“Okay. I was supposed to have been at a business conference last weekend, but we had the meeting with Daris, so I didn’t go. My uncle is going to be pissed that I missed it and didn’t tell him. I was supposed to meet with an important client.”
“You didn’t have to put your work responsibilities aside for me. But I do appreciate it. Hopefully it will have been worth the risk. And what’s he going to do, fire you? I doubt that will happen.”
“No, it’s not as dire as that. I probably should have told him already, but I was waiting for the right time.”
He lifted a finger to trace the strap of my nightie, letting it fall to the side of my breast. I sucked in a breath, feeling an immediate surge of heat between my legs. I almost cursed. It was so like him to distract me from a serious conversation by teasing me.
Of course, it worked.
I turned my face up to his and was rewarded with a gentle kiss. My hand strayed from his jean-clad thigh to his hip, and he turned to pull me close. Soon I was lost in sensation, his taste, touch, and even the scent of him drawing me into a trance. The problems we would face tomorrow faded from my mind like yesterday’s news. All that mattered now was losing myself in this man I had grown to love.
* * *
Spencer
I didn’t know what time it was, but it had to be at least two a.m. Melanie lay next to me, warm and soft and lightly snoring. I couldn’t sleep, even after the shattering orgasm I’d had earlier. We had reached that stage where we knew each other’s bodies well, taking our pleasure to even greater heights. Yet, there was still so much we hadn’t done, so much left to explore between us.
When naked and loving each other, there was an honesty—nothing was hidden. We were intimate, real, and completely ourselves. At least, physically. I wanted so much for us to be as close emotionally and mentally as we were physically, but I didn’t know how to get there.
Not when I was being such a fraud.
Melanie deserved better than me. I had never lied to her—or to anyone, for the record—but I was guilty of the sin of omission.
I turned away from her, facing the wall of windows that looked out over the city. The moon was full, its iridescent shape a beacon in the black night sky. My intentions had been pure, like the pearl-white moon, but the darkness of dishonesty cloaked those intentions. I should have told her about Daris’ real plans for the song, but I kept hoping to change his mind when he returned from London. I’d sent him an email, offering him anything else, if he’d record the song with her. Barring that, I also asked for another record deal for Melanie—anything to soften the blow that would devastate her when she learned the truth.
He wasn’t interested. He suggested I shop around other labels, said he’d “put in a good word” for her. It was the same thing she’d heard a million times before, so why would she believe it?
The time had come to tell her the truth. I could no longer count on the possibility of fixing her career for her, at least not immediately. Although I planned to continue pursuing other options for her, whether she wanted me to or not. I believed in her talent that much.
Maybe we could even work on other songs together. That might keep her going while she took care of her family situation in Florida.
Whatever it took, I wouldn’t let her give up on her music. Even if she gave up on us.
I would tell her tomorrow, after the party. No need to ruin the evening for her, and she would have time to think things over while she was in Florida. She had promised to stay with me the following week, so we could meet with Daris and handle our business matters. She deserved to know the full truth. I only hoped she would understand why I put off telling her.
All these years, I had harbored my secrets, guarding them like a sentinel guards a treasure. If anyone knew the real me—a scarred man, one not worthy of the riches and accolades he had garnered—they would reject me as I truly deserved. I was not worthy of anyone’s love or respect. I wore my false persona like a mask, hiding the fact that I was coward.
It was time for me to come clean. If Melanie ever fell in love with me, it would be the real me, failures and all.
She deserved nothing less.
Chapter Twenty
Melanie
“Are you sure this isn’t too revealing?”
I posed the question to Sacha, who stood by, annoyingly snapping a photo of me with her phone. We were just outside the dressing room of an upscale boutique, one she loved to frequent when she came to Atlanta. She insisted on buying me an outfit to wear to the party tonight. I had objected at first, but she convinced me it doubled as a going-away gift.
Plus, the tight, burgundy minidress would look fabulous on stage. If I ever sang on stage again. One had to have hope, even if it simply hung in my closet forever.
“It’s revealing but not tacky. It’s gorgeous on you. Look.”
She showed me the photo, and I had to agree. Even with minimal make up and my hair in a pony tail, the outfit rocked. Fortunately, I’d packed my black high-heeled sandals in my overnight bag, so I didn’t have to buy shoes. We ended our shopping excursion and made it back to Colebank Manor with enough time to relax before the party guests began to arrive.
I’d said goodbye to Spencer that morning, looking forward to seeing him at the party. It was only a few weeks ago we’d met at this same house, but it seemed I had known him for years. He had done so much for me, had given me something I’d thought was lost forever—hope. He made me believe in myself again.
He made me fall in love.
Despite my fears, I wanted to tell him. What good was love if it couldn’t be shared? He’d already confessed his growing feelings for me, but I hadn’t been ready. Now I knew love didn’t conform to a timetable, it just happened. I was ready to commit, to at least try this relationship and see where it leads us. If the music deal worked out as it seemed it was going to, I could split my time between my family and him.
It was all going to work out, somehow. I would tell him how I felt tonight, after the party.
