Surrender To Me. Donna Hill
I had no idea. He told me his friend was playing a set.”
“You do know that among all of his other fineness, he is an amazing sax player with music awards for his albums. Girl, get with the program.” Kerry joined the rest of the audience in applauding the band as they took the stage.
Avery mindlessly joined in and made up her mind that she would actually read up on Rafe Lawson.
Incredible was the only word to describe the first set. Avery remained enthralled with every note, every shift in tempo, and there were no words to explain the rush of sensations that flowed through her whenever Rafe stepped into the spotlight, his long, lean form bent and curved with each note, and transported them with his version of Coltrane classics, the quartets’ numbers and his own originals.
He made love to his audience each time his lips touched the reed and Avery couldn’t even imagine what the real thing would be like.
The room erupted and many of the enthused guests rose to their feet as the members of the band took their bows.
Kerry slapped her palms on the table. “Girl...that was some playing!”
“I know that’s right,” Avery agreed. She slowly shook her head from side to side as the remnants of the experience flowed through her.
Kerry leaned closer. “I’m at a loss as to what to say about your Mr. Lawson. That’s pure sex that floats around him like an aura. I swear I thought that woman in the red dress was going to throw herself or her panties onstage if he hit another high note.”
They burst out laughing.
“Made a complete fool of herself,” Avery said over her chuckles even as she felt the same way the woman did.
“Here he comes,” Kerry said from between her teeth.
“Mind if I sit?” Rafe asked and looked from one to the other, but his gaze returned to Avery.
“Of course. Please,” Kerry said, saving Avery from looking like a fool or simply plain rude.
“Thanks.” He pulled out a chair and sat. “How was dinner?”
“Delicious,” Avery managed to say.
Rafe stroked his smooth chin. “How’d you like the set?”
Avery smiled and grew hot inside. “Loved it. You’re really amazing.”
His deep eyes crinkled at the corners, the dark orbs fanned by thick lashes. He placed the barest tip of his finger on her knuckle and a shot of electricity lifted the hairs on the back of her neck. He leaned in. “Gonna hang around for the second set?”
He was so close she could see her reflection in his eyes, the tiny scar just above his right brow and the perfect curve of his mouth. She had no plans to stay and for the life of her she could not explain even under oath why she said yes.
“Did you drive?”
“Um, yes.”
He pushed back from the table and stood. “See you shortly.” He turned and walked away.
Avery finally breathed.
“My eyelashes are singed from all of the sparks flying.”
Avery made a face. She rested her elbows on the table and propped her chin on her palm.
“He asked if I drove,” she said, her voice low.
Kerry’s eyes widened. “Hmm. I think that’s my cue.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m saying that he is looking for some personal time that does not include a third party.”
“Don’t be silly.”
“I’m being real. He wants to spend some time with you, not us,” she added wagging her finger between the two of them.
Avery’s gaze followed the spotlight as the band came back onstage. When Rafe took his place, she realized that she wanted that time together, too.
By the time the set was finished, Kerry had said her goodbyes and made Avery swear that she wouldn’t leave out any details.
Avery didn’t know what details there would be to tell, but she promised anyway. In the meantime all she could do was keep her imagination from running out of control.
Chapter 5
“Where’d you park?” Rafe asked as he guided Avery out of the front door and into the cool evening.
“Two blocks down,” she said, pointing in the direction of her car.
“I’ll walk you.”
She was going to protest but knew instantly that she wouldn’t mean it.
They fell into step together and Rafe confidently placed his arm lightly around her waist and adjusted his sax case on his opposite shoulder.
“I’m really glad you came tonight. I hope it was worth it.”
Avery took a quick glance at him. “So am I,” she admitted. “And it was.”
He hummed in his throat.
“Thanks for introducing me to Quinten. He is so laid-back.”
Rafe chuckled. “Yes. Mr. Chill himself. Sorry you didn’t get to meet his wife, Rae. Totally amazing sister. Maybe next time.”
“Maybe...”
The tips of his fingers pressed a little against her side. “Looking forward.”
“This is me,” she said and came to a stop in front of her car.
Rafe released her and she dug in her purse for her keys.
“Let me get that for you.” He took the keys from her, opened the door and helped her in before handing them back.
“Thank you.”
“How far are you from here?”
“Dupont Circle.”
“I’ll follow you. Make sure you get home safely.”
“You really don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I do. Wait here. I’m going to get my car.”
Before she could protest further he’d turned and headed back to the club. Her thoughts ran all over the place. She certainly hoped that he didn’t think she was going to invite him in. She wanted to but she would never... What if she did let him in? No, that would send the wrong message. But it would be rude not to, wouldn’t it?
While her thoughts were on autopilot, a car horn honked. She glanced out of her window. Rafe pulled up alongside her. His window lowered.
“I’ll follow you.”
“Uh, okay.” She pulled herself together enough to start her car and ease out without hitting anything.
The ten-minute drive was the most nerve-wracking experience of her life. It took all of her wits to stay focused on the road and not her rearview mirror. She was so consumed with tension that she almost missed the turn onto her street.
When she finally pulled into her driveway relief couldn’t describe how she felt. She jumped at the tapping on her window. She lowered the window.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes. Fine.” She smiled.
“Going in?” he asked, with what sounded like amusement in his voice.
“Of course.” She took her purse from the passenger seat, extracted the key from the ignition and accepted his hand.
When she was drawn to her feet, mere inches separated them. Her gaze landed on his collarbone and she realized how tall he actually was and how