Chapter Four #4
“They did for this particular project, but usually I work remotely from a recording studio at the University of New Orleans. They rent out the space when it isn’t being used.”
“Sounds pretty convenient.”
“You gotta love technology,” April said. She looked over at him with a smile. “It’s adorable that you would worry, but honestly, I’m in the best financial shape that I’ve ever been in. The work is good, and the money is good. I actually started doing some shows around town, too.”
Damien’s head swung her way. “Really? Where?”
“The Gravier Street Social Club. They host small concerts. I played one a few weeks ago, and agreed to get on their schedule for a few more.”
“The great April Knight is back behind the cello? Nice.”
She rolled her eyes, but couldn’t hold in a snicker.
When they drove past her house a third time, April said, “You can just drop me off here and I’ll walk home.”
“I’m not just dropping you off. I don’t care how comfortable you are in your neighborhood,” Damien said.
“You do realize that I often walk home alone, don’t you?”
“Not when I’m around.”
He finally pulled into a spot three blocks from her house and cut the engine.
“This is ridiculous,” April said, but he was already out of the car and coming over to her side. He opened her door and held his hand out to her.
“Let me show you the proper gentleman I’ve become. In case you’ve forgotten, I wasn’t always this way.”
“How could I forget?” April said with a laugh.
She remembered that afternoon well. She went off on Damien when he stood there waiting for her to open the door to study hall, even though she had just as many books in her arms as he did.
“God, but you were a Neanderthal back then,” April said, taking his hand and allowing him to help her out of the car.
Damien nodded in agreement. “Practically spoke in grunts. Do you remember April’s Guide to Proper Etiquette?”
April burst out laughing as she recalled that pretentious purple binder she’d put together for him back when he was preparing for college interviews.
“You carried that thing around for a month.”
“I wanted to do well when I met with college recruiters, and because of you, I did. You have to admit that your student has come a long way.” He took her hand and placed it in the crook of his elbow.
“Yes, you have,” April said.
As they walked along the sidewalk, they discussed what he talked about with Berger and what Damien thought his chances were of convincing the businessman to join him.
“It was hard to gauge his interest, but I expected that would be the case. I’ve heard that he has a good poker face.”
“Well, maybe he— Oh!” April felt herself going down, a victim of the crack in the sidewalk that she normally avoided on her morning jog. Before she could slam face-first into the pavement, a set of strong arms grasped her, muscled forearms settling underneath her breasts.
Air rushed out of her lungs and the heat that infused her body was powerful enough to scorch. It raced along her skin, slamming into her bloodstream.
“Are you okay?” Damien asked.
April looked up over her shoulder and suddenly couldn’t breathe.
The sight of his handsome face so close to hers robbed her of her ability to speak.
Yet, even if her muddled brain could think of words to say, April doubted her voice would cooperate.
Instead, she nodded as she allowed Damien to lift her up.
He righted her, but he didn’t let go of her. He turned her around, his arms never leaving her waist.
April finally released a breath. She could feel herself getting light-headed, though she wasn’t sure if it was due to the lack of air in her lungs or the feel of Damien’s solid strength still surrounding her.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” His voice was deeper than it had been just a moment ago.
“Yes,” April said, finally finding her voice. “That sidewalk... The neighborhood association has been after the city to fix it.”
She retreated from his hold. April was certain she’d never been more reluctant to do anything in her life.
Damien reached for her hand and entwined his fingers with hers. He pulled her closer and whispered against her temple, “I’m happy they haven’t gotten around to it yet.”
A shudder cascaded down her spine.
“Don’t tell my neighbors,” April whispered, “but so am I.”
Damien’s deep, sexy chuckle did nothing to aid in her quest to get these tingles under control.
They continued their stroll toward her house.
When he walked her up to the porch, April started to ask him if he wanted to come inside, but before she could put voice to the words, Damien asked, “So, what time should I be there tomorrow?”
Disappointment assaulted her, but April sucked it up and managed to answer, “Nine o’clock. The kids usually get in around nine thirty.”
“Okay.” He nodded, a small smile on his lips. “I’ll see you then. Thanks for being awesome tonight.”
“I’m just holding up my end of the bargain,” April said. Then she slipped into the house and closed the door behind her.
She could hardly wait to go to bed. She was bound to have some seriously good dreams tonight.