Tender Touch

by Emery, Lynn

  “So?” Mike seemed unconcerned.

  “Our increase in hospital beds is being questioned. The Mental Health Alliance says we should be concentrating on community-based services.” Bill looked at Jade.

  “Providing services in the community is the trend nationally, Bill. Best practices in most helping fields is to avoid institutional placement.” Jade made a mental review of the literature she had read in the last year. “Some of what we’re doing is inconsistent with that.”

  “Well, that’s just one issue we have right now.” Bill waved away the issue. “Howard wants us to submit a truckload of documents to the inspector general.” His brows came together, and he rubbed his temples.

  “When?” Mike sat up straight. He lost his disinterested glazed expression.

  Charles Dumaine had been appointed inspector general in response to the public’s outcry that little changed in the huge state bureaucracy even with reform governors. Dumaine was well known as a stickler for following the law. A former economics professor at Louisiana State University, he’d been advisor to two presidents and three governors. Lobbyists and other influence peddlers gave up trying to gain his favor within the first year of his appointment.

  “That will overwhelm poor Aline without me there to help.” Jade had no doubts about the propriety of their actions to date.

  “Just let me know what he wants.”

  “Documents related to the psychiatric hospitals, home health care rules we’ve proposed and a few other things.” Bill clenched and unclenched his hands. “Like the grant monies we’ve gotten.”

  “You mean memos and executive bulletins related to policy decisions?” Jade was writing notes as she spoke.

  “Yes.”

  “Okay.” Jade looked up at the two men. A prickle of apprehension raised chill bumps on her arms. Bill and Mike seemed worried, very worried. “Is there something else we need to do?”

  “You don’t think he—” Mike stared at Bill.

  “It’s no big deal really,” Bill cut him off. He forced a smile. “Mike and I can tell Aline what to do. Dumaine wants them in the next two weeks. You don’t have to worry about it, Jade.”

  “Are you sure? I’ve handled quite a few of the projects with you. I really should help gather those documents.” Jade was baffled by his attitude.

  “No, we’ve got day-to-day details that I need you to handle.” Bill gave her a nod of confidence. “That’s where you could be the most help.”

  “But, Bill...”

  “Jade, Dumaine is on a search-and-destroy mission. I’m where the buck stops on these issues.” Bill squared his shoulders and looked grave. “He’ll be expecting me to answer the hard questions, and I’m fully prepared to take the heat.”

  Jade felt a little relieved. Maybe she was imagining things. Working in state government had made her too suspicious. The fact that Bill was going to handle the inspector general’s request made her feel better.

  “Listen, let me handle the details. I’m wrapping up work on the new program for public health. That way you’ll be free to meet with the assistant secretaries.” Jade saw no reason why she should not at least prepare his report.

  “We do have that big health care forum coming up, Bill. Remember, we’re gearing up for a pilot project to test managed care for Medicaid recipients,” Mike put in.

  “We can probably anticipate any questions based on what’s gone on before,” Jade said. “As long as Dumaine gets his questions answered, he’s satisfied. Bill, I really can make this easier on us all.”

  “She’s got a point.” Mike nodded.

  “Besides, the grant project is well under way. Eddie’s proposal sailed through the review committee. It complies with all of the requirements,” Jade added.

  “You’ve spent a lot of time on that one.” Bill stared at her.

  Jade shrugged with more than a touch of embarrassment. “There were a lot of details to work out.”

  “Hmm.” Bill sat unmoving for a while. “Sure more overtime at the office won’t put a cramp in your social life?”

  “Oh, Damon understands—” Jade broke off. Bill’s eyes narrowed for an instant. “I mean, it’s okay.”

  Bill’s lips stretched tight. “Fine. Mike and I will just tie up a few other things now.”

  “Of course. I’ll see you at the first session tomorrow morning.” Jade gathered her notes and left.

  “I don’t like it,” Mike blurted almost the instant the door closed behind her. “Dumaine doesn’t sniff around unless he’s onto something.”

