Bayou Sunset (Agents of HIS #4)

Chapter Fourteen

THE HOSPITAL CHOSE to keep Romeo’s father one more night for observation. Thankfully, his papa was on the mend.

While Daisy Mae and his mom talked to his papa, he excused himself and stepped out of the room.

It was time to call his team leader. He knew the team was on a much-needed break, but Alpha team was deployed, and Charlie team was still building and training. Romeo selected the correct speed dial on his cell and pushed “Call.”

“Grits,” his boss answered on the first ring.

“ Bonjour , cher .”

“What’s up, Romeo?”

Romeo anxiously rubbed the back of his neck as he glanced down the brightly lit hall, ensuring Daisy Mae was still lingering in his father’s room. He was determined to keep her in the dark about the impending visit from the men coming to investigate on his behalf. She believed that the agents of HIS were on vacation with Romeo. Although he despised lying to her, he knew she would reject any offer of assistance.

“I have a problem and need help. I know the team be off, mais I could use some local investigation.”

Romeo could hear fingers snapping, signaling that his team leader had brought someone else into the room. He hoped his leader wasn’t in bed with someone, as it would undoubtedly dampen their plans.

“I’m putting you on speaker. Casper is here. Now, tell us what’s going on.”

Casper, an enigmatic operative with a knack for eerie assignments, formed a solid and effective partnership with Grits. This close bond often sparked jealousy in Romeo, who held the second position in their team. Romeo suspected that the nature of their special operations work led to a faster, deeper connection, but he acknowledged that other pressing matters needed their attention.

“Someone be trying to harm me woman.”

“Your woman?” Casper asked, sounding way too bewildered by the statement. “When did this come about?”

“It no matter,” Romeo bit out. “I need some help from Bravo.”

“What’s happened?” Grits asked.

“ Merde, besides being shot at?”

“What the fuck?” Grits nearly shouted.

“I be fine. We be fine,” Romeo bit out again. He needed Grits to stay focused—no time for playing around bullshit.

“Anything else we need to know about?” Grits asked.

“Besides sabotage? I no think so.”

“Why do you think this is happening?” Casper asked.

“If I knew, I wouldn’t need ya, couyon ,” Romeo snapped.

“Don’t get your panties in a bunch. Casper and I will be there tomorrow.”

“ Merci, cher .”

“What about me?” Casper asked.

Romeo ended the call without a word to the agent.

That gave him the opportunity for a date night tonight. There was no way around it. He would have to stay over to protect her. His dick twitched at the thought of what they could do to fill the time.

Romeo reentered the room, his eyes fixated on Daisy Mae. She greeted him with a radiant smile. She was petite, agile, and quick to react like a little pocket rocket. Daisy Mae seemed unchanged in these aspects since his last visit home.

Romeo turned his gaze to his father. “Papa, what can we get ya for breakfast? I tried da cafeteria already. Ya want takeout.”

Wayne smiled at that. “Me could use a grilled steak et potato. Ya mère already say no to dat. How ’bout a breakfast sandwich? Sausage et egg.”

The family immediately began brainstorming ideas for fast food places that served a good breakfast.

After his papa agreed to a place, Romeo and Daisy Mae left to pick up the food, leaving his parents alone. His mom looked beat. It was fortunate that his father was being released the next day. Romeo wasn’t sure if his mom could handle more time with his dad not at home.

Neither Romeo nor Daisy Mae spoke as they exited the room and entered the elevator. Romeo took a chance and reached for Daisy Mae’s hand; she didn’t jerk away but wrapped her small hand in his.

The profound connection between Romeo and Daisy Mae brought peace to his mind and warmth to his heart. With Daisy Mae standing by his side, he found assurance that everything would turn out just fine. He was determined to protect her body while she, in turn, would be the guardian of his soul. The soul he’d lost during those many interrogations and ops that went sideways.

Sadly, Romeo had to release Daisy Mae’s hand to open the truck door for her. After she climbed in, he walked around to the driver’s side. Since leaving his papa’s room, he’d scanned for potential threats. Someone wanted Daisy Mae’s charter business shut down. Did they also want her dead? The thought terrified him. He’d never allow that to happen. He’d bring the entire HIS operation here to protect her if he had to.

“How were me mère and père ?” Romeo asked. He had noticed them together before he stepped out to make his call. He was curious to hear Daisy Mae’s perspective, as she had also been in their company.

Romeo extended his hand as he shifted the truck into gear, and Daisy Mae placed her tiny hand in his. Her small hand seemed delicate and fragile compared to his. Despite her petite size, Daisy Mae exuded a feisty and spirited energy.

“ Bien . Your mère be relieved he be coming home. Mais, she be worried dat he have another heart attack.”

How did she get that second part? Had Romeo’s mom confided in Daisy Mae? That made him upset at himself for not keeping that close relationship with his parents. Speaking with them every week hadn’t been enough. Romeo should have come home sooner.

Romeo squeezed her hand. He was also worried about his papa. The man didn’t like to lie around, so keeping him down would be tricky. Could his mom do it alone? Probably not. It looked like he would be taking an extended leave to help her.

He didn’t mind. It also gave him time with Daisy Mae. He wouldn’t leave until her situation was resolved and she was packed up. Then again, Romeo could leave HIS for Daisy Mae and move back home. He had no idea what he’d do for a living, but he’d do anything for her.

Romeo glanced at Daisy Mae while waiting in the lengthy queue at the fast food joint. She had her hair pulled back under a ball cap, wore minimal makeup, a fitted T-shirt displaying her business name, and loose shorts. He was captivated by her. No woman, other than Daisy Mae, had ever grabbed his attention, appearing as if she had just emerged from the bayou.

Romeo leaned toward the middle of the truck. “Come here, Rocket.”

Daisy Mae narrowed her eyes at him. “Why do ya call me Rocket?”

Smiling, Romeo squeezed her hand. “Come here and kiss me, then I’ll tell you.

With a sly smile, she leaned toward him, and their lips touched. It was a soft, simple kiss, but one that made his libido cry for the evening date. Romeo felt a jolt as they separated at the sudden beep of a horn. Clearing his throat, he turned and pulled forward to place his order. The heat in his face made it clear that he had blushed bright red.

His companions teasingly dubbed him “Romeo” for his awkwardness around stunning women. However, tonight, he was determined to embody the true essence of that name, as she truly deserved a Romeo.

Only Daisy Mae had no idea he was playing for keeps.