One Love Read online

  Yvonne was subdued as they said goodbye. Alex drove back to work with his mind still on Karin. Strange that he had never recognized this side of her. She had hidden a rock hard determination to own him. Maybe he had not made more of a commitment because he’d sensed something. A picture of Lanessa smiling at him flashed like a color slide. He had no such doubts with her. They would be together soon. He turned down the volume of his stereo radio and punched in her office number. Hearing her voice would be better than any music.

  Chapter 7

  Lanessa twirled around to the beat. The blues man belted out a song that had those who weren’t on the dance floor tapping their feet and bouncing in their chairs. The combination of blues, African rhythm and Cajun chords made Zydeco a wonderful gumbo that was a feast for the ears. She laughed with delight at the way Alex matched his steps to hers. They hadn’t danced together in years. He caught her hand and led her in a circle. They danced the two-step. With one last shout, the song ended. Applause was punctuated by yelling from the appreciative audience. Alex draped an arm around her waist as they walked back to their table.

  “Good thing I’ve been working out.” Alex fanned himself with a large hand. “Keeping up with you on the floor can lay a brother out!”

  “Oh please. You jumped up every time the band started. You know how to move it, honey.”

  She was thrilled when he blushed with pleasure. Making him happy was so fulfilling. How could she have wasted all those years? No, she would not think negative thoughts. Tonight was for pure no-holding-back exuberance. Lanessa enjoyed the view. Alex was relaxed, totally at ease. He caught the arm of a passing waiter.

  “Here, bring us a pitcher of iced tea. So you won’t have to keep walking back.” Alex dropped several bills on his tray.

  “More tea coming up,” the waiter said with a grin.

  Alex took her hand. “I haven’t had so much fun since…” He traced a line along her arm starting at the palm on up to the elbow.

  Lanessa felt a shiver spread through her. His touch was whisper light but the effect was potent. “Since we went to that Zydeco dance club in Belle Rose. Seems a life time now.”

  “We’ve got more happy memories than either of us realized, don’t we?”His voice was quiet yet reached her despite the buzz of noise around them. “Lanessa.”

  This moment was crystal clear. The color of his skin was like a rich chocolate confection. His deep baritone reached out to her, every nuance caressing her soul. He said her name with such tenderness. Lanessa pulled his face to her and kissed him.

  “Thank you, baby.” Lanessa brushed her lips across his one last time before pulling back.

  “Why are you thanking me?” Alex gazed at her hair then looked into her eyes.

  “Because your heart is so generous. After everything I’ve done—”

  “Hush.” He kissed her as though to seal her lips. “We’ll have serious talk later. Tonight is for dancing and laughing like crazy people.”

  “Come to think of it, I am feeling a little giddy. Must be the company.” Lanessa pinched his cheek.

  “Watch out. I know all your ticklish spots,” Alex teased. He reached out as though to grab her.

  “Don’t males ever grow out of that?” Lanessa jumped back with a squeal.

  True to their words, the rest of the night was full of merriment. A comedian came on and told Cajun and Creole jokes until everyone was gasping for breath. The band came back from a much needed rest.

  “It’s late and we knows the couples wanna smooch. So we gone slow it down.” The stocky man the color of cinnamon glance over his shoulder and gave a sharp nod. The band began a melody just right for a slow dance.

  Alex took Lanessa in his arms. His strong body was a wonderful guide as she gave in to the rhythm of his swaying. They danced until midnight. As though this was a signal, Alex murmured that he wanted to leave. The magic stayed with them until they were at Lanessa’s house. No words passed between them. There was no need. They made love with the sweet deliberation of two people who knew just what they wanted. They had touched like this before, Lanessa mused as her hand pressed the small of his back. Yet they were learning how to please each other all over again. She kissed his shoulders and neck. His skin was tasty, like a spicy dish seasoned well with salt, pepper and a touch of sugar. Soon any coherent thoughts were driven from her mind. Lanessa heard their voices mingled in ecstasy as though from a distance. When both lay still, Alex let out one long breath.

  “I love you so much.” He pressed his faced against her breasts, his voice impassioned. When he looked up, his eyes were bright. “We’re going to make it, Nessa.”

