Persuading Lola

by

Elke Feuer

Amazon Kindle Edition

PERSUADING LOLA

Copyright © 2016 by Elke Feuer

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Table of Contents

About the Author

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Author’s Note

For the Love of Jazz

Prologue

Chapter 1

About the Author

Elke was born and raised on Grand Cayman, but moved to Florida with her husband and two kids who keep her entertained with their silly wit. When not writing, she's helping other writers through her company CayWriters.

Find her on Facebook and Twitter or email her at hotcaymanmama@yahoo.com. Sign up to her newsletter at www.elkefeuer.com if you want notifications of new releases.

Chapter 1

Chicago, 1958

Humid night air blasted his face as William followed his friend Gary down another alleyway, leading them farther away from their cars and, in his mind, their safety. He could see the front pages now: “William Pullman Found Dead in the Wrong Part of Town.” His family would hate him for years for the bad publicity.

His palms were a sweaty mess and his stomach clenched when Gary paused before a flashing neon sign: Jazz Joynt.

Anticipation flooded his chest with tingles every step he took down the narrow concrete staircase until they reached inside.

Smoke moved above them like shifting clouds, hovering and swirling. Flickers of neon lights colored them as the mist meandered between the crowd standing or sitting at tables and the bar.

Gary had assured him they had the best jazz in town, but from the look of the place, he wasn’t sure it was worth the risk. Deep breaths, Will.

Gary patted his back in reassurance, appearing to read his thoughts. “We’ll be fine.” He nudged his chin toward a table near the stage.

Tension coiled his gut. He and Gary were the only white men in the club. Will sensed eyes in the room watching him, especially the men. Dangerous-looking men. Do they know who I am?

He eased into a seat at the table. His gaze darted about the club for signs he needed to stay on guard. His back relaxed into the chair when the eyes that had watched them lost interest.

His family would pitch a fit if they knew he was in a place like this. It was perfect.

Gary had been rattling on for weeks about a singer and how Will had to see her perform. He enjoyed jazz, but only agreed to come because he was curious to meet the woman who had rattled the unflappable Gary.

They ordered drinks and Will tapped his feet to the beat of the music as he waited. A wiry young man set a Scotch before him and smiled with teeth so white against his ebony skin that they didn’t seem real.

“Thanks.”

The man nodded and trotted back to the bar.

When he glanced at the stage, a woman stepped in front of the sitting band, the noise from the crowd dimming and then going silent as she stood before the microphone. The soft glow of the spotlight narrowed until it framed her perfect face in a circle. And what a face it was. It would stop traffic—colored skin and all.

Adrenaline rushed through him until every hair on his body stood to attention, leaving his skin tingling with tiny aftershocks.

Her hand moved to the microphone, a silent indication for the band to start playing, one instrument at a time, each after the other, until they became a singular tune.

The notes to “I’m a Fool to Want You” echoed through the club, filling the deafening silence until she opened her mouth to sing and his world turned upside down.

Raspy, sweet, and incredibly sexy. The kind of voice that knocked you on your ass and then picked you up again—like her face.

The curves beneath her dress begged for him to touch them. Face, body, and voice—a deadly combination he wanted to explore and enjoy. Thoughts his brother and uptight new wife would crap themselves over.

He now understood Gary’s fascination.

Her hand caressed the microphone and then her hips as they swayed seductively. What thoughts were churning in that pretty head while she sang, eyes closed?

Her eyes opened and locked on him, renewing the electrical charge that had dulled.

His thundering heartbeat drowned out all noise as their gazes remained locked. He felt light-headed and his heart hurt so bad it was about to burst.

She looked away. Had she sensed their connection? Felt the spark? The easy way she looked away said no.

The song finished, and she bowed graciously, thanked the crowd and band, and then blew a kiss randomly into the air.

He glanced around, scanning the men for an indication it was for someone specific, but like him, they all appeared enamored. Damn! He had competition—and lots of it.

“Spectacular, isn’t she?” Gary’s voice interrupted as he watched her leave the stage. “Her name’s Lola Johnson.”

“Huh? What?” He turned to face Gary, whose gray eyes crinkled. He was grinning and all but laughing.

“And you didn’t want to come.”

“Stupid me.” He drank the last of the Scotch and stood.

“Where are you going?”

“To talk to her.”

Gary laughed and straightened his lanky frame. “You won’t get past the door. No one does.” He lifted his chin toward the crowd. “Why do you think no other men are heading to her dressing room? They’ve all been there and been shot down, myself included. We wait until she comes out and maybe get to buy her a drink.”

“You asked her out?” Gary was usually lucky with the ladies. He wasn’t half bad, but never knew if their interest was because of his family connections.

“Shot me down as quick as every other man in here.”

Will started to sit down, but remembered how long their gaze had held. That couldn’t have been his imagination. Right? Only one way to find out. He fisted his hands in determination and shifted his chair out of the way.

Before he took a step, a man—tall, thick, and black as night—beat him to the door Lola had exited. He didn’t plan on waiting in line, so he sat down and waved to the server for another drink.

Lola was popular. Based on Gary’s comments, the drooling men in the crowd, and the smartly dressed burly man, he needed a different strategy.

He watched the door, sipped his drink, and wished he could see through walls.

Chapter 2

Lola came out onstage again. The red sequined gown she wore hugged her curves tightly, grabbing everyone’s attention.

The band started playing and like before, he sat on the edge of his seat as she sang “Lover Man.” Every move she made enthralled him. Her voice and body seduced him, slow and painful until all he thought about was holding her, kissing her, running his hands over her body. To his embarrassment, he grew harder with each word she sang.

She hadn’t looked at him once, but he didn’t care.

As though sensing his thoughts, her eyes settled on him, and like the first time, her gaze lingered before she looked away. Heat seared him and a jolt shocked his heart, like his body had been dead this whole time and she jump-started it and got it beating for the first time.

Smoke filled his nostrils and stung his eyes, but all he saw was Lola.

His heart thundered in his chest and she was still the most beautiful woman he laid eyes on. He’d expected the quick attraction to taper off, but he was wrong.

He still wanted her, and she was going to be his.

“I’ll find out what I can about her,” Gary said when she left the stage.

“Don’t.”

Gary gave him a sideways glance. “Why not?”

Will and Gary had been friends since childhood and digging into people’s backgrounds was what Gary did, but Will didn’t want to know everything about Lola. Will wanted to discover it for himself—from her lips.

“She’ll be a tough broad to crack.” Gary sipped from his glass. “She laughs and jokes with all the fellas at the bar, but not once have I seen her leave with anyone. The bartender walks her out and then comes back in.”

Will raked a hand through his dark hair. Gary was right. The burly man who followed Lola to her dressing room had come out disappointed and mad.

The bartender was the same person who’d brought his drink. Nothing special about him that he could see.

He handed him a five and told him to keep the change.

“Thank you, sir.”

“What’s your name?”

“Joe.”

“Tell me something, Joe. How do you get a date with Lola?”

Joe’s smile vanished and his lanky frame stiffened. “You don’t.”

“Why not? Is she seeing someone? You, maybe?”

Joe studied him for several seconds, appearing to contemplate his response, making Will wonder if Joe would say, “Leave her alone,” or something more colorful.

“She doesn’t date men like you,” he said tentatively.

“Men like me? You mean white?”

Joe’s expression didn’t change. “No. Rich and privileged, who think they can have anything and anyone they want.”

He laughed.

“If I thought that, Joe, I wouldn’t need your advice, now would I?”

Joe chewed over his words before answering. “She don’t date no one. Don’t take it personal. She turns everyone down, me included.”

“What have the other guys done? Gifts, flowers?”

Joe nodded.

“Looks like I got my work cut out for me then, right?”

“I’d give up now if I were you,” Joe offered.

Will chuckled. “My brother thinks I’m too stubborn. He might be right.”

Joe shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

“What does she drink?”

“Red wine.”

“Open a bottle of her favorite and have it waiting when she comes out of her dressing room.” He put another five-dollar bill in Joe’s hand. “Don’t tell her it’s from me. Just someone who admires her talent.”

Joe snorted, but took the money.

“Keep the change.”

“It’s your money, sir.”

“Will. My name is Will.”

Joe glanced at him and then Gary. “Will it is.” He shuffled back behind the bar and took out a bottle of red wine.

Gary shook his head. “You’re in for a whole lot of disappointment.”

Will shrugged. “She’ll be worth it.”

Gary didn’t argue with him. When Will made up his mind about something, there was no changing it, no matter how bad the decision. Will’s father and brother had learned that firsthand.

“Let’s get out of here,” Will said, nudging Gary.

“What? You want to leave now?”

He stood.

Gary shrugged. “Let’s go.”

When they passed the bar, Joe appeared as shocked as Gary to witness him leaving.

Will followed Gary to his car and got inside, his mind racing with images of Lola—the sound of her voice, the way she glanced at him from the stage. He smiled and turned on the radio as Gary pulled out of the parking lot and headed to their regular bar.

Gary mentioned that Lola performed at different clubs throughout the week and he planned to be at every one every night. Will would get to know her, and the best way to do that, in his mind, was to watch her interact with people—discover what she liked and didn’t like before making the next move. Being a lawyer had its benefits, and Will planned to use everything at his disposal to win Lola.

The rest of the night breezed by. He paid little attention to anything, his mind filled with thoughts of Lola.

Will waved good-night to Gary when he dropped him home. His parents were happy when he purchased it, thinking he was finally considering settling down. Buying the house had nothing to do with his parents and everything to do with the connection.

Buying a house was the last thing on his mind. While driving around trying to clear his head after another argument with his brother, Myles, about joining his political campaign, he ended up on this street and saw the For Sale sign. A woman approached him—a pretty young widow who was helping the realtor with inquiries.

When he went inside and walked around, he sensed he was home. More at home than his childhood house. Pullman Manor was cold, like the houses on the magazine covers with perfect families—two kids dressed for church and their parents, pillars of their community. Will snorted. What a joke. The people in his parents’ circle were more corrupt and vile than some of the criminals he prosecuted. They’d stab you in the back and walk over your rotting corpse—all with a camera-ready smile, and not a speck of blood on their designer clothing.

The thought of becoming part of that dream made him ill. He wanted passion and fun, not the life his parents had. Neither did he want someone like Elsa, his brother’s wife.

Will thought Elsa would shake up their family, but the moment he laid eyes on her, he knew Elsa was like his mother—or wanted to be: perfect, poised, and the wife of a senator. She wasn’t with Myles for his money, but for the social position as his wife.

Will was grateful for his friendship with Gary, who knew better than him how a perfect family hid secrets and told lies.

A package sat at his front door when he climbed the steps. An apple pie was inside the neatly wrapped brown box. Sofia, the pretty widow who lived next door, left one for him once a week. She was sweet and attractive enough, but nothing was there. At least, not on his end. Sofia had invited him over on more than one occasion, but he always found an excuse not to go. He didn’t want to lead her on.

He took the pie inside and set it on the kitchen counter next to an unfinished one.

Will sat down in his favorite chair, closed his eyes, and dreamed about Lola.

* * *

Lola looked at the glass of wine waiting at the bar. Joe always saved her usual spot when she finished for the night. “Who’s this one from tonight, Joe?” Hopefully not the rude burly guy. She didn’t want anything from him.

Was it from the man in the crowd? He wasn’t at the table when she left the dressing room, and she thought he might be waiting for her at the bar. He wasn’t, but her hopes rose when she saw the wine.

“Someone who admires your talent.”

Lola’s brow knotted. “That’s new.” She chuckled. It was him. She didn’t need to ask Joe, although he would say if she pressed him.

“He purchased the whole bottle of wine.”

“Really?” She tapped her fingers against the glass before shrugging. “I only need one glass. Why don’t you invite Pearl to enjoy the rest with you?”

“You sure?” Joe sidestepped her question.

“Of course. What do I need with a bottle of wine? I don’t have anyone to drink it with.” That sounded pathetic. She hoped Joe didn’t think the same.

“You could find someone to drink with. There’s lots of men to choose from.” He gestured with a sweep of his hand over the crowd in the club, his eyes landing on a row of greasy guys with padded suits at the end of the bar.

Lola shivered before shaking her head. “No thanks. They’d chew me up and spit me out without giving me a second thought.”

“You think the guy who left this will treat you better?” Joe asked coolly, wiping a glass dry.

She snorted. “Hell no! He wants forbidden fruit, and once he got it…” She’d be taken to the nicest restaurants in town they could get into, and charm her pants right off… but after? The man with the sexy smile would toss her aside like yesterday’s garbage and go back to his world.

“Be careful. He’s not like the others.” Joe’s black eyes bored into her, firm but caring.

“I know.” That scared her the most. It wasn’t the wine, or his good looks and charm. Men like that approached her all the time. White men, colored men, married men, and rich and powerful men: they all wanted her once they heard her voice, or thought she was attainable because of her profession. The intentions behind their smiles, fancy words, and expensive gifts were obvious. Brushing them aside was easy for her, but what terrified her about the man in the crowd was her reaction to him.

Butterflies had fluttered in her stomach and her knees had wobbled when he smiled. Cheesy as hell, but true.

Resisting him wouldn’t be easy.

Chapter 3

Will was seated at his table. Every night Lola performed at the Jazz Joynt, he was seated at this table. He tipped Joe to reserve it for him—above the stage and the best seat in the house.

“So, is this going to be a regular thing?” Gary asked, leaning back in his chair.

“You got a problem with it?”

Gary brushed a hand across his ear, careful not to disturb his meticulously groomed sandy-blond hair. “When I brought you here, I didn’t think you’d go after her.”

“Why not?”

Gary shrugged. “I figured you wouldn’t waste your time once you saw she wasn’t interested in the men who approached her. You’ve never shown interest in colored girls before, nor the ones your mother throws in your direction.”

“You mean, you didn’t think I’d go after a girl you were interested in,” Will said, matter-of-fact. Their friendship meant brutal honesty. They both preferred it that way. No misunderstandings.

“That too,” Gary said with a grin.

“You like her that much?”

“I did. At first.”

He shifted in his chair. “What changed your mind?”

“The way you look at her. And the way she looks at you.”

He snorted. “She hardly glances in my direction.”

“True, but when she does…” Gary shrugged.

Will didn’t respond. His heart was in his throat. If Gary noticed a change in her, maybe it meant something. He didn’t want to get his hopes up, but he wouldn’t take Gary’s words for granted, either.

He checked his watch. Lola was coming on any minute. Had she gotten his gift? He grinned as he thought of the look on her face when she walked in the dressing room.

Finding a gift for her hadn’t been easy, and flowers were out of the question. For three weeks, he watched every man give her flowers or candy. He bet not one of them noticed she had a book in her hand whenever she left the club. Joe held it for her behind the bar, along with her purse.

The card was carefully worded. Flattering, but it didn’t go overboard, and he signed his name—not “secret admirer” as with the wine. If he was going with such a unique gift, he was sure as hell going to put his name on it.

She stepped onstage and the crowd at the bar grew silent as she sauntered to the microphone, clad in another tight, incredibly sexy number. Although it went to her ankles, it hugged her curves and left little to the imagination.

Actually, it caused his imagination to run wild—until she started to sing. Melodious and beautiful. If she didn’t sing jazz, she could’ve sung opera, her voice a godly talent.

To his surprise and delight, she glanced his way more than once during her performance, and his body reacted the same: tantalized and devastated.

Each night he visited, he tested his reaction to her, expecting it to wane or dull, but he only wanted her more. When he wasn’t at the club, he couldn’t stop thinking about her.

He wasn’t a fool. He knew being seen with someone of Lola’s color was a bad idea, and not because of his family connections. This was the ’50s, and even taking her to his favorite places to eat was out of the question.

He raked a hand through his hair in frustration. He didn’t care. He wanted her, and not just in his bed. He wanted to know where she grew up, what her family was like. Did she have a happy childhood? Geez, I sound pathetic. Gary and Myles would poke fun if they heard him.

“Put yourself out of misery and ask her out.” Gary nudged him when Lola finished singing.

“It’s too soon.”

“Too soon? You’ve been mooning over her for weeks now and you’re undressing each other with your eyes, as cheesy as that sounds. What happened to ‘All or Nothing Will’?”

Will got the nickname due to his approach in the courtroom, and with his cases. He glanced at the door. Gary was right. He pushed his chair away from the table and stood.

His heart was in his throat as he headed to the backstage door and his heartbeat drowned out the noise of the club.

The door didn’t take him where he expected, only to a corridor with a few doors. There was no star on the door, only her name. Is it her real name?

He should’ve taken Gary’s offer to check into her background—he hated being unprepared when going into the unknown. The attraction remained strong, and while it seemed more than just physical, he couldn’t help thinking he followed the wrong head.

Chapter 4

Lola glanced at the mirror. Oh God! Had she looked as tired onstage as her reflection? Heaven forbid. Dark circles pooled around her bloodshot eyes, screaming that they needed a good night’s sleep and a long vacation.

“You turned down a college degree for this?” she could hear her mother’s voice ask. Her parents had wanted more for her and her sister, but singing was a fire in her blood no amount of school could burn out. She needed to be onstage, even if it meant late nights and long days.

The loud knock on the door startled her, but she rolled her eyes as she checked the time. Who was it tonight? Why can’t they just enjoy the music and leave me alone?

She thought about ignoring it and hoping they’d go away. Another knock came.

“Ms. Johnson? Are you in there?”

She groaned. Get it over with, Lola.

The hairs rose at the back of her neck, heat raced across her skin, and her heart slammed against her chest when her gaze collided with the endless sea-green of his eyes. Him! The man who’d been coming to the club for weeks, wreaking havoc on her senses every time their eyes met. Standing this close to him wasn’t helping, either. She gripped the door handle.

“Yes?”

“I’m… Ahh…” He paused, seeming to contemplate whether to say his name or give a false one. It wouldn’t be the first time. Men! Black or white, they’re all alike.

She raised an eyebrow when he remained silent with his mouth open. “You plan on standing there all night?”

He closed his mouth and cleared his throat. “I’m William. Will.”

She waited, expecting him to give his family name, but none came. He smiled and his entire face lit up, along with the dim room she stood in.

God, the man was gorgeous! His thick frame filled the door and she was certain his suit had no padding. Strong, chiseled face and a dimple that winked at her with boy-next-door charm. Too sexy for his own good. No doubt he knew it, too.

“You’re more beautiful close up.”

His expression said he hadn’t planned to say the words out loud. That made them real—at least for her. “Thank you.”

“I’d like to take you to dinner.”

And there was the male arrogance. At least Will had asked and not insisted.

“W—we can go anywhere you like,” he stammered.

“Anywhere?” She longed to snort. He wouldn’t be caught dead in public with someone of her color. Men thought “singer” meant “prostitute,” or that she was waiting for them to save her. She didn’t need saving!

“Yes,” he said, without hesitation or shifting his gaze.

Geez! He means what he says. His honesty was appealing and so damn sexy; she had the urge to touch his face to make certain he was real. She placed her hands behind her back.

“Look, just because you buy me drinks and books doesn’t mean you own me.” He had gotten her books. Books! What kind of man got a woman books?

His spine straightened. “I don’t think that.”

Sure you don’t, pal. Men who bought her drinks thought she owed them. “Thanks, but I’m not interested.”

“You seeing someone else?”

“No.”

His eyebrows knotted. “Then why? I’ve seen the way you look at me when you’re onstage.”

She rolled her eyes for his sake, but her heart stuttered. She had tried her best not to glance at him. She could feel his eyes watching her, caressing her in the most erotic way. She was used to men’s bold gazes and words, but for some reason his gaze made her skin fiery.

She switched the foot she was leaning on. “I—I… I’m focused on my singing at the moment, and I don’t need… distractions,” she stammered.

He grinned. “You think I’m a distraction?”

“All men are distractions.”

“I’ll be a good distraction. I promise.”

He leaned closer and his green eyes darkened. Shivers raced across her skin and spooked her heart. Not good!

She took a step back. “All men say those words.”

He frowned. “I’m not every man.”

