Love’s Serenade

by Sheryl Lister

  “Why wouldn’t it?” She waved at a woman she had met a few months ago at a poetry reading.

  “Because you’re as affected by me as I am you.”

  Leigh faced him and put a hand on her hip. “I am not.” Miles took two steps away. “What are you doing?”

  “Moving out of the way so I don’t get struck by lightning from the lie you just told,” he said with a chuckle.

  She couldn’t stop the laughter that spilled from her lips. “Oh, hush.”

  Miles took her hand again and pulled her into a sweet shop. “Can I tempt you with a bowl of vanilla ice cream? I know it’s your favorite.”

  She stared at him in wonder. “You remembered?”

  “Sweetheart, I remember everything about you. So?”

  It took her a moment to process his words. “What did you just say?”

  “I asked if you wanted ice cream.”

  “Not that.”

  He repeated it. “I know that you like ice cream, dunk your toast in your coffee and can make a prize-winning apple pie.” He moved closer and reached for a strand of her hair. “I know that you love reading and art sculptures and that you twirl your hair around your finger when you’re thinking or when something is bothering you,” he continued passionately. “More?”

  Leigh couldn’t form an answer to save her life. Had he really paid that much attention to her in the few months that they had been together?

  “I remember your sounds of pleasure when I touch you and kiss you.”

  Her knees turned to jelly. “I…I think we should get that ice cream.” She snatched open the door and left him standing there. She drew in a deep breath and tried to calm her runaway heartbeat. Keeping him at a distance would be harder than she ever imagined.

  Chapter 4

  Wednesday evening, Miles dressed for the show at the Magnolia Club and smiled. For four nights, he and Leigh had given performances that kept the audience coming back. More and more people squeezed into the space to hear what had been described as the best jazz anywhere uptown. Leigh. Spending time with her had been his only goal when he drove from Chicago to New York and he couldn’t have planned it any better. However, they hadn’t spent much time together outside of singing since the last Friday when he bought her ice cream.

  Miles hadn’t meant to say all those things to her yet. He’d wanted her to get used to him being around for a while. But once he started, he couldn’t stop. He also wanted her to know he remembered how it felt to have her touch him, how it felt to make love to her. She’d given him her most precious gift—something that should be for a husband—and he should have done more to protect and care for her. Instead, he gave in to the turmoil inside that wouldn’t allow him to stay. There had been a couple of other women, but he always ended up comparing them to Leigh. They seemed to sense someone else occupied the space in his heart and didn’t mind him moving on. Miles buttoned his vest, laced up his shoes and grabbed his jacket. He didn’t want any other woman but her. However, to have her, he would have to change his life and he still didn’t know if he could. He grabbed his hat. Maybe it would be best to keep his distance until he figured it out. Then again, he didn’t think he could do that, either.

  When Miles arrived at the club, he immediately sought out Leigh. A hostess told him he’d find her in the dressing room, so he went and knocked on the door. A moment later, it opened. His gaze traveled from the slight rise of her breasts above the low-cut ivory dress that clung enticingly to her hips and ended a couple of inches above her knees. She had on a matching pair of ivory heels.

  “Miles. Hi. Is something wrong?”

  “You look beautiful.” She gave him a shy smile. “And there’s nothing wrong. I just wanted to see you.”

  Leigh rolled her eyes. “You’ll see me in twenty minutes on the stage.”

  He grinned. “True. But I can’t do this on the stage.” He bent and brushed his lips across hers. “See you in a bit.” Miles hustled himself down the hallway and into the dining area and drew in a couple of deep breaths. Had he stayed one more moment, neither of them would have been on the stage at show time. He wanted to reacquaint himself with the sweet taste of her kiss, the feel of her soft skin and hear her breathless sighs of pleasure. He signaled the bartender. The man came over and poured him a small shot of whiskey, which he promptly downed.

