Promises to Keep

His request wasn’t such an odd one. She’d catered plenty of events where no alcohol was served. “I understand your request better than you think. You’re in charge of whatever we order. Once my staff knows our clients’ likes, we’re known for making the right choices.”

“Sounds like you’ve got it going on.” He loosened his tie and popped open the top button on his silk shirt.

Courtney wished she wasn’t thinking of what was under that shirt. She knew his chest was broad. Was it covered with hair? She’d like nothing better than to suckle his nipples and lick them like Popsicles. The idea of his areolas hardening beneath her tongue caused moisture to form at the core of her femininity. By the color of his skin, she imagined his nipples to be either a medium shade of brown or slightly darker.

“Hello, are you still with me?” Darius sang out, laughing at her dazed expression.

Courtney quickly returned to the here and now, fighting hard to hide her embarrassment. Losing herself to sexy thoughts of him had to stop immediately. “I’m still with you. Just thinking of a few more ideas,” she lied. Ideas of how I can seduce your fine body until you give in and eventually beg for mercy.

Courtney and Darius worked together for another hour and a half. They talked shop, mixed and mingled menu items and swapped ideas on the decorations. The color scheme and angels were definites. He chose the angel with the full wingspan, opting for lavender for the floral arrangements, just as he’d suggested from the beginning. He consulted her on a theme for the invitations, telling her he wanted gold-embossed angels on the front, but he was interested in handling the design himself.

Courtney put everything back into her briefcase then closed and locked it. “I’ll call you after I pull this all together. We can meet again when it’s time to get your approval. I hope you’ll love what we do for your reception. It’s coming together in my mind and now I need to get it sorted out on paper. Then we can draw up a contract.”

“You are thorough and confident. I like people who run their businesses efficiently.”

Courtney blushed, smiling at the same time. “Thank you. I like people who are willing to give credit where it’s due. When my customers are happy and satisfied, they recommend us to family, friends and colleagues. That helps the business grow. All my clients become salespeople and advertisers for my business if they’re treated right. Pleasing our clients is our top priority. If anything goes wrong, I’ll do my best to fix it.”

“Touché, my fair lady. You are indeed something else, a powerful force.”

Excited by his sincere praise, Courtney grinned. “Good night, Darius. Have a nice evening.”

“You, too.” His eyes narrowed as he watched her walk to the door and leave.

Darius felt like he’d just been steamrolled and bulldozed, all at the same time. Courtney Campbell was one hell of a woman. Where had she been hiding all his life? Women like her didn’t come a dime a dozen. This intriguing lady was one in a trillion, one of the rarest kinds. God had surely broken the mold and tossed it after creating her.

Courtney slipped into the driver’s seat of her Lexus. Once she started the engine, she laid her head on the steering wheel to give herself a few minutes to settle down. Darius had her so high she wasn’t sure if her feet would ever touch down on earth again.

The man is engaged to a beautiful, sexy woman, one whom he clearly adores.

The sobering thought did little to quash the euphoria Courtney felt inside. There was no harm in a bit of daydreaming about the finest man she’d ever met. She knew full well that Darius was romantically unavailable to her. That didn’t mean he couldn’t star in her fantasies every now and then.

Once she met Candice, Courtney hoped all these dizzying thoughts about him would vanish. The fiancée was real enough to her, but Courtney hadn’t met her face-to-face. After becoming acquainted with Candice, Courtney was sure dreams of Darius would die down and eventually disappear altogether.

This fine brother and his fiancée have promises to keep, promises to each other.

Clad in a navy blue double-breasted pantsuit and a red silk top, matching it with red leather heels and bag, Courtney had attracted a lot of male attention from the moment she’d entered the large ballroom inside the beautiful Hollywood Westin Bonaventure. She had spotted her brunch companions immediately but decided to check out the food offerings first.

The decorations set off the buffet in such a beautiful yet healthy manner. The deep purple eggplants and green, orange and yellow squashes exuded vibrancy. Various types of whole and sliced plump red tomatoes infused the table with even more color, as did a variety of fresh melon slices, red and green grapes and golden pineapple chunks. There were too many delectable items to choose from.