“Good luck with that, sweetheart.” She now understood why he hadn’t approached her sooner. She’d thought he was shy and was grateful for his distance. The last thing she needed was another man trying to convince her he would make her life better. Liar! He bought you books.

She stepped back, standing behind the doorframe. “I need to get ready for my next set.”

“I’ll be the one drooling,” he mumbled.

She laughed, grateful for the humor to break up the thick tension. “All right, then. Make sure you keep it off the stage.”

He nodded and flashed her a dazzling grin that nailed her in the gut. She leaned against the door after she closed it. A gorgeous man with a sexy smile who’d gotten to know she loved books? I am in serious trouble.

Chapter 5

Will watched his parents from the corner of their living room while they spoke with his father’s constituents. Another boring dinner to convince people to vote for my brother, Myles. He’d rather be in a lightning storm with a broken umbrella.

“Try to look like you want to be here,” Myles said with a smile.

“This is my happy face.”

“Only one more hour.”

“An hour?” God help me! “Think anyone would notice if I snuck out the back?”

Myles didn’t answer. They both knew what would happen—his mother would pitch a fit, and there’d be a lecture from his father.

“I hear you’re hanging out with Gary at jazz clubs these days. I didn’t realize those places were his style.”

His brother was becoming a bigger snob than his parents. He didn’t used to be. He missed that Myles, and the fun time they’d shared. Before him was a replica of his father: black hair greased to perfection, expensive suit on his athletic frame.

“The music is good.” He tried to sound casual, even as his heart raced. Had someone seen him and reported it to Myles or their father?

Myles shrugged. “If you say so.” His face lit up as his wife strolled toward them. Elsa’s dress rested neatly below her knees and every strand of her blonde hair was perfect. Held there, Will was certain, by her sheer will.

She smiled and brushed invisible fluff from Myles’s evening jacket.

“Good evening, William.” She refused to call him Will.

“Elsa.”

“The Jacksons are leaving soon, so we should say good-bye.”

“Of course, darling.”

Will didn’t like Elsa. She was the perfect mate for Myles—given the career path he was on—but he didn’t like the path she took in his brother’s personal life.

There was no real warmth behind her ice-blue eyes, or in her smiles. She cared for Myles, but Will wasn’t certain she returned the obvious love and adoration Myles had for her. She was as reserved as their parents. He loved them, but always sensed their marriage was more for convenience and political gain than love.

Myles whispered something in Elsa’s ear, making her blush before she left them alone. “Do you think you could stay away from the jazz clubs? At least until elections are over.”

He glared at Myles. Their green eyes locked. “Don’t be Father, Myles.”

“Fine. At least make sure they’re acceptable.” He shoved a hand in his pants pocket.

“I can’t make any promises.” Will grinned, although he wanted to knock his brother’s teeth in. Myles was starting to sound more and more like a younger version of their father every day. Gone was the boy who collaborated with Will to drive their parents crazy. He and Myles were similar with their ebony hair and green eyes—traits they inherited from both parents—but Myles mirrored his father in every other way.

Becoming a lawyer gave Will the chance to avoid a career in politics, at least for the moment. Myles taking that route gave him a few years’ peace from his parents. He had no intention of running for office—even if it broke his parents’ hearts. They’d shattered his years ago. His family had a patent on making political careers—something they passed down to each generation. Until him.

He’d rather run guns and liquor for the mob. Politics were as dangerous, and once you got in, it was hard to get out with the skin on your back.

Myles shook his head in disappointment and headed toward Elsa and the Jacksons.

He bade his parents and their guests good-night and saluted Myles half an hour later as he left.

He jumped in his car and drove with no real idea of where he was going. Crisp night air blew inside, and scattered lights from the houses cast shadows on the road and trees guiding him away from the upscale neighborhood. Passing cars thickened the streets, along with people walking the sidewalks.

He relaxed deeper into the back of the car seat when he realized his frame was stiff—a family condition he was grateful to shake once he left his parents’ house. Being on guard all the time was exhausting, and he hated it. Visiting your parents should be laughter and sharing experiences, but it never was. It was more like an interrogation of who, what, where, and when that wasn’t laced with family concern but “did your words or actions expose the family in some way?”

Two weeks had passed since he’d seen Lola or gone to any of the clubs she sang at. He told himself it was because he was busy with a new case, but he’d been avoiding her rejection.

He wanted her in his life, but did he want such a gigantic obstacle? Her being a club singer would set his father off, but that she was black as well? Shit storm!

He ran a hand through his hair, not caring it became mussed. He was away from prying eyes.

And it wasn’t just his parents. The partners in his law firm would politely ask him to leave, not to mention his snooty neighbors. The pretty widow next door was a better choice. She wasn’t everything his parents wanted, but she was a great cook and looked the part.

There was only one problem.

Sofia did nothing for him, physically or emotionally. Being around her didn’t excite him or set him on fire.

She wasn’t Lola.

Chapter 6

Music vibrated off the wall in the club, the small crowd making it sound louder than usual. William scanned the crowd before his gaze settled on Lola, who went straight to the bar after her set. No men waited for her and the fellas were trying their luck with the other women in the club.

She sat at her usual spot and lifted the glass of wine waiting for her. She raised it toward Will, smiling and nodding her thanks before taking a sip.

Was it an invitation? There were two empty seats next to her. He elbowed Gary. “Let’s go to the bar.”

Gary stood and followed him to where Lola sat. Her gaze didn’t leave Will’s. “May we join you?”

She smiled. “Could I stop you?”

Gary stifled a laugh by clearing his throat.

“You could. I wouldn’t want you doing something you didn’t want to.”

Lola shook her head and glanced at Gary. “Is he always like this?”

“We’re lawyers.”

“Ahh. That explains it.” She nodded at the stools next to her. “Take a seat, gentlemen.”

Will sat in the one closest to her.

“Thank you for the gift, but for future reference, my favorite flowers are daisies,” she said with a twinkle in her eyes. “I was going to say save your money, but since you’re a lawyer, you can afford it.”

He grinned. Daisies. Simple and elegant—like her.

“Are you always this competitive when going after women?”

Gary choked on his wine.

Will laughed. “I didn’t realize I had competition.”

“Yes you did. Even your friend over there.” She lifted her chin toward Gary.

“So I knew you had fans. How could you not? You’re a beautiful young woman with a stunning voice and one sexy body.”

Gary choked on his wine again and stared at him in shock.

She chuckled. “You’re pretty funny. For a lawyer.”

Funny? No one had ever accused him of being funny before, but he’d take it. It soothed his bruised ego after her rejection.

He’d witnessed her flirting, but not so much that fellas thought they had a chance. There had to be more than the answer she gave him about her career. There was only one way to get it.

“Why don’t you date, Ms. Johnson?”

Gary choked so hard, Will had to pat him on the back.

She swirled her chair around so she faced him. Their knees brushed. Heat rushed through him from the spot on his leg.

“Are you always this forward, Will?”

His name rolled off her tongue almost as sweetly as if she’d sung it. She remembered my name. His confidence surged. “Only when I want something.”

The air sizzled and sparked as they gazed at each other.

“I told you. I’m busy with my career. Besides, men think they want me, but what they want is the woman they see onstage. Singing is what I do, and the costumes I wear are part of my act, but neither are who I am.”

Her intriguing words made him want her more. “So let me get to know you.”

“Maybe you won’t like me.”

He shifted closer. “Not possible.”

“Then what?” Her voice was almost breathless.

He leaned toward her so their faces almost touched. “I have a big imagination. I can think of a lot of things we could do together.” His voice was low and his lips near her ear, so only she could hear his words.

The nape of her neck looked soft, as did her hair. He longed to touch them both.

God, she was beautiful. Her sweet perfume was driving him crazy and her full lips, painted red, begged him to kiss them. They parted and she licked them, making them glisten, tempting him more.

“Let me drive you home.” His tone was deep and husky.

“I don’t think so. I have no interest in becoming a one-night stand.” She slid off the barstool.

He grabbed her elbow gently. “That’s not my intention. Although having you in my bed would be nice.”

Her eyes darkened, but it wasn’t in anger at his bluntness. “What is your intention?”

“To talk you into having dinner with me.”

“Really? Nothing else?”

He grinned wickedly. “And maybe let me kiss you good-night.” His hand eased away from her elbow to caress the bare skin on her arm.

“You are a dangerous man, Will.”

“Why do you think I’m dangerous?”

“Because you make me want to say yes.”

“Which one? To kiss you or take you to dinner?”

Her scrutiny traveled over his face and down to his lips before returning his heated gaze. “Both.” Her voice cracked.

He closed the already small distance between them and took her hand in his. “Let’s start with dinner, and you can decide if you’ll let me kiss you.”

Seconds ticked by as she contemplated.

“Pick me up from my apartment tomorrow at seven.” She rattled off the address, took her hand from his, and headed upstairs. Joe followed closely behind.

He was grinning ear to ear when he met Gary’s gaze.

“Well, don’t you look like the cat that ate the canary.”

“Not yet, Gary, but I did get a date.” He eased back onto the stool, a content expression lighting his eyes, took a swig of his drink, banged his glass on the counter, and started clapping along to the music being played by the band, ignoring the narrowed eyes of other customers in the club.

* * *

“What the hell were you thinking?” Lola scolded. She closed the apartment door firmly and placed her handbag on the small table in the entryway.

She’d argued with herself the entire cab ride home, going over the conversation with William in her head, trying to figure out when she’d lost control.

It was the moment his fingers touched her skin. His hands weren’t rough like the other men who’d grabbed her arms or touched her shoulders. The pressure of his grasp had been firm but gentle, making her imagine he’d treat her the same way, which was ridiculous. He was like every man who’d seen her sing. He wanted the fantasy, not her.

She glanced at her reflection in the mirror.

Behind the thick makeup and flashy sequined dresses, she was just Lola. A girl who grew up in Detroit with a dream of singing onstage and sharing her love of music.

She slipped off her dress and put on a simple cotton nightdress before removing her makeup. Staring back at her was a woman barely in her twenties, with the face of a teenager filled with fear and insecurities. Men didn’t want this person. The person who read poetry books and couldn’t cook to save her life. The woman who hated flashy clothes and gaudy makeup.

No, William wouldn’t want this version of her any more than the other men who visited the club each night and fantasized about having Lola with the seductress’ voice in their beds. That fact made it easy to turn down the men who approached her, but for some reason, it didn’t sit well when she thought of William and his disappointment when he found out she wasn’t who he imagined.

Soon it wouldn’t matter. He’d see the real her and that would be the end of William with the sexy dimple and boy-next-door charm.

Instead of feeling relief, a heavy weight pressed against her chest, making her wish she was the confident Lola everyone saw onstage.

Chapter 7

Will’s hands shook as he stood outside Lola’s apartment door. He rubbed them together vigorously, steadying his nerves, and knocked on the door.

Lola opened the door and rushed out, closing the door quickly behind her, making him feel like the teenage boyfriend being hidden from her parents. Was she embarrassed by him?

He didn’t dwell on the thought when he saw her underneath the porch light. She was wearing a lot less makeup and her dress fell past her knees in a simple but elegant style.

He hadn’t known what to expect after her statement about being different from the woman on stage. So far he liked what he saw. “You look wonderful.”

She studied his face for several seconds, appearing to decide whether he meant the words, before beaming.

“Thanks.”

The small cab interior closed the space between them after he rattled off the restaurant name to the driver. He decided against driving his own car when his brother’s stern eyes popped into his head, and the words, “what if someone saw it?” echoed loudly.

“Is it somewhere I can go?” she asked.

“Of course.” He smiled. It wouldn’t have been his first choice, but Gary assured him they wouldn’t have a problem.

She sat stiffly on the seat next to him. Was she regretting coming?

Unease punched him in the gut, remembering how he’d pressed her to accept. “Having second thoughts?”

He relaxed when he saw the surprise in her eyes.

“Not yet,” she teased.

“Good. You looked uncomfortable.”

She chewed on her bottom lip. “I don’t go out much.”

“Oh? I wouldn’t have guessed.”

She laughed, revealing an overlapping tooth he hadn’t noticed before.

“Don’t worry. I don’t bite. Unless you want me to.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

She smiled, but avoided his gaze. He covered her hand lying on the seat between them. She jumped, obviously not expecting his touch, and stared at their hands before looking at him.

Her eyes were filled with well-hidden trepidation.

“It’s only dinner,” he assured her with a smile.

Her stiff frame relaxed into the seat. Their conversation was light chatter until they reached the restaurant.

Gary was right. When they arrived, the waiter escorted them to their table, weaving them through other couples like them, although they did receive a few stares. He didn’t recognize anyone.

The dimly lit room glittered and at the back corner were a stage and a dance floor. On the way to the table, he thought of Lola pressed against him as they danced instead of the rising dread that someone here knew him or his family.

* * *

“Tell me about yourself,” Will said after their drinks were ordered.

She straightened her silverware. “Not much to tell.”

“Then it won’t take long to tell me.”

“I had a boring childhood.”

He chuckled. “I doubt that.”

“It’s true.”

He leaned on the table, closing the distance between them. “I bet you climbed trees, raced your bike through the neighborhood, and gave your father gray hairs every week.”

She laughed. “Hardly. I couldn’t climb trees in a dress, and my father didn’t allow us to ride our bikes through the neighborhood. My days were filled with boring piano lessons and learning how to sew.” She covered a yawn to make her point.

“I bet you rebelled.” He rested his chin on a hand.

The intense stare of his green eyes sent a wave of chills dancing up her back, and the distance he’d closed between them wasn’t helping, either. She leaned back in her chair.

“My sister was the rebel in the family.” She shrugged.

“You’re lying. And badly, too.”

Most people thought that because of the songs she sang, she had a tortured childhood, but she had a privileged, and sheltered, upbringing.

Men never asked about her childhood other than where she came from, but not William. And he’d seen through her lie.

Her gaze settled on him. He was too damned good at reading her. All right, then. The truth.

“My sister was the good girl. The one who didn’t get in trouble at home or in school. She’s the one who went to college and found a good husband. I was the rebel. I hated the frilly dresses my mother forced me to wear and took them off every chance I got to climb trees and raced on my bike through the neighborhood with the boys.”

Will grinned.

“I listened to music my father didn’t think was appropriate and I had no intention of going to college like my sister. I wanted to sing, a profession my parents hated.”

“What about boys?”

“I didn’t date then and I don’t date now. My father didn’t allow it, and truthfully, I wasn’t interested.” She neglected to mention she wouldn’t touch the boys in her neighborhood if someone paid her. She was nothing to them but flesh—someone to paw at or marry and take care of their children. They wanted a doormat, not a partnership, and she wouldn’t settle for anything less.

“You’re out with me.”

“Yes.” She wanted to say it wouldn’t be for long, but somewhere deep inside she knew she’d be kidding herself. She wanted to lose herself in the splendid green of his eyes and have him wrap her in the breadth of his thick chest and drink in the smell of his skin.

His hot gaze was a punch in her stomach. Was he reading my thoughts? His hand reached across the table to her elbow resting on the edge.

The waiter placed their drinks on the table, shattering the intimate moment. He took their order and left them in awkward silence.

They ate dinner with idle chatter, talking about random topics, but skirted away from anything personal. At first she was grateful, but then began to wonder if he was avoiding sharing personal details for a reason. Why? Oh God! Is he married?

There was no ring on his finger—something she’d confirmed his first night at the club—but not all men wore them, and some even took them off. Her stomach lurched when she thought of a wife and kids waiting for him at home.

He had money. She sensed it in the casual way he didn’t mention the money he’d spent on her. Most men she knew were eager to point out how much they’d spent on her—as if she’d asked, or wasn’t worth it.

“Are you married?” she blurted out.

His hand stilled on his glass. “Why would you think that?”

She shrugged casually, but her heart thundered in her ears as she waited. Was he thinking of an answer?

“I’m not married.”

She tried to hide her relief, but failed. His hand reached for hers on the table.

“My family takes marriage seriously. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”

“Mine too,” she murmured. Her parents had a wonderful marriage, one she valued, and the reason she didn’t date. She knew within five minutes of speaking with men whether they were suitable, and she wasn’t interested in wasting her time on someone who wouldn’t treat her the way her father had treated her mother.

Music started in the background, soft and slow.

“Dance with me.”

He was still holding her hand and the warmth of his skin felt nice against hers. She smiled and stood. She loved to dance, but rarely got the chance. Most men at the club used the opportunity to hold her too close or thought it meant more, so she had started saying no to anyone who asked.

The cutting glances of everyone in the restaurant followed them. Fear and anxiety tumbled inside her. William squeezed her hand and smiled, his dimple winking at her. Her nerves calmed.

Warmth spread over her slow and steady when they reached the dance floor. It settled in the pit of her stomach when he put his hand on her back, clasped her other hand, and pulled her near. Their bodies were too close, but the slowness of the song playing allowed it.

Her cheek grazed his shirt and his face brushed the top of her head. His thumb caressed her skin as they danced and her heartbeat stilled and rocketed as she waited for each stroke.

Other couples glided across the dance floor but Will and Lola barely moved, the distance between them growing smaller with each word of the song.

Another song started, as soft, and he kept her near, his hand pressing her so close the heat of his body permeated his shirt and caressed her as gentle as his thumb on her back.

Step away from him, Lola. Her body didn’t listen, enjoying the feel of him against her and him touching her.

“I like the feel of you in my arms,” he whispered, his lips right next to her ear.

She shivered, the deepness of his voice soft and seductive. Would it sound the same if they were alone, naked?

She shoved the thoughts aside. Don’t go down that road, Lola.

“Cold?”

She shook her head and took a step back, putting distance between them, but wishing she didn’t need to.

“Everything all right?” Concerned green eyes locked on hers.

“Yes. No.”

“Tell me.”

“I’m sure you’re a nice man, but…”

“Shooting me down already?” he said with a boyish grin. “You haven’t even let me try to kiss you.” Mischief sparkled in his eyes.

She laughed.

“Look. I said tonight is dinner only, and I meant it.”

He lifted her face. “There’s no rush. We’ll take it one step at a time. Get to know each other and see where it goes. Nothing more.”

The intensity behind his eyes and the possessive way he held her said he wanted more, but she believed his words. At least for the moment. She hoped he didn’t give her reason to regret it.

“All right. Let’s start with your family name.”

His hand released her chin and went back to her waist. His gaze shifted, glancing about the room before settling on her.

Her heartbeat stuttered. Would he lie? Why? She just wanted to know his name.

“Knowing my name will only complicate things.” His green eyes studied her so deeply she wondered if he was looking for state secrets.

“Complicate things more than our skin color, or your social status?”

His gaze snapped to hers and his hands gripped her a bit too tightly. “Why would you say social status?”

A shiver rippled through her. Had she gotten herself involved with someone in the mob? She licked her dry lips. “It’s the way you speak, and you didn’t mention the money you spent on me. Everything about you says money—and educated.”

He relaxed and loosened his grip. “I’m sorry. When people find out my name, it usually changes their perception of me.”

She wrestled between feeling sorry for him and worrying she’d gotten in over her head—and on the first date. “All right, then. Tell me at the end of the night so it doesn’t ruin our evening.”

His pensive expression said he was chewing over her words, deciding what direction to go. “No. I don’t want anything so big between us.”

Honesty. Another trait that set him apart from the men at the club. She waited while he contemplated.

“My name is William Pullman.”

Lola nearly tripped on her feet and his. Oh shit! He was worse than a mobster. He was a politician. She didn’t recognize his face from the newspapers, so it must be his father and brother she had seen.

She was definitely in over her head. There was no way in hell the high-society, white Pullmans would let them be together. Being part of his life was not only impossible, but dangerous. Chicago was hardly a Southern state, but it wasn’t so tolerant, either.

Deep breaths, Lola. You’re getting ahead of yourself. It’s only a first date. Better to end it now than let things go further and get… What did William say? Complicated? That word was an understatement.

“See what I mean?” He interrupted her thoughts.

“I’m glad you told me. You were right. Knowing your family name does complicate things.” She pulled out of his grasp and headed back to the table, suppressing the urge to get her coat and run like hell.

