One Love Page 13

  “It won’t be easy.”

  “Behave or I’ll spank you.”

  Alex leaned close to her ear. “You just gave me an incentive to be very naughty.”

  Lanessa was about to toss him saucy answer when a male voice called out to her.

  “Well Ms. Thomas. How are you?” Kingston Sonnier was a business tycoon with great influence.

  Lanessa beamed at the man. “Hello, Mr. Sonnier.”

  “This is my wife Belinda.” The portly white man held a plate piled with shrimp in one hand and a glass of sparkling wine in the other. He nodded to the plump redhead at his side.

  “How do you do,” Mrs. Sonnier said. The small smile on her face was like a rubber band drawn too far.

  “Fine. And this is Alex St. Romaine,” Lanessa said.

  “Hello.” Alex was polite but not over friendly.

  Lanessa resisted the urge to give him a dirty look. “Isn’t this a lovely party?”

  “Yes, lovely.” Mrs. Sonnier inclined her head as though she were royalty being tolerant of a subject.

  “We were just commenting on what a good renovation job La Madeline’s had done.” Lanessa waved a hand around the room.

  “I worked on the place.” Sonnier smiled with pride.

  “Is that right?” Lanessa wore an expression of mild surprise. Just the right touch she hoped. She ignored Alex when he cleared his throat. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Thank you, young lady. Quality work. That’s what will keep this state going.” Sonnier stuck his chest out.

  “Exactly. Contrary to what the national media says, Louisiana has a lot to brag about,” Lanessa said.

  “The idiots,” Sonnier burst out. “Don’t know a thing.”

  “I agree. Those reports are very one-sided.” Lanessa nodded. She noticed his wife had turned away slightly to urge her husband on. Mr. Sonnier seemed not to catch his wife’s hint.

  “Good work for Paxton-Waite I hear. Look forward to his final report.” Sonnier took a sip from his wineglass. “I think that plant has potential to boost the economy. It’ll put a lot of my men to work.

  “Kingston, please,” Mrs. Sonnier broke in. “He’ll talk about slabs and plywood all night if I let him. There’s Hettie and Bob Bradley. We really must speak to them.”

  “What?” Sonnier frowned at for a moment. “Oh, yes of course. Anyway, Ms. Thomas, good for you. Your people will get jobs out of this deal, too.”

  “Goodbye. Nice meeting you.” Mrs. Sonnier gave her one last chilly smile before they walked away.

  “That was a lot of fun.” Alex gave a low grunt.

  “Sonnier has heard positive things about my service, that’s what counts,” Lanessa said low.

  “As long as you’re satisfied.” Alex took a sip of ginger ale.

  “You bet I am. Look around. Dawson has hauled in some of the biggest fish in Baton Rouge. There are even a few faces from Lafayette and New Orleans.”

  “What a thrill,” Alex said in a dry voice. He glanced around then let out a sharp breath. “Damn!”

  “Now what’s wrong?” Lanessa followed his gaze. Her heart sank. “Don’t tell me… That’s got to be him.”

  “Lanessa, I didn’t know you’d be here.” Yasmin came over with a handsome man the color of copper. She clung to his arm. “This is great. You finally get to meet Charles.”

  “How about that?”Lanessa disliked him instantly.

  Charles Metoyer was without a doubt a handsome man in his way. His jaw was square and he wore a neat mustache. Lanessa could understand how women would find him alluring. Metoyer was shorter than Alex, maybe six feet tall. His wavy hair was a dark brown with hints of red. He had a lean look that made him seem a bit boyish and vulnerable. Yet Lanessa was certain there was nothing helpless about him.

  “Charles Metoyer, this is Lanessa Thomas, one of my best friends.” Yasmin held out a hand to present Lanessa.

  “Hi,” Lanessa said. “This is Alex St. Romaine.”

  Charles Metoyer held out his hand to Alex. “Of course. I know your uncle. He’s done business with my father.”

  “Good to meet you.” Alex shook his hand but did not appear especially sincere.

  “What luck. I wanted you two to meet. Now we’re a foursome and didn’t even plan it.” Yasmin gave a happy laugh.

