Chapter 7

The following two weeks brought beautiful, comfortably cool weather and a flurry of activity. Rehearsal and practice with the Symphony took up six hours a day, four days a week. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons were reserved for private students and performances. Practice sessions with the string quartet, now called String Theory, took place Mondays, a few evenings a week, and weekends.

And then there was Brandon. He'd called and asked if she wanted to get together on a Thursday night. Kayla wasn't sure what to think or how to feel. But he invited her down to a jazz club where he was playing, and she'd decided to go. The first thing he asked the moment he had her in front of him was, "Is it true you're dating that Kelly guy, the one running for mayor?"

"No. I am not, and I never have."

"What about those pictures?"

"Robbie asked me to teach him to dance at SummerDance, and I guess someone recognized him and took pictures. What about you, are you seeing anyone?"

"No, I haven't even been able to even look at another girl," he answered, but his facial expression gave her pause. He looked a little too innocent. His eyes were too wide and his mouth too pouty.

After his set they spoke for hours; about the music he'd chosen for his nightly gig at the posh nightclub, all the positive feedback he'd gotten, and his crazy hours. He was easy to be with, and she realized that was what she missed most. Uncomplicated, predictable people were comfortable. And listening to him took the focus off of her and her recent doubts about her own dreams coming true.

Brandon asked her out again the following night but explained she had a previous commitment. The Endowment for the Arts Ebony and Ivory Dinner and Awards Ceremony.

The event was strictly black-tie, and it was being held at a swank, newly renovated hotel in downtown Chicago called The H. All attendees were instructed to dress formally in either black or white.

Luckily, Tania, who was often invited to big-ticket events because of her local semi-celebrity status, had a steep discount at a chic boutique whose owner only asked that she let everyone know where she bought her dresses. Tania asked them if they could extend the same offer to Kayla, and she'd fallen in love with a gorgeous, floor-length, strapless ivory raw silk gown with gold thread woven throughout. She paired it with the beautiful topaz earrings and necklace set her father had bought her for her quinceanera, just before he'd died. A makeup artist friend of Robbie had taught him some tricks, and Robbie used them to help Kayla with her hair and makeup. Her hair was tamed into soft, perfect, shiny waves and her eyes seemed enormous and mysterious. The whole look was very old Hollywood.

She arrived at the hotel with Simone, Ralph, and Michelle. The four of them had become close, and though they knew Jake Kelly would be there, they'd promised not to mention the subject of her body's treacherous feelings to her that night.

Every member of Second City Symphony was there, including, of course, Julia Hamilton. Not only was she a regular member of the symphony, but this was one of her mother's hotels, and her father would be receiving a life-time achievement award. She truly was Chicago royalty.

The scene inside the banquet hall was exquisite, with scarlet and gold decorative accents setting off everyone's black and white attire beautifully. Magnificent chandeliers cast a soft glow about the room as the soft, soulful sounds of a jazz band coupled with a sultry, throaty singer belting out classics from the forties complemented the swanky ambiance.

Mike Summers and Clara Dade were already there, and Kayla was eager to see how political opponents behaved with each other at private events such as these.

Kayla mingled with friends and acquaintances. A few of her classmates from Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music were there, and she was happy for the opportunity to catch up.

The knowledge that Jake Kelly was there somewhere flitted in and out of her mind, but she never once allowed herself to look for him. That would be a weakness. Besides, she still hadn't decided if she was going to chew him out over her rear-end honking incident, or if she would just spare herself further aggravation. The thought of receiving either a heated look or one of his spontaneous smiles, depending on how he was feeling toward her, was enough to make her heart beat at a precarious rhythm.

About an hour and a half into the evening, Kayla found she was only half-listening to a few ideas Simone had for new music because her spine was tingling with the feeling that she was being watched, and she was trying to resist the temptation to turn and check. It got so bad, she turned, if only to make whoever was looking at her stop, and saw none other than Jake Kelly in her line of vision. She exhaled slowly and ordered her heart not to skip any beats. Tuxedo-clad Jake had some serious James Bond appeal.

But he wasn't looking at her. He was engaged in conversation with an elderly gentleman standing in front of him, and she wondered if she'd imagined the feeling. But no sooner did she begin to turn away than his eyes locked on hers, his laser blue gaze finishing the James Bond effect off nicely. A pleasurable, troublesome current ran through her, and she turned back to listen to Simone.

Moments later, Marcus was by her side, telling her that Jake wanted to introduce her to a group of people. Simone gave her an encouraging smile.