Her legs were shaking as she sat down, and it wasn’t from her rushed pace. Oh God! Oh God! This is why you shouldn’t say yes when asked out, Lola.

He eased into his seat, as though his declaration wasn’t a bombshell.

His heated gaze burned her face, but she couldn’t look into those sexy eyes. Not yet. She needed her wits back first. She lifted her hands from her lap with the intention of putting them on the table, but changed her mind. She couldn’t risk him touching her.

“Do you want to leave?”

She shook her head, but inside she was shouting, “Yes, now!”

He shifted in the chair, relaxing. “At least you’re not running away in terror,” he joked.

Her gaze snapped to his. How could he make fun?

“Or calling your mother to make wedding plans.”

He couldn’t be serious. “Women have done that?”

A grin spread across his face. “I told you people react differently once they find out my family name. I never know for sure if it’s me they’re interested in, or—”

“The person they see onstage?” she finished for him.

Understanding passed between them.

That he understood her own struggle of people’s perception shifted him a little closer to her heart. Dangerously close, but now she realized the reason for their strong, instant connection. She’d found a kindred spirit.

She reached across the table for his hand.

“Don’t worry. I won’t be calling my mother about marriage,” she taunted. Humor pushed aside the raw moment, reminding them they’d just met.

The humor evaporated when their laughter stopped and they were left holding hands, the warmth of their touching skin a painful urge between them.

She pulled her hand away first and reached for the glass of water instead of the wine. Alcohol was the last thing she needed. The coolness of the water washed her throat, chilling her from the inside out.

The waiter placed the check on the table and left them alone again, the silence between them drowned out by the band.

“Ready to go?”

She nodded and stood, following him on a cloud, her mind filled with his declaration and gloom because she didn’t want their evening to end.

The cab driver who drove them to the restaurant was waiting outside and opened the door for her when she reached him.

The driver glanced at her when Will gave her address, and then his.

Had he expected her to go home with William? She’d toned down her dress and makeup, but the driver hadn’t seen her as anything but flesh for a white man.

She clenched her hand in her lap.

“You all right?” Concerned-filled green eyes glanced at her.

She wasn’t fine, but she’d already shared too much tonight. And so had he. She was still raw and wished the cab would drive faster so she could get home before she ripped her chest open and bared her heart.

Being with him made her long for more than she could have, and the longer she stayed with him, the worse it would be. There was a chance she would lose more than her heart, and it was a risk she wasn’t willing to make. Not now. Not with him.

He took her hand resting on her lap and linked it with his. In a strange way, she sensed he understood her feelings and everything would be all right.

The emotions of knowing him and the comfortable way she felt around him irked her more. Why couldn’t he be different? Why couldn’t she be different?

But they weren’t, and it was an obstacle no amount of dinners or getting to know each other would change.

Chapter 8

The cab meandered through the streets to Lola’s apartment. A war was raging inside her. He could tell from the range of expressions that danced across her face and the abrupt way she’d pulled her hand from his—now a tight fist in her lap.

Will didn’t want secrets between them, but maybe it was too soon to tell her about his family. His heart ached at her initial reaction. When she connected with him, he thought they’d found common ground. Things changed when she had time to think about what she was getting into.

He couldn’t blame her. He dwelled on it for hours, the fear and doubts invading his thoughts at work. Their connection was real, and something he wanted to explore. He suspected she felt the same. It was probably the reason she agreed to go out tonight, but once the Pullman name was dropped, the reality of the situation pressed around them like a bad movie premiere and you were forced to stay and watch every horrible scene unfold.

Shadows of trees and brownstones flickered past the window outside, the darkness reflecting their mood.

Lola shone bright and brilliant on the stage and he was struck by her beauty and grace. He hadn’t thought beyond seducing her, but as each night passed and thoughts of her filled his days, the truth settled on him, intense and terrifying. He wanted her in his life and in his bed.

The meaning behind her expressions became clear. The Pullman name wasn’t the only thing that had terrified her tonight: it was their connection, what it meant, and the decision they’d have to make. Follow their heart, or the world.

They reached her home and neither moved to get out. She looked at the door handle and then at his hand on the seat next to her, appearing to contemplate if she’d take it or leave.

The driver cleared his throat and she grabbed the handle as his hand reached for hers.

Will asked the cab to wait and got out. She was almost to the front door before he caught up.

“No good-night?” He tried to sound casual—make a joke—but his voice came out hurt and anxious.

“I’m sorry. Good-night.” She wrung her hands.

He took them in his. They were warm.

“Don’t be sorry. It was a lot to take in for a first date.”

“Yes.”

“Now you know…” The words hung in the crisp air like the floating mist from talking in a cold Chicago day.

He was waiting for the answer to the question he hadn’t asked, but they both desperately wanted the answer to: would they go out again?

He rubbed her hands, trying to warm them at first, but the more he rubbed, the warmer he became. He linked their fingers. She didn’t resist.

They stood still for what seemed like a lifetime. He stepped closer and wrapped her in his arms. Her head rested against him and his heart wanted to leap out of his chest.

The warmth of their bodies permeated their clothing, growing hotter the longer they embraced. Having Lola pressed so close gave him images of her naked skin beneath his fingertips and her heartbeat next to his, their fingers intertwined.

Within the lust coursing through him, though, was something more. The urge to protect her from a world he sensed wasn’t always kind, despite her sheltered upbringing. The desire to have her in his home.

Her frame trembled against his, or was it his body that was trembling? The shaking wasn’t from the cold, because the heat from their bodies warmed them. Was she thinking the same thoughts? Did they terrify her, too? He needed to know. Will stepped back and tilted her face.

The moonlight and streetlight cast shadows on her face. In her gaze was the answer he was looking for—she was as excited and scared.

His head dipped, bringing their faces closer. He kissed her lips softly for a long time, enjoying the feel of her full lips. He made every caress of his mouth count—it might be their first and last kiss. Her timid responses said her experience with kissing was limited.

He longed to slide his tongue in her mouth, but stopped when he remembered they were standing outside her apartment building.

Reluctantly, he ended the kiss and groaned when her arms tightened around his neck. She relented and stepped back. He could almost see her blushing.

He enclosed one of her hands in his and kissed it. “It was a pleasure, Ms. Johnson.”

“Thank you for an… interesting evening, Mr. Pullman,” she replied, matching his formality.

A spark of disappointment lit her eyes before he let go. She rushed up the steps and through the door without a backward glance.

He strolled back to the cab, glancing at the windows to see if she was peeking out. Curtains shaded all the windows and they were all neatly in place.

* * *

The dark silence of the apartment followed her down the hallway to her bedroom. She closed the door and leaned against it, letting the blackness engulf her. She stayed in the darkness, quieting rambling thoughts before flicking the switch to flood the room in a soft light.

Lightning cracked. Minutes later, thick raindrops streaked the window, some slow and determined; others faster, filling the outer sill with water.

He hadn’t asked to see her again.

She’d waited, hoping, but the words hadn’t come. She should be relieved. He’d only complicate her life, and the last thing she needed now was trouble. The daunting stares at the restaurant were a nasty reminder of the world they lived in, regardless of their strong connection. She’d be a fool to want him.

The smell of his cologne clung to her clothes. She stripped them off, only to find his scent was on her skin, too.

She recounted every special moment they’d shared over the last few weeks and tucked them in the special place in her heart—where she kept the dreams and desires she’d never have—and got into bed.

Tomorrow was a new day and she’d return to what she knew best—singing. It was the one constant she could depend on. Everything would be better tomorrow.

Chapter 9

Lola adjusted the white rose behind her ear and pinned it to her hair. Her makeup was slathered on, along with the smile she used whenever onstage. Her reflection didn’t match the turmoil churning inside her.

William hadn’t shown up to any of her shows since their dinner two weeks ago. She told herself it was for the best, but when she remembered how gently he’d held and kissed her, she had been sure he’d turn up. But no, he must’ve moved on—decided someone in his circle was better for him. She couldn’t blame him.

Her strong words and self-scolding the day after their kiss didn’t stop images of him from disturbing her whenever she was alone, or remembering the intensity of his gazes when she sang, or the hotness of his lips on hers. Warmth rushed to her toes each time she remembered.

Each night she scanned the sea of faces in the club for his, but it was never there.

“You thinking about him again?”

Lola turned to find Pearl shaking her dark head.

“No.”

“You’re lying.” She sauntered into the room, a hand resting on her slim hip. Pearl made Lola feel small despite Pearl’s petite size. “That man’s nothing but trouble.”

“Don’t you think I know that?”

“You might know it, but that don’t mean you’re listening.”

“You’re the last person to hand out relationship advice,” Lola shot back.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You know what I mean. You haven’t told Joe the truth.”

Pain rolled over Pearl’s caramel face. “What good will that do? He’s in love with you.”

“He might’ve been once, but not anymore. I’m only a sister now. Can’t you see that?”

Pearl gnawed on her bottom lip.

“Tell him how you feel, Pea.” Lola had given her the nickname after they became friends.

Their friendship hadn’t come easy for Pearl, as she adored Joe, but Joe wasn’t interested in her, at first. Lola was grateful Pearl hadn’t held it against her.

“I can’t… I can’t risk it and have him turn me away. I love him too much for that kind of rejection.”

“Then you’re a fool!”

“You don’t know he feels the same,” Pearl protested.

Lola put a hand on Pearl’s shoulder. “I do know. He watches you when you’re not looking with eyes of a love-sick puppy. Just like you do when you’re ogling him.”

Hope ignited in Pearl’s black eyes. “He does?”

Lola laughed. “How could he not? You’re a beautiful woman.”

Pearl grinned, her face a glimmer of the woman Joe loved. She prayed their fears wouldn’t stop the happiness Lola knew they could have together.

Half an hour later, Lola was leaning against the bar. The club was so crowded tonight that she’d given up her usual seat. She didn’t mind, even though Joe offered to kick the person out.

Quick, sharp laughter and muffled conversations echoed off the walls, and neon lights cast colored shadows on the floor among the standing and sitting patrons. Thick smoke clouds shifted and swirled, hovering below the ceiling and between the crowd. The band played in the background as they waited for Pearl to come onstage.

William’s absence was something she needed to get used to, no matter how much his sexy eyes and boyish dimple haunted her.

Joe stopped in front of her and proceeded to wash dirty glasses. He glanced around and then at her. “You got him on your mind again?” He shook his head in obvious disappointment.

She didn’t answer. Joe would know she was lying.

“What’s so special about him?”

“He got me.”

Joe held her gaze. “I get you.”

When she first started working at the club, Joe shared how he felt about her the first day. She’d liked Joe instantly, but only as a brother. She sensed that like the other men who saw her sing onstage, he only saw what he wanted—the singer. Nothing more.

She was grateful when he lost interest, happy to shift into the friend category, and then sibling. He was the brother she never had. The brother who kept unwanted attention from going too far and watched out for her.

“You’re different.”

“Must’ve been some date if he didn’t show up after. You didn’t…” His voice trailed off.

“Of course not!”

Joe resumed cleaning a glass. He had paused, waiting for her to elaborate. “I ask because I saw the heat between you two.”

“He was a complete gentleman.” Almost. She lay awake many nights, wondering what she would’ve done if he hadn’t been.

“If you say so,” Joe responded, clearly not convinced.

“He kissed me, but that was it!” Why was she telling Joe? It was none of his business.

“A kiss is how it starts.” He leaned across the bar.

Before she could respond, something brushed against her and two hands appeared on either side of the bar counter, caging her. Her breath caught in her throat as she caught a whiff of cologne mingled with the thick smoke swirling in the air. William.

Her body straightened.

“You were wonderful tonight,” he said huskily in her ear.

He saw her singing? Where was he sitting?

His breath against her neck flooded her mind with images of his mouth on her skin and shivers sprinted across her flesh.

Thanks to Pearl and her sister, who was married, her thoughts became naughtier with each second that passed. They hadn’t wanted her to be surprised, like they were, but the detail they’d gone into was working against her with William standing so close.

She had no real experience, but she had lots of information, a vivid imagination, and the perfect specimen in William.

Her skin grew hotter in the already warm club, and the perspiration made tracks down her breasts and body. The images were devastating to her sensitive imagination.

She should turn around and face him, but her legs remained frozen. If he has this effect with my back turned, how will I react face-to-face?

She needed to remember Pearl’s advice. He’d chew her up and spit her out. Brutal but honest. Where had he been the last couple of weeks? She focused on that question and not the feel of his lips.

Instead of turning around, she sidestepped his arms, pushing them out of her way. She turned around when there was a safe distance between them.

“William. Nice to see you,” she said in the casual tone she greeted everyone.

He frowned. “Nice to see you, too. Is that all you have to say?”

Was he serious? He was the one who’d disappeared for two weeks—after planting a kiss on her that’d given her dreams that would make even a randy politician blush.

She shrugged. “What else is there to say?”

He ran a hand through his hair, mussing it. “How about ‘Where the hell have you been?’”

They were words she’d been saying in her mind for days, but telling him would mean admitting she cared and had missed him. She wasn’t about to admit that. Not to him.

“Men come and go all the time once they realize I’m not interested. I figured you were just another one.”

He closed the distance between them and his tantalizing cologne washed over her, warming her again—along with his nearness. This close, she could see his green eyes and their intensity as they bore into her, as if trying to read her mind, or put thoughts in there.

“I’m not like other men. Got it?”

His hands held her shoulders. Not tight enough to hurt, but tight enough for her to know his words meant business.

“You acted like every other man,” she said quietly.

“I was stupid to stay away, but I needed time to think.”

Think about what? She didn’t want to know. Yes, you do. Oh, shut up!

She kept silent, worried that if she opened her mouth, she’d say more than she should. His now-emerald gaze raked over her face before settling on her mouth… and lingering.

Oh my God! He’s going to kiss me. Right here in the club in front of everyone! No. He wouldn’t be that stupid. Joe would stop him. Wouldn’t he?

“Can we go somewhere and talk?”

“About?”

“Why I’ve been gone for the past two weeks.”

“I don’t think so. There’s nothing else to say.”

“Dammit, woman, why are you being so stubborn?” His hands were still on her shoulders and they were beginning to burn a hole in her skin.

She held her breath and hoped her attempt at an “I don’t care” attitude was working.

Realization changed his face and he smiled. “You missed me.”

“I did not! I was too busy singing to think about you.” She jerked her arms out of his hands.

He shifted quickly so her back was pressed against the bar. Again, he placed his hands on either side of her when she tried to move. He had her trapped.

She longed to slap the satisfied smirk from his face.

“Admit it. You missed me.”

“I won’t admit anything.” His lips were so darn close. Although his body wasn’t touching her, it might as well have been pressed against her. Heat raced across her skin.

His hands went around her waist, closing the small space between them until his tall frame pressed against her petite one. His face lowered to hers. Dark-emerald eyes raked over her, and somehow she knew he was imagining her naked.

Her pulse raced and her chest was light, like her heart would float right out of her skin along with the little breath that remained.

“Come with me, or I’m going to kiss you where you stand. And not the chaste kiss I gave you at the end of our date.”

Her eyes widened. “You wouldn’t!” People kissed at the club all the time, but who knew what would happen if he kissed her here.

“Do you want to risk it?”

She gnawed on her bottom lip as she contemplated her options. Her back was to Joe, so she couldn’t tell if he was about to rescue her, or standing by to see how she would react. Seconds ticked by as she waited, hoping Joe would step in.

“Time’s running out, Lola. Give me your answer.”

Damn him. He’d backed her into a corner—in every sense of the word. “Fine, but it must be somewhere public and not your home.”

Disappointment sparked in his eyes.

He’d intended to take her to his home? Her pulse jump-started again.

“All right.” He took her hand and linked their fingers. “See you later, Joe.”

Joe stood behind the bar openmouthed, like he just realized what’d happened and there was nothing he could do about it.

The heat of people’s disapproving stares scorched her and Will as he led her outside the club and Lola pulled her hand from his after they breached the stairs. She found herself ushered into his car before she had time to look around or think.

A deafening quiet echoed in the car as they drove. She kept her hands in her lap as she stared out of the window, watching Chicago move in picture across the window.

They drove for so long, she began to wonder if he did in fact plan to take her to his house.

Her palms sweated as the bright lights outside became fewer and farther between. Where the hell was he taking her?

They pulled into a park. They were in a public place, but at this time of night, there was no one here. What the heck was she thinking?

She strolled with him to a bench under a tall streetlamp and sat next to him.

“Well, you got me here. Now what?” She turned to face him and put distance between them.

She pressed her lips together as she waited for him to speak. Her gaze dropped to her hands folded in her lap when his silence stretched on. The lump in her throat dropped to her stomach and sank farther the longer he didn’t speak.

“I had a lot to think about the night we kissed… and what you said to me.” He shifted closer. “I have no idea what challenges we’ll face with this relationship, but I’m willing to take a chance.” He took her hands in his. “I felt something between us, and I don’t want to regret not finding out what it means.”

She glanced down at their hands: one set white and the other darker. It wasn’t a mixture anyone liked—black or white. Her thoughts had been a tennis match, back and forth between being with Will and not letting anything start between them. She’d weighed the benefits and the risks, but by the time he pulled into the park, she still hadn’t made up her mind.

* * *

Will froze as he watched her face for a reaction to his words. He hadn’t laid his heart out on a silver platter, but it was damn close.

He mulled over what to say, even though he’d gone over the words a hundred times in the past two days. They hadn’t come out exactly how he wanted, but he’d said his piece and it would have to do.

“I don’t know what to do.”

Honesty. That was a start. He hadn’t known what to expect after his two-week absence. She missed him—he saw it in the way her eyes devoured him—and it had sent a shock of excitement right to his heart, and other body parts.

“We’ll take it one step at a time—as I said.”

“It’s not that simple.”

He kissed her hand. “I know that, but I’m willing to take the chance. Are you?”

She didn’t answer.

His heart tightened in his chest. Somehow he sensed she was listening to the same voices of fear he’d heard—the voices of his friends and family, including Gary.

He’d called Gary for advice, the way he always did, and was met with the same silence Lola offered him now. Gary lectured him on the cons he’d face, including the nastiness they’d encounter from his family and voters. And what about Myles’s political career? It might end up dead in the water before it even took off.

He’d wanted to laugh. He wanted to date her, not marry her, but he knew Gary was right, and he knew better than anyone about what could happen when mixing colors.

Gary’s father had a child with his nanny. A child he’d grown up with and thought of as a friend before discovering she was his sister.

Will’s conservative family would never accept them. In the end, he hadn’t cared. He wanted her in his life.

He could offer to give Lola more time to think about it, but more time wouldn’t solve their problem. They either had to jump in with both feet or walk away tonight. There was no halfway for him. He wanted to blurt out the words, force her to make a decision, but she’d likely tell him to go to hell and take his car, leaving him to find his own way home.

He grinned. Her spunk and humor was what he liked most about her.

She gave him a sideways glance. “What are you smiling about?”

He told her what he’d been thinking and she laughed. “You’re right. I would leave you here… but I’d send a cab back to get you.”

“That’s because beneath your tough exterior is a sweet lady.” He took back the hand she had pulled out of his grasp when he kissed it. “It’s one of the reasons I’m here now.”

“Oh. What are the other reasons?”

“Well, you’re one sexy broad with a smoking body.” He winked.

She hit his arm playfully and he realized humor was the way to her heart. Most men showered her with flowers, attention, and other gifts to try to impress or buy her to get past her wall.

He knew the wall well when he’d seen it. He had one of his own. One he’d built over the years to protect himself against the fake people who came with his father’s career, and those who had dug their claws into his personal life since he was a kid.

He learned from a young age to watch what he said, and where, and to keep his emotions contained. He’d become good at it, despite every effort he made not to be as withdrawn as his family. They loved one another, but there was still a cool distance between them.

“I like that you make me laugh.”

“Does that mean you’re giving us a chance?”

She nodded. It was all the answer he needed. Adrenaline shot through him and he wanted to jump up on the bench and shout out to the trees and lonely pathways. Instead, he pulled her to him and planted a quick kiss on her lips.

She was grinning when they broke apart.