  Lanessa was shaken to the core. His heart was in her hands again. There was so much at stake. She’d failed him before. Had she slain the devils inside that drove her need to blot out reality? There were times when memories of that pleasant numbness from alcohol made her throat feel parched. Lanessa wondered if she promised too much.

  “I’m not recovered, Alex. I’m recovering. Even now there are days when I want a drink,” Lanessa said. “You have to realize that.”

  “I know. I also know that you have a wisdom and beauty that shines from deep inside. I’m not afraid of facing anything with you.” Alex sighed and settled beside her with his eyes closed. “Nothing at all,” he said in voice slurred with content and sleep.

  “I love you, too.” Lanessa held him tight as his breathing became regular.

  “Love you,” he whispered again.

  ***

  “Well, what do you think?” Ken Hargrove sat across from Dawson in the CEO’s office.

  Dawson still held the report though he gazed out the window. “She’s found out more than we knew.”

  “Our own employees messed up.” Hargrove spoke with a trace of scorn. “And we thought those boys were so bright.”

  “We hired Savoie and Brazeale because their fathers are power brokers. It certainly wasn’t for their brains.”

  “Why don’t we just buy the land and set up the plant? No one will care.” Hargrove lifted a shoulder.

  “You’re cut from the same cloth as those bright young men down the hall.” Dawson spoke in a dry voice. He could switch from a gentleman drawl to cutting remarks seamlessly. “So accustomed to having your way, you can’t see the world has changed.

  The only sign of anger was a twitch in Hargrove’s jaw. “It hasn’t changed that much. Just ask my father. He still holds powerful men by the balls.”

  “Even Taylor Hargrove can’t call off the dogs when it comes to this. If they get wind that we’re selling our goods to those middlemen in Belgium…” Dawson let his voice trail off to make his point. “This is no local barely legal quid pro quo.”

  “I know that,” Hargrove said with a testy edge to his voice.

  “Then remember it when you’re tempted to play by the good old boy rules,” Dawson said in a sharp tone. “Ms. Thomas doesn’t know it, but her research will tell us if anyone appears too interested in our transactions.”

  Hargrove gave him a stony look. “You worry too much.”

  “I suppose you could handle it better.” Dawson studied him for a long time. “I keep my eyes open at all times, Ken.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Hargrove’s gaze did not waver.

  “Your father doesn’t intimidate me. I’m going to be in control at Paxton-Waite for a long time. Oh, and by the way, Isaacs has given me the reports from Latin America. He understands how they’re to be routed now. I made it clear.” Dawson smiled in a way that was empty of goodwill.

  Ken lifted both shoulders casually, though the muscles in his jaw still jumped. “Just thought it might be one less thing to take your attention from Belgium project.”

  Dawson was about to reply when there was a knock on the door. His secretary came in.

  “Mr. Blanchard is here,” the young woman said.

  Orin Blanchard came in a few seconds later. “I understand things are going well. My fri
ends down in Des Allemands say the residents reacted favorably at the last police jury meeting.”

  “You were right about Ms. Thomas. She pointed us in the right direction.” Dawson nodded. He glanced at Hargrove pointedly. “Another excellent reason to use her services.”

  “I have to say, I’m sold. Her idea to offer training hit the mark. When your staff presented plans to partner with the local vo-tech and high schools, they were impressed.”

  “The old promise of jobs isn’t enough now, Ken.” Dawson looked at the younger man.

  “Right. Opponents know most plants end up hiring workers from outside, even other states.” Blanchard rubbed his hands together. “But we’re on our way.”

  “I still say it’s a waste of effort.” Ken wore a sour expression. “Training people who can barely read is pointless.”

  “Climb out of that protective upper-class shell,” Dawson said. His manner was of a patient parent dealing with a dense child. “I’ve told you a million times, the old order has shifted. Strange that one your age can’t see it.”

  “You’re new to this state. I’m telling you—”

  Dawson cut him off. “Orin, tell me more about plans for construction. How did they react to the schedule?”

