Page 18 of Bold Encounter
"But your job is important.You help people."
"So is yours."Abe's gaze was steady."You bring joy to people, Genevieve.Your music touches lives.That's not something you need to apologize for or diminish."
The jambalaya arrived, steaming and fragrant, but Genevieve barely noticed.She couldn't recall the last time a man had not only understood her passion but celebrated it—if it had happened at all.
"After the divorce, I convinced myself I wasn't relationship material," Abe said, and stirred his gumbo."I figured it wouldn't be fair to ask someone to live with my job, my schedule, and the risks that go with it.I've spent fifteen years telling myself I was better off alone."
"And now?"
He looked up at her."Now I'm wondering if I was just making excuses."
They ate in comfortable silence for a while before the conversation shifted to other topics.Abe told her stories about growing up in New Orleans, about his Creole grandmother who had taught him to cook.Genevieve shared memories of performing in small clubs when she was starting out and the thrill of connecting with an audience.
She found herself studying everything about him.The way he laughed, deep and genuine.She noticed how he used his hands when he talked.The way he really listened when she spoke, as if her words mattered.She had a sense of being truly seen.
But underneath the warmth, trepidation lingered.She'd been disappointed too many times and had her heart broken by men who claimed to support her dreams but didn't mean it.She couldn't be sure if Abe was different now but would change his mind.
He put his spoon down."You're thinking awfully hard about something."
Genevieve realized she'd been staring at her plate, lost in thought."I'm just processing, I guess.I'm having a nice time with you, but I'm not used to that enduring."
"What do you mean?"
"In every relationship I've had, there's been this moment when I have to choose between my music or him."She met his eyes."I always choose music."
Abe reached across the table and covered her hand with his."Or maybe you just haven't found the right person yet.Someone who understands that your passion isn't competition, but it's part of what makes you who you are."
She wanted to believe him, wanted to hope that maybe this time could be different.But hope could be dangerous.
Genevieve leaned back."I make bad choices."
"Well, I'mchoosing you, and that's a good choice."Abe squeezed her hand."Besides…I'm not the type of man you're used to."
"That's agoodthing."Genevieve laughed."I don't like the conservative types anyway.I'll take a rebel any day."
They finished dinner as the restaurant began to empty around them.Abe paid the check and helped her up.He escorted her out like a gentleman, treatment that she was rapidly getting used to.
Outside, the evening air was cool and pleasant.Abe offered his arm as they walked to his car, and she took it, enjoying the solid strength of him beside her.
"I need to ask you something," he said as they reached the vehicle."The security cameras at your building still aren't working.I'm not comfortable leaving you alone there tonight."
Genevieve's first instinct was to protest.She didn't want to be driven from her own home and refused to feel helpless or dependent.But the memory of recent events made her reconsider.
"What are you suggesting?"
"You could stay at my place for tonight, until we get the fingerprint results back and your building is secured."His tone was cautiously professional."I have a guest room.You'd have complete privacy."
The offer was tempting, not just for safety but because she wasn't ready for the evening to end."Okay," she said."But just for tonight."
*****
Abe's house in the Garden District was exactly what she'd expected—a craftsman-style home with a deep front porch, oak trees shading the yard, and flower boxes under the windows.Inside, it was warm and comfortable, with overstuffed furniture and family photos scattered throughout.
"This is lovely," Genevieve said, taking in the living room.A stone fireplace dominated one wall, and built-in bookshelves flanked the windows.Everything felt solid and permanent, like a real home.
"I've been working on it for years.I bought it as a fixer-upper and have been slowly bringing it back to life."Abe gestured toward the hallway."The guest room is down there, and the bathroom is right next to it.Make yourself comfortable."
When she had settled in and came back out, they relaxed on the sofa to watch a movie.It was an old action film that neither of them paid much attention to.Genevieve was acutely aware of Abe beside her, the way he smelled like soap and something distinctly masculine.She enjoyed the sound of his quiet laughter at the funny parts.
