This Tender Melody

by Kianna Alexander

  * * *

  Darius stood in his bathroom mirror, brushing his hair. The sounds of Duke Ellington and his orchestra, on WJAZ’s Saturday Night Swing Party, floated into the small, well-lit space from the stereo in the living room.

  After applying a splash of cologne on his bare chest, Darius flipped off the light and made his way to the bedroom. He glanced at the digital clock on his nightstand. In about a half an hour, Eve would be there.

  He’d invited her to come over and watch a movie with him, and get acquainted with Chance. He’d also come to a decision that would affect both of them, and he wanted to tell her about it in private. After pulling on the gray silk shirt he’d chosen, he fastened the column of buttons going down the front.

  As he slid into the kitchen to put away the clean dishes in the dish rack, he heard a whimper at his feet. He looked down into the big brown eyes of his golden retriever, who pawed at his sock-clad foot.

  He chuckled. “Don’t worry, buddy. I haven’t forgotten about you.” Opening the lower cabinet next to his refrigerator, he pulled out the bag of dog food he kept there. Pouring Chance a dish of it, and setting it down on the floor with a full dish of water to accompany it, he went into the living room. Once he’d shut off the radio he flopped down on the couch.

  With the remote, he turned on the TV. It always stayed on ESPN, and he found himself right in the middle of the six-o’clock SportsCenter broadcast. The ticker tape whizzed by with the day’s sports scores, and he scanned it for the results of his favorite matchups.

  Just as the show came to an end, a knock sounded at the front door. As he always did, Chance bounded to the door, filling the room with loud barks.

  “Chance, chill out.” Darius crossed the room.

  Chance did as he was told, and took a seat near the door, his tail flapping against the carpeted floor.

  Darius unlocked the door and opened it.

  On the other side, Eve stood, carrying a bottle of wine. She smiled. “Hi.”

  He let his eyes sweep over her curves in the long flowing green sundress she wore. The thin straps bared the tempting nooks of her neck and shoulders, and the gold sandals revealed her bright pink toenails.

  “Hi. Come on in.” Stepping aside, he let her enter his apartment.

  She placed the bottle of wine on the kitchen counter, then stooped down to stroke Chance’s head. “You must be Chance,” she cooed. “Nice to meet you, boy.”

  The golden retriever licked her hand with appreciation, and Darius smiled at their interaction. Within seconds, she’d already won Chance over. “Come on in the living room and have a seat.”

  With a gentle hand on the small of her back, he guided her to the sofa, where they both sat down.

  She kicked off her sandals, tucking her pink toenails underneath her shapely bottom. “So, what movie are we watching?”

  He smiled as he used the remote to change the channel. “Well, since you told me you liked jazz, I thought we’d watch a biography of one of the greatest.”

  She leaned toward him, her cocoa eyes sparkling with interest. “Really?”

  “Yep. It’s Lady Sings the Blues.” He switched the television to the correct channel as the movie began.

  She moved closer to him, snuggling into his side. “Oh, I love this movie. I haven’t seen it in years.”

  He held her close, and settled in to watch the film.

  When it ended, she wiped away the tears streaming down her beautiful brown cheeks with the back of her hand. “That movie always gets me,” she whispered.

  He dashed away a wayward tear with his finger. “Don’t worry about it. Your compassion is part of what makes you so...beautiful.” He punctuated the last word by touching his lips to hers.

  When he pulled away, she looked up at him, her shining eyes filled with wonder. “You are amazing. When you kiss me like that—I can’t even think straight.”

  He chuckled. “Good. I wouldn’t want that pesky thinking getting in the way of this...” He pulled her closer and kissed her again. Feeling her lips part, he searched the depths of her mouth with his tongue, drawing the sweetness from her until she groaned beneath his lips.

  “What?” he asked, his voice as soft as his heart for her. “Do you want to tell me something?”

  Much to his amusement, she fanned herself with a hand. Taking a deep breath, she said. “Yes, I do. I wanted to ask you to be my escort to the launch party for MyBusiness Sapphire.”