  Miles made his way to the stage and took his place to warm up with the band. Fifteen minutes later, the announcer appeared.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give a big round of applause for the Magnolia Club band and Miss Leigh Jones.”

  That was his cue. He launched into the first tune and Leigh strutted out. It was a good thing he knew the songs as well as he knew himself because he couldn’t take his eyes off her. At one point, she came and sat next to him on the piano bench as they sang a blues duet. She leaned into him and it took every ounce of his control to keep playing and not haul her into his arms and kiss her like he’d been wanting to since the first day he saw her almost a month ago.

  Miles had never been so glad to see the set end. The softness of her curves pressed against him and the sweet smell of her perfume wreaked havoc on his senses. He watched Leigh laugh and mingle and wanted to tell Liz to cancel the next set and send everyone home so he could have her to himself.

  “Man, if you don’t stop looking at her like that, you’re going to burn the place down.”

  He turned at the sound of the trumpet player’s voice. “I don’t know what you mean, Willie.”

  “Leigh. Anybody can see that she’s caught your eye.” Willie glanced her way, then turned back to Miles. “I can’t blame you, though. She’s something special.”

  “Yes, she is,” he said, not taking his eyes off her.

  Willie laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m going to get something to drink. You want me to bring you something back?”

  “No. I’m good.” Finally, Leigh started in his direction. She stopped to talk to Liz before going toward the back door that led to her dressing room. Miles followed her. “You’re putting on quite a show tonight.”

  “That’s what they pay me for, isn’t it?” Leigh asked with a sassy smile.

  “Are you sure it’s not something else?”

  “Something like what? It’s my job to give them what they want,” she added with a laugh.

  He closed the distance between them. “What about what I want? Will you do the same for me?”

  She lowered her head. “I…I thought we agreed to focus on the music and that’s all.”

  “I never agreed to that. I told you before I’m here for you.” Miles tilted her chin and stroked a finger down her cheek. “And what I want is this.” He lowered his head and kissed her slowly, thoroughly, like he’d dreamed about. He found her kiss just as sweet as he remembered. He slid an arm around her waist, drew her closer and deepened the kiss, her soft curves pressing against his hard body. Feeling himself on the brink of losing control, he eased back, but continued to gift her with fleeting kisses along her jaw and in the hollow of her neck. “You, Leigh. What I want is you.” He kissed her once more, then left while he still could.

  *

  Leigh slumped against the wall, her eyes closed and her breathing ragged. The kiss had literally stolen her breath and brought back every moment of their time together. It also reminded her how easily it had been to fall for him. “I cannot fall for this man again,” she muttered, still trying to get control of her runaway pulse. She heard a noise behind her and jumped slightly. Her eyes snapped open. Liz came down the stairs, concern etched in her face.

  “You okay, Leigh?”

  “Fine,” she lied.

  Liz studied her, and then smiled.

  “What?” Had her hair become mussed when Miles kissed her? Leigh instinctively brought her hand up to smooth down her hair.

  “So you and Miles are back together.” It was more statement than question.

  “No. Miles and I aren’t anything.” Not exactly th
e truth, but if she said it enough, maybe she could convince herself.

  “You sure about that?” Liz continued her descent and stopped in front of Leigh. “Your lips say something entirely different.”

  She blinked.

  Liz walked past Leigh and called over her shoulder, “Oh, and you might want to fix your lipstick before the next set.” She left, her laughter trailing.

  Leigh’s hand came up to her lips and she immediately snatched it down. “That Miles.” She took refuge in her dressing room for the next few minutes. Staring at her lips in the mirror, she noticed they were slightly puffy, her lipstick barely visible. She reapplied the deep ruby color and leaned back in the chair. You, Leigh. What I want is you. Miles’s words came back to her in a rush. Admittedly, parts of her were flattered that he’d come just to find her. Then again, he could have been lying to get what he wanted. He’s never lied to you before, an inner voiced chimed. Leigh stood and adjusted her dress. “No, he didn’t lie, but he broke my heart.” She would do well to remember that.

