Promises to Keep. Linda Hudson-Smith

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СКАЧАТЬ 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 СКАЧАТЬ