Sauntering over to the omelet station, Courtney checked out all the available ingredients. She then requested from the white-capped chef an all-vegetable omelet, consisting of button and sliced mushrooms, black olives, yellow squash, zucchini, chopped asparagus, slivers of green peppers and diced tomatoes.

J. R. Norman pulled out Courtney’s chair and then reclaimed his own. A physical fitness enthusiast, his body was tight and muscled, his waistline tapered. His complexion was soft and dark and his thick moustache was kept neatly trimmed. Sporting a close-cropped haircut, his waves were dark brown sprinkled with a bit of gray. By all standards, J.R. was a good-looking man and eminently charismatic when he decided to pour it on. Courtney liked how real and up-front he was and how deeply he loved his wife.

Monica had fallen in love with the professional music teacher and drummer in a matter of weeks, surprised to learn he’d fallen just as hard for her. Six months later they’d taken their vows in front of family members and very close friends. No bride was any more stunning than Monica on her special day. Courtney had been her maid of honor.

With a plate piled high, showcasing all sorts of delicious-smelling food, Monica was seated to her husband’s left. Dressed in a white pantsuit and a yellow silk shell, she looked gorgeous. Yellow patent-leather shoes and a matching purse complemented the stark white suit beautifully. Monica was a vision of loveliness. At times it was hard for J.R. to take his eyes off his woman.

A quick look at Courtney’s dish made J.R. laugh. “Is that all you’re eating?”

Courtney gave him a sideways glance. “I’m just starting out. There’s not a lot of room on this table so I didn’t want to fill too many plates at once. Don’t worry. My $34.99 will not go to waste, especially the way I love breakfast food.”

“I hope not,” J.R. countered. He looked over at his wife’s plate. “Now this sister knows how to pack it. What amazes me is she doesn’t gain an ounce after eating a ton of food.”

“J.R.,” Monica scolded lightly, “you should never talk about a woman’s weight in front of her or any other ladies. It’s rude and insensitive. And leave Courtney alone.”

J.R. hunched his shoulders. “I call it like I see it—and you already know that about me. What do you think, Courtney?”

Before Courtney could respond, she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. “Had I known you liked this place, I would’ve invited you to join me. I eat here often. Hello,” he said to J.R. “I’m Darius Fairfax.” He then nodded at Monica. “I’m one of Courtney’s clients,” he told J.R. “She’s handling an engagement reception for me.”

J.R. wiped his right hand on a white linen napkin before extending it to Darius. “You got the right lady for the job. So nice to meet you, man. Care to join us?”

“As a matter of fact, I’d love the company. I’m alone. Since I haven’t filled a plate yet, I’ll do that first. Thanks for the invite.” With that said, Darius strolled off.

J.R. looked right at Courtney, though she felt as if he were looking right through her. “What’s up with this Darius Fairfax? He may be getting married, but he definitely has a thing for you. What’d you do to that man to make him go off the deep end? He’s spellbound. The brother couldn’t take his eyes off you.”

Monica tried to reel her husband in, but his fishing expedition was already too deep. Courtney hadn’t taken the bait, yet he felt he had a right to reel her in. Monica looked on as he continued firing questions at her boss, barely giving her a chance to respond.

“J.R., you know I love you, but please put a lid on it. There is nothing between Darius and me. He’s a client and I’m his hired gun, with major firepower. Got it?”

J.R. nodded. “Yeah, and so has he. The man has it bad for you. Don’t be surprised if he backs out of this commitment. He can’t possibly love another woman and look at you like you’re the queen of his heart. Sparks are flying every which way between you two. Mark my words, ladies. Anyone care to make a wager?”

Monica gave Courtney a pleading look, hoping she could ignore her husband and forgive him. It was like he’d suddenly lost all his marbles. Courtney returned a nod of understanding. J.R. wouldn’t say these things in front of Darius. He’d never embarrass his wife or her. The three friends very much respected and relished their closeness.

Upon Darius’s return to the table, he sat down next to Courtney. As his arm accidentally brushed against hers, she felt a rush of heat. If it wouldn’t be so telling, she’d fan herself to cool the hot flames singeing her skin.

