One Love Page 12

  “Darn it! Don’t these people think we have lives?” Robyn grumbled. She stomped out.

  “Hello,” Alex strolled in with a smile. He leaned down and kissed Lanessa’s cheek. “Robyn peeled out of the driveway like a race car driver.”

  “Hi, babe.” Lanessa accepted his kiss with a distracted air. I should be through in a minute.” Her eyes followed the lines of text scrolling down the screen.

  “It’s after six o’clock. Time for all sensible people to go home.” Alex put an arm around her shoulder. “There’s a steak waiting my love.”

  “Too heavy, I’ll have shrimp.” Lanessa let out a small squeak. “There it is!”

  Alex jumped. “What?”

  “I’ve been searching for hours. I finally found the listing of products I want in the Code of Federal Regulations. Come to mama.” She clicked on the printer icon and smiled as sheets slid out with the information she wanted.

  “A cause for celebration. Let’s go.” Alex tugged at her arm.

  “Sure, sure. Just let me finish printing out a couple more…” “

  “No. The last time we ended up ordering pizza and eating it here.”

  “I was understanding when you had to work on that new networking project for Tri-State or whoever it was.” Lanessa glanced up at him. “Remember how patiently I waited?”

  “We’ve both been working too many long days. Now it’s time to kick back.”

  “Sure, babe. But Info, Inc. is a two-woman operation. Running a business means I do it all.” Lanessa picked up the stack of papers. She read the first page with a critical eye. “More business means more work.”

  “I know.”

  “I’ve gotten two great clients just in the last week. Info, Inc. is building a reputation for knowing all the best stops on the information highway.”

  “Your brains and hard work are an unbeatable combination.” Alex sat down next to her.

  “Mostly hard work. Power networking at fancy parties doesn’t hurt. Not to brag, but no one else in Baton Rouge or New Orleans does what I do.” Lanessa chuckled.

  “I’m really glad your business is taking off. Just don’t leave me behind.” Alex wore a slight smile.

  Lanessa heard the underlying tension. “Sure I’ve been busy. But we’ve been together.”

  “Yes, dinner at Chalet Brandt with Gulf Systems. A party at the Oakwood Club. But by the time we left those places, we were both tired and had to get up early for work the next morning. Not exactly my ideal evening with you.”

  “I agree, sweet stuff,” Lanessa said. “And you’re the best for putting up with it.”

  Alex took her hand. “Let’s forget work for a while. Go one week without some business meeting disguised as a social event.”

  “Uh, well…” Lanessa bit her bottom lip.

  “Now what?” Alex raised a dark eyebrow.

  “I told Caine Dawson we’d be at a dinner party Saturday night.” Lanessa squeezed his hand when he pulled back. “But, baby, I promise no more for a while. I haven’t gotten any other invitations lately.”

  “Which is the only reason why you won’t be going anywhere,” Alex said.

  “You of all people know what it’s taken for me to get here. Those parties are the best place to make contacts.” Lanessa gazed at him. “I need you to be supportive.”

  “I am,” Alex said quickly. He brushed his fingers through her hair. “Whatever it takes to make you happy is what I want. You love the dazzle and glitter of nights on the town.”

  “I’m thinking of the bottom line.” Lanessa’s lips curved up at the look he gave her. “Okay, I like partying with the rich and famous, too. But I’ve got my eye on what’s in it for Info, Inc.” She held up several pages that had come out of her laser printer.

  “All right, Ms. Tycoon.”

  “I promise we’ll be out of here in no time.” Lanessa brushed her lips across his before turning back to the computer. “Just one more download.”

  Alex nuzzled her neck while his hands held her shoulders. “I think we should leave now. The longer you stay, the more work you’ll find to do,” he murmured.

  Lanessa tilted her head back to enjoy the feel of his lips on her skin. “Hmm, you’re making an excellent case. I don’t have to print this all out tonight.”

  “Just bookmark the web site.” His mouth moved against the soft skin of her neck as he spoke. “That way it’ll be easy to retrieve tomorrow.”

  The vibration from his deep voice set off a humming in her body. Lanessa relaxed and forgot the lines of black text on her computer monitor.

