Whisper My Name Page 2

  A menu was placed in front of her and another one to the side. She took a sip of water and opened the menu.

  Two glasses. Two menus. She was expecting someone.

  Brody couldn’t take his eyes off her.

  He pushed away from the table but before he could move any further a tall African American man with strong features approached the table. He leaned over, placed a lingering kiss on her lips, and took a seat. He reached across the table, took Danielle’s hand and lovingly bestowed kisses on each finger. She laughed and leaned forward, covering his hand with hers.

  Brody cursed under his breath. Black brows descended over grim eyes while he stared at the couple.

  Ashton followed his line of vision. “I didn’t know Danielle was here.”

  “She just arrived.”

  “I’ll make sure I say hello before we leave.” Ashton resumed eating his steak.

  Brody continued to glare across the room. The man leaned over again and planted another kiss on her lips, this time a little longer than necessary, especially with them being in a public place. Damn. He didn’t need to maw her.

  The loving gesture and their apparent intimacy had him grinding his teeth. “Do you know the man that is with Danielle?” He slouched into his seat and took a long drink from the bottle of beer beside his plate. He needed something stronger but thought better of it. He needed to have a clear head when he approached her.

  Ashton looked at the table again.

  “Jon Hillman.”

  “The NBA basketball star?”

  “Yes.”

  “I thought he looked familiar. He’s the wrong man for her.”

  Ashton frowned. “What do you mean?’

  “Nothing. He’s no longer playing, correct?”

  “He retired a couple of years ago. He now runs a non-profit mentoring organization for wayward and runaway teens.”

  “What’s his connection to Danielle?’

  “She’s a mentor and a sponsor.” Ashton was silent but stared hard at him.

  Brody held his gaze without flinching, waiting for more information. Ashton didn’t oblige.

  Ashton cut into his steak. “Why are you so interested in Danielle?”

  “No reason. I didn’t know she was still in Dallas.”

  “Bullshit,” his friend said, as he cut another piece of meat and began to chew.

  “What the hell does that mean?”

  “You know the old saying, curiosity killed the cat.”

  “I hate when you do that shit. I have no idea what it means and neither do you.”

  Ashton laid his fork across his plate and leaned back into his chair. “It means, my dear friend that your curiosity is going to have you doing things you don’t want to do.”

  Angrily, Brody glared at him but didn’t say anything.

  “All the information I can give, according to my wife, is that Danielle decided to take a much needed vacation. She planned it around Aiden’s christening.”

  “How long is she staying in Dallas?”

  “I have no idea. But again, why do you ask?”

  “Just curious.” He grabbed his beer and took a deep swallow.

  Ashton laughed. “There’s that word again.” He snickered. “You’re trying to bullshit me, Brody. I know when you want a woman. I’ve never seen you show this much interest, ever. Women in your life come and leave fast. Danielle isn’t going to be one of them.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I don’t even know the woman.”

  “No, but you’re intrigued. You need to remember something. She’s my wife’s and your sister’s best friend. Don’t get it twisted. Keep it in prospective. I don’t want anyone getting hurt.”

  “I would never hurt my sister or your wife.”

  Danielle laughed which caused his head to turn toward her again. The sound of it traveled the air and settled comfortably in his ears, giving him warmth he didn’t know he craved. The genuine smile she gave the man sitting opposite her lit up her entire face, causing her eyes to sparkle.

  “You need to settle down with one woman, Brody.”

  “Huh? Where in the hell did that come from?”

  “Once you find the right woman, you won’t continue to be a wanderer.”

  “That’s who I am, Ashton.”

  “No, that’s who you choose to be.”

  He and Ashton finished their meals and were discussing the new Stingray horses he had just purchased for his Montana ranch when Brody looked up to see Danielle and her companion walking toward his table.

  The man’s hand was wrapped around her small waist. Danielle smiled and leaned into her companion. Brody felt as if he’d been punched in his heart. He wanted her more than any woman he’d known. He wanted her in his bed—he wanted her smile.

  Then, with ease, Danielle slid her arm around the man’s waist.

  He felt every muscle in his body constrict.

  He felt his breathing become rapid.

  He felt the battle end.

  Danielle smiled. “Hi Ashton,” she said.

  Ashton and Brody came to their feet.

  “It’s good to see you actually take a break from your office to eat.”

  Ashton laughed. He gave her a quick hug and kissed on the cheek “It’s good to see you, Danielle. You’ve been in Dallas for almost a month and I’ve barely seen you.”

  “Sally and I have been hanging out, leaving Nicole to attend to the boys. We plan to get together tomorrow night.”

  Ashton chuckled. “Oh, that means I will have babysitting duties.”

  Danielle continued to smile. “Oh, where are my manners? Let me introduce you.” She leaned away from her date. “This is Jon Hillman.” The man offered his hand. “Jon, this is the husband of my best friend, Nicole Sinclair, Ashton, and his friend, Brody Beaumont.” She carelessly waved toward Brody without looking at him.

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Ashton said.

  “Same here.” Jon shook Ashton’s hand and then extended it toward Brody. Brody didn’t acknowledge the gesture.