  Bill sat brooding, his eyes on the door. “Forget Dumaine. I’ve all but neutralized him. The great Chester Howard happens to hate his guts, a clash of the mighty self-righteous egos. We’re going to pull the rug right out from under that windbag.”

  “Then that’s good,” Mike said with a lopsided grin.

  “Yeah, sure.”

  Mike paused in the act of pouring himself a shot of vodka. “Now what’s wrong? And why the act in front of sweet stuff?” He jerked a finger in the direction Jade had disappeared.

  “Damon Knight is a problem.”

  “So he’s a do-gooder. So what? He’ll get his payoff and not think twice about anyone else, just like all the other hypocrites.” Mike took a gulp from the shot glass.

  “Not Knight.” Bill spoke in a low voice with a frown on his face. Mike snorted.

  “Believe me, when the going gets tough, they all try to protect their little pet programs. Just tighten the purse strings like we’ve done before.”

  “You don’t know him like I do. He’s a man of principle,” Bill snarled. He got up and poured himself a scotch and soda.

  “Then we’ll just have to deal with him, too,” Mike said in a flat, grim voice.

  “What do you have in mind?” Bill turned to him with a look of anticipation.

  “Everybody has skeletons, right? It just takes knowing where to dig.” Mike raised his glass in a silent toast.

  “Damon Knight with something to hide? I don’t think so.” Bill lost his animated expression and scowled again.

  “I’ve heard a few rumblings about his old man and deals he cut to get state bids. You might even want to ask Tavis about it.” Mike wore a leer.

  “Tavis? What would he know?”

  “Tavis uses all his assets to improve his standard of living.” Mike threw back his head with a loud guffaw that eventually trailed off into a hoarse chuckle. “I’ve booked a flight out tomorrow afternoon, earliest I could get on short notice. But I’ll get started by making some phone calls in the morning. By the time I get back to Baton Rouge, I’ll have a solid lead.”

  Bill raised an eyebrow at him. “I don’t want all the details, just fill me in if there are any concerns that others might be interested in.”

  Mike wore a look of shrewd satisfaction. “Sure. I’ll take care of things my way. Count on it.”

  Thinking of Damon, Bill paid little attention to the tone of Mike’s last statement. “I want Knight out of my way, out of my business.”

  “Sounds very personal.” Mike let the unasked question hang in the air between them.

  “Knight and I go back aways. He has an annoying habit of popping up to give me trouble.” Bill’s face was stiff with anger. He stared ahead as though seeing his adversary. “Thinks he’s better than me. The mighty Knight family.”

  “Hmm. Jade seems to be fond of the guy. She won’t be happy.”

  “Jade won’t give him the time of day once he’s exposed as a phony. He’s just a carpet salesman with an inflated opinion of himself. Besides, her interests lie with me.” Bill gazed at Mike. “Her name is on some of those bulletins and policies.”

  “I’m sure she’ll soon realize how much you two have in common.” Mike chuckled again.

  Bill raised his glass to take sip of his drink. “Yes. When we get back to Baton Rouge, I’ll make sure of it.”

  Chapter 10

  The cool night was beautiful. Jade savored the view of Washi
ngton Harbor from Tony and Joe’s Restaurant. To her delight the music of the Neville Brothers began to play from the sound system. “This is fantastic, Damon.”

  “Glad you like it. Tomorrow I have a special treat. We can leave the conference at two and visit Africa.” Damon watched with pleasure as her eyes lit up.

  “The gallery that has traditional African art? Cool! And somehow we’ve got to get over to the Smithsonian, the Bethune Museum and Archives, the—”

  Laughing, Damon held up a palm. “Hold on, we won’t be spending the rest of the year in this town.”

  Jade sighed. “I know. Four days isn’t nearly enough time.” “Maybe we can stretch it out.” Damon placed an arm around her. “The galleries stay open only until five or six. I don’t see how we can do everything we want in just a few days.”

  “We can if we stay longer,” Damon said in a quiet voice. He wrapped a tendril of her hair around one finger. “The conference ends Thursday at noon. We could stay over until the following Wednesday.”

