I Can Make You Love Me. Karen White-Owens

I thought you might like to go to Seldom Blues for dinner.”

      Wow! She mouthed the word silently. Seldom Blues was no greasy spoon. It was one of Detroit’s premiere and very expensive jazz and supper clubs. Once a year, she took Helen out to celebrate the success of the company.

      “It sounds wonderful. What time?”

      “Mmm. I’m going to make reservations for eight. So, I’ll be at your place around seven-thirty.”

      “Good! I’ll see you then. Bye.”

      “Bye. Oh, Wynn?”

      She returned the receiver to her ear. “Yes?”

      “Thanks. I’m looking forward to seeing you.”

      “Me, too.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Wynn realized that she meant them. She liked Adam. Always had. And she was looking forward to learning more about his life.

      Wynn glanced up from the telephone to find Helen in the doorway with a knowing expression on her sepia brown face. “What?”

      Folding her arms across her chest, Helen barely suppressed a grin. “Nothing. I’m glad you’re going out for a change.”

      That silver-haired devil didn’t fool Wynn. “Mmm-hmm.”

      “So.” Helen sauntered into the room and slid into the empty chair, facing the desk. “Where’s he taking you?”

      “Seldom Blues.”

      Wynn held her breath, waiting for Helen’s over-the-top reaction. The older woman didn’t disappoint. She whistled long and loudly. “My. My. The babysitting kid has money and he’s willing to spend it on you. Nice.”

      “Possibly, I don’t know. It could all be because I used to take care of him.” She grabbed her purse out of the bottom desk drawer and reached for her briefcase, resting on the floor next to her desk. “Anyhoo, Saturday night I’m going to have a great dinner with an old friend.”

      Helen opened her mouth to say more. Before the words formed on Helen’s lips, Wynn halted her with her hand. “No. It’s not anything more. I’m a forty-three-year-old divorcee with two kids. Adam’s thirtysomething. It’s not that kind of dinner. And trust me. He’s not that into me.”

      “What kind of dinner is it? Men don’t spend chunks of money on their former babysitters. He’s looking to impress you.”

      “And why would he want to do that?”

      “Maybe Adam likes what he sees. And he wants you to see him as a man. A single eligible man.”

      Ignoring Helen’s comments, Wynn slung her bag over her shoulder and started for the door. “Oh! Look at the time. My kids will be looking for me. Mother has her yoga class this evening, I’d better hurry. See you tomorrow.”

      “Wynn?”

      “Yes?”

      “You can act like you don’t hear me all you want. But I’m pretty sure Saturday night, Mr. Adam Carlyle is gonna show you a thing or two.” Helen followed Wynn out of the office and into the reception area. “Have a good evening. I’ll lock up.”

      Yeah, Wynn thought. The only thing I have going with Adam is the years when I babysat him.

      Wynn marched across the room and out of the office. She shut the door, and started down the hall to the stairwell, and exited the building. As she approached the vehicle, she hit the remote and opened the car door, slipping behind the wheel to start the engine.

      The best thing she could do was enjoy the evening with Adam. It wasn’t often she got the chance to spend time with a handsome, younger man who wanted to spend money on her. Wynn planned to enjoy her evening with Adam at Seldom Blues and forget about everything else.

      Chapter 3

      The melody of Alexander Zonjac’s jazz flute serenaded the restaurant patrons as Wynn and Adam stepped through the entrance of Seldom Blues restaurant and approached the hostess station.

      “Reservation for Carlyle,” Adam stated with confidence, resting his hand on the lower portion of Wynn’s back. A black dress caressed her curvy figure. The bodice fitted against her breast and waist and flared into a full skirt. His fingers moved seductively against the silk fabric covering her back.

      “Good evening, Mr. Carlyle, ma’am.” The young woman gathered three leather-bound folders. “Your table is ready. Please step this way.”

      Wynn and Adam trailed the hostess along a dark blue hallway, past the central dining room and stage to a separate curved corridor.

      Surprised, Wynn glanced back at Adam with a question in her eyes. Adam’s encouraging hand at the base of her spine urged her forward.

      The hostess halted at a frosted glass door etched with a swirling pattern. “This is our River Room,” she announced, opening the door and stepping back. Adam and Wynn entered. The young woman placed menus and a wine list on the single table set for two. “Enjoy your meal.” With a smile, she turned toward the hallway, shutting the door softly behind her.

      Amazed, Wynn moved around the elegantly decorated room. Blue, tan, and cream created the central color scheme for their private quarters. Wynn strolled around the room, examining and touching every item. She admired a painting of a trumpeter and ran a gentle finger across a silver twisted metal wall hanging.

      Watching her, Adam stood near the table and shoved a hand inside the pocket of his trousers.

      “This is beautiful,” Wynn said.

      “I thought you might like it.”

      “I do.” Wynn glanced out the window. The room faced the Canadian border, providing a spectacular view of downtown Windsor. Lights from the business district glittered off the Detroit River. Casino Windsor’s white structure loomed large and majestic on the water’s edge, facing the Detroit shoreline.

      Wynn moved across the room toward the man. She halted several feet away. “You sure know how to ‘wow’ a girl.”

      “I aim to please.” He offered up a gentle smile and asked, “Are you?”

      “Very.”

      “Good. I plan to make certain the evening stays that way,” he promised, reaching for her hand.

      Adam led her around the table, helped her into her chair, and then took the seat opposite hers. Her gaze swept over her dinner companion. Adam’s aura practically bragged of wealth and power. Dressed in a raven silk jacket and matching trousers, he looked absolutely gorgeous tonight. A cream cashmere V-neck sweater provided a splash of color and a glimpse of dark hair generously sprinkled across his chest.

      He leaned back in his chair, studying the wine list. “Is there anything in particular you’d like for a cocktail?”

      “No. I’ll leave that decision to you.”

      “I appreciate that,” he replied, perusing the wine list before setting it aside. His gaze did a lazy slide from the top of her shiny auburn head, slid lower, and lingered on the swell of her breasts above the bodice of her black silk dress. Something intense flared in his eyes, causing Wynn’s nipples to tighten in response. His gaze returned to her face. A broad smile of approval spread across his face. “You look beautiful.”

      “Thank you.” Pleased and a bit nervous, she focused on his face. Yes, Adam had grown into one striking man. One question lingered in her mind: Why had he chosen her company tonight? Wynn understood her potential and limitations. Honestly, she knew that she paled against the current flock of twenty-and thirty-something women who would kill for a chance to get close to a man like Adam.

      A tap on the door caused those thoughts to dissipate. A gentleman dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and royal blue tie entered with a crystal water pitcher in hand. “Good evening. Welcome to Seldom Blues.”