Tender Touch Read online

  Tender Touch

  Lynn Emery

  All names, characters, stories, and incidents featured in this novel are imaginary. They are not inspired by any individual person, incidents or events known or unknown to the author. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is coincidental. Originally published in 1997. This is a reprint.

  Copyright 1997 Margaret Emery Hubbard

  Smashwords Edition

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  Chapter 1

  Nervous energy caused Jade to pace for several seconds before she realized what she was doing. “Relax, it doesn’t have to be a bad sign that the new boss wants to see you,” she mumbled in an effort to calm herself.

  It did not work. She knew only too well a change in administrations always meant out with the old, in with the new. Of course as a state employee with permanent civil service status, she could not be fired. Still she could be assigned new duties— duties that were dull. The title would be the same, administrative coordinator, but she would, in actual fact, be a well-paid secretary for several staff and maybe supervise one or two clerical workers. Jade had waited for the ax to fall for several days now. But why meet with her? Most big guns left such staff decisions for their assistants to handle.

  She glanced around the comer office. The view from the sixth floor was spectacular. Mid-February in Louisiana was a mixture of cold, rainy days and warm, sunny ones. Through a sparkling clean picture window, the governor’s mansion was visible. The lake behind it shimmered in the late winter sun. Jade turned back to the room.

  So this is the seat of power. She peered at a row of framed documents, one of which was a Master of Public Administration degree from Xavier University in New Orleans.

  “Checking out my credentials before the interview, eh?” Bill Lang stood in the open door of the office wearing an impeccable charcoal gray suit and a half smile. Just over six feet tall, his dark brown face had a chiseled look. Heavy eyebrows framed eyes the color of black coffee. His black hair had a touch of premature gray at the temples. At thirty-four, his career achievements were the envy of many.

  “Oh, I...I was just admiring all your credentials.” Jade felt foolish that she was caught in effect snooping on one of the most powerful appointed state officials. “You’ve accomplished quite a lot even before becoming deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals.” She tried to recover her composure.

  Lang gave a slight nod in acceptance of the praise then closed the door. “A lot of paper—that means I had to work twice as hard to get where I am, earning half what I could in the private sector.” He chuckled.

  “That rural health program you set up is a model still being studied by experts all over the country. And the Healthy Babies— Happy Mothers project in the Bottoms has resulted in a decrease in infant mortality in one of the poorest parts of East Baton Rouge Parish. It’s obvious your rewards don’t just come from money.” Jade spoke with intensity, forgetting her embarrassment.

  “Thank you, Ms. Pellerin. You’re well informed—just one of the many good things Madeline Craig had to say about you.”

  “She gave me opportunities to grow professionally.” Jade thought of the previous occupant of this office. The new governor had lost little time replacing her with a new appointee.

  “Ms. Craig did the best she could under difficult circumstances.” Bill Lang sat down in the high-back chair behind his large mahogany desk—a desk that had become legendary in the few short weeks he’d moved it into this office.

  Here it comes. Jade steeled herself for the inevitable. Madeline Craig had been a much-embattled secretary for the last year. Cuts in federal funding and scandals of uncovered Medicaid fraud had made all their lives miserable. The Baton Rouge Morning Advocate had run major stories about politically connected companies who benefited from money targeted for the poor. Favors were given, connections between state staff that regulated programs and owners of various health agencies were exposed. The new governor was swept into office by angry voters who responded to his message of reform and running the state like a business. Jade knew all Department of Health and Hospitals high-level staff were considered damaged goods. Might as well get it over with. Jade cleared her throat.

  “I’ve organized all the pending memoranda that deal with requests by providers to increase their hospital beds. They’re divided into acute care, psychiatric and extended care.” Jade referred to the small notepad she’d brought in with her.

  “I see. Very good.” Bill Lang nodded.

  “Then there are messages from the top aides of two legislators who wish to schedule appointments to meet with you. I have this and some minor items that need attention within the next few days printed up in priority order so there won’t be any confusion.” Jade started to rise when Lang raised a hand.

  “Just a minute, Ms. Pellerin. I realize that change is tough on everyone even in the best of circumstances. And this department can in no way be said to be in the best of circumstances.”

  “No problem, Mr. Lang. As a state employee for the past twelve years, I know very well about change in state government. If you or your new assistant needs any help, just give me a call.” Jade stood up. She was sincere in her offer.

  “You’re very thorough. But you’ve made a serious mistake.”

  “Well, I’m sorry. Just let me know what it is and I’ll be sure to correct it before I leave.” Jade frowned and opened her pad again.

  “Good. Tell my new assistant not to jump to conclusions.” Lang held out his hand. The comer of his mouth lifted in amusement at her nonplussed expression.

  “Me?” Jade was so stunned, she shook his hand without realizing it.

  “Every one of your former bosses was high praise for your abilities. Of course Mike Testor will be my confidential assistant.”

