Easy This Time - JH Croix Page 0,11
of this heat?”
Mari held my gaze for several moments, something flickering in the depths of her eyes. After a beat, she looked away, staring blankly into the rows of cars parked beyond the entrance to the airport. When she looked back, the only word I could think of to describe her was resigned. “Let’s definitely get out of the heat.”
“Come on.” I reached for her suitcase, and she yanked it out of the way.
“I can get it,” she snapped.
I eyed her for a second and then shrugged. “Mari, I would offer to help anyone with their luggage. It’s just manners.”
Her low laugh was like a light lash of the whip on the lust driving me ever since I laid eyes on her the other day. Although she was frazzled and frustrated and slightly wilting in the New Orleans heat, she was still breathtaking.
She was quiet as we walked. I flicked through the memory banks in my brain, trying to recall what Max had told me about his younger sister. He spoke fondly of her, and her mentioning she was a journalist had jogged my memory on that detail. I knew Max would be curious to learn what Brett had done. It wasn’t the money so much. Given how much money Max had, he could easily remedy that situation. But, he wouldn’t stand for the way Brett did this to Mari.
The air cooled as we walked into the parking garage. My hand rested reflexively on Mari’s back and coaxed her in the direction of my car. The subtle touch was a habit, yet I had to admit I liked being able to touch Mari. I could feel the heat of her skin sifting through the thin fabric of her cream-colored blouse.
Being born and raised in New Orleans, my manners had been drilled into me by my mama. She always said manners were like butter—that they made every moment a little bit better just the way butter made food better.
“Right here,” I said, coming to a stop at the back of my vehicle.
Mari’s eyes swung to mine. “I suppose I might have expected something more ostentatious from you, Nash,” she commented as she eyed my sleek black sedan.
I glanced down as I hit the key fob, and the trunk popped open. “I might have plenty of money, darling, but I am at heart a very practical man. I also wasn’t raised rich. This car is reliable as hell, and that’s all that matters.”
“No?” Mari queried as I took her suitcase from her and put it in the trunk.
“My daddy was a shrimper. He made decent money, but it’s hard work. He always says a car is just something to get you somewhere.”
Rounding to the passenger side, I held the door for Mari. I didn’t miss the glimpse of her tan thighs when her skirt slid up as she sat down.
I could practically feel the wheels spinning in Mari’s brain as I drove away from the airport. Considering that I knew she was in a bit of a financial bind, and I knew she had nothing more than a temporary place to stay if she went home, I offered up the easiest thing.
“If you looked me up, you probably know I own a number of properties in and around New Orleans. You’re welcome to stay in one of the staff apartments at my main office building.” I came to a stop at a stop sign and glanced sideways when Mari stayed silent. Her cheeks were pink, and she was staring out the window. It felt as if she were purposefully not looking in my direction.
After a moment, I prompted, “Mari?”
She turned quickly, her blue eyes colliding with mine. “Thanks for the offer, but I’ll figure something out, Nash. I’m going to call my boss and see if there are any stories I can work on while I’m here.”
A horn honked behind us, and I looked back at the road, turning and heading toward downtown. “Mari, it might seem like an extravagant offer, but it’s really not. At any given point, I have several empty places available. It’s honestly no trouble for you to stay in one. Plus, since I know your brother, I wouldn’t feel right leaving you without somewhere to stay.”
I kept my eyes on the road. I thought perhaps if I gave her the privacy afforded by indirect conversation, she might be less defensive about the situation.
After several more quiet beats, she replied, “Okay. I do appreciate it. I just need