Chapter 10

Cool air swirled around them and through them, permeating their clothing, causing them to huddle together.

“Hot chocolate would be nice,” she said with a shiver. “Next time pick somewhere warmer.”

He wrapped his arms tighter around her. “Agreed.”

Moments later, the heat from their bodies created a cocoon of warmth around them. They sat in silence for several minutes before he spoke.

“I wish we could stay here.”

She didn’t need to ask what he meant. Once they left the park, they’d return to reality and the challenges that lay ahead.

“Me, too, but maybe with some thick blankets, a few layers of socks, and—”

“Hot chocolate,” he added.

“And coffee. We’ll need coffee in the morning.”

“Of course. We’ll have everyone from the club come here to hear you sing, including my family.”

“Don’t forget the people you work with.” Her tone was jovial. “And, of course, Joe and Pearl. They won’t want to miss this.”

They laughed for several seconds.

“If only it were that simple.”

She nodded against his shoulder. Yes, if only.

“People of all races have been marrying each other for centuries. Surely we can handle dating.”

“They have? How do you know?”

He smiled. “Gary told me.”

“How does he know?”

“He’s an estate lawyer, and his family has been in the business for a very long time.” He neglected to mention Gary’s colored half-sister.

“I wouldn’t have thought he’d come across these situations in his circles.”

“Even the rich and privileged have mixed marriages.”

“There’s a bit of history you don’t hear in school.” She chuckled.

He matched her laughter. “I can see it now. All mayhem would break out in classrooms.”

“Yes, from both sides, I’m sure.”

He kissed her temple and brushed away the stray hairs the wind had blown in her face. “You get more beautiful the more I see you.” He caressed her cheek. “I like you better without all the makeup on your face.”

“I look too young without it.”

“A bit, but legal,” he teased.

“I like me without it, too.”

His lips lowered to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around his waist, bringing their bodies even closer. He moaned, and she sensed he wanted to deepen the kiss. She opened her mouth when the tip of his tongue grazed her lips, shivering when his tongue caressed hers. The kiss was gentle at first, but got hotter as she matched his every caress, lick, and suck of his tongue and mouth on hers.

“Good God,” he moaned as he pulled away.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

“Then why did you stop kissing me?”

He laughed and hugged her. “If we keep kissing like that, I’ll want to take you home with me instead of back to your own place.”

The heat behind his emerald eyes, and the warmth of her own body, made her wish she could say yes. Why shouldn’t she? She was a grown woman of twenty-three, not some high-schooler. If she wanted to go home with a man, it was her own business.

He was the first man she’d thought about being intimate with. She’d always been too focused on her singing, or knew the instant she met and spoke with them she wasn’t interested in sharing a drink with them—much less body fluids. With Will, all she could think about when she was around him was kissing him, and his hands all over her naked skin.

She flushed and grew heated thinking about being alone with him at his home, lying next to him in his bed, lips and tongues kissing the way they’d been, skin to skin. Her hands touching his bare body. Her fingertips tingled as she imagined it, along with his sexy eyes staring back at her, their green so dark they were almost black.

“Stop staring at me that way, Lola, or I will take you home with me. Or maybe have you sit on my lap.”

Her brows knotted in confusion before her eyes widened in surprise once she understood his meaning. Change the topic, Lola!

“I’d love to see your home, but maybe in the daytime?” She shifted her body, putting distance, however small, between them.

He cleared his throat. “I’d like that, too. I think you’d like it. It’s cozy.”

“I’m sure I would.”

They spent the next hour talking about why he decided to become a lawyer instead of following his family into politics.

They held hands in the car on the way to her apartment. To her disappointment, he gave her a chaste kiss on the lips before saying good-night.

Chapter 11

Lola stared at William’s house as she stood on the curb of his neighborhood. Chestnut brick covered the three-story house, although the top floor was smaller than the rest of the house and could be an attic, as there was only one window.

She’d insisted on coming on her own, despite his offer to pick her up. The plan was to see his house and have dinner. The cabby had glared at her when she gave the address, giving her a once-over as though saying, you’re not dressed for work.

Large elm trees lined both side of the road: ageless, beautiful even with their weathered leaves. The branches extending high above the tops of the houses were spaced several feet apart and reached out to each other: lovers with their hands outstretched in welcome.

It wasn’t as grand as she’d imagined, but still pretty big. Considerably bigger than her parents’ home. They weren’t poor, but they hadn’t been able to afford anything this fancy.

You’re in over your head, Lola. She shrugged the thoughts aside. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d broken the rules, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last.

The eyes of William’s neighbor standing outside had marked her when she got out of the cab and followed her every step. Her stomach did summersaults and her chest was tight enough to break her ribs. They made her feel like a criminal instead of his girlfriend coming to visit. Her neck pricked with thoughts of the neighbors wondering what she was doing in their neighborhood. What would they do if they knew the truth? She shivered. She’d rather not know.

She adjusted her handbag on her arm and headed up the front steps.

“Can I help you?”

She turned to find an attractive petite blonde sauntering toward her, a pinup poster body and face to match.

Stay calm, Lola. “I’m here to see Mr. Pullman.” Using his formal name was probably better. She plastered on her friendliest smile.

“Oh. What about?”

The hairs on Lola’s neck stood on edge. Why the hell did she want to know? “And you are?” She tried not to sound hostile, but knew she failed miserably at the way the woman stopped short and her eyes narrowed.

“I’m his… friend, and neighbor.”

The woman wanted to be more. Lola could tell from the careful way she’d chosen the word “friend” before resorting to “neighbor.”

Self-doubt slammed into her. What did he want with her if he had this woman living next door? There wasn’t a ring on her finger, although there was a faint line where one used to be. She was either a divorcée or a widow. No matter which category she was in, she was stunning.

“I’m here about a job,” Lola mumbled. She couldn’t say she was here on a date or to check out the house, now could she? The last thing she wanted was for William to have an angry mob of neighbors outside his door because they thought he was dating a colored girl, or worse, selling his home to one.

The woman visibly relaxed. “Oh. Well, good luck,” she said with a friendly smile. “Tell William that Sofia said hello.”

“I will.” Right after I give him the hottest kiss of his life.

She watched Sofia leave before she continued up the steps to the front door.

She knocked on the door and shifted from one foot to the other as she waited for William to answer.

When he opened the door, she wondered if he planned to take her sailing. He looked good in whatever he wore, but now he was dressed like a senator’s son, although a casual one.

“No leather jacket today?”

“I save the leather for my escapades.”

“Like visits to jazz clubs on the other side of town.”

“Exactly.” He grinned. “Come in.”

He stepped away from the doorway and her heart soared when he didn’t look outside to make sure no one saw her coming inside. Even though he hadn’t dodged her invitation to see his home, she half-expected him to find an excuse why she couldn’t come, or be nervous about her being there. His not checking for nosy neighbors spoke volumes.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him hotly after he closed the door.

“Sofia said hi,” she said breathlessly when she pulled away.

His eyebrows narrowed in confusion at her words. “Did she tell you to kiss me, too?” His eyes sparkled with mischief.

“No.”

“Did she interrogate you?” He rested his arm at her hip, like it was a natural thing to do.

“A bit.”

“Don’t feel bad. She does that with everyone, although I think she has a thing for me.”

He said it so casually, like he was used to women being interested in him all the time. Why shouldn’t they? He was gorgeous! Dark hair with the right amount of tousle, and stunning green eyes that bored into her soul, determined to discover her secrets one moment and stripping her to her underthings the next.

“She’s pretty.”

He shrugged. “She is, but not my type.”

Was the man blind? She was any man’s type.

He pulled Lola closer. “She doesn’t make my blood boil the way you do.” He nuzzled her neck playfully.

“The feeling’s mutual,” she said, enjoying the warmth of his lips on her skin before she pulled away.

“How many bedrooms?” she asked, stepping out of his hold to circle the room. She was on edge after her encounter with Sofia, and then distracted by their kiss.

A black leather couch stood before the brick fireplace that anchored the room. Other than a recliner and a single chair and rug on the floor, there was very little furniture in the room, but it suited him. Uncluttered and uncomplicated. The way he liked things—before she showed up.

“Want a tour?” He took her hand.

Holding her hand was a habit of his she was beginning to enjoy, especially with the distracting sparks that came with it. “Yes.”

He took her through the kitchen and then upstairs to see the bathrooms and bedrooms, the last one his. She peeked inside, but didn’t dare go in and walk around the way she did with the other bedrooms. She feared if she went inside, she might not make it out.

Her body was acutely aware of his nearness, and the heat of his hand in hers didn’t help ease the growing warmth of her body and the urge to be near him. She was grateful when William led her back downstairs instead of trying to coax her inside his bedroom.

“So, what do you think?”

His eyes were wide and expectant, like a little kid waiting to see if his birthday present was what he asked for.

“It’s nice.” His house was so much more. As she walked around, she could imagine herself being there each day with him, sitting and reading in the chair in the corner of the room while he worked at the desk at the foot of his bed. Lounging on the leather couch while he created a fire.

“Stop those crazy thoughts, Lola!” she heard her sister’s voice saying, along with Pearl and Joe.

His shoulders slumped. “Just nice?”

She linked her fingers in his. “Very nice.” She held his gaze and hoped her eyes told him she liked it more than her words could say.

He beamed.

“You hungry?” He let go of her hand and headed to the kitchen.

“Are you cooking?” Now that would impress her. A man who cooked was a keeper, in her mind. Her mother had tried to teach her, but failed miserably.

He laughed. “Not unless you want to end up in the hospital.” He pulled containers out of the oven. “I picked something up earlier. It should still be warm.”

She helped him set the table, and he surprised her when he lit candles and turned out the lights so the room flickered with the soft glow from the fireplace and candlelight.

He held out her seat before taking his own.

On the table was red wine, roast chicken with potatoes to match, and finished off with a side of mixed vegetables. They chatted about their day, sharing funny stories and crazy things people had said or done before they cleared away the dishes and headed to the couch.

After placing her wine glass on the side table, she slipped off her heels and tucked her feet under her. She laid an arm on the back of the couch and rested her face on her palm, watching him.

His green eyes gazed back intensely. Had she done something wrong? She immediately straightened. She could hear her mother’s voice in her ear: “You’re at someone’s home, Lola. Sit up straight and feet on the floor.”

He tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “I love how comfortable you are in my home.”

She wanted to laugh out loud in relief. “Give me an hour and I’ll be ready to slingshot my bra across the room.” The words slipped out before she could stop them.

He let out a boisterous laugh.

She was mesmerized. He’d never laughed outright before—always controlled. His face transformed. Gone were the hard lines around his eyes, and his dimple, which usually winked at her, was a deep, adorable crevice on his face. It made him more attractive, something she hadn’t thought possible. Her stomach shifted in a delicious yet terrifying way.

* * *

When he finished laughing, he noticed the serious set of her face and eyes. From the moment she walked through the door, she appeared at ease, seeming to genuinely like his home, although he wasn’t sure at first. Even though she had invited herself, he wanted her to feel comfortable. At home. The more he thought of her sitting at his table, next to him on his couch, and even lying in his bed, the more he liked the idea.

She sat on his couch, her feet tucked beneath her and playing with her hair as though she’d been there many times before. The image left him breathless and his heart a fireball in his chest.

He caressed her face. “You okay?”

“Yes. It’s a bit scary.”

“What’s scary? Me?”

She shook her head and he relaxed. He’d gone out of his way to be a gentleman, despite the constant urge to seduce her. From the way she responded to his kisses, he knew it wouldn’t take much coaxing.

“How easy it is being with you.”

His heart soared. Her body responded to him, but he wanted more than her physical response. I’m losing it!

“I know.” He didn’t say any more—didn’t want to risk what would come out of his mouth.

He put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. They watched the fire as it jumped and sparked, casting shadows across the wall and ceiling, putting on a show for them.

Will studied her face in the firelight out of the corner of his eye and smiled as she fought to keep her eyes open. He kissed her forehead and sat up. If he didn’t take her home now, he wouldn’t be able to. He’d happily let her fall asleep in his arms.

“Time for me to drive you home.” He stood and strolled toward the front door.

She eased off the couch, appearing to debate if she wanted to stay or go. He was relieved when she stood. God help him if she wanted to stay longer.

He stood by the door while she put on her shoes and straightened her hair and clothing. God, she was stunning. Lola knocked him out when she was onstage, shining like a bright star, but he liked this version of her better: simply dressed, little makeup on, and incredibly sexy when she looked at him with those big brown eyes. And her sexy mouth.

He pulled her against him when she reached him and kissed her lips, warm and sweet with the taste of wine. He slipped his tongue in and moaned as her arms went around his waist and her tongue moved boldly against his. Her hands moved up his back, her fingers digging through the fabric of his shirt. Shivers raced along his spine and he turned their bodies so she was pressed against the back of the door. He ground his hips between her legs, groaning when she rocked with him, as if meeting each thrust of him inside her.

God help him, he needed to stop—otherwise his hand would be up her skirt and removing her panties. His already hard erection throbbed painfully as he thought of being inside her. No! Against a door wasn’t what he wanted for their first time.

He should take her upstairs and have her on his bed instead. What the hell was wrong with him? Since when did he lose control so easily?

He gripped her shoulders and reluctantly pulled his mouth from hers. Her lips were swollen and her clothing more disheveled than when she’d gotten off the couch.

“I’ll wait in the car until you straighten up. Might be safer.” He grinned sheepishly.

She glanced up at him with longing, looking so delectable that he barely made it out the door. The rush of cold air on his face cooled his heated skin.

Fifteen minutes later, they were in his car on the way back to her apartment. He didn’t dare glance at her, afraid that if she looked at him with those sexy eyes of hers, he’d pull over to some dark, secluded road and put them in a worse predicament than they’d been in at his house.

He parked his car outside her building, but left the car running.

“I had a nice time tonight. The food was really good.”

He wanted to laugh. The food wasn’t the only good thing tonight. “Yes, it was.”

“Thank you.”

He shifted in the seat so he faced her. “You’re welcome.”

“I wasn’t talking about the food.”

His brows knotted.

“I meant for being a gentleman. Sort of.” She grinned.

He laughed. “Believe me, it wasn’t easy.” He ran a hand through his hair and relaxed against his door.

“I appreciate it. I don’t know of any man who would’ve kissed me so hotly and then let me leave.”

“I didn’t plan on kissing you. At least not like that.” Shut up, Will. You’re talking too much.

She leaned across the seat and kissed him chastely on the cheek. “Better safe than sorry.” She grinned.

He chuckled and got out of the car to open her door. The quiet of the night followed them up the pathway.

“Good-night, Lola.” He kissed her hand, first on top and then lingering on the palm before releasing it.

“Good-night, Will.”

He waited until she was inside before heading back to his car. He rested his head against the back of his seat. Being around her without wanting to drag her to his bed was bound to get easier, right?

Chapter 12

The heat of Will’s gaze scorched her the moment the spotlight caught her face. It’d been weeks since they’d decided to date. Although she wouldn’t call what they did dating. More like torture.

Each night, he came to her performances and made love to her with his intense stares, and she seduced him with the words of her song.

By the end of every set, she was on fire. Her legs shook so strongly she was amazed she could walk back to her dressing room. They agreed Joe would continue to walk her outside and get her cab to avoid unnecessary attention. The cab dropped her a couple of blocks away and Will picked her up. They’d head to the park and talk and kiss until the windows steamed. A lot.

How he managed to stay so controlled, she’d never know. There were nights when she wanted to beg him to take her to his house and make love to her, putting them both out of their misery. He always stopped right before she spoke the words, seeming to sense she was losing control. He’d abruptly end their kiss and take her home.

“You’re not fooling anyone with this charade.”

She turned to face Pearl, her heart in her throat. “What are you talking about?”

“You and that white man.”

“What business of it is yours?” She was tired of hiding her relationship with Will. Having someone who knew, other than letters to her sister, was a relief, even if Pearl didn’t agree. What Lola hadn’t told her sister was that William was white.

“You’ll get nothing but heartbreak,” Pearl warned.

“Because your relationship with Joe isn’t breaking his heart?” Lola threw back. She regretted the harsh tone of her words when Pearl’s shoulders slumped and her head dropped. “Joe told me he confessed his love, but you rejected him.”

“I didn’t reject him.” Her gaze shifted. “I just didn’t accept his words of love.”

Lola wanted to ask why, but knew the answer. Pearl feared Joe’s love wasn’t sincere. “He does love you.”

Pearl’s gaze didn’t meet hers.

Lola put her arms around her shoulder and returned the discussion to the original topic. “I know you mean well, but I know what I’m doing.” She gave Pearl a confident smile. “No man is going to get in the way of my singing.”

Pearl scrutinized her for several seconds before she nodded. “You be careful.” Pearl’s words held a double meaning. Lola hugged her.

A knock on the door interrupted and Pearl rushed through the bathroom door at the back of the room, leaving her alone.

She hoped it was Will at the door, but it was a young man, his face covered in spots and his suit hanging off his thin frame, coming to tell her how much he enjoyed her singing. She thanked him, but declined his invitation for a drink.

Moments later, she left the room when it was obvious Pearl wasn’t coming out of the bathroom anytime soon. Will was at the bar with Gary, having a drink, but she headed to the side of the bar instead and motioned Joe over.

“You don’t need to walk me outside tonight, Joe,” she told him when he was within earshot again.

Joe’s hand paused at pouring a drink and he locked his dark eyes on her. “Why the hell not?”

“You know why.” She held her breath as she waited for his reaction.

His jawline tightened and he glanced at Will, and then back at her. “Would you listen if I told you not to go? That it’s not only stupid, but dangerous.”

“No.”

She flinched under his gaze of disappointment.

“I think you’re making a big mistake, but I see how you look at each other. It’s not one-sided, so I guess that says something.”

She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.

“Don’t make me say I told you so.” He pushed her from behind the bar and got back to work.

Her gaze went immediately to Will. He was watching her.

The room stilled as she strolled toward him. Each step seemed like a lifetime. The gazes of every colored man in the club scorched her, seeming to sense her decision, their disapproval more daunting than Joe’s, their judgment pressing down around her, squeezing the air out of her lungs and evaporating it around her until her vision blurred and her knees trembled.

Guilt pricked at her that she wasn’t being with her own kind, but she shoved the thought aside. Will was the one she wanted, and she wouldn’t let anyone make her feel bad or guilty for it.

* * *

“I guess I’m taking a cab home tonight?” Gary asked. He pushed his frame away from the bar.

“No. I can drop you.”

Gary shook his head. “No thanks. I’m not interested in being a third wheel.”

Although Will offered, he was happy Gary was taking a cab home. He was taking Lola home tonight.

The moment she came out of the dressing room, he expected her to join him and Gary at the bar for drinks, but when she went straight to Joe, he figured she wanted to leave right away. He watched them and wished he could hear their conversation. From their expressions, it was serious, and when Joe glanced at him, he knew she was telling him she didn’t need him to get her a cab.

His heart had thundered in his ears, drowning out the noise in the club until all he could see and think about was her. Tonight she’d be in his bed.

She sauntered toward them, hips swaying seductively. He was gawking, but he didn’t care. All he saw was Lola’s sultry glance, devouring him as intently as he was drinking in every inch of her. Her beauty struck him every time he saw her and he hoped he never got tired of it.

“Hello.”

The word was a simple one, but held so much meaning in the depth of her brown eyes.

“Hello.” He longed to close the already small distance between them, wrap his arms around her, and kiss her as though they were alone.

Gary’s deliberate cough interrupted their intimate moment and the noise of the club flooded his senses like a thunderstorm.

“How are you, Gary?” she asked, although her gaze never left Will.

“I’m fine. Thanks for asking.”

“That’s nice.”

“Want to get out of here?” Will asked.

She nodded.

“Don’t mind me. I’ll hang out here for a while,” Gary said over the music.

The club was crowded with clusters of tables and people standing around. His adrenaline spiked when he noticed the menacing glances from the men they passed—like he was a dirty old man who didn’t deserve Lola. They were right. He didn’t deserve her, but she’d made her decision and so had he.

