Enchanting Melody (15 page)

“Give me that.” Mel snatched the drawing from his hands. “It's not really you, you know,” she lied, weakly.

He grinned. “Whatever you say.”

They stared at each other for several long moments and something began to crackle between them. There was no time like the present, Mel thought, ready to make her move.

She cocked her head toward her bedroom. “So, do you—”

He was already shaking his head before she could get the words out. “Just friends, remember?”

She sighed. “I know, but that doesn't mean—”

“Not until you're ready.”

Melody felt frustration welling up inside her. “What are you talking about?”

“You have to figure it out for yourself.”

“What?” she asked stubbornly.

He reached out and gently tapped two fingers over her heart. “That I belong here.”

Melody just stood in place as Will walked to the door and let himself out.

W
ill
prowled around his apartment on Sunday afternoon, unable to find joy in any of his normal pursuits. He didn't feel like watching the Yankees on his big-screen TV; he had absolutely no desire to watch the
Project Runway
marathon in the penthouse lounge with the rich and date-deprived; and he couldn't go back to Brooklyn again and face the perpetual look of sympathy on his brother's face.

He thought about the irony of that for a minute. Tony lived paycheck to paycheck with a wife and three kids to support. They didn't buy anything they didn't need, but the house was always clean and the food was always fresh and home-cooked. And they were happy.

Tony had always been happy because, in his own words, he didn't wish for anything more than he needed. But Will knew it was more than that. Tony had never taken any of the good fortune that came to him for granted.

Will, on the other hand, had always wanted more. More money, more respect, more status. He felt his face heat at the realization. How had he become so focused on the material? His parents hadn't raised them that way. His father had been a postal worker and his mother a cashier. They'd never had a lot of luxuries but the house had been clean, the food fresh and home-cooked and they had been happy.

And even though his parents were now retired in a lovely house he'd bought them in Florida, no longer needing to work their fingers to the bone, Will had been afraid. Afraid of living his life paycheck to paycheck and never having more than
just
what he needed.

Will felt shame wash over him. He'd never taken the time to really appreciate just what it meant to have all that you needed. In truth, he'd had more. His family was close. He spoke to his parents no less than once a week, he spoke to his brother nearly every other day, and they got together as a family either in New York or in Florida for every major holiday.

Watching Melody struggle to connect with her mother had finally helped him realize that growing up surrounded by material things didn't create a family. It didn't create love.

He'd spent so much time pushing to get more money, more respect, more status that he'd never stopped to notice he'd had those things for some time. Here he was surrounded by all that he'd ever wanted…and it felt so terribly empty.

He wanted to go to Melody right now, but he knew she wasn't ready yet. It had been clear that she'd wanted to make love last night, but afterward she would have had regrets. He wanted forever, not just one last hurrah.

In all the time Will had been living in the city, he hadn't met more genuine people than Melody and her friends. In his brief encounters with them, he'd enjoyed their biting wit and their passionate intellectual conversation.

Even though he was out to convince Melody that he fitted into her life, the truth of that fact had never been so clear in his mind. Now Will just had to wait for Melody to catch up.

 

After Will rejected her invitation for a one-night stand, Mel spent a long restless night plagued with frustration and confusion.

She woke up bitter with no one around to take it out on. Finally, she called Bass for some answers.

“Ooh, what's wrong with you?” he asked, picking up on her tone immediately.

“How come you and my ex are suddenly best buddies?” she demanded.

“He came to me for help. I'm a good Samaritan, you know that.”

“What are you talking about? You're supposed to be loyal only to me.”

“Exactly.” After a pause, Bass continued. “He seems like a good guy. Perfect for you, actually. I really admire how he doesn't take any of your sh—”

“Bass! I can't believe you'd sell me out like that.”

“I'm not saying you have to spend the rest of your life with the guy, but he's serious about you. Your problem is that you give up too easily. The minute someone disappoints you, you reject them before they can reject you. Will seems like he's in it for the long haul. He deserves a second chance. I think you should give it to him.”

Melody didn't know how to respond. “Traitor,” she said finally, before ending the call.

After her talk with Bass, Mel braced herself to see Will again. And sure enough, everywhere they normally hung out, Will was there. Her plan had been to ignore him, but that was nearly impossible. Melody kept waiting for the farce to grow old, but her friends seemed to genuinely like Will, treating him as if he'd been a part of the gang for years.

And, even though she knew she could be leading herself down the path toward destruction, Melody couldn't deny that she truly enjoyed Will's company—his witty jokes, his thoughtful manner and, of course, that hot body of his.

To his credit, he didn't paint his fingernails black or dress in costume to impress them. He showed up as himself, in his casual clothes, with his natural air of grace and masculinity, and that was all he needed to fit in.

The more Will fitted himself into her life, the more Mel realized that she missed some of the things they used to do together. As much as she loved those greasy fries at their favorite diner, she found herself craving the lobster bisque from the five-star restaurant across from Will's apartment building.

She wanted to be honest with Will about her feelings, but she was afraid to take that chance. How could she be sure they wouldn't slip back into their old patterns, when the novelty of her lifestyle wore off for him?

 

Will had known that he was wearing Melody down, but nothing gave him more hope than her invitation to a luncheon where she was being honored. They'd spent a lot of time together over the last several weeks, but never alone and never at her request.

He felt incredibly honored to sit at the table with her entire family as the Association of Women in Publishing gave Melody a plaque to acknowledge her success in the comic-book industry.

