Her Second Chance

by Bette Ford

Maureen demanded, “What’s going on?”

  “Let me get the door…” After closing it, she quizzed, ”It’s not my birthday, did you by any chance send...”

  “They are not from me. There has to be a card. Hurry up! Find it!”

  “Okay, okay.” Trenna didn’t realize her hands were shaking as she pulled out the small envelope tucked into the blooms.

  “Well?”

  Trenna read aloud, “‘I’m meeting with the Murrays, the investors, I told you about. Dinner at Antonio’s. I’ll pick you up in the lobby at seven.’ It’s signed, D. M.”

  “Darrin Morgan,” they said at the same time.

  “I remember now. He’s that former NBA star that played with Ralph Prescott. And he has become one of the most successful developers on the east coast.” Maureen exclaimed and then revealed, “His wife’s a well-known singer and actress. She performed in the Wiz on Broadway. She was nominated for a Tony award a few years back. Tall and very beautiful, don’t you remember her? Jennifer Adams?”

  “That Jennifer Adams!”

  “The same. Her family is from Detroit. And her father wrote several of Motown’s biggest hits. I remember Darrin talking about him. They own properties all over the country.” Maureen demanded, “You are going, aren’t you?”

  Dazed, Trenna nodded and then realized her friend couldn’t see her. ”Of course, I am going.”

  “What are you wearing?”

  “A black dress, what else? It’s business. Look, I’ve got to go. I’m going to be late for my meeting.”

  “Wear the pink!” Maureen advised before she said, “Didn’t I telI you that Darrin was serious? Why else would he go out of his way to help your foundation?”

  “It’s spelled s-e-x,” Trenna snapped. “He won’t give up until I sleep with him.”

  “So what? You’ve had no problem telling him no in the past. Has something changed?”

  “Of course not!”

  “Then why are you acting as if you‘re scared to go out with him?”

  Trenna had plenty of male friends. But when it came to Darrin, she knew he wanted a whole lot more than friendship. As far as she was concerned, intimacy was no longer an option, nor was it open for discussion. From the beginning, Trenna’s instincts screamed at her to stay clear of him.

  “I’m not!”

  “You know you can tell me anything.”

  She wanted to scream, ‘Not this!’ but the words couldn’t get past the constriction in her throat.

  “Trenna?” Maureen prompted.

  “I’m here.”

  “Remember that just because Darrin finds you attractive doesn’t mean he doesn’t respect you or expects sexual favors from you. Go in there and wow them with your brains and, while you’re doing that, make Darrin drool. So wear your pink dress. Good luck,” she said before hanging up.

  Trenna was running late and didn’t take the time to go home. She showered

  in her office’s private bath and hastily re-did her hair and makeup. In the hopes of boosting her confidence, she changed into a black, lace dress with a pale-pink under-sheath and long sheer-sleeves. The knit fabric skimmed her lush curves without clinging and stopped above the knee. The dress was a classic style, and like most of her clothes, had been designed by her talented mother.

  Over the dress, she wore a black, suede trench coat, her feet were in pink high heel pumps, and she carried her small, black evening purse embroidered with pink sequined butterflies.

  Darrin was waiting in the lobby. His heart began to race the instant he saw Trenna. She was too lovely for words, he decided, as he watched her tuck her keys into her tiny evening bag. His hands balled into fists as his body began to ache with need. The wanting was back with a vengeance.

  “Hi. You look nice.” He said before he quizzed, “Ready?“

  She was breathtaking. She had brushed her short, thick, wavy black curls until the strands hugged the beautiful curve of her scalp. Nice was too mild of a word to describe her exquisite beauty. She had chosen a dark pink lip stain and added a sheer gloss that drew his hungry gaze to the lush beauty of her full mouth.

  “Yes. Thank you for the flowers and the invitation.”

  He nodded. “You’re welcome. Let’s go, our driver is waiting.

  “Driver?”

