As Taylor dressed for an evening out, her eyes strayed time and time again to the huge bouquet of roses on her nightstand. It seemed strange to be going out with one man while she continued to speculate about another.
She was confused by her reluctance to spend the evening with friends and coworkers, but she answered the door. She usually enjoyed these things. It gave her a chance to chat with old friends.
“Ready?” Richard Hawkins asked with a smile, not bothering to come inside the foyer.
While women found his deep bronze face pleasing to look at and his tall, lean body attractive, he generally was oblivious to their interest. He lived and breathed computers. Most women made him decidedly uncomfortable, even though he had a healthy male appetite, which he tended to ignore. Taylor was the exception; with her he could relax and be himself.
“Yes,” she said, buttoning her black velvet coat and closing the door behind her.
The freeway to Cobo Conference and Exhibition Center in downtown Detroit was crowded. Traffic was backed up due to construction. The ballroom that had been cleverly partitioned off—one side for dining, the other for dancing—overlooked the Detroit River and the Canadian riverfront beyond.
Several members of the University and the computer department were active in the NAACP’s community-based organization and shared a large table. Taylor and Richard were welcomed heartily. The room was already bustling with activity.
As Taylor slid into the chair Richard held out for her, she glanced around her with interest. It was like an informal fashion show. Taylor did not feel as if she were in competition with anyone. She wore the same black, silk, figure-flattering sheath dress with black sequins on the straps that crisscrossed low in the back that she’d worn last year. She also wore black satin covered, three-inch heels, overlooking the fact that even though she and Richard were nearly the same height, in heels she towered over him.
Not that they would be dancing later, since Richard hated dancing. In spite of her height, Taylor loved high heels. Diamond and pearl earrings adorned her ears and tiny, heart-shaped gold charms wreathed her ankle.
With Donald she hadn’t even considered her height. She’d been too busy arguing with him. He’d towered over her with his broad shoulders and deep chest so that she had actually felt small. Stop this! He was the last person she wanted to think about. She refused to let thoughts of him spoil her evening.
“You okay?” Richard asked.
“Yes,” she smiled. “Why do you ask?”
“You were scowling.”
“Sorry.” Taylor made a point of putting a generous smile on her lips.
“It looks like we’re going to have a big crowd,” Richard said, studying his program.
Taylor nodded. Her eyes were on the head table on the raised dais facing the diners. More than a dozen chairs. She hid a frown at the prospect of long lengthy speeches. Thank heaven, dinner would be served first, then the speeches and then awards would be given out, followed by music provided by the live jazz band. All the tables were draped in pristine white tablecloths and were topped with fresh flowers. Uniformed waiters were bustling about, preparing for their meal.
“Did you see that dress?” Gloria Bishop, who worked with Taylor in the lab, asked in a whisper. “That is Heather Montgomery, the criminal attorney’s wife. She and Diane Randol have on the same dress, although hers is in white and Diane’s is red. Talk about classy. I heard they were good friends,” The two were escorted by their husbands.
“Lovely.” Taylor had no trouble recognizing the two prominent couples being seated at one of the VIP tables in front. Taylor could tell by looking that each couple was very much in love. The Montgomery’s were openly holding hands, while Charles Randol was whispering in his wife’s ear, his hand caressing her nape.
Taylor dropped her eyes, studying her hands as she wondered what it felt like to know you were adored and treasured by one special man. She had never been on the receiving end of such warmth and male attention. Once, long ago, she had imagined herself in just such a relationship—that was, until Alex had opened her eyes to the real world. She no longer yearned for love or fidelity. Both seemed to be in short supply in this day and age.
Alex Adams had taught her many things, including that handsome men are good to look at, but are not to be trusted. Temptation from readily available females who don’t believe in limits when it comes to what they wanted proved to be their major downfall. Taylor was fresh out of fantasies about happy ever after. Her time was better served focusing on her career goals and helping her brother.
“Looks like there is going be a nice program. They are honoring…” Richard began listing the names of those scheduled to receive an award. When he said Donald Williams’s name Taylor’s stomach did an immediate flip-flop. Donald? Here in Detroit? She clenched her hands in her lap, taking deep calming breaths as she tried to prepare herself; why was he here, of all places?
