CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

She’d been home for a little over a week, and dealing with the Feds and other legal officials had proceeded at a breakneck speed, nonstop from the time her feet hit the ground.  Federal agents interviewed her, wanting her to relive in minute detail her life with Gareth Prescott, even though it was a matter of public record.  A part of her past—just like Jasmine DuBois.  They’d questioned her for two solid days about every aspect of her time in Costa Rica.  They probably knew more about her time there than she did. 

Samuel gave her the time off, although most of Carpenter Security had returned to normal, and she was itching to get back to work.  To return to a modicum of sanity that didn’t have anything to do with her past.  She wanted—no, she needed—to get back to the life she’d built, one that she loved. 

One good thing had come from the entire fiasco—no more hiding from the public or her family.  Being able to go home again, see her parents, let them know that she was alive and well, almost been worth the whole ordeal worthwhile.  Almost.  There were rifts to mend, and she hoped time would help them all heal.  And though her brother always knew she was alive, he’d kept his word to Samuel and the Feds, and hadn’t told a soul, knowing his silence was the price he’d paid to keep her safe. 

Etienne hadn’t been around, and though she didn’t want to admit it, she missed him.  Missed his smile.  Missed the feel of his arms wrapped around her, making her feel secure and safe.  Missed his body pressed against hers as they made love. 

Everyone was gathered at Samuel and Andrea’s apartment, watching Sarah open another present, and oohed and ahhed over the delicate pink onesie and matching booties.  It had been unanimously decided to hold off on having the baby shower until after Sarah and Ranger’s baby was born, since they didn’t know the baby’s gender, and wanted to keep it that way.  Plus it gave them a chance to make sure everybody could be in the same place at the same time. 

She loved little Abby.  She was the most precious little girl.  Rarely cried, and had the sweetest disposition.  With dark brown curls and light golden-brown eyes, she was looking more and more like her daddy every day. 

Abigail Elizabeth Boudreau, Abby for short, had quickly become the pampered princess at Carpenter Security, spoiled and doted on by everybody there.  But especially by her grandfather.  Gator had turned out to be a big ole softie.  Who know the gruff older man could be turned into a pussycat by a little tiny bundle of femininity? 

“Why aren’t you over there watching Sarah unwrap Abby’s gifts?”  Etienne’s softly voiced question startled her. 

“Just needed a second to myself.  Abby seems to have doubled in size while I was gone.” 

He smiled.  “She’s something.  I have never seen my brother happier.  He’s wrapped around that little girl’s finger, that’s for sure.” 

“As it should be.  Daddy’s are supposed to adore their little girls.” 

There was a moment of silence between them, not awkward, but comfortable, and she longed to lean against him, and have him wrap his arms around her.  But everything was different now.  They were back home, and maybe he’d had second thoughts about wanting her.  Though she kept her phone at her side all the time, he hadn’t called or stopped by her place. 

“I’ve missed you.”  His deep voice tingled along her spine like a rumble of thunder, saying the words she’d been dying to hear.  Maybe it was her imagination playing tricks, because he was still looking at Ranger and Sarah and little Abby. 

“What?” 

“I’ve missed seeing you.”  He raked a hand through his hair.  “Steph, I’m not good at this.  Damn it, I told Samuel I’d give you time to get over what happened in Costa Rica, but I can’t.  We’ve wasted too much time already, with me keeping my distance.  Not telling you how I feel.”

Inside her chest, her heartbeat trip-hammered like the beating wings of a hummingbird.  Had she been wrong?  Did he want her as much as she wanted him—loved him? 

“Etienne, I—I’ve missed you too.” 

He let out a long breath, and she watched the muscles in his shoulders relax.

“You wanna get out of here, maybe go someplace where we can talk?” 

She nodded, and he clasped her hand in his, leading her toward the door.  They’d barely made it two steps before Samuel blocked their path.

“Going somewhere?”  A self-satisfied smirk curled his lips, and Stephanie wanted to pop him.  Sometimes he acted more like an overprotective big brother than a boss, and it was starting to get annoying. 

“Thought I’d take her up to the rooftop patio.  It’s a nice night, and we’ve got a few things to talk about.” 

Samuel’s gaze shifted from Etienne to her, and she met his look boldly, not backing down.  Finally he sighed, and held his hand out to Etienne. 

“You’re a lucky man, because she is one in a million.  Take care of her.” 

“I intend to.” 

He moved toward the door, still holding her hand clasped tightly in his, and she followed, more intrigued than ever.  Because it sounded like Samuel had just given Etienne his blessing.  To what?  Date her?  Or something more? 