  “Lucky, sure,” Alex said.

  Lanessa put her arm through his and pinched him. “So, great party so far.”

  “As far as it goes,” Charles said with a lift of one shoulder. “More of a duty visit for me. My company has contracts with several of these folks. Including the new contender, Paxton-Waite.”

  “Is that a fact? Just what kind of work are you doing for them?” Lanessa turned on her best manner to get more information than he would intend to give.

  “Consulting. I’m a civil engineer by training.”

  “You’re going to help them build a plant?” Alex asked.

  “Sort of.” Charles turned to him. “My family owns property near Des Allemands where they may locate a facility.

  “I see.” Lanessa did not see at all. His answer was vague, intentionally so she thought.

  “I’ll probably be doing quite a bit of work with Dawson and Hargrove over the next few months.” Charles glanced at her from head to toe.

  Lanessa was amazed at how deftly he made a pass at her with just his eyes. He seemed to be letting her know they could see each other again. She assumed an impassive expression. “How interesting.”

  Charles stared into her eyes. “I understand your work for Paxton-Waite is outstanding. Quite a unique business concept. Very innovative.”

  “Thank you. I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.”

  “I’m sure you worked hard to get there,” Charles said.

  “Let’s not talk shop,” Yasmin said in a breezy voice. She had completely missed the undertone. “Even at this function, it’s bad form to dwell too much on commerce.” She gave Charles an affection squeeze of his arm.

  “You’re right. We should be discussing light matters only.” Metoyer flashed her a smile that gleamed.

  Lanessa watched as he turned on the charm. He treated Yasmin as though she was the only woman in the room he thought worthy of his attention. Lanessa engaged in small talk with them all the while taking note of how the man worked his magic.

  “Let’s get out of here,” Alex said quietly.

  “Come with us to the Fine and Mellow Café. Henry Batiste and his jazz trio will start playing at ten thirty.”

  “We’ve made other plans,” Alex said quickly.

  “Oh, I see.” Yasmin grinned at Lanessa.

  Lanessa gave a small forced laugh. “Long week, so we want to make it an early night.”

  “Yes indeed.” Charles wore a slight smile.

  “Well goodnight,” Lanessa said.

  Yasmin hugged her. “Nice seeing you, Alex.”

  “Same here. Bye.” Alex led Lanessa away. “Walk fast before something else happens,” he muttered.

  Lanessa pulled him back. “I’ve got to say goodbye to Dawson and Hargrove. One last obligation.”

  “Will this night ever end?” Alex groaned then put on a pleasant social face again.

  Lanessa dared not risk too long a farewell. She was grateful that Dawson and Hargrove were standing not far from each other. She complimented them on the evening. After a few more moments of making nice, they were headed for the exit. A short chunky man stood talking to Charles Metoyer. As Lanessa and Alex passed, he lifted a glass to her.

  “The class rating on this party just plummeted. Can’t believe they let that rat in here.” Lanessa was irked by the smarmy grin on his face.

  “Who?” Alex glanced around.

  “Him.” Lanessa jerked a thumb at the two men. “That troll sleaze slinger, Glenn Curtis.”

  She glared at the reporter then turned her head sharply. Glenn Curtis called himself an investigative reporter. What he really did was dig up scandal.
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br />   “He tried to drag my sister’s name through the mud. But I fixed him!” Lanessa bristled at the memory.

  “Oh yes, that thing with Bill Lang. But it came out that Jade had nothing to do with it.” Alex held her hand.

  “Sure. And I complained to his boss at The Advocate about the way he’d tried to trick me. He wasn’t fired, but he got a tongue whipping.” Lanessa smiled with grim satisfaction. Her expression turned sour when she turned and found Curtis had followed them outside.

  “Hello there. You’re Alex St. Romaine, right? How are you?” Glenn did not bother to wait for an introduction. He stuck his hand out.

  “Hello.” Alex shook his hand. He shot a sideways glimpse at Lanessa.

  Glenn turned to Lanessa. “You’re looking good. Nice to see you’ve done well since that unfortunate incident three years ago.”

  “Still sniffing the ground for garbage on other people?” Lanessa wore a smile that laced with venom.