The president of the local chapter greeted everyone and asked the audience to stand as the twelve honorees and guests filed in to take their places on the dais. Taylor had eyes for only one man. He was every bit as well built and easy on the eyes as she remembered. He was dressed, as all the men were, in a black tuxedo and stood head and shoulder above the other men. He took his place, seemingly perfectly at ease. It was his warm smile that caught and held her attention. Goodness! There ought to be a law against any man being so good to look at. No wonder he attracted women like bees to a honeycomb. Why hadn’t he stayed in Chicago where he belonged?
When Richard said her name, Taylor nearly jumped out of her seat. She realized they were starting to serve their meal. As hard as she tried, she could not seem to follow the conversation going on around her.
Yet, she knew the instant Donald spotted her. Her dark lashes lifted and she found herself looking directly into the ebony depths of his eyes. She managed to smile in response to the smile and nod of hello he gave her. Was his smile meant for her alone? Stop it! She scolded herself. Just stop it this instant! It did not matter who that teakwood giant was smiling at. It was no concern of hers.
If asked, Taylor would not have been able to tell anyone what she had eaten. It didn’t seem to matter. Her eyes returned time and time again to the head table on the dais. Each time her eyes seemed to collide with his, she blushed, realizing he was watching her watching him.
She would instantly drop her gaze, forcing herself to respond to Richard’s conversation. For the life of her, she could not follow his dialogue but she felt compelled to try, nonetheless. She missed the dark brooding gaze Donald continued to direct her way.
Once the awards ceremony started, she finally had a legitimate excuse to stare at the head table. Taylor had no idea why she anxiously waited for Donald’s turn. He was being recognized for his work with helping minority businesses get started in not only the Detroit and Chicago area but all over the country. Finally, he stood at the podium a wide smile gracing his dark handsome face. As he spoke, Taylor acknowledged that he was much more than a pretty face.
Donald’s acceptance speech focused on his pet project. “It’s time that we black men stop looking to the Michael Jordans and the Donald Williams of the world to be role models for our young black men. Fathers, brothers and uncles are the real role models. Every black man should take a keen interest in some youngster’s life. We must take on that responsibility before it is too late. Too many of our boys are being lost to the streets. We can’t look to Washington to do this for us. This is something we must do for ourselves. Get involved. Let’s not leave it to the sisters alone to raise our boys. Only a strong man can teach a boy to be a strong man, not only intellectually but emotionally as well. It’s our job as black men...no one else’s.”
The applause was thunderous. Taylor was on her feet, like everyone else, thoroughly impressed by Donald’s sincerity. Admiration was the last thing she expected to feel for him. He had it all, multimillion-dollar contract with the number one basketball team in the country, prosperous business and tremendous appeal to the opposite sex. So why was he so determined to influence her brother’s life? Didn’t he have enough to keep him busy?
It appeared as if he had a gilt tongue. Any woman would consider him a dream come true. Taylor blinked in dismay. Surely, she wasn’t that vulnerable, that much in need of a man? But it was not just any man. It was Donald Williams who constantly filled her thoughts. At the moment, his charm was harnessed. She prayed he wouldn’t release it in her direction. At the moment, she wasn’t positive she could resist.
“What do you think?”
Taylor blinked at her escort, trying to figure out what he was talking about.
With the awards ceremony and keynote speech complete, the dignitaries joined their families and friends in the audience. As Donald threaded his way through the crowd, he was stopped time and again and congratulated. He paused to shake hands with Charles Randol and his wife, and paused to meet Quinn and Heather Montgomery. He shook hands with Mayor Archer and met his wife and family before he moved on to join his own family at their table.
“Congratulations, son.” Greg Williams stood and hugged his son. He was every bit as broad shouldered and shared the same teakwood coloring and strong African features with his sons. Although over six three, he did not quite equal his famous and youngest son in height.
Donald found himself getting emotional as he grinned at the man he most admired. His father was a devoted family man who had worked hard over the years to build his hardware business and provide for their family. More important, he had always been there for him.
“Thanks, Daddy,” he said before he leaned down to embrace his mother. “Give me some sugar,” he teased.