  He thought for a moment. “Really? Don’t you think that will complicate things?”

  “I don’t care. I’m going to be with you, regardless of what the board says.” She stroked his cheek, batting her eyelashes. “You will go with me, won’t you?”

  He smiled at her false coyness. “Sure. I’m assuming I need a tuxedo for this party.” He wasn’t a fan of tuxedos. Black tie was rarely required when he was relaxing at his beach house or traveling for pleasure.

  She nodded. “You knew the CEO job would involve stuff like this, right?”

  He’d known something like this was coming, but he’d hoped to put off the stuffy side of the job for as long as possible. “Yes. I’ll take care of it Monday.” He ran a caressing hand over her bare shoulders. “Is that all you wanted to talk about?”

  The blush filled her cheeks again. “I—suppose so.”

  “I’ve got something to tell you.” He braced himself, because he had no idea how she would react to what he was about to say.

  She looked at him expectantly.

  “I’m giving up my position as CEO.”

  Her eyes widened. “What? Why?”

  “Because the board is giving me hell about this, and I know you can handle the job. And, to be honest, I’m not the executive type.” He gripped her shoulders gently. “This job was meant for you. It’s what Mr. Franklin really wanted.”

  Her eyelids fluttered, as did the fan of dark lashes.

  “Don’t worry about me. I’m pretty eager to get back to enjoying my retirement.”

  She sighed, her gaze dropping to her lap. “I guess you’ve already made the decision, then.”

  “You can do this, Eve.”

  She looked unsure, but nodded. “I’ve been thinking about it.” She stood, stretched. “If my mother and the board agree, then I’ll do it.”

  “Good.” He stood, drawing her by the hand to stand with him. “Then come with me.”

  “Where?”

  He shook his head, loving her play at innocence. “To my bedroom. While you’re still feeling adventurous.” He pulled her into his arms again, and kissed her until he felt her shivering within his embrace.

  He led her by the hand down the hallway, kicking the bedroom door shut behind them.

  Chapter 19

  Riding in the back of Eve’s chauffeured car, Darius straightened his bow tie as they made their way to the ritzy Park Hotel for the launch party of FTI’s new software. As he watched the twinkling lights of the Charlotte skyline glistening through the tinted window, he drew a deep, steadying breath.

  Please, God, don’t let me embarrass myself in front of these people.

  Turning away from the window, he let his eyes sweep over her again. She held a small, lighted mirror compact in front of her face as she freshened her lipstick. She looked radiant tonight: the shimmering silver halter gown she wore hugged her curves in all the right places. Her upswept hair and smoky eyes gave her the look of the sophisticated, classy woman she was. He resisted the urge to lick his lips. “You look so beautiful tonight.”

  Closing the compact, she smiled his way. “Thank you, Darius. You know, that’s the third time you’ve told me that since we picked you up.”

  “I know. But when you look that good, it bears repeating.”

  She reached out, stroking his clean-sha
ven cheek. “You look mighty handsome yourself, Mr. Winstead.” She adjusted the silver bow tie he’d chosen to coordinate with her dress. “I think I just might have the most handsome escort in the room tonight.”

  Her gentle touch and kind words soothed his nerves. “I don’t know about all that, but thanks for the compliment.”

  As she placed the compact back in her handbag, he watched her with appreciative, hungry eyes. What a woman.

  The ride soon came to an end, as the sedan pulled into the crowded parking lot adjacent to the Park. The driver opened his door. Darius stepped out into the crisp night air, then went around to the other side of the vehicle to help Eve out.

  With an enchanting femininity, she took his extended hand and moved out of the limo, pulling her silk wrap around her shoulders. She gave a nod to the driver, and he stepped back, allowing Darius to escort his beautiful girlfriend toward the open glass doors of the hotel.

  As they crossed the courtyard to the door, he couldn’t help noticing all the limousines and dark sedans pulling in to deposit their important, well-attired passengers. A sea of people in tuxedos and fancy gowns moved in the same direction. Looking around at the crowd made him glad he’d relinquished the CEO position. He was a blue-jeans kind of guy, and he’d hate to have to fancy up like this too often.