  He ignored the look of furor on Ken’s face as he listened to Blanchard’s detailed account. Blanchard was so delighted he seemed not to notice the tension. After about fifteen minutes of close questioning, Dawson clapped both hands together.

  “Wonderful news all around. Ms. Thomas should complete her report in the next few weeks.” Dawson looked at the men in turn. “Gentlemen, we’re going to make a big profit.”

  “Your idea is a risky venture. The board will offer you as a sacrifice if it’s exposed.” Hargrove spoke in a mild tone but there was a dark undercurrent mirrored in his eyes.

  “Yes, I do.” Dawson gazed at him. “And don’t get too comfortable. We all have a lot at stake.”

  Blanchard’s bright expression dimmed a bit. “You don’t think…”

  “Look at the time. My wife is expecting me for dinner. Orin, why don’t you come.” Dawson slapped the man’s thin shoulders.

  Ken followed them out and went to his office. He sat down at his computer and logged onto the Internet. After gazing at several screens in quick succession he picked up the telephone. He punched in a number himself instead of getting his secretary to do it.

  “It’s Hargrove. Let’s meet.”

  ***

  Lanessa fidgeted in her seat across from Tia and Nia. Alex seemed blissfully unaware that anything was amiss. He was happy to have three of his favorite females together at last. Shauntelle had dropped the girls off just a few minutes before and now they sat in Alex’s spacious den. Lanessa had expected to get attitude from her. There was frank curiosity and even a hint of amusement in her eyes. Yet Shauntelle had been cordial. Her last words to the twins were to behave themselves. Shauntelle had put special emphasis on the word behave, an indication she’d had a talk with them about proper behavior toward their father’s new love interest. Lanessa only wished she could see this situation in an amusing light. Tia and Nia were too polite. They were stiff little dolls. When Alex left to check on dinner, Lanessa decided to try and loosen things up.

  “So how are you enjoying summer vacation?” Lanessa said with her best smile.

  “Fine,” they said back in unison.

  “Have you done a lot of fun things?”

  “Yes.” In unison again.

  Lanessa assumed a relaxed listening pose. “Sounds wonderful. What things have you done?”

  “Lots of stuff,” they said in perfect twin harmony.

  “Like what?” Lanessa began to realize for the first time that this was a test of wills.

  “The usual.” Nia spoke up this time before her sister.

  Tia, who had seemed poised to say more, glanced at Nia and then only nodded. Lanessa resisted the urge to join Alex in the safe kitchen. Then she thought how ridiculous she was being. The poor children were just nervous meeting someone new. Lanessa decided to try a language females always understood.

  “I love those outfits. That shade of green is really hot this summer. Didn’t I see that teen star Brandi wearing one like it?”

  Tia shook her head causing her thick black braids to bounce. “No, ma’am. Hers was orange and the pants short. This is the closest mama would let us get. She says little girls should dress like little girls,” she said in a quick spurt.

  “I told you mama would say no. Brandi’s fit tight, too.” Nia gave her sister look of scorn.

  “Well it seems you were all right in this instance,” Lanessa said.

  “Huh?” Nia looked straight at her for the first time since she’d arrived.

  Lanessa nodded. “Your mother is right; choose what you wear to fit who you are. You always look good that way. But following fashions is even more fun.”

  “Oh.” Nia blinked at her. She seemed to be reconsidering her thoughts of Lanessa.

  “Besides, I think you look much prettier in green.” Lanessa wondered if that had been too much.

  Tia beamed. “Thank you.” All trace of stiffness was gone from her manner.

  Nia seemed to still hold back. “Mostly we don’t worry about clothes. We’re into computers and science.”

  “I’m not into science much,” Lanessa said.

  “Mama works in a lab. She’s the most popular parent on “Parents Careers” day at school. She does all kinds of great experiments,” Tia piped up.

  Nia wore an expression that seemed a dare. “What do you do?” She and Tia gazed at Lanessa hard.

  “I do research.”

  “What kind of research?” Tia sat forward eagerly.

  “Like in a lab on new chemicals or machines?” Nia asked.

  “Well, no. Mostly I look up things for people. They hire me to gather information to, uh, do lots of different things. Things like make business decisions.”