  Darrin nodded and smiled, taking her brief case. “There’s no half stepping for Jackson Murray. I hope you’re not upset, but when he called I didn’t wait to get your okay and accepted for both of us,” he said as he ushered her to the limousine parked in the front of the building.

  Seated in the back of the luxury car, he could see the dismay in her eyes. He knew she questioned his motives. She was certain he wanted something from her. He doubted that there was anything he could say or do that would relieve her doubts.

  She had no idea that when he looked at her, he remembered her kindness. He automatically went back to the night she had come to pay her respects to his family. He had been encased in such incredible despair and grief that he was unable to share his emotions with anyone. The pain was lodged deep inside. Even though his twin brother and their mother were also suffering after the loss, he felt isolated. That night Trenna came and sat with him in the den. Her willingness to open up and share the loss of both her parents had profoundly touched him.

  Trenna had stayed, yet had not asked or expected anything in return. To him, surrounded by darkness, her smile had been like a ray of sunshine. When his mother told him about the brainstorming session to jumpstart her foundation, immediately, he wanted to help.

  She surprised him when she touched his sleeve. Determined not to read anything into a simple touch, he refrained from curling his fingers around her small hand. “Yes?”

  “Is there anything I should know…about your friend?”

  “Friends. Jackson’s wife, Jennifer, will be joining us.”

  “You mentioned it this morning that he was an investor. You said nothing about his wife being Jennifer Adams! Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I didn’t think of it.” Darrin shrugged. “Trenna, you have no reason to be nervous. Jennifer’s good people.”

  “All of this feels crazy. I’m out with you, going to meet and have dinner with strangers. And on top of that, I’m sitting here with my heart pounding like a drum inside my chest, praying they will like me and give me money.”

  Darrin chuckled. He couldn’t help it. “The money’s for your foundation.” He covered her hand with his. “Relax. You are going to like the Murrays and they are going to like you. Wealth and fame are relative. It doesn’t mean the Murrays aren’t down to earth or earnest about giving back. Besides, pretty lady, when you put your mind to something it gets done.”

  He smiled at her, and she returned his smile.

  “Thank you.”

  Trenna genuinely liked Darrin’s friends. Jennifer and Jackson Murray were both warm and engaging. The evening was a delight. They dined on a wonderful meal of lobster tails and prime rib, with creamy twice-baked potatoes covered in butter and cheese, and mixed green salad followed by decadent chocolate lava cake.

  Even though Jackson hadn’t pulled out his checkbook and written a check tonight, Trenna was pleased and very encouraged that the couple hoped to visit the school before they left the city.

  “You look lovely tonight, Trenna,” Darrin said softy.

  Surprised by the compliment, she said, “Thank you,” then quickly changed the subject. “The evening went well. I’m looking forward to showing them the school.”

  “It’s a good sign. You should be pleased.”

  “I’m more than pleased, I feel blessed that they are considering Little Hearts. We have only been open a few years. Thank again for your help.”

  While resting her hand on the plush, luxurious armrest of the sleek gray limousine, she realized she was shaking like a leaf. The evening was nearly over and now she started to shake.

  The further away they traveled from the restaurant the greater her unease. No, t
hat wasn’t exactly true. Her nerves had been on edge the second she greeted Darrin. He was freshly shaved and handsome in a pale blue shirt and tie. He looked good in blue; it brought out his deep blue eyes.

  She’d lost count of the number of times throughout the evening she had had to remind herself that this wasn’t a date. It was a business meeting and the sole purpose was to strengthen her foundation. Her heart had no business picking up speed whenever he looked her way or smiled. What was her problem? Most of the time, she was unsure if she even liked the man.

  Darrin nodded. “You’re welcome. And yes, it did go well.”

  Glancing at his strong profile in the car’s dim interior, she finally voiced what had been upmost in her mind. “I still don’t understand why you went out of your way to help me.”

