock asked.

“Not much. Dead around here right now. Catching up on paper work.”

“That explains your mood.”

“I guess.”

“You plan on being there this afternoon?” He finally had a break in his schedule. Slowly, but surely he was bringing Chandler Bayou into this century.

“Chained to my desk all day. What’s up? Want to go to Black’s for a game of pool and a couple rounds of beer?”

“Maybe. But first, remember that conversation we had when I first moved back?” Brock replied.

“After our last jump? Hell, yeah I remember. You ready to get some ideas together?”

“Yeah. I’d like to get some firm figures and program ideas together. Granddad will be home soon and Callie mentioned confronting him directly. This venture is one thing I want more definite plans in place for before talking to him.”

“Like I told you before, I’m in,” Dirk said. Sounds like we need some mock up brochures or something. I’ll see if I can find the number for the marketing guy I’ve used before. I’ve seen what you’re currently working with, and that won’t cut it.”

“Hey. Everything around here is circa 1983 or before. I wasn’t working on anything then, except getting Billie Ann Roberts out of her swimsuit.”

A rumble of laughter from Dirk crossed the line. “You need to get out more, man. See you this afternoon.”

* * * *

Delaney flopped on the love seat in the corner of Callie’s office. Callie sat behind the desk, phone to her ear, and acknowledged her with a quick wave. Boxes were stacked in the corner marked with Callie’s handwriting. It looked like more wedding stuff. She needed something to fill her thoughts besides Brock, so would gladly do whatever Callie had planned for her. Her early morning workout hadn’t helped much.

Callie dropped into the chair across from her.

“You love what you do here, your job?”

Callie laughed. “Can you believe it? Yes, I completely love it. Did you ever think I’d be dealing with this kind of stuff?”

“It suits you. And you seem happy.”

“I am. Of course I never thought to block out the weekend before my wedding. Now I’m stuck with a conference.”

“Better you than me. I’d likely kill someone before it was all over.”

“That’s why you do what you do and I do this,” Callie said with humor. “Really, it’s not bad, but my wedding has taken over my life.” She pointed to the boxes. “What do you want to tackle first?”

“Honestly, I have no idea. I’ll do whatever you need done. I wanted to spend some time with you before you become an old married woman.”

Callie smiled. “I know you love me, and your timing couldn’t thrill me more. I’ve got tons for you to do.”

“Well, where should we start?”

“Let me grab my wedding planner.” The phone rang. Callie apologized, answered the call and handed her off the large three ring binder with papers falling out of it.

Delaney settled back and started at the beginning. Soon she was completely engrossed. Callie had spared no detail in assembling the book, even had notes indicating the date to mail the invitations. And today was mailing day. She’d have to ask about that.

“Callie?” Brock’s sharp tone from the doorway pulled her from the book.

Callie spun the chair around and gave him an agitated look.

Seeing the phone to her ear, he turned to walk out, but stopped when he caught sight of Delaney. She couldn’t help but stare. The man could fill a pair of jeans. She swallowed a breath and smiled.

“Delaney. I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“I’m helping Callie.”

He gave her a tight nod.

Callie came around the desk. “What’s wrong with you?”

He shook his head. “Nothing. Look, I’m going to see Dirk this afternoon. I wanted to talk to you about it before I went. We’ll be firming up some ideas, plans.”

Callie shrugged and settled into the chair again. Brock shot Delaney an odd look. “Spit it out. I’ve got wedding stuff to do,” Callie said.

“Fine.” He handed Callie a stack of brochures. “Dirk’s looking up the marketing guy who did some work for him before. We need to do mock-ups for a joint venture. I want them done before granddad comes in. And I’m changing all of these, so if you want input, now’s the time.”

Callie sighed. “I don’t have time for this.”

“I know. But I don’t see the point in having a set of samples done for the venture with Jump Shots and not have these done too.”

Without a second thought Delaney said, “I can do it.”

“What?” Brock shot her an odd look.

“I can do the brochures, pamphlets, whatever. I’ll make sure it’s done to both of your specifications.”

“My brain is in another dimension. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it. She would be perfect,” Callie jumped in immediately.

“Sorry, I don’t get it,” Brock said.

Maybe he was aggravated with her for walking out on him the night before.“I’ve been an account executive for an ad agency for the past three years. I think I can handle some brochures for Chandler Bayou.”

