Tender Touch (2 page)

“No problem, Bill.” Connie Mason beamed at
him. Her silver hair and expensive business suit were in perfect
order.

Lang smiled back. “Let’s get started then.
There are three large grants that we stand a good chance of
getting. The purpose—”

The door to the conference room opened,
causing all heads to swivel around. The newcomer paused
momentarily. Dark eyes the color mahogany scanned the room. He
seemed satisfied to see Eddie Simon.

“Come in, Damon. Damon Knight, this is
Connie Mason of Quality Medical Services; Steve Franklin, you know.
Miss Taylor is his program coordinator.” Lang pointed to the plump
brunette.

“Sorry—I got here as fast as I could.” Damon
Knight stood at least an inch taller than Lang at six foot three.
The dark gray jacket he wore over a striped shirt open at the
collar did not seem at all out of place beside Lang’s dark silk
suit and tie. “I wanted to be here even though Eddie is my
administrator. But I hope you didn’t wait for me.”

“It’s okay. We were just starting. This is
Jade Pellerin from my office,” Lang said. “Mr. Knight is not only
the vice president of the Gracie Street Center Board of Directors,
he founded it.”

“I had help from a lot of good
people—including Eddie,” Damon said with modesty. His gaze moved
around the table until it rested on Jade’s face.

Jade caught her breath when those eyes
focused on her. Even at five foot seven, she was craning her neck
at a towering figure when he crossed the room to grasp her hand.
Unlike Franklin’s sweaty greeting, the touch of his hand was velvet
smooth. Full lips and a strong nose that flared gave his face a
sensuous look that shook her. She searched for just the right
description for the color of his skin. Pecan? No, not quite right.
Almond? That did not seem to be it, either. Then it hit her. Dark
honey, the gourmet kind she’d seen in a small shop in the
mall...clear and sweet. Jade felt dazed by the still warm tingle
from his touch that tickled the palm of her hand.

Damon let go of her hand and sat down
abruptly. “Nice to meet you, Miss Pellerin.” He dipped his head in
acknowledgment and looked away.

Jade felt a rush of embarrassment. She hoped
no one sensed her reaction to this striking man. Then she became
incensed. He seemed to take his magnetic effect for granted. A real
cool customer, he was ready to get down to business while she was
mooning like a teenager in heat. Well, forget him. Another
conceited lover-boy was the last thing she needed after what Nick
had put her through. Jade looked down at the materials she’d
prepared for the group. She assumed her best professional
demeanor.

“I was just saying, Damon, it looks like the
department will be getting the three-million-dollar grant. That’s
over a five-year period of course and statewide.”

“But it’s to work with teen parents. Right,
Bill?” Connie Mason asked.

“Yes, but the description really means the
scope can be broader to include some prevention of teen pregnancy
and even health services,” Lang said.

Franklin assumed a sincere expression. “A
terrible problem in this state. But we at Second Start have done
some work in this area. We are committed to helping these
youngsters get a better start in life.”

Damon sat forward. “How do you propose the
money be committed? Three million statewide isn’t much.” He frowned
at Lang.

“That’s why I wanted input from you folks.
You’ve got some of the most successful programs in Louisiana, in
the southern region even. I think with proper planning, we can have
a positive impact.”

“There are ways to get matching federal
dollars from other sources and maximize the dollars we get.”
Franklin spoke with eagerness. He blinked at Damon Knight’s sharp
glance. “To spend on the kids of course.”

Damon turned to Lang. “You don’t even know
if the grant will be awarded to DHH yet, and we’re already talking
about using it to get more money?”

Jade gazed at Damon first then her boss. The
muscle along Lang’s jaw jumped a few times as he looked down at the
table. It was not her imagination. There was some tension between
these two men. An expectant silence hung heavy in the room.

“We’re here to examine all options.
Including ways to help as many people as possible. I’m sure you
would agree, with a problem as big as this, we’d want to hit the
ground running. It makes sense to do some preliminary planning.”
Lang spoke in a measured tone, one that said he was only trying to
be prudent.

“Oh, certainly. It’s just us and Arkansas in
the running for the funding now. The proposal we submitted is far
superior. I think it’s a very smart move to begin work now, Bill,”
Connie Mason said. She tapped a manicured finger on the
tabletop.

