Tender Touch Page 3

  “Oh, so having him chew on my rear end is medicinal. Well, then he ought to be himself in no time,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes. He glanced at the clock on the wall. “Let me get outta here. Sure you don’t want to—”

  “Goodbye, Trent.” Damon pushed him toward the door. “Have a nice time.”

  Damon spent another fifteen minutes putting things in order for Joe. He glanced at his watch—eight-thirty already.

  He decided to stop by Mario’s for take-out Italian food on his way home. It seemed there were couples everywhere: in the cars alongside his at every stop sign or red light, in the restaurant while he waited for his order. Damon tried to ignore them, yet seeing them made him feel an emptiness that he had not felt before Jade Pellerin... Somehow not only his body but his heart told him she would be a perfect fit to fill that void. There was a seductive grace about the way her hair swung when she turned her head. She had a habit of tilting her head to the right when considering something said to her. It made her smart and sexy at the same time. Boy, he had to get out of this frame of mind. Without a doubt, he would not let her get too close to him. He did not care what Lang expected, Eddie would have the job of working with her. And that was that.

  Chapter 2

  “For the last three days I’ve been doing damage control. That idiot Steve Franklin is shooting his mouth off all over the state.” Mike Testor slapped an accordion file down on Lang’s desk. The tall man still had his summer tan. His blue eyes flashed with annoyance. He brushed back perfectly combed black hair.

  “No one really listens to Steve, Mike.” Lang seemed undisturbed. “You know what’s going on in the finance section. Just do what you always do. Tavis is on top of things there, too.”

  Lang nodded to a thin black man standing at his shoulder. Tavis Collins worked as a program analyst in the finance section of the Medicaid office. He and Lang had worked together before. Tavis perched on the edge of Lang’s desk and gazed at Mike.

  “Sure, Mike. Besides, there is nothing; no executive bulletin or published rule that prohibits anything you’re doing.”

  “You mean anything we’re doing, don’t you?” Mike shot back.

  “Whatever.” Tavis did not lose his composure as he returned Mike’s stare with his own cool gaze.

  “Bill, the governor is real sensitive to this type of stuff. Remember, he was in the legislature for five years. He knows the ropes.” Mike drummed his fingers with nervous energy.

  “He’s also got his hands full with the gambling issue. Between the gambling lobby and the anti-gambling lobby, he can’t come up for air long enough to notice much else.” Lang stirred his mug of coffee. He was as relaxed as Testor was nervous

  “But Dr. Chauvin isn’t consumed with the gambling thing. The governor named him secretary of this department for a good reason. The man is not only considered a brilliant doctor, but he’s an expert in health care services with an international reputation.”

  “Yes, yes.” Lang showed mild irritation. Walter Chauvin had the kind of stature and power he wanted badly. “Walter walks on water.”

  “Not to mention Chester Howard. He’s not in charge of the Office of Budget and Finance for nothing. And he’s keeping close watch on the Medicaid division.”

  “I know all that, Mike. They both interviewed me, remember?”

  “All I’m saying is we’ve got to be careful.”

  “And you’ve said it four times already. I got the point. You think I got where I am by being sloppy?” Lang took a long sip of the hot liquid.

  “But those rule changes—” Mike was still unconvinced.

  “Are so complicated and obscure, no one will figure them out for at least a year,” Tavis broke in.

  “Yeah, but one of Chester’s hotshot new assistants is making waves. He’s been complaining to me for the last two months. He figured it out real fast.” Mike chewed on his bottom lip.

  “I’ve got another meeting, Bill.” Tavis brushed at the lapels and sleeves of his wool jacket. His manner conveyed he was bored with this conversation. “By the way, I handled that problem you told me about the other day. It’s cool. See you at the club later?”

  Lang wore an amused expression at the look of annoyance on Mike’s face at being dismissed with disdain. “Yes. Dinner at six.” He watched Tavis stroll out past Mike.

  “Who does he think he is anyway? If he thinks Howard will be put off because some low-level bean counter—” Testor fumed.