“I…I thought... Never mind. That’s fine. I just...I guess I didn’t know what it was you did.”

She smiled. She’d been attending a pharmaceutical convention when they’d met. “I worked for a small company with big accounts. I was in Austin as part of my training.”

“Oh.”

“So you agree not to let Dirk find some off-the-wall whack-job to do the marketing pamphlets?” Callie asked.

“Of course.” The look he shot her sent a flash of heat down her spine. “I had no idea we had an expert right under our noses. I’m going see Dirk. I’ll be back later.”

“Great. Delaney, why don’t you ride with him? You can mail my wedding invitations while you’re out. Besides, that will give you two time to discuss the brochures. And if you’re intent on doing a joint venture with Dirk, she might as well meet him too. I trust Delaney.”

Callie was practically kicking her out. “I thought we had tons to do?” The idea of spending the afternoon with Brock made her tingle all over.

“That phone call was Jamie rescheduling an interview with a possible restaurant manager for this afternoon. I’m going to be tied up.”

“Oh. Brock, do you mind me tagging along?”

The mega-watt smile he gave her made her toes curl. “Not one bit.”

Callie crossed to her desk, handed the invitations to her, and looking at them both, said, “The deal is, you take these to the post office before six. Got it?”

“Got it,” they said in unison.

Brock gathered up the brochures. “I’ll swing by the cabin and pick you up in about a half hour.”

“Okay.” After he was gone she said, “I hope you don’t mind me piping in about the materials, but honestly, I could use the distraction.”

“From?” Callie raised her eyebrows.

She rolled her eyes heavenward. “Give me a break. Besides, I might actually need the work. You know I’m jobless.”

“Yeah, I see you struggling,” she said as Delaney left the office.

* * * *

Brock had fully intended to give Delaney the cold shoulder. Her leaving him high and dry last night had stung. He’d been hot and achy since. His level of sexual frustration had quadrupled in the short time since she arrived.

Seeing her with her hair around her shoulders, the bright glint in her eyes had changed his mind. She had some sort of pull on him, made him drop barriers he had been living behind for years.

Spending another afternoon with her would be interesting. The knowledge she was in advertising and marketing had taken him aback.

She was full of surprises.

The drive to the airport and the Jump Shots office wasn’t a long ride, and though she made fun of some of the quirks around Chandler Bayou, she seemed to be enjoying the place.

They chatted the entire time. Neither mentioned the night before. She asked about places they passed on the drive and talked about Callie and Tim. He was relaxed and comfortable with her in a way he couldn’t explain. They were to their destination before they even had a chance to talk about the brochures.

“What’s the deal with the airport? Why are we here?” she asked.

“My friend Dirk runs a–” He stopped as Dirk met them at the door.

Dirk clapped him on the back and shook his hand. “Good to see you, Brock,” he said, then glanced at Delaney a couple of paces behind him. “Whoa, who’s the babe?” he whispered.

Brock shook his head. Dirk led them into his office, a place that always amazed him. The building was new, but stepping into this room was like entering a different era. Antique airplane parts filled the small space. Papers were tossed all over.

At the desk, Dirk turned to him. “I couldn’t get in touch with the marketing guy. We’ll have to get back to that in a couple of days.”

“No, we don’t need him. Let me introduce you to Delaney Breaux,” he said, turning to her where she’d stopped at the door. “Delaney, this is Dirk–”

“Broussard,” Dirk cut in, and crossed the office to stand next to her and study her intently.

She cleared her throat and her tension was almost palpable. Something had shaken her. She held out her hand. “Nice to meet you, Dirk.”

“Actually I think we’ve met before. My father and Senator Broussard are brothers. I believe it was at my Aunt Gin’s house.”

“Oh.” A stricken expression flashed in her eyes, but she recovered quickly.

Dirk shook his head. “It was ages ago. Anyway, you look familiar.”

“Yes, years. But I do remember you…now.” Her gaze landed on Brock and he could swear there was more she wanted to say.

“Well then,” Dirk said, and headed for a round table in the corner of his office. They followed him and got settled. Brock dropped the brochures he brought in. Dirk pulled out the much newer ones for Jump Shot’s skydiving service.

“Skydiving?” Delaney said faintly.

“Actually my main business is aerial photography, but maybe with Brock’s cooperation we’ll both pull in more business.”

She nodded.

“Darlin’, don’t tell me you’ve never jumped,” Dirk said.

