This Tender Melody

by Kianna Alexander

  He took his seat next to her and straightened his white silk tie. Leaning in, he whispered, “So I guess you don’t know what’s going on, either.”

  She shook her head, and gestured to Gordon. “No. But I suppose we’re about to find out together.”

  Darius sat up in his chair just as Phillip closed his binder and stood. With the binder closed, she could see that he’d been poring over the company bylaws manual.

  Clearing his throat and clutching the lapels of his gray suit, Phillip began speaking. “Ladies and gentlemen, there’s a good reason I called this emergency meeting, so I’ll get right to it.”

  She was grateful for that, since his breath was just as bad as always. She seriously wondered if the man had seen a toothbrush since President Ford left office.

  “Distinguished members of the board,” Phillip continued, “it’s time we update the antiquated bylaws under which this company operates.”

  She sighed. What was the old man getting at? Sure, the bylaws had been written at the company’s founding in the seventies, and hadn’t been updated since the nineties, but why in the world would he bring that up now? The company was already going through a transitional period...

  Oh, boy.

  Suddenly it occurred to her that Gordon might be asking for something specifically designed to make things hard for Darius, like imposing a minimum age for the CEO.

  She glanced at Darius and found him watching her. She knew something was coming, something negative. In all the years she’d known Phillip Gordon, negative had always been his strong suit.

  Before she could say anything, Darius changed his focus. Looking directly at Gordon, he asked, “What are you getting at? Do you really think now is a good time to overhaul the bylaws?”

  Gordon’s sneer was altogether unpleasant. “No, Mr. Winstead. I am only proposing one small addition to the bylaws at this time.”

  She searched her purse for a handkerchief, and, finding a lilac-embroidered one her mother had given her on her twenty-first birthday, she covered her nose with it. Gordon’s breath was so bad, her eyes were beginning to water. When he was finished, she would present a motion of her own, one that forced the man to either keep his mouth shut or scope out some Scope!

  Apparently Darius was losing patience with Gordon, as well. “What small change is that, Gordon? Why have you dragged us all away from our duties?” he demanded.

  Gordon’s smug smile spoke volumes. Calmly, he stated, “We need a bylaw that prohibits fraternization between board members and company employees.”

  Chapter 13

  Darius felt the muscles in his neck and shoulders lock up like the lid on one of Ma Beaulah’s mason jars. Had the pudgy, condescending Phillip Gordon said what he thought he heard him say? Through clenched teeth, he asked, “What did you say, Mr. Gordon?”

  Looking thoroughly pleased, Phillip repeated himself, but this time with more command in his tone.

  He had never liked Phillip Gordon, and now he knew why. The man was a parasite, the worst kind of self-serving, egotistical jerk he’d ever encountered. From the look on Gordon’s face, it was obvious he thought his suggestion to be quite clever.

  Darius did not agree. “And why would we need such a bylaw so badly you thought it was necessary to call an emergency meeting?”

  Gordon gave him a strange, mocking look. “Why, Mr. Winstead. You of all people should know just why we need such a rule, and why it’s so urgent.” Then he gave a sidelong glance to Eve, whose expression was unreadable behind the handkerchief she clutched to the lower part of her face.

  The boardroom filled with a murmur of whispers, and when he looked at Eve again, she looked as if she wanted nothing more than to hide beneath the table.

  He, on the other hand, could barely contain the urge to flatten Gordon’s chubby face with his fist. That was not the way a businessman carried himself, so, standing, Darius conducted himself in a businesslike manner. “Mr. Gordon, I’d like to thank you for your suggestion. And I’d also like you to take your seat.”

  Surprise filled Gordon’s face, but he did as he was asked.

  “Ladies and gentlemen of the board, is there anyone in this room who thinks Mr. Gordon’s suggestion is pressing enough to be voted on right now, or even to have merited this meeting?” Darius stood, hands clasped behind his back, and waited. Silence reigned in the room for a few long moments. He glanced at Eve once again, and saw that she’d tucked the handkerchief away. A small smile touched the corner of her lips as no one answered or raised their hand.

  Cutting Gordon with a hard look, he announced, “In that case, this board meeting is adjourned. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

  Without another word, he walked out into the hallway, with most of the board members streaming out behind. It was best he leave the room now, or he would be seduced by his baser urges and do the pudgy little man bodily harm.

  The echoing of footsteps on the marble floor and the sound of several hushed conversations filled the space as he made his way to the elevator. As he passed the restrooms near the elevator, he heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. Figuring it might be Eve he turned around. Instead he found Phillip Gordon standing mere feet away, his fat fists propped on his wide hips.

  Rolling his eyes, he asked, “Can I help you with something, Mr. Gordon?”

  “Yes,” he said, his face twisted into a frown, “you can help me understand how I got passed over for a job that I’m more than qualified for. Especially by the likes of you.”

  Darius’s hands balled into fists, and it took great effort to keep them at his sides. Maintaining the distance between them, he repeated, “The likes of me?”

  “You know what I mean. Some so-called genius who couldn’t hack it in the business, and who’s more interested in plowing the boss’s daughter than in running this company!”