  “You’re right.” With her attention really on the way he was making her feel, Lanessa saved the website with the click of her mouse.

  “We can continue after dinner. Turn off the computer.” Alex drew away.

  “Tease!”

  Alex walked to the door and held out his hand. “I hope it’s working.”

  Moving quickly, she shut down the computer system and got her purse. “You better believe it is.”

  They arrived at Outback Steakhouse within fifteen minutes. It was crowded since the food was so good. The hostess handed them a small pager that would signal when their table was ready. They sat on the porch outside waiting for a table. Lanessa did not mind at all. Just being with Alex gave her a sense of peace. She looped her arm through his and enjoyed the early evening breeze. Laughter surrounded them from other good-humored customers. The grounds were landscaped with oleander down one side leading to a small pond. Pink and white flowers clustered in neat beds. Tall oaks trees draped with Spanish moss that stirred like long beards in the wind made the setting complete.

  Alex breathed deeply. “Smell that prime beef. Hope we don’t have to wait too long.”

  “Hmm.” Lanessa leaned against him. She did not care about food at the moment. Just being here with him was enough.

  “Well, you certainly took my lecture to heart.” Alex smiled at her with affection. “You seem completely relaxed.

  “You have that effect on me.”

  “About what I said back at your office, I’m hope I didn’t sound too selfish.”

  Lanessa put her forefinger on his lips. “You were right. The last thing I want to do is repeat an old pattern.” She looked at him.

  “It’s not like that. I—”

  “I said you’re right. Gee, you’d think having me tell you that would bring on the dance of happiness.” Lanessa chuckled. “Especially after all the times you lost arguments with me.”

  Alex joined her in laughter. “I wish I had a recorder to preserve this moment. I might need it later on.”

  “Okay, that’s enough.” Lanessa poked him in the side. “Our table is ready.” She held up the pulsating pager.

  Seated across from him in the softly lit booth, Lanessa enjoyed a different view now. Alex was splendid in a white knit cotton shirt with two navy blue stripes down one side of his broad chest. He wore navy pants with a burgundy leather belt. As they’d walked to their table, a group of women openly stared at the tall handsome man with skin like gourmet milk chocolate. Once more Lanessa marveled at having another chance with him. She was not going to blow it this time. Her first task in the morning would be to take stock of her projects. If she wanted to keep him, she’d have to work just as hard at this relationship.

  “About Paxton-Waite—”

  “Ah-ah, you said we would leave work behind,” Lanessa said with an impish grin.

  “We will right after I tell you this. You mention Lake Des Allemands.”

  “Yes, they’re interested in developing the area. Some hush-hush plan they don’t want the competition to get wind of.” Lanessa sipped her tea.

  “I might be able to help. I’ve got connections, too. My dad has land there. So does the guy Shauntelle is seeing.”

  “Yeah. Alex, about Shauntelle…” Lanessa fidgeted with her the plastic straw in her heavy glass mug.

  “What about her?”

  “You and she seem pretty close an
d all.” Lanessa did not look at him. “I mean, you spend time together.”

  “Lanessa, there is nothing between us.”

  “No, no. I don’t mean that.” Lanessa folded her cloth napkin in several shapes. She was working out a way to approach the subject of Metoyer.

  Alex misinterpreted her hesitation to speak. “We share parenting, that’s all. I’m telling you; don’t make something out of nothing.”

  “Listen—”

  “Of course I like that you’re a little jealous.” Alex wore a sexy half smile as he leaned across the small table. “Makes me hot,” he whispered.

  “Cut it out,” Lanessa looked around with a giggle. She grew serious again. “I’m not talking about you and Shauntelle. It’s this guy she’s dating, Charles Metoyer.”

  “Huh?” Alex looked baffled at the twist in the conversation. “What’s he got to do with you being jealous?”

  “Stop riding the giant male ego express,” Lanessa shot back. “Here’s the thing, Metoyer is dating my friend Yasmin,” she said low.

  “Say what?” Alex yelped.