The exit seemed like a state away as he maneuvered them through the crush and up the stairs to his car.

He opened the door for her and walked to the other side of the car, taking a deep breath to slow his racing heart and trembling hands before he headed to the driver’s side. He glanced around, half expecting to see a crowd of men from the club pour out in protest. It was one thing for Lola to have a drink with him—she did that with everyone—it was another for her to leave with anyone but Joe—especially someone like him.

The car roared when it started and he pulled out onto the road. When they reached the highway, she put her hand on his leg.

He longed to glance her way but didn’t want to take his eyes off the road, afraid once they locked onto her, they wouldn’t leave her face.

When she started rubbing her thumb across his hand, he narrowed his gaze, desperate to concentrate on the road instead of the heat of her skin against his. Keep driving, Will. You’re almost home, and then you can do all the things you’ve been thinking about for weeks now. Who the hell was he kidding? He’d been dreaming about her body being under his since the first time he saw her.

He caressed the length of her index finger with his thumb slowly, revealing how he’d touch her once they were at his house. She moaned loudly and he nearly ran off the road.

“Sweet Jesus, woman. Are you trying to get us killed?”

She laughed and scooted closer to him, putting her arms around his neck. “If I wanted to get us killed, I’d do this…”

She sucked on his earlobe, and then ran her tongue along the edge of his ear.

“Holy sh—” His hands gripped the steering wheel, determined to stay between the lines on the road.

Almost there, Will. Just get there in one piece.

She chuckled and shifted to her side of the car. “Wanna see more?”

“Stop!” He gave her a scolding glance. He wanted to see more, but didn’t want to crash, either. He turned off the highway onto the quiet street leading to his house.

She lifted the hem of her already short dress. “You sure you want me to stop?”

He held his breath and glanced back and forth to the road as the dress edged higher until her thighs were bare. The breeze blew through the open window and swirled her short, wavy hair about her face wildly. A lump lodged in his throat. God, but she was beautiful and sexy as sin.

He jerked the car off the road in a secluded spot and slammed the car into park. Their mouths crashed into each other, eager tongues stroking and sucking. His mouth moved to her neck and he kissed the tender flesh. Her fingers dug into his hair as his lips made a trail down across her collarbone. He slipped the strap of her dress down and nibbled on her shoulder.

“Oh, Will,” she whimpered.

He was aching for her, but didn’t want their first time to be in a car. He needed a bed with a lot of room so he could stretch her out. He yanked his lips from her sweet skin.

He adjusted her dress and slid back to his side of the car. Taking a deep breath, he pulled back onto the road. Silence echoed through the car as they drove to his home.

He parked the car and held her hand as they walked up to the front door.

When they were inside, he set his keys on the table by the door and turned to face her.

“Do you want a drink?”

She devoured him with her eyes before shaking her head.

“Mind if I have one?” He’d need one to make it through tonight.

“No.” She pulled her hand from his and went to sit on the couch.

He poured himself a drink, the heat of her gaze following him. Was she as nervous as he was? From her first timid kiss, he suspected he was her first. The pressure of it squeezed around him until he couldn’t breathe.

Then there was the way she made him feel—alive and vibrant, pushing aside all the chilly walls he’d lived with all his life. She was a blazing fire melting every boundary around his heart. He craved her—and the sweet heat she spread across him whenever she was near.

When he glanced at her, he saw she’d taken her shoes off, but her feet were firmly on the ground and her hands clasped in her lap.

She was nervous. Knowing that made him relax.

He swallowed the small finger of Scotch and went to the couch. He took her hands in his and kissed them.

“Are you sure you’re ready?”

Fear laced her eyes, but desire was mixed within them. “Yes.”

He led her up the stairs to his room, his legs trembling with each step. He left the door open.

They stood in the middle of the room and he wrapped his arms around her. He took her face in his hands and kissed her. Unlike their kisses in the car, they were gentle and slow. He savored every touch of her lips and every lick and suck of their tongues. He wanted to remember the detail of each stroke and caress of his skin on hers.

His fingers looped through the straps of her dress, pulling them aside and then down the length of her body until her dress lay on the floor at their feet.

His mouth moistened when he saw her black underthings. She slipped off her underwear and bra, standing before him naked.

God help me.

Her caramel skin gleamed in the soft light of the lamp on his nightstand, casting shadows over the curves of her breasts and hips.

He undressed in a daze and walked them to the bed.

Chapter 13

The movement of someone’s hand in front of his face pulled Will from his daydream of Lola and the night they’d spent together.

Myles and Gary were shaking their heads at him.

The smell of his brother’s cigar and the clinking of crystal glasses reminded him he was in his and Gary’s shared office.

“What’s wrong with you these days? You’ve got your head in the clouds.” Myles leaned against his mahogany desk. “Some broad got you wrapped around her finger?” he joked.

If only he knew. “There is a special lady.”

Gary coughed and took a drink of the Scotch in his hand.

Myles glanced at Gary, whose gaze was planted on Will, as though saying, “What the hell are you doing?”

“Really? Who?”

Will wanted to laugh at his brother’s reaction. The excitement in Myles’s eyes would turn to horror if he knew anything about Lola, and not just the color of her skin. They’d never accept her because she was a jazz singer.

The entire Pullman clan wanted him to settle down. They figured it would mellow him out and get him into the family business of politics.

“Wipe the smug grin off your face, Myles.”

“What? I was going to suggest inviting her to Sunday dinner at the house.”

He said “the house” so casually, like any woman wouldn’t be thrilled to be invited to the Pullman Manor. They’d have to meet Lola at some point, but he wouldn’t subject her to the brunt of his father’s cruelty. Not until her heart was his.

“How about dinner with you and Elsa instead?” Will offered. Elsa might not welcome her with open arms, but her own entry into their family hadn’t been an easy one, so maybe she’d be sympathetic. Elsa managed to win over their parents; maybe she could help Lola do the same.

Myles scrutinized him with their father’s gaze.

Damn. He hated it when either of them gave him that look. It made him feel like a little kid again, right after he’d broken the neighbor’s window playing ball.

His spine straightened. He wasn’t a kid anymore and Myles was younger. “Do you want to meet her or not?”

“Of course.” Myles pushed himself off the desk and took the fresh drink Gary held out to him.

“Good.” He relaxed. The door was open and he’d worry about the next step once he walked through. “Let’s get to work.”

Two hours later, he and Gary were alone in his office. Myles had returned to his office. That was a joke. Although an accountant for the firm, these days he spent most of his time kissing up to future constituents than in the office.

“What the hell are you doing?” Gary asked. “Please tell me Lola isn’t the woman you’re taking to Myles and Elsa’s for dinner.”

Will took a drink of his Scotch. “You know it is.”

Gary raked a hand through his hair before smoothing it back neatly. He shook his head. “You sure about this? You hardly know her.”

“I’m sure.” No more words were required. Gary had been in the club most nights during their three-month relationship and seen their attraction.

“You’re in for a world of trouble,” he warned. “Your parents are already upset about you not joining Myles campaign. Them meeting Lola will make things worse.”

Worse? He cringed inwardly at the word. The relationship with his family had been crumbling since his childhood and his defiance to follow the rules.

Gary knew he’d never risk the already delicate relationship with his family if Lola wasn’t important to him.

“I know. We both know. I just need to persuade Lola.” He grinned.

Gary stuck one of his hands in his pocket. “You sure she’s worth it?”

“Yes,” Will said without hesitation. He might lose more than he imagined, but Lola was worth it. In the short time he’d known her, she’d tunneled her way into his heart.

Gary’s gaze examined him for several moments, his face giving nothing away, making Will wonder what thoughts lay behind those steel-gray eyes.

Gary was hard to catch off guard. He’d been part of their family for so long that Will and Myles long suspected he could read their minds. He always seemed to know what they were up to, even before they were, but maybe Will’s relationship with Lola was throwing Gary off his game. Was that a good thing, or bad?

Chapter 14

Will and Lola stood in the doorway of Myles and Elsa’s apartment, waiting to be invited in. His sister-in-law’s usual cool exterior cracked for a moment as her gaze moved between them.

“Please, come in,” she said finally, stepping out of the entryway so they could.

Will followed closely behind Elsa as she headed into their living room. He didn’t want her to warn Myles—he wanted his brother’s unprepared reaction. He clasped Lola’s hand in his when he sensed her body stiffen.

Myles eased his stiff frame from the couch, his face a rainbow of colors as his gaze shifted from their faces to their hands. “Have you lost your mind?” he blurted out, his face red, his nostrils flared.

“Myles,” Elsa scolded, although her voice didn’t rise to the level of his. “Your brother and his… friend…”—she chose her words carefully—“are our guests.”

She took Lola’s arm. “Let me give you a tour of the house—”

“Lola.”

“Lola, and let William and Myles catch up.” She led Lola out of the room.

“You can’t be serious?” Myles asked when they were alone.

“Deadly serious.” His stern gaze met his brother’s. Like his relationship with Gary, theirs was brutally honest.

Myles paced before him like their father used to do.

“She can’t be anyone important.”

Will fisted his hands by his side. Damn his brother and his snobbery.

“She’s a jazz singer. And if she was a maid in a hotel, I wouldn’t give a shit.”

Myles poured himself a Scotch at the bar in the corner of the room. The glass paused at his lips. “This will ruin me.” An icy glance shot across the room. “And the people backing my campaign won’t be happy, either.”

“Is your political career all you can think of?” Pain pierced Will’s heart. A part of him had hoped Myles would be able to see past Lola’s color and profession and get to know her before passing judgment—and be happy for him. He should’ve known better. Once their father realized Will wasn’t interested in politics, he’d honed in on Myles, all but brainwashing him.

“What about, ‘I’m glad you found someone, Will’?”

“How can I be? She’s a jazz singer, for Christ’s sake! Our parents will never accept her.”

“Don’t you mean your voters and your backers?” He crossed his arms. “Have you forgotten our parents didn’t like Elsa, either?”

Myles opened his mouth to answer, but the two women returning interrupted.

“Dinner is ready.”

Elsa took her husband’s arm and Lola’s worried gaze locked on Will’s. She hadn’t wanted to come today, saying it was too soon to meet his family, but he assured her Myles and his wife would be happy to meet her.

He held out his arm.

“You all right?” she asked as they walked toward the dining room.

“I’m fine.” He smiled and touched her cheek, even though his insides ached. He prayed they’d make it through dinner without his brother insulting her more.

* * *

Myles’s words when he saw her—and the tight clench of Will’s jaw—told her what she suspected would happen when Will suggested she meet his family had happened: shock, disappointment, and outrage.

Their reaction would be the same from any white family, but a political family like the Pullmans? She was amazed she had gotten through the front door. Had it been the Pullman Manor, she never would have.

Elsa seemed nice enough, but her chilly exterior made it impossible to tell if Elsa liked her or merely tolerated her. The tour of the house felt like an interrogation, with Elsa asking questions that made her wonder if she only wanted to know details so she could report back to Myles.

When she told Elsa she was a jazz singer, Myles’ wife had nearly tripped on her perfect shoes and ruined her pristinely clean floor and clothes. Like their home, her outfit belonged on the cover of a magazine.

Elsa recovered quickly and made friendly banter as they strolled through her and Myles’ home. Unlike her husband’s brash reaction when he saw her, Elsa tapered her reaction—like the perfect future senator’s wife she was dying to become.

“Where are you from, Lola?” Myles asked when they sat down.

“Detroit.” And so it begins. She breathed deeply to settle her nervous tremble.

“Why singing?”

The question was one she’d heard all her life, especially from friends and family who were more concerned with striving for perfection than happiness.

“Singing speaks to me. Being onstage is like coming home.”

“You’ve never wanted to be anything else?” Elsa asked.

“My father wanted me to be a doctor and I thought about being an interior decorator, but my heart was never in it.”

“A decorator. A much more respectable profession,” Myles said.

Deep breaths, Lola. “Why is it when men pursue a singing profession, it’s acceptable, but if a woman does, then it’s not? Not all women want to be a wife and mother, Myles. I love singing and plan to make a name for myself. I’m sorry it’s not respectable to you, but it’s not your life.”

“It becomes my life when you’re with my brother.” He banged his hands against the table, the silverware clattering.

“Myles,” Will said in a warning tone.

“Your life? What about my life?” Lola shook her head. “Do you have any idea what could happen to me if people find out I’m with a white man? You don’t have a clue. All you can think of is your precious political career. My entire life is at risk! My singing career, my family and friends, and yes, even my life, Myles. No one knows better than me what risk we’re taking.”

Will’s hand found hers and squeezed. “This isn’t a decision we made lightly, Myles, but we’re going to be together and we don’t care who doesn’t like it.”

Myles’ face reddened and his hands rested on the table in tight fists, like he would bang them again. “Over my dead body!” His eyes bulged and his nostrils flared.

“Don’t you mean mine?” she shot back.

Elsa stood. “I made a wonderful apple pie. You must have a piece before you leave.” Her calm tone washed over them, declaring the conversation was over.

The rest of the evening consisted of apple pie and bland conversation controlled by Elsa.

Lola was relieved when they left an hour later, bidding Myles and Elsa a polite good-night, but with no mention of how nice it was to meet one another. It would’ve been a lie.

Will opened the car door and put his arms around her after they got in. “I’m sorry. I hoped the evening would go better.” He started the car and pulled onto the road.

“Me, too, but I suspect it would be the same at my house if my parents were still alive. My sister won’t be happy, but she won’t react the way your brother did.”

“I don’t care what others say. It’s not like we’re the first ones.” Myles grinned.

“I know, but I don’t want to be the cause of a rift between you and your family.”

“There’s already a rift, Lola. They wanted me to play a role in our family I didn’t want.”

Tension might already exist between Will and his family, but she hated that their relationship would make it worse. In spite of everything, though, he wanted to be with her.

“I love you,” she murmured. Oh God! Did he hear me? Thinking the words was one thing, but saying it out loud?

It was too soon. They’d only known each other for three months. It didn’t matter that the time they’d spent together and their connection made it seem like a lifetime.

He didn’t look at her, keeping his eyes locked on the road as he drove.

She waited, her breath held, but he didn’t answer. She should have been relieved he didn’t hear her, but fear coursed through her that he had and didn’t feel the same. Dread pressed down around her as they drove and he remained silent.

The car turned down the road to his house and she breathed a sigh of relief that he wasn’t dropping her home.

Be thankful he didn’t hear, or isn’t answering, Lola. How would those words change your already complicated relationship?

He parked the car and got out. She stayed inside, knowing he’d open the door for her. He was always a gentleman. Maybe that’s why he hadn’t answered—he wanted to spare her feelings. She should feel better knowing that might be his reason, but she felt worse.

He linked their fingers after she stood before him. Her breath hitched in her throat as he gazed at her for several seconds. His head lowered and he kissed her softly, wrapping his arms around her until she molded against him.

“I love you, too,” he whispered huskily, his gaze holding hers.

Shivers danced across her skin at the passion and possession behind the depths of his green eyes. Oh my!

She followed him with weak knees to the front door and inside.

Before she could remove her coat, he pressed her against the door and kissed her hotly, his tongue delving in her mouth, teasing, sucking. She groaned and wrapped her arms around his neck as hands slid under her skirt, his fingers taunting her over the fabric of her underwear until he moved it aside and slipped a finger inside her.

“Oh God, Will,” she moaned. Her legs trembled and her frame began to slide down the door before he yanked off her underwear, lifted her, and wrapped her legs around his waist.

“Say my name again, sweetheart.” He fumbled with his pants until they fell to the floor, the belt clanking against the wooden floor.

Her pounding heartbeat drowned out every noise but his words and heavy breath against her neck. “Will.”

He groaned and thrust himself deep inside her.

Her mind swirled, weightless, and she gripped his shoulders and lifted her hips to meet his movements, her core expanding until she couldn’t think, see, or feel anything but him inside her.

White-hot sparks exploded around her and she shouted his name, clinging to him as her release pounded every inch of her body until she was weak and her legs limp.

“Lola,” Will grunted moments later, and she watched his face contort with his orgasm.

She buried her face in his neck and giggled.

He glanced at her like she’d gone crazy. “You’re laughing?”

She ran her fingers across his lips, and then sucked his bottom lip. “No. It was hot, but your expression is pretty silly when you…”

He kissed her to shut her up. “Minx.” He removed her legs from around his waist.

She straightened her clothing, took off her coat, and hung it on the rack by the door while he pulled up his pants. “Well, another part of the house we hadn’t christened.”

He wrapped his arms around her waist. “Yes, but next time you’ll be facing away from me.”

“Away? Oh, I see.”

His eyes glinted mischievously.

She undid the buttons of her blouse. “Why wait?”

Laughter bubbled out. His smile vanished as he watched her remove the rest of her clothes before the desire that had filled his green eyes earlier returned.

Chapter 15

Will brushed a stray hair from Lola’s face as she slept. Nearly six glorious months had passed since they started seeing each other, but he still felt like a kid in high school with his first crush. Lola filled his thoughts when they weren’t together, and when they were, all he could think about was touching her. They’d made love in every room and on every surface of his house.

Lola had been shy at first, but he grinned as he remembered the first time she initiated making love. While he lounged in his chair, she climbed on top of him in every sense of the word.

She awoke and stretched next to him. Something in his heart and body stirred the way it always did whenever she was near. Being around her felt like coming home, and comfortable in a way that excited and scared him all at the same moment. She’d become so much a part of his life, he couldn’t imagine it without her. He didn’t want to.

“Morning,” she purred, wiping the sleep from her eyes.

During the week, he drove her home at night, but on the weekends she stayed over and they spent their days together until she had to go to the club.

“Morning.” He kissed her forehead.

She laughed. “Why, Mr. Pullman, such a chaste kiss after the naughty things you did to me last night?”

He wiggled his eyebrows. “The day is still early.” He pulled her against him and tickled her until she writhed with laughter, begging him to stop.

He loved her laughter. It involved her whole self and chased away the dark clouds and stress of his days.

He gazed down at the tangle of curls a night’s sleep and their lovemaking had made of her hair, her brown eyes and full lips smiling brilliantly. He wanted her forever.

The realization shocked him. Peace filled his heart as the shock subsided. He imagined his life with Lola: their wedding, and kids as beautiful as her—with heads full of curls.

“Marry me.” He hadn’t meant to say the words out loud, despite them being in his mind. Was this how Lola had felt when she told him she loved him? Terrified?

She stilled beneath him and studied his chest before meeting his gaze.

“I—”

“What does your heart say?” Please say yes. His heart couldn’t bear it if she said no.

Her hand touched his face. “My heart says yes, but—”

He kissed her soundly, cutting off the words of doubt he knew were coming. He didn’t want to hear them. Not now. She said yes—the only words he wanted to hear. They could talk about their fears later.

His tongue stroked hers as he ran his hands over her naked skin until she was moaning and lifting her hips to meet his hands, mouth, and thrusts.

He made love to her, pouring out every joy and pain he’d felt since the moment they met, saying despite their vast differences and the challenges ahead, he’d be there—no matter what.

He sensed her meeting each emotion with her own. His heart burst knowing her heart belong to him as much as his was hers.

* * *

“Sweet Jesus, Will,” she muttered much later, their bodies covered in sweat and breathless like they’d done battle instead of made love. “I don’t think I can move.”

He chuckled and nuzzled his face in her hair. She pushed him away. “No more. I need food first.”

She got off the bed and slipped into one of his robes. He lounged on the bed, his dark hair a mess about his head, hanging around his face. His boyish gaze made her heart flip-flop in her chest. Their lovemaking hadn’t just stripped her physically—her heart and soul belonged to him now. Perhaps they had the first moment she gazed into his green eyes. Those eyes had captured more than her attention. They saw parts of her onstage no one else did. They saw the real her.

He knew and understood her completely. A scary thought, since they’d only known each other a few short months. That time seemed like an eternity. Their time was treasure she planned to hold onto and remember in her old age, but now she wanted more than memories after their affair ended. She wanted to make new memories with him, here in this house. Or anywhere they could make a life together and to hell with what others thought or said.

