Taylor was at the computer working on a complicated project for her boss. She was so lost in her work that she didn’t look up from the keyboard until the man standing in the open cleared his throat loudly.
“Donald!”
He eased away from the doorframe he’d been propped against before he said, “Hi.” His large frame seemed to fill the tiny cubicle she called an office. One entire wall was glass, where she could look into the computer lab where she spent much of her time.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“What are you doing here?” she whispered. As she expected nearly all the staff and students in the lab were indeed watching them.
Donald Williams’s appearance wasn’t exactly a daily occurrence. Even worse, she knew she was blushing and had to fight the urge not to cover her burning face. She had never been one eager to be the center of attention.
“Hoping you’re free for lunch,” he said matter-of-factly.
Taylor didn’t know what to say. She had schooled herself not to react to the man’s natural grace and charisma. She also wanted to keep their interest in each other private, constantly reminding herself it was nothing more than a passing thing.
Donald watched her closely. His gaze lingered on her simple blue denim jumper and pink long sleeve turtleneck blouse. But it was her eyes that caught and held his interest.
“What’s wrong, Taylor?”
“Nothing. I just didn’t expect to see you, especially not here.” She looked away, her face hot with embarrassment. She had already fielded what seemed like a thousand and one questions after the NAACP dinner. She did not welcome more. Unfortunately, his appearance would only add fuel to a new wave of gossip.
“If I were not such a self-confident guy, I’d say you were embarrassed to be seen with me. Why? My fly open or something?”
“No! Oh, why would you say something like that?”
“Why are you embarrassed?”
“I told you. I’m a private person. I don’t want the entire world to know my business.”
“I’m asking you to eat, not go to bed with me,” he said smoothly.
At this point, Taylor would have agreed to dine with Attila the Hun in order to get away from so many frankly curious eyes. She grabbed her purse from the bottom drawer and her navy blazer from the hook behind the door.
“I’m ready.”
“Where would you like to go?” he asked, lengthening his stride to keep up with her near run. They were practically running by the time they reached the sidewalk. He caught her arm. “Where’s the fire?”
“Sorry,” she mumbled. “I’m not that hungry.”
“Then let’s pick up a couple of sandwiches and eat them in the park. The car is over here,” he said cupping her elbow and steering her through the parking lot.
“I didn’t know you were planning a trip to the city.”
They had spoken several times since their date, light casual conversations.
He shrugged. “Unexpected business meeting.”
They stopped at the deli near the bookstore in the shopping center across from the college. What started as a simple errand quickly turned into a circus. Within minutes of entering the crowded deli, Donald was recognized and completely surrounded by autograph seeking patrons.
Taylor’s mouth hung open as she was pushed aside by eager fans. She couldn’t imagine living like he did with so little privacy. She was shocked at how bold one very beautiful woman was as she slipped a sheet of paper into his suit pocket while he was busy signing anything his fans shoved at him.
Taylor was the only one still in line for service. She stepped up to the counter and ordered two turkey sub sandwiches, pickles, chips and sodas. After picking up the order she waited near the door for Donald.
“Donald! Mr. Williams!” were being shouted as even more people entered the deli.
Taylor watched as he worked the crowd. Although smiling he slowly, but steadily moved in her direction. Before she could utter a word he grabbed her arm and led her out the door, racing for the car.
“Sorry about that,” he said helping her inside and quickly making his way round to the driver’s side. He drove away humming to himself as if nothing unusual had happened.
Taylor stared at him. “How can you get used to that? It could have turned into something very ugly...a mob.” She trembled uneasily.
He shrugged. “Yes, it can happen but most of the time it’s more an interruption than anything else. Nothing to be concerned about,” he soothed, momentarily taking his eyes off the road to glance at her.
The weather had turned cold and began to rain in earnest, too much for an outdoor picnic. They stopped at the neighborhood park, but decided to eat in the car. They didn’t exchange more than a half-dozen words during the meal.
