Page 4 of Fearless Encounter
Leaning against the seat and looking out the window, Brooke was glad to have a few minutes to relax. “Where do you live?”
“In the Garden District,” Gabriel said. “I bought the house over twenty-five years ago, when homes in the neighborhood were a lot more affordable. The house was originally built in nineteen forty-eight, but I renovated the place. Fortunately, I was able to do a lot of the work myself.”
Brooke was familiar with the charming neighborhood of oak-shaded streets lined with a mix of homes, everything from cottages to grand historic mansions. They drove past the lavish gardens of St. Charles Avenue and the cemetery filled with ornate nineteenth-century tombs. It was too dark out to see clearly, but she had been along the streets so many times that she had the scenery memorized.
It only took a few minutes to get to Gabriel’s home. When he pulled into the alley in back and approached his short driveway, motion-sensitive lights came on. He pushed the button to open the door. The headlights illuminated a well-kept one-car garage, large enough for his Toyota. Brooke noted the car wasn’t a newer model. She didn’t know her cars that well, but she could tell that much. “Do you like this car?”
As Gabriel pulled into the garage, he said, “It’s okay. In my line of work, I need to drive a vehicle that’s seen a lot, one that blends in. That’s also why it’s white, the most common color.”
“So you can follow people?”
“Sometimes.” Gabriel shrugged. “It goes with the job.”
Brooke got out. “Having a garage isn’t standard in this neighborhood.”
“I don’t like leaving my vehicle outside, so I converted the carport.” Gabriel escorted her out the door to the backyard, then clicked to shut the garage.
The walkway to the home was lit by lights under the eaves, showing off the neatly trimmed grass and hedges. Gabriel led her to the back door, where he stepped inside to turn on a light. “Welcome,” he said, with a sweep of his hand. “I’ll show you around.”
His home was comfortably furnished with overstuffed furniture and oriental carpets. The kitchen and bathrooms had been updated. “You did a good job with that remodel. Your home is lovely.”
“Glad you like it,” Gabriel said. “I repainted recently.”
Brooke admired the classy cream and gray hues, accented with brighter colors. “You have good taste.”
“My daughters helped. I just did the work.” Gabriel showed her to the suite. “Unpack and get comfortable. I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”
The suite wasn’t large but had two small bedrooms connected by a common bathroom. Brooke picked the room on the right, put her suitcase next to a chair, then took a breath. She looked at the family pictures decorating the walls.
It wasn’t going to be easy hanging around with Gabriel, especially in his own home. He was mature and caring, which touched her heart. The attraction was strong, although shebarely knew him. Lacking confidence in the dating department, Brooke didn’t consider flirting. It was best to keep things on a professional level. She’d accepted his protection, but only for the night. Then she’d figure out what to do.
It didn’t take long to unpack the few items she’d brought then hang her coat in the closet. She was a bit dressed up, since she’d planned to go to dinner. It would have to do, as she only had one change of clothes for the morning. She freshened up in the bathroom then headed for the kitchen. The aroma of the food reminded her how starved she was.
Gabriel was in a t-shirt and jeans, looking temptingly sexy. His biceps flexed as he prepared food. “I thought you’d be hungry.”
Brooke averted her eyes to avoid his gaze. “You don’t have to feed me. It’s enough that I’m staying here.”
“I like to cook.”
And that was one more point in his favor—a guy who liked to cook, and no doubt he’d be good at it. “What are you making?”
“I’m grilling a steak and steaming vegetables. I hope that’s okay. I’d planned to eat when I got home tonight.”
“It smells heavenly.” Brooke looked at the seared meat as her stomach rumbled. “What can I do to help?”
“You can set the table and slice that French bread. There’s a basket for it and butter in the crock.” Gabriel smiled. “Oh, and you can pour the wine that’s open, if you drink.”
Brooke could really use a drink. “I’d be happy to.” She poured the wine and set a glass next to Gabriel, then took a couple of sips before setting the table.
It wasn’t long before dinner was served. Gabriel sat across from her, sipping wine. “Please…enjoy.”
“This is delicious,” Brooke said, savoring a bite of steak.
While Gabriel ate, he chatted a bit about other meals he enjoyed cooking and a few details about the house. He was clearly trying to make her comfortable, and it was working. After most of her meal and a glass of wine, Brooke was more composed.
After refilling the wine glasses, Gabriel said, “What’s it like being a pastry chef?”
Brooke talked about her career. “My parents were in the restaurant business, and I was drawn to the creation of pastry. It’s like art.” She described a few techniques, such as tempering chocolate and creating delicate sugar sculptures. Gabriel listened intently, and actually seemed interested. “This doesn’t bore you?”