  Red, flaming-hot anger rose within him, and he closed the space between them in an instant. Aware of the security camera focused on him, he placed his arm around Gordon’s flabby shoulders and turned them both so that their backs were to the camera. His outer demeanor remained professional, despite his irritation. Using a bit more pressure than the gesture required, he spoke quietly in Gordon’s ear. “Listen carefully. This is the second time I’ve told you not to disrespect me, and it’s your last warning. I trust you won’t cause any further trouble for Miss Franklin or for me, because if you do, there will be consequences. Have I made myself clear?”

  Gordon squealed, his head bobbing up and down in a quick, exaggerated nod.

  “Good,” he said, releasing him. “Now go do something useful, will you?”

  Gordon scurried down the hall and through the door leading to the stairwell at a speed that surprised him. He had no idea the man could haul his girth at such a pace.

  Satisfied that his point was made, he peered back into the conference room to see if Eve was still there. The room was empty, so he turned and took the elevator back up to his office.

  * * *

  Moving with ease through the quiet, almost empty Urbana Tea and Tonics, Darius carried the two teacups he’d just gotten from the counter. Sliding into the booth with Eve, he slid the green tea she’d ordered across the table to her.

  “Here you go.”

  “Thanks.” Her delicate fingers wrapped around the cup’s handle, and she took a sip. A soft, purring sound escaped her throat. “It’s very good.”

  “I told you. They only serve the best and freshest teas here,” Darius commented, taking a long drink of his own herbal blend. “I’m glad you like it.”

  Her shy smile filled his heart. She set the cup down, looking into his eyes. “You know, I’ve been doing my best to figure out why you’re so wonderful and caring.”

  He returned her gaze, knowing what she meant. “Waiting for the other shoe to dr
op, huh?”

  “Well, yes. I haven’t dated a sane, well-adjusted, nonjerk in a while.”

  He nodded. “I get that. I just want you to know that I’m not like the other guys you’ve been with.” Reaching across the table, he took her hand. “I know it may take some time, though, because the best way to prove it—” he paused to kiss the soft skin of her palm “—is to show you.”

  The deep breath she drew as his lips grazed her skin betrayed her enjoyment. Unable to resist the lure of her femininity, he turned her hand and kissed its back. Then he treated her wrist to the same touch of his lips.

  When he raised his eyes to hers, passion smoldered there. He drew away, not wanting to cause her embarrassment in public. She was a sensual woman beneath the businesslike demeanor she wore most of the time. From what she’d told him, she had reason to be wary of dating anyone, and even more reason to be cautious about dating him.

  The attraction he held for the gorgeous, graceful, and powerful Ms. Franklin surpassed the physical. It was taking him into an unknown realm, a desire like nothing he’d ever felt before. It wasn’t just about getting her in bed. He wanted, more than anything, to know her in the truest sense. He could imagine himself allaying her fears and sharing her triumphs.

  The repercussions of all the emotions she elicited in him made him uneasy. When a man gave too much of himself to a woman, pain was sure to follow. So, he pushed his thoughts aside.

  His teacup now empty, he asked, “Do you want to sit outside for a while? It’s such a nice night.” He wasn’t ready to leave her. As of late, he wanted to spend as much time with her as he could.

  “Sure.” She drank the last of the tea in her cup, and stood. Taking his extended hand, she allowed him to lead her outside.

  The crisp late-evening breeze played through her hair as they took a seat on one of the wicker sofas near Urbana’s entrance.

  The sun sat low in the sky, and the temperature had cooled quite a bit since the afternoon rush hour. The floral and fruity notes of the teas brewing inside the shop wafted out onto the night air. Faint notes of classical music being played on a piano nearby, the laughter and conversation of passersby and the occasional rumbling of the engine of a passing vehicle surrounded them. This was the Queen City on a typical late-summer evening. Alive with activity, yet peaceful enough to enjoy.

  He placed his arm over the back of the seat, and she laid her head on his shoulder. She looked content, and that pleased him. He wanted her to feel comfortable with him.

  He held her, enjoying the feel of her body close to his, when the bell on the door of Urbana chimed.

  He looked up.

  And saw his mother, Olivia, stepping out of the tea shop.

  Maybe it isn’t her.

  As he stared at her, she stopped cold.

  A look that combined surprise and guilt came over her familiar brown eyes.

  It is her.

  He said, with fake pleasantness, “Olivia. Long time, no see.”

  A confused Eve looked on.

  Olivia propped her fists on her hips.

  “Oh, so now you’re calling your mama by her first name?” Olivia pursed her lips. “Show me some respect, Darius.”

  He jumped up, angered by her tone. “Respect? For what? You abandoned me and Pop just like yesterday’s trash.” He didn’t like having old wounds opened in front of Eve, but since his selfish, sorry excuse for a mother insisted on being out in public, it couldn’t be avoided.

  Olivia groaned. “Oh, please. Get over yourself. I had to do what was right for me. Your dad understood that I belonged on the stage.” She seemed to notice Eve for the first time, and cast a disdainful eye on her. “And who’s this fancy flavor-of-the-week? Trying to get in her pockets or her panties?”

