When Sparks Fly (40 page)

Blake looked with awe at the woman who’d just given all she had to this crowd. It was just another reason why he felt so deeply for Renee.

The crowd dispersed and Blake helped Renee gather up all they’d brought. In silence he took everything out to the car.

This is one amazing woman, man. Don’t you dare screw it up.

‡
Chapter Thirteen

Renee took one more look in the mirror. She was so nervous about this dinner party performance. She ran her fingers through her freshly curled hair with the hopes of fluffing it up a bit and grabbed the hairspray. Everything had to be perfect.

That’s it, Manelli, spray the hell outta your hair. You won’t have to stand on the rooftop to collect TV signals!

The haute couture black designer dress hit Renee mid-thigh. Its halter collar was secured at the nape of her neck by a faux diamond clasp and the simple crisscross designed bodice with ruching at the waist accentuated her curvy figure. A larger version of the jewel collar clasp gathered the fabric and rested on her left hip. The open low cut back showcased her ivory skin.

Lately Renee had become an expert with make-up…more accurately, quick makeup. With the expertise of a professional, she framed her eyes with liner and just the right shadow color before applying a glossy rose color to her lips.

Breathe, girlfriend, breathe. You’re gonna knock ’em dead. Well, not dead, but at least maybe they’ll enjoy the music.

Renee hiked up her dress and raised her left foot to the settee. She tried securing a gold bracelet around her ankle.

“Damn! I need to get this fixed.”

Blake watched Renee with amusement as she struggled to connect the clasp. He walked over and pushed her hands out of the way and fixed with ease what was frustrating her.

Renee put a hand on Blake’s shoulder to steady herself just as he ran his hand up her leg and under her dress, resting it on her toned ass. His look of wanton appreciation made Renee shiver.

“Oh, no, not now, Blake McIntyre…not after I’ve just spent the past sixty minutes getting ready for this shindig.”

Blake’s hearty laugh filled the room. He gave her tush a swat.

“Damn, honey,” Blake began. He grabbed her hand and brought it to his hardness. “See, see what you do to me?”

“McIntyre, you’re insatiable.”

“Only where you’re concerned.”

“I suggest you start thinking of Antarctica before the whole world sees that.” Renee withdrew her hand from his and nodded in the direction of his zipper.

“Not ready for the world to see how I feel about you, yet?”

Damn, this woman makes me crazy!

“Not quite that intimately, anyway.”

Blake ran an approving glance from Renee’s black stiletto clad feet to the top of her beautiful chocolate colored hair. A sharp intake of breath made him realize she was right, he needed to change his train of thought and do it right now.

“You look amazing, honey.”

“Thanks, you don’t look so bad yourself.”

Mighty fine…hot damn fine!

Blake wore a sharkskin suit and white shirt with a paisley print tie in shades of black and grey. A gold tie tack matched the cufflinks at his wrists. The high sheen of his shoes reflected the lighting in the room.

Renee cleared her throat. It was evident she needed to turn her thoughts elsewhere as well, or they wouldn’t be going to the dinner party…at all.

“I’m glad I don’t have to try to figure out how to play my guitar in this get up.”

Blake chuckled.

What an idea! Renee, dress hiked up with her guitar…no, better still naked with her guitar. Damn.

“No, honey, there’s a trio that will be there…you know, customary pianist, cellist, drummer. I’ve already given them your sheet music and the order you want to do them in.

“I guess Ted wants you to do two sets, just to break it up a bit. I’m sure people will want to dance to some of your songs.”

“That’s nothing new, right?”

Blake helped Renee place the black fringe shawl around her shoulders and ushered her toward the door. It was show time.

Idle chat on the way to the venue made time pass quickly. Soon Blake was signaling to turn into the massive gated complex.

Once through the wrought iron gates of this estate set in the area of town that Renee had lovingly dubbed Snob Knob, the view was breathtaking.

A semi-circular concrete driveway separated the lush, green, manicured lawn from the Spanish Colonial style residence just to Renee’s right.

The white stucco exterior was a stark contrast to the warmth of the brick colored tiled roof. The compound, for lack of a better word, resembled a horseshoe: there were two wings, each with their own garages, and those attached to a main single level structure. Arched doorways and windows made the massive appearance of this home inviting.

Blake handed the keys of his vehicle to the attendant and helped Renee from the car. They walked up the sidewalk to the front door that already stood open from the couple who’d entered prior to them.

An older woman, maybe in her early sixties stood by the door next to a very distinguished looking man. They laughed and greeted those who passed by them.

Renee thought she’d seen the gentleman before. He looked very familiar. She assumed these were the owners of this beautiful estate and her hosts for the evening.

The woman, embraced Blake.

“Hi, sweetheart. It’s good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you, too,” Blake responded after kissing her cheek. He tugged on Renee’s hand to pull her closer.

“Renee Manelli, I’d like you to meet our hosts for the evening, Sandy and Senator Ted McIntyre, my parents.”

Oh. My. God.

The color drained from Renee’s face. How the hell was she going to get through this night? The Senator? Government officials? Blake?

Renee was fuming. To think that Blake, the rat, kept the identity of the hosts a secret. Fuming wasn’t the right word, seething was more like it. She didn’t know whether to cry or run.