  “It’s not complicated. Friends help friends. I admire what you’ve accomplished in such a short time. You are not only smart but also willing to work hard to reach your goals. I’m impressed that you want to give back, and that alone made me want to help. Jackson called to let me know he was coming into town. We usually get together, just to catch up. But this time I jumped on it. ”

  Surprisingly, she was touched by his compliment and said, “I still don’t get it. Expanding my foundation was something I’ve prayed for, but you had no way of knowing that. Most of the time, we barely speak. Yet tonight, you’ve gone out of your way to smooth the way for me. Why?”

  How could she make him understand that this wasn’t a game to her? Her school was her life. She didn’t want any unwelcome surprises or a misunderstanding between them. Her heart pounded in her ear as she waited for his response.

  “Why shouldn’t I help, Trenna? We’re friends.”

  She clenched her teeth. She was beginning to hate that word. Who was he trying to fool? He didn’t want her friendship—he wanted what all men want… Sex.

  “Come on, Darrin! We are not friends.”

  “I’ve made no secret that I have been trying to get you to go out with me for what seems like forever. But I am your friend, Trenna. That’s why when I heard from Jackson, I thought of you. I want to help. It was the right thing to do.”

  “I do appreciate your willingness to help me, and I enjoyed myself. Dinner was great and so are your friends.”

  He nodded “Let’s do it again, dinner and a play this weekend. Have you seen the play currently running at Fox Theater? I’ve heard…”

  “No.”

  “You’ve seen…”

  “No and no.”

  There was a long uncomfortable silence before he asked, “Why? And don’t tell me it’s because you’re still in mourning. Men talk. And you, lady, have a reputation for dropping poor guys after only a few dates. Last month you went to the charity dinner-dance with that accountant on the fourth floor.”

  She gasped aloud. “His name…”

  “The name doesn’t matter,” he grated harshly. ”What matters is you went out with him and not me. Why?”

  “Isn’t it obvious? You’re not my type. I thought you knew that I’ve sworn off womanizers. Why do you want me? Don’t you have enough women running you down?”

  “There’s no explaining why two people are attracted to each other. Now answer my question.”

  “Aren’t you forgetting something? Tonight was a business dinner.”

  “I enjoyed spending time with you, Trenna. I haven’t given up on us. I’m a Morgan—we’re stubborn and not afraid to go after what we want.”

  Trenna couldn’t see his eyes in the dim interior, but she could smell his aftershave. She could also feel the heat of his gaze on her skin. Goodness! Her senses went on high alert as if he was caressing her, and her body ached.

  “That’s a pity because you’re wasting your time.”

  He chuckled, “It’s my time to waste. There’s no explaining what attracts a male to a female or vice versa.”

  Rather than call him a mule-headed fool, she changed the subject. “Jennifer and Jackson don’t have children. Yet, they are very much involved in investing in children and educational projects.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to give back. For them it’s not a hardship.”

  “And I am so grateful!” She laughed, then added, “Now I have to make sure there are no slip-ups on my end.”

  “Will you please will keep me in the loop?”

  “Of course.”

  “And let me know if you need me to look at the contract.”

  “You are confident,” she gushed.

  “I have confidence in you and your abilities.”

  Although flattered, she dared not let it show. Staring out the window, she reminded herself to be careful. His compliments made her uneasy; they came too easily to him and meant nothing. They were part of his charm.

  And now here she was caught in traffic jam, trapped in this luxurious car with a man who practically oozed sex appeal. Smooth, sophisticated, and far too close for her peace of mind. He had probably forgotten more about women than she’d ever known about men.

  Trenna had only slept with one man, her husband. Darrin Morgan was way out of her league. And he had come out and admitted he was attracted to her. Uncomfortable, she struggled to keep a lid on her awareness of him.

  The most disturbing to her was that as the evening progressed, her awareness escalated. All evening her heightened senses had her zeroing in on his husky voice, the heat radiating from his muscular frame, and enjoying his clean male scent.

  She was weak with relief when they were finally moving. In the glare of passing headlights, her eyes lingered on the shape of his mouth. His lips were generous, firm. She couldn’t help wondering how they felt. When she glanced up, she met his gaze. She blushed in embarrassment and then looked away.

