“Don’t overreact,” she whispered to herself. As more minutes flitted by, she imagined all sorts of unsavory things. She drained her mug and set it down on the counter. This evening had nose-dived into drama and she was merely hanging on by her fingers.
“Denise!”
Denise jumped at the sound of her name shouted from above. Casting her hesitation aside, she ran out of the kitchen. Jaden’s call bordered on panic.
“He’s just been sick on the staircase and has passed out. He’s deadweight. I don’t think I can manage safely. Can you help me get him into the guest room?”
She nodded and stepped forward to fit her body under Calvin’s arm. His head hung limply to the side, an animallike snore rumbled up through his body and drool oozed out of his open mouth. The smell of his vomit momentarily overpowered her. She gritted her teeth and focused on the task.
Together they dragged and tugged his heavy body up the stairs, stopping a few times to catch their breaths. Finally, Calvin was stretched out across the bed in a spare bedroom. Denise looked down at his sleeping form. Jaden’s brother should awaken with a monster headache and a whole lot of appreciation that someone had watched his back.
Although she no longer held Calvin, his odor had worked its way into her clothes. She wanted to get off the clothes and take a long shower. Maybe she could wash away the shock of Jaden’s fatherhood.
“I guess you’ll be leaving now,” Jaden said, his tone soft and flat.
“Let’s clean up the stairs first. That smell is going to be hard to manage.” She noted that he hadn’t addressed Calvin’s comments. Well, she wasn’t going anywhere until he talked.
“Thanks.”
Together they made the task much easier and faster. Denise truly didn’t mind helping. She only hoped that Jaden wouldn’t stay aloof with his thoughts. Although she didn’t think that he was giving her the brush-off, she recognized that he wanted to ignore the evening’s events.
“Well, I think we’re done.” Jaden wiped his forehead. “Here, let me take those.” He reached for the sponge and various cleansers they had used to protect the floor and stair runner carpet. “You can wash up in the bathroom over there.”
Denise followed his directions. She washed her hands up to her forearms. Her hair had fallen limp around her face. Her lipstick had worn off, probably before Calvin. The rest of the makeup gave her a ghoulish look. She wadded toilet paper around her fingers, then moistened it with water and wiped away most of the foundation.
The refreshing coolness of the water improved her mood a little. The smell of Calvin had diminished and warred with the smell of the hand soap. Now she was ready to battle with Jaden. Since he wanted to pretend that his brother hadn’t delivered a shocking blow, he was about to deal with her anger. She opened the door with attitude.
“I’m not going anywhere, Jaden.” She moved in front of him to block his retreat. “I’m trying not to judge you. But things have been pretty tripped out tonight. And you could give me an explanation.” Her fingers nervously picked at the bracelet on her wrist.
“Charlene was…We had a relationship.” Jaden’s face twisted in distaste. “She used me. She stole then lied. She’s out of my life.” Jaden sidestepped her and headed for the bookcase. He pulled another book out from the shelves. His fingers riffled through the pages and then he pulled out a photograph. “I keep him next to this poem about a guardian angel.” He held out the photograph, waiting for her approach.
Denise took the photo. Her hand shook a little. She expected to see a child who looked like Jaden, his pride and joy. Instead, she saw a child of mixed parentage. She guessed he was about three years old. His face was upturned toward the camera. She saw the distinctive features of Down syndrome. Over the top of the photograph, she looked at Jaden.
“Please withhold judgment.” He took the photograph and kept it in his hand. “I feel low as it is.”
“Why?” His admission shocked her. “Do you feel guilty about this little boy?” She added, “He looks like a very sweet child.”
Jaden smiled as he looked at the photo. “Yep. He’s quite sharp. His mother used him to get to me. And as much as it pained me, I had to put distance between me and them. She was out of control.”
“You miss him.” Denise had her own guilt for prejudging Jaden.