  The girls exchanged a brief yet significant glance. The light of interested flickered out of their faces. “Oh,” they said.

  Lanessa glanced around for Alex. “You’ve been in there awhile. You must need help,” she called out. Please say you need help! I sure need it in here!

  “No, babe, I’m almost done,” he called back in cheery tone. “I’m going to serve three lovely ladies tonight. Won’t be but a minute more.”

  Lanessa turned back to find Tia and Nia still staring at her. The minute Alex had promised passed without a word from him. “Dinner smells wonderful. You dad is a great cook.”

  “You come over here often?” Nia asked.

  “Occasionally. Sometimes we go out to eat,” Lanessa said.

  “Have you known daddy long?” Tia hitched to the edge of her seat to wait for an answer.

  “We first met back when we were freshmen in college. He was on the wrestling team and a scholar.” Lanessa smiled at her.

  “He showed us pictures.” Tia giggled. “He looked funny with that thing on his head.”

  “If you’ve known daddy so long, how come we’ve never met?”Nia’s wore an intense, judgmental expression as though she were gathering evidence.

  “Just one of those things. We didn’t date that long, well it was off and on.” Lanessa snapped her mouth shut. No way was she going to try and explain the three times before when they’d broken up.

  “You dated daddy before?” Tia seemed appalled by the notion.

  “Before he met your mother. And then after they divorced,” Lanessa said in a rush. “It was long before they got married and way, way after their divorce.” She added the last for emphasis.

  “Oh. Like on the soap operas.” Tia grinned. “I get it.” She was back to being friendly.

  Lanessa had to laugh. That summed up the last ten years of her life with a sharp and painful accuracy. “Something like that.”

  Nia was less than impressed. “You don’t get along too well if you keep breaking up,” she stated boldly.

&nbs
p; “I, uh…” Lanessa blinked rapidly as she tried to fashion an answer.

  Alex appeared at the doorway rubbing his hands and wearing a grin of satisfaction. “Dinner is served. Come on.” He led them down the hall to the dining room.

  The room had hardwood floors and an oak table with matching chairs. The chair seats were upholstered in a dark red, green and beige striped pattern. A china cabinet was against one wall. A small modern chandelier lit the room. Yet it was the decorations that drew gasps of approval. Alex had used a Caribbean theme. He had a large vase filled with tropical flowers as the centerpiece. Whole pineapples and bananas were arranged artfully on the china cabinet and another table that usually held candelabra. He’d placed used banana tree leaves as wall decorations. Each setting had a place card and lei. Lanessa stood in wonder along with the twins.

  “Daddy, it’s beautiful!” Tia’s big brown eyes sparkled with delight.

  “Look!” Nia picked up a small seashell.

  “So this is what you were up to so long. Alex, this is… awesome.” Lanessa was moved by all the care he’d taken.

  “Wait for the finishing touch.” Alex beamed. He darted off. Seconds later the music of a steel drum band came from the speakers of his home sound system.

  “Voila. We travel to the islands, mon,” he said using his best West Indian accent.

  Tia and Nia giggled at his antics. Alex kept up the accent as he brought in each dish. They had a fruit salad to start. Then he brought out barbecue chicken with a special sauce that was what Alex called his secret recipe. This was along with rice pilaf and steamed broccoli. The girls balked at eating the vegetable.

  “They don’t eat this on the islands,” Nia said with a skeptical look at Alex.

  “Of course they do. Besides, growing girls need green vegetables. So eat up.” Alex winked at her. “There’s a surprise for later.”

  This followed an extended game of the girls trying to guess the surprise. Lanessa was relieved that Alex had broken the ice. All four of them talked non-stop about the Caribbean Islands. The objects on the table made for great conversation pieces. Lanessa was even included as the girls teased of Alex. The three of them giggled so hard when he danced in with their dessert wearing a straw hat they were in tears. Lanessa was overwhelmed watching him with the girls. She’d known in some distant way he was a good father, but seeing them together brought it home to her with force. Alex was amazing. They finished the kiwi and mango sorbet then followed him back to the den.