Read Blue Autumn in the Bayou (Gumbo Love) for Free Online Page B

brother, we were just discussing how we were going to work together for the wedding. Weren’t we , Autumn?”
    Autumn pulled her gaze from Travis and looked over at Trae. “Yes. We were. It’s an exciting time and I promise you it’ll be a day you’ll never forget. Could you excuse me? I’ll head back to the house.”
    “Sure thing.” Trae looked from Travis to Autumn and then back to Travis. When she was out of hearing distance Trae laid into him. “Man, what was that about?”
    “Look Trae, I don’t need censure from you, okay. We’re all adults. Everything is fine. Don’t worry about anything.”
    Just before the ladies started digging into to the scrumptious food, Michael showed up with several of their frat brothers. Shortly thereafter, Denise, Michael’s girlfriend, joined the group of bridesmaids. Michael spun music and everyone seemed to have a good time. They all laughed, ate, and danced. Travis did his best to stay clear of Autumn. The last thing he wanted to do was disrupt the couple’s enjoyment. He danced with Erica several times, and one dance number got a little racy. Afterward, he spun her around and planted a kiss on her forehead. “Thanks for showing me up little lady.”
    “But you enjoyed it didn’t you?” she teased.
    “I did, indeed.”
    Autumn fumed as she watched the seductive way Travis held Erica. In the middle of the song she went into the house, but returned just in time to see Travis kiss Erica. She froze. Her expression faltered for a brief moment but then she recovered just as quickly. She lifted her head and eased into the fluffy cushions she’d vacated earlier. She sighed heavily.  
    When Travis looked up and saw Autumn coming from the house just as he planted a kiss on Erica ’s forehead, he instantly regretted the move. With one arm draped around Erica’s shoulders, he saw pain in Autumn’s gaze. Or maybe for his sake, he imagined it. She told him she didn’t want to know him. Yet the hurt in her expression said something different and it disturbed him. He frowned. Travis didn’t like games, the very reason he stayed cleared of commitments. He liked having a good time. Autumn made it clear that she wasn’t interested in that plan.
    He watched Autumn, sitting off, purposely alone. Taking a sighing breath, he walked over to where she sat. He couldn’t stand to see any guest of his not enjoy themselves. It just was not the trait of a good host. So much for staying clear of her, but he felt obligated to say something. After all, he was the host and wanted everyone to have a good time. “Everything okay?”
    Autumn didn’t meet his gaze. “Yes, everything is cool.”
    “I hope you’re having a good time.” He bent down next to her. He hoped that she would look at him, but she didn’t.
    “Yes, thanks. This was really nice.” She fidgeted with her hands.
    Travis reached out and touched her. His move did bring her gaze to meet his. The daylight had descended, but the lanterns provided ample light for the entire area. He looked at her for a brief moment before he spoke. He was sure she would pull away from him but she didn’t. “I don’t want us to be at odds, Autumn. So, I’d like to start over if you’ll allow me.”
    The heat of the humid night couldn’t compete with the flame in his hands nor could it erase the seductive way he said her name. The blaze shot straight up her arm and into her face. She worked to ignore it. This was the second time he’d said this to her; the first time was at the gas station. “We’re not at odds, Travis.” She stated, flatly. “How many times do we get to start over?” She held her breath, hoping he would move his hand before she succumbed to the heat pulsating through her veins.
    Travis slid his hand down her arm and lightly squeezed her fingers before he cupped them in both of his large hands. He brought them to his lips and left his kiss on her fingertips.
    The move totally alarmed her. Still , she resisted the