As she walked toward him, Jake's gaze ran the length of her, and the look in his eyes had her fighting off an entire series of feminine thrills. It was simply his magnetic nature, she repeated to herself, mentally pinching her nerves for being so easily affected. Upon reaching him, he gave her a slow, slight nod before turning to introduce her to a small group of people.

"This is Kayla Diaz, the young woman I was telling you about." All were pleased to meet her, and all seemed to be bubbling with excitement over the possibility of an expanded public school music program.

"Jake was telling us what a smart, talented, and engaging young woman you are," a plump, dark-haired woman spoke.

Engaging? Kayla couldn't help herself, she shot Jake a subtle, disbelieving side glance, but he was now in an intimate conversation with Julia Hamilton. Julia was leaning in and looking up at him as she spoke, and he was listening intently. An acute and unmistakable stab of jealousy pierced the middle of her chest. So much for saying she had no awkward feelings toward Julia.

A man beside Kayla lifted his wine goblet her way and said, "He was describing how passionately and captivatingly you play, and how you poured the same emotions into the music program proposal."

Kayla smiled. "It's very kind and generous of him to say so." Inwardly, she wondered if the compliments were part of a calculated political persona, or if these were Jake's real thoughts. The group continued to ask her questions, and after turning away from Jake and Julia, she slipped into her comfort zone and was able to thoughtfully answer everything they threw her way.

When the small crowd broke up, Marcus led her away, a satisfied smile on his lips. "You were fantastic! Those people now know Jake Kelly surrounds himself with people who know what they're talking about, and they'll spread the word."

He led her to the bar as the band played Ella Fitzgerald's "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered," ordered cocktails for them both, and held out a bar stool for her. Soon, they were playfully discussing the song's lyrics, with Marcus trying to convince her that he could bewitch, bother, and bewilder Tania if she gave him half a chance.

"I would've introduced you to her the day you gave me a ride, but you ran away the moment she scowled at you," Kayla teased.

"She made me feel like I'd done something horribly wrong. She was so damn convincing, it took me a while to realize I hadn't done anything to her."

Kayla threw her head back and laughed. "It's a special gift she has."

They continued in that way, with Marcus pumping her for information, and Kayla feeding him some. Someone like Marcus would be good for Tania, she thought, if she would give him a quarter of a chance. Then Jake interrupted them because there were a few more people he wanted her to meet.

His fingertips grazed her elbow as he helped her down and led her to a group of women who turned out to be influential members of the Illinois Arts and Music Educators Association. They had many questions, and Jake quietly stood by Kayla's side as she took the time to carefully listen to and answer their inquiries. Their last question, though, was one she had to turn over to Jake.

"How will individual progress be evaluated?" a Mrs. Montgomery wanted to know. Kayla watched Jake closely.

"We decided to go on attendance and teachers' reports for lower elementary school students and formal evaluations for the older children," Jake answered, looking steadily at Kayla.

The older woman nodded. "I believe we will be able to endorse your program, Mr. Kelly. It is well thought out, and I commend you both," and turned as if to leave.

Kayla's heart was beating heard. He'd found middle ground again because what mattered was that children would benefit from a great program. It was admirable and said a lot about him. "Mrs. Montgomery?" she called, to stop the well-known, influential woman from leaving. "I want to stress to you that even though Jake and I didn't agree on everything, he showed me he's willing to listen and willing to compromise. I think that's an important trait in a political leader, especially nowadays. I hope you agree and spread the word."

Mrs. Montgomery and her friends forcefully agreed, and they lingered a bit longer before taking leave.

Kayla turned to Jake. "You know, my dad used to say that he could understand most points of view, as long as they weren't motivated by bigotry, unreasonable fears, or hate, and I think you're like him in that way. I do believe you're an independent thinker, Jake Kelly, and I promise I'm telling everyone you're a man of compromise!" She was so happy that he'd proved to true to his word and listened and considered!

Jake smiled, clearly amused. "So, I'm back in your good graces?"

"When it comes to the program, yes. But don't think I forgot your offensive honk at me the other day!"

His eyes widened in a show of innocence. "I only honked to tell you I approved of your choice."

Her cheeks felt hot, but she refused to back down. "Exactly!"

He pretended to look puzzled. "What choice do you think I approved of?"

She took in a deep breath and let it out. "Jake..."

"Because I was only trying to signal that I had looked over some of your ideas for evaluating progress and that I approved. You didn't get that, huh? Well, I'm sorry I wasn't clear enough. I'll try to make it up to you someday." With that, he left.

Kayla didn't know whether she wanted to throw one of her six-inch heels at his retreating back, or laugh. She watched as Clara Dade and Jake exchanged friendly words and a handshake. He looked her way again, eyes full of humor, and she settled for giving him the evil eye.