They were foolish desires, but she planned to enjoy them while it lasted. She leaned toward him and kissed his lips.

“Come downstairs with me. Eat with me.” She tugged on his arm.

“Are you cooking?” he teased.

“You know I can heat things up in the kitchen,” she said, reminding him of the night they spent making love on the kitchen counter and floor.

“You keep talking like that and we won’t be eating.” His eyes had turned dark emerald.

“Let me eat and you get me anywhere in the house you want.” She backed off the bed and pulled him toward the door.

“Why wait?” He tried to kiss her.

She pushed him away and raced out the door. “Not until I eat!”

The sound of his footsteps chased her down the stairs along with his words: “You can eat when I’m finished.”

“No!” she screamed, taking the steps two at a time until she reached the living room and sprinted toward the couch.

She didn’t make it. Tackled by Will, they landed on the couch. She roared with laughter as he tickled her mercilessly. “Stop! Please,” she begged as tears streamed down her face.

“Not until you concede.”

“All right. I’ll cook.” She giggled and pushed against him when he paused.

He didn’t budge. His body stilled as he gazed down at her. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Intense emerald eyes raked over her, holding her gaze.

“I love you.”

Three simple words, with so much power behind them. This wasn’t the first time he’d said them, but after asking her to marry him, they seemed more meaningful and real.

“I love you, too.” She pulled him down for a tight hug. Her heart swelled with so much joy, she thought it would burst.

He pulled them off the couch and headed toward the kitchen. “You promised me food.” He pushed her behind the counter and sat down on a barstool.

She placed a hand on her hip. “Don’t get any ideas, Mr. Pullman. I’m not a stay-at-home and serve-your-dinner-when-you-walk-through-the-door kind of wife.”

“I know that.”

“I won’t stop singing.” Would he ask her to? God, she hoped not.

“I know.”

“Good.”

“Am I allowed to ask for kids?” His tone was thick with sarcasm.

Her hand stilled on the way to a spatula. “Kids? You want kids?” She turned to face him.

His crestfallen expression almost made her laugh. “Don’t you?”

She shrugged. “Not really. They’re loud and messy, not to mention ungrateful and never visit on holidays.”

He visibly relaxed when he realized she was joking. “You had me worried. For a moment, I thought you were serious.”

“Kids are on the agenda. Although I honestly hadn’t considered having them until meeting you.”

“I want at least four, and all boys.”

A hand went to her hip. “I can’t control that.”

“Girls can’t run for office.”

“Of course they can. Our daughters will do whatever they want!” She dug a spoon into the batter with vigor.

He laughed. “Of course they will. All our kids will.”

“All two of them,” she clarified. The thought of giving birth to more than two didn’t appeal to her.

“Two it is.”

She finished cooking and placed three large pancakes each on two different plates and set them on the countertop. She poured syrup over her pancakes and dug in. “I might not be the best cook, but I do a mean breakfast.”

“Good thing breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.” He leaned in and kissed her.

“Good thing.” She grinned.

They sat shoulder to shoulder at the bar, eating. The doorbell rang and their eyes locked. He checked his watch. 7:00.

Her heart banged against her rib cage, hard and fast. Who the hell could it be this time of morning? She didn’t know if she should rush upstairs and get out of sight, or wait until he uncovered who stood outside. She glanced at him for a sign of what to do, but he looked surprised and apprehensive, too.

“I’ll leave.” She shifted off the stool.

He grabbed her arm. “You don’t have to.”

Her heartbeat jumped in excitement and then dread. Did she want to be found at his house? At this time of morning, and in his robe?

She got off the barstool. “We both need to get dressed.”

They rushed upstairs, Will dressing quickly. He returned downstairs while she checked the mirror to make sure she didn’t look like she’d spent the night.

“Now is not a good time, Sofia,” Will said as Lola reached the bottom of the stairs.

Sofia. The name rang a bell, but she couldn’t place it.

“I thought you might like a home-cooked breakfast,” a woman’s voice purred.

He’s already eaten, lady! Her voice wasn’t one of a kind, older next-door lady, but someone much younger.

Lola wasn’t about to wait around while another woman offered to cook him breakfast. “What Mr. Pullman means is that he’s already had breakfast, and I’m about to clean the kitchen.”

Sofia’s gaze shifted from her to Will, as though trying to figure things out. “Oh.” She smiled. “That explains why you’ve been here so much.”

She longed to tell this woman she wasn’t his maid, but she smiled and nodded and went into the kitchen.

“I can stop by later.” Sofia’s hand rested on Will’s arm.

“I’m working on a case, so I’ll be busy.” He removed her hand from his arm.

“How about I make you dinner? Or maybe dessert?”

The way Sofia said “dessert” made Lola want to come out of the kitchen and kick her out of the house.

“Thanks, but Lola has it covered.”

Boy do I ever! And dessert, too.

Sofia stuck her head into the kitchen from behind Will’s tall frame. “You take good care of him.” She said it with such a warm and friendly smile that guilt gnawed at Lola for her thoughts of kicking her out of the house. Almost.

“Good-bye, Sofia. Thanks for coming by,” Will said as he closed the door behind her.

“Someone’s got a crush,” she teased.

“She’s lonely because she lost her husband.”

She put her arms around his waist. “And you’re too nice. She’d have a ring on your finger and be pregnant with your first child if I hadn’t come along.”

He grinned. “Well, it’s a good thing you came along.”

“Good thing.” She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him.

“I believe you’ve eaten. Time to keep your promise.” He chuckled wickedly.

“What promise?” She pushed at his chest and rushed up the stairs, laughing as she heard Will’s footsteps behind her.

Chapter 16

The lights from the Crystal Palace sparkled like diamonds as she stood at the entrance. Lola couldn’t believe it when the owner asked her to sing at his club. He’d seen her at the Jazz Joynt and when she opened the dressing room door, she thought he was another fan coming to ask her to have drinks. She’d been thrilled, as singing here meant a big step up from the clubs she usually sang at.

She’d discussed money right away, letting him know what she expected, and although he’d negotiated a lower rate, she didn’t mind since it was the amount she wanted.

The doorman straightened when he saw her approaching.

“I’m Lola, and I’m singing tonight.” She hoped her statement would wipe the condescending look off his face.

“Performers go through the back.” The words were said with contempt and disgust, making her feel like a stripper rather than an invited guest and artist. Disappointment crushed her and she thought about having him contact the owner, but decided against it and headed to the alleyway that led to the back entrance.

The smell of rotten garbage stung her nose and made her stomach queasy, along with the sight of rats and bugs cluttering the edges of the alley. She stepped around the puddles she prayed were from rain, unable to avoid some of them, and knew her satin shoes were ruined—for once grateful she wore fakes.

She banged on the door, hoping someone would hear her over the noise of the club and kitchen.

Moments later, the door opened and she stepped inside, thankful to be out of the alley. She darted through the room and the cluster of people rushing around until she found a quiet spot. A slim, baby-faced dishwasher gave her a chair.

“Thank you.”

He smiled and returned to his station.

She waited for several minutes, contemplating if she should go through the revolving doors leading to the club. This is a bad idea. She hated the humiliation seeping through her the longer she sat, feeling like some thief caught stealing instead of the classy singer she wanted to be known as.

Small steps, Lola. Those were words her father had told her for years. For the first time, she truly understood them, although she didn’t agree. She deserved to walk through the front door and be treated like a star, not back here. The smell of her clothing and hair shifted from the sweet scent of her perfume to the pungent odor of a busy kitchen. But making a scene wasn’t the answer. She was a professional.

“You thought they’d roll out the red carpet for you because you seeing some white man?” A tall, thick man dressed in a waiter suit glared down at her with a smirk. “You fooling yourself, girl.”

“I’m here because Mr. Robinson heard me sing and wanted me to perform at his club.” She sidestepped his comment.

The man grunted rudely. “Don’t matter how many white men you sleep with. Ain’t no way you getting through that front door.”

She shot out of the chair. “You don’t know anything about me, so why don’t you shut your mouth!”

His face blustered and his eyes bulged, making her wonder if he would hit her. Instead, his thick fingers squeezed her neck.

She froze. Every dirty word she’d ever heard filled her head, but none of them came out. Her chest ached as her heartbeat thundered in her ear. Stay still and silent, Lola. She’d done the same thing whenever she got in fights with boys in the neighborhood—those who didn’t think twice about hitting a girl.

“You won’t give your own kind a chance, but you’ll spread your legs for some rich white man. That makes you a whor—”

“Leave her alone,” the dishwasher said.

The waiter dropped his hands, like he couldn’t stand touching her, and went about filling his tray with food and headed back out to serve his tables.

She rubbed her neck and blinked away the tears stinging her eyes. His words and actions made her feel dirty, and like the word he’d nearly called her. Is that how people saw her? She’d been so worried about her safety, she hadn’t thought about much else.

“Did he hurt you?”

She shook her head.

“Don’t listen to him. You keep following your dream, girl, and don’t let nobody stop you.”

The kindness in his eyes put her at ease, but it didn’t stop the nagging in the back of her mind.

Two hours later, she sat in a cab on the way back to her apartment. Except for the nasty waiter, the night had gone well. The crowd loved her and the club owner, Nick, had booked her for Tuesdays at his club. The opportunity was more than she hoped, and took her a step closer to her dreams. So why couldn’t she get the cruel comments from the waiter out of her head?

His words made her wonder if she’d been offered this job because of Will. She should be grateful for any chance, but she didn’t want it because of Will. She wanted it because she’d earned it.

He was working late on an important case, so he hadn’t been at the club tonight. She was supposed to meet him at his house later, but after hearing the waiter’s words, she decided to go home instead.

The past few months, she’d spent every free moment with Will. Being with him was beginning to take over her life. She turned up late to practices and, on occasion, had even skipped them, which wasn’t like her. She always had a new song to learn or technique to perfect. She was doing what she swore she wouldn’t—let a man distract her.

But Will wasn’t any man. He was worse.

She knew what she needed to do, but she had to speak with Gary first.

Chapter 17

“You want to do what?” Gary’s eyebrows narrowed and the casual posture he’d held since she entered his office shifted to ramrod straight.

Lola smiled. His reaction proved what she suspected about Gary. He loved Will as dearly as she did.

“It’s not for the reasons you think,” she assured him.

“Really? Why would you want to keep your marriage a secret if not for your own reasons? While I understand the concern for your safety, do you think William will agree to this?”

“This isn’t only about me.” After the initial shock and hurt of the waiter’s words wore off, she started thinking about how their relationship affected Will and how she wouldn’t be the only one to suffer because of their marriage.

While she was certain Will would fight their every battle, each situation was unique. They were both in the public’s eyes—Will and his family more than her. As much as she disliked the way Myles treated her, she didn’t want Will to have the same experience she did with people—her own kind—turning their back on him. His family was bad enough, but everyone else too?

“Will loves his job and his home and I don’t want to see those things taken away from him.”

Gary’s steel-gray eyes studied her, making her wonder if admiration lay behind them or a plot to remove her from Will’s life.

“What about your life?” Scorn lay behind every single word.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s for me too, but I’m not the only one who has something to lose. Will doesn’t understand how our relationship will impact his life.” She held her hand up to stop Gary’s reply. “He thinks he does, but he doesn’t. There’s a difference between knowing and experiencing the pain of it firsthand.”

Gary relaxed. “You’re right. He doesn’t truly understand.” He stood and moved to sit on the edge of his desk in front of her. “I’ve seen how people who are different are treated.”

The softness behind his gaze said he really did, although she couldn’t imagine how.

“So you’ll help me?”

“I will, but you won’t be able to keep it a secret forever.”

“I know. Maybe by then people will think differently.”

He smiled, but they both knew change didn’t happen overnight. It took years. Years she and Will wouldn’t enjoy.

A brief knock on the door startled her, along with who barged in.

“Mr. Pullman.” Gary stood and blocked her from his view.

“Gary. I didn’t realize you were occupied.”

Daniel Pullman strolled up to Gary and shook his hand, not bothering to leave. A woman followed close behind. Polished, poised, and ready for someone to snap her picture. Rose Pullman’s sharp eyes settled on Lola after she glanced around the room—assessing everyone and everything. Her eyes narrowed before shifting to Gary.

“So this is Lola Johnson.”

She turned to find Daniel observing her. Rose’s daunting attention had made her forget about him. His scrutiny sliced through her. So this is how an animal being hunted feels?

Her insides quivered for several seconds before she caught herself. These were her future in-laws, even if they didn’t know it. “Yes, I am. Lovely to meet you.” She extended her hand for Daniel to shake.

He ignored it. “What business could you possibly have with Gary?”

She was about to say business that didn’t concern them, but it did. “It’s a private matter,” she said graciously.

“Private? Our son isn’t enough for you?”

His cruel words cut, but she controlled her outward expression.

“Mr. Pullman. Let’s let Ms. Johnson leave so we can discuss the business you have with me?” Gary interjected.

“No. I have something to say to her.”

“As do I,” Rose added.

Lola adjusted the jacket of her suit. “Very well. Let’s get it over with.”

“Your relationship is ruining Will’s life and will cause the death of Myles’ political career,” Daniel started. “You need to learn your place, young lady.”

“Maybe if you came from a prominent black family in the community we could use it to our advantage, but a jazz singer?” Rose tsked.

Lola let their hurtful words roll off her back. Although they were harsh, she’d heard worse, and in less stickier situations. “Will and I are adults and don’t need your approval.”

“He and Myles both have the potential for the presidency,” Daniel blistered, glaring at her, his eyes asking why she couldn’t comprehend.

She stood.

“My sons have the chance for greatness and you’re taking it away from them,” Rose interjected.

Her gaze shifted between them. “Now I understand your strained relationship with Will.”

Daniel’s face turned bright red. “You know nothing about my family!”

“I know more than you do. You want Will to be something he’s not. Something he doesn’t want to be. He’s a partner in a top law firm and you’re still not satisfied.” Lola shook her head and adjusted the strap of her handbag on her shoulder. “He’s a wonderful man—as he is—and you’re too blind to see it.”

“Don’t tell me about my son. I know my son!” Daniel said.

She glanced at him and then Rose. “You don’t. If you did, you’d understand why a career in politics doesn’t suit him.”

“Politics has suited our family fine for generations.” Daniel grabbed her arm as she passed him. “You will stop seeing my son.”

Lola pried his fingers from her arm.

“I won’t. I love him, and I plan to marry him.”

“What?!” they roared.

“You’re pregnant. You seduced my son and got knocked up so you could ruin his life!”

Hurt burned a hole in her gut from his cruel words. “I’m not pregnant, Mr. Pullman, and if I was, I wouldn’t force Will to marry me if we didn’t love each other.”

“I forbid it!” Rose cried.

“You have no say. This is between me and Will.”

Daniel turned to Gary. “If you’re involved, you’ll never work for my family again.”

“I came here for Gary’s help. I wanted to know how to keep our marriage a secret to spare Will and your family the chaos that would result.”

Her statement made them pause and they glanced at Gary, who nodded in confirmation.

“If you want to spare our family and yourself, don’t go through with the marriage. End your relationship with Will. Before it’s too late,” Daniel argued.

“No.” The defiant tone was for every mean word they’d said to her and Will, and for all those to come during their marriage. It meant saying no to anyone trying to stop her from living her life with the man she loved. She’d already given up declaring their love publicly. She wouldn’t give up Will.

“Name your price.” Rose pulled a checkbook out of her handbag.

Lola’s gaze shifted between them in pity. “There’s not enough money in your bank account to buy me out of William’s life.”

Daniel towered over her with his height and thick frame, and sliced her with a menacing glare. “You’ll regret this.”

Shivers raced up her spine at his declaration. Daniel Pullman was a powerful man and could make her “disappear” if he wanted. Would he?

“I think it’s time you left, Lola.” Gary’s voice cut through the tension of their standoff.

She smiled. “Thank you for your time, Gary.

“Mr. and Mrs. Pullman,” she said, with more courtesy than she felt.

Their narrowed eyes and silence followed as she left the room.

Will’s strained relationship with his parents had just been made worse by her blurting out their marriage plans. From their reaction, Will hadn’t told them. How would Will react when he found out? Would she get to him before they did? The surge of confidence she’d felt defying the Pullmans became ashes at her feet.

Chapter 18

The wind whipped and howled around them until their coats fought to get away. She’d asked to meet him at the park instead of his apartment in case his parents decided to show up.

She said yes with all her heart when she agreed to marry him, but with the possibility of it becoming a reality—and not a fantasy in the cocoon of his house—fear and doubt squeezed her heart, especially after her confrontation with his parents. Images from her father’s horror stories ran through her mind until her vision dazed and her throat became tight.

Marrying Will would mean giving up her dreams of being a singer. It didn’t matter he said she wouldn’t have to stop singing. A man like Will would eventually want his wife home every night. What about his career? Would the firm he worked at let him keep his job? Where would they live? She couldn’t see his neighbors letting them live there without a fight. What about their children? Her stomach lurched at the thought of anything happening to them.

The heat of his gaze burned the top of her head as she contemplated how to say the words she’d prepared.

“I’ll marry you, but I have one condition.”

Will stiffened.

“We keep our marriage a secret.”

The light on his face dissolved into confusion.

“Why? Are you having second thoughts?” He couldn’t hide the breaking of his voice.

“There are too many obstacles.” She glanced up and his pained expression tore her insides out.

“Life is filled with obstacles, Lola. Being with the right people makes those obstacles bearable.”

“Really? How bearable will it be when I grow to hate you for giving up my dream of singing?” She pushed away the hand he held out to her. “How bearable will it be when you lose your job because of me, or if we have to move away? What about our kids?” She didn’t turn, knowing if she gazed into his beautiful eyes, he’d convince her anything was possible. It wasn’t.

“I would never ask you to give up your singing. I know how much it means to you. I’ll start my own practice. Gary and I have been talking about it, and I’ll have only black clients. As far as kids…” He wrapped his arms around her. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”

He turned her around so she faced him again. “I don’t have all the answers, Lola. All I know is that I want you to be my wife and for us to share a life together. I want more than sneaking around on weekends. I want to kiss and hold you when and where I want, and I don’t care who sees or what they think.”

His gloved hand caressed her cheek. “Will it be easy? No. I’m sure we’ll face challenges we haven’t even thought of.”

Her insides trembled, but not from the cold wind swirling around them.

She shifted her feet and glanced around at the park they’d visited often together. Fallen autumn leaves lay scattered along the pathways, rolling around like tumbleweeds in the desert. Nearly bare trees bowed and swayed together in a dance, reminding her of her father’s words: “A good relationship is based on love, honesty, and trust, but a great one also has compromise.”

Since they met, Will had been honest with her. He’d never tried to hide her away—she was the one filled with fear, and rightly so. He had nothing to lose, or so she thought. He had just as much, and he wanted to take a chance on them. On her.

Heat radiated through her chest. He loved her that much. She lost her breath.

Not everyone would feel the way they did. Those people wouldn’t be happy for them, or support their decision to start a life together. Her heart ached at the rejections he’d no doubt face. He’d never experienced that kind of rejection, and she wouldn’t let him, either.

“We both have too much at stake. Keeping it secret will make it easier.”

Let him think it was for her singing career—it didn’t matter. She wanted to spare him the pain. And if she were honest, she wanted to spare herself a bit, too. The waiter’s harsh words, along with Will’s parents, echoed in her mind. She didn’t want people thinking her career success came because of her marriage to Will.

“I won’t have my wife living somewhere else,” he insisted, his tone thick with possession and conviction.

She touched his face. “I’ll be living with you,” she assured him. “But we maintain that I’m your housekeeper.”

“I don’t like it.”

“I know you don’t, but it’s the best thing for now. Think of Myles and his career. And your family.”

“What about your family? What will your sister think of me?”

“She’ll know the truth.” She hugged him and squeezed her eyes to stop her tears. This should be a happy moment, and instead she was plotting how to hide it. The decision cast a dark shadow even though she chose it.

“Your parents know.”

“I know. They came straight to my office after they met you.”

“Oh.” What she would give to have been a fly on the wall during that conversation.