  “A little louder, a few people in Baton Rouge didn’t hear you.” Lanessa scowled at him. “

  “Sorry. It’s just you took me by surprise.” Alex blinked at her. “Are you sure this friend said Charles Metoyer? I mean, it could be someone else.”

  “Charles Auguste Metoyer, IV. Rich, old family and lots of land in south Louisiana.” Lanessa spoke each word with deliberation. “Well?”

  “Okay, I was hoping for a long shot.” Alex shook his head slowly. “Shauntelle is really into the guy. She says he treats her like a queen.”

  “Exactly the way Yasmin talks.” Lanessa fell back against the padded back of the bench. “I don’t know how to tell her.”

  He shook his head with vigor. “Bad idea. Stay out of it. I plan to, believe me.”

  “I can’t let one of my best friends get trashed by that… dog. And besides, she’d never forgive me if she found out I knew.”

  Alex cut off his reply when the waiter came to take their order. When the man left, he went on.

  “They’re adults. We should let them handle their own affairs.” Alex grimaced. “No pun intended.”

  “Well, I’m going to look into this guy.”

  “Lanessa, you’re ignoring my advice,” Alex said.

  “He’s somehow connected to this Paxton-Waite deal. I would have been reading up on him anyway,” She said in a defensive tone. “You even said as much a minute ago.”

  “He owns property in Des Allemands. But so do a lot of other people. You’re using it as an excuse to meddle.” Alex looked at her hard.

  “All right it’s true. But do you really want to see this pile of—”

  “Calm down,” Alex broke in.

  “Do you want Shauntelle to become his hit and run victim?”

  “A very descriptive way of putting it.” Alex looked thoughtful. “I’ve heard how he operates. I even mentioned it to Shauntelle. But she insists it’s all history.”

  “Humph, I don’t think so,” Lanessa said. “Speaking of his reputation, seems I remember something from my days down at the state legislature. I’m going to find out.”

  “Be very careful. Metoyer is big around here.”

  “No sweat. I’ve got lots of practice chatting up folks in the know.” Lanessa’s eyes gleamed at the prospect.

  “You really love it don’t you? You enjoy being in the middle of things.” Alex gazed at her. “You’re still the most fascinating woman I’ve ever known.”

  “That’d a lovely thing to say, Alex.”

  “It’s true,” he said simply. “Let’s concentrate on us, okay?”

  Lanessa’s heart beat hard at the smoldering desire in his dark eyes like smoky quartz. “Okay.”

  The rest of the evening she was true to her word. Alex romanced her in top form. There was no more talk of work. Long silences were punctuated with a touch, a glance. When they did speak, it was about books, music and plays. Small talk for sure. Yet Lanessa felt wrapped in a cozy shelter of sharing with her special man. They did not linger in the restaurant after dinner. Both wanted to be alone. They went back to Lanessa’s house for coffee. There they shared a quiet time sitting close in front of the television in her den. For another hour, they sat holding each other. Lanessa rested her head on his shoulder as he stroked her arms.

  “It’s getting late. I’d better go.” Alex yawned. “I’ve got an eight-thirty breakfast meeting with the boss.”

  “Poor darlin’.” Lanessa gave him a hug of sympathy.

  “It should be against the law to ask people to think before ten in the morning,” Alex joked. “I’m sure Robyn has stories to tell about you.”

  “What about your new assistant? Bet you’ve got that student intern hopping.”

  “Guilty.” Alex smiled. “I sure hate to leave.” He kissed her.

  “There’s always Saturday night,” she whispered.

  That brought a frown. “And another uptown gathering. Do we have to?”

  “Only for an hour, two at the most. Then we can have our own private party.” Lanessa pressed her mouth to his. She explored the sweet taste of him with the tip of her tongue.

  “Oh yeah, now I remember why I’m looking forward to Saturday,” he said.

  They smooched for another twenty minutes before he left for home. Lanessa felt relaxed and ready to take on the world the next day. Being with Alex had that effect on her. Then a cloud drifted over her sunny mood. Thoughts of Paxton-Waite worried at her. Now Charles Metoyer was added to the picture.