  Eve’s face fell. Before he could explain, she gathered her purse and stood. “I’ve got to go, Darius.” She turned and walked the short distance to her car.

  He called after her. “Eve, wait!”

  She answered by slamming the door of her truck and starting the engine. Within seconds, she pulled away from the curb and drove off.

  As her taillights disappeared down the street, Darius turned his rage-filled gaze on Olivia. She stood, arms folded, her face was filled with self-satisfaction.

  It amazed him that, after all these years, she still thought of no one but herself.

  “Is this how you plan to gain my respect?” he ground out. “By insulting my date? You’re just as clueless as always.”

  Olivia’s aging face creased into a frown. “Don’t talk to me in that tone, Darius. I brought you into this world.”

  He towered over her. Only his father’s echoing demand that he never, ever hit a woman kept him from knocking her down on the sidewalk. He stared down into her eyes, not trying to hide his contempt. “Yeah. Thanks for that. Now we’re even.”

  He turned away from her and walked toward his car, clenching his fists.

  “Darius, you come back here. Apologize to me!” she shouted in his wake.

  But he didn’t look back.

  Chapter 14

  The phone receiver held to her ear with her shoulder, Eve typed on her wireless keyboard as she listened to the voice on the other end. The chief marketing officer was going on and on about the packaging for the new MyBusiness Sapphire software. The man had been filling her ear with nonstop talking for the past twenty minutes.

  Clicking the send button on the email she’d been typing, she finally broke in to his speech. “Yes, Mr. Kirk, I agree. Blue is a great color for the packaging. Why don’t you run your suggestions by Mr. Winstead.”

  In a confused tone, he replied, “I already did. He said I should get final approval from you.”

  Stifling a groan, she placed her fingertips on her temple. “Was Mr. Winstead agreeable with your plan?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then you have my approval, as well. Have a good day, Mr. Kirk.” Before he could launch into another period of endless chatter, she dropped the receiver into the cradle, ending the call.

  Using the intercom, she asked Mimi to summon Darius to her office.

  He came a few minutes later, sticking his head inside the room through her partially opened door. “You wanted to see me?”

  She nodded, and he entered, his masculinity overtaking the room in a way she hadn’t expected. Impeccably dressed as usual, in a navy blue suit that looked tailored to his muscular, broad-shouldered frame, he smiled as he closed the distance between them. Just looking at him threatened to dissolve her focus and blow it away like magnolia blossoms in a hurricane.

  He sat in one of the armless leather chairs in front of her desk, his intense eyes on her. “So, what can I do for you?”

  Shaking off the effects of his übermasculine presence, she cleared her throat. “Did you tell marketing to get secondary approval from me on the new software packaging?”

  He nodded. “I guess you have already spoken to them.”

  “Yes, I have.” She blinked, trying to break the contact of their gazes. “Mr. Kirk yapped on and on for a half hour about the details before I could get a word in.”

  “Sorry about that. The man is pretty talkative.” He leaned back in the chair, looking decidedly comfortable.

  She reclined in her own chair, matching his gesture. He didn’t need to know he made her tingle in places she couldn’t discuss at work, so she played it cool. “Darius, if you’re going to be CEO, you can’t defer to me on minor issues like this. You have to be able to make these kinds of decisions on your own.”

  Apparently he didn’t agree. “You’re the owner. Your opinion is just as important as mine.”

  “Yes, on things that have a major effect on how we do business,” she countered. “But software packaging? You don’t need my approval on that kind of
thing.”

  He looked as if he was thinking, then folded his arms over his chest. With a mock pout, he joked, “I guess I’ll have to decide what to have for lunch all by myself.”

  She chuckled, thankful for the break in the tension between them.

  “I don’t want to screw this up. I owe your father a lot.”

  She nodded her understanding.

  “But I don’t just mean the running of this company.” He stood, leaning over the polished wood desk. “I want things to work between us, too.”

  Hearing those words, she let her gaze drop. After what she’d witnessed between Darius and his mother, she couldn’t help feeling unsure about having a relationship with him.

  His eyes remained trained on her, his brow furrowing as if he sensed her hesitation. “What’s the matter?”

  She sighed. He was from Tennessee; didn’t he know the old Southern saying about the way a man treated his mama? “I’m not going to pry into whatever is causing conflict between you and your mother, because it’s not my business. But I left because I didn’t want to be dragged into it.”

  His answering nod was slow and deliberate. “I’m sorry about that. I know Olivia was pretty determined to put you in the middle of it, the way she kept referring to you.”

  “You know, I was always taught that the way a man treats his mama is the way I can expect to be treated, so...”

  He reached out, his fingertips grazing her jawline. “I’ve heard that before. I just wasn’t thinking clearly. My relationship with my mother is contentious and almost nonexistent. But I would never mistreat you, Eve.”

  Looking up into his eyes and seeing the sincerity there, she believed him. Lord help her, she believed every word he said.

  “I know.” Led by the attraction for him that washed over her like a summer storm, she came around to where he stood. Perched on the desk’s edge, she kissed him on the cheek. “I really want this thing to work.”

  “Then let’s not end this, no matter what.”