Page 3 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis
She looked up at me with those feline eyes combing over me. “I’m still deciding.”
“Mr. Valentine!” Brannon Jamison approached us with his wife in tow. “I’m so glad you could make it.” His eyes perused Naomi. “And who is this lovely lady?”
“Brannon, Melinda, this is Naomi Blackford. Naomi, this is Brannon and Melinda Jamison.”
Naomi stepped forward with a warm smile that transformed her entire face. “Mr. Jamison, it’s such an honor. I’ve been following the foundation’s work in North County. The results speak for themselves.”
Brannon’s face lit up. “You’re familiar with our programs?”
“I believe literacy is the foundation of everything else. What you’re accomplishing with at-risk youth is remarkable.”
Brannon launched into passionate details about their success stories, and I watched Naomi engage unpretentiously. She askedthoughtful questions about reading levels, volunteer training, and community partnerships. She was an excellent engager and the more I watched her the more I understood Gary Stark’s recommendation.
“She’s special,” Melinda whispered to me when Brannon got distracted by another donor.
“Yes, she is,” I replied, meaning it more than it should’ve.
When the Jamisons moved on, Naomi turned to me. “You’re staring.”
“I know.”
“Why?”
“Honestly?”
“Of course.”
“It’s hard to look away from you.”
A smile tugged at the corners of her beautiful mouth.
“I’m impressed also.”
“By what?”
“By the fact that you care about more than just looking good on someone’s arm.”
“Don’t sound so surprised. I’m a human being, not a decoration.”
“I’m starting to realize that.”
The band began playing a slow and sultry number, and couples moved onto the dance floor.
“Would you like to dance?” I asked.
“I thought you’d never ask.”
I led her onto the floor, pulling her into my arms where she fit perfectly against me. She followed my lead, her footsteps matching mine with an added flair of flavor.
“Where did you learn to dance like this?” I asked as we moved together.
“Cotillion classes. My mother insisted I take them, and now it’s a requirement for my girls when one joins the business.” Shelooked up at me. “What about you? Most men your age avoid dancing like the plague.”
“My Aunt Bernice. She said a man who couldn’t dance couldn’t be trusted with anything important.”
Naomi laughed, it was a musical sound that made my body warm. “She’s a smart woman.”
“She is. She also taught me to cook.”