  “Are you two dating?” Brody asked. His tone was rough, dripping with acid and he didn’t try to control the leakage.

  The man frowned. “Yes.”

  “I see,” Brody sneered.

  “Is there a problem?” Jon asked.

  “No, there isn’t,” Danielle said, as she grabbed Jon’s arm, and looked at Ashton. “I just wanted to say hi. We have to get going, Jon has an important meeting.” She hugged Ashton again. “I’ll see you around.”

  Danielle never looked at Brody.

  “What in the hell was that?” Ashton asked Brody as they returned to their seats. “You’re acting as if you and Danielle have a history. Her date must’ve thought you were a crazy man.”

  Brody didn’t comment but continued to stare at the retreating figures.

  “You asked the guy if they were dating.”

  “So?” He resumed his seat. He took a sip of water, trying to swallow the anger he felt at Jon Hillman being with Danielle.

  “Brody, it was none of your business.”

  “Maybe I’m making it my business.”

  ###

  Danielle pulled the pillow over her ears trying to drown out the noise of the lawn mower next door. She had been restless all night. Thoughts of Brody’s behavior at the restaurant puzzled her. What was wrong with him? He acted as if she was his woman and had no business being with Jon. Forget Brody Beaumont. She wasn’t going to spend another minute trying to understand the man. He needed counseling to help him with his attitude. She rolled over on her stomach burying her face into the pillow.

  Her neighbors, a nice elderly couple, were usually quiet and minded their own business. Why today of all days did the old man decide to cut his grass? She peered at the clock on the nightstand beside her bed. Seven o’clock? On a Sunday morning? Didn’t he realize people like to sleep in on the weekends?

  She tossed and turned for another fifteen minutes hoping to fall
back to sleep. It didn’t happen. Danielle threw aside the sheet, along with the lightweight comforter and got up.

  In the bathroom, she brushed her teeth and washed her face. She decided to shower later. Today was declared a funk day. She was going to stay in her pajamas, eat whatever she wanted and watch old movies on Turner Classic television.

  Back in the bedroom, she grabbed an afghan for later. She padded out into the foyer. Passing the other bedrooms, she stopped and frowned at the sparse rooms. Since she’d moved to New York, she hardly ever came back to Dallas, but that was going to change. She’d made her mind up, she would be spending more time in Dallas at the home left to her from her foster mother. She missed her friends. Besides when she was no longer a model, she would move back to Dallas permanently.

  Her thoughts settled on her foster mother, Mary Stokes. She died a year after Danielle graduated from college, leaving a hole in her heart that had yet to be healed. Losing her biological mother at the tender age of ten was devastating, but with Mama Mary, he had felt the pain even more. The small house she’d left Danielle had many good memories.

  Taking calming breaths, she moved to the kitchen to prepare a quick breakfast of a raisin cinnamon bagel spread with peanut butter and strawberry jam. She also added a banana and a glass of milk to the tray before heading to the family room. Before she could reach her destination, her doorbell rang. She frowned and made her way to it. She looked through the peep hole, balanced the tray with one hand and opened the door.

  “Hey, Sally, what brings you out my way so early in the morning?”

  “I was jogging at Birdsong Trail. I stopped at the little coffee shop near house to get lattes and scones.”

  Two cups were housed in a holder in one hand, the other hand held a brown paper bag.

  Danielle smiled. “Come on back to the kitchen.”

  Sally nodded at the tray. “Where were you headed with the tray in your hands?”

  “To the family room.”

  “Let’s eat in there. I like the scenery.”

  When they walked into the room, Danielle set the tray on the table in front of the sofa.

  “I’ve always liked your house, Danielle. It’s so cozy,” she said, looking around the room. It looks like since Mrs. Stokes passed away, you changed a lot of the décor.”

  “Thanks Sally. It was a lot of work but worth it. Although I have been gone from Dallas a long time, I have good memories in this house. I’m glad to be back.” She nodded to the sofa. “Have a seat.”

  Sally sat beside her and placed the lattes on the tray. “You love gourmet coffee. Since you’re on vacation, calories don’t count.”

  “Will power…Ah, what the hell?” Danielle grabbed the cup and took a sip of the creamy hot drink. “Hmm. This is good. I was cheating today with a glass of whole milk but this takes the lead any day of the week,” she said and took another sip and groaned, savoring the taste. She leaned back on the sofa and observed her friend. “Okay, Sally, what brought you all the way out here? Birdsong Trail isn’t your usual jogging route.”

  “You act as if I never come to this part of Dallas.”

  “You don’t.” Danielle took another long swallow of the hot brew and propped her feet on the ottoman in front of her. “Chateau Beaumont is a long way from here. So what’s up?” she said teasingly.

  “The Champagne Ball is next Saturday. It’s being held at the Ritz-Carlton same as the past five years. It’s great because the room is huge and the turnout keeps getting bigger. Last year the event was responsible for raising close to two million for charity.”

  Danielle lifted her brows. “No.”

  Sally frowned. “How can you say no? I haven’t asked you anything yet.”

  “No!” Danielle said again.

  “You haven’t heard me out.”

