Stern (Harlequin Desire) by Brenda Jackson

Author:Brenda Jackson [Jackson, Brenda]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-07-31T07:00:00+00:00

Eight

“I’m leaving after this number,” JoJo leaned over and whispered to Walter.

“Good. I’ll be right behind you.”

She frowned. Evidently he had drawn his own conclusions about how this night would end. She figured it was time to let him know, in very clear terms, that when she left she would be leaving alone. However, before she could do so, Sampson Kilburn finished his number and began speaking.

“It gives me great pleasure to bring onstage a former student of mine who I think you’re going to enjoy. I want all of you to give a big round of applause for Stern Westmoreland and his violin.”

Air left JoJo’s lungs as she stared at the stage. Stern? Here? She watched as he walked out with his violin, smiling for the audience. She couldn’t believe it. What was he doing here? Had he found out this was where she would be? No, how could he have? They hadn’t spoken in days. More than likely he had no idea she was in the audience.

She watched as he readied his bow amid whistles and applause. His smile deepened when he said, “I hope all of you enjoy my musical rendition of this song about true beauty. I’m dedicating this to a special lady in the audience, Jovonnie Jones.”

For the second time in less than ten minutes, air left JoJo’s lungs. Stern’s gaze unerringly found hers and he smiled. He had known she was here. But how?

“Hey, that guy’s talking about you. You know him?” Walter asked, sounding annoyed.

“Yes, I know him,” she said, trying not to show any emotion. “He’s my best friend.”

“Best friend,” he snorted. “Yeah, right. When it comes to a man’s and a woman’s relationship, there’s no such thing.”

Whatever words Walter said after that were drowned out when Stern lifted the violin to his shoulder. Accompanied by the band and Sampson at the piano, he played, moving the bow across the strings to produce perfect notes. JoJo had heard that particular song many times, but not until now had she truly been pulled into the melody. Stern was putting his heart and soul into the music and she couldn’t help but recall how he’d taught her to play that same instrument when they were in high school.

She felt Walter tug at her hand. “Come on, we were about to leave. If that guy’s your best friend, as you claim, then you can hear him play anytime.”

JoJo ignored Walter’s rudeness as she continued to sit at her table, totally mesmerized by the sight of Stern playing his violin. She was in awe of his skill, as was everyone else in the room.

She’d heard him play a number of times, but tonight was different. He was playing for her. Knowing he’d selected that piece for her sent a warm, fuzzy feeling through her. Somehow, and she wasn’t sure how, he’d known she would be here. And somehow he’d also known that tonight hadn’t gone as she’d hoped it would. Somehow her best friend had known. And he was here, making her feel beautiful nonetheless.

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