AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As he loomed above her, she smiled. “Thank you.” She knew from what she saw in his eyes that he was going to kiss her. When he did, it was soft, sweet, and satisfying. He drew back and ran a bent knuckle slowly down her cheek. “Come find us when you’re done.”
When Drake entered the parlor, he saw Cole tense. “I came to apologize for my rudeness earlier. My mother raised me better.”
“Valinda said she’s looking for a cure for your pirate blood.”
Drake chuckled. “As far as the family knows, it’s incurable. She and I will drive you back once she’s finished breakfast. She’ll be with us shortly.”
“I don’t mean to impose.”
“You aren’t imposing,” Drake assured him.
Cole gestured. “Then sit, if you would. It’ll give us a chance to talk. Unless you have something else to do.”
“I don’t.” Drake sat. In a way, he envied the man for being her lifelong friend. He knew her in ways Drake might never know.
“So,” Cole began. “How long have you been in love with her?”
Caught off guard, Drake studied Cole’s lean face with its close-cropped beard and fearless brown eyes. “What makes you think I’m in love?”
“Just a guess. But what man wouldn’t be? Val’s smart, intelligent, beautiful. Has a pretty wide rebellious streak though. Never met a rule she didn’t challenge.”
“She told me her father calls her a hellion.”
“Among other things. If she decides to stay, he’ll be someone you’ll have to contend with. He’s been trying to put a bridle on her for as long as she and I have been friends. Don’t let him.”
Drake heard the undercurrent of steel in the last three words. “Did she tell you she’s staying?”
“Not yet, but I think she’s made up her mind. She’s just trying to let me down gently. She likes New Orleans.”
“We enjoy having her here. She and my mother get along well.”
“You didn’t answer my question about loving her, but that’s okay. It’s really none of my business after all. I just want her to be happy and cherished the way she deserves to be. Lord knows her father isn’t going to care about that.”
Drake hadn’t met her father, but judging by Cole’s assessment, he was already not liking the man.
Cole continued, “When he learns she and I are no longer engaged he’s going to come to New Orleans to take her home. Again, don’t let him.”
Drake nodded. “A stellar man in your eyes, sounds like.”
Cole laughed. “Does it show?”
Drake had been prepared not to like Cole Bennett. Valinda had called him a good man, and Drake now understood why. “Know that I will do everything within my power to ensure she’s safe and happy as long as she’s here.”
“I believe you. She told me about the attack and your role in her rescue. Anything happen to the men?”
“Other than my breaking one’s face, no. They’re soldiers. I know their commanding officer. Their behavior won’t matter to him.”
“Pity.”
Val joined them. “Are we ready to depart?”
Drake said, “I’ll get the buggy and meet you out front.”
Outside, Drake sat behind the reins and watched Cole lean heavily on his cane as he made his way. His wincing showed the pain he was in and Drake wondered if he’d been crippled all his life. It would be rude to ask, so he saved the question for when he and Valinda were alone.
Valinda said, “Cole, you take a seat up front. I’ll sit in the back.” The concern and worry on her face showed how close she held him in her heart. Drake tried to convince himself he wasn’t bothered by it, but he again envied their bond.
Once everyone was inside, Cole, breathing heavily from the exertion, leaned back against the seat. “On days like this, I wish I had let the surgeon take my leg.”