Discreetly, Courtney surveyed Darius’s attire. Though dressed more casually than when she’d last seen him, he still looked like a man of means. He wore a black blazer with a gold royal crest and his light blue silk shirt was open at the collar. The revealing bit of thick chest hairs made her want to see so much more of his sexy attributes. A sudden thought of him standing under the shower naked caused her to gasp.

Darius looked at Courtney with concern. “Are you okay?”

She managed a believable smile. “I’m fine. Something must’ve gone down the wrong way. It’s okay now.” Things were definitely going down the wrong way, but she had no clue as to how to redirect them. Gushing over an engaged man was simply insane.

Noticing the tiny beads of sweat on Courtney’s forehead didn’t convince Darius that everything was fine with her, but he thought it best to let it ride. The last thing he wanted to risk was embarrassing her in front of her friends.

“I know Monica works for Courtney, but what about you, J.R.? Are you employed by The Party People, too?” Darius inquired.

“I work for Courtney on occasion. If she has clients who need a band, we accommodate her if we’re free. However, I’m a music teacher at Rutherford Junior College. I also teach private keyboard and drum lessons to youngsters. Writing music is the part of my career I love best.”

Darius smiled broadly. “That’s good to know, man. Have you ever written music for a film or television?”

J.R. shook his head in the negative. “Can’t say that I have, but I’d sure love to give it a try.”

“Let’s set up a meeting before we leave here. I’m the owner of D.F. Film Productions, Inc. My offices are here in Hollywood. Have you heard of my firm?”

“Who hasn’t heard of your company?” Impressed with Darius’s success, J.R. wondered if he might help something extraordinary happen in his music career. “Great things are said about what you’re doing for blacks in theater arts. I’m awed by what you’ve taken on. The power people in Tinseltown are not easy adversaries.”

“I try not to see them as opponents. My desire is to partner with some of the best producers and directors working in this city. There’s enough for all of us in the world of entertainment. And we always need music.”

“I’d love to hear what you’re looking for. Monica always said that might be just the right ticket for me. She’s my wife, and she means everything in the world to me.” J.R. leaned over and kissed Monica full on the mouth.

Darius grinned. “The way you two look at each other made that an easy call. Body language tells its own story. Love between two people reveals itself in a number of ways. The lack of love between partners is just as easy to read.”

“Yeah, I know,” J.R. remarked. “Love is loud and clear, with or without vocals.”

Darius’s eyes suddenly flickered. “I like that! People in love are blessed. It’s a thrill to watch actors communicate love in a romantic story without saying a word.”

Talking about love and romance had gotten to Courtney, a hopeless romantic who had yet to experience a genuine loving relationship. The man of her dreams was out there, but she had no idea when he’d show up. If he did appear, she wasn’t sure she’d recognize him immediately.

Glancing at Darius, she recalled her heart reaching out to him the moment she’d laid eyes on him. Unfortunately for her, his heart and love already belonged to another.

Chapter 3

Gathering together the papers she needed for the staff meeting, Courtney slid them into a manila folder and headed toward the conference room. She was early, but the extra time would give her a chance to sip a cup of coffee and go over her notes again. There was much to discuss this morning and the staff had a lot on its plate, literally.

The months to come were filling up quickly and quite a few dates had been booked up to the end of the year. Several Christmas parties, both day and evening events, were already on the December schedule. Deposits had been obtained.

Remembering when she only had one or two events scheduled in a single month made Courtney laugh. Even when dates were scarce and far and few between, she never thought about giving up. Anything worth having was worth working hard for.

Courtney entered the conference room and set down her briefcase at the head of the table. Monica—sweet, highly efficient—Monica stayed on her toes. From the looks of things, as usual, her assistant had set up the conference room for the staff meeting sometime before she’d left the office on Friday. Copies of the meeting agenda had been placed on the long table in front of each high-back leather chair and cups of pencils and pens were within easy reach.

A quick glance to her left revealed a linen-covered table fully stocked with both regular and flavored tea bags, dry packets of creamer, sugar, various artificial sweeteners, plastic stirrers, regular-size napkins and foam cups.