  “I... uh,” Jade stammered. She must have misunderstood him.

  “But you will be my administrative assistant, a new civil service title with more responsibility and work. But more money, too,” Lang went on as though he had not heard her. “That is, if you want to work for me.”

  “Oh, it isn’t that—not at all. It’s just that I worked closely with Ms. Craig, and I thought you’d want to pick your own staff.”

  “And I have. Look, I’ll be frank. More than one person confided that Ms. Craig and you had heated words before she left. You disagreed with some of the practices of providers.”

  “Ms. Craig was a fine person, who as you said had a difficult situation to deal with.” Jade spoke quickly. Despite the tension between them in the last nine months, she still had respect for her former boss.

  “Which proves even more what kind of person you are, Ms. Pellerin. That one statement shows you not only have integrity, but discretion and good professional judgment as well. Well, what do you say?”

  “Yes, I accept.” Jade smiled back at him.

  “Good, now let’s get to work. I’ve got a meeting at one o’clock this afternoon about a new program. I want you to attend with me.” “Yes, sir.” Jade began
taking notes as Lang rattled off a string of instructions.

  For the next twenty minutes, Jade wrote at a furious pace. Then for another two hours, she walked him through standard operating procedures. Lang asked detailed questions then made a few changes that he found more acceptable. On the whole, Jade was impressed with her new boss. Things were looking up after all.

  “Whew! Another killer staff meeting. I thought I’d never get to eat lunch.” Shaena pulled a chair up to Jade’s desk and set a brown bag on it.

  “Hey, all you lawyers are long-winded and argumentative. What’s new?” Jade patted her lips with a paper napkin. “Shaena, we were supposed to be eating healthy these days.” She shook her head at the grease stains and smell of French fries.

  Shaena Greene had been Jade’s best friend at work since they met seven years earlier. Working in the legal department kept her busy. They rarely had time for anything but quick lunches. Mostly they went out after work or met on the weekends.

  “After the morning I’ve had, I needed one of those juicy burgers from downstairs in the cafeteria. Don’t give me that look. Tomorrow, I promise.” Shaena shrugged a halfhearted apology.

  “Yeah, sure you will.”

  “But forget about that, how was your morning?” Shaena gave her an appraising look.

  “Fine.” Jade nodded slowly at her friend’s raised eyebrows. “I’m his new administrative assistant.”

  “Get outta here!” Shaena almost dropped the French fry halfway to her mouth. “And I made a point to come down here and console you.”

  “My pay is going up quite nicely, too.”

  “Touchdown! A title don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got cha-ching! Congratulations, girlfriend.” Shaena grinned at her.

  “Thanks. And he’s working my butt off all ready. But Mr. Lang is one sharp dude, just like I’ve always heard.” Jade took another bite of her shrimp salad.

  “Yeah, but what’s he really like? Come on, nobody’s around.” She peeked out the door to Jade’s office to make sure they were alone.

  “Like I said, he’s smart. It took him no time to start making decisions that will help things run a lot more smoothly around here. Minor housekeeping stuff, you know—but still things that make a difference in an office this busy.” Jade stuffed the empty plastic container with a few lettuce leaves left of her lunch into her garbage can.

  “Oh, come on. You know what I mean. Give me the dirt.” Shaena hitched her chair closer, a gleam in her eyes.

  “There is no dirt.”

  “They say he’s full of himself. And he moved up by becoming a master at guerilla warfare.” Shaena munched on a comer of her hamburger.

  “Shaena, you’ve been around this place long enough to know that most successful people get called arrogant. Usually it means the person had the guts to work hard and got recognition for it,” Jade said.

  “Yeah, well, just be careful. There’s usually some truth to even the wildest rumor. That’s something else I’ve learned working in state government.” Shaena shook a finger at her for emphasis.

  “Damn, it’s twenty after. Gotta go—it’s another meeting on getting back money from Health Tech.” Shaena scooped up the food she had left back in the bag. “Tell you about that later. Bye.”

  “Oops! Me, too.” Jade sprang up and grabbed her cosmetics bag at the same time.

  It was fortunate for her they were meeting in the conference room right down the hall. Jade combed her shoulder-length hair, put on lipstick and popped a breath mint in record time. She was even able to walk into the room with her notepad and not seem out of breath. The receptionist ushered in a short, stocky man with blond hair at the same time. He held out a chunky hand.

  “Hello, I’m Steve Franklin with Second Start.” He gave her a warm, moist handshake.

  “Good afternoon. Have a seat. I’m sure Mr. Lang will be here soon.” Jade resisted the urge to wipe her hand when he let it go. Once seated, she eased a tissue from her jacket pocket and blotted her palm beneath the conference table.

  They were soon joined by two women and another man. They introduced themselves as administrators of agencies that provided health and social services. One of the women, Connie Mason, seemed very friendly with Franklin. Susan Taylor was Franklin’s staff. The other man, Eddie Simon of Gracie Street Center, sat quietly. Lang came into the room with an air of brisk authority. They all helped themselves to coffee from a pot on a nearby table.

