Читать книгу Promises to Keep - Linda Hudson-Smith - Страница 9

After a gentleman said Darius would be a few minutes late for the meeting, Courtney was ushered into his private office to wait for him. As she looked around, she was simply astonished. The panorama of Hollywood from the picture window behind Darius’s desk included a bird’s-eye view of Capitol Records. This was certainly a high-rent district.

Crystal-clear glass and gleaming chrome furnishings breathed high-tech energy into the room. The circular glass desk dominated the space. A high-back chair, crafted from fine silver leather, was supported by chrome arms and legs. The remarkable decor was like nothing she’d ever seen before. It belonged to a futuristic era. Chrome and glass bookshelves, tall and impressive, were for more than show. The white carpet beneath her feet felt thick and plush. Posh sofas and chairs created an elegant ambience. The office, beautiful and luxurious, was manly, yet subtle enough for a woman.

Exquisitely framed pictures on Darius’s desk caught Courtney’s eye. She moved nearer to take a closer look. A single eleven-by-fourteen color photo of a woman made her mouth drop open. Unable to pull her eyes away, she couldn’t help staring.

Talk about beautiful.

The lady with a caramel complexion was positively stunning. Any man would love to hold and caress the slim, petite body, dressed in an alluring, cobalt-blue silk dress. In another picture of the same size, Darius wore a dark, double-breasted suit. He stood directly behind the lady, his fingers locked together at the middle of her waist. Satiny ginger-brown curls nestled back against his broad chest.

Candice, Courtney easily surmised. This beauty had to be Darius’s Candice. What a lucky woman, she thought, hoping Candice treated him as wonderfully as she would if he were her man. Though she didn’t know if he deserved special treatment or not, she somehow felt he was worthy of whatever goodness this world had to offer. He seemed genuinely kind and compassionate.

In an eight-by-ten picture was a lovely woman with a nearly flawless coffee-and-cream complexion. Her midlength, dark brown hair was sprinkled with salt. Standing next to her and much taller than the woman was a handsome, stately-looking man, who called to mind the expression silver fox. Every strand of his wavy hair had turned completely silver. The couple looked into each other’s eyes with adoration. His parents, she surmised.

Darius slipped quietly into the room. Unnoticed by Courtney, who appeared focused on the pictures atop his desk, he watched her. As he drank in her natural beauty, his heart started to race. The effect she had on him was profound, something he’d never experienced before. The view from behind was sexy, spellbinding and thrilling.

Feeling someone’s presence, Courtney turned and saw Darius standing there.

Impeccably dressed in a light gray, pinstriped suit, a pink silk shirt, with a complementary white, pink and gray silk tie, Darius exemplified a successful tycoon. The fashionable attire looked exquisite on his fine physique.

Courtney smiled brightly. “Good evening, Darius. It’s nice to see you again.”

Darius smiled gently. “The feeling is mutual. Would you like something to drink?”

Courtney nodded her assent. “Cold water would be nice. Thank you.”

Darius walked over to his desk and picked up the phone, punching in the red intercom button. “Jasmine, please bring in a few bottles of ice-cold water and a platter of fresh fruit. I’m starving and way past ready for my dinner order.”

“Right away, Mr. Fairfax.”

“Thanks, Jasmine. You’re the best.”

Instead of sitting down in the swivel chair behind his desk, where he conducted most of his business, Darius opted for one of the plush microfiber sofas. He wanted to make Courtney feel at ease.

She took a seat. One click of her thumb opened the brown leather briefcase. “I’m letting you call all the shots,” she reminded him, smiling softly.

“In that case, we’re ready. Have you come up with any other inspiring ideas for the surprise engagement party?”

“Based on the things we discussed yesterday, I think I have a couple of good ones. Since I can’t confer with Candice, I only have your brain to pick.” Reaching into her briefcase, she removed a few sheets of paper and handed them to him.

“I sketched a few ideas for centerpieces to include the angels you mentioned.”

A light knock came on the door before Darius could respond. The door opened and in walked Jasmine. She set a metal tray on the rectangular chrome table situated in one corner of the vast room.

