Chapter 14
Gage removed the “Reserved” sign from a table that was positioned with an unobstructed view of the stage and seated Tonya. He slipped off his jacket and draped it over the back of the chair opposite hers. “I’ll be right back, as soon as I let the band know I’m here.”
Tilting her chin, she smiled up at him. She had met Gage for the first time three weeks ago, yet it felt as if she had known him much longer. Hannah had confided to her that at their age they were mature enough to know what they did or did not want. Within minutes of reuniting with St. John and learning that he was no longer married, Hannah knew she wanted more than friendship. Now it was Tonya’s turn to decide what she wanted. She could not deny the physical attraction that was evident, but was she willing to take their friendship to the next level?
Keep an open mind, the silent voice reminded her. Whenever faced with a quandary, the inner voice would remind her not to overthink or overanalyze a situation. After all, she and Gage were adults with adult children, and potential grandparents.
Gage returned with a food and beverage menu. He shifted a chair and sat next to her, resting an arm over her shoulders. “Let me know what you want to eat, and I’ll have one of the waitstaff get it for you.”
She gave him a sidelong glance. “What are you having?”
He pressed his mouth to the diamond stud in her lobe. “I’ll eat later. I’m only playing one set, so after that I’m all yours.”
“What if I wait for you to eat?”
“You don’t have to, Tonya.”
“I want to. What do you want me to order for you?”
“I’ll have what you’re having.”
Tonya gave the menu a cursory glance, and then recalled the tapas she had sampled. “The last time I was here I had tasso shrimp, crawfish with morel mushrooms, and deviled crab.”
Gage smiled. “Have you ever tried the oysters en brochette?”
“No.”
“I recommend you add the oysters and the spicy garlic shrimp. I’ll tell the waiter to bring our order in half an hour. Meanwhile, what do you want to drink?”
“I’d like a glass of prosecco.”
Tonya watched as Gage approached a waiter to give the young man their order. Everything about his body language communicated relaxed confidence. It was apparent he was comfortableandcontent with his current lifestyle, while she still hadn’t settled into hers. She enjoyed cooking and baking for Chez Toussaints and dating a man who, unknowingly, was the missing piece to make her life complete. Before relocating to New Orleans she thought she had it together, but interacting with Gage was a constant reminder that she had been in denial—that she did want a man in her life.
Gage returned to the table and brushed a light kiss over her mouth; she held onto his arm until he deepened the kiss. It ended, and he stared at her, complete surprise freezing his features. “Thank you,” Tonya said breathlessly against his parted lips. Easing back slightly, she rubbed her nose over his smooth cheek and inhaled the cologne mingling with his body’s natural masculine scent.
He smiled. “I don’t know what you’re thanking me for, but I like it.”
Tonya stared up at him from under lowered lids. She rubbed the pad of her thumb over his mouth. “I’ll tell you later. And lipstick doesn’t become you,” she teased.
Gage blinked once. “Ms. Martin, are you flirting with me?”
She winked at him. “As a matter of fact I am. Does that bother you?”
“Hell, no! To tell you the truth, you don’t flirt enough. There was a time when I thought maybe you didn’t like me very much.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Mr. Toussaint, because I happen to like you a lot.”
His expressive eyebrows lifted a fraction. “What arewegoing to do about it?”
“Roll with it.”
Gage made the peace sign with his fingers. “We’re going to have a lot fun together.”
“You promise?”
He nodded. “Promise.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’ve got to meet the guys in the dressing room, so I’ll see you later.”
She watched his retreating back until he disappeared from view. A waitress wearing a white shirt, black slacks, shoes, and a red bowtie approached her table, balancing a tray on her shoulder. She set a coaster stamped with the club’s logo on the table, along with napkins, two place settings, small plates, and a glass of prosecco.