“We’re only here to talk about a strategy,
Knight. To build on what you folks are doing and how you can help
improve services. Frankly I expect a call at any minute giving us
the award,” Lang said.

“Really?” Franklin perked up again.

Lang nodded. “Arkansas was asked for
additional information about support services that they don’t have
in place. We do, that is, through agencies such as yours.” He
looked at Damon. “That’s why we’re here—to talk about the money we
can use now. You’re right; anything else is premature at this
point. I’m sure Steve meant that as just a brainstorm idea for
now.”

“Absolutely, just added in as food for
thought on down the line,” Franklin put in quickly. He seemed just
as eager to play down his earlier suggestion. “Might not even be
necessary.”

Jade watched Damon Knight, fascinated with
the way he pursed his lips when deep in thought. How would it feel
to press her lips against them? When his gaze met hers, she felt a
rush. Those smoky eyes sent a thrill through her she’d never
experienced before. Not even with Nick. She looked away. No thank
you, Mr. Heartbreak. I will not give in to hormones this time.

Damon dropped the pen he was holding and sat
back in his chair. He turned away from Jade. “Fine. Then I suggest
we concentrate on teenage fathers with equal emphasis and work with
local school systems to offer programs as either part of their
health education curriculum or as an elective.”

“Okay, that’s a good place to start,” Lang
said.

For the next hour, the group went back and
forth debating the merits of various approaches. They agreed to
very general goals but decided to wait until the grant award was
made official. Throughout the meeting, Jade avoided making eye
contact with Damon—a difficult task since he sat directly across
from her. Despite the distance of several feet, he seemed too close
for comfort. His presence was a palpable force that she had to make
a conscious effort to resist. At last the meeting came to a close,
with Lang thanking them again for coming. Jade suppressed a huge
sigh of relief. She hoped Lang would not include her in future
meetings. Damon and Lang stood talking even though the others had
left.

“Ms. Pellerin, could you come back please?”
Lang called out to her.

Jade reluctantly went toward the two men.
Damon did not look in her direction. His square-jawed face was
impassive. She spoke in a cool tone that contradicted the heat she
felt looking at Damon Knight. “Yes sir?”

“Mr. Knight has some excellent ideas. In
fact, his program aimed at teen dads is one of only two in the
state. I’d like you to work with him once the grant comes in, which
I’m sure it will.” Lang nodded at Damon.

Jade clamped her jaws shut to keep from
blurting out a loud refusal. Why was she afraid? “Yes, Mr.
Lang.”

“Eddie Simon can give you all the
information you need.” Damon smiled at her. “But of course if you
need anything from me, just ask.” He looked down at her legs then
cleared his throat. “I’ll make myself available.”

Jade felt a charge of aggravation. So he
thought a lift of his dark eyebrow in her direction would make her
melt, did he? “Thanks, but I doubt I’ll need to bother you, Mr.
Knight. I’m sure Mr. Simon, as the director, has all the
information I’ll need,” Jade said in a clipped tone. She took a
step back to stand behind her boss.

Damon picked up his leather portfolio. “Of
course.” He shook Lang’s hand and strode off without another
word.

Jade forced herself not to smirk at putting
him in his place. His long stride was a study in fluid motion. A
tiny prick of regret grew as Jade watched him go. Stop it, fool. Be
glad he’s gone. She made a determined vow not to think of him
again. Yet forgetting those eyes would take great concentration.
Bill Lang’s high energy level helped. She juggled assignments the
rest of the day with no time to daydream about full blown lips and
strong arms.

By the time she fought rush hour traffic to
arrive at her condo at six that evening, Jade was spent. She kicked
off her pumps and plopped down on her sectional sofa. Before she
could relax with a diet soda and watch the network news, the
doorbell rang. Her mother’s face was magnified in the glass of the
peephole.

Jade rested her forehead against the door.
This was not the way to end a long day. She opened the door.
“Hello, Mama. Hi Lanessa.”

Clarice Pellerin swept in ahead of her
oldest daughter. Her gold lightweight wool cape hung just so on her
shoulders. Neatly coiffed hair dyed a dark auburn fell in soft
curls swept away from her face. Lanessa looked to be a younger
version of her mother. They were frequently mistaken for sisters
and turned male heads when they made an entrance either together or
separately.