Jasmine was dressed beautifully. Courtney thought she was stunning; her attire had class and style. She imagined guys giving off shrill wolf whistles whenever Jasmine walked into a room or strolled by. Clad in a red silk blouse and slim navy skirt, the young woman was a looker. A wide red patent-leather belt spanned her slender waist.

Getting to his feet, Darius was eager to introduce the two dynamic women.

“Jasmine Parker has been my administrative assistant for the past couple of years. I can count on her when I can’t rely on anyone else. A one-of-a-kind employee, she’s loyal to me and committed to running the office to the best of her ability. I’d be lost without Jasmine,” he told Courtney. “She agreed to stay on until our meeting is done. This young, innovative lady has a great future ahead of her in film.”

Courtney took Jasmine’s extended hand. “So nice to meet you, Jasmine.”

“Same here,” Jasmine assured Courtney, smiling sweetly.

A couple of light pleasantries were exchanged between the two women before Jasmine turned her attention back to her boss. “Do you need anything else before your dinner arrives, Mr. Fairfax?”

“I’m good for now. Thanks, Jasmine.”

“I’m just an intercom buzz away.” She smiled at her boss then quickly excused herself and hurried out of the room.

Courtney’s eyes followed Jasmine until the door shut. The lady was intriguing.

“It looks like you surround yourself with beautiful women.” Courtney wanted to swallow her tongue. What a provocative thing for her to say to a client. It was asinine.

“I’m assuming you’re talking about Jasmine for one, but who else are you referring to?”

Cheeks aflame with embarrassment, Courtney pointed at his desk. “The ladies in the photographs are also stunning.”

“Ah, Candice and Mom. They are beautiful. Candice’s inner spirit matches her physical beauty.” He suddenly grew silent, his eyes misting. “Candice needs protecting. She’s very fragile. I try hard to make sure she’s always happy.”

Courtney looked concerned for Darius. He looked so sad all of a sudden. “A surprise reception should make her happy. I’m sure she’ll be pleased.” She wanted to ask him more about his mother, but something told her not to. The fact he hadn’t offered any personal information about her, not even her name, was enough to deter Courtney from making any inquiries.

“I’d do just about anything for Candice, including laying down my life. I’m her fiercest protector. Our relationship is immovably strong and refreshingly honest. I’m beyond certain that no one can ever come between us. We are in each other’s blood.”

Darius’s comments gave Courtney chills and goose bumps. She’d never heard any man voice his feelings for someone in such an emotionally moving way. Whatever Candice had or didn’t have, she had a fiancé who loved her, a man who was willing to die for her. How many women were able to say that? Courtney could only imagine what it might be like to have someone communicate with her in such a profound way. That he hadn’t included his mother in his statement had Courtney thankful she hadn’t opened up what might be unpleasant for him. She just didn’t know what was what.

Courtney thought about the one and only serious romantic relationship she’d had in her adult life. Unfortunately, the liaison had turned out to be a huge, painful disappointment and failure for her. She often thanked God for bailing her out of the toxic situation before she’d fallen hard for Michael Scottsdale, a corporate executive.

Unwittingly, excruciating heartbreak had been waiting for Courtney around every corner. By the grace of God, she’d been led onto another path, but only after she’d taken an unfortunate detour to Michael’s cheating, unfeeling heart. Many women had fought hard in the trenches to become number one in the life of this successful man—in hopes of winning him over. Just as many ladies had lost the battle, including her. Yet losing had really turned out to be a win for her in the end.

All the endless, lonely nights in Courtney’s life were as much her fault as anyone’s. Safeguarding her precious heart had become as important to her as breathing. She preferred to be alone than to have her leisure time filled with a meaningless relationship. Loneliness was sometimes a hard row for her to hoe, yet she had finally found peace in merely sharing her time with girlfriends and others with whom she’d forged mutual bonds.

Courtney spread out on the coffee table several sheets of paper that outlined her plans for Darius’s special event. Everything had been illustrated in painstaking detail. “Please take a minute to look at what I’ve come up with.”

“My time is yours. That’s why I asked you to meet me here in my office.”

Courtney nodded. “In that case, I’ll wait for your comments.”

A knock came on the door again. Just as before, it opened and Jasmine stepped inside. Walking across the room to the corner table, she set down the tray and left the domed top in place. “Can I get you something other than water to drink?”