  “Mike, nobody listens to Dave. He’s been around for years, singing the same old song. That’s why he’s shuffled away in that cramped cubicle, tracking obscure statistics.” Lang chuckled.

  Mike’s frown relaxed a bit. “Guess you’re right. He has that slumped shoulder profile from bending over stacks of computer sheets. Yeah, nobody listens to old Dave anymore.”

  “If they ever did. Now what have you heard from Sherman Ortego?”

  “Things are going well. He’s very pleased with what we’ve done thus far.” Mike nodded.

  “He should be,” Lang grunted. “Those rule changes mean he can expand beds with new certificates. I’m looking forward to my vacation to Cancun.”

  “Ortego has rented a yacht to take us down the coast. It’s a great trip.” Mike rubbed his hands in anticipation.

  “Hmm, I wonder if my new assistant would like to go.” Lang stared at the door to his office as though picturing her.

  “Jade is one fine lady. She’s a real...asset.” Mike actually smacked his lips.

  “Ms. Pellerin to you,” Lang snapped. He stood up. “Goodbye, Mike. I have work to do.”

  Mike sprang from his seat. “Sure, Bill. Didn’t mean to offend...I mean, the young lady is very attractive is all—”

  “Give me a call on that home health issue. The board of nursing has been on my back about it for the last three weeks.” Lang opened the door.

  Testor shrugged and accepted the dismissal. “Sure thing. Oh, Ja—Ms. Pellerin, how are you?” With his back to Lang, he let his gaze wander down her body before looking at her face again.

  Jade nodded to him. The man was handsome, but there was something about him that made her uneasy. She wouldn’t like to be alone with him. “Hello, Mike. Here are the reports you requested. If you need me to clarify anything, let me know.”

  “I’ll be sure and do that.” Mike flashed a dazzling smile. “You’re so helpful.”

  “I’m sure that won’t be necessary. Besides, Ms. Pellerin will be tied up pretty much. Goodbye again, Mike.” Lang gave him a pointed look.

  “Bye, Mike,” Jade said. She wondered what Mike had done to annoy the boss. Lang’s voice cut through her musings.

  Lang motioned her into his office. “Ms. Pellerin, can we get to work on that report for Secretary Chauvin?”

  “Yes, sir, but I’m still waiting for legal to give me the statute that applies. They promised to have it by this afternoon at the latest.”

  “That’s cutting it close, but I guess it can’t be helped. That leaves the meeting with the Office of Public Health. I’d like the report on laboratories.”

  “Yes, Mr. Lang.” Jade got up to leave.

  “Listen, let’s not be so formal with this ‘yes, sir—no, sir’ stuff. Besides, I feel like an old man when you call me Mr. Lang.”

  “Yes, sir, I mean...” Jade laughed.

  “Come on, now—you can call me by my first name,” Lang coaxed her.

  “Okay...Bill. That will take getting used to.” Jade shook her head.

  “With as closely as we’ll be working for the next four years, you’ll get lots of practice. I already think of us as a working team, Jade.” Lang put a hand on her elbow.

  “I see you’ve gotten settled into your new office.” A petite woman gazed at them with eyebrows raised. She wore an elegant fuchsia suit with black lapels. Her black leather pumps and purse were stamped with a small gold design of a leading fashion house. Her skin was the color of smooth cafe au lait.

  “Hello, Kath
y. This is my administrative assistant, Jade Pellerin. My wife, Kathy.” He let go of Jade’s elbow and moved away from her by just a fraction.

  “A lovely name. Pleased to meet you.” Kathy held out her hand in a regal manner.

  Jade smiled at her tentatively. “Hello, Mrs. Lang. Nice to meet you.”

  “So how long have you been working here?” Kathy’s voice was cool, but her question seemed to have some other purpose.

  “Almost twelve years now. I’ve worked in a couple of the sections since I started.” Jade sensed that Kathy was not pleased to see a female so close to her husband. “Mostly making sure the bosses have what they need to run things.”

  “And I’m sure you do an excellent job at whatever you do.” Kathy eyed Jade in a less than complimentary way.

  “Thank you, Jade. You can go now.” Lang stepped between the two women. He ushered Kathy ahead of him into his office and shut the door with a firm thud.

