Tender Touch
Page 34
Jade took a deep breath. She and Shaena had argued over this many times with Jade defending the social programs. After seeing Bill Lang in action this morning, it was hard to argue with her friend. Still, Jade could not agree with the conservative solutions to cut entire programs.
“We can write in safeguards so services do what they were intended to, not ditch worthy programs because of a few greedy jerks,” Jade said.
“A lot are plain political pork, Jade. You know it.” Shaena waded in with her familiar charge. “Nothing more than spoils for delivering votes to old-boy network black politicians.”
“Then let’s fight the devastating cuts and men like Bill who use programs for their own benefit.”
Shaena steered Jade through the open doors of the elevators. “Yeah, yeah. I’m sure we’ll be debating more social issues at great length some time—just not now.” She wore a mischievous grin as she waved goodbye.
“What?” Jade turned to find herself in Damon’s arms.
“Hello, pretty baby.” Damon winked at her. “Going my way?” He kissed her long and deeply as the elevator doors whisked shut.
* * *
Jade purr with satisfaction at the deep blue sky overhead, emerald green water below and a warm breeze that tickled her cheek. Soft white sand gleamed in the late afternoon sun. From the restaurant patio, the beauty of the island seemed laid out just for her. She became even warmer at the sight of Damon approaching. The light green cotton shirt clung to his broad chest. His muscled thighs—dark skin set off against the white shorts he wore—rippled as he walked. Female heads turned, their eyes taking in the sight of such marvelous masculinity on parade. Down girls, this one is all mine, Jade giggled to herself.
“Here we go, sweet thing.” Damon handed her a tall glass with slices of pineapple. “One for you and one for me.” He settled down in the chair beside her.
“Paradise. Barbados pure and simple.” Jade took a sip of the rum concoction and wiggled her scarlet-painted toenails.
“Especially with you here.” Damon’s gaze traveled from her feet up her body to her face. “Hmm, hmm good.”
“You sassy thing.” Jade pinched his arm. “Seriously, thank you for the wonderful idea of getting away. If you hadn’t, I’d still be slogging away in the bowels of state government.” She stretched with a languid movement.
“You needed a break after the last few months.” Damon did not need to add more.
“Yes, but maybe I shouldn’t have left my family just yet. Lanessa has a long hard road ahead, Damon.” Jade bit her lip.
Lanessa was far from cured. Jade knew that each day was a challenge for her sister, especially now that she was back at home. Lanessa had insisted on living in her own home. She rejected her parents’ suggestion that she live with them or Jade’s offer to move in with her.
“She’s determined to make it, Jade. And she will with the love and support she’s getting from y’all,” Damon said.
Jade remembered her last visit with Lanessa before leaving on vacation. Her older sister had seemed more in charge, more at ease than ever before. “You’re right.”
“Well, you won’t have to worry about Bill Lang for a while at least. He’s gone down in disgrace, back to his old position.” Damon gave a grunt of approval.
“I hear he’s pretty much considered poison these days.” She stared out over the water.
Jade could not help but feel some sympathy for the man. Bill was back in his old civil service position with little authority to do much—painful for someone grown accustomed to power. He was given meaningless tasks, no staff and shared a secretary with employees with less rank. Still, he would survive.
“He’ll land on his feet like any good alley cat.” Damon seemed to read her mind. “Don’t waste any tears on William Jefferson Lang.” He put down his glass. “Now let’s forget everyone and everything else back home for the next few days.”
“You’re right. What next?” Jade happily joined in his effort to sweep away serious thoughts.
“Come here.” Damon stood up and extended his hand.
Jade’s heart skipped at the sight of him reaching out to her. This beautiful man was all she wanted for now and forever. Framed against the lush, tropical background, he was a dream come true. She put her hand in his. Damon led her down onto the soft sand. Music from a steel drum band in the lounge began to play as though on cue. He swept her into his arms around in a circle to the sensuous Caribbean rhythm, their hips swaying in time to the beat.
“Jade, will you marry me?” Damon whispered in her ear.
“Oh, my goodness.” Jade pressed her forehead against his chest.
“I want to be with you for the rest of my life.” Damon brushed his lips against her earlobe. “I want to make love to you in our bed. Will you marry me, baby?”
“My goodness” was all she could manage. She felt a dizzy, marvelous kind of intoxication that did not come from liquor.
“I love you with all my heart.” He lifted her chin and kissed her with tenderness. “Now this is the part where you say...” he murmured, his lips against hers, coaxing, urging her.
“Yes,” Jade whispered. “Oh, yes.”
So... What happened to Lanessa? Read her story!
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Lynn’s novels are set in the Bayou State and explore Louisiana’s exciting present and exotic history. From the big cities to the stunningly beautiful and mysterious swamplands, stories of intrigue, secrets and murder play out on the pages. A native of the state, her knowledge of folklore, the uniquely colorful politics and crime combine to spice up each tale. For a complete list of Lynn’s novels and to read more about her visit:
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