“Water is fine.” He looked up at Courtney. “What about you?”

Courtney nodded. “Water is perfect for me, too.”

Darius smiled warmly at his assistant. “Thanks. The food smells wonderful.”

“It came from Miss Lilly’s.”

He grinned. “Cube steak, gravy and mashed potatoes?”

Jasmine laughed. “Your favorites are what I always order from Miss Lily’s. Hot applesauce and a salad are there, too, along with thick wedges of cornbread and sweet potato pie. If you need anything else, just let me know.”

“I will,” he said. “Thanks again.”

Darius stood and moved over to the table, inviting Courtney to join him. Once she was seated, he sat down and said a humble blessing over his meal. Picking up his fork, he took the first bite of cube steak, closing his eyes to savor the delicious taste. The meat was tender and the thick, dark gravy was seasoned perfectly.

Scooping up a forkful of mashed potatoes and another piece of steak, he held it up to Courtney’s mouth, shocking her silly. He noticed the reluctance in her eyes. “You just have to taste this wonderful dish. Please indulge me. You won’t be sorry.”

Despite her surprise, Courtney took the proffered food. She wasn’t keen on eating off his fork, but she did so rather than making a fuss over it. It was the closest she’d come to sharing a kiss with him. She decided not to deny her desire to taste the full, sensuous-looking lips that had wrapped around the fork first. She suppressed a satisfied moan. “It is delicious! Where’s this restaurant located? I’ll have to give it a try.”

“Perhaps we can go to dinner there together. I’d love to take you to Miss Lilly’s.”

Not sure of an appropriate response to such an inappropriate comment, Courtney said nothing. It was wrong of him to ask her out to dinner. Maybe Candice didn’t have a man who loved her. Or perhaps his suggestion was perfectly innocent. It was possible she’d read too much into his remark. She quickly convinced herself that had to be it.

As he picked up one of the sketches, he drew in a deep breath. “Did you say you sketched these designs?”

“I did. I love art. There was a time when I thought I might pursue it as a career, but learning all I could about catering kept me too busy to take on anything else.”

“There’s no reason why you can’t do both. These sketches are exquisite. You have quite a creative eye.”

“You think so?”

“I know so. I’ve taken a few art courses in my day. It dovetails with my desire for filmmaking. They’re both artistic talents. I love sketching. Sculpting, too.”

Courtney nodded. “That’s great! Which sketch of mine do you like best?”

He pointed at the drawing with the angel’s wings fully extended. “It’s beautiful. I love the soft shades of lavender you chose. The wingspan suggests a flight to me, a journey into paradise, which is where I hope Candice will always live.”

You can make sure of that by sharing paradise with your precious Candice.

“Where is paradise for you, Courtney?”

Courtney lowered her lashes momentarily. “I haven’t given it any thought.”

Darius looked totally surprised. “You’ve never thought of paradise, of what it might be like or what you’d want it to be like?”

Courtney did everything she could do not to grit her teeth. Why did Darius care about her paradise? Why was he pushing her on the issue? She hadn’t given up on living an idyllic lifestyle. She just tried very hard not to think about it. Her illusions about heaven and love on earth had been shattered a long time ago. Love and happiness would come as a complete surprise if either found her, since she simply wasn’t searching for them.

He looked closely at Courtney. “I seemed to have hit a nerve. Who hurt you?”

Getting up from the table, Courtney walked across the room and stood at the window. As she looked out at what many would happily refer to as paradise, she fought to keep her emotions in check. As she glanced toward the Hollywood Hills, she saw the sun playing hide-and-seek with the jagged mountain range. The colors in the sky were the same soft ones she’d used to sketch one of the angels amid a lovely floral arrangement.

Courtney suddenly stiffened. Darius was right behind her, close enough for her to hear and feel his breathing. As his hands came down gently onto her shoulders, she balled her fists tightly. What did he think he was doing? Why was he touching her so tenderly?

He felt her go rigid and backed off. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I shouldn’t have gotten so personal. I promise not to do it again. Think we can get back to work?”

“I’d like that very much. I came here to work, Darius.”

