It’s not often that one finds themselves in New Orleans for business, so Jade considered herself very lucky. As a company partner, she didn’t often negotiate deals herself, but she jumped at the opportunity to close this deal. It would be a nice little getaway, even if just for a night.

As she packed her suitcase, she packed a couple extra outfits for after her meetings. She wanted to explore and experience New Orleans in her time there. Part of her trip preparation included a call to her favorite Cowboy, Garren James, owner of the Cowboys 4 Angels male companion agency. He had always provided top notch gentlemen in the past when she needed someone for an event or vacation. Being a partner didn’t leave her much time for a social life, dating, or even trying to start a relationship. She much preferred to have the perfect boyfriend when she needed one and spare herself relationship drama the rest of the time. This trip, and an evening with a Cowboy on her arm, will be a nice little distraction. With plans complete, Jade headed to bed knowing her male companion would meet her in New Orleans.

Sitting at the circular, revolving bar at Carousel Piano Bar and Lounge, Jade sipped a French 007 while waiting for her male companion. The drop dead gorgeous Marcus Bagwell from Atlanta arrived but goes to the opposite side of the bar. His eyes sparkled as he gave Jade a wink and a smile. He coyly ordered a Sazerac, the official cocktail of New Orleans, never breaking eye contact. Entranced looking at Marcus, Jade didn’t notice the bartender in front of her. “Miss?” he says. Jolted back to reality, Jade broke her stare across the bar just in time to see the bartender holding a rose out to her. “The gentleman across the bar sends his greetings and would like to join you.”  Speechless, Jade simply nodded yes. Then she had the pleasure of watching her perfect specimen of a man walk around the carousel to take the seat next to hers. She felt his strong arm wrap around her waist, and just as she looked up at him, she slowly awakened, realizing she was tangled in her satin sheets. Damn! Dreaming about her companion before she even meets him! That never happened before. Memories of the dream had Jade super charged as she got ready for her flight. It won’t be long now, and I can turn that dream into reality, she mused.

Jade’s flight to New Orleans was smooth. She headed into her meetings confident and in control. The final negotiations went smoothly, and she had an inked deal in her hands by 2:00pm. Success! Now time to enjoy New Orleans and the reward of a little downtime. She headed back to her hotel, the Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast, to get ready for her “date”.

She had arranged to meet Marcus at the French Market’s Café Du Monde. Jade had heard about their famous beignets and coffee. She grabbed a table inside and waited, still charged from the dream last night. She hoped the real experience would be just as heavenly. As Marcus entered, their eyes met, and he flashed a smile at her. As he crossed the room, Jade stood to greet him.

Marcus gave her a hug and kissed her cheek as he said, “Jade darling, so great to see you. Congratulations on sealing another winning deal for your company.”

He looked like perfection in his chinos and pressed shirt, and his cologne was intoxicating. He was every bit as good as the dream. Jade could barely squeak out, “Thank you.”

They ordered some white, powdered sugar beignets and café au lait chicory coffees to go. As they wandered through the adjacent Jackson Square together, savoring their treats, they talked and laughed as if they had known each other for years. It was very comfortable, and they had a splendid time enjoying each other’s company.

While on the square, they saw a street performer conducting his act alongside a giant mirror. Jade caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and noticed white, powdered sugar on her lips and in a trail down the front of her shirt.  Glancing at Marcus, she noticed he looked pristine with no evidence of their confections on his clothes, and he was watching her with an amused expression as she surveyed herself in the mirror.

“Here, let me take care of that for you,” he said coyly. As his thumb brushed across her lips, she had to fight off the desire to pucker against it. And when his fingertips brushed the powdered sugar from her shirt, a jolt of electricity surged through her body, causing her to suck in her breath. “No more evidence of your indulgence.”

They headed to the Garden District and took a relaxing ride on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar. Marcus, with his chiseled muscles, had no trouble bracing Jade’s body, steadying her as the streetcar made its way through the breathtaking mansions of the American Sector. She leaned against him as they enjoyed the historical trip, finally ending back where they had started, near the famous Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.

For dinner, they headed to Commander’s Palace for some haute creole food. Jade dined on Breaux Bridge Crawfish Risotto, while Marcus chose the Curried Shrimp and Coconut. Jade couldn’t have felt any sexier than when Marcus fed her a taste of his dish from his fork, licking his lips as he watched her take the morsel. The ended the evening at the storied Maple Leaf Bar. The drinks and live brass band had Jade feeling flirtatious as they swayed to the music. She looked up at Marcus, feeling his arms wrapped around her waist, and whispered, “Will you give me a private Mardi Gras party? I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”

“I do declare pretty lady; you just might make this southern boy blush,” he replied with a hearty chuckle.

They headed back to the hotel, and as Jade unlocked the door, she felt she was unlocking all the possibilities for how the night could end.  Who needs Bourbon Street when you have a Cowboy at your side?