Page 9 of Fearless Encounter

“I’m not sure my situation calls for all of this,” Brooke said. “Mardi Gras can be scary anyway, with all the weird costumes and heavy drugs and drinking.”

Gabriel wasn’t buying her “it’s nothing” argument. He pulled onto the street and headed for her condo.

“I’ll text Jasper to let him know I’ll be in shortly,” Brooke said. “I’m rarely late. I don’t want him to worry. I’ll figure out some excuse for my tardiness. Saturday is a big day at the restaurant.”

Gabriel was relieved that she’d agreed without too much protest. Once he dropped her at Jasper’s, he’d go to his office and dig for information. If one looked in the right places, there were always clues. In the PI business, he was able to employ methods that law enforcement didn’t. They didn’t have the staff for it and were bound by procedure. That was where being in business for himself was an advantage. He didn’t have to limit his methods or resources—as long as he stayed within the law.

Chapter 3

Brooke was relieved to have the visit to the police behind her, but she realized that it didn’t resolve much. It made it worse, as she couldn’t pretend the event wasn’t a real thing. The report made it official. Yet if that was all there was to it, life would continue as it had before. But clearly Gabriel didn’t think that was the case. He had insisted that she stay with him, not trusting her safety in her own home—a chilling thought.

“You’re sure this isn’t an imposition?” she said, feeling guilty for dumping her issue on Gabriel.

“I suggested it, remember?” Gabriel’s smile warmed her. “I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t mean it.”

“What about your work?”

“That’s one thing good about having my own business,” he said. “I can set my own schedule.” He turned the corner, heading for her condo. “Besides, I have my business partner, Weston, to share the workload.”

Brooke would be in the restaurant until after dinner. It wasn’t like he had to be glued to her day and night. Although under other circumstances, that wouldn’t be so terrible.

She looked out the window, spotting her condo. After her son moved to the dorms, she’d bought a small place. The condo was all she needed. It was in the French Quarter, close to the restaurant, and had lovely views of the Mississippi River. There were hardwood floors throughout, a huge selling point for her. After moving in, she’d decorated it to suit her.

After Gabriel parked, they went up to her place. She unlocked the door and stepped inside. The light streamingthrough the windows made her feel good and gave the impression that she had more square feet than she actually did. “Make yourself comfortable,” she said, motioning toward the living room. “I won’t be long.”

In her walk-in closet, she changed into black stretchy pants and her white chef’s jacket. Then she rolled out a large suitcase and began packing. She hadn’t asked how long she’d be staying, but then, there was no way to know for sure. Whatever happened, she had no intention of taking advantage of Gabriel’s hospitality. After a day or two, she’d move back to her place.

For a couple of days, Brooke would be spending time with Gabriel—not an unwelcome thought. It was a bit unnerving knowing he was in her living room. She hadn’t invited many people over since she’d moved in, and his presence felt more intimate than it should. He sparked desire in her, in a way that couldn’t be ignored.

Gabriel was a dream guy in many ways. When he smiled, his deep brown eyes lit up, revealing so much of his character. He seemed genuinely interested in her and cared about what happened. Yet she steeled herself not to make more out of it. His intention was to protect her, which was his profession—nothing more. He refused to leave a woman in distress, another of his admirable qualities.

Brooke rolled her suitcase to the hallway and found Gabriel looking through her books. “I hope you don’t mind,” he said.

“Sure, I love to read,” she said. “How about you?”

“I’m an avid reader,” Gabriel said. “I see we have similar taste. We’ll have to share our top ten books.”

Brooke was really in trouble. He was a hunky guy who was only a few years older than her, and who cooked, loved his family, and read books. She was doomed.

“Ready?” Gabriel walked toward her, making her heart skip a beat. He reached for the handle of the suitcase. “I’ve got this.”

Oh God, he was a real gentleman—she wasabsolutelydoomed.

On the way to the restaurant, Gabriel chatted about her place. “I see why you like it. You don’t miss a larger home?”

“Nope, it’s just me,” Brooke said. “And there’s the extra bedroom for when David is home.” She looked at him, curious. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure, anything.”

She held back from any sensitive subjects—that could wait. “Why did you leave the police force? You seem to belong there.”

“I had my reasons.”

Brooke stared at him.

Gabriel shifted in his seat. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you sometime.” He pulled up to the curb in front of the restaurant. “Would you like me to come in with you?”

Brooke laughed. “I’d prefer it if you wouldn’t, otherwise I’ll have to answer too many questions. My best friend works here, and I guarantee that she would notice an attractive man escorting me to work.”