Mini flavored liquid creamers were kept inside the office-size refrigerator, along with bottles of water and several kinds of regular and diet sodas. Single-serving-size juices, such as tomato, V8, cranberry, apple and orange were available, too, along with fresh lemon, lime and orange wedges.

Pretty sure the coffee station was ready for use, Courtney walked over to the built-in counter and pulled out the coffeemaker’s filter tray, which was indeed filled with dark crystals. After filling the water well, she plugged in the electrical cord then pressed the red on button. Reaching into the cupboard above where the machine was located, she pulled out one of the black ceramic mugs adorned with the company’s gold-embossed logo and waited for the coffee to brew. After pouring her java, she sauntered over to the conference table.

Just as she sat down, her cell rang. “You Are Not Alone” played and made her smile, inviting sentiment to well up in her heart.

As Courtney instantly recognized the voice on the other end, her eyes danced with light. “Good morning, Darius. How are you?”

“I couldn’t be better. Sharing Sunday brunch with you, J.R. and Monica was a pleasure for me yesterday. Listen, Courtney, I need a big favor. Think you can go to a club with me on Thursday evening to hear a band? I’d really like your opinion on the group who call themselves Rest Assured.”

Courtney chuckled. “I already like the catchy name. What time are you meeting them?”

“It’s not an official meeting. I just plan to show up and listen. J.R. already has a gig booked on the event date. Eight or so is when I’d like to get to there. They go on at nine, but I always like time to unwind. They’re performing at Club 21.”

“My employees and I drop in there after work from time to time. Let me look at my calendar and get back to you.”

Unprepared for the jagged disappointment sluicing through him, Darius winced. He was used to women telling him they were available at his beck and call, though it wasn’t something he encouraged, desired or demanded. Courtney, on the other hand, made it seem as if she wasn’t the least bit interested in him on a personal level—and he was more than bothered by that. She was a true enigma, and he actually liked that about her. Generally speaking, figuring out someone instantly wasn’t very challenging or exciting to him.

Getting to know Courtney Campbell outside her corporate persona was a challenge Darius wished he could meet head-on. The lady was so intriguing that it was hard to keep his mind fixed on one of the finest engagement receptions he had to pull off.

Monica was the first employee to pop into the conference room. Dressed in pink designer jeans and a fashionable top in a dark shade of coral made her look cool and comfortable. She smiled as she rushed by Courtney, who was still on the phone, to claim her favorite seat at the table.

“Say, Darius, our staff meeting is about to start. I need to end this call. I promise to try to get back with you before the lunch hour is over. Is that okay?”

“It’s fine. In fact, let’s discuss the reception some more over lunch. I’ve been given a Web site for the band. I’ll check it out and print the important criteria to bring along.”

Sucking in a deep breath, Courtney mentally wrestled with her reluctance to accept Darius’s invitation versus her desire to be near him. It’s only lunch. You do have to eat. “Where would you like to meet for lunch?”

Deep regret assailed Courtney’s common sense the same moment the words left her mouth. Being alone with this irresistible, engaged man was dangerous. The riotous feelings he evoked inside her should serve as a serious warning: Danger dead ahead.

“Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles on Gower and Sunset is the first place I thought of. If Monica is free, please invite her, too. She kept us laughing at brunch. I like both her and J.R. I get the feeling they’re very genuine, down-to-earth people.”

“You nailed that right! They’re the most sincere people I’ve ever met. I’ll share your invite with Monica and see if she can make it. Does twelve-thirty work?”

“Perfect. See you then.”

Wanting to hear his last breath, Courtney kept the phone up to her ear until he’d clicked off. As she looked around the room, it appeared that almost everyone was present. There were a few staffers missing, mostly part-timers, but she expected them to skid into the room any minute now. Everyone knew tardiness was a major pet peeve of hers.

Courtney smiled brightly as Alma and Harrell Campbell came through the door. Her grandmother had said she wasn’t sure if they’d make the meeting or not, but Courtney was pleased to see them. As her grandparents took seats, Courtney blew kisses their way, showing exactly how she felt about Grammy Alma and Papa Harrell. Love was written all over her face and it shone brightly in her eyes.