He lifted her chin. “They’ll get over it. If they don’t, it’ll be their loss for not getting to know a special woman.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist. God but I love this man.

“I’ll speak with Gary about the wedding.”

“No need. He’s already making the arrangements.”

“You spoke with Gary about this before me?”

“I knew Gary would understand. And not be emotional about it.”

“Emotional? I’m not emotional!”

She laughed and wrapped her arm around his waist. “Yes, you are, but it’s why I love you. You feel more for both of us.”

The pout on his face made her laugh harder. “You’re also incredibly sexy, and have the cutest dimple on your face that makes you adorable.” She squealed when he lifted her off the ground and crushed her in a bear hug.

“I’ve got a dimple on my butt, too. Care to look at it?” His eyebrows wiggled and his eyes held a wicked glint.

“No, thanks. I’ve already seen it.”

He smothered her laughter with a sound kiss, squeezing her against him.

“I’m taking you home, and you’re not leaving until you’re begging for mercy from my hands and my mouth.” His eyes gleamed a dark emerald.

Her mouth became dry and silent as she quivered in anticipation.

Chapter 19

Lola charged through the dressing room door, hands shaking and stomach quivering with the news bursting inside her.

Pearl was sitting in the corner, crying. She dashed the tear away when she saw Lola.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Pearl assured her with a smile that didn’t reach her black eyes.

Lola sat next to her. “It’s not nothing.”

Pearl avoided Lola’s piercing gaze.

“Something happened between you and Joe?” Of course it’s about Joe. There had been smiles and secret stares between them for weeks, proof they’d found happiness—at least for a short while.

“Tell me,” Lola urged. “Maybe I can help?”

“You can’t. No one can.” Pearl’s eyes filled with tears again.

Realization dawned on Lola. “How wonderful!”

“I don’t want his love like this.”

“He wouldn’t see it that way.”

“You don’t know that!”

Pearl was right. She didn’t know for sure, but Joe loved Pearl and would do anything to make her happy. “Then tell him and find out for yourself. Or I will.” They needed a swift kick in the right direction and she’d happily give it to them.

“You wouldn’t!” Pearl grabbed her hand and squeezed it in desperation.

“You have to tell him, Pea.”

“I will. I promise.”

Pearl was lying. Lola knew her well enough. Pearl would go to her grave before she told Joe the truth. She was as stubborn as Joe.

Lola covered Pearl’s hand—the one not held in a vise grip.

“Please don’t say anything.” Pearl pleaded.

“I won’t.” She’d keep the promise, but she wouldn’t lie to Joe if he asked.

The tension coiled in Pearl’s body eased and she released Lola’s hand. “So, what are you doing here today?” Pearl spoke the words as if they hadn’t argued, her face returning to the sweet woman Lola knew and loved like a sister.

This conversation isn’t over, Pearl. She had to figure out a way for them to talk to each other before Pearl did something stupid.

Joe came through the door before she could find a solution. “What’s going on?”

Pearl glanced toward her, pleading. Joe regarded them both.

Lola took a deep breath. With Joe and Pearl there, now was the best opportunity to share her news. “I’m marrying Will.”

“Are you out of your mind?” Joe blurted.

Lola crossed her arms. “I’m perfectly sane, and you know it!” She glared at him for good measure. Joe’s reaction was expected. Pearl’s mouth hung open in shock.

“I used to think so. Now I’m not so sure.” Stern black eyes raked over her the way her father’s used to when she got into trouble. “You’re in for a world of hurt.”

“You said that when we started dating. You were wrong then, and you’re wrong now.

Will and I love each other, and I will be his wife.”

Pearl’s shock turned into relief. “I don’t think it’s a good idea, but I’m happy for you.” She hugged Lola.

“Are you crazy? It’s the worst idea ever. She shouldn’t be with someone like him.”

Pearl placed a hand on her hip and glared at Joe. “Who should she be with? You?”

“What? I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Well, how did you mean it?”

“I meant marrying him is going to bring her heartache, and I wanted to spare her from that.”

“Yes. I know.”

Lola’s heart ached for the sadness and pain in Pearl’s eyes. So much misunderstanding between them. She wished she could help them resolve it.

In that moment, she was thankful for the clarity and honesty between her and Will. Their marriage would be difficult enough without misunderstanding clouding things.

Joe rubbed a hand across his forehead. “I didn’t think you’d give up your singing career so easily.”

“I don’t have to.”

Joe’s gaze was a combination of not believing her and thinking her crazy for believing Will.

Lola dismissed him with a wave of her hand. “Think what you will. I’ve made my own assurances. I agreed to marry Will if we keep our marriage and relationship a secret. At least for now. This way, my career is secured, and so is his job, and his brother’s political career.” Myles’ expression when Will told him about their relationship still haunted her.

Joe paced before her in the dressing room until she became certain he’d wear a path in the wood flooring.

“I know what I’m doing, Joe. I always do, and you have to trust that I’ve thought long and hard about this decision.” She placed a hand on his shoulder to stop his pacing. “I love him.”

“I like Will, but I wonder if you’re not in over your head. His family won’t be happy. Let’s hope they don’t try something drastic to stop you.”

The same thought had crossed her mind, and another reason she wanted to keep their wedding a secret. Lola shivered, remembering Daniel’s tight grip and his threatening words. Would Will’s parents really do something to hurt me? Lola pushed aside the thought each time it entered her mind. She and Will didn’t need anything else darkening their happiness.

Lola rested her hands on their shoulders. “I want you at the wedding.” Then she looked sternly at both of them. “And I want you to have a real discussion about your future. Promise?”

They nodded. Lola smiled and hugged them both.

Chapter 20

William glanced in dread at the door before him. This wasn’t the first time he’d stood outside his father’s office, and it wouldn’t be the last. He took a deep breath and strode inside with the same confidence he’d held when defying his parents in the past.

Daniel Pullman sat behind a gaudy mahogany desk, his fingers linked, and his chin resting on his hand. Rose sat on one edge of the desk, dignified, although she’d never let anyone but family see her poised this way.

They reeked of money, power, and a privilege most of the country didn’t enjoy. His parents knew this and thrived on it, holding it over others every chance they got. He couldn’t remember the number of times they’d shut him out of their lives for going against them. Not publicly of course, but to Will it made the act all the more painful. To the world, they were the dutiful parents who loved and cared for their children, but behind closed doors? That love became a tool of manipulation and the care put in the hands of the same people they belittled.

A part of him hated them, but mostly he pitied them. They would never see the real world beyond the walls of Pullman Manor.

“Have a seat.” Rose gestured toward a chair.

“No thanks.” He had no intention of staying long.

“You know why we asked you here today?”

Will nodded. Asked me? More like demanded.

“You cannot marry that woman,” Rose hissed through clinched teeth.

“Why not?” Will taunted, grinning inside at the discomfort on their faces. He didn’t plan on being the only uncomfortable one in the room.

“You know damn well why not!” Daniel bellowed. “Her color and social status makes her unacceptable.”

“I love her.”

“I don’t care!”

Will knew the words were coming, but they still pierced his heart. No matter how he tried to shield himself from their cruel words—as a boy and now a man—they still had the power to wound him.

“That’s always been the problem, hasn’t it, Father?”

“We care. It’s why we push so hard,” Rose offered.

“If you cared, you’d let me marry the woman I love.”

Daniel snorted. “Love. What do you know about love?”

“Enough to know there’s none between the two of you.”

Daniel and Rose didn’t glance at each other.

“Never has been, and now you want the same for me?” He paced. “I don’t want any part of the life you have. Not the politics, the arranged marriage, or being beholden to corrupt people and their demands.”

“You don’t mean that!” Rose declared.

Will glanced around the room he’d been in more times than he could count, arguing with his father, or both his parents, hoping they’d attend to his opinions and emotions and see past the end of their noses and ambitions.

“I came here today hoping you’d consider giving Lola a chance. Get to know her before shutting her out, and discover that she’s more than a jazz singer, and a black woman. She’s given me more love and life than I’ve ever had. She makes me happy.”

He strolled to his mother and kissed her cheek, and then to his father and rested a hand on his shoulder. “I wanted you to experience a glimmer of my happiness, but I was a fool. If you can’t let your children into your hearts, how could you let a complete stranger in?”

“William—”

Will raised a hand to stop his father from speaking. “I will marry Lola and there is nothing you can say or do to change my mind.” He headed to the door—vision blurred and limbs aching with each step he took.

Hand on the doorknob, he turned around. “Lola asked me to invite you to the wedding. Gary will hand-deliver the invitation so there’s no chance of anyone discovering it.”

The words, “I hope you come” didn’t leave his lips. Saying them would be a waste of time.

Will eased the door closed. The hallway spun and appeared to go on for miles. His chest ached and a coldness settled over him, knowing today severed a part of his life with his parents forever.

Chapter 21

Lola took one last look in the mirror to make sure her makeup and hair were still neat. They were in New York and miles away from Chicago and the prying eyes of Will’s family, despite hoping they’d show up like her sister, Hannah, had. Gary’s presence made her feel better. Will had someone at his own wedding who cared about him other than her.

“You ready?” Hannah asked as she watched Lola’s reflection in the mirror.

Was she? She didn’t know for sure. Her heart banged a hole inside her chest and her stomach was about to empty its contents on the bathroom counter in front of her. It’s just nerves, Lola. She wasn’t having cold feet, or second thoughts about marrying Will. Marrying Will was a good decision. What came after worried her. A wedding was easy. But marriage?

Marriage to Will wouldn’t be anything like her parents’ marriage; they’d made it seem effortless. They’d had love, respect, and lots of laughter—something she hoped they would bring to their own marriage.

“You sure you want to do this?” Hannah asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Lola smiled and squeezed her sister’s hand, knowing she hadn’t answered her earlier question. “Yes. I love him.”

“There’s more to marriage than love.”

“I know it isn’t going to be an easy road, but if he’s willing to take a risk for our love, I need to be brave enough to do the same.”

Hannah hugged her. “I am happy for you, and I’ll be praying for you both.”

Lola stood and reached for her veil. Hannah helped put it on. “I love you, sis.”

Her sister’s eyes teared up and they hugged. “I love you, too.”

Lola grinned and opened the bathroom door. “Showtime.”

* * *

Will wiped the sweat on his forehead. It had started as small beads, but now covered his entire face. He tugged at his collar to loosen the tie that felt like a noose.

His skin prickled against his suit each time he moved and his mouth felt drier than a desert. Did all grooms go through this, or was it just him?

Gary patted him on the back. “There’s still time to change your mind,” he joked, although the seriousness in his eyes said he meant the words and would race Will out of the church if given the signal.

“I’m fine. A little nervous.”

“A little? You look like you took a swim and wore your suit to dry off with instead of a towel.”

Will laughed. “Hopefully Lola won’t notice.” He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his face thoroughly before tucking it away.

“I wish Myles and my parents were here.” His chest ached each time his eyes wandered to the church door, hoping Myles would walk in. Even Joe and Pearl had shown up, though it was obvious Joe wasn’t happy about the wedding.

With the wedding out of state and their marriage remaining a secret for now, Will had hoped Myles and Elsa would attend, but their absence spoke to their loyalty.

Will rubbed the back of his neck and the angry knot growing there.

“This is the nineteen fifties, Will. Maybe in a hundred years it won’t matter,” Gary said with a grin, as though reading his thoughts.

“Maybe, but that doesn’t help us now.”

“Don’t let others’ ignorance stop you from being with the woman you love.”

Sadness—and something else Will had never seen before—filled Gary’s eyes. Did he care for Lola more than he originally admitted? Did Gary wish he was the one marrying Lola? He pushed the thoughts aside.

The church door opened and Lola and her sister strolled arm in arm down the aisle.

Will’s breath hitched in his throat, and his chest became light, like he’d float out of the church. She wore a veil, but it didn’t cover her beautiful face. This magnificent, vibrant woman was about to be his wife. He hoped to God he didn’t screw it up.

The rest of the ceremony went by in a haze until it was time to kiss her. Will pulled Lola against him and kissed her until Gary cleared his throat.

“Save it for the honeymoon, Will. We’re in the house of God and He’s blushing.”

Hannah laughed and voiced her agreement. The pastor wished them well as they left the church.

Joe and Pearl were waiting outside to congratulate them, and Hannah snapped photos of everyone.

Will handed Gary the marriage certificate before he helped Lola into his car.

There was no elaborate dinner celebration after they changed, just the five of them getting a bite to eat as though nothing special had happened and they hadn’t made the biggest decision of their lives. Will and Lola were embarking on a journey filled with more uncertainty than governments signing a peace treaty, hoping the other party would keep the promises laid out in a document. Although important, it was just another piece of paper that was only as honest as the actions they took to fulfill the promises made to each other.

Will glanced at Lola, who was laughing at something Gary said, and smiled. He had no doubt in his mind they would make it.

* * *

“I’m leaving,” Pearl blurted after she’d pulled Lola away for a private talk outside the restaurant.

“What?” She couldn’t mean it. Could she? From the stubborn but quivering set of Pearl’s chin, Lola knew she was serious. “But why? You know Joe would—”

Pearl hugged herself. “No! I won’t be his second choice.”

“You’re not, Pea! He loves you. Why can’t you see that?”

Pearl shook her head. “I know he loves me, but not enough.”

What she meant was Joe hadn’t loved her first. He’d cared about Lola, and Pearl couldn’t move past it.

“Don’t be a fool, Pea.”

Her face contorted in anger. “I’m no fool, Lola! You’re the fool. You’ll see.”

“Pea…” She took a step toward her, but Pearl held up her hand.

“No. I have nothing more to say to you. He gave you his heart first and I won’t stick around until he realizes he still loves you. I can’t.”

“Pea…”

“Stay the hell away from me! This is all your fault. If you weren’t such good friends with him, then maybe things would be different!”

Pearl was speaking out of hurt and strong emotions she couldn’t control. She’d change her mind when she calmed down and realized staying with Joe was the right thing to do. For both of them.

Joe appeared, interrupting their private moment. Pearl mumbled a few words about saying final congratulations to William before leaving Lola and Joe alone.

“When are you going to make an honest woman of her?”

Joe’s head dropped. “I have nothing to offer her. I’m just a bartender.”

She touched his shoulder. “You’re all she wants.”

“She deserves more. A home, a man who can take care of her properly.”

So that’s why Joe hadn’t proposed. “You take care of her fine,” she assured him. “Pearl doesn’t care about money.”

“She might not now, but what about later?”

“You need to talk to her.”

“What about?”

Lola longed to tell him the truth, but couldn’t without breaking her promise to Pearl. “She still thinks you’re in love with me.”

Joe snorted. “Ridiculous. Why would she think that? She knows I love her.”

“Will you talk to her?”

“Yeah.”

Stupid man. He wouldn’t, and he would lose her. She grabbed him by the arm. “This is serious, Joe. Promise me you’ll talk to her.”

“I promise,” Joe assured her.

In the distance, Pearl scrutinized them with narrowed eyes and a gaze that caused the hairs on the back of Lola’s body to stand on end and release her hold on Joe’s arm.

She offered up a silent prayer their love, like hers and Will’s, would have a happy ending.

Chapter 22

Lola groaned inwardly when she opened the front door to Myles and Elsa standing on the steps. In the weeks she and Will had been married, they’d hovered, seeming to wait for her and Will’s relationship to crumble under the weight of their differences or the strain between Will and his parents.

“Come in.” I am not saying “Nice to see you.” Myles’ nasty attitude was causing nothing but stress for Will. “Good to see you, Elsa.”

She smiled. “Thank you.” Elsa was the only person in the family who’d been civil to her since the wedding. If it wasn’t for her and Sofia’s apple pie visits, Lola would be lonely, although she suspected Sofia was trying to worm her way to Will through her.

Lola ushered them into the living room and gestured toward the couch. She hadn’t done much with the room except adding a few feminine touches to take the masculine edge off—nothing drastic to draw attention.

Elsa sat stiffly on the edge, as though she were ready to bolt if the need occurred. Elsa was an enigma. She made friendly conversation, but her smiles rarely reached her eyes. She was always composed and drew Myles back when he went too far with his comments. Elsa was the perfect wife for Myles, but Lola knew all too well about showing a different face to the rest of the world while hiding your true self.

“Can I offer you something to drink?”

“No need. We won’t be here that long.” Myles shifted his position.

So, it’s going to be one of those visits. Better get it over with. Get ready for the slew of insults, Lola. “All right, then.” She rested her hands on her lap.

“You know how I feel about your marriage to Will, and while I appreciate you keeping it a secret, I’m concerned that it’s not enough. Sooner or later someone is bound to find out, and the results will be disastrous. I’m concerned my future patrons and the people funding my campaign will take drastic measures.”

“Drastic measures?” Is he serious?

Myles cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck. “Their reputations are less than stellar.”

What the hell? Is Myles involved with the mob? Lola’s breath stopped for a moment as she thought of some mob hitman killing her to save Myles’ political career, but then laughter bubbled out instead, which was better than the thought of being murdered.

“You think it’s funny?”

Lola waved a hand and tried to compose herself. “No. I find it stupid for you to put yourself in debt to people like that.”

Myles green eyes narrowed and his face flared red. He started to speak, but Elsa placed a hand on his leg to stop the hurtful words he often used in retaliation.

“What my husband is trying to say is that he’s concerned for your and William’s safety. He’s merely suggesting dissolving your marriage is a better choice. He’s also concerned about the negative effect it’s having on the family. William’s parents are distraught by this situation and the impact it will have on their business, political careers, and lives. Then there’s the matter of your profession. The Pullmans are prominent in society, so surely you can understand their concerns. They only want what’s best for William and the family.”

Each word Elsa spoke was a dagger to Lola’s heart. She knew their marriage had caused a rift in Will’s family and it tore at her each time Will mentioned it. She heard the heartache in his voice, but she wasn’t responsible for all those issues.

“I am well aware of the Pullman family’s role in society, but Will had problems with his family long before I came along. The fact that no one showed up at our wedding spoke volumes. They might not agree with our marriage, but Will is still their son—and your brother. My sister didn’t agree with my choice of Will as a husband, but she showed up to support me. That’s what families do.”

Lola unclasped her fingers and stood. “You keep trying to blame me and our marriage for the problems in your family, but our union makes us happy. I thought all I wanted was to become a singer, and I could do without a husband and family, but meeting Will showed me I didn’t have to sacrifice one for the other—a lesson your family needs to learn.”

“My father is offering you whatever amount of money you want. More money than you’d see in a lifetime.” Myles shot off the couch. “You can start a new life, sing wherever you want—anywhere but Chicago. Will would never have to know. You could take the money and leave. Name your price.”

Lola’s eyes widened, her gaze moving from Myles to Elsa. “I already told your parents they didn’t have enough money to buy me out of Will’s life. That still stands.” Lola fisted her hands and swallowed the bitter bile filling her mouth. “You don’t get it, do you?” She turned away from them, afraid she’d do or say something she’d regret. Maybe the act would let them see reason and the truth they couldn’t seem to grasp. “I love Will, and plan to do everything in my power to keep the promise I made on our wedding day. You don’t agree with our marriage, but nothing you say or do is ever going to separate me from him.”

She crossed her arms and waited until her words sank in.

Elsa’s expression remained staunch, but a vein pulsed wildly at her temple, making Lola wonder if her head would explode. Myles’ nostrils flared and his gaze held an intensity that reminded her of Will, minus the passion. Lola wasn’t sure if he wanted to strangle or hug her for loving Will that much.

Myles opened his mouth to speak, but the front door opening interrupted.

“Hello?”

“We’re in here, Will,” she called. Deep breaths, Lola! He doesn’t need to know what happened.

Will kissed her cheek and put a hand around her waist. Lola leaned against him, emotionally drained.

“Ahh oh. Did I miss the excitement already?” Will’s gaze shifted between them before settling on her.

Lola smiled and hoped the agony piercing her didn’t show in her face or eyes.

“That bad, huh?” Will said, touching her face.

Damn him. He was too good at reading her.

“We stopped by for a visit,” Elsa offered.