“Yes, I do. Charlene accused me of rejecting her because of her son. He’s not mine, but I cared for him like he was. I was so afraid of Demetrius sensing any such thing from me that I stayed in the relationship longer than was healthy.”
“Do you think that you’ll see him again? Maybe in a few years?” Denise didn’t have to gain entry into Jaden’s heart to know that he was in pain over this boy.
“I want to see him. But I dare not get too close to Charlene.”
“Did you ever love her?”
“No!”
Denise heard too much anger in his tone. Her question might not have been fair. There had to be something that had drawn him to Charlene.
Now they stood facing each other, their conversation stilted. She squeezed the keys in her hand to shake off the dangerous area where her mind wandered.
“I want to stay.”
“What?” Jaden shook his head. “I think it’s better if you leave.” His gaze shifted upward, his face a worried mask.
“There you go again. Your mind is always in the gutter. You’re fine and all that, but I’m not staying to jump in the sack with you.” Denise elbowed him in the rib. “Figured you’ll need help with Calvin in the morning.”
“But what about work? Clothes? Toothbrush?”
“Stop. Thank you for the concern. I’ll leave early and head home to clean up. I promise not to show up on the job with morning breath.”
Jaden turned into the conscientious host, grabbing fresh linen and towels, and he managed to produce a new toothbrush. “My cleaning service creates houseguest welcome packets as a bonus for my hefty monthly bill.”
Denise held up the toothbrush. “Just for this they’ve earned their money.”
“You have your choice of a bedroom upstairs or one downstairs.”
“I’ll stick to downstairs.” Although she would be here to help Jaden with Calvin, she suspected that once his brother was conscious, they might have an uncivil moment upstairs.
Jaden showed her to the room, pointing out the door to the bathroom. He launched into a discourse about the room and the design. Denise didn’t care about any of that. Her mind remained occupied with her startling, brazen request to stay with Jaden. At least the twin bed didn’t invite any wild rolling around.
Now he’d moved on to the tub and the fact that he had imported it from Italy. Denise smothered a yawn and joined him in the bathroom. The room wasn’t extravagantly oversize or opulent. As far as she was concerned, the requisite shower, tub and toilet were in place.
“Jaden, I have to get some sleep.” She pushed him out of the bathroom. If he wasn’t going to cop a feel or hug her and whisper sweet nothings in her ear, then he had to go.
“Sorry, I get carried away. The place was really run-down when I bought it. The price was a steal. I gutted the interior and slowly rebuilt each room.” His face reflected his pride as he inspected various details.
Denise shoved him toward the door. She’d be sure to return the favor by bringing him on her work turf to show him Chicago’s underground pipes with all the pleasure that he exuded. But right now, she was beat.
Jaden allowed her to push him toward the door. Then he spun to face her. He stared at her, his tongue finally silent. He took a deep breath. “Looks like we won’t have an ordinary friendship.” A small smile tugged at his lips. “That is, if you’ll be my friend.”
“Try to stop me.”
“I’ll be right upstairs if you need me.” His eyes dropped to her mouth that had uttered the challenge in a husky whisper.
“And I’ll be right down here, if you need me.”
His body responded as if she were its conductor
. “Dangerous to walk in the dark.”
“Leave a light on in the kitchen to help you…or me.” She winked.
“I’m really glad you stayed.” He leaned forward and kissed her on her cheek.
Denise closed the door behind him, a huge grin on her face. She was glad that she stayed, too. Sometimes her impulsive behavior didn’t always blow up in her face.
Minutes later as she lay in the dark, she toyed with the idea of helping Jaden see Demetrius again. His concern for this special boy touched her more than anything else he could have said.
Chapter 4
Denise entered her office about an hour late. She needed a strong cup of coffee before having to face any employee issues. Her secretary’s quick footsteps dogged her the minute she passed the cubicle. As long as Sandy didn’t start talking before Denise could drown herself in caffeine, she would be ecstatic.