After demonstratively greeting her family members, Courtney made her way over to them, gave out warm hugs and planted kisses on their cheeks. Smiling with contentment, Courtney watched as Monica dashed around the room to get coffee for the elder Campbells, whom Monica loved as if they were her own kin. Once she filled the mugs, she came back to the table and handed the dark, hot liquid to Alma and Harrell. Monica then returned to the counter to pour a cup of coffee for herself.

Courtney walked over to the podium and opened her manila folder. Another quick glance around the room confirmed that everyone was present and accounted for.

“Good morning to all of you. It’s nice to see your sunshiny smiles. The uplifting weekend zipped by us with the speed of lightning. Now we’re here to share in our Monday morning blues session. Hopefully, we won’t have any.” As Courtney pulled a comical face, everyone laughed. Her sense of humor made the staff meetings fun.

“We’ll discuss old business first and then go over the items we’ve yet to complete. I hope all of you have evaluated the events you’ve worked. Writing reports can be tedious, but it helps us pinpoint our strengths and identify weaknesses. Cheryl, let’s start with you. How did the Bevins’ twenty-fifth anniversary party go?”

Cheryl Dawson, an attractive, fair-skinned female, tall with a slender body, stood up and approached the podium. She was a genius with numbers. Everyone called on her after receiving a final head count for the events they worked on. She almost always suggested just the right amount of food items and beverages to order.

Cheryl smiled warmly. “The Bevins’ event was a big success,” she said into the microphone. “We know how hard it is to pull off surprise parties, but the family members in charge managed to keep the couple totally in the dark. No one could’ve faked their reactions. Everyone who responded to the RSVP showed up. We succeeded in all areas. The handling of the event received an A+, according to the feedback surveys.”

The staff clapped in response to Cheryl’s positive report as she sat back down.

Courtney moved back to the podium. “Congratulations on the hard work to Cheryl and her great team! We wish every event earned such high marks. An A+ is rare.”

For the next hour, Courtney sat and listened to the other staff members’ assessments of the events they had handled. Not a single one was a disaster, but neither were any as perfect as Cheryl’s. There were several B grades and a couple of Cs. The staff discussed in depth things that had and hadn’t run smoothly.

Taking thorough notes helped Courtney identify problem areas with an event, which gave her an opportunity to make improvements. Working out all the kinks was a job she relished and also paid very close attention to.

Courtney smoothed a hand down her white dress slacks before slipping back into the matching suit jacket. The lavender silk shirt was a great color to complement her complexion and it beautifully offset the white Evan Picone crepe pantsuit.

Standing in front of the mirrored dressing table, she refreshed her makeup and tended to her full lips, brushing on a clear gloss. Combing her hair back in place came next. Satisfied that she looked her very best, she left the bathroom and headed back to the front of the restaurant to wait for Darius. Monica had already made other plans for lunch and her grandparents had had to leave immediately after the meeting adjourned.

The moment Darius spotted Courtney he couldn’t help smiling. She hadn’t seen him yet, so that gave him a few seconds to indulge himself in a bit of girl-watching. He loved the outfit she had on and he also thought the lavender color complemented both the stark white material of her suit and her warm skin tone. He noticed that the lavender shoes she wore had low heels, as opposed to the stiletto styles a lot of women preferred. She walked with confidence; he noticed how high she held her head.

What was going on inside her mind was only one of many things he’d love to explore about her. What made her tick? Who was the woman beneath the business persona? What would make her smile the brightest and bring her the most pleasure? What kind of man turned her on? What did Courtney Campbell want out of life and love?

So many intriguing questions without answers. Darius vowed to find out everything about the mysterious Courtney. She seemed to have a lot going for her. It was important for him to know her every desire and what fueled them.

Settled in at a window booth the hostess had led them to, Courtney and Darius looked over menus while waiting for the waiter to appear. Both had eaten at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles countless times, but they still perused the offerings closely.

“I think I’ll just have a side order of wings. I’m not that hungry,” Courtney said.