“Are you okay?” he asked. “You were really worried, weren’t you?” he said, caressing her soft cheek and angling her face so that he could see her clearly.
“Yes, I suppose I was.” Suddenly, she realized she didn’t want anything unpleasant to happen to him. He might be completely wrong for her as far as a relationship went; nevertheless, she cared about him.
“Thank you, Taylor.” He suddenly realized that she had positive feelings for him and it left a warmth deep inside.
“You were lucky. It could have turned into a real nightmare.”
“We haven’t known each other very long, but I am afraid anonymity is rare in my line of work. More often than not, I’m recognized. I accept that as the price for being able to play the game I love. It’s never seemed like a great sacrifice until lately. Yes, I have suffered some unpleasantness due to being recognized. But I’ve also gained financially, emotionally and intellectually. I wish you wouldn’t look at it so negatively.”
“I don’t.”
“But you do. You were embarrassed by the interest we attracted at your office.”
“Do you have any idea how many questions I was forced to answer after that dance at the awards dinner? It wasn’t pleasant.”
“Naturally, you blame me.”
When she didn’t respond, he went on to say, “Yes, I’ve had to deal with some uncomfortable situations. Some people can be a little too eager to attract a celebrity’s attention. It’s part of the life I live. A small part.”
“Women are a little too eager, you mean. I’ve only known you a short time. And I don’t like being the center of gossip. I value my privacy.” Taylor was studying her French manicured nails. She was also trembling. Why?
She had only gone out with him once and enjoyed herself. Their lunch together was unexpected and certainly not what she would call commonplace. Donald drew feminine eyes wherever he went. His height, his looks, his celebrity status, his income were all powerful forces that caused too many women to consider him an open invitation.
Oh, why had she agreed to see him again? Was she simply flattered by his interest in her?
He certainly knew how to overwhelm her with his masculine appeal. Every time she saw him, she wanted to see more of him. No matter how hard she tried she couldn’t seem to forget how wonderful it had been to be with him, to be in his arms and once again experience his dark, sweet kisses.
She found herself longing to see him, hoping to at least hear his heavy masculine voice on the telephone. Yet, she fought her interest, determined to keep her feet firmly planted on the mother earth. As often as she reminded herself of his negative influence on her brother, she remembered the huskiness of his voice or his easygoing nature. He was not just a superstar, he was also a man. A man who was generous with his time and money. He was close to his family and valued others. She liked those things about him…liked them more than she was willing to admit.
“I’m no different than you are. I also enjoy my privacy. I refuse to consider the intrusion of the media as more than a distraction.”
“It’s like living in a fishbowl. How can you stand it? How can you encourage my brother to want the same?”
He swore mildly. “You know, I thought we might spend a little time together without talking about your brother.”
She blushed, knowing she deliberately brought Scott into the conversation like a protective shield. She hadn’t, really been thinking of Scott but of the beautiful woman who had brazenly put her phone number into his pocket.
Glancing at her watch, she said, “It’s getting late. I should be getting back.”
He made no move to touch her but turned the key in the ignition. He had obviously chosen the Lincoln because it fit his long frame.
Neither spoke until they entered the University’s gates and pulled to a stop near her building.
“Thanks, Donald. I enjoyed the outing.”
“How about Friday evening? Dinner…dancing…whatever you like.”
She shook her head. “Dinner, yes but at my place. My way of repaying you for the meals out.”
He caressed her soft cheek. “You don’t owe me anything. But I’m not about to turn away a home-cooked meal.” His wide mouth formed a charming grin that set her heart racing.
“Good. See you around seven-thirty.”
As badly as he wanted to hold her, kiss her, he was aware of their surroundings, so instead he gave her small hand a gentle squeeze. “Take care.”
Before she hurried away, she called over her shoulder, “Don’t bring anything. Not flowers or candy…nothing. Just you.”
He blinked, shocked by her command. His heart beat wildly at the possibility that all she wanted was him. That indeed was heady stuff that left him whistling to himself as he headed for the airport.