“I understand. Can we sit back down now?”

Instead of a verbal response to Darius’s question, certain that her voice would quiver, Courtney claimed a seat on the sofa, hoping she could get back to the business at hand. He had unnerved her and her wild attraction to him only made things worse. Under different circumstances, she might have answered his personal questions with a daring remark or a passionate kiss. But he was a man about to be married and they shouldn’t be getting personal, period.

End of story.

Darius looked over the catering catalogues once again. “Candice loves seafood, but I’m afraid of it spoiling, not to mention the smell. What do you think?”

“All foods can only be kept out for certain periods. Seafood is kept on ice when it’s out. My staff and I will see to it that nothing is left out past the recommended time. Cooked seafood doesn’t smell bad. What types are you interested in?”

“Shrimp, cracked crab and lobster are her favorites. If I decide not to go with seafood, what other suggestions do you have?”

Courtney handed Darius a few menus she’d already put together, boldly typed on parchment paper. “Give yourself time to look these over before making a final decision. We have time. Maybe you’d like to get other opinions or even consult Jasmine.”

Darius smiled. “You’re very thorough. I feel I can trust your judgment. Too many opinions can sometimes cloud a vision. I’ll stick with your suggestions, but there’s one thing I’d like to say. I don’t want to order any alcoholic beverages. You may think it’s an unusual request, but Candice doesn’t drink.”

His request wasn’t such an odd one. She’d catered plenty of events where no alcohol was served. “I understand your request better than you think. You’re in charge of whatever we order. Once my staff knows our clients’ likes, we’re known for making the right choices.”

“Sounds like you’ve got it going on.” He loosened his tie and popped open the top button on his silk shirt.

Courtney wished she wasn’t thinking of what was under that shirt. She knew his chest was broad. Was it covered with hair? She’d like nothing better than to suckle his nipples and lick them like Popsicles. The idea of his areolas hardening beneath her tongue caused moisture to form at the core of her femininity. By the color of his skin, she imagined his nipples to be either a medium shade of brown or slightly darker.

“Hello, are you still with me?” Darius sang out, laughing at her dazed expression.

Courtney quickly returned to the here and now, fighting hard to hide her embarrassment. Losing herself to sexy thoughts of him had to stop immediately. “I’m still with you. Just thinking of a few more ideas,” she lied. Ideas of how I can seduce your fine body until you give in and eventually beg for mercy.

Courtney and Darius worked together for another hour and a half. They talked shop, mixed and mingled menu items and swapped ideas on the decorations. The color scheme and angels were definites. He chose the angel with the full wingspan, opting for lavender for the floral arrangements, just as he’d suggested from the beginning. He consulted her on a theme for the invitations, telling her he wanted gold-embossed angels on the front, but he was interested in handling the design himself.

Courtney put everything back into her briefcase then closed and locked it. “I’ll call you after I pull this all together. We can meet again when it’s time to get your approval. I hope you’ll love what we do for your reception. It’s coming together in my mind and now I need to get it sorted out on paper. Then we can draw up a contract.”

“You are thorough and confident. I like people who run their businesses efficiently.”

Courtney blushed, smiling at the same time. “Thank you. I like people who are willing to give credit where it’s due. When my customers are happy and satisfied, they recommend us to family, friends and colleagues. That helps the business grow. All my clients become salespeople and advertisers for my business if they’re treated right. Pleasing our clients is our top priority. If anything goes wrong, I’ll do my best to fix it.”

“Touché, my fair lady. You are indeed something else, a powerful force.”

Excited by his sincere praise, Courtney grinned. “Good night, Darius. Have a nice evening.”

“You, too.” His eyes narrowed as he watched her walk to the door and leave.

Darius felt like he’d just been steamrolled and bulldozed, all at the same time. Courtney Campbell was one hell of a woman. Where had she been hiding all his life? Women like her didn’t come a dime a dozen. This intriguing lady was one in a trillion, one of the rarest kinds. God had surely broken the mold and tossed it after creating her.

Courtney slipped into the driver’s seat of her Lexus. Once she started the engine, she laid her head on the steering wheel to give herself a few minutes to settle down. Darius had her so high she wasn’t sure if her feet would ever touch down on earth again.