  “I report on topical news of interest to the Black community.” Glenn smiled, seemingly unaffected by her insult. “My newspaper’s circulation grows daily.”

  Glenn had somehow managed to start The Baton Rouge Chronicle. The newspaper contained articles about the African-American community, especially the upper-middle class in south Louisiana. Equal portions of gossip and hard news fueled its success.

  “If you like that sort of thing,” Lanessa retorted.

  “We were just leaving.” Alex moved to open the car door after stating the obvious.

  “Good evening. And Lanessa, I’ll be seeing you around.” Glenn dipped his head at her. His words carried the tone of a threat.

  “Not if I see you first, you little—”

  “Hey! Cool down,” Alex broke in. “Let’s not allow him to spoil what’s left of this night. Okay?”

  Lanessa grumbled under her breath for several seconds as she watched Glenn go through the doors. “That guy is a real bum.”

  “Agreed. But at least he’s out of your hair.” Alex opened the passenger door for her.

  “I hope so,” Lanessa murmured.

  Alex loosened his tie with one hand while steering his Montero off the parking lot with the other.

  “Alone at last. Come here.”

  Lanessa slid against him. The soft green glow from the dashboard was romantic lighting. His compact disc played softly. Thoughts of Glenn slipped away and her frown vanished.

  “I feel like we’re in high school. You know, making out in a car.” She giggled and put a hand on his thigh.

  “Now there’s an idea.” Alex turned right at the next stoplight.

  “Where are we going?” Lanessa put her head on his shoulder.

  “You’ll see.”

  In a few minutes they were on the gravel lot facing the largest lake in The Baton Rouge City Park near downtown. Trailing willow trees near the shore waved in the breeze. Alex lowered the power windows of the car. Except for a Toyota Celica about fifty yards away they were alone. Despite streetlights, a few twinkling stars were visible. Alex left the ignition on so they could continue to enjoy music. He took Lanessa in his arms and kissed her hard. Soon his hand roamed over her body making her temperature rise. The sensation of his touch through the silk fabric of her dress was electric. Lanessa was panting with desire within seconds.

  “We’re going to get arrested for public lewdness,” she managed to whisper. She gasped when his fingers caressed her inner thighs and traveled up further.

  “I’ll pay the fine,” Alex mumbled without taking his mouth from hers.

  “Someone might see us.” Lanessa did not make a move to break free in spite of her warning.

  “It’s too dark. Nice… and dark.” Alex turned up the heat even more with another long kiss. His tongue brushed hers with rough insistent strokes.

  Lanessa drew back with a long moan. “Now I remember why we were so happy to finally grow up and have money for an apartment. I need room for what I want to do to you.” She rubbed the fly of his pants.

  “Let’s be creative.” Alex let a slow, provocative smile spread across his face.

  He reached down and pushed a lever causing her seat to recline. Lanessa found herself staring up into his eyes bright with lust. She felt his hand push up the hem of her skirt.

  “Alex, this isn’t going to work.” Lanessa gave in to the urge to laugh. It suddenly occurred to her what they must look like.

  “It will if we slid onto the back seat. Just scoot ahead and I’ll join you.” Alex gestured to her.

  “Are you crazy?” Lanessa was laughing hard now with tears coming down her face.

  “Yes, crazy with passion. Now come on. I’m serious.” Alex started laughing with her. “I think I’m stuck.”

  In a few minutes they were helpless. Both were gasping for air between uncontrollable giggles. The car shook as they shifted around.

  Lanessa let out a howl at the idea that he could not move. “Stop it. I can’t breathe.”

  Finally he managed to slide back to the driver’s side. Lanessa lay in her seat fanning her face with one hand. The evening breeze felt good against her skin. Alex helped her up and put the seat back in an upright position.

  “Baby, I’m afraid we’ve gotten too old.” Lanessa patted his face.

  “But it was a lot of fun trying. Right?” Alex put his hand over hers.

  “Right,” she said in a soft voice. Lanessa felt her heart open up. “It’s so good being with you.”

  Alex grew serious. “I tried to convince myself I was doing okay without you. But this feeling is like nothing else in the world.” He gazed at her hair and face as though savoring the sight.