Sacha had just put Jonathan down for a nap and returned to my room, rapping softly on the door.
“C’mon in.”
“Hey girl. I brought some wine.”
“Starting already? Can’t wait for the party?”
She sat the bottle and glasses on a nearby dresser.
“Fortification. I mean, how else are we going to make through the celebrity impersonator show?”
“Audrey really arranged that? I thought she was joking.”
Sacha poured white wine into two goblets and handed one to me. I took a sip, enjoying the faint bubbles on my tongue. It was a crisp, fruity wine, just thing to perk me up after my short nap.
“She was evidently serious. Hired him to perform for Angela, since she’s a huge fan of this particular rock star.”
“Well, that will make her birthday all the more special.” I lifted my glass and took another sip. I debated a moment in my mind and then decided I couldn’t contain my feelings much longer. “Sacha, there’s something I have to tell you.”
I’d already told her about the possible record deal, about the song and the fact I may be in Atlanta more often than I’d planned. But I hadn’t told her about my feelings for Spencer.
She sat on the chair next to the bed, her eyes bright with interest.
“What is it?”
“I think I’m in love.”
I watched her face for signs of surprise or concern. But she simply smiled and leaned over to hug me.
“That’s great. I know I warned you about Spencer at first, but if you’re happy, I’m happy.”
“Thank you. I haven’t told him yet, but I think he feels the same. I wasn’t planning on this, but… We have a bond. He’s different from anyone I’ve ever dated.”
She sat back and took a drink from her glass. Her face was guarded, so I knew she still had reservations but also the good grace to keep them to herself.
“Does this mean you’re staying he
re? What about your family?”
“I’ll be back and forth until we see what happens with the record deal. So much is happening right now, I just have to go with the flow.”
“Well, I hope it all works out, for everyone. You can count on us if you need anything, Mel.”
“I know.”
We finished our drinks, and then it was time to get dressed. A flutter of anticipation filled my stomach whenever I thought of how to tell Spencer about my feelings for him. At least I looked good tonight, that would help my confidence level. As I took one last look in the mirror before heading downstairs, I couldn’t help but think of how my life was about to change.
After tonight, it would never be the same.
* * *
Spencer
Hot Damn.
Melanie stood next to Sacha on the patio, which was filled with party guests. She stood out like a rare gem amongst a sea of pebbles in her ruby red dress. It fit like it was made for her, hugging her curves, falling about mid-thigh. The material glimmered in the fading sunlight, and it occurred to me it would be perfect for an onstage performance.
I would find a way to give her the opportunity to show off that outfit on stage, if it was the last thing I did.
Her back was to me, but Sacha saw me approaching and pointed in my direction. Melanie turned, her glossy dark locks swinging as she faced me.
“Hey, you,” she cooed, making me shiver despite the heat. I greeted her with a quick kiss, keeping my arm about her shoulder.
“Sorry I’m late. Sean got stuck in traffic so I drove the ’Vette.”
“No worries. You haven’t missed the secret rock star yet.”
Sacha put a finger to her lips. “Shh! It’s a surprise.”
I shrugged.
“I know. Gibson told me. Audrey outdid herself with this one.”
I glanced around, taking in the crowd. Mostly older, they were my aunt and uncle’s friends, although there was sure to be some clients or potential clients in the mix. Uncle John wouldn’t forgo business, not even for his wife’s birthday.
My younger cousin Audrey had always been a natural event planner, a talent that had evolved into a position with CB Resorts International. She managed the necessary arrangements for meetings with our sales force and other company events. It was no wonder she had the connections to put together an impressive show for a birthday party.
A small stage had been assembled in a corner of the patio, which held a drum set, three amplifiers, and a microphone. Wait staff wandered about with trays filled with beverages, and a long buffet table was set to the side and loaded with food. Tables shaded by umbrellas were scattered around the pool, and chairs ringed the entire patio. I saw Audrey flitting through the crowd, impeccably dressed as always in flowy black pants and a tight-fitting green blouse. Her blonde bob was slicked back on one side, and she had pinned a ridiculous bright green flower in her hair. The ultimate hostess, she was greeting guests and keeping an eye on the proceedings at the same time. My eyes strayed as she moved into the house, and I saw Gibson walking toward us.
He stood next to his wife and nodded our way.
“Melanie. Spencer. How’s it going? I hear you’ve written a song together.”
I had been hoping to avoid this topic but knew it was bound to come up. Trust Gib to pick the one thing I didn’t want discussed. Melanie answered, and the excitement in her voice broke my heart.
“Yes. We have a meeting with a record producer next week. Fingers crossed.”
I moved my arm from her shoulder, resting my hand on her hip. I laughed, the sound more nervous than jovial.
“Just a preliminary thing, discussing our options for the song. Whatever happens, we had a blast writing it. Didn’t we, love?”
Her smile was wide but her eyes held a questioning look.
“We did. And I hope it’s the first of many more to come.” She directed her next statement at Gibson. “Your cousin is an accomplished musician.”
Gib nodded, his smile fleeting.
“Yes, he’s a man of many talents.”