  Taking his mind off the crowd, he turned his focus back to getting inside the hotel with the stunning woman on his arm. They entered through the open door, and a black-coated hotel employee showed them to the main ballroom.

  The ballroom buzzed with combined voices of a thousand conversations, and the soft sound of classical piano being piped into the room. Black-coated waiters drifted through the field of white-clothed tables, passing trays of appetizers.

  The exquisitely decorated space was quite a sight, but paled in comparison to Eve.

  “We have a table reserved at the front.” She was already weaving through the tables. “Come on. I’m sure Mom’s waiting.”

  He followed her toward their aforementioned seats.

  Without warning, she stopped dead in her tracks. He backed up a few steps to keep from crashing into her. “What is it? Do you see someone you know?”

  “Unfortunately.”

  Surprised by her sudden contempt for this unseen person, he followed her gaze, until it landed on the well-dressed black man coming their way. The stranger pulled a petite Hispanic woman along by the hand.

  Darius rolled his eyes. This ought to be interesting.

  The man and his tiny companion came to a stop a few feet from them. “Eve, it’s so lovely to see you again.” He approached as if he were going to hug her.

  Darius stepped into the space between Eve and the “fancy man.” “Whoa. Back up there, brotherman.”

  The expensive suit looked at Darius with cold eyes, as if he’d just noticed him. “I’m sorry. Who are you?”

  Eve stepped forward. “He’s my date, Jeffrey.”

  Jeffrey snorted. “Oh, you mean this is your new boyfriend?” He looked Darius up and down, his beady little eyes filled with malice. “And to think you could have been with me.”

  She snapped, “But thank God I had better sense than that.”

  Jeffrey frowned. “Why are you so hostile, Eve? You should really be more open-minded. Rosie is.” He looked down at his vapid, smiling date.

  Having at least six inches and fifty pounds on the dude, Darius clenched his fist. “And you really need to get away from us before I stuff your girl’s purse down your throat.”

  Jeffrey stepped back. “There’s no need for that ‘street’ attitude.”

  Angered by his insinuation, Darius jumped at the pompous little man.

  Startled, Jeffrey flinched. Then, without another word, he dragged his date away.

  Darius shook his head. “How do you know that guy?”

  Eve sighed. “He took me on a date months ago. Big mistake. Let’s just forget about him and enjoy the evening, okay?”

  He straightened his bow tie and took her arm once again, content to forget about Mr. Short and Mouthy and enjoy the night.

  She spotted her mother at their reserved table. “There’s Mom.” She gestured, and they made their way to where Louise was seated.

  Mrs. Franklin wore a tasteful, well-cut black gown, and looked every bit the reigning matriarch of Franklin Technologies.

  Eve’s mother stood, and the two women embraced. “You look lovely tonight, dear,” Louise said.

  “Thanks, Mom. You look great, too.” Eve stepped away from her mother, and turned to Darius.

  He chimed in. “You look lovely this evening.”

  Louise’s eyes lit with mischief. “Why, if I were twenty years younger, I’d...”

  Eve giggled. “Mother.”

  Louise laughed. “Just kidding.”

  * * *

  Watching Darius and her mother laughing and talking, Eve smiled to herself. She knew he was uncomfortable, but he was doing just fine. Besides, he didn’t need to impress any of them to marry her.

  As that thought crossed her mind, she blinked. Where had that come from? They had admitted their feelings for each other, but who knew where the road would lead?

  For now, she decided it would be best if she turned her thoughts away from the distracting prospect of becoming Mrs. Darius Winstead. Instead, she focused on her speech.

  Reaching into her silver sequined clutch, she pulled out the lavender note cards she’d brought, displaying the key points of her speech. Flipping through them, she thought about her father.

  More than anything, she wished he could be there.

  The launch party for MyBusiness Sapphire was planned months ago, when he’d still been in good health. Back then, he was the one slated to make the keynote address.