“Hello, baby.” Clarice gave Jade a peck on
the cheek. “We saw a simply stunning sofa at Rosenfield’s that
would do wonders for this room. Wouldn’t it, Lanessa?”

Jade clenched her teeth. “I’m not looking
for new furniture. I bought this set only two years ago.”

“Hi, Jade.” Lanessa gave her sister a look
of apology. “I’ve always loved this sofa and love seat. That soft
fawn color is perfect with those drapes.”

“Thanks, Nessa.” Jade shot her a look of
sister-gratitude. “Hmm, well...” Clarice cast a critical gaze that
said she did not agree. “So what are your plans this evening,
Jade?”

“To curl up with a good book and enjoy a cup
of herbal tea. I’m really beat tonight. Getting to bed real early
will feel so good.” Jade stretched, hoping her mother would take
the hint. Clarice took off her cape and settled in.

“With that jazz concert down in the Atrium
at eight, you should be going to that. I swear, you’d think you
were my age. Lanessa has a date with Alex—what a catch!” Clarice
beamed at her oldest daughter with pride.

“To tell you the truth, I’d just as soon
stay home myself. Alex St. Romaine isn’t exactly Mr. Excitement.”
Lanessa crossed her long legs.

“Nonsense, he’s perfectly wonderful. He’s a
computer program analyst or something high-tech like that.” Clarice
waved a hand, dismissing her statement. “He makes a ton of money,
too.”

“Too bad he can’t buy some personality,”
Lanessa said with a snigger.

Jade started to giggle, but both daughters
stifled their mirth at a sharp look of disapproval from
Clarice.

“Lanessa, Alex cares a great deal for you. I
hardly think you should be making fun of him behind his back,”
Clarice scolded her.

“Oh, come on, Mother.” Lanessa tossed her
dark reddish brown hair. It set off her cocoa brown skin
beautifully, and the long curls fell just below her shoulders.
“Alex is no Prince Charming by any stretch of the imagination—but
he’ll do it in a pinch.”

“Baby, he’s perfect for you. The right
family and a good profession. You’ve known him practically all your
life, since grade school. You should appreciate what you’ve got.”
Clarice tried to reason with her.

“Whatever,” Lanessa quipped. “So, Jade,
what’s up with your superfine new boss? I hear he’s got it.” A
gleam was in her eyes.

“Well...”

“Oh, don’t embarrass her, Lanessa. You know
she won’t keep that position with her old boss gone.” Clarice gave
Lanessa a significant look before turning to her youngest daughter.
“Now, Jade, you’ll get another little job. Why, maybe your daddy
can help.”

“I have a job. In fact, I’ll be working for
Mr. Lang as his administrative assistant,” Jade said with an edge
to her voice. Clarice always managed to belittle anything she
did.

“Why, that’s nice, baby. Isn’t that nice,
Nessa?” Clarice nudged her.

“Great, kiddo. Keep climbing. I admire the
way you make it in that jungle out there.” Lanessa took a deep
breath. “I doubt I could do it.”

“With that hefty settlement from your second
divorce, I don’t know why you work at all.” Clarice pursed her lips
at Lanessa. “I mean really, Lanessa, wasting your time.”

“Hey, there are lots of fine, well-to-do
businessmen hanging around the state capitol these days. More and
more African-American men, Mother.” Lanessa smoothed her dress over
her curves.

“Re-ally?” Clarice lost her frown as she
contemplated this fact. “I hadn’t thought about it like that.”

Jade looked from her mother to her sister.
Clarice had groomed Lanessa from the cradle to be the wife of a
wealthy man. Lanessa seemed to have the perfect temperament for it.
She hated getting up early or any activity that required too much
work on her part. Males of all ages raced each other trying to make
life easy for her since kindergarten. Jade, on the other hand, was
the “competent one” as her mother loved to tell anyone who would
listen.

To Jade this meant unattractive and that she
needed to pursue a career since her marrying prospects were slim.
Jade had taken her height and build from her father’s side of the
family, taller than average with healthy curves. Lanessa, at five
feet three, had a lean frame and looked like Clarice had at her
age. Not only that, but Lanessa shared her mother’s temperament. An
outsider, which was what she was in her own family.