Later, Kayla was introduced to Jake's other opponent. Mike Summers' smile was wider and his handshake more enthusiastic than Jake's, but she felt Jake's fewer, more spontaneous smiles were more compelling, and his firm handshake more genuine.

Kayla sipped Chardonnay, settled into a mellow mood, and people-watched. Ralph couldn't take his eyes off of the voluptuous, raven-haired singer. Julia, who had spent most of the evening at her father's side, was talking to someone from the band. Marcus was at Jake's side. The evening so far had been enjoyable, but not memorable.

Until the moment the band began to play "Strangers in the Night." Kayla tensed, and her heart slowed as she scanned the crowd, seeking Jake and feeling pathetic because if he hadn't remembered her from that summer night, he certainly wouldn't remember the last song they'd danced to. When she got the feeling of being watched again, she whirled in that direction and locked eyes with Jake. And his gaze was filled with such urgent intensity that she suddenly had no doubts. Jake hadn't forgotten their last song, and he hadn't forgotten her.

Kayla broke eye contact, and her breathing became uneasy. Why had he pretended not to know her that day in his campaign headquarters, and why hadn't he ever said anything? Different thoughts whirled around in her head, yet only one really made sense. He hadn't known she was Jess's friend so he'd probably thought she'd found out who he was and had hunted him down like some pathetic, infatuated dingbat.

Both her pride and vanity took a hit. A minute ago she'd felt respected by him, and now she felt mocked and ridiculed. The thought that she was emotional and unreasonable crossed her mind, but it didn't help, because that's what he would tell her. She excused herself from the group she'd been mingling with and slowly zigzagged through the crowd on her way to the glass exit doors. Fresh, outside, air, and some time alone were all she needed.

She came upon Julia Hamilton in the reception area, sitting alone on a black lacquer and silver bench, and looking dreamy. "Julia?" she tentatively called. They'd been introduced but had spoken much.

"Yes?" she answered, and Kayla thought she heard an apprehensive note in her voice.

"Um, is there is a garden nearby, or a pool area, maybe? Some place where I can get some fresh air?"

Julia stood up and fumbled inside her black satin clutch before pulling out a keycard. "There's a rooftop garden, but you need this keycard to reach that floor." She motioned Kayla to the elevator, followed her in, and inserted the keycard. After hitting the number seventy-five on the floor indicator panel, she got out of the elevator, smiled shyly, and said. "You're going to love it."

Kayla smiled and thanked her. The doors slid shut, and she leaned her head against the cool metal wall, thinking about how full of himself Jake must be and trying to push aside the fact that she would've pretended she didn't remember their sizzling night of dancing, either, if she could've managed it.

As soon as she stepped out onto the rooftop, Kayla gasped, delighted. Hundreds upon hundreds of roses and shrubs in mahogany rectangular boxes were arranged in step fashion all around her. Vines and ivy crept and trailed up the elegant railings and wall brackets surrounding the roof, and fragrant maples and evergreens dotted the landscape in blue glazed pots, with a few willows stooping down over wood and iron benches here and there. It was the embodiment of a fairy-tale garden. In Chicago.

She breathed in the wonderful scents and fresh air, wondering how she would drag herself back to the party below when there was so much peace to be had above. A ping told her the elevator was back, and she turned around, feeling dejected, thinking that someone had come up to tell her she couldn't be there.

Instead Jake stepped out, and her heart began to pound dangerously. "Julia told me you were here."

"You were looking for me?" She raised an eyebrow. Jake surveyed the view and ignored her question. But Kayla didn't feel like letting him get away with anything. "Because I thought we were done promoting the music program tonight, and I'm sure you have many other people to attend to, so why are you all the way up here looking for me?"

He finally looked at her, a challenge in his eyes. "I've had a hard time not looking for you all evening." And as revealing as his words were, his tone was, as usual, infuriatingly even. He took a step toward her and held out his hand. Kayla, at a rare loss for words, looked at his hand for a long moment before finally deciding to take it. He led her to the railing, and her breath caught at the sight.

Thousands of city lights dazzled below and beyond, and hundreds of stars refused to be dimmed by the city's glow as the moon reflected off of Lake Michigan in the distance. It was exhilarating, and Kayla couldn't take her eyes off of the city she loved. "It's breathtaking," she murmured. She shook her head and wondered how she'd ever leave it if her career took her elsewhere.

"So are you," Jake said softly. He let go of her hand to place both of his on either side of her, and she felt as if she had never been as conscious of anything as the words he had just whispered, and the proximity of his body.