She entered her office. Immediately the smell of freshly brewed coffee hit her. A soft sigh escaped. “Sandy, you’re the best.”
She’d bought a small coffee machine for her office. Her daily dosage bordered on toxic. The dark brew kept her going, especially with the long hours and highly stressful job duties.
“Ms. Dixon, I have a message for you from the mayor’s office.”
“What is it?” She dropped her laptop case onto her desk and pulled out the coffeemaker that seemed permanently attached to her hand. “Well, what are you waiting on?” Sometimes Sandy seemed too hesitant. She needed to show more confidence.
“Um, your blouse is inside out.”
Denise looked down at her clothes and groaned. How many people had noticed? Her strict work ethic and stern management style didn’t earn her a “favorite boss” title. Her clothing faux pas would be the break-room gossip. As far she was concerned, the error only proved that she was not a morning person.
“I’ll close the door so you can change.”
Denise quickly fixed her wardrobe, taking the private moment also to fix her hair and retouch her lipstick. “Sandy, come back in, please.”
Her secretary’s approving grin let Denise know that she was fine again. “The mayor is having a reception on Friday evening.”
“Guess I can make it.” Denise hated giving up her evening to hobnob with politicians, especially on a Friday.
“You have another conflict. Actually, it starts later but it means that you’ll be running from one to the other.”
Denise tried to remember what could possibly be on her calendar. Rarely was it free of engagements. As a matter of fact, she was hoping that it could be cleared to spend the evening with Jaden. His goodbye kiss when she had left was a good sign.
“Your parents’ fund-raiser for the family foundation is on your calendar.”
Denise groaned. Now she remembered. Not only was it another one of her parents’ charitable events, but she had to be the host. There was no way that she could get out of it. The role rotated among her siblings. They wouldn’t take kindly to her trying to get out of it.
Sandy cleared her throat. “What do you want me to tell the mayor?”
“What else can I tell him? Yes. I’ll be there.” Her hectic schedule required fancy footwork to hit the myriad of events and appearances.
Her phone rang and Sandy hurried out the office to get it.
Her intercom buzzed. “Yes?”
“It’s a Mr. Bond.”
“One second.” Denise slipped around the desk and hurried to her door. She closed it and ran back to the phone. “Put him through.” Her mood lightened considerably. He’d called before she had broken down and contacted him. “Denise Dixon speaking.” She wondered if he sensed the deep smile on her face.
“How are you feeling?” His voice stroked her with sweet gentleness.
“Fine. I had no problem coming in. Got in early and delved right into work,” she lied in an upbeat, light voice. She slid down into her chair and swiveled from side to side. “Did Calvin eventually get up?” She’d tried to wait until he awoke, in case Jaden needed her help. But his brother was like a dead log, not budging at their calls.
“He’s up with a monster-size hangover. He vaguely remembers you but definitely doesn’t recall anything that was said.”
Denise heard the tension in Jaden’s voice. From the small space of time that she had spent with him, she knew that his brother’s shortcomings affected him. She imagined that the morning was strained and uncomfortable for them.
“I called him a taxi and sent him on his way. I think he needs help, but until he decides to change, there’s not much any of us can do.”
Denise bit back her retort, not wanting to insert herself in his family issues.
“I sound coldhearted.”
“I understand.” Denise flipped a pen through her fingers. She wanted to prompt him that he’d called her. Obviously he wanted something.
“I’m heading over to your house. Landscapers are coming to work on the back.”
“Is the deck finished?” Denise had stayed away from the property to give Jaden his space to work. Now that they had reached the tail end of the list of projects, her excitement stirred again.
“Yes, the deck is done. By the weekend, you could move in a few items. I may be able to get a few of my men to help if you need it.”
“Great news. But I may be looking for your help a little sooner.”
“Sure.”
“Friday. I have a reception, job related, at the Harvard Club. Interested in accompanying me?”
“I can’t make Friday. Sorry.”