Ellen Williams laughed through her tears, kissing his cheek. Her dark eyes filled with love. “I’m proud of you, son.” Her soft brown face was as smooth and unlined as her daughter’s.
“Thanks. I’m glad you and Dad made it.” His parents had flown in from Orlando, Florida, for the dinner. Donald accepted a kiss from his sister, Megan Williams-Davis. She shared their father’s coloring but was petite like their mother. He shook hands with his sister’s husband, Jess.
Donald received a hearty slap on the back from Carl. The two had always been close and when Donald needed someone he could trust at his back the first, person he thought of was his brother. His sister-in-law, Margie, was not about to be left out and gave him a hug and kiss of congratulations.
Donald was glad to sit down. And didn’t think twice about taking a swallow of his brother’s drink. “I’m glad that’s over. Next time someone asks me to speak, remind me to say no.”
Although pleased by his family’s support, his eyes strayed time and time again to where Taylor was seated across the room. It was true he hadn’t expected to see her tonight. Yet, he certainly hadn’t been prepared to see her with another man. He was amazed at how much he resented it. Every time he saw her speaking to her date his entire body tightened with anger. Dislike was too mild a word; he hated the situation he found himself in. She should have been his date for the evening.
“Now, if people would take the next step beyond the Million Man March, then we would have no need for reminders like this.” Greg said thoughtfully.
“It’s a matter of black male involvement. Well done, kid,” Carl grinned.
“The test will come when we leave here. How many men will take the message away and use it in their everyday lives,” Donald said, broodingly. His eyes were once again on Taylor.
“Why no date?” Megan asked, curiosity getting the best of her. She ignored the censuring look her husband sent her way. Something was not quite right with her brother and she wanted to know what was wrong.
He could have said that his lady was a few tables away with another man but thought better of it. “Decided to go stag,” he grumbled, his voice tinged with bitterness. He was unaware of the way his family looked at him and then each other in surprise.
“You feeling all right, honey?” his mother asked with concern.
Donald had been so absorbed in Taylor that he didn’t realize how oddly he was behaving. He flashed a quick smile, hoping to sidetrack his family’s curiosity, which could swiftly move to pointed questions that he wasn’t ready to answer.
“Couldn’t be better. You are looking awfully cute in that blue dress, Mama. You better keep your eye on her tonight, Daddy,” he teased.
His mother giggled and his father roared with laughter, but his siblings exchanged a knowing look. He might fool their parents but something was obviously going on with him. He just was not talking.
“The music is starting,” Margie said, looking pointedly at her husband. Everyone laughed. She was a great dancer and loved to be on the dance floor.
Carl grinned. “I can take a hint,” he said, his voice throaty. He was looking forward to having her in his arms as much as she wanted to be there. He rose to his feet. “Excuse us,” he said as he led her away.
Donald ordered a scotch neat, causing Megan and Jess to exchange a surprised look. He rarely drank hard liquor, particularly during basketball season.
“What the matter, son?” his father asked.
“Nothing. Excuse me,” he said, unable to sit longer and passively watch another man make a move on his woman.
Although his head told him that was not exactly true, his heart told him it was close enough. What if Scott had been wrong? What if she were seriously dating the man beside her? A muscle jumped in his jaw at the hated thought. It didn’t slow his steps, as he realized it would not stop him. If that was the case then she could very well tell him to his face. She was the only one who could stop his pursuit.
As he weaved his way across the room he was intercepted time and time again by well-wishers. He was forced to curb his impatience. He gave a sigh of relief as he finally neared her table, while his heart thundered with excitement at being close to her again. He did not give himself time to worry about her level of resentment toward him. He was counting on the fact that she would not embarrass them both in front of others by refusing to dance with him.
She was engrossed in conversation with her boss, and she looked up in shocked dismay when a deep male voice said, “Good evening, Taylor. How have you been?”
Donald’s presence was so profound that it: brought complete silence to the entire table.
“Good evening,” Taylor said, forcing a calm she was far from feeling. She was well aware of the fact that her coworkers had no idea she even knew the man.
