Page 77 of Bourbon Deceit
I turned off my phone and gripped my desk as I looked out my office window. Was this even worth it? I could find a new lot, some new land. Was I risking too much just because my dad was involved now? I was a prideful man but right now, was my pride getting in the way? I didn’t want to lose to my father, but I also didn’t want him to destroy the culture and feeling of New Orleans by putting a monstrosity of a building somewhere it didn’t belong, especially when the lot was meant to be a place where the children could play.
The night had taken over the sky as I was trying to keep my mind off Goldie and figure out my next move. I looked at the time and noticed that it was past ten, so I grabbed my phone and walked out to my master suite, where I got ready for bed.
My suite was my escape, my only sanctuary, and now that Goldie was no longer in the club, sleeping one floor below me, my bedroom seemed so cold and empty. The gray walls were large and uninviting, as was the chrome and black furniture scattered around. I used to find this room to be a place of my own, where I could think and step away, but now it seemed almost like a jail cell.
I needed Goldie’s arms, her body, her heat. That was where I was comfortable.
As I brushed my teeth I thought about how in a matter of days, I’d become a pussy-whipped man who could barely function without the sweet scent of his girl wafting next to him. I used to make fun of men like me but now that I was in their position, fuck, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I thought I had it all when I was with Natasha but fuck was I wrong. Goldie is having it all, Goldie is peace, she is my heart.
I chucked my clothes into my dirty hamper just as my phone chimed with a text message. Knowing it was my girl, it just had to be, I turned off my lights and got into my cold and empty bed. I pulled my phone out and read the message from her.
Goldie:Hi, handsome. You’re probably off gallivanting, trying to save the world, but I just wanted to tell you that I had a good day, despite Diego’s ribbing and not having you to hold me. I was happy with my painting and felt like I really contributed to something. Tell the girls I miss them and slap Kace in the back of the head for me.
I laughed to myself and typed her back a message.
Jett: Hi, gorgeous. I’m actually calling it a night and headed to bed. I’m glad you had a good day. If Diego gets too lippy, you have my permission to castrate him.
Goldie: That would require me touching his penis. Do you really want me to do that?
Jett: Fuck no. I will hire someone.
Goldie: Overbearing.
Jett: Only for you, little one. Now, tell me what you’re wearing.
Goldie: Is this a test? Because if it is, I think I pass . . .
A picture popped up on my phone and it was a smiling Goldie, lying against her pillow with her hair fanned out around her, wearing a little tank top. My chest constricted at the sight of her—she was beautiful. I saved the picture as my phone wallpaper, then wrote her back.
Jett: You’re so damn beautiful. How did I get so lucky?
Goldie: You strolled the cemetery, looking for fresh meat.
Jett: And came out with a sassy, defiant man-eater.
Goldie: I think I eat your manhood pretty damn well, if you ask me.
Jett: You’re pushing your luck, don’t make me come over there and test your skills.
Goldie: Is that supposed to be a punishment because it seems more like a reward to me.
Jett: The only reward you’re going to get next time I see you is a slap to the ass.
Goldie: Once again, it doesn’t seem like you’re trying to punish me…
Jett: Did you think about me all day?
Goldie: Do dogs sometimes eat shit?
I cringed from her foul mouth but just shook my head and laughed. You could take the girl off Bourbon Street but you can’t take Bourbon Street out of the girl, that was for damn sure, and at this point, I don’t think I would want to. She keeps things . . . interesting.
Jett: I’m going to ignore that last text and let you try again. Did you think about me all day?
Goldie: Snob! And yes, I did. How could I not? Did you think about me?
Jett: Every damn second. Why are we texting?
My phone started to ring and I smiled as I saw her name pop up on my screen.
