Chapter 1
Walking away from an afternoon wedding reception a few months later, Genevieve reflected on life's unpredictable nature. In a wonderful turn of events, her sister had gotten married, and she took a moment to appreciate Brooke's good fortune.
Brooke's dangerous situation had been resolved. Abe had done his part in making sure she was safe. And Gabriel had risked his life in the effort, plus he'd fallen in love. Brooke had shared the love story with her, and Genevieve couldn't be happier for her sister.
The following months had involved wedding planning, and then the big event had taken place. Genevieve had been the matron of honor, and once the reception was over, her sister had left on her honeymoon.
After seeing her off, Genevieve changed into street clothes. A brisk walk in the fresh spring air would be welcome. The rest of the guests were filtering out of the reception, so it was fine for her to leave also.
The wedding attendees were close relatives and friends. It was no surprise that Abe was there and that he was best man. She'd seen him at the rehearsal and engaged in polite conversation with him.
He looked terribly handsome dressed up. Genevieve had taken care not to be too obvious in her admiration. And Abe was friendly, as usual. She tried to read his expression but was clueless. She hoped he was interested in her, but he hadn't called.
Genevieve hadn't found a reason to call him either, although she had considered it. At the wedding, she noticed him looking at her a few times. She was part of the ceremony, so looking didn't mean anything.
As Genevieve headed for the hallway, she didn't see Abe. Since the bride and groom were gone, he must have left already. It was unlikely that she'd encounter him again, as there was no reason for their paths to cross.
She walked down the hallway with thoughts about the wedding and how radiant her sister had been during the ceremony. When the hotel doors slid open, she stepped out to the sidewalk then hesitated.
Movement at the side of the building caught her eye, and a figure emerged that she didn't instantly recognize. Then she saw what was in his hands and stared. Holding out a bunch of wilted roses, he closed the distance between them.
Genevieve kept her eyes on Jason. She hadn't seen him in a while, ever since she left his band. He hadn't been pleasant then, and it appeared that his disposition hadn't improved.
His blue-eyed gaze pierced into her, making her uneasy. "What are you doing here?"
His expression was dark, and Genevieve was unsure of his motive. Then he leaned in and spoke in a low voice. "Do you have dreams of happiness like your sister? I don't see it for you."
"Get away from me!" Genevieve pulled away and took a step back. Then she heard a familiar voice behind her.
Abe appeared by her side then stepped forward. He towered over Jason, looking menacing. "She asked you to leave. I suggest you do that."
Jason smirked. "I'll do as I please." He threw the bundle of dry flowers at her feet then turned away and casually walked down the street.
"Friend of yours?" Abe said.
"My former band leader." Genevieve took a breath. "I have no idea what possessed him to come here."
"How about if I buy you a cup of coffee?" Abe said. "You look like you could use it."
Genevieve was shaken by Jason's unexpected appearance and threatening attitude. She appreciated Abe's timely arrival, so accepted his offer. She didn't fail to notice that he had also changed into street clothes, looking impossibly drool-worthy.
*****
Abe had followed Genevieve out of the hotel. He wanted to see her again, but hadn't made a move at the reception. He'd caught sight of her as she turned the corner to go down the hallway toward the exit. It would be better to talk outside and feel out the situation.
He didn't have an opportunity to keep it casual, but it was lucky that he came upon the scene before the situation got out of hand. In his career, Abe had encountered stalkers plenty of times, and he could smell them a mile away.
They bought coffee at a nearby shop and sat at a table by the window. "That's the second time you've rescued me," she said.
Abe smiled. "We have to stop meeting like this."
Genevieve's laugh warmed his heart.
"Who was that guy?"
"That was Jason Thornton," Genevieve said. "He really is harmless, just annoying."
She might believe that he wasn't dangerous, but Abe was not convinced. "Is there more to that?"
Genevieve sipped her latte. "I'll give you the highlights. A few years ago, I was in his band. It didn't work out and he wasn't happy about that."
Abe waited, knowing there was more to the story.
"He came on to me," Genevieve said. "Only I wasn't interested, which offended his grand ideas of himself."
"I know the type."
"It got worse." Genevieve studied her coffee for a moment. "At the time, I was dating Alton, who became my second husband. Jason didn't consider that relevant and asked me out anyway. Not only did I reject him, but I proceeded to get married to another. That was the final insult, I suppose."