He’d paid me a compliment, but there was an unspoken undercurrent in his tone. I loved him because he was family, but if this kept up, cuz and I were going to have a serious talk. If he thought he knew something bad about my past, he was probably telling his wife. It wouldn’t be long before the whole family knew, and that would make it much harder to deal with.
Maybe tonight was a night for setting the record straight with more than just Melanie. If I was going to be vilified, at least let it be for something I’d actually done, not what was imagined or distorted. I’d lived long enough in the shadow of my own mistakes to suffer it from others.
I was saved from having to continue this awkward conversation by Audrey, who was standing on the stage, tapping the microphone.
“Testing… I guess this thing is on. Can y’all hear me?” A chorus of voices shouted out in the affirmative, so she continued. “We’re all here tonight to wish my Mamma a happy birthday, so c’mon up here, Angela Colebank!”
She held the mic in one hand and motioned for her mother with the other. My aunt shook her blonde head at first, and then with the encouragement of the crowd, she ascended the few steps to the stage. Audrey placed an arm around her mother’s shoulder and shared the mic with her.
“This woman is the glue that holds this family together. Right?”
The crowd applauded, with whistles and whoops weaved in. Angela spoke in her soft, southern accent.
“All I can say is it takes a lot of gluin’.”
Everyone laughed, and Audrey motioned offstage to someone. The band appeared, taking their places. A tall man approached, dressed in a white rhinestone-covered suit, his dark hair and long sideburns styled in an iconic fashion. He stood in front of Angela and bent to one knee. Angela’s hand flew to her mouth, and she appeared to be crying happy tears.
“Ma’am, it would be my honor to sing for you on your birthday.”
She clasped her hands together, jumping up and down like a schoolgirl. She was somewhere in her sixties, but in that moment, she was every teenaged girl with a crush on a singer.
“Yes, please.”
He stood and launched into a song, a cappella. After the first few lines of the song, the drummer began a beat. The guitarist fell in, and soon the show was in full swing. The singer ascended the steps to the stage, and Audrey stepped aside so he could properly serenade her mother.
The crowd ate it up, and within minutes, the patio was full of bodies. We moved to a nearby table and sat, the four of us, watching the show. Now Aunt Angela and Audrey had both moved offstage and were clapping their hands and singing along while the band performed for a cheering crowd.
I looked around. This was my family, my life. We did have some happy moments, now and then. I knew they loved me, and I had tried to live up to their expectations. I was grateful for every opportunity they had given me, and it was time to let them know. Once I worked out the mess I was in with Melanie and Daris, I would do my best to make things right with Uncle John, Gibson, and everyone.
The reason for my new found clarity was sitting next to me. If I was to be worthy of this woman, I had to make amends.
Chapter Twenty-One
Melanie
Maybe it was the three glasses of champagne. Maybe it was the way the moon had risen overhead, casting a gilt of silver across the surface of the pool. Perhaps it was the excitement of the crowd, enjoying the live music.
It could have simply been the euphoria of realizing I was in love and ready to commit to a relationship with a handsome, talented, intelligent man. Whatever the reason, I was having a fabulous time at this party. My usual introvert tendencies had faded, replaced by a confidence I had thought long gone. It was almost as good as being on stage.
We ate, we danced, we mingled with party guests. Spencer was attentive as always, making sure I had food and drink and that I was comfortable. He seemed to be having a good time as well, but I co
uld tell he was distracted. I caught him staring off into space a few times, instead of watching the show or when someone was speaking. When we were finally alone for a moment, I pulled him aside.
“Is everything okay, babe? You seem distracted.”
He blinked, his hazel eyes assessing me. Then he caressed my jawline with a finger.
“You called me ‘babe.’”
His touch turned me on, as it usually did, but I tried to ignore it. He was deflecting.
“I did. So, what’s wrong?”
He looked away, dropping his hand.
“Nothing. Well, nothing that can’t wait until later.”
“Are you sure? We can go somewhere private.”
“We’ll leave the party in a bit, and we can talk then.”
He was holding back, but he was right—it wasn’t the time for a deep conversation, anyway. I decided to let it go. I had to use the restroom, so he walked me into the house. He promised to meet me in the living room with a fresh drink.
When I emerged from the powder room, a woman I recognized as Spencer’s Aunt Margaret was standing in the hallway, chatting with another woman. I smiled politely as I passed, not wanting to interrupt. I was a few feet past them when I heard a loud voice.
“There she is. Melody! Come here, dear.”
I turned, and Aunt Margaret was indeed beckoning me. I joined them and extended a hand.
“I’m Melanie. A friend of Spencer’s.”
She shook my hand, and a sly grin came over her face. I wondered if her mangling of my name was intentional, to gain my attention. Now she looked at her companion and spoke, as though I wasn’t there.
“She’s his latest flame. I hear he’s smitten.”
I’ve had embarrassing moments with fans, but this was ultra-awkward. Only because there was a chance I would be seeing much more of this woman if Spencer truly was “smitten.”
Not So Wrong: Love Grows series, Book Two Page 19