Bayou Sunset (Agents of HIS #4)

Chapter Sixteen

ROMEO’S HEART THUMPED against his chest, each beat echoing the intensity of his emotions as he anxiously awaited Daisy Mae’s response. Questioning his motives, he couldn’t help but wonder why he was putting himself through this, mainly when he had already made plans to leave. Yet, with no obstacle standing between them, he strongly desired to make her his own. He intended to whisk her away with him, envisioning countless idyllic spots to dock her boat and continue her ventures into the world of charters. As he contemplated the possibilities, he couldn’t help but acknowledge the allure of Baltimore’s bustling harbor, a renowned tourist destination ripe with opportunities.

Daisy Mae leaned back slightly, her eyes meeting Romeo’s. She gazed into them, searching for something. Romeo wasn’t entirely sure what she was seeking, but he hoped she would discover it. “ Non , I prefer Rocket.”

Romeo’s dreams of persuading her to join him in Baltimore were shattered. Despite the setback, he was unwavering in his determination. With no urgency to return, he could devote as much time as necessary to nurturing their relationship. He harbored the hope that his teammates, all of whom were single, would be understanding of his situation.

“Rocket, it be. Now, let's sit et figure out tonight.”

Romeo and Daisy Mae were engrossed in lighthearted conversation and laughter while Etienne diligently worked repairing Seas the Day . Their camaraderie provided a welcome escape from reality as they lost themselves in each other’s company.

After the mechanic finished, he told them something they had already suspected.

“Someone sabotage da bateau ,” Etienne said. “ Merde , couyon .”

Romeo intended to use a worse word than that. He was tempted to throttle someone for touching Daisy Mae’s pride and joy. The boys would be in tomorrow and would find out what was happening.

“Are you going to une bouille d’écrevisses ?” Etienne asked.

The crawfish festival. They were, but Romeo hoped Etienne wasn't attending. Even though it was a public event, Romeo wanted Daisy Mae to himself.

“ Mais oui ,” Daisy Mae said.

After Daisy Mae and Etienne settled business and the mechanic left, Romeo approached Daisy Mae. “How about dat festival? We can drive ’round or take the bateau over. Whichever ya prefer.”

Romeo hoped she said boat so he wouldn't have to concentrate on the roadway. He wanted his focus on Daisy Mae.

“Let's take Seas the Day . I need to check her out before I can take her on another charter.”

Romeo felt hopeful as things began to look up for him.

“I need to change first,” Daisy Mae said.

Romeo appraised her and deemed her adorable as she was. But he'd learned women were picky about their looks. Only, he hadn't expected it from Rocket. “Ya look bien ,” he said, “ mais if ya wants to change, go ’head.”

“Aren't ya goin’ home ta change?”

Romeo looked down at his dark, knee-length cargo shorts and matching black T-shirt. He let out a sigh of dissatisfaction. Although he was fond of his outfit, he also brought a different shirt in case he needed to change. Initially, he had intended to wear the alternative shirt in the morning, but now it seemed like it would serve its purpose.

“I be right back.” After seeing her off, he quickly returned to his truck and changed his shirt. It was a gift from Brad’s wife, who had mentioned that it matched his captivating hazel eyes. Knowing that women were fond of matching, he had deliberately selected it.

When he returned to the boat, he stopped when he saw Daisy Mae. Dressed to impress, she wore a short denim skirt and a tank top. Her blonde hair flowed around her toned, tanned shoulders. Her large, bright blue eyes, no longer shaded by her ballcap, drew him into her spell.

Unable to control himself, he stepped forward, put one hand behind her head, and kissed her on her plump—sans makeup—lips. Romeo meant it as a quick kiss, but she tasted so good that he reached around her sexy body and pulled her into his arms. Damn, if she didn't fit perfectly.

Daisy Mae wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. She moaned, and it drove him forward.

Parting her lips, his tongue dove in, exploring her mouth, playing with her tongue, battling for control. The delight of it shot straight to his heart and groin.

Romeo had always been told that he would have a moment of clarity when he came across the right woman. True to his papa’s words, that moment had finally arrived. He felt it in his bones. Now, the next step was to win her heart and make her his own.

He lifted his head. “We be going to the festival or be staying in?”

Daisy Mae’s eyes were filled with longing as she gazed into his. She moistened her lips, almost undoing him.

Patience. I must be patient with Rocket.

“How ’bout we go to da festival, then come back for da night?” she asked.

Did she request his presence to spend the night with her? His cock jumped at the chance, and he pulled back from her so she didn't feel his delight. It was too early for that.

“Sounds bien .”

As Romeo’s evening unfolded, it felt like a hazy dream. His gaze was fixed on Daisy Mae, longing to articulate something so profoundly moving that she would confess her love for him. Despite understanding the improbability of this outcome, a man can still hold on to his dreams.

The fair was alive with the aroma of boiled crawfish, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and savory sausage. As they indulged in the meal, it transported him back to the comforting memories of home and the days he spent there. Though those days were past, the flavors allowed him to reminisce and savor the moments.

Romeo skillfully won two stuffed animals for Daisy Mae at the shooting booth. She chose a cute cat for the smaller prize, while for the more significant award, she picked a fierce tiger. The booth owner shooed Romeo away, recognizing his exceptional marksmanship.

As they shared laughter, they also engaged in various games, including Daisy Mae’s victory in the hoop on the bottle game. As a token of affection, she presented him with a small, stuffed alligator he would treasure for the rest of his life.

As they prepared to depart, they engaged in a whimsical carnival game where players attempted to shoot water into a clown's mouth using mounted guns. A group of enthusiastic children took the game quite seriously, eagerly aiming and spraying the water.

When the bell rang to begin, Daisy Mae pushed Romeo off his stool and sprayed at the clown for the kid to her left.

“Hey,” he said, jumping up and reseating himself. Seeing her plan, he turned his water gun on the clown to the kid right of him. To make things even, he jostled Daisy Mae, so she temporarily lost her aim.

“So that’s how it be,” she said before aiming the water gun once again.

If he could have turned the gun a full ninety degrees and hit her, he would have. Just for fun, of course.

“Come on, come on,” she cheered. “We need more water,” she yelled to the carnival booth owner, but he only laughed and shrugged.

Ultimately, Daisy Mae’s neighbor emerged victorious, and she enthusiastically exchanged fist bumps with the triumphant child. Her carefree and joyous demeanor captivated him.

He turned to his new friend and shrugged his shoulders. “Sorry.”

After the kid ran off without a word, Romeo returned to Daisy Mae as she said goodbye to her new friend.

Overall, the night had been a valuable experience. They spent time relaxing in each other’s company, cherishing every moment. During the evening, they unexpectedly encountered individuals with whom Romeo hadn’t crossed paths since high school, which felt like a lifetime ago.

Romeo only released Daisy Mae’s hand from his grasp when they sat down to eat or engaged in a game. She didn’t object, as she held on tightly to his hand.

As the boat glided closer to the shore, the sounds of the water and the distant chatter gradually faded, creating a sense of quiet anticipation. Romeo’s initial nervousness began to settle, replaced by a lingering concern that perhaps she had reconsidered her decision about him staying. Had he misinterpreted her intentions, or had she genuinely changed her mind?

No matter. Romeo was staying, and he would have Daisy Mae in his– uh, her captain's bed.