  So many things had changed since then. She would give anything to hear her father’s words of wisdom and encouragement right now.

  “I know, baby. I miss him, too.” Her mother’s voice broke into her thoughts.

  No words were needed, she just nodded in her mother’s direction, and tried her best to concentrate on the words on her note cards.

  Satisfied that she’d gone over her notes well enough, she allowed herself to take in the sights and sounds of the ballroom. It looked as if the Park staff spent hours decorating the large room. The white tablecloths provided a perfect backdrop for the tall, grandiose floral arrangements of dainty peonies, tall larkspur and bold yellow roses. Every detail, down to the polished silverware and the platinum-rimmed ivory china plates, had been carried out with painstaking detail. A look around was all it took for her to understand why her father insisted on having all FTI functions there.

  Two other occupants soon joined their table of three. Mimi arrived first, and Eve almost didn’t recognize her. She looked beautiful in the burgundy, high-collar dress with dragon motif she wore. Her dark, back-length hair was swept up into a high ponytail. As she took her seat between Eve and her mother, Eve complimented her taste.

  Irvin arrived last. The security chief looked very handsome in his black tuxedo with red vest and bow tie. He took his seat with a bright smile.

  “Decided to drop my serious demeanor, just for the night.”

  Waiters navigated the sea of tables, distributing the night’s dinner. She admired the presentation of the grilled mesquite filet, spinach-kale sauté and potatoes au gratin set before her. Thanking the server, she sipped from her water glass. “So, Darius, how do you like the party so far?”

  His smile traveled up to his dark brown eyes. “It’s great. I can’t wait to hear your speech, baby.”

  She stroked his cheek with her fingertips before returning her focus to her meal.

  Throughout the meal, she and the other occupants of the table enjoyed an easygoing conversation. Even as she spoke, she
couldn’t help noticing the heated glances Darius kept shooting her way.

  The lights in the ballroom lowered as Joel Kirk, FTI’s chief marketing officer, crossed the raised stage to stand behind the podium. The din of conversations in the room softened to a hush as he cleared his throat.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of our CEO, Miss Eve Franklin, and the hardworking people at Franklin Technologies, Incorporated, I’d like to welcome you to our celebration of the latest in business management software, MyBusiness Sapphire.”

  Gasps of shock filled the room, followed by applause. A smiling Joel then began to speak again. “We are proud to bring you the best in office optimization software. Tonight, you’ll learn all about our new product, and we’d like to get things started with a presentation from our chief technology officer, Ms. Li Sing Cho.”

  Joel began the applause as Li Sing, in an elegant navy blue floor-length sheath, made her way to the podium. As Li Sing introduced herself to the gathering, a white projection screen lowered behind her. Within moments, she launched into a presentation highlighting the many other benefits of the company’s new software product.

  When Li Sing finished, Eve joined in the hearty applause as she exited the stage. Joel Kirk appeared on stage again.

  “And now, without further ado,” Joel began, “I present to you the woman of the hour.” He extended his hand toward her table in a dramatic manner. “Our illustrious CEO, Ms. Eve Franklin.”

  Thunderous applause filled the air as she rose from the table, and carefully made her way up the three steps to the stage. As she crossed to the podium, she shook hands with Joel, who left the stage promptly.

  Looking out at the darkened room, she could make out a few faces, including Darius, who sat just below her. Taking a deep breath, she glanced at her first card and began to speak.

  * * *

  Darius watched Eve with rapt arousal as she stood at the podium, looking more poised and elegant than he’d ever seen her. As she spoke, her words captivated him like a siren’s song.

  “Good evening, everyone. Thank you all so much for coming out tonight. As Joel already pointed out, I took over as CEO effective yesterday. I’m fully prepared to carry my father’s vision for FTI into the future.” She paused, letting the applause rise, then die down. “Now, on with the reason we’re here. MyBusiness Sapphire is just the first in a line of brilliant office optimization software products that we at Franklin Technologies plan to release. Let me take this time to congratulate Ms. Li Sing Cho, and all the hardworking people in the research and development department for making this possible.”