Denise hadn’t expected him to turn her down. She’d assumed that he’d be around. After spending time together impromptu, she’d taken his availability for granted. Not that he couldn’t have a life beyond her. “No problem.” She paused. “Can we have our drink tomorrow?”
“I would love to but I’m heading out of town tonight and won’t be back until Monday. I have another project in Maryland.”
Immediately doubts crept in, teasing her with the thought that Jaden was about to execute a vanishing act. He hadn’t previously mentioned going out of town. But the last thing she wanted to do was sound desperate.
“Maybe next week?”
“Maybe,” she responded. “Why don’t you call me at the beginning of the week? I’ll see how my schedule looks. I’ve got to get back to my work. Have your project manager keep me abreast of developments.”
“Sure.”
Denise hung up. Her mood had gone south with the news of Jaden’s no-show for the remainder of the week. She punched the intercom. “Sandy, I’ll be neck deep in work. I don’t want to be disturbed for the remainder of the morning.”
Denise pulled up her e-mails, which numbered close to one hundred. Most were copies of correspondence from her various bureau heads. Reading each e-mail ate through her time, but in this political environment, she liked to keep tabs on her senior staff. Occasionally she responded with a counterargument, always seeking a different angle on a situation for a fresh solution.
Puzzled that no appointment reminders had popped up on the screen, she double-checked her calendar. Two items were boldfaced in their respective slots. She clicked on one link to find a meeting to discuss future meetings of a task force. She classified that type of meeting as a waste of time. The other meeting dealt with human resources to fill a vacancy. An employee had been recommended for termination.
A knock on the office door interrupted her.
“Yes, Sandy, what is it?”
Her secretary remained in the doorway. In her gray-skirt suit and sensible black pumps, she looked miserable. “I’m sorry, but the man who just called here has called six times. He said that he has to talk to you. He won’t take no for an answer.” Sandy wrung her hands.
“It’s okay, Sandy. Pass the call through.” She waited for her phone to ring.
“Yes, Jaden.”
“I know you’re angry.”
“You’ve lost me there. I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
<
br /> “Our last conversation led me to believe that I had done or said the wrong thing. You ended things with finality.”
“Jaden, I’m at work. I try to separate work from play. Playtime is over.” She’d treat him like some of her peers who tested her—cool, respectful, reserved. “You’re busy. I’m busy.”
“I really can’t make it. I don’t want you to think that I’m giving you the brush-off.”
“Sounds like a guilty conscience. Why would I think such a thing?”
“Don’t know. Just a vibe.”
Denise had to admit that she did feel better now that Jaden had called her back. His intuition was dead-on. But her flash of anger had dissipated when she heard his voice. Letting him off the hook wasn’t as big a deal as she pretended.
“We’ll get together next week.”
“Sure.”
Now Denise returned to work in a much better mood. She went through as many e-mails as she could and bought lunch for Sandy as an apology for snapping at her.
Jaden stuffed the cell phone into his pocket and continued on with his inspection of the deck. Denise’s house was coming together just as planned and designed. Some projects didn’t fare so well. He was glad that he had a dependable crew.
“Jaden, I see you added overhead fans upstairs. It wasn’t in the original plans. I’ll need to put the wiring in place.” Leonard lit a cigarette and inhaled, waiting for a response.
“The owner asked, so I deliver.” He looked out at the workers in the backyard but was really casting a keen eye on his friend. “What’s got you so worked up? Thought you quit that stuff.”
Leonard looked at his cigarette and dropped it into his cup. Wispy tendrils of smoke escaped through his nostrils. He squinted through the haze. “Susan is having issues. Preeclampsia.”
“High blood pressure?” Jaden sucked in his breath. He shuddered to think what his friend and wife were going through.
“She’s on bed rest. Everything’s stable, baby-wise. But she’s distraught. I don’t know what to do. Nothing I try seems to be good enough.” His friend pulled out another cigarette.
Gamble on Love Page 6