They climbed the staircase leading to the roof.  When she stepped outside, the cool breeze caressed her skin, and tiny goosebumps prickled along her arms.  She didn’t mind, because the view from the roof was extraordinary.  In one direction, all of downtown New Orleans was lit up, resembling sparkling holiday lights, twinkling over the city she loved.  In the other direction sprawled the Mississippi River, wending its way toward the sea.  The bridge in the distance was lit with headlights of people driving home. 

“It’s beautiful up here.  Every time I see the view, it steals my breath away.” 

Standing behind her, his arms slid around her waist and he pulled her close.  With a contented sigh, she leaned her head back against his shoulder. 

“Staying away from you these last few days has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, baby.  I know you need time, but...”

Turning in his arms, she framed his face with her hands.  “I don’t need time.  All I need is you.  All I’ve ever needed was you.” 

Closing his eyes, he drew in a ragged breath.  He opened his eyes again, searching hers.  A riot of emotions simmered beneath the surface, but what she saw reflected back at her gave her hope.  When his lips crashed against hers, she knew she’d come home.  Opening her mouth beneath his, she kissed him back with everything that had been buried deep inside her for years.  The pent up frustration, need and desire, but most especially the love that she’d hidden for so long.  But no more.  When his tongue surged forward to tangle with her own, she met the caress, her tongue sliding against his.  She’d been dying for him to kiss her again, ever since the night they’d spent together, and now she was back in his arms—where she belonged.

Breaking the kiss, he rested his forehead against hers for a long moment, before he spoke.  “When I found out what was happening in Costa Rica, I lost it.  Even threatened to quit if Samuel didn’t let me fly down to find you.  I know we’ve known each other for a long time, and I’ve kept my mouth shut, and locked my feelings away.  No more, Stephanie.  I can’t go through that again.  It started out simply as attraction.  You’re a beautiful woman, and I wanted you.  But that changed as I got to know you, discovered the woman behind the polished professional.  You’re sweet and funny and have a generous spirit that touches every person you meet.  Is it any wonder that I fell head over heels in love with you?” 

“Etienne—” 

He placed a finger gently against her lips.  “Let me say this, sweetheart.  I got to know the real you, and I was a goner.  I’d already decided to pursue something between us when you got back from your trip—and then all hell broke loose.  My heart nearly exploded in my chest when I found out you were in danger, and I was thousands of miles away.” 

She shivered in his arms, and it had nothing to do with the cold.  His words stole her breath away, and were a balm to her soul. 

“I wanted you too, Etienne.  From the very first time I saw you, you’ve haunted my dreams, yet you never made a move or gave any indication you were interested.”  She held up a hand when he started to speak.  “I knew Samuel asked you to keep your distance.  Honestly, I understand why he did it.  I was in an ugly place when he met me, and after having lived with Gareth Prescott, I wasn’t ready to get involved with anybody.  So, even though I was instantly attracted to you, I didn’t trust myself or my taste in choosing men.  My track record in that department kinda sucks.  But I’ve had a chance to watch the people here, see what an honest, loving relationship should be.  Not the twisted, obsessive thing that Gareth demanded, but strong, courageous men who found women to love and who love them in return.  I want that.” 

He chuckled softly.  “Sweetheart, I want that too.  With you.  Only you.  I can’t picture having anybody else in my life who can bring me the kind of joy you can.  You make me feel alive.  You fill my world with hope, and give me a peace I’ve been searching for.” 

Leaning against his shoulder, with his arms around her waist, she understood.  Every word he spoke was exactly how she felt.  Etienne gave her a feeling of security she’d been missing her whole life. 

“I think you know me better than anybody ever has.  Not the silly superficial things that everybody knows, but you see the me that’s underneath, the damaged, fragile woman who has struggled to make herself better and stronger, and you like her.” 

“Yes, I like her very much.  I also love her.  I know things have gone from zero to sixty at lightning speed, but I want our chance at happiness.  I want the whole package, the dating, the walking in the rain holding hands, riding off into the sunset together thing.  The whole package, but only if it’s with you, baby.”

Tears pricked at her eyes as she let his words soak in and settle in her heart.  The depth of love in his voice made her want to weep and sing and twirl around.  It made her lightheaded and giddy with joy. 

“That’s what I want too, more than anything.  I love you, Etienne.  I don’t have the words to tell you how much.  You’re every breath I take.  You’re the reason I get up every morning, anxious to get to work, just so I can see your face, hear your voice.”  A little chuckle escaped.  “Do you realize we haven’t even been on a single date?” 

He grinned and gave her a wicked wink.  “I think we whizzed right past the dating stage in Costa Rica.”

Heat flooded her cheeks as she remembered the night they’d made love behind the waterfall.  “I guess that’s true.” 

“I can’t promise everything will be sunshine and roses, sweetheart, but say you’re willing to give us a try.  See where this leads us—together.”

Together.  She liked the sound of that, and gave him the one word, the only word, singing in her heart.

“Yes.”