That Forbidden Love

She was full of surprises; the bad and good kind. He could never in his wildest thoughts had imagined she was a musician, but listening and watching her perform barely an hour ago, he didn’t think there was anything else that suited her better.

Her voice was sultry, husky and mesmerizing. It had tugged at his heartstring and invaded his mind with every silky, smooth note she crooned. She had looked so enchanting on stage. So damned beautiful like a goddess as she moved in accordance with the melody she wove with her voice.

Zack had been unable to take his eyes away from her then, just as he couldn’t now. He’d watched her steadily, even as he moved around the room, expressing his gratitude and exchanging pleasantries with the guests.

“Zack. You are not listening to me.”

Zack forced himself to look away from Jazmyn and back to his mother who looked hurt and affronted at his lack of attention. “Mom, of course I’m listening and I’m sorry for my unavailability sometimes.” He took her hands and rubbed them, penitent.

She huffed and gave him a slow smile after a while. “It’s alright, son. I am very proud of you and always have been. I just don’t want you to forget what is really important in the long run.”

Zack understood what she meant. And he was trying his best. He’d only keep trying. “Yes, Mom. I will try my best to make it to brunch this Sunday. I give you, my word.”

The way his mother’s eyes lighted up that moment brought a smile to his face. He knew she missed him and wished he could be more open and available like his brother.

“I will look forward to that. Don’t disappoint me, son,” she said in a tone that brooked no argument. “I think I see the mayor over there. Excuse me.”

Zack watched her leave, smiling to himself. As if he could dare disappoint her.

Marigold Whittaker was both a diva and a force to reckon with in the business industry. She knew tactical communication and that was what she’d just done with him. If there was something she’d do, it would be to hold him to his words for Sunday.

He made a mental note to inform his assistant about the brunch, lest he forgot.

Like he was being pulled, Zack found his gaze searching the room till he found Jazmyn by the entryway to the hall. With a guitar case strapped across her body, she stood conversing with his brother.

Tilting her head his way, their gazes met and an onslaught of current suddenly scissored through his body as she smiled. Almost instantly, he found himself striding across the room to join them.

“Zack,” Justin spoke up as he approached. “Have you met Jazmyn Tucker? Lead singer of Pulse and an absolutely terrific musician at that?

“You couldn’t have said it any better,” Zack said and proceeded to ignore his brother. His gaze focused only on her magnetic face.

“Hello, Jazmyn. I believe we have met somewhere before?” He pretended to tap his temple and furrowed his brow.”

She smiled. Her eyes crinkling at the side.

He’d always found that cute and adorable.

“Yes, how can I miss the Grinch? Although you look more agreeable and happier today.”

Zack couldn’t help but laugh. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a good memory as well.

Strike points.

“Well, I can’t deny I feel more agreeable and happier. After all, I just got thrown a surprise party and had the pleasure of listening to one of the best voices I’ve ever heard sing to me.”

The sight of her blush did something strange to him. He couldn’t believe she was the same woman he’d watched jump down a bridge screaming to her heart’s content last week. She seemed softer, calmer.

He found himself beginning to question his hasty conclusions.

“Thank you,” she replied shyly, her tone pleasantly sweet. “We are glad you enjoyed our performance.”

“Okay, I think it’s time I carried myself away from here,” Justin interjected.

“Jaz, we have so much to talk about. I’ll call you tomorrow.” He bent and kissed her cheeks, winking at Zack exaggeratedly as he walked away.

There had to be something he’d done in his former life to deserve his brother. This had to be payback for a sin unknown.

“Hey, Jaz.” They both swiveled around as her bandmates steadily approached. The man he’d met with her last week, Isaac if he could remember and another burlier, brown-haired man who gave him an intent once-over as he assumed a position right beside her.

Zack knew that action anytime. It screamed territorialism and possessiveness.

“Zack, meet Jean-Pierre, and of course you’ve met Isaac,” Jazmyn introduced with a smile and a quick look of warning aimed at the men. He resisted the urge to smile.

“Hello, and happy birthday, Zack,” Isaac said with a friendly smile and took his hand. A contrast to the man’s cold reception last weekend.

“Thanks, and good to see you again, man.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Jean-Pierre’s handshake was hard, same with his coldly assessing eyes. Zack knew it was an intimidation tactic.

He’d used it once or twice to his advantage and controlled the urge to flex his fingers as they were released.

“Thank you, guys, for the number, it was quite enjoyable,” he said with a friendly smile.

“It was our pleasure,” Jean-Pierre answered bluntly, and turned to Jazmyn. “The gear is stacked and we are about to leave.”

“Now?”

Zack saw the reluctance on her beautiful, captivating face as she glanced at him. She didn’t want to leave, and he didn’t want her to leave just yet. He’d been enjoying their conversation.

The unspeakable ways she made him feel just standing so close. He had been somehow wrong about her and itched to learn more without making assumptions. He really wanted to hear the purring sound of her voice for a little longer.

“Stay.”