  Jade blinked at the closed door. Muffled voices engaged in an intense exchange sounded through the heavy wood. “Whoa! Honey, pull those fangs in.” She hurried to make herself scarce.

  “I see you met the First Lady.” Shaena appeared from around a comer, carrying a stack of files.

  “Miss Thang is something else. She all but accused me of being hot for her husband.” Jade took some of the folders that threatened to fall. “Let me help. Is any of this the statute I so desperately need for Bill’s report?”

  “Nah, Warren is still working on that one. He’ll be through in about twenty minutes, he said to tell you. Back to Kathy the Dragon Slayer.” Shaena followed Jade into her office.

  “She’s a piece of work.”

  “Well, maybe she’s got cause.”

  “I haven’t heard anything like that about him,” Jade said in defense of him. “Bill has been nothing but professional with me.”

  “Saint William?” Shaena squinted. “I don’t think so.”

  “Oh, stop it. Besides, it’s none of our business.” Jade shook a finger at her.

  “Okay, but I have a feeling we’ll be hearing more about this as time passes.” Shaena switched gears. “By the way, Aline tells me a real honey was up here, and lucky you got to meet with him. Damon Knight.”

  “You know him?” Jade tried to keep her voice matter-of-fact.

  “By reputation.”

  “Oh, a real woman chaser. It figures.” Jade shut the file drawer with a bang. She should have known not to trust her instincts when it came to men.

  “No, I mean he was a track star in high school and college. And his father has a string of carpet and tile stores. The Knight family has been prominent for at least one hundred years.” Shaena pulled out half a granola bar.

  “Really?”

  “Yep. Damon’s from an old Louisiana family with money.” Shaena munched on the remains of the snack.

  “Wait a minute. As in Hezekiah Knight?” Jade’s eyes went wide.

  Shaena nodded. “His great-great-grandfather. Made a fortune selling hardware and with his own carpentry business. He’s in the Louisiana history books for being one of the most influential black men during Reconstruction.”

  “Wow.” Jade remembered the way he walked, shoulders back, head high. Damon Knight was from a family mentioned in black history books on Louisiana. This intrigued her about the man even more.

  “Say, you’ve got a dreamy look on your face. Yep, Dynamite Damon strikes again.” Shaena snickered.

  “Get real. I am not bowled over by Damon Knight.” Jade spoke sharply. She brushed a stray tendril of hair from her face and turned away from her friend.

  “Hey, stronger women of all ages have fallen under his spell. That man is superfine, you must admit.”

  “I’m through judging men by what’s on the surface. I didn’t pay close attention to the man anyway.” Jade’s voice cracked.

  “Liar. You’re trying too hard to convince me, and yourself.” Shaena gazed at her.

  “You and Lanessa have overactive imaginations.”

  “Well, let’s consider the evidence,” Shaena said. “When I mentioned his name, your eyes got that gleam in them. Also, Damon Knight is one fabulous brother with beaucoup charm.”

  Jade waved her hand. “I hope you do better defending some poor sucker in court. That is a pitiful case.”

  “And most important, you haven’t been with a man since Heck was a pup.” Shaena folded her arms.

  “Like I said, pitiful. You’ve been out of the courtroom too long. Even I could blow your case out of the water.” Jade lifted her chin in defiance.

  “Oh really? Go ahead then.”

  “One, we were in a meeting discussing the driest of topics for all of two hours, during which my attention was on the business at hand.”

  Shaena looked dubious. “I’ll bet.”

  ‘Two, Damon Knight is trouble wrapped up in nice packaging— something I got my fill of with Nick.” Jade held up two fingers.

  “So because Nick was selfish and cruel, all men are trash? Come on.”

  Jade clenched her teeth in aggravation. “No, but I could spot his kind a mile away. Damon Knight is too sure that every woman he meets would crawl through jagged glass to get into his bed. It’s written all over him.”

  Shaena giggled. “Honey, he’d be right. At least two dozen women in this town would jump at the chance. I’ve met him a couple of times at social functions. He’s got a body that won’t quit.”

