Bayou Brides by Linda Joyce

Author:Linda Joyce [Joyce, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Contemporary, New Orleans
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2017-09-17T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Rex slowed his stride, arriving at Harbor House. Jerking on the door, he entered the enclosed foyer. Dark wood. Small, white hexagon floor tiles. Classic bistro décor—vintage and intimate. Beyond the next set of doors leading inside to the main room, the din of the bar crowd droned. Another drink would help him maintain the perfect buzz he had going on and help him forget anyone else around him.

Except Nola.

He spotted a large framed poster on the foyer wall and pursed his lips. A captivating black and white image. He crossed the small space and stood directly across from it to take it all in. A spotlight shone downward as Nola Belle looked up, her lashes casting dramatic shadows on her face. Her full red lips puckered for a kiss. The sequined dress she wore reflected light in tiny stars, magic made by an accomplished photographer. No mistaking Nola’s star quality. The camera enhanced her alluring mystique. As uncomfortable as it was, his heart and body tugged him in her direction regardless of the resistance from his brain.

“Stunning,” he murmured. Yet as splendid as the photo portrayed her, Nola’s voice had more depth and richness than any image could capture. It soothed his blighted soul. He could spend the rest of his life falling asleep to the sound of her voice, then waking to the sweetness of her lips.

Making a fist, Rex released it. His heartbeat quickened. A quick slice of fear shot through him. Was he falling in love? Had the woman with her sultry bedroom eyes and sexy voice snared his heart?

He laughed, shaking off the idea. “I barely know her. Lust, that’s what it is. A big amount of curiosity. A large dose of attraction. Can’t be love.”

He turned as the bistro’s outside doors opened. A large group of chattering people piled into the foyer. Rex held the inside door to allow them to continue farther without stopping, leaving him alone with his thoughts of Nola. Wrapped in a modicum of quiet, he took a last look at the poster of the lovely Nola Belle. A swelling of possessiveness filled him.

Damn her.

Once inside Harbor House, he sidestepped and maneuvered through the crowd in order to reach the bartender. Leaning against the polished antique bar, he tapped his fingers twice on the counter to get the barkeep’s attention.

“Hey! You’re Kayla’s brother,” the bartender said over the din. “I’m Cooper.”

“Nice to meet you.” Rex shook Cooper’s hand. The last thing he wanted to discuss was his sister. “Do you have distilled or spring water?”

Cooper smiled. “Ahh, a man who likes his whisky the right way.”

“I need a top-shelf single bourbon with a splash of water, please. But only with the proper H2O.”

“Got it covered.” Cooper moved away and reached for a whisky bottle from the shelf.

Rex gazed around the standing-room-only bistro. Waitresses weaved and ran an obstacle course to deliver food and drinks to tables. Clearly, the entertainment tonight drew a good crowd. On a weeknight. That was good for business.

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