Afterward, she had spent the rest of the day with him in Manhattan, walking the streets like tourists. He hadn't wanted their time together to end, so he offered to take her to dinner anywhere she wanted. She'd surprised him by choosing Beaux Rivage Supper Club in his neighborhood. She'd even worn his favorite dress to the lunch-eon—a slinky peach number that showed off her legs with its angular hemline.

Now as he drove her to his favorite ice cream shop in Brooklyn for dessert, he hoped she was ready to admit they were meant for each other. He couldn't take another day without holding, kissing and touching her.

“You've given me high expectations for this ice cream. Let's hope this place lives up to them,” Melody said as Will held the door open for her.

“Trust me, you won't be disappointed.”

Melody headed straight for the counter to peruse the flavors, but before Will could follow her, someone was calling his name.

He turned to see Frieda, Tony and the kids sitting at a table in the corner. Will froze, uncertain if running into his family was a good or a bad thing.

Melody appeared at his side. “Is that your brother?”

Accepting that fate had taken over, Will cupped her elbow and led her over to the table. “Melody, I'd like you to meet my family. This is my brother Tony and his wife, Frieda. And these are my nephews—Anthony Junior, who is twelve, Reggie, who is ten, and this little man is Simon, who is seven.”

Frieda leaped up to grab two more chairs from another table. “Melody, sit by me. I've been dying to meet the woman who gave this one a run for his money.”

Will retrieved their ice cream orders and returned to the table, praying his family wouldn't put him on the spot. He didn't know where he stood with Melody yet and a little bit of pressure could break the fragile bond they'd been forming.

With that in mind, Will tried to direct the conversation. “Do you guys know that you're in the company of one of the nation's most notable women in publishing?” He went on to tell them about Melody's award, making her blush in the process.

“You're amazing,” Frieda gushed. “I've seen the artwork in the comics the boys have had around the house. You're incredibly talented.”

“I've read some of those comics,” Tony added. “Your writing is just as good as the artwork. No wonder you're getting awards.”

“All right, you two, stop it,” Melody said, clearly embarrassed.

Anthony Junior looked at his brothers. “This is so cool, now we can tell our friends we know the creator of
The Delilah Chronicles
.”

“Yeah,” Reggie said, giving his older brother a high five.

“If you marry Uncle Will can we get free comics?” added the youngest.

“Simon!” Will held his breath, hoping Melody wasn't upset.

“I think we can work something out even without that condition,” Melody said, laughing.

“That's enough. It's fine to congratulate Melody on her award, but you all know better than to beg for things.” Tony admonished his kids, then turned to Will, rubbing his chin. “Wait a minute, I thought Hunting Hall Country Club was an hour away. How did you get back to the city in time for Melody's luncheon?”

Will blanched. “Uh no, you see, I, uh—”

But it was too late. Melody's head snapped up from her ice cream. “Country club? What are you talking about?”

“Uh, Tony—” Will tried to forestall him.

“Didn't Will tell you? He finally got invited to that bigwig's golf game.” Tony turned to Will, oblivious to his discomfort. “I thought your tee time was seven-thirty.”

Melody blinked. “Today?”

“Yeah,” Tony answered. “Don't keep us in suspense, man. How did it go?”

Will sighed. “I wouldn't have made it back in time.”

All eyes were on him, especially Melody's. “You didn't go?” she asked in a whisper.

“I took a rain check. There will be other games.”

After an uncomfortable silence, Frieda changed the topic, but Melody remained quiet, even as Will drove her home. He didn't know what she was thinking, but he took it as a good sign that she directed him into the parking garage instead of having him drop her off on the street.

As soon as they entered her apartment, Melody pressed her lips against his and began loosening his tie. Overcome with shock and joy, he surrendered to her ministrations for a moment, before grabbing her hands. “What are you doing?”

“I'm jumping you,” she said, struggling out of his grasp and pushing his jacket off his shoulders.

He stepped back. “As much as it pleases me to hear this, I have to ask. Why?”

“Okay,” she said, sighing, finally surrendering to his need to talk first. “All those times you told me that you loved me, I'm not sure I really believed you. But, now I know you must love me. Otherwise, why would you give up the one thing you've been working like a dog for these past months? Geddes finally invites you into his golf circle, and you decline so you can go to some dorky luncheon with me?”

Unable to help himself, Will wound his hand in her hair, letting the silky strands slide through his fingers. “I already told you, there will be other golf games. Geddes is known to golf at least once a week. How many times are you going to be honored by the AWP?”

Melody threw her arms around Will's neck and pressed her body against him. “I've been wanting to tell you that I love you—” her voice broke “—but I've been so scared.”

Will let his hands glide up her sides. “I know you love me, baby. But it feels so good to finally hear you say it. I'm not going to let anything come between us again. Understand? No more running from our problems.”

“You just try to get away, mister!” Melody pulled his earlobe between her teeth and nipped gently.

Will knew Melody was in a rush to unite their bodies, but he'd been waiting for this moment for so long, he wanted to savor it.

Guiding her into the bedroom, he pulled her into a close embrace, even as he peeled off their clothes. Once on the bed, he locked her in the frame of his arms and led her through their own private dance.

Her unrestrained murmurs of pleasure played like a string quartet in his ears, helping him choreograph their intimate tango. Slow, slow, quick-quick. Slow, slow, quick-quick.

When the music of their bodies reached a crescendo, Will let Melody take the lead, and he willingly followed her to their grand finale.