Richard was on his feet, smiling warmly, eager for an introduction. Donald Williams was a popular figure and clearly the man of the hour. Taylor had no choice but to make introductions all around. Everyone seemed eager to meet the man and tell him what they thought of his speech, his team and whatever else they could think up. Taylor was annoyed at how casual and natural he was, not the least disturbed by the attention he garnered. Donald was invited to join them.
His smile was warm and charming when he said smoothly to her date who had made the offer. “Thank you. But I was hoping Taylor would join me on the dance floor. Taylor?”
Although he spoke to her, his gaze was on Richard. He watched the other man closely. When Richard quickly nodded, as if the decision was his, Donald was thrown off balance. What was with this guy? He was with the most beautiful woman in the room and not showing any sign of possessiveness. If the situation were reversed, Donald knew he would not be quick to hand her over to another man.
Aware of practically every curious eye at the table on her, Taylor knew she had no choice but to accept unless she was prepared to make a scene. Donald’s keen gaze locked with hers, a hint of amusement twinkled there as he awaited her response.
She was even lovelier than he remembered, he decided thoughtfully. How had he managed to wait so long before seeing her again? He was so hungry for her that he could hardly wait to have her in his arms, pressed close to his frame. Her response was so long in coming that he steeled himself, preparing for her refusal.
Taylor slowly rose to her feet, acutely aware of his dark scrutiny. She managed to smile, but it was for the benefit of the others at the table, not Donald. Her back was ramrod straight as she made her way between the tables, aware of his hand on the small of her back just above the flare of her hips.
Was he looking at her body? Was he aware of the way the fabric clung a little too closely to her hips for her peace of mind? She shouldn’t have worn the dress. She should have worn her velour bathrobe...at least it covered from shoulder to toe.
Donald was watching, alright, and loving each sweet movement of her sexy behind. He didn’t see anything that he didn’t like. In fact, he could not possibly see too much of this delectable beauty. Donald slowed, reluctantly, on occasion to nod to or greet someone in the crowd, but he kept his hand firmly on her small waist. He was not about to let her get away. He had waited weeks for just such a moment as this. Just think: he had not intended to call her while he was in the city. He had thought it was best to give her more time to get used to the idea that he was interested in her. He must have been out of his ever-loving mind.
His heart was racing from the sweetness of anticipation when he finally took her into his arms. He took care not to crush her lush breasts into his chest as he longed to do. Nor did he thrust a muscular thigh boldly between her soft ones as he hungered to do in his need to get as close to her as humanly possible.
Taylor was a lady and deserved to be treated well. Of course that knowledge did nothing to soothe his masculine hunger. He lowered his eyes, drowning his senses in her essence. He breathed deeply drawing in her feminine scent.
She was so incredibly soft. Everything about her brought forth all that was uniquely male within him. His senses seem to soar. No matter how he fought his own body for dominance, he could not control his male response to Taylor. She turned him on big time, without even trying.
Unnerved by his continued silence, Taylor felt obligated to say, “Thank you for the roses. They’re beautiful.” She had no idea how he knew that she adored roses. Having fresh flowers in her home daily was a wild extravagance. She had no doubt that he was ruthless in his pursuit of what he wanted. She had piqued his interest. The question was for how long?
She could not stop herself from asking, “Why? Why did you send them?” On their last meeting she had made it perfectly clear to him how thoroughly she resented him and his interference in her younger brother’s life. She had come right out and told him that she didn’t want anything to do with him…ever!
Donald chose not to answer. For now his motivation was his alone. Instead he said, “I’m glad you like them. I thought you might like the soft colors, considering how pretty you looked in that deep rose suit the day we met. Perhaps I was wrong? Black does wonderful things for you. You look beautiful tonight.”
Taylor trembled, feeling the warm caress of his deep throaty voice. She imagined the sound of his voice in the dark, surrounded by his masculine strength. He was so wonderfully large, making her feel so feminine. Goodness! He practically oozed male charm, she noted, hating the way her breath caught in her throat in spite of her best effort to distance herself from him. He was dangerous to her peace of mind. He could so easily slip beneath a woman’s skin and into her heart. Taylor was determined not to let that happen to her.
“What’s your game?” she said in self-defense. “Looking for an easy conquest?”
