“Drake?”
He looked over.
“Thank you for the kiss last night. I don’t feel so ignorant anymore.”
He nodded. “I’m glad.” He wanted to take the conversation further, coax her onto his lap, and do all sorts of pirate things to her, but decided to begin weaning himself from her immediately, even as his eyes lingered over her sweet mouth. “So, what are your plans for the day?”
“Sable and I agreed that I’d come and teach the children anyway, at least until Cole arrives. Once he does, I’ll let her know what my final decision will be.”
“Do you need a ride over?”
“I was going to ask Julianna if Mr. Doolittle could take me, so I won’t have to impose on you.”
“It isn’t an imposition.” For a man set upon distancing himself, he was admittedly doing a poor job.
“I have slates and books to take. There’ll be no room on Havana.”
“Okay. That makes sense. I’m going to the stable. Not sure I’ll be here for dinner though.”
He saw her disappointment. “You belong to another,cheri. I don’t want these kisses between us to go any further. Passion could lead to a place you’ll regret, so I need to let you be.”
She nodded. “You’re right of course.”
“Enjoy your time at Sable’s.”
She gave him another tight nod and he left her seated at the table.
His foreman, Solomon Hawk, and the five freedmen he’d hired as laborers were already working when he arrived.
“Morning, Drake.”
“Morning, Solly.” The decision he’d come to about Valinda had left him more than a bit grumpy. “Where are we today?”
Solly studied him for a moment as if assessing his mood, and replied, “Planning to finish framing the kitchen so we can start putting on the bricks.”
“That’s fine. I’ll be working on the gazebo.”
Drake led Havana to the stable, then took a moment to say good morning to the men before heading to the shed. Inside was his forge, anvil, and tools of the trade. He donned his leather apron. Valinda tried to enter his mind, but he pushed her aside, picked up a shovel, and dug out the upper layers of ash in the forge. Adding new charcoal, he lit the mass and waited for the coals to reach the proper temperature.
Once it did, he began working on the iron he’d be using on the planned gazebo. He hammered, thinned, and slowly twisted the strands of metal into the swirls and curlicues needed for outer walls. Frustration tied to Valinda lingered, as did his desire. He was doing the right thing, but he didn’t have to like it. Glancing up as he worked, he saw his brother Raimond, arms crossed, leaning against the shed’s opening. Drake had no idea how long he’d been waiting, but before investigating, he took another few minutes to finish hammering the piece he was working on, then set it aside to cool. He shucked his mask and removed his gloves. “What?”
Raimond walked in. “My, aren’t you the surly one? It’s good to see you, too. Thorn in your paw?”
Drake sighed.
Rai said, “Mama and Henri are going to Baton Rouge the day after tomorrow. I just want to make sure someone’s at the house with Valinda and Little Reba while they’re away.”
“I told her I’d stay over but if someone else can take my place I’d appreciate it. Trying to get this house finished.” And avoid Valinda.
“I’m on my way to Lafayette, Archer can’t leave the hotel, and Beau and Phillipe set sail this morning for Cuba to pick up some shipments I have coming in. They’ll be gone for four or five days, so you’re it, I’m afraid.”
“Okay.”
“Why the bad mood?”
“I need to stop pining after the lovely Valinda, and it’s not sitting well.”
Rai scanned his face. “You know her intended is due any day now?”