  “The last time I let you talk me into going to a ball I was sixteen, ashamed of my height and feeling geeky. I had on thick eyeglasses and the dress I wore was all wrong.”

  “Which wasn’t my fault. Nicole and I bought you a dress and shoes, but you wanted to show your independence and wear a handmade dress. I told you that you couldn’t sew a button on straight much less make an entire gown. I don’t know why you choose that night to prove me right.”

  Danielle put up her hand. “Stop. I admit it was my fault, but I know some of those same people still remember me as you and Nicole’s uncouth, socially inept friend.”

  “That was over ten years ago.”

  “Come on, Danielle. It would be great for us all to be together again. The Charmed Angels…just like before.”

  Danielle laughed. “I don’t know why we chose that silly name in the first place. You and Nicole had charmed lives. I’m the one out of the three of us who came from a foster home and had to fight for everything I have.”

  “Each of us had some sort of burden to carry. Having a lot of money isn’t a cure for all. Your biological mom died of ovarian cancer when you were ten and you never knew your father. Nicole was orphaned at fifteen when her parents were killed in an airplane crash and I carried the burden of being mol—”

  “Nicole and I told you years ago that you should’ve seen a counselor. It’s never too late.”

  “I’m not going to talk to a stranger.” She shook her head, tears filling her eyes.

  “Oh, Sal, why not?”

  “I had you and Nicole to help me through it.”

  “We aren’t doctors. You need to tell your parents and your brother.”

  “Oh, God no. Brody would have killed him.”

  Danielle was silent. “You knew the person?”

  She wiped the tears and took a deep breath. “It happened so many years ago. It’s almost forgotten.” She shook her head. “Let’s talk about something else.”

  Danielle observed her for a long moment and then reached over and gave Sally a quick hug.

  Sally cleared her throat. “Please come to the ball.”

  “No.”

  “Brody’s going to be there. He hasn’t been since his senior year in college. It will be great to have him there.”

  Danielle squinted. “Why would I care if your brother was going to be there?”

  Sally held up her hand. “I’m just saying…in case you’re interested.”

  “I’m not.”

  “You always had a crush on Brody.”

  “Damn, Sally. I was thirteen.”

  “Your crush lasted long past thirteen, Danielle, and you know it.”

  “I was a kid, Sally. Besides I’m dating Jon Hillman.”

  “That uptight asshole can’t compare to Brody.”

  “Sally! I’m shocked at you.”

  “No, you’re not. I call it as I see it.”

  “I like dating Jon.”

  “Why? Is it because you don’t have to contribute anything to the relationship?”

  “That’s not true. We…have good discussions.”

  Sally rolled her eyes. “He’s boring as shit.”

  “You’re being harsh. Besides, I don’t find him boring,” she stuttered.

  “Yes, you do. You just don’t want to admit it. I believe something is wrong with him.”

  She squirmed at Sally’s assessment about her relationship with Jon. He was a nice man, not intense and didn’t ask for more than she could give. It was comfortable, which suited her well.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Remember when we went back to Nicole’s house for drinks after our girls’ night out and Jon showed up.”

  “So?”

  Sally rolled her eyes. “I found it strange. The man called and text about fifty times that night.”

  “You’re exaggerating.”

  “Danielle, it was supposed to be our night. Why did he come?”

  “What harm was it? Ashton came home with the boys so it all ended well.”

  “That’s not the point.”

  “Then what is?”

  “The man doesn’t, or rather won’t, let you go
anywhere without him being with you, and when you do go without him, he’s blowing up your phone.

  “He’s just showing that he cares.”

  “Come on, Danielle. You, Nicole and I have been friends forever. He acts as if Nicole and I are going to kidnap you or something.”

  “He’s different than the guys I usually date.”

  “You got that right. I’m telling you the man is bi-polar or a serial killer.”

  “Stop being melodramatic. Jon’s a nice guy. You need to get to know him.”

  “He’s possessive and watches you like a lion lying in wake for prey.” She shuddered. “Creepy and scary.”

  Danielle frowned. “Sally, that’s pretty harsh.”

  She shrugged. “Sorry but you should know by now that I’m one to call it as I see it.”

  Danielle threw out a short laugh. “Well, you’re wrong in this case.”

  Sally shook her head. “We’ll see.”

  Chapter Three

  Brody saw Danielle the moment she came through the door at the Champagne Ball with her date, Jon Hillman. He hated to admit it but they made a striking couple. She was dressed in all white. Her elegant gown, with a slit in the front, showed off her toned legs. Her signature strappy high heel sandals completed the outfit. The only jewelry she wore were diamond stud earrings and a large gold bangle on her arm.

  He threw back the champagne in his glass and reached for another one from the tray on the bar counter.

  A business associate, James Stanley, stood with him at the bar, asked, “Who’s that?”

  He gave the man a hard stare. “Danielle Evans,” he said, and tapped his glass for the bartender to fill it again.

  The man’s eyes widened. “The supermodel?”

  “Yes.”

  “Damn. She’s more beautiful in person than any picture she’s ever taken.”

  Brody remained silent and watched Danielle with a hooded stare. She was now seated at the table next to his. Good. Fate was starting to look his way.