  “Can’t do anything about it tonight,” Lanessa said to herself.

  With a firm push, she set aside the thought that a rainstorm was just over the horizon. For at least tonight, Lanessa wanted to savor the recent memory of Alex and anticipate seeing him again soon.

  ***

  Ken rocked his leather desk chair back. He was relaxed and contented.” Everything is going smoothly.”

  “Sure you haven’t overlooked anything?” Orin Blanchard looked subdued when Hargrove glared at him. “I’m not suggesting you’ve been careless. Not at all.”

  “It’s you I’m worried about,” Ken said. He gazed at him with contempt stamped on his face. “You look guilty as hell every time someone mentions Des Allemands. If you’re so damn jumpy, why did you get in on this deal?”

  “I didn’t count on Dawson bringing in Metoyer. You said…” Orin’s voice took on a familiar whine.

  “Please stop repeating yourself,” Ken broke in. He waved a hand impatiently. “If anything happens, Dawson and Metoyer can be sacrificed. I’m making the arrangements every step of the way.”

  “When you said we’d be selling technology to make a profit, you never mentioned it was a federal offense.” Orin finished his complaint despite Hargrove’s interruption.

  Ken stared at him hard. “You knew damn well what the stakes were when we started. Or would you rather face the music when your shareholder find out about the irregularities of your company?”

  Blanchard jerked in his chair as though he’d been slapped. “Keep your voice down.” His gaze darted around the room.

  “You’ve been watching too many television dramas.” Ken sat straight in his chair with a mean grin. “There are no electronic bugs in here,” he said loudly. When Blanchard blinked rapidly, he laughed.

  “I don’t see what’s funny about going to prison and being ruined financially.” Blanchard wore a resentful stare.

  “You wouldn’t be in this fix if you’d used your brains. Why father put up with you all these years is a mystery.”

  “Because he found me useful,” Blanchard said. He sat forward. “Remember, I know a lot. About your father and now about you.”

  Ken’s superior expression slipped at his words. “Just don’t get nervous and blow everything.”

  “Metoyer is as greedy as Dawson. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s not collecting information on us for insurance.” Blanc
hard tugged at his collar as though it were too tight.

  “Let him,” Ken snapped. “He’s nobody. Pretending to be high society. The Metoyer family was nothing but dirt farmers who got lucky.”

  “Luck had nothing to do with it. His people have been cut throat businessmen for three generations.” Blanchard leaned forward. “Literally.”

  “Old wives tales that have nothing to do with today.” Ken lifted his long nose and looked down it. “So keep your head.”

  “I hope you’re right. And I’m glad we’ll be through with that Thomas woman soon. She’s too good at finding out things.”

  “Now you’re scared of a paper pusher. The woman can’t know anything except what we want her to know.”

  “But she—”

  “Is a nobody like Metoyer.” Ken brushed back his hair. It was held in place with styling gel. “But just so you’ll relax, she’s going to finish her work within the next two weeks.”

  “Good. The longer it takes, the more risk.” Blanchard stood up.

  “When you start feeling really nervous, think of the cash flow you’ll have.” Ken pointed a forefinger at him.

  Chapter 9

  The clink of wineglasses sounded constantly. Waiters dressed in crisp white shirts, red ties, and black pants carried trays to clusters of people. Lanessa gazed around her with admiration. This was entertaining at its most impressive. La Madeline’s was one of the best and most expensive restaurants in Baton Rouge. The private dining room was decorated in cool colors of blue and aquamarine. A long table with appetizers was set against one wall. It was laden with shrimp, oysters Rockefeller and other tasty items. The party guests were helping themselves to generous portions. Alex finished eating a shrimp and patted his lips.

  “Just twenty minutes to go,” Alex whispered in her ear.

  “Who are you kidding? You’re having a good time gobbling up those shrimps,” Lanessa teased.

  “It’s the least I should get,” Alex said with a grunt. “Most of these folks are snobs. Including the few other black people here.”

  “You don’t know that,” Lanessa said. She glanced up to find him eyeing her with one dark eyebrow raised. “Okay so you do. But try not to be so obviously eager to avoid them.”