Donald chuckled, thoroughly intrigued by the lady. “Aw, a woman who shoots straight from the hip. No playing around.” He could think of nothing he wanted more than to play with her. He was up to the challenge of making her want him as badly as he wanted her.
“Why me? We aren’t exactly contemporaries.”
“We’re not enemies either, are we?”
“We are nothing whatsoever, Mr. Williams,” she insisted, determined to ignore how wonderful it felt to be in his arms. Their bodies fit together like a hand and glove…perfection.
He was all man. His chest was wide and deep, his shoulders unbelievably broad, his thighs were as muscular as his arms. She had to look up to meet his unrelenting gaze. That didn’t happen often, considering her height. Three-inch heels didn’t do much to eliminate the difference in their height. She couldn’t reach his chin. His mouth was inches from hers.
Goodness! What was she thinking? She didn’t, want, this man! All she wanted was for him to leave her and her brother alone.
His lips parted as he moved the tip of his tongue over the firm surface of his bottom lip, unaware of her interest. Taylor trembled, unable to look away.
“That can easily be changed. And you know my name is Donald. Use it.”
“No!”
“Go out with me, Taylor. I’d like to get to know you. We...”
Taylor shook her head even before he finished speaking. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“I disagree. I can’t think of a better arrangement. You’re a lady. I’m a man. That’s all I believe is necessary.” His brow lifted pointedly.
Taylor glared at him. Her lovely month held tight, drawing his dark eyes to its sweet bounty. “It’s going to take more than roses to change my opinion of you, Mr. Williams.”
“Donald,” he grated, with impatience. He was certain it was her purpose to antagonize him. “I wouldn’t think you know me well enough to form any kind of honest opinion.”
“I read the papers, Mr. Williams.”
“Donald.”
She sighed, giving in. “Donald. I’m not interested in dating you.”
“How do you know? If your information about me comes from the news media, then you don’t know the first things about me. Get to know me, find out the truth,” he invited, his smile as deeply seductive as his ebony eyes.
Taylor shook her head. “I already know enough. The way you’ve influenced Scott. Isn’t that illegal? Can’t he lose his scholarship if it becomes public that he’s friendly with you?”
“Is that what you think I’m doing? Trying to recruit your brother for my team?”
“Exactly.”
Donald was scowling. “When is the last time you looked in the mirror, Taylor? If your date does not have sense enough to tell you, then I’ll he happy to correct the error. You are one fine, good-looking sister. I like a woman with some meat on her bones. A woman I can hold on to.”
Taylor knew that her mouth was hanging open, but she couldn’t help it. She could not believe her ears.
She trembled in reaction to him, unable to collect her thoughts.
“I’m interested in you, sugar, not your brother. Now that that’s settled, tell me about your date for the evening. Is he your lover?”
“What!” Taylor nearly yelled at him. She would have walked off the dance floor if he had not been holding onto her. The music had stopped but he still did not let her go.
“Is he?” he persisted, grateful when the band played another slow tune thus giving him a reason to hold her.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but Richard is my boss and friend. Now about my brother...”
Donald hid the relief he felt. “No. This isn’t about Richard or Scott. This is about the two of us.”
“How many times do I have to tell you no? Or hasn’t a woman ever said no to you before?” Taylor was trembling with rage. Having given up all pretense of dancing, she dropped her arms to her sides then hissed, “Let me go.”
A muscle jumped in Donald’s cheek as if he were clenching his teeth, but he did as she asked. He let her go. Taylor turned on her heels. Too shaken to return to the table, she rushed out into the hallway, intent on reaching the ladies room, desperate to control her pounding heart.
“You’re frightened. Why?” Donald was beside her, his long legs making a mockery out of her shorter steps.
“What is this? Why are you following me?” she snapped. “I made myself clear.” She wanted to scream at him but she worked to keep her voice low in an effort not to be overheard.
The hallway was crowded. He was easily recognized. The last thing she needed was to end up on the pages of the society column or one of the tabloids. Donald was not bothered. He had waited too long for an opportunity to be with her. He was not about to let her walk away from him.
