“Forget it,” he said gruffly.“Is there somewhere we could go for coffee?”
Skye glanced pointedly at her watch, but if he’d asked her the time she couldn’t have told him.“It’s getting late.”
“Is the cafeteria open?”
“Yes, but...”She hesitated.If she was honest with herself, she’d admit she wanted to talk to him and clear up this matter.
His hand cupped her elbow possessively while she led the way to the elevator.The cafeteria was deserted, the kitchen area closed.Coffee and a few remaining desserts were sold on the honor system; a bowl sat atop the counter to collect thechange.Jordan paid for the coffee while she carried their cups to a nearby table.
“Have you ever thought of becoming a professional singer?”
His question was so unexpected, she widened her eyes and wondered at his game.“No.I’ve never given the matter much thought.”
“You’re very gifted.You realize that, don’t you?”The compliment was issued almost as a challenge.
Jordan confused her.His question took her by surprise.Skye had hoped they could discuss their misunderstanding, not her singing ability.
“I’m notthattalented,” she insisted.His look was hard and unemotional, leaving her feeling as if she barely knew him.
“I want to tape some of your music.I have a friend who owns a recording studio, and I’d like to have him listen to you.”He watched her as though he anticipated a wild burst of enthusiasm at the generosity of his offer.
She gave him none.“I’m not interested.I’m honored that you think so highly of my talent, but no thanks.”
His gaze narrowed in disbelief.“Don’t lightly toss away this opportunity, Skye.”His gaze seemed to question her reasoning.
She sighed, releasing a jagged breath.How could she explain herself?Singing for the children was a joy; even an occasional solo with the church choir was a pleasurable challenge.But to make singing her life’s work was out of the question.It didn’t even tempt her.
She was given a respite by several nurses who entered the room.Their gaze rushed over her without notice and focused with interest upon Jordan.She couldn’t blame them; even with his broken arm, he managed to suggest a latent animal grace, his appeal totally masculine.
Jordan didn’t even notice the interest he was generating.Instead he continued to study Skye thoughtfully.
“This is a great opportunity.Are you sure you’ve thought this through?”
Nodding decisively, Skye said, “Quite sure.”
Still he studied her as if he wasn’t sure he should believe her.
Skye shifted uncomfortably.What a strange conversation this was.Glancing at her watch, she noted the time and quickly swallowed her coffee.“I need to get home,” she said sadly.She had hoped to make things right between them, but it was clear Jordan wasn’t interested.
His outstretched hand stopped her as she began to rise.The flint gray of his eyes pinned her to the seat.“I want you to reconsider.It wouldn’t hurt anything to make up a demo CD.You have the talent to make it, but the choice is yours.”
Without so much as a second thought she shook her head.“I’m not going to change my mind.”She stood and deposited her Styrofoam cup in the garbage on her way out the door.
The sad puppy cried pitifully when Skye replaced the barrier confining him to the kitchen.He had been frolicking between her feet and chewing on the bright, fuzzy slippers she wore.Large chocolate pools of misery watched as she petted him and whispered soothingly.
She would have to hurry and change clothes or she would be late for Janey’s birthday dinner.But every time she left sight of the pup, he would yelp and howl.Twice John Dirkson had been over to complain about the noise.Skye had difficulty keeping her temper the second time, but smiled sweetly and promised to do her best.Her relationship with John had been strained, and she wasn’t sorry to hear he was moving at the end of the month.
With the puppy moderately quiet, she chose her most becoming new dress.The musky rose color accentuated the light tones of her hair, while the soft gathers at the waist emphasizedher willowy suppleness.She’d finished fastening the button-loop closure down the front and knotting the tie when the doorbell rang.
Could it be Jordan?This was the night they had set their dinner date, but he had been distant and uncommunicative the day before.No, it wouldn’t be him, but perhaps someday God would send him back into her life and she could make proper amends.She finished buckling the strap of her shoe and hobbled across her living room, one shoe on, one shoe off.It must be John to complain about the pup again.
It wasn’t.“Jordan,” she breathed, feeling stiff and nervous.
“Hello.May I come in?”he asked.His eyes widened in appreciation as he did an appraising sweep of her appearance.
Still suffering the effects of surprise, she stepped aside.“Of course; I’m sorry.”
He moved past her into the living room, his eyes warm and amused as he watched her hobbling about with only one shoe.