  “Yeah, and he knows it. You should have seen the way he strolled around like he was some kind of king.” Jade turned the memory of how his fluid movement sent shivers through her into a negative, or at least she was trying hard to so as to counteract the powerful attraction.

  “Brother was steppin’, eh?”

  “Sitting there with that I’m-too-cool look on his face.” Jade remembered the strong set of his jaw. The way those dark brows came together when he was deep in thought. His lips looked like velvet milk chocolate. It would be so nice to see if they were as sweet as... Jade shook herself to clear the hot vision that had formed.

  “Let me get this straight. You were with him a short time, and your mind was only on business.” Shaena lifted an eyebrow at her.

  “You got that right,” Jade cracked.

  “But you noticed his walk, his look and what kind of expressions crossed his face.” Shaena sat back in her chair. “Sounds to me like you were checking the brother out and.”

  “I was not—”

  “And you liked what you saw.” Shaena looked pleased with herself. “Prosecution rests your honor.”

  “You’re hallucinating,” Jade snapped. She got up to put away a large binder. What she really wanted was to conceal how on- target her friend’s assessment had been.

  “Hey, you ought to know better than to try and fool me. We lawyers are trained to yank the truth out of witnesses.”

  “Don’t you have work to do somewhere else?” Jade gave her a baleful look. “You have a habit of picking on my nerves until I could strangle you.”

  “Now, now—what are friends for?” Shaena’s lips twitched with suppressed mirth. “Seriously, go on after the man. You want to anyway, right?”

  Jade was dumbfounded at how her bald statement shook her. The phrase “want to” sent a delicious jab of fire down her spine that spread to her hips. She needed to move this conversation to a safer topic, and fast.

  “The subject is closed, Shaena.”

  “Fine. But after spending more time with Damon Knight, we’ll see how long you can fool yourself into believing—”

  “Closed, I said,” Jade said with a waning glare.

  “I’m through with it.” Shaena held up both hands in a gesture of surrender. “By the way, here’s the State Register. We just finished it.”

  The State Register announced proposed changes in state regulations. State law required that before any new rule took effect, a public hearing had to be held with notices published in news-papers around the state.

 
; “Thanks.” Jade put it aside.

  “There’s a piece in there about hospital beds. I thought there was a moratorium on issuing certificates.” Shaena wore a slight frown. “Of course I’m only guessing at what it means. Whoever wrote it sure emptied out his legal thesaurus.”

  “Humph, you lawyers can turn an order for a burger with fries into a ten-page brief. Bill said something about a problem with one of the regs that limits the department from responding to the need based on hospital use.” Jade flipped through a stack of sheets with tiny black print on them. “Who can keep up with all this paper?”

  “You’ve got that right. Between executive bulletins, written interpretations and stupid memos from bosses, I don’t even pay attention to most of it anymore. Well, I better get moving.”

  “See you later for our usual Thank God it’s Friday after work dinner?”

  “You got it.” Shaena picked up the stack of folders and headed off.

  With a sigh, Jade buried herself in the mound of paper they had just complained about. Quitting time would not come soon enough.

  * * *

  “Moving up in more ways than one?” Kathy Lang settled into the leather chair across from her husband. She crossed her legs.

  “What are you talking about?” Lang gazed at her without expression.

  “A great office with a lovely view and another nice view right outside the office. Ms. Jade Pellerin is a nice ornament to have around.” Kathy tossed back her thick dark hair.

  “She’s more than ornamental.” Lang’s voice was tight with irritation.

  “I don’t doubt for one minute,” Kathy said. Her lips turned down in a slight sneer.

  “Kathy, how many times have we gone through this? If I slept with only a third of the women you’ve accused me of, I’d be busy twenty-four-seven. Jade is my assistant, nothing more.”

  “Bill, I—”

  Lang began sorting notes Jade had left for him. “Now I’m very busy. I’ll see you tonight.”

  Kathy leaned forward with a contrite look. “Baby, I’m sorry. It’s just... you know how much I love you. I just want us to be together.” The cold, sophisticated veneer was gone, replaced by a vulnerable woman desperate for the attention of the man she adored.