“You’re afraid of me, afraid of getting involved. Why, Taylor? I won’t hurt you,” he whispered close to her ear. They had stopped on one side of the crowded corridor. Aware of her discomfort, he caressed her soft cheek with a fingertip, his eyes never leaving hers. Donald had no idea why her answer was so important to him, but it was. He wanted to date her. He would be lying to himself if he didn’t admit that he wanted much, much more than that. He was willing to do whatever it took to have her.
“I’m not afraid of you.” He wasn’t a threat to her. He had too much influence over her brother. That bothered her. If only he could be persuaded to see that it was not in Scott’s best interest, to quit, school. But how?
“Then you’d be willing to go out with me?”
“I...” she hesitated. Could she convince him to help her cause? Did she dare try? She had no choice but to try.
“Yes? I’ll be back in town in two weeks. What about Friday after next?” He was clearly issuing a challenge.
He was right. She was afraid of getting involved with him. Yet, it was a risk she must take for Scott’s sake. “One date,” she reluctantly agreed, while silently praying she was doing the right thing. If they could sit down and talk, then perhaps she could calmly and unemotionally explain her side of this issue. He was a rational man. Surely, she could convince him to agree with her and help her cause.
Donald didn’t question her reversal. There would be time for that later once they were alone. He simply said, “Thank you.” His voice was deep, husky when he went on to say, “I’d like you to meet my family before I take you back to your table.”
“I don’t think that’s a great idea,” was on the tip of her tongue, but Taylor decided it was too petty to voice. What would it hurt? She had already agreed to spend an evening with him. A few minutes with his family should not matter. She knew that she would never let herself care about him. She had no intentions of getting romantically involved with him. This so called date was for Scott’s benefit, nothing more.
Donald was the one surprised when she merely nodded her agreement. He didn’t question why. Her agreement was too important to him. He would like her to know the real man, not the one that was displayed in the media. As far as he was concerned, meeting his family was a surefire way of getting to the heart of the matter—or rather, her getting to know the real man.
Although there were many curious eyes following their progress as they reentered the ballroom and threaded their way through the tables, Taylor kept her eyes straight ahead. Even though Donald made no move to touch her, she could feel his long powerful length close beside her. She had never been so aware of a man in her life. There was something about him that made her cognizant of her own femininity.
All three men came to their feet at their approach. Donald easily made the introductions. Taylor couldn’t help noticing the strong family resemblances that both Donald and his brother shared with their handsome father, Greg, while his sister favored his attractive mother.
“Are you enjoying yourself, Ms Hendricks?” Mrs. Williams asked.
“Yes, very much. Please call me Taylor. The NAACP always has lovely affairs,” she said with a smile.
Carl frowned in concentration, wondering where he had heard the name before. He had a feeling Taylor was responsible for his brother’s drastic mood swings of late.
“As you might have guessed we’re thrilled by Donald’s award and speech,” his mother beamed with pride. “Detroit is our home, even though my husband and I now spend most of the year in Florida. Are you from the city, dear?”
“Yes. My parents also live in Florida, St. Petersburg. They were forced to relocate, due to my father’s health, when my brother was still in high school. He’s at University of Detroit now.”
“Taylor and I met while I was here a few weeks ago on business. Her brother Scott is center on the University team. He’s a very talented basketball player. We met at Edmund’s Place while she was lunching with her brother,” Donald explained, looking from one curious relative to another.
He knew how rare it was that he introduced a woman to his family. He’d never been crazy enough to do so while the woman was on a date with another man.
“Aw, I remember now. From what I’ve heard from Donald your brother is a gifted athlete. According to my brother he has a real future in the NBA.”
“Until my brother met your brother, he had a future in chemistry. You see, our family values education. Scott has a full athletic scholarship and he has worked hard to keep his grades high. Neither our parents nor I want Scott to give up his education to play professional basketball. It would be a drastic mistake that could destroy his future.” She couldn’t help looking at Donald accusingly.
“Don’t you think you’re being a bit dramatic?” Donald asked with a scowl.
“Not at all. I think I’m being realistic. There are no guarantees in life.”
His parents exchanged a concerned look, as did his sister and brother. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Taylor and Donald had a serious difference of opinion. Her resentment of him was evident, as was his keen interest in her. Donald could not seem to look away from the beauty of her flawlessly smooth brown face.