“Senator, Mrs. McIntyre, it’s an honor meeting you.”

“Son, I take it you didn’t tell this lovely lady where she was performing or for whom.” Ted smiled.

Renee noticed that Senator McIntyre’s smile was just as electric as his son’s. He was just as handsome, if not more so, especially with the touches of silver at his temples.

“Um, no, I didn’t. I knew Renee probably wouldn’t agree to singing had I told her.”

Sandy McIntyre put her arm around Renee and led her through the hallway and kitchen to the courtyard filled with people.

“I’m sorry, Renee. I could throttle my son. I’ll have a talk with him later,” Sandy apologized.

“Honestly, Mrs. McIntyre, there’s no need. I’ll have my own words with him later, trust me.”

Renee wanted to chase the biting words she’d just spoken and shove them back in her mouth, but it was too late.

Sandy smiled. She understood more than Renee would ever know. She’d been putting up with the McIntyre men for nearly four decades now.

Renee took a glass of champagne from the tray being held by one of the wait staff. She looked around the courtyard. It was just as immaculately landscaped as the front lawn.

The hostess for this soiree was dressed in a lavender cotton pantsuit. The knee-length sheer flowing jacket fluttered in the wind reminding Renee of a dragonfly’s wings. She took a sip of the champagne.

“Mrs. McIntyre, thank you for having me here today. I’m honored.”

“Sandy, please…and you’re welcome. We love your music. Ted and I are regulars at Dante’s. We’ve heard you several times. I believe Ted was at the fundraiser yesterday.”

Now Renee knew why he looked so familiar. She’d seen Blake visiting with him and a couple other doctors at different times during the concert and afterwards in the cafeteria.

“Yes, I believe I saw him there.”

“Would you mind meeting our daughter, Sharon, and a few of my friends, Renee?”

Sandy guided Renee to a cluster of women standing by the bar near the in-ground pool and introduced her to them.

Renee immediately recognized Sharon. She resembled Blake a lot, but had Sandy’s stature.

Sharon and the women were very cordial and warm toward Renee, mentioning how much they enjoyed her music and how elated they were to be able to visit with her in person.

Blake and his father stood with some of the other men who were near the grill. He was excited to re-connect with family friends he’d not seen in a long while.

“Blake, that was pretty brazen of you to book Renee here but not tell her about us,” Ted commented as he sipped the Glenfiddich.

Blake shook his head. He’d purchased a bottle of that particular Scotch whiskey during one of his travels as a gift for his dad. After one taste, Ted had thrown out the other bottles in his bar and only stocked this brand.

“Dad, I know Renee, trust me. If I’d have said she was coming to a shindig at my parents’, there’s no way she’d have agreed to it, especially if I’d told her you were Senator McIntyre.”

“So, son, there seems to be something between you?”

Blake related his and Renee’s meeting and history to his father.

“Dad, you know me. I’ve never been interested in settling down, as you call it…not until now. Not until I met Renee.”

“She’s a beautiful lady, Blake…a very talented, beautiful lady,” Ted remarked as he saw his wife and Renee making their way to where the men were standing.

“Yes, she is, Dad. Don’t get any ideas. We’re not ready for marriage yet, but I can’t see myself without her.”

“When the time’s right, son, you’ll know.”

Blake sipped his drink.

God, dad, I sure hope you’re right.

“Ted, I think it’s time to begin. Looks like the food is ready and it smells divine,” Sandy remarked as she linked her arm in her husband’s.

“Want to do the honors, son?” Ted asked as he slightly pushed his son toward the makeshift stage a few feet away.

Blake rolled his eyes. His dad always did this, always pushed him to do the introductions at this event.

Hurray for tradition!

“If I may have your attention for a moment,” Blake paused as the crowd focused on him. “Welcome to the annual McIntyre Lawn party. Thanks for coming this afternoon. You’re in for a real treat. Besides the cooked-to-perfection steak and trimmings, the entertainment for tonight is none other than Renee Manelli.”

The hundred or so people who had gathered applauded and cheered their approval.

“The sooner we eat, the sooner we can listen to this lovely lady.”

Two lines formed with very hungry guests who chattered as they filled their plates with the food in the buffet line. Blake made sure that Renee and his parents were at the head of one of those lines.

Sandy led them to a table by the stage.

“I thought the closer we could be to the stage the better,” Sandy chuckled.

The pleasant small talk continued during the meal. Blake was the first to finish and dispose of his dishes. He brought back a tray with coffee and an assortment of petit fours. After placing the tray on the table he leaned over and kissed Renee’s cheek.

“Are you ready?”

Renee smiled and nodded.

“Let’s do this.”

Renee must have had a look of sheer terror because Sandy reached over and grasped her hand.

“Renee, I’m so excited to have you here. Thank you again for agreeing to do this. It’s going to be fine. You’re among family.”

Ted stood up, embraced Renee, and gave her a reassuring wink. Blake draped his arm around her shoulders and led her to the stage.

“Friends, it’s my great honor to introduce you to the fastest rising star in music today. Give it up for Ms. Renee Manelli.”

‡
Chapter Fourteen