  “Finding love is heaven.” Lanessa held his hand tightly.

  “One love, Lanessa. You,” Alex said, his voice deep and intense.

  They held each other close for a long while without speaking. Words were not needed. Suddenly the rich tones of Luther Vandross came from the car speakers.

  “When I’m feeling this way, I want the whole world to be happy.” Lanessa sighed. She thought about her friend. “But Yasmin is in for a letdown.”

  “Yes.” Alex nodded. “And Shauntelle is going to be really hurt.”

  “Why can’t the world be perfect?” Lanessa addressed her rhetorical question to the ink blue sky.

  “It can be if you let me take you home.” Alex rephrased the sultry lyrics that came from the compact disc.

  Alex drove to Lanessa’s house. They went inside and put a blues recording in her stereo system. Thoughts of looming sadness in the lives of others were forgotten as they undressed. They took full advantage of the extra room they now had.

  “Not the bed. The floor,” Alex mumbled between kisses planted on her neck. “And I have a game we can play.”

  “Alex, you are full of surprises.” Lanessa wiggled against him.

  “No talking. The first one to speak buys dinner.” Alex ran his tongue down between her breasts. “And I don’t intend to lose.”

  “I—” Lanessa felt a soft haze fill her head.

  “Ah-ah, starting now.”

  He was as good as his word. Lanessa had to concentrate hard to keep from crying out. His mouth was all over her body. Lanessa was lost, totally senseless within seconds. Just when she thought she could take no more, Alex changed positions. He pulled her upright. Lanessa gave gasped when he entered her from behind. His thrusts grew harder and faster. Lanessa moaned as she moved with him. A powerful force gripped her. She was calling his name before she knew it. A powerful orgasm gripped her and she seemed to lose all conscious thought. Alex came with a lustful growl. His explosion sent new shivers of pleasure through her. The release left them spent.

  “Dinner at Savoie’s. You pay,” he panted.

  “Worth it,” she said in a raspy voice.

  Later when they were in her bed, Lanessa drifted off to sleep with nothing on her mind but how wonderful it was to lose a bet.

  ***

  Lanessa arrived at Jackie’s offic
e. The accounting firm was located in a historic building in one of the oldest sections of Baton Rouge. Beauregard Town had been one of the original neighborhoods over one hundred fifty years ago. A few of the sidewalks leading to houses were still made of brick that had been laid before the Civil War. Bright late afternoon sunshine made the imposing three story white house gleam. Lanessa entered the tall double doors made of cut glass. Jackie was standing next to the reception desk talking to two secretaries.

  “Hello there. I’ll be through in a minute,” Jackie said.

  She signed three sheets where one of the young women pointed. After a few more instructions and being handed a stack of yellow phone message notes, she led Lanessa to her office. Two other of her associates stopped them along the way. One of the men, a stout blonde, seemed especially harried. He and Jackie had a quiet conversation after which he seemed somewhat calmed.

  “One of those days?” Lanessa looked into offices they passed. The desk was covered with folders. People marched around wearing serious faces.

  “And a half, girl.” Jackie had a corner office on the first floor. She shut the door and plopped down in her chair.

  “The price of success,” Lanessa quipped. “Everybody with money wants Brumfield, Brumfield and Johns to help them hold onto it.”

  “You know what? I’m so sick of dealing with rich folks. They really do think everyone was born to say ‘How high?’ when they say ‘Jump’.”

  “Poor, baby. You’ll have to go on another Mediterranean cruise to recover.” Lanessa put on a fake face of pity.

  “Okay, I get the message,” Jackie said. “Poor girl from Easy Town makes good then whines.”

  “Actually we just trade one set of troubles for another.” Lanessa smiled at her. “So go on and whine.”

  “Nah, it’s out of my system for now. Wanna soft drink?” Jackie went to the small refrigerator set in an alcove of her office.

  “Diet cola.” Lanessa stretched back in the chair. She accepted the short bottle.

  Jackie got out napkins and two paper cups. “Speaking of trouble, what’s up with Metoyer? Find out anything interesting?” She sat back down and kicked off her pumps.