  “Oh, that’s not possible. Not after that meeting with Bill.” “Not another project,” Damon said. “We promised not to be so driven, remember?”

  “Hey, don’t blame me. I’ve got a new task now thanks to Charles Dumaine. Bill said I didn’t need to handle gathering all the materials. But no-oo, I had to insist.”

  Damon tensed at the mention of the inspector general. “Dumaine is asking questions about Lang?”

  “The department’s handling of certain programs, not just Bill. It’s no big deal, but a lot more work.” Jade wore a look of regret. “And it means staying here a few extra days is out of the question.”

  “What exactly is Dumaine asking about?” Damon’s brows came together.

  “Some of the Medicaid services. Look, it’s all dry and boring. We’ll give him piles of paper to sift through. That’ll make him happy.”

  “So you think it’ll probably be over once he has the documents you send?” Damon rubbed his chin. He did not like the sound of this at all. He was a fool to have believed Bill Lang had changed. Charles Dumaine did not chase after smoke unless he had good reason to know he’d find fire.

  “Sure. No matter what folks say, Bill has followed all the rules.” Jade noticed the frown he wore. “Damon, you don’t trust him, do you?”

  “We’ve got some history. The Bill Lang I knew wasn’t above breaking the rules to get something he wanted. And what he wants most is money, power and control over people. He particularly likes having control over women. Be careful,” he said in a deep, somber voice. Damon remembered the young women in college who’d suffered at his hands. They were bright, attractive and educated. But Bill Lang had a way of applying a psychological noose that held them captive, frantic to keep him.

  Seeing the grim set to his jaw and the note of something shadowy in his voice, Jade shivered. “You make him sound like an evil mastermind grabbing for everything he can get his hands on.”

  Damon snapped back from his dark thoughts. He didn’t want to frighten her or spoil the evening. He tried to push down that nagging doubt still stuck in his chest. “I’m sure you’re right about this being no big deal.”

  “Nah, it’ll be over in no time. I’m just sorry I won’t get to spend more time at the Smithsonian.” Jade propped her chin on one hand and looked forlorn.

  “Hey, wait a minute. You mean the chief attraction to staying was the exhibit on prehistoric art? Thanks a lot.” Damon affected a look of wounded male ego. He sat back.

  Jade draped an arm around his waist. “Hey, I would have had some extra special attention for my own precious find,” she murmured close to his ear.

  “Don’t try to make it up to me now. I’m playing second fiddle to million-year-old finger paintings.”

  “Think of us strolling hand in hand in front of breathtaking art, enjoying the feel of being close and thinking of the evening to come.” Jade wiggled against him with a seductive sigh.

  Damon breathed a little faster with each movement of her body. “Sure, I’m only an escort to the interesting stuff.” He blinked at the feel of her hand on his thigh.

  “No, indeed, you’re the main event. The art museums are the warm-up acts.” Jade kneaded his firm muscles. “Feel better?”

  “Yeah,” Damon mumbled. He gazed into her eyes. “Now let’s make this a private party.”

  During the cab ride back to the hotel, Jade savored the anticipation of finally being alone with Damon. They sat together, enjoying the heat of being close in the dark.

  “Hmm, I feel like a kid again.” Damon planted a kiss on her neck.

  “Really?” Jade closed her eyes. Her body ached to be touched by his strong hands.

  “Yeah, I finally got you in the back seat of a car,” Damon whispered.

  Jade laughed out loud, causing the cabdriver to glance into the rearview mirror. Frank curiosity danced in the eyes of the man.

  “Stop it. The driver is watching.” Jade felt a thrill of fire when Damon’s hand cupped her left breast. The feel of it through her sweater made her squirm. “Wish he’d drive faster.” She ignored the man as she pulled Damon to her for a deep kiss.