  “Sorry I’m late. A meeting at the legislature ran late.” Lang shook everyone’s hand. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

  “No problem, Bill.” Connie Mason beamed at him. Her silver hair and expensive business suit were in perfect order.

  Lang smiled back. “Let’s get started then. There are three large grants that we stand a good chance of getting. The purpose—”

  The door to the conference room opened, causing all heads to swivel around. The newcomer paused momentarily. Dark eyes the color mahogany scanned the room. He seemed satisfied to see Eddie Simon.

  “Come in, Damon. Damon Knight, this is Connie Mason of Quality Medical Services; Steve Franklin, you know. Miss Taylor is his program coordinator.” Lang pointed to the plump brunette.

  “Sorry—I got here as fast as I could.” Damon Knight stood at least an inch taller than Lang at six foot three. The dark gray jacket he wore over a striped shirt open at the collar did not seem at all out of place beside Lang’s dark silk suit and tie. “I wanted to be here even though Eddie is my administrator. But I hope you didn’t wait for me.”

  “It’s okay. We were just starting. This is Jade Pellerin from my office,” Lang said. “Mr. Knight is not only the vice president of the Gracie Street Center Board of Directors, he founded it.”

  “I had help from a lot of good people—including Eddie,” Damon said with modesty. His gaze moved around the table until it rested on Jade’s face.

  Jade caught her breath when those eyes focused on her. Even at five foot seven, she was craning her neck at a towering figure when he crossed the room to grasp her hand. Unlike Franklin’s sweaty greeting, the touch of his hand was velvet smooth. Full lips and a strong nose that flared gave his face a sensuous look that shook her. She searched for just the right description for the color of his skin. Pecan? No, not quite right. Almond? That did not seem to be it, either. Then it hit her. Dark honey, the gourmet kind she’d seen in a small shop in the mall...clear and sweet. Jade felt dazed by the still warm tingle from his touch that tickled the palm of her hand.

  Damon let go of her hand and sat down abruptly. “Nice to meet you, Miss Pellerin.” He dipped his head in acknowledgment and looked away.

  Jade felt a rush of embarrassment. She hoped no one sensed her reaction to this striking man. Then she became incensed. He seemed to take his magnetic effect for granted. A real cool customer, he was ready to get down to business while she was mooning like a teenager in heat. Well, forget him. Another conceited lover-boy was the last thing she needed after what Nick had put her through. Jade looked down at the materials she’d prepared for the group. She assumed her best professional demeanor.

  “I was just saying, Damon, it looks like the department will be getting the three-million-dollar grant. That’s over a five-year period of course and statewide.”

  “But it’s to work with teen parents. Right, Bill?” Connie Mason asked.

  “Yes, but the description really means the scope can be broader to include some prevention of teen pregnancy and even health services,” Lang said.

  Franklin assumed a sincere expression. “A terrible problem in this state. But we at Second Start have done some work in this area. We are committed to helping these youngsters get a better start in life.”

  Damon sat forward. “How do you propose the money be committed? Three million statewide isn’t much.” He frowned at Lang.

  “That’s why I wanted input from you folks. You’ve got some of the most successful programs in Louisiana, in the southern region even. I
think with proper planning, we can have a positive impact.”

  “There are ways to get matching federal dollars from other sources and maximize the dollars we get.” Franklin spoke with eagerness. He blinked at Damon Knight’s sharp glance. “To spend on the kids of course.”

  Damon turned to Lang. “You don’t even know if the grant will be awarded to DHH yet, and we’re already talking about using it to get more money?”

  Jade gazed at Damon first then her boss. The muscle along Lang’s jaw jumped a few times as he looked down at the table. It was not her imagination. There was some tension between these two men. An expectant silence hung heavy in the room.

  “We’re here to examine all options. Including ways to help as many people as possible. I’m sure you would agree, with a problem as big as this, we’d want to hit the ground running. It makes sense to do some preliminary planning.” Lang spoke in a measured tone, one that said he was only trying to be prudent.

  “Oh, certainly. It’s just us and Arkansas in the running for the funding now. The proposal we submitted is far superior. I think it’s a very smart move to begin work now, Bill,” Connie Mason said. She tapped a manicured finger on the tabletop.

  “We’re only here to talk about a strategy, Knight. To build on what you folks are doing and how you can help improve services. Frankly I expect a call at any minute giving us the award,” Lang said.

  “Really?” Franklin perked up again.

  Lang nodded. “Arkansas was asked for additional information about support services that they don’t have in place. We do, that is, through agencies such as yours.” He looked at Damon. “That’s why we’re here—to talk about the money we can use now. You’re right; anything else is premature at this point. I’m sure Steve meant that as just a brainstorm idea for now.”