“How long do we have to go through this? Five years? Ten? Until our golden anniversary?”

Myles glanced down at his hands. Elsa met Will’s gaze.

“We only want what’s best for the family, Will.” Myles adjusted his frame on the couch.

Will scoffed. “You want what’s best for your career, your social status, and getting into office. You’re just like our parents, sacrificing everything for ambition.”

Angst rolled across Myles’ face briefly. He started to speak, but was stopped by Elsa’s hand on his arm. She tugged gently. “We should leave.”

Will escorted Myles and Elsa to the front door. Myles stopped on the bottom step outside.

“Your marriage to her will ruin our family.”

Will took a menacing stride toward his brother. “Don’t come back to our house! Oh, and we won’t be at Sunday dinner anytime soon.”

The words were empty. She and Will hadn’t been invited since their wedding. Lola suspected sending Myles was the final plea. “I’ll come when our parents accept Lola as my wife.”

That meant never. Will’s parents had been clear where they stood, and that wasn’t going to change.

Lola wrapped her arms around Will after the door closed. “I’m so sorry you have to go through this. I wish things were different. I wish I was different.” She liked herself, but being white would make things easier for Will.

Will gripped her arms. “Never say that! I love you, and everything you represent. I wouldn’t want you any different.”

God, I love this man! “But your family…”

“To hell with them. You’re my family now. You know what my childhood was like—that’s not a real family. Not one I want to be a part of. And not if it means giving up the woman I love.”

Lola’s stomach fluttered as she held Will’s face and stood on tiptoes to kiss him. He embraced her, drawing out the kiss, until every anxiety and frustration was replaced with the love and contentment they’d shared since getting married.

Will loved her deeply, had shown it in his dedication and keeping his promises, but a part of her feared the pressure from his family would cause him to crack. Then the bottom of her happy life might fall out. As she gazed into Will’s green eyes, euphoria raced through her body until her skin tingled and her knees wobbled. Every woman dreamed of being loved so deeply, and she was blessed to find it.

Everything would be all right. They would make it.

Author’s Note

Thank you for reading Persuading Lola. I wrote this short story for fans who loved the book For the Love of Jazz, and wanted to read Lola and William’s story, who were ghosts in the book. Revisiting their story was tons of fun and a bit sad too. You can read For the Love of Jazz to find out what happens next. BUY BOOK on Amazon.

I love hearing from readers! You can visit me on Facebook or Twitter or send me a message to hotcaymanmama@yahoo.com. If you’d like to hear about new releases, sign up for my newsletter at www.elkefeuer.com.

If you like fast paced romantic suspense novels, check out the books in my DEADLY SERIES.

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Keep swiping if you’d like a sneak peak of my first book For the Love of Jazz.

For the Love of Jazz

Prologue

Chicago 1959

Please meet me, it’s important! Lola pulls her knee-length coat closer to her petite frame and suppresses the tickle of fear at the base of her spine. It’s late, but she can’t ignore her friend’s urgent request.

Cool night air rustling through the trees is the only noise. Visitors to the park are gone, leaving behind dark empty walkways and overflowing garbage bins. Crunching leaves and strange noises in the black distance start her heart racing. This is a bad idea.

She sees her friend coming and smiles in welcome and relief. As they draw closer, there is no smile in return. Normally cool but inviting eyes shine with malice. Lola’s eyes widen in surprise as a gun is pointed at her. Before she can scream she feels the sting and burning of flesh as bullets from the outstretched gun enter her shoulder once, twice. She falls to her knees.

Her eyes fill with horror as reality sets in. “Why?”

Silent hate glares from behind the barrel of the gun and another bullet fires, this time hitting her leg.

“Help!” she screams. Her gaze shifts frantically down lonely sidewalks. No one is coming. It crushes her like the pain tearing her apart.

Another shot fires and hits her other leg, and Lola knows she is meant to suffer first. She raises her hand in a frail attempt to stop the bullets. It doesn’t make a difference. The gun fires again and blood pools around her and on the icy ground beneath her fingertips.

Hot tears spill as she thinks of William. If she’d listened to her intuition, she could be spooned against him instead of dying in the dirt like an animal abandoned by its owner.

She doesn’t want to die and leave him, or the happiness she’s found. She screams until her lungs burn with the sensation they’ll burst from the strain.

Anger boils the blood still running through her veins. She longs to take the gun and shoot back. Have them feel her pain. Feel the agony of regret; words left unspoken, unshared kisses, things left undone, the fear of the unknown that lies in the darkness swirling in the distance, and the anguish of the unanswered question. ‘Why?’

She remembers the offered friendship, smiles, and the laughter shared. It was all a lie! Heartache crushes her, dulling the pain of her physical wounds. “This isn’t over,” she vows, even as life begins to drain from her weak frame.

“You’re over,” is spat back at her.

Images of the moment she met William, their first kiss, and their lovemaking flicker like a movie before her closed eyes. She won’t share the rest of this life with him, bear his children, or grow old with him, but she takes comfort in knowing she’ll see him again, love him again, and no one will take it away. She clings to the hope she can wait for William until they are together again. Yes, she will wait. Silent calm seeps in as her life slips away.

Chapter 1

Chicago

Fifty Years Later

“This is it.” Josie Fagan took a deep breath. “Moment of truth.”

She got out of her car, ran shaky fingers through her hair, and smiled when it tickled the back of her neck. The curls would return to their original state, but the gesture gave her comfort.

Each step to the chestnut brick house made her heartbeat escalate. She’d felt a connection the moment she saw it advertised for renovations - even dreamed about the house and a man standing in the upstairs window, waving her inside. She looked up, but no one was there.

Emotional connections, as her father used to call them, were as natural to her as breathing. Since her childhood, she’d felt strong connections to things like jazz music, old buildings, and, just recently, Chicago. Like being black, it was a part of who she was.

She made her way along the sidewalk to the crimson front door and, with a shaky hand, rang the doorbell.

When it opened, she looked up to meet cool emerald eyes and neatly combed ebony hair. If not for his suit, she’d have guessed he was a construction worker, with his strong square jawline, and shoulders that were barely contained beneath his expensive suit. Icicles of recognition jumped across her vertebrae.

She extended her hand. “Patrick Pullman?”

When he took her hand, memories sparkled in his daunting stare before he released her hand reluctantly, as though breaking the grasp would stop the wheels turning in his mind. “Yes. Josie Fagan?”

Interesting. He felt it, too. She nodded, but pretended not to notice. Her interest was in what lay behind him. She was about to see the inside of the house that had taunted her the last two days. The intensity of the connection to it surprised her. Other than jazz music, no connection had been stronger.

He gestured her inside.

When she stepped into the entryway, warmth surrounded her like the coverlet her mother had given her on her eighteenth birthday. It started in the pit of her stomach and spread prickles over the surface of her skin. It was the thrill of waiting for the sun to set, then watching it explode into brilliant hues of red, yellow, and gold. It was being curled up with her favorite book by the warm glow of a fireplace with the faint sounds of jazz in the background. It was home.

“Thanks for coming on short notice.” He came to stand next to her in the entryway.

“My pleasure.” Her voice creaked, still feeling the sensations awakened by the house.

“I’ve selected three restoration architects to bid on this job. I’m looking for someone to handle all aspects of the job, from the restoration to providing design ideas. I will expect a design and estimate from you by the end of the week.”

His curt business tone was a dose of cold water, reminding her why she was there. “Let’s get started.”

Nodding, he walked into the next room.

Thick mahogany moldings trimmed the middle and tops of each corner of the room, and brown water stains crept halfway down one of the corner walls, peeling the faded wallpaper-a hint at plumbing problems. An imposing white mantel framed the fireplace in the middle of the room; it was a looming fire hazard. Built-in mahogany bookcases with glass shelves flanked it. She wanted to laugh when she saw the television, from the seventies, along with the mocha recliner positioned carefully before it; she’d stepped back in time.

Moving toward the chair, she grazed one hand over the surface. Soft leather tingled her fingers as she caressed the top of the chair and along one side to the arm, taking in each crevice that had aged it. The urge to know the history of each crease seized her and the thought-shouldn’t it be on the other side of the fireplace?-intruded.

“Ahem.” The word pulled her from her trance.

“Shall we continue?” she said as nonchalantly as she could muster. What was that? She’d never had a connection like that before.

Placing her large black portfolio on the cushion, she took out her camera and started taking photos of the front door, snapping her way back to the living room. “I recommend keeping the original cut of the crown molding. It will add value to the house if you decide to sell.”

“I don’t intend to sell.”

She paused mid-click. The passion in his voice surprised her. She turned her attention back to the room.

In the kitchen, just off the living room, she took panoramic views of the room, the oak flooring and beamed ceiling. “What would you like done here?”

“Modern appliances are a must, but I’m open to suggestions on everything else.”

An open mind, huh? Good trait for a client. “Okay,” she said and followed him up the staircase. “Did your family always own this house?” She knew the answer because she researched potential clients, but their answers were much more fascinating.

“Yes, my uncle had it built in the nineteen fifties and was the only owner.”

“What happened?” She continued to take photos to give the impression of a casual conversation. The Pullmans valued their privacy, and she didn’t blame them. They were public figures, after all.

“He died a couple of weeks ago.”

Sadness hit her unexpectedly, along with questions about his uncle, but she ignored them. She didn’t ask personal questions, especially during the bidding stage. Following him to the next room, she said quietly, “I’m sorry.”

A half smile pulled at his lip, showing hints of a dimple. She was a sucker for dimples.

“You stay at the house?” she asked, peeking inside the next room on his tour. It was the only dust-free and relatively clean room she’d seen so far.

“I moved in a few days ago.”

Her eyes moved about the room with renewed curiosity. There was a nine-drawer mahogany dresser adjacent to the bed, with two cologne bottles sitting on its top. The remaining surface was bare. A blue polo shirt was draped across the chair in front of the small desk at the end of the bed. On the nightstand, a modern digital clock flashed the time in flickering red, and behind it sat a silent, cheap wooden one. An elegant, welcoming four-poster bed, with a silver oval crest nestled in the middle of the headboard, anchored the room.

Heat rushed to her cheeks, making her painfully aware of the narrow doorway and of Patrick, who stood only inches away. She stepped out of the room into the doorway and one side of his body brushed against hers. As she looked, his intense gaze met hers. What she wouldn’t give to read minds. Okay, maybe just his mind.

She took a quick step back.

“Sorry,” he mumbled.

She smiled politely, afraid if she opened her mouth the words, ‘bump into me anytime’ might fall from her lips and embarrass her, him, and give a prospective client the wrong idea. “How many bed and bathrooms?” Focus, Josie!

“Three, and one bathroom.” He led her down the narrow corridor to the next room. “I didn’t have the other rooms cleaned, since I plan to renovate them right away.”

She nodded, despite the urge to lecture him on the dangers of dust and mildew. The other two bedrooms were sparsely furnished and as dated as his; however, the pine flooring was one good thing going for him. The bathroom was old-fashioned but large, and had a marble countertop.

“I’d like another bathroom. Is that possible?”

“It’s a challenge given the age of the house, but possible.”

“Good.”

“It might mean giving up space in one of the bedrooms, or losing one completely.”

“Good to know.”

The rest of the tour consisted of a basement with cracks in the foundation; rickety, leaking plumbing; dents in the roof of the attic; and an electrical panel with wiring from the Dark Ages. The outside gave the illusion of a stable structure and possibly mediocre electrical and plumbing, but it was worse than she thought.

“It’s a lot of work, but that’s why I advertised for a restoration architect and not just a designer,” he stated as they made their way back to the first floor.

His words regained her attention; her thoughts had strayed to the snug fit of his pants.

“What do you think?” he asked when they reached the kitchen.

Her head snapped up. Had he had read her thoughts? She cleared her throat and realized she’d stopped taking pictures after seeing his bedroom. She hadn’t asked questions about his expectations for renovating the rest of the house. Nothing! Merely moved about each room in a daze as if it was her first renovation and nerves had paralyzed her silent. “It’s beautiful,” she choked out.

“Beautiful?” He snorted. “That’s not a word I expected anyone to say. I was thinking in terms of renovations.”

“Forgive me, Mr. Pullman.” She pulled out her notebook. “It’s not often I come across a rarity like this house.” Or such a cute butt. “The built-in mahogany bookcases and stained-glass trim above the pocket doors and bay windows are in good shape; however, the walls will need to be stripped, and the electrical and plumbing redone to facilitate the upgrades to the kitchen and the new bathroom. It’s a crumbling mess...” she said with delight before her voice trailed off.

Stop talking, Josie! The last thing any owner wanted to hear was that their house was falling apart. Just because you love old buildings that doesn’t mean everyone else does. Next you’ll be boring him with its structural history. She cringed inwardly when she imagined the words ‘cute butt’ falling out during her ramble, but his unchanged expression meant it hadn’t escaped. “Did you have other expectations, either with the renovations or the design?”

“I was going to gut the place and completely renovate it to a modern style.”

Her heart almost stopped and the smile slid off her face.

“I changed my mind.”

Her smile returned.

“Is there a way to incorporate modern elements without compromising the historical integrity?”

“There is,” she declared. “I can restore its original beauty while combining modern touches that won’t change the charm and uniqueness of the house. I’ve done it with other houses. Excuse me.”

After retrieving her portfolio from the recliner, she placed it on the countertop and flipped through before and after photos of other renovation jobs. “These places were completely renovated inside and out in most cases. However a lot of the original architectural structure and accents that made the homes unique were restored to their original grandeur.”

“These are fantastic!”

“Thank you.”

He closed her portfolio.

“How long will it take to finish?” he asked, his business tone returning.

“My first guess would be eight to twelve months, but I’d have to check a few things to be certain.”

“I need it finished in six months,” he stated matter of factly.

“Why?” The word slipped before she could stop it. An invisible wall went up around him. Wow, he did that faster than she ever had.

“Do you really need to know?” His tone was that of a politician who’d just been caught in an awkward situation, but was adamant he had good reason.

“Not unless it affects the job. There’s always the possibility of delays, Mr. Pullman, especially with a restoration as extensive as this one, so I can’t make guarantees. I can promise you that I’ll do everything in my power to meet the final deadline.”

Tension, that had held him as straight as a rod, softened. “Thanks for not telling me what you think I want to hear.”

“You’re welcome.”

Silence crackled between them.

It was now or never. She squared her shoulders for added courage. “Mr. Pullman.”

“Patrick,” he supplied.

“The truth is, Patrick, I came here to make you an offer.”

Surprise flickered in his green eyes and a devilish grin took over from his polite one. She suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. His tabloid reputation with women wasn’t exaggerated after all. “It’s purely professional.” She gave herself a mental high five at the disappointed look on his face before continuing. “I could draw this out, but beating around the bush would be a waste of our time.”

When he didn’t respond or change his expression, she continued. “I want you to hire me.”

One eyebrow rose in suspicion.

She bit her lip nervously. “My company is new and having a job with you would help establish it.” She left off that it was failing miserably. Her old boss was making it difficult to drum up business since she left him six months ago. Calling him a jerk would be a compliment.

“What about the clients for these jobs?” He pointed to her portfolio.

“They’re outside of Chicago. More importantly, those jobs are affiliated with the company I used to work for, not my own company.”

His laughter didn’t reach his eyes. “Let me get this straight. You want me to give you this job knowing it’s the first your company has done?” He shifted from one foot to the other. “I like what I see, but as I mentioned, I’m on a tight schedule and I can’t take a chance. A proven company is my best choice.”

“Those other companies have more than one project. You’ll be my only client, so you’ll have my full attention.” It wasn’t going to be easy-she had known it the moment this idea had come to her-but this was her only chance to set herself apart. Being overly confident was a risk she had to take.

“And please call me Josie.” She gave him the smile she used on clients to persuade them to use her design ideas. “I’ve been in this business for fifteen years and my abilities as a restoration architect are evident from my previous jobs.” She pulled out work references from a pocket in her portfolio. “These are statements from satisfied clients that confirm my reliability. My personal references verify my integrity, and I’ve known my construction crew for years. They’re the best.”

The intensity of his gaze didn’t change.

Okay, this guy was going to need a little more coaxing than usual, but what did she expect? He was a lawyer. “I can attempt to dazzle you with wit and charm to convince you I’m the best choice for this job, but I’d rather let my work speak for itself.” She held her breath when he closed the gap between them.

Emerald eyes tried to read her mind, see if she was telling the truth. She welcomed it; whatever it took for him make him consider her offer.

“Accept my offer, Patrick. You won’t regret it.” She ignored her racing pulse. She wasn’t sure if it was nerves or his closeness. The smell of his cologne that had tickled her nose when she first inhaled it now engulfed her senses, along with the faint scent of his skin. It was spicy, exotic, and masculine.

He leaned closer and their faces almost touched. “Maybe you’ll regret your offer.”

His intimate tone made her toes tingle. “Not a chance.”

“Two other companies are bidding on this job.”

“You’ll choose me.” She squared her shoulders. “I’m the best at what I do. Neither have my experience or the diversity you need.”

He took a step back and her senses recovered. Oh, he was good. Too good.

His face remained expressionless as his eyes studied her further. What could be left? He’d stood close enough to hear her heart race and check her bra size.

Gone were his mischievous eyes. In their place were the professional ones that greeted her at the front door. “I’ll call you when I make a decision.”

“I have some final checks to make that I’ll need for the estimate.”

“All right.”

She smiled and quickly shook his hand, ignoring the pull to be close to him again, and left. Well, that certainly hadn’t played out how she planned.

Half an hour later, she resisted the urge to slam the car door and, instead, threw her clipboard on the seat. She took a deep breath and squeezed the steering wheel tightly. A job with a powerful Pullman would not only give her business the boost it needed, but open the door to high-end clients. If he didn’t choose her, she’d have to renegotiate with the bank and wait for another suitable client. She could lose her business by then. “Damn it!”

Another client was probably better. The unexpected attraction and connection she had felt with Patrick could make working with him—distracting. She had too much at stake for things like getting involved with clients... possible clients.

* * *

Patrick watched Josie’s blue Honda pull away from the sidewalk and frowned. He knew her, although he couldn’t put his finger on how or from where. He’d searched through the sea of faces he’d dated since Sharon, but none matched hers.

When they shook hands in the doorway, something strange had happened. Heat spread over him; his senses were bombarded by her presence and visions of her looking up at him, smiling and reaching out to touch his face.

He was stunned and struggled to find his voice to ask her inside. She had walked past him so calmly she couldn’t have seen or felt what he had. That alone was enough not to hire her. He didn’t like complicated relationships.

Then there was her unwavering look when he attempted to intimidate her. She hadn’t backed down or had the decency to stammer, the way most people did. Instead, she stood there and let him study her like an open book. The problem was, he liked what he saw, and not just the sincerity and confidence in her eyes, but the soft curve of her face, delicate caramel skin, and sexy, kissable lips.

He sat in the recliner she’d touched earlier and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He’d flirted with her. It was... unexpected. Decorum always! his mother’s words reminded him.

Josie’s offer had surprised him. He knew all about people wanting to use him or his family’s name. He swallowed the bitterness rising in his throat. At least Josie had the decency to offer him something tangible in return.

She had over fifteen years of experience, so that would make her well into her thirties, but she didn’t look a day over thirty. He hadn’t noticed a wedding ring on her finger, or signs that one had been there. Not that it mattered.

Her passion for restorations was evident, along with her pride of prior projects. He’d watched her smile and caress pieces of furniture in a way that had unnerved and excited him at the same time. Another stoke against hiring her.

She was right. With her diverse background, she could handle the restoration, the contractors, and the designing. She was the best person for the job. He loved this old house as much as his uncle had and didn’t want just anyone handling the restorations. It was his playground as a child and a place of comfort as a teenager.

Sadness squeezed around him. With his uncle gone, the last of the happy memories lingering in the house were being choked out. Sorrow had plagued his uncle for as long as he remembered. The cause was a dirty secret no one could speak out loud, even behind closed doors.

The knot in his stomach—and each complication that raised its head—said he needed to hire someone else. He hoped to God one of the other companies was just as qualified.