  Once in the hotel elevator alone, Damon pressed her to the wall as soon as the doors closed. He murmured endearments as he rubbed her thighs, lifting up the blue wool skirt she wore. Damon lowered it again with reluctance when the elevator bumped to a stop. An elderly couple stared with disapproval at their rumpled clothing. It was clear they guessed the cause. Jade giggled as they went down the hall to her room, feeling not the least bit contrite. She marveled at her lack of decorum, but it was no mystery. Damon Knight turned around all her old habits and ways of thinking when it came to men. Where she had been restrained even with Nick, just that certain look in Damon’s beautiful eyes caused her to grope him shamelessly in public!

  “You’re going to have my reputation in shreds by the time we leave,” Jade said with a sigh once they were in the room.

  Damon shrugged off his overcoat and jacket with quick motions. He took her coat off as well, too impatient to wait for her to undo the buttons alone. He massaged her thighs and buttocks with one hand while pulling her blouse out of her skirt with another.

  “So should I leave?”

  Jade’s hands tightened their hold on his biceps at just the thought of having him pull away now. “No—oh, no,” she whispered between his steamy kisses that made it hard for her to think straight.

  The urgency of desire sent them into a mindless rush of undressing each other. Naked and breathless, they clutched at each other hungrily. Their bodies rubbed together, causing a friction that made them moan in a kind of passionate harmony. Jade took great pleasure in feeling his erection against her skin. Damon walked her backward to the bed and they sank onto it. His mouth and tongue caressed every inch of her. When he began to suck her nipples, Jade dissolved in a haze. Love washed over her like a tidal wave. There were no other sensations except the touch of his mouth and hands. Her whole being vibrated with longing for him.

  “I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you,” Damon murmured.

  Jade could only reply with a strangled cry of joy as he entered her. They hung suspended in ecstasy without sensation of time or space. Their bodies moved with the smooth rhythm born of a need for physical and emotional union. At first they made love in slow motion, relishing the union of flesh. But soon their hunger for each other raged, pushing them into frantic, faster movements. They seemed to crash together with the force of a powerful storm as though they were caught in a whirlwind. When Damon stiffened inside her, he called her name over and over. Jade wrapped her legs around him and held on with all her might. Her orgasm began as an insistent pounding deep inside with each thrust, then tore through her. Jade arched her back with such force, she lifted them both clear of the bed for a few seconds. Every muscle in her body went rigid. Damon moaned as he climaxed. His release sent Jade back over the edge into an impossibly intense second orgasm. After an eternity of gasp
ing for air, they lay together trembling.

  “Damn.” Damon still clutched her tight to his chest.

  “My, my,” Jade panted.

  “You keep this up, lady, and I won’t make it to thirty-five.” Damon lifted himself from atop her with care and settled next to her.

  “Oh, yes you will. I’ll see to it.”

  “That a fact?” Damon rested his head against hers.

  “Yes, indeed. I’m going to put you on an exercise schedule and a heart-healthy diet.” Jade nodded.

  “Wait just a minute—”

  “I expect you to stay in shape so you can keep on giving good love.” Jade laughed.

  “I ought to spank you for that.” Damon gave her arm a sharp squeeze.

  Jade gave him a daring giggle. “Promise?”

  Damon grew serious when he looked into her eyes. “I promise to always cherish you, baby. For once my head and heart agree.”

  Jade thought of her doubts. They seemed silly when they were holding each other like this. Yet even the glow of their potent love- making could not blot out the real world that lay just outside her hotel door. “Are you sure your head isn’t in the right place after all?”

  “I have no doubts. If you do, then I plan to love you long and hard until they’re all gone,” Damon said in a voice strained with emotion.

  It took all Jade’s strength to resist the urge to let go and once again be swept into their private world of love. “Damon, we don’t live in a vacuum. Your parents don’t even want to meet me. I think they’d rather see you get back together with Rachelle.”

  “That’s not true.” Damon did not return her gaze. “We just haven’t been able to coordinate. Both of them keep pretty busy, and Dad is even threatening to start work again now that his recovery is almost complete.”

  “Nice try, honey. But I can tell from the way you talk that your mother isn’t happy with us being together.” Jade put a forefinger on his full lips to cut off his protest. “Don’t bother to deny it, Damon.”