We end up at a cute pizzeria on Broadway, a pretty divided boulevard with trees down the center and diagonal parking. We sit at an outside table. It’s quite pleasant with a pretty fountain and a guy playing a soft blues guitar. He orders a couple of beers, and we split a small loaded pizza.
By the second slice, I’m feeling myself again.
Gypsy leans back in his chair and sips his brew. He’s got on a pair of wraparound shades that make it hard to tell where he’s looking.
“This is nice,” I say, by way of thanking him. Seems he knew what I needed better than I did.
“It is,” he agrees. I’m thankful he’s not pushing me for answers.
“Is this where you came while you were killing time?”
He takes a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and dips his head to light one, blowing the smoke toward the sky. “Just drove around, scoping out the town.” He jerks his head to the side. “The riverfront’s a couple blocks over. You want to take a walk? I’d like to check it out.”
I shrug, finishing the last of my food. “Sure.”
He signals the waitress and pays. We stroll down the street, and it’s comfortable being with him. I spot a drug store and gesture. “Mind if I stop in here for a minute?”
“Sure.” He holds the door for me.
I find a sunglasses display near the front and give it a spin, searching for the style I usually buy. I grab a pair and slip them on, checking in the tiny mirror provided.
“They look good on you,” Gypsy says.
“Typical man. Thinks a woman needs his approval.” I walk past him to the register and see the smile that pulls on his sexy mouth. I set my purchase down, and he tosses a pack of cinnamon gum down on the counter. I smile at the cashier and push it forward. “This too.”
“Would you like a bag?”
I shake my head, already snapping off the tag and sliding the glasses up on my head. I pay and pass Gypsy his gum as we walk out.
“Thanks for the gum,” he says as he holds the door.
“Thanks for lunch,” I reply.
He chuckles. “I think you got the better deal.”
“I always do.”
“I’ll remember that.”
I slip the aviators over my eyes. Now we’re on even ground. He can’t see where I’m looking either.
His smile is megawatt, almost like he reads my very thoughts. We turn and head toward the riverfront. It’s only two short blocks. I hear and smell the water before I see it. The trees along it grow tall and give shade to the pretty river walk the city planners invested in. It’s really quite lovely. The shade and the water cool off the breeze. We stroll along for a while, then stop and lean on the railing overlooking the river, side by side, barely six inches separating us. Two kayakers drift past, quietly paddling.
Finally, Gypsy repeats the question he asked earlier. “Why do you have to come down here to see your old man when I know it’s the last thing you want to be doing?”
“Because he took my mother off the visitors list.”
He tilts his head toward me. “I don’t follow.”
I stare at the water. “My mother is out of cash. I know my father has some stashed. There’s a safe deposit box. They’re both listed on it and either one can access it, except there’s a key. My mother doesn’t know what he did with it. She’s sure he’s hidden it somewhere. He so much as admitted it to me. I need to convince him to tell me where it is.”
Gypsy shakes his head. “So he’s just leavin’ her out to dry? What a piece of work your old man is, babe.”
“Not telling me anything I don’t already know.”
“This key… did you look for it?”
“Turned the house upside down. Can’t find it. But hell, there could be a million places he could have put it.” Suddenly I turn to Gypsy. “You wouldn’t have a clue where he’d hide something would you?”
“Me? Hell no.”
I look back at the river.
“Pretty shitty thing to do to Belle.”
“Yup.”
“But, babe, how is this your problem?”
I turn to face him. “How well do you know my mother?”
“She was my president’s ol’ lady. She was around the club a lot.” He shrugs. “She liked to party, usually to excess. Why?”
“Why did you say you owed my mom a favor?”
“She did me a favor once.”
“What kind of favor?”
He looks off down the river, avoiding answering me. “Not important. So, how many trips are you gonna make down here to beg your father to do right by his ol’ lady?”
“As many as I have to, why?”
He shrugs. “Growler’s a stubborn son-of-a-bitch. Did he give you a reason why he’s being such a dick about this?”
“Says he doesn’t want my mother to piss all the money away on booze and drugs. Says he’ll need it when he gets out.”
“Babe, I hate to break it to you, but he’s not gettin’ out anytime soon.”
“I know that.” I turn to look at him. “I told him that very thing.”
“What’d he say?”
“He thinks differently. Thinks his attorney’s going to get his conviction thrown out.” When I say it, Gypsy’s whole body tightens, and he straightens, his hands clenching on the railing.
“He said that?”
I nod. “Are you willing to bring me back again next week?”
He blows out a pissed-off breath. “If I’ve got time.”
I push my shades up on my head. “Let me see your eyes.”
He stares a few seconds, then reluctantly pushes his shades up. He turns his whole body toward me. We’re inches apart. At his full height, I have to tip my head back to look up at him.
“What do you see?” he asks.
“It’s still there, isn’t it?” I slide my palm up his chest. He covers my hand with his, tightening his hold.
“You know it is. But you’ve got this aversion to Devil Kings, and I’ve got an aversion to going where I’m not supposed to go.”
“A real rule-follower, are you?” I ask sarcastically.
The corner of his mouth pulls up. “Let’s just say I value my hide.”
“My father’s in prison. He can hardly do anything to you, can he?”
“Club rule is a club rule.”
“Who else would care?”
“Maybe everyone, maybe no one.”
“What are you worried about?”
“I’m worried my current president is going to wonder where my loyalty lies if I’m messing with my ex president’s hot young daughter. Especially if he finds out I’m hauling her ass down to Rutledge on a regular basis. He’s gonna have all kinds of fucking questions.” He lifts his chin. “Besides, I’m still a DK. That hasn’t changed, Princess.”
I pull back. “I told you. Don’t call me that.”
Faster than I can react, he cups his hand at my nape and drags me close, his mouth coming down on mine. The kiss is full of unspoken, pent-up desire, with the sparks that have been zinging back and forth between us all day. When he finally lifts his mouth, he asks, “Who’s gonna stop me?”