“No. Too dangerous.” She met Brock’s gaze. “I guess you do.” It was a statement. As if she already knew the answer. And didn’t approve.

It was the first time in his life he’d considered someone else’s feelings about his adventurous side. He tempered his answer. “I have, a time or two.”

Dirk’s head whipped around.

“Oh,” she said.

“What exactly are you two talking about doing?” she asked, scowling. “What kind of co-operation? Are you two danger nuts planning on offering the general public some sort of extreme sporting package here?”

Her disapproval was heavy, but he had to hand it to her. She was a huge help over the next couple of hours as they discussed package possibilities, pricing and advertising. It was pushing five o’clock when they tied things up.

“How about I buy you two a drink at Black’s before you go back out to the Bayou?” Dirk offered.

“Sounds like a plan,” Brock said. Delaney gathered the papers and notes she had assembled while they talked. “What do you say?”

She looked up as if she’d only just heard him. “What?”

“I think we all deserve a drink before we head back. We made more headway than I thought we could in one afternoon. Callie sounded like she was going to be tied up. You should be free.”

“Sure. That’s fine, but what time is it?”

He checked his watch. “Five thirty. Shit.” They had forgotten the invitations. “Dirk, we’ll meet you out at Black’s…there’s something we need to take care of,” he finished, as they rushed out the door.

In the parking lot, Dirk said behind him, “I’m sure I’m missing something here.”

“See ya,” he shouted, not looking back.

* * * *

They made it to the post office in time and mailed the invitations.

Delaney’s stomach rumbled, and for the first time, she realized they had skipped lunch.

“Black’s is just a hole in the wall,” Brock said, taking her attention from the fields of sugar cane they drove past.

Glancing his way was the wrong thing to do. She wanted him with such an overwhelming force. He was strong and solid and steady.

No. Dangerous. “Is there food?”

“They make a mean homemade hamburger.”

He pulled in and parked at the end of a small strip mall that seemed to pop up in the middle of nowhere. She liked the rusty, half painted sign above the door. It had great appeal.

Brock helped her out of the truck, and the heat of his hands at her waist stoked a fire that had been threatening to start all day.

“I don’t see Dirk’s Jeep. We must have beat him here.” He laced his fingers through hers and pulled her toward the door.

She was in way over her head.

“Let’s grab a booth and order.” Brock said.

Inside the bar was dark and a little dingy, but the booths were spotless and each had a light hanging above. They had their pick of places to sit. An older lady called a greeting to Brock as they entered, and following them to the booth, dropped two menus on the table.

“Just you two?” she asked.

“Dirk might join us.”

“Holler when you’re ready, hon,” she said with a nod, returning to the bar.

A couple of pool tables stood across the room. Near the back a sign indicated restrooms, to the side was a DJ booth. A pretty good sized dance floor was smack dab in the middle of the room. She took a better look at the antique bar and scattered pub tables they had passed on the way in. Interesting place.

“See anything?” Brock asked.

“Oh, uh, a burger’s fine.”

“You sure? You seem distracted.”

“Nope, just checking out the place.”

“I’ll go put in our order. Be right back.”

He returned with a draft beer for each of them. “Forgot to ask what you’d like to drink. I can get something else.”

“No, this is fine, thanks.”

She liked a cold beer now and then. They’d had their share one night in Austin. That week had been replaying in her head for the past couple of days. What was it about him? About that time in her life that made the memories so clear?

Adjusting in her seat, she tried to shake off the thought. Over the years, she’d probably pumped up the memories of him. The reality couldn’t have been as good as she remembered. Did she want the opportunity to find out?

The round, middle-aged waitress deposited their food on the table. “Ya’ll need anything else?”

Brock shook his head, and the waitress took off.

“This is the biggest hamburger I believe I’ve ever seen,” she said.

“They are big, and good. Try it.”

The burger smelled delicious, and she wanted to take a bite all right. Of him. She lifted her fork and attempted to break a piece off of the enormous burger.

Brock laughed. “That’s not the way to do it.” The fire in his eyes sparked a flame deep in her belly.

“Well, what do you suggest? It’s pretty big.” She smirked.

Leaning over, he mashed the top bun down. “There, I think you can handle it.” He plucked a French fry from the platter between their plates. “Of course I thought you could have handled it before.”

He dropped the French fry into his mouth and chewed heartily. She shook her head and lifted half the burger.