“We can certainly understand how you feel. Did your brother finish high school in Florida?” Megan asked.
“No. He stayed with me during those years,” Taylor said, carefully cognizant of Donald’s look of surprise.
Her response certainly explained their closeness. She had been substitute parent/sister/friend all rolled into one. Donald had no idea that she had practically raised her younger brother.
“Has your brother decided to quit college?” Donald’s mother asked kindly.
“Not yet, I’m afraid that he has been so overwhelmed by Donald’s celebrity status and his interest in him that he still doesn’t have his feet on solid ground.”
“No one is denying the benefits of an education. My degree has served me well, both in basketball and in business. But it’s the basketball that has allowed me to do things I never dreamed possible as a young black male in this country. I’d be lying if I said that I don’t think Scott or any other talented youngster can ignore the tremendous potential and opportunities pro ball can offer them,” Donald ended quietly.
“Taylor has a good point.” Megan surprised her brother and husband by saying.
“Scott can’t just ignore this opportunity. It could change his life,” Carl said. “What if he gets hurt in college ball? There goes his pro ball career.”
It was Margie who said, “He could be hurt badly during his first season in the pros. Then what? He would have no degree to fall back on,”
Greg Williams nodded “It’s not an easy decision. I remember reading about the young man who was trying to decide whether to go into professional golf. There was a lot of speculation on the news over what he should do, but when it comes to Olympic gymnasts or tennis players, age is not an issue.”
It was more than an interesting discussion to Taylor. She had worked too long and too hard to keep Scott in school to accept Donald’s views as gospel. Donald’s name, his ability, his masculine appeal didn’t have a thing to do with Scott’s future. She had to safeguard it without being sidetracked by his masculinity.
For the first time in her life, she felt utterly feminine in a man’s arms…Donald’s arms as he moved her along the dance floor. It was as if she couldn’t control her reaction to his closeness, his hard body. Taylor was intensely aware of him - his size, his scent, the richness of his deep teakwood coloring, the strength and character in his distinctively African features.
What woman with a heartbeat would not be attracted to him? Nonetheless, she was not about to let her hormones do her thinking for her. She had a brain. Wasn’t it time she used it?
While Donald might be a man’s man because of his openness and athletic ability, he was also a woman’s sizzling-hot fantasy. Did he offer his lady sensual pleasure as effectively as he played his sport or conducted his business?
Goodness! Taylor suddenly realized she was in trouble. Despite a good dose of common sense and despite her animosity toward the man, it was Donald’s kisses she longed to know, his arms she craved. Dear God, Donald should have been the last man on earth she would be attracted to. The very last!
She had a plan now and that was all she would concentrate on. She could convince him to help her. Her brother’s future depended on her success.
“Donald, have you had a chance to talk to Bradford? What does he think of our plan? We should be able to break ground in April,” Carl said, interrupting his thoughts.
“Yeah, I spoke to him on Friday. He seems to think…”
“Oh, no, you two don’t. No business tonight. You promised, remember?” Margie said glaring at her husband.
Carl grinned, and openly caressed his wife with his gaze. His lips briefly touched hers, lingering for only a sweet instant while his eyes promised the world. “Okay, baby.”
Donald sighed heavily, knowing that was what he wanted someday. That closeness, that deep love. He suddenly wondered if it were possible with Taylor. She alone had so effortlessly captured his thoughts.
What was happening to him? Her date was only several feet away, but he didn’t care enough to take her back to her table. He wanted her here with him. He actually hated the idea of her being with another man even if they were not lovers. Taylor…when had he become so possessive...so single minded where she was concerned? Her continued resentment of him was really beginning to get to him. It gave her a legitimate excuse to keep him at a distance. Hell, no! He didn’t like it one little bit. He knew that he had to woo her, change her mind about him. The trouble was, would she give him the opportunity?
Taylor chose that moment to remind him that she hadn’t come with him. “It has been a pleasure meeting all of you, but I must be getting back to my friend.”
Although his family quickly expressed the niceties, Donald was not the least bit happy about escorting her back to her table and her date for the evening. He consoled himself with the reminder that the next time they were together he would be her date.