  On stage again, it didn’t take much for her to become lost in the music. Music always made her happy in ways nothing else did. Whenever she felt anger or sadness, she would start singing and her mood lifted. Though, she didn’t know what kind of mood Miles was trying to rouse in her right now. Earlier, he had accused her of being playful during what had become their signature song. This time he turned the tables on her and she found herself being pulled into a sensual web from which she couldn’t escape. His eyes touched her as surely as if it were his hands, and his voice seduced her, beckoning her to let go. Leigh shook herself free of his spell and launched into the final song of the night, an up-tempo feel-good jazz number.

  When it was over, she smiled out at the crowd, curtsied then gestured toward the band. Each man bowed. Loyce helped her down from the stage and she went to the bar to get a glass of water. She took a seat at a recently vacated table and, as she sipped, she discreetly took peeks at Miles as several women surrounded him, smiling flirtatiously. For some reason, the sight bothered her more than she cared to admit. Leigh was fighting a losing battle and she didn’t know what to do about it. Fortunately, she had tomorrow off and didn’t have to see him. Hopefully, by Friday with some much-needed space, she’d be back on an even keel and better equipped to handle the man.

  “Miss Leigh?”

  Leigh glimpsed over her shoulder and sighed inwardly. Caleb Smith had been asking her out since the first night she’d sang in the club and she’d politely declined each time. He seemed nice, but he couldn’t be a day over eighteen. She wasn’t looking to start up with anyone, least of all someone so young. “Hello, Caleb.”

  Caleb thrust a bunch of wildflowers at her. “These are for you.”

  She accepted the flowers. “Thank you. They’re very nice.”

  “Thanks,” he said with a shy smile. An awkward silence ensued. Finally, he said, “My mom grows the flowers in her garden.”

  Just as she suspected. She wondered if his mother knew he frequented the dinner club. It was nearly midnight. Again he stood there. “Was there something you wanted, Caleb?” she asked gently.

  “I was going to ask you out to dinner again, but you’ll probably say no again, so…” He glanced up at her with a hopeful expression.

  She shook her head. “Caleb, you’re a very nice young man, but I don’t think we’d suit.” Out of her periphery, she saw Miles headed their way and prayed he would behave.

  Miles came and stood behind her chair with his hands braced on the top. “Excuse me, Leigh. Do you mind if we discuss Friday’s show? I’m about to head out.”

  Leigh made the introductions. “Miles Cooper this is Caleb Smith. Caleb, Miles.”

  The men nodded politely.

  “I’m sorry, Caleb, but Miles and I need to talk.”

  “Sure, sure,” he said, but his expression said he wasn’t too pleased by the interruption. “I’ll see you later, Leigh.” He stood there another moment, as if he had something else to say, then nodded.

  “Good night, Caleb.”

  He made a hasty retreat and Miles pulled out a chair and sat.

  “What did you want to talk about?”

  “Another one of your admirers?”

  Leigh smiled. “He’s a nice young man. He brought me flowers.”

  Miles’s gaze shifted briefly to the flowers then back up at Leigh. “Young, being the key word. His mama would keel over if he brought you home, with you singing that devil music and all.”

  She burst out laughing and swatted Miles on the arm. “That’s not a nice thing to say.”

  “But it’s the truth,” he said, joining her laughter. He quieted. “So should I bring you flowers?”

  “I thought you wanted to talk about the music.”

  “I lied.”

  Her mouth fell open. “Miles Cooper, what am I going to do with you?”

  He shrugged. “That kid had been talking to you long enough. It seems like you have quite a few men who are sweet on you, if tonight is any indication.”

  Leigh stared at him. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were jealous.”

  “And if I am?”

  She had no ready answer. She hadn’t encouraged any of her suitors, but that didn’t stop them from asking. Was he really jealous?

  “I may be crazy and selfish, but I want to be the only man to put a smile on your face, the only one to bring you flowers and ice cream, and anything else your heart desires.”