The man is engaged to a beautiful, sexy woman, one whom he clearly adores.

The sobering thought did little to quash the euphoria Courtney felt inside. There was no harm in a bit of daydreaming about the finest man she’d ever met. She knew full well that Darius was romantically unavailable to her. That didn’t mean he couldn’t star in her fantasies every now and then.

Once she met Candice, Courtney hoped all these dizzying thoughts about him would vanish. The fiancée was real enough to her, but Courtney hadn’t met her face-to-face. After becoming acquainted with Candice, Courtney was sure dreams of Darius would die down and eventually disappear altogether.

This fine brother and his fiancée have promises to keep, promises to each other.

Clad in a navy blue double-breasted pantsuit and a red silk top, matching it with red leather heels and bag, Courtney had attracted a lot of male attention from the moment she’d entered the large ballroom inside the beautiful Hollywood Westin Bonaventure. She had spotted her brunch companions immediately but decided to check out the food offerings first.

The decorations set off the buffet in such a beautiful yet healthy manner. The deep purple eggplants and green, orange and yellow squashes exuded vibrancy. Various types of whole and sliced plump red tomatoes infused the table with even more color, as did a variety of fresh melon slices, red and green grapes and golden pineapple chunks. There were too many delectable items to choose from.

Sauntering over to the omelet station, Courtney checked out all the available ingredients. She then requested from the white-capped chef an all-vegetable omelet, consisting of button and sliced mushrooms, black olives, yellow squash, zucchini, chopped asparagus, slivers of green peppers and diced tomatoes.

J. R. Norman pulled out Courtney’s chair and then reclaimed his own. A physical fitness enthusiast, his body was tight and muscled, his waistline tapered. His complexion was soft and dark and his thick moustache was kept neatly trimmed. Sporting a close-cropped haircut, his waves were dark brown sprinkled with a bit of gray. By all standards, J.R. was a good-looking man and eminently charismatic when he decided to pour it on. Courtney liked how real and up-front he was and how deeply he loved his wife.

Monica had fallen in love with the professional music teacher and drummer in a matter of weeks, surprised to learn he’d fallen just as hard for her. Six months later they’d taken their vows in front of family members and very close friends. No bride was any more stunning than Monica on her special day. Courtney had been her maid of honor.

With a plate piled high, showcasing all sorts of delicious-smelling food, Monica was seated to her husband’s left. Dressed in a white pantsuit and a yellow silk shell, she looked gorgeous. Yellow patent-leather shoes and a matching purse complemented the stark white suit beautifully. Monica was a vision of loveliness. At times it was hard for J.R. to take his eyes off his woman.

A quick look at Courtney’s dish made J.R. laugh. “Is that all you’re eating?”

Courtney gave him a sideways glance. “I’m just starting out. There’s not a lot of room on this table so I didn’t want to fill too many plates at once. Don’t worry. My $34.99 will not go to waste, especially the way I love breakfast food.”

“I hope not,” J.R. countered. He looked over at his wife’s plate. “Now this sister knows how to pack it. What amazes me is she doesn’t gain an ounce after eating a ton of food.”

“J.R.,” Monica scolded lightly, “you should never talk about a woman’s weight in front of her or any other ladies. It’s rude and insensitive. And leave Courtney alone.”

J.R. hunched his shoulders. “I call it like I see it—and you already know that about me. What do you think, Courtney?”

Before Courtney could respond, she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. “Had I known you liked this place, I would’ve invited you to join me. I eat here often. Hello,” he said to J.R. “I’m Darius Fairfax.” He then nodded at Monica. “I’m one of Courtney’s clients,” he told J.R. “She’s handling an engagement reception for me.”

J.R. wiped his right hand on a white linen napkin before extending it to Darius. “You got the right lady for the job. So nice to meet you, man. Care to join us?”

“As a matter of fact, I’d love the company. I’m alone. Since I haven’t filled a plate yet, I’ll do that first. Thanks for the invite.” With that said, Darius strolled off.

J.R. looked right at Courtney, though she felt as if he were looking right through her. “What’s up with this Darius Fairfax? He may be getting married, but he definitely has a thing for you. What’d you do to that man to make him go off the deep end? He’s spellbound. The brother couldn’t take his eyes off you.”

