Promises to Keep. Linda Hudson-Smith

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СКАЧАТЬ of silver here and there will make those hues pop.”

      Courtney opened her company’s brochure to the section on centerpieces. “We also do amazing creations with flowers and balloons. If you don’t see what you want in here, we can create something special and unique, customized to fit your vision.”

      “Angels have to be a part of the table decor. Candice collects them.”

      “Angels with silver, glittery wings will work beautifully as centerpieces.”

      “Can we center the angels in some sort of floral arrangements?”

      Courtney made note of his suggestion. “You’re quite creative yourself. I saw on the application that you’re a filmmaker.”

      Courtney had scrutinized Darius’s paperwork more closely than normal because she’d found herself wanting to learn everything there was to know about the gorgeous man with the deep, seductive voice. Before she’d found out he was engaged, her mind had wandered all over the place, earning him the top spot on her hot chart. She was still intrigued with him, yet she’d be ever mindful of his completely off-limits status.

      As a Hollywood filmmaker, screenwriter and producer, Darius was the owner of a production company on the rise, D.F. Film Productions, Inc. Courtney was thoroughly impressed by his credentials and the list of references it hadn’t been necessary to provide.

      “My plans are to establish myself as a major force in Hollywood. D.F. Film is geared more toward producing screenplays written by and featuring African-American characters and other minority actors. I’m also interested in novel-to-film adaptations. However, I consider projects offered by all ethnic groups.”

      “Sounds like you know exactly what you’re after.”

      “A lot like you, I’d say. You’ve certainly pursued your dreams to fruition.”

      “I’m not all the way there yet. Catering is in my blood. I couldn’t have gone in another direction if I’d wanted to.”

      “We obviously share similar dreams. In my opinion, there’s not enough work for minorities in Tinseltown. I’m determined to address that critical imbalance. Keeping veteran actors of color on the big screen, as opposed to filling jobs with young stars of tomorrow, is another one of my goals. Veterans lend credence to any film. A mix of old and new artists lighting up the silver screen is one of my strongest visions.”

      “Good luck, Mr. Fairfax. I’ll be rooting for you.”

      “Thank you for the vote of confidence.” Darius looked down at his watch and instantly got to his feet. “I’m afraid I’ve got to go. Is it okay if I call you tomorrow to schedule another appointment? This engagement party has to be the event of the year.”

      “I can have Monica reschedule you on your way out.”

      He shook his head. “I have to check my calendar first. It’s best if I call back.”

      “My business card is in the packet. My cell number is also available in case clients have to reach me after normal business hours. Thanks for choosing The Party People to cater your event.”

      Darius smiled. “You’re welcome. I couldn’t have chosen better.”

      It was commonplace for Courtney to walk her clients out to the reception area and see them to the exit. Escorting Darius out made her positively giddy with pleasure. Her wild attraction to an engaged man was silly, dangerous and couldn’t be acted upon. How would she override these dizzying, heartfelt reactions? Reining in her mind and body wasn’t difficult. Getting her heart to tag along might be a bit of a problem.

      Darius looked back at Courtney. Winking, he smiled and strode out the door.

      Blowing on the tips of her fingers, Courtney shook her hand out. Laughing from deep within, she deposited herself in a chair. “Talk about sexy and hot! That indescribable man caused a major heat wave up in my office. Is he not gorgeous?”

      “He is fine!” Monica laughed at Courtney’s to-die-for expression. “What type of party is he interested in?”

      Poking out her lower lip, Courtney shook her head. “Engagement party. His.”

      Monica smiled sympathetically. “Sorry about that. He’s a real turn-on. If I wasn’t married, I would’ve enjoyed flirting with him. But I love being married to hunky J. R. Norman.” She looked down at the appointment book. “Normally I ask clients what kind of event they’re interested in, but this entry isn’t in my handwriting. Someone else took his call and forgot to initial it. I’d definitely remember that sexy voice.”

      “Mr. Fairfax’s voice does caress the soul. I wonder what his whispers sound like.” Both women laughed. “It matters who booked him for proper credit, but I’m thankful he showed up. He hasn’t signed a contract, but I’m confident he will.”

      Monica looked closely at the telltale glint in her boss’s eyes. “You’re terribly smitten. How will you manage to work with someone you’re so obviously attracted to?”

      Courtney grinned. “I am a professional, sweetie. I know how to keep my game face in place.”

      Monica grinned. “You are the consummate professional! Since J.R. is out of town, you want to stop by Club 21 for a drink or two after work?”

      “Sorry, not tonight. I’m beat. Let’s shut down at four o’clock instead of five. We’ve come in an hour early and stayed late every day this week. And we have to work the Wilkerson-Banks lingerie bridal shower tomorrow.”

      “I’m glad I have to work this event because I’d be home alone anyway. J.R. probably won’t get in from Atlanta until midnight.”

      “That’s what happens when girls marry boys in the band,” Courtney remarked, laughing. “Unfortunately, for me, my calendar only includes the social events I work. Maybe one day I’ll find the right man and eventually settle down. How nice would that be? Darius wants a May date. Pencil him in for the third week of May.”

      “Got it.” Monica smiled. “Your Mr. Right is lurking out there somewhere. I’m glad J.R. plays the majority of his gigs in the L.A. area. When they hit the big time, he’ll be gone a lot more.”

      “As much as I’d hate to lose my right-hand employee, I hope you’re still planning to travel with your husband when his big break comes. You have to protect your personal interest. Women love the boys in the band, even the married ones.”

      “They absolutely love drummers. Found that out a long time ago.”

      Courtney nodded. “Not only is J.R. a great drummer, he’s so good-looking. I guess other band members get their fair share of fans, too.”

      Monica smiled. “Fans are one thing. Groupies are another. I’m blessed to have such a loyal man.”

      “You sure are.” Getting to her feet, Courtney walked toward her private office. “I could sit and listen to you chat all day about your wonderful husband, but I’ve got lots of work to do. See you later. Hope I can suppress all sizzling thoughts about Darius Fairfax.”

      “You’d make a striking couple,” Monica cooed.

      Courtney СКАЧАТЬ