A Cloud of Suspicion by Patricia Davids

Author:Patricia Davids [Davids, Patricia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Romance, General, Religious
ISBN: 9781426831898
Google: ZGg-OwJTePAC
Amazon: B0023EF9S4
Barnesnoble: B0023EF9S4
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2009-03-02T05:00:00+00:00

NINE

Shelby pressed her cheek to Patrick’s back as they traveled through town. He hadn’t worn his leather jacket tonight. She could feel the warmth of his skin through the fabric of his shirt. With her arms around his waist, she couldn’t help but notice the taut muscles of his abdomen. The erratic pace of her heart made her all too aware of him as a man.

If only he would stay. I could go on holding him like this forever.

Even as she thought about a future that included him, she had to discard it. He would never stay in Loomis. And he’d turn his back on God.

Her long hair hung out from under the helmet and twisted into tangles as it blew behind her. It would take longer than usual to brush it when she got home. Much longer.

Home. It was only a few blocks away. When they got there, she’d have to let go of him. She didn’t want to do that. As silly as she knew the desire was, she wanted to rest against him for a long, long time.

When they rolled to a stop at a red light, he turned his head. “Are you hungry?”

She had been too nervous about her presentation to bother with supper. “I’m starving.”

“Where’s a good place to eat at this time of night?”

“Bitsy’s Diner is still open.” It was the closest place she could think of.

“Is that good Cajun place still in business between here and Lacombe?”

“Do you mean the Creole Kitchen?”

“That’s the one. They used to serve killer seafood gumbo.”

“They still do.”

The light had changed. A car pulled up behind them and honked.

“Are you sure you’re up for a road trip?” he asked.

She could just see the corner of his smile. “Absolutely.”

“That’s my girl.” Gunning the engine, he sped through the intersection. Within minutes, the lights of the city fell behind them.

The highway ran straight as an arrow past small farms and occasional clusters of houses. Patrick’s large, powerful machine ate up the miles as it roared through the darkness. Fifteen minutes later, they reached the edge of Fontainebleau State Park. After that, there was only the dense forest pressing close to the road and the occasional headlights of an oncoming car.

The ride was glorious. Even with her face pressed against Patrick’s broad back, the wind still brought tears to her eyes. All she could hear was the rush of the air blowing past her ears and the roar of the engine as they sailed along the road. Now she understood why he loved it.

All too soon, they left the forest behind and Patrick slowed to turn into a crowded parking lot just off the highway. He pulled up to the front of the building and stopped beside several other motorcycles.

The sounds of laughter and Cajun music poured out the open doorway of the converted barn, along with the rich aromas of the restaurant’s famous cooking.

Stepping off the bike, Shelby pulled her helmet from her head and shook out her hair. Patrick took the helmet from her and hung it over the handlebar.

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