Tender Touch Read Free

running. It makes sense to do some preliminary planning.”
Lang spoke in a measured tone, one that said he was only trying to
be prudent.
    “Oh, certainly. It’s just us and Arkansas in
the running for the funding now. The proposal we submitted is far
superior. I think it’s a very smart move to begin work now, Bill,”
Connie Mason said. She tapped a manicured finger on the
tabletop.
    “We’re only here to talk about a strategy,
Knight. To build on what you folks are doing and how you can help
improve services. Frankly I expect a call at any minute giving us
the award,” Lang said.
    “Really?” Franklin perked up again.
    Lang nodded. “Arkansas was asked for
additional information about support services that they don’t have
in place. We do, that is, through agencies such as yours.” He
looked at Damon. “That’s why we’re here—to talk about the money we
can use now. You’re right; anything else is premature at this
point. I’m sure Steve meant that as just a brainstorm idea for
now.”
    “Absolutely, just added in as food for
thought on down the line,” Franklin put in quickly. He seemed just
as eager to play down his earlier suggestion. “Might not even be
necessary.”
    Jade watched Damon Knight, fascinated with
the way he pursed his lips when deep in thought. How would it feel
to press her lips against them? When his gaze met hers, she felt a
rush. Those smoky eyes sent a thrill through her she’d never
experienced before. Not even with Nick. She looked away. No thank
you, Mr. Heartbreak. I will not give in to hormones this time.
    Damon dropped the pen he was holding and sat
back in his chair. He turned away from Jade. “Fine. Then I suggest
we concentrate on teenage fathers with equal emphasis and work with
local school systems to offer programs as either part of their
health education curriculum or as an elective.”
    “Okay, that’s a good place to start,” Lang
said.
    For the next hour, the group went back and
forth debating the merits of various approaches. They agreed to
very general goals but decided to wait until the grant award was
made official. Throughout the meeting, Jade avoided making eye
contact with Damon—a difficult task since he sat directly across
from her. Despite the distance of several feet, he seemed too close
for comfort. His presence was a palpable force that she had to make
a conscious effort to resist. At last the meeting came to a close,
with Lang thanking them again for coming. Jade suppressed a huge
sigh of relief. She hoped Lang would not include her in future
meetings. Damon and Lang stood talking even though the others had
left.
    “Ms. Pellerin, could you come back please?”
Lang called out to her.
    Jade reluctantly went toward the two men.
Damon did not look in her direction. His square-jawed face was
impassive. She spoke in a cool tone that contradicted the heat she
felt looking at Damon Knight. “Yes sir?”
    “Mr. Knight has some excellent ideas. In
fact, his program aimed at teen dads is one of only two in the
state. I’d like you to work with him once the grant comes in, which
I’m sure it will.” Lang nodded at Damon.
    Jade clamped her jaws shut to keep from
blurting out a loud refusal. Why was she afraid? “Yes, Mr.
Lang.”
    “Eddie Simon can give you all the
information you need.” Damon smiled at her. “But of course if you
need anything from me, just ask.” He looked down at her legs then
cleared his throat. “I’ll make myself available.”
    Jade felt a charge of aggravation. So he
thought a lift of his dark eyebrow in her direction would make her
melt, did he? “Thanks, but I doubt I’ll need to bother you, Mr.
Knight. I’m sure Mr. Simon, as the director, has all the
information I’ll need,” Jade said in a clipped tone. She took a
step back to stand behind her boss.
    Damon picked up his leather portfolio. “Of
course.” He shook Lang’s hand and strode off without another
word.
    Jade forced herself not to smirk at