He was right. It was excellent. They fell into heated banter. It took all she had to finish half the burger and a couple of fries. Brock wiped out his entire burger. Then the waitress picked up the dishes and offered them another beer. They both refused.

Brock stood. “I guess Dirk got sidetracked. I’ll be right back.”

She nodded and lifted an advertisement from the edge of the table, thumbing through the paper, checking the ads and the formats. The few days she’d been off work had been nice, but she liked what she did. Even though Brock was a danger freak, he had great business ideas. Both he and Dirk did. No doubt they would succeed. The afternoon had her excited about the project.

Brock returned to the table and Dirk was walking in the door.

“I see y’all waited for me,” Dirk said with laughter in his voice.

“Skipped lunch,” she replied.

“Ah. Well, they do make the best burgers around. Want to shoot a game of pool?” Dirk asked.

Brock looked to her. “Are you in a hurry?”

“No, and I’d love to watch.” She smiled easily at this man who had the ability to make her entire body go on red alert.

* * * *

After the first round Delaney stopped next to him and leaned in close. “When you finish the game do you think we could dance?” she whispered.

A small crowd was swaying to the music on the dance floor. “Here?”

She laughed. “Yeah, unless…”

“The only other place is the bar on the far side of Chandler Bayou. This is good.”

“I need something to drink. Want anything?” she asked, and when he shook his head and reached for his beer, moved to the bar.

A few minutes later, he knew the smirk on Dirk’s face couldn’t bode well for him.

“Busted, buddy,” Dirk said with a jerk of his thumb toward the bar.

Brock turned and looked. He didn’t see anything unusual. “What?”

“Don’t look now, but in case you forgot, Sue Ellen has that article about us…”

He swallowed. “Oh shit.”

Dirk nodded. “She’s done eased herself behind the bar. What’s the deal with that anyway? You’ve only jumped a time or two? You’re so full of shit.”

Brock rose and paced to the bar, then around it to stand beside Delaney. She was engrossed in the old newspaper article Sue Ellen had framed.

“I can explain.”

She shot him a look that said she knew he couldn’t, but shrugged and turned back to the article. “It’s okay. Of course, I don’t like being lied to.”

“I–”

Her hand came up, warding off his words. “A time or two?” The look she gave him was incredulous.

“Well…uh, you didn’t seem to like the idea.”

“And that mattered to you?” She put her hand in the center of his chest.

He clasped it, then practically dragged her from behind the bar. Sitting on a stool, he pulled her into the vee of his legs. “Yes. It mattered.”

She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to the side of his mouth. The fist in his gut tightened.

“You didn’t come across as a danger freak back in Austin.”

He let out a sharp laugh. She’d only been there a week. Of course it was true he’d been more focused on making money when he’d lived there. Though he’d taken on his share of adventure, he’d been less rowdy. “I slowed down once I moved, but I’ve always been up for an adventure, still am.”

“Danger,” she countered.

“No, I’m all about safety first.”

“There is nothing safe about jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. Seems insane to me.”

“Drinks, hon,” Sue Ellen said and slapped him on the back. He handed Delaney’s glass to her, and she took a long swallow of the cold drink. His body tightened as he watched her.

“Ready for that dance?” he asked as a slow song started.

Delaney took his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor. A few couples were already embraced and swaying to the music.

“I guess you know the whole town?” she asked as he pulled her close and settled his hand at her waist.

Arms on his shoulders, she moved with him to the rhythm. “It’s a small community, but I’ve been away for a long time.”

“Well it seems like a place where everyone knows your name.”

He leaned in closer. The fresh scent of her shampoo tickled his nose. “A lot of people have spent their entire lives in this area. Not everyone is as adventurous as you and move off to New York.”

She seemed startled, and he wondered why. “Well I grew up in New Orleans. It’s not exactly a small town.”

He shrugged. “Maybe not.”

“I was thinking maybe you could show me around Chandler Bayou and some of the area.”

Now she was talking. “Sounds like an excellent idea.”

“I thought so, but I didn’t know if you’d have time,” she said and leaned her head on his chest.

“I’ll make it.” He stroked her hair.

It wasn’t long before Dirk and some woman headed out the door. Delaney mentally debated a pool lesson for a few minutes before she decided against it.

The ride back to Chandler Bayou went too fast, and he didn’t want the night to end. This woman was driving him mad.