"You're lucky, you grew up with a view just like this one," Kayla remarked, struggling with composure and feeling a strong need to highlight how different they were.

Jake jutted his chin in the direction of her neighborhood. "And you grew up in a loving home behind one of those lights. You're lucky, too."

"I know. My mom's probably there right now, waiting up to hear all about my night." She turned a little, to share the smile the thought summoned, but turned right back to look at the city lights when she saw he was looking at her with something that resembled longing. Goosebumps ran up her arms. "I—I guess you're so used to this view, you don't get chills when you look out over the city this way, the way I do."

"Chills? Not really." He must've noticed her goosebumps because he ran his up fingers up her forearm, slowly and lightly, as if expecting her to tell him to stop. Kayla could barely breathe, let alone speak. "Filip once told me that behind each of those lights is a real home; some complete, some broken, some happy, some sad. And now that's all I can think of when I look out over the city."

"Filip is your Jiminy Cricket? I like that you listen to Filip." She looked up at him, daring to share her smile this time because they were talking about him and not her. But that was a mistake. His touch, coupled with the intensity of his gaze, was too much. Never had she had such a confusing reaction to anyone. Distance. She had to gain emotional distance. "Filip also should've taught you better manners than to pretend you don't remember someone."

"Of course I didn't forget you."

"Then why did you pretend you did?"

Finally, he tore his gaze away, giving her a little bit of the distance she needed. "You'll get mad if I tell you, and I'm not sure I could handle it right now."

"You thought I was some sort of psycho-stalker, didn't you?" She looked out over the city again, and tried to find the will to walk away from Jake, and go back inside.

"Only for a moment," he admitted.

"You need to check that ego of yours." Finally, Kayla pushed off the banister and prepared to leave.

"Wait. Please don't go." Kayla's flailing will was no match for the vulnerable catch in his voice. "It wasn't ego. You caught me off guard, that's all. You were sweet, fun, warm... the stuff of dreams for someone like me, and I never expected to see you again. To be honest, I didn't want to see you again. I wasn't looking for dreams. I'm still not. And I don't know what I'm doing."

Kayla tried to get her breathing and heartbeat under control. She knew exactly what she should say, that she wasn't looking for dreams either and that she should leave, and she turned away from the blurry lights with every intention of saying so. But by turning her body, she became effectively trapped between his arms, and she couldn't make herself move. Jake stood very still, his warm, uneven breath on her cheek. Kayla buried her face in his chest. Maybe if she didn't look at him, she could eventually push him away.

Jake's hands slid slowly up her back until they became entangled in her hair. She looked up, their eyes met, and hot, impatient lips came down on hers. Kayla grabbed onto the lapels of his tuxedo, hungrily pulling him down closer, begging him to invade her mouth.

The kiss went from breathless and desperate to sensual and searching, and when she began to feel too much, she pulled away, frightened. "I don't want this," she said, gasping for air.

Jake swept her hair away from her face, and in a voice, even more breathless than hers said, "I know. I know. Neither do I." They searched each other's eyes for a long moment until their lips slowly, tentatively, met again, this time for a long, deeply moving kiss. Kayla wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down as close to her as she possibly could as he circled his hand around her waist and pressed her up to him.

When they parted again, for no reason other than the basic need to breathe. When she finally caught her breath, she whispered, "Neither of us wants this." More than ever she was certain she truly didn't want this. This felt so good, it was nearly devastating. And devastating was never good.

Jake traced her cheekbones with his thumbs. "We should've gotten it over with the first night we met. We'd be over it by now instead of having let it build up like this." When he looked as if he were about to kiss her again, Kayla gently pushed him away. It was one of the most difficult things she'd done in a long time.

* * *

Jake watched as Kayla, once again, walked away from him. The night they'd danced she'd left him frustrated. He'd wanted to enjoy their startling chemistry a little bit longer.

Tonight he was relieved. It wasn't only about chemistry anymore. Kayla wanted him, too, he knew, but getting the wanting over wouldn't be enough because she was also getting to him in different, worrisome ways. He loved talking to her and enjoyed being with her, and even when they were arguing, he respected her thoughts and her ideas. She made him think. She made him feel. And she'd looked so achingly beautiful tonight, with the ivory in her dress accentuating her golden skin, and the amber light in her earrings picking up the warmth and fire in her eyes.

And he'd told her she was the stuff of dreams. What the hell was that about? Where did that mushy crap come from? What was wrong with him? Had he run so hard and so far away from becoming his father that he'd slowly turned into his mother?

He looked out onto the city again. With everything going on in his life, it would be easy to stay away from Kayla Diaz. Then, someday soon, he'd wake up from whatever spell he was under.