With a possessive gesture, he placed his hand at Savannah’s back. “You smell good; it reminds me of the wild honeysuckle that used to grow in the creek behind my house.”
Unused to compliments, Savannah just thanked him. She had seen him check the time. God, she hoped he wasn’t already regretting this. They left the memorial, walked by the African-American museum and through the park. Determined to be happy despite her doubts, Savannah wanted to skip and jump. Thrilled was a tepid word for what she felt – she was elated, exhilarated and euphoric. Just walking beside him made her happy.
Who did he look like? It was somebody famous – and hot. But who? Patrick was blessed with a chiseled face, high cheekbones, a broad manly jaw and full, firm lips that she would walk over hot coals for the privilege to kiss. Now, she had it! He was a John Cena look-alike – the wrestler who made those action flicks. Only Patrick was better looking, a lot better looking. She could only imagine the perfection of his body. Fantasies of Patrick O’Rourke would fill her dreams for many nights to come. She had never had sex, but she sure did have fantasies. Cinemax late night had given her enough examples so she knew what went on – mostly. A graphic, explicit image of him on top of her – all sweaty and intense – muscles working as he pleasured her within an inch of her life came to mind. Oh yeah.
Lord, help me get my mind out of the gutter she prayed as her whole body tingled with awareness. “Let’s go to the Boondocks down on the bayou. If we had time, we’d just pick up sandwiches and I’d take you over to Evangeline Park. It’s peaceful and I think you would’ve enjoyed the atmosphere, but this will do.” Savannah realized she was chattering like a squirrel. It was nerves. After all, this was her first date. Oh, she knew it really wasn’t a date, but it was as close as she was going to get. “If you don’t mind, I’ll drive. There’s a book in my car we might need.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” Patrick followed her, enjoying her non-stop monologue as she made her way toward the parking lot.
“I’ve been involved with this project and with the Acadian museum over in Erath. You wouldn’t believe how many people are trying to trace their family tree. It’s become a national hobby, I think.”
The sway of her backside almost made him miss the step down from the sidewalk to the parking lot. Savannah had one damn fine ass. In fact, he couldn’t find one thing about her that he didn’t think was damn near perfect. Truthfully, she didn’t look twenty, much less twenty-six. Maybe it was her tiny frame. She seemed so fragile and feminine that he wanted to pick her up and put her in his pocket for safe-keeping. “I’m not just trying to find my ancestors, Savannah; I’m trying to give my grandfather a measure of peace. He has Alzheimer’s. The main reason I came home on special leave was to get him admitted to a nursing home. Three times last month he drove to the store and forgot how to get home. It’s breaking my heart. But tracing his family, detailing their names and histories is giving him a sense of perpetuity. But you know what scares me the most?”
“What?” Savannah was listening sympathetically and intently.
“I’m afraid he’s going to forget me. I don’t want to lose him to death and I don’t want to lose him to this damn stupid disease. Except for him, my best friend Revel Lee and my two buddies in the Corp, I’m all alone. I don’t have a family – just Paddy.”
His admission sounded so sad. Savannah couldn’t imagine a man like Patrick being alone. She imagined he could have all the friends he wanted. Maybe he needed more than friendship, maybe Patrick needed to be loved. The very thought gave her pause and what Nana Fontenot had said returned to haunt her. For a moment she allowed herself to imagine what it would be like to be a part of this man’s life. He was kind, he took care of his grandfather, he served his country and he cared enough to rescue a damsel in distress – namely her. To have someone like Patrick would be a blessing beyond her ability to comprehend.
After several moments she stopped by her black Camaro that was parked under the shade of a large oak. “I will be glad to use all my resources to help you and your granddad find any family you might have. It will be my pleasure.” Before he could accept or reject her offer, she went on. “Do you live around here, Patrick?” Savannah made a place for him in the front seat, moving her briefcase, a laptop and a couple of books to the back.
“Nice ride,” he admired the sports car, trying to imagine this girly-girl behind the wheel. “I grew up down around Wallace, but I rented an apartment in Lafayette to be near the nursing home. Unfortunately, I won’t get the chance to be here for a while. My career in the military keeps me away quite a bit.” He had just gotten his seat belt fastened when she peeled out. Swear to God, he had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing. She drove like a little bat out of hell. “Are we in a hurry, Savannah?” He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Her hands were delicate and he couldn’t stop