  His words touched her. “Oh, Miles.”

  Miles brought her hand to his lips. “I know I messed up, Leigh, but I want another chance.”

  Leigh had to look away or drown. His earnest plea had her ready to throw caution to the wind. “I don’t want to go through the same thing with you walking away without a backwards glance, leaving only a note.”

  He released her hand and scrubbed a hand down his face. “I apologized for that, Leigh and I don’t envision doing the same thing again.”

  “You say that now, but what about three months from now?”

  “I’m not planning to leave. Unless you’re leaving with me.” He held out his hand. “Let me prove it to you.”

  She hesitated before placing her hand in his and hoped she wasn’t making a mistake.

  “Thank you. May I see you to your door? I don’t plan to come in,” Miles added. He leaned forward. “But I do want a good night kiss. I figure better there than down here.”

  The club had virtually emptied, as it would be closing soon. Only a few stragglers remained. If they saw Miles follow her out, gossip would attach itself to her like fleas on a dog.

  “I won’t be up there long enough for anyone to think anything is going on other than me walking you to your door,” he said, as if reading her mind. “I’ll even go out the front and come around through the back entrance, if it makes you feel better.”

  Leigh breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.” Miles stood and helped her to her feet. She discreetly handed him a key. “This is to the back door.” To anyone watching, it would appear as if he were saying goodbye. Only she knew better. She gave him a wave, said good night to those still milling about and exited.

  Miles appeared at her door a few minutes later and knocked softly.

  She opened the door and saw him leaning against the frame with his hands in his pockets. Without a word, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

  “Good night.” He touched his mouth to hers once more, turned and loped down the hallway toward the back stairs.

  Leigh closed the door and, with a smile, floated off to bed.

  *

  Leigh completed her laundry and sat down at the table to finally write the letter to her parents. She had no idea how to start, and ended up beginning with an apology for worrying them. She let them know where she lived and that she was well. She ended it by saying she hoped they could forgive her one day. Tears stung her eyes. She missed her parents. Rising, she placed it in the envelope she
’d left in her room, picked up her handbag and walked to the post office. Even if they didn’t respond, she felt better for having sent it.

  Upon her return, she found Miles waiting by her door. She had forgotten she’d given him her spare key. “What are you doing here?” she whispered, taking furtive glances up and down the hall. An older woman who considered herself the moral authority in the building rented the apartment next to Leigh. She turned her nose up at Leigh and Liz, and complained about the music being played in the club. Why she continued to rent in a place owned by “heathens” was beyond Leigh.

  “I wanted to see you.”

  She quickly unlocked her door and ushered him in. Before she could take two steps, he closed the door, hauled her in his arms and kissed her until she saw stars.

  “Do you have any plans tonight?”

  Leigh didn’t know how he expected her to answer. He had every inch of her body awake and clamoring for more of his magnificent kisses. She finally managed to say, “No. Why?”

  “Would you like to accompany me to a gathering? I’m sure there’ll be poetry readings and art.”

  Miles knew she would never turn down an opportunity to view art. She loved it almost as much as singing and had purchased two paintings that she left behind. Anger bubbled up inside her when she thought about her favorite sculpture. She’d spent most of her savings on the Hiawatha bust sculpted by Edmonia Lewis. She’d been surprised to see it as part of an estate sale since many of her pieces had been lost. And Percy had stolen it. He’d asked her about its worth on one occasion and insinuated the money it brought in would be helpful in starting his church. She pointedly told him it was none of his business and not for sale. But on the visit to ostensibly ask her father for her hand, the sculpture had mysteriously disappeared. Pushing down the emotion, she smiled. “I’d love to go, but I don’t have a fancy dress.” Leigh hadn’t been to any gatherings as a guest and had spent most of her money on clothes she needed for her job.

  “I’m sure you’ll look beautiful in anything you wear. It starts at eight, but I’d like to have dinner before with you beforehand, if that’s all right.”