"Obviously he hasn't forgotten about you."
"I thought he had." Genevieve shrugged. "That marriage was tumultuous and short-lived. But I didn't hear from Jason, even to gloat. In the interim, my career has taken off."
"Interesting," Abe said. "You mentioned Alton was your second husband?"
"Yes, Nat Dumas was my first, and I kept that last name," she said. "It works as a stage name and differentiates me from my sister, who is also well known in her field."
"And Jason surfaced today for the first time?"
"I guess so," Genevieve said. "I've been focused on my career, although I date. But it's not easy to find the right guy."
He smiled.
"I've probably told you too much," Genevieve said. "The tabloids print a lot about my personal life. My failed marriages are no secret."
"Listen, I have no room to talk," Abe said. "I botched my marriage, so I've been a bachelor for the last fifteen years."
"Any kids?"
He shook his head. "I wanted kids, but divorce is tough on families. It was just as well that we didn't have any."
"Considering my luck with relationships, Brooke is more likely the one who will have a family."
Abe thought that she was being too hard on herself, but he didn't know her well enough to offer opinions. After hearing more of her story, he was concerned. Stalkers meant trouble, so he wasn't willing to let Genevieve go.
He preferred to keep an eye on her but wasn't sure what excuse to use. Asking her for a date seemed inappropriate. Jason's intrusion had set a different mood. But Genevieve solved the problem for him.
*****
Genevieve preferred Abe's company to being alone. Truth be told, she liked being with him more than she was willing to admit. Brooke was off on a wonderful honeymoon, and she was left with a disastrous love life. She missed her sister and felt adrift.
Yet she had taken the whole day off because of the wedding. And it was only late afternoon. Without thinking it through, she said, "Wanna hang out?"
Abe instantly agreed, then said, "What do you have in mind?"
"If you were one of my girlfriends, I'd suggest browsing the antique shops." She smiled. "No doubt you'd be asleep within the hour."
He laughed. "Make that…asleep within minutes."
"Instead, we can walk in the park for a while," Genevieve said. "It's a beautiful day and I could use the fresh air. There's been a lot going on recently, with wedding planning and all."
"A stroll in the park sounds good to me." Abe stood and offered her his arm. "If we're going to stroll, we might as well do it properly."
Genevieve swooned at his gentlemanly gesture. She linked arms with him, feeling like she'd been transported back to an earlier era. He led her to the park, where they chatted about the highlights of the wedding and reception.
Abe shared more about his friendship with Gabriel and their time together in the NOPD. He told a few stories, and said that they continued to work together. "As a detective, I can hire Gabriel as a consultant. That way he can use his skills to help with a case."
Hanging out took on a new meaning with Abe. He was easy to be with, and so damn sexy. If only he'd ask her out on a real date, but he hadn't yet.
Genevieve motioned toward a park bench. "Let's sit here."
He sat beside her. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"What were the dead flowers about?"
"I have a guess," Genevieve said, then slipped her jacket off to show a tattoo on her right shoulder. It was an image of small roses with pedals cascading down her arm.
"What's the meaning?"
"Love and loss," Genevieve said. "My first love broke my heart. I was only twenty at the time and believed that we'd marry." She looked at Abe. "I got the tattoo as a reminder of that loss."
"Does Jason know about that?"
"Sure, he asked about the tattoo. I suppose dropping a bunch of dead roses at my feet was meant to rub it in."
"Why would he want to do that?"
Genevieve put her jacket back on. "Only he knows that. He was disgruntled when I left the band. But I don't understand why he's reappeared now."
"Maybe your sister's wedding?"
"I thought of that too," Genevieve said. "That's spooky if it's true. Brooke's wedding was only for close friends and family. How did he know about the event and reception?"
Abe hesitated. "Perhaps he's been watching you."
That was a chilling thought. Genevieve expelled a breath then stood. "Shall we grab a hot dog at that kiosk? I'm hungry. I was too busy socializing to eat much at the reception."
Abe escorted her to the kiosk and bought the hot dogs. The conversation drifted to food in New Orleans and other casual topics. After eating, she walked to his police car, and he drove her home. Politely, he walked her to the door.
There was no mention of Jason or the unsettling encounter. But Abe said, "Do you still have my card?"
Genevieve nodded.