Monica tried to reel her husband in, but his fishing expedition was already too deep. Courtney hadn’t taken the bait, yet he felt he had a right to reel her in. Monica looked on as he continued firing questions at her boss, barely giving her a chance to respond.

“J.R., you know I love you, but please put a lid on it. There is nothing between Darius and me. He’s a client and I’m his hired gun, with major firepower. Got it?”

J.R. nodded. “Yeah, and so has he. The man has it bad for you. Don’t be surprised if he backs out of this commitment. He can’t possibly love another woman and look at you like you’re the queen of his heart. Sparks are flying every which way between you two. Mark my words, ladies. Anyone care to make a wager?”

Monica gave Courtney a pleading look, hoping she could ignore her husband and forgive him. It was like he’d suddenly lost all his marbles. Courtney returned a nod of understanding. J.R. wouldn’t say these things in front of Darius. He’d never embarrass his wife or her. The three friends very much respected and relished their closeness.

Upon Darius’s return to the table, he sat down next to Courtney. As his arm accidentally brushed against hers, she felt a rush of heat. If it wouldn’t be so telling, she’d fan herself to cool the hot flames singeing her skin.

Discreetly, Courtney surveyed Darius’s attire. Though dressed more casually than when she’d last seen him, he still looked like a man of means. He wore a black blazer with a gold royal crest and his light blue silk shirt was open at the collar. The revealing bit of thick chest hairs made her want to see so much more of his sexy attributes. A sudden thought of him standing under the shower naked caused her to gasp.

Darius looked at Courtney with concern. “Are you okay?”

She managed a believable smile. “I’m fine. Something must’ve gone down the wrong way. It’s okay now.” Things were definitely going down the wrong way, but she had no clue as to how to redirect them. Gushing over an engaged man was simply insane.

Noticing the tiny beads of sweat on Courtney’s forehead didn’t convince Darius that everything was fine with her, but he thought it best to let it ride. The last thing he wanted to risk was embarrassing her in front of her friends.

“I know Monica works for Courtney, but what about you, J.R.? Are you employed by The Party People, too?” Darius inquired.

“I work for Courtney on occasion. If she has clients who need a band, we accommodate her if we’re free. However, I’m a music teacher at Rutherford Junior College. I also teach private keyboard and drum lessons to youngsters. Writing music is the part of my career I love best.”

Darius smiled broadly. “That’s good to know, man. Have you ever written music for a film or television?”

J.R. shook his head in the negative. “Can’t say that I have, but I’d sure love to give it a try.”

“Let’s set up a meeting before we leave here. I’m the owner of D.F. Film Productions, Inc. My offices are here in Hollywood. Have you heard of my firm?”

“Who hasn’t heard of your company?” Impressed with Darius’s success, J.R. wondered if he might help something extraordinary happen in his music career. “Great things are said about what you’re doing for blacks in theater arts. I’m awed by what you’ve taken on. The power people in Tinseltown are not easy adversaries.”

“I try not to see them as opponents. My desire is to partner with some of the best producers and directors working in this city. There’s enough for all of us in the world of entertainment. And we always need music.”

“I’d love to hear what you’re looking for. Monica always said that might be just the right ticket for me. She’s my wife, and she means everything in the world to me.” J.R. leaned over and kissed Monica full on the mouth.

Darius grinned. “The way you two look at each other made that an easy call. Body language tells its own story. Love between two people reveals itself in a number of ways. The lack of love between partners is just as easy to read.”

“Yeah, I know,” J.R. remarked. “Love is loud and clear, with or without vocals.”

Darius’s eyes suddenly flickered. “I like that! People in love are blessed. It’s a thrill to watch actors communicate love in a romantic story without saying a word.”

Talking about love and romance had gotten to Courtney, a hopeless romantic who had yet to experience a genuine loving relationship. The man of her dreams was out there, but she had no idea when he’d show up. If he did appear, she wasn’t sure she’d recognize him immediately.

Glancing at Darius, she recalled her heart reaching out to him the moment she’d laid eyes on him. Unfortunately for her, his heart and love already belonged to another.