  When the car turned onto the Morgan property, her entire body was taut with tension. Finally, the car slowed to a stop.

  ‘Almost over,’ she silently repeated as she picked up her purse. She jumped when her door opened and the lights came on. They weren’t blinding but bright enough to cause her to blink rapidly. How had he gotten out and around car without her noticing? Goodness! She had to keep her wits about her.

  “Ready?” Darrin held out his hand.

  Ignoring the gesture, Trenna said “Just a minute, I need my keys.” Taking off her gloves, she searched the bottom of her small bag, retrieving a tube of lip-gloss, her compact, cell phone, and packet of tissues, but no keys.

  But Darrin was too close. When Trenna felt the brush of his sleeve, she dropped the purse, spilling the contents over the dark carpet.

  “Oh no!” She exclaimed.

  “Let me help.” Before she could protest, he pulled out a pencil-slim flashlight from his pocket and leaned in to gather up her things and dropped them in her lap.

  “Thanks.”

  “Makes no sense why females carry around such expensive designer luggage they call handbags when a pocket can serve the same purpose.”

  She quirked a brow. “Right. And you know this how?”

  He gave her a cocky grin, causing her heart to pick up speed.

  “Just an observation.”

  Realizing she was staring, she quickly looked away. She searched her coat pockets and ran her hand between the seat cushions. Mumbling she said, “I was sure that I put them in my purse. Oh!”

  “Find them?”

  She nodded, the keys were inside the zipped compartment. She hands shook from nerves. For heaven’s sake, she had certainly had her share of key issues that day, enough to last a lifetime.

  Cupping her elbow, he helped her out of the car. “Do you need to go into the building?”

  She was so rattled it took her a moment to say, “No.”

  “What about your briefcase? Laptop?” he asked as he laced his fingers with hers.

  Already struggling to ignore his warmth, she was now forced to contend with his long length as well as his delicious scent. It wasn’t fair. Goodness, why did he have to be so darn attractive? He seemed
to radiate with a heat that sizzled along her nerve-endings. The sensations were intense, sharper than any she’d ever recalled experiencing.

  She didn’t want the unwelcome reminder of what happened this morning, when he had slid his hand into her pocket. And now he was doing it again, invading her space. This had to stop.

  Trenna pulled her hand free. He was a danger to her peace of mind. This recent claim for friendship was only a ploy to get under her skin. Underestimating her intelligence was a pet peeve of hers. One she refused to overlook.

  Even if she wanted to, she couldn’t say that he had not been honest. He asked her out the day they met. He wanted her and she wanted no part of him. There had been no pretense. They knew were they stood with each other, until now.

  But his offer to help her foundation had thrown her off-balance. It was an unexpected complication…a complication that she had no choice but to take seriously. The Murrays’ sponsorship could make a major difference not only to her but also to the low-income children in the neighborhood. Everything would be just perfect, if she believed he sincerely wanted to be friends. But she didn’t.

  Darrin Morgan wanted more than a few dates. He wanted involvement. Plus, he was a normal, healthy, virile male, who eventually expected to have sex with his partner. It was a shame she wasn’t bold enough to tell him why he was wasting his time trying to romance her. The memories were too painful to talk about. The past was better left where it was: in the past.

  She didn’t want to think about him, didn’t want to care about him. She would never tell him her secrets. What was the point? They were barely friends, hardly candidates to be romantically involved.

  Besides, she had been married long enough to know what men expected. Once involved, sex became an obligation, one she was unwilling to revisit. Those days were behind her. She could happily live the rest of her life without sex.

  She had never discussed the intimacy problems in her marriage with anyone, not even her best friend. It was humiliating. She’d rather forget and then pretend it had never happened. She'd lost count of the times she had blamed herself for failing to satisfy her husband. It wasn’t that she hadn’t tried to make him happy, to be a perfect wife, but she failed over and over again. Blame and shame became daily companions. No matter what she had tried, it was never enough.