Brenda Jackson - One Special Moment

Before Colby could answer the door behind her opened.

“Sterling? This is a pleasant surprise,” Edward Stewart said, smiling at the man. “I didn't know you were back.”

Colby glanced over her shoulder to look at the bearded man who entered the room. She took a deep breath as her eyes collided with Sterling Hamilton's. Even with the window blinds slightly closed, his very presence in the room radiated light…and something else she couldn't help but notice, sensuous heat. The very idea that she could think such a thing surprised and fascinated her.

He was distinctively dressed in a pair of charcoal-gray, triple-pleated slacks, a colorful printed shirt and a double-breasted navy blue blazer. Tall and masculine, his clothes fit his body well.

Their eyes held. Apprehension touched Colby's body. An emotion she couldn't put a name to flooded through her with a force that left her speechless. For the first time in her life, a man had evoked an immediate and tangible response from her. She was vaguely aware of Edward Stewart making introductions and found herself getting to her feet on wobbly knees.

“Colby Wingate, how are you?” Sterling Hamilton's deep masculine voice seemed to radiate through the room.

Colby suddenly found her soft, fragile hand encompassed in the strong firmness of his. His eyes held her spellbound and seemed to probe deeply into hers. She didn't miss the look of pure masculine appreciation in them. For an intensifying moment, her heart thumped against her rib cage.

She took a deep breath. Nothing could have prepared her for this meeting. Because of her sister-in-law, Cynthia, she had seen many of his movies, but seeing him in the flesh was very unnerving. The man was bigger than life and just as sexy. She found her voice and replied shakily. “I'm fine, Mr. Hamilton, thank you.”

“Please, call me Sterling.”

Edward Stewart took a quick glance at the both of them. He cleared his throat. “I…er…think it would be a good idea if I left the two of you alone awhile to discuss the finer details of the contract. I'm sure Sterling will be able to answer any questions you might have, Ms. Wingate. I'll return later and make any modifications to the final contract the two of you deem necessary.” Then he left the room.

An irresistibly devastating smile tugged at the corners of Sterling's mouth. “Please have a seat, Ms. Wingate.”

“Thanks, and please call me Colby.”

“All right, Colby.” He took a quick glance around the room. “Edward isn't one for a lot of light,” he said, opening the window blinds some more.

Colby sat down, staring at him. If she thought he was one fine brother in the dimly lit room, in the bright sunlight he was undeniably awesome. Never had a man radiated so much sensuality. It wasn't just in his looks, but in his walk, his stance, his stare and even his smell. The fresh, clean scent of him flowed through the room.

Sterling Hamilton turned from opening the blinds and stared at Colby in a way that went deeper than just casual observation. He leaned against the desk, enjoying the way the sunlight slanted through the windows and highlighted her nut-brown coloring. The stunning two-piece navy suit she wore gave her a look of sheer sophistication. Her thick mass of brownish-black hair flowed past her shoulders. Its glossy strands cascaded around her face like silk, softly framing her delicate features of almond-shaped dark eyes, high cheekbones, straight nose and succulent red lips that belonged in a Fashion Fair lipstick ad.

He couldn't help but notice her perfume was totally alluring. It was a fragrance he wasn't familiar with but one he definitely enjoyed inhaling. His nose had picked up the luscious scent of her the moment he'd walked into the room.

Sensing her nervousness from his open scrutiny, Sterling took the seat across from her. He couldn't remember the last time a woman had completely captured his full attention. He found it incredible that any woman could do that. He was accustomed to beautiful women, but the one sitting across from him not only had captured his attention, she was holding it tight.

“Mr. Stewart indicated you would cover the specifics of the contract,” Colby said nervously, breaking the silence that had enveloped them. She felt under a microscope with his sharp, blatant appraisal of her.

Sterling nodded, not relinquishing his assessing stare.

“I can't believe how swiftly things are moving along,” Colby rushed on conversationally. “I'd just contacted Mr. Stewart a few weeks ago. I'm glad you decided to do it.”

“Really?” Sterling replied, watching her with curious intensity. “It's been on my mind for quite a while. I decided the time was right.”

Colby liked the sound of his voice. It was deep and husky. “I'm glad you think so. I believe everything will work out fine for us.”

Sterling stroked his bearded chin, regarding her carefully. A hint of a smooth smile touched his lips when he responded. “I'm sure they will. I don't foresee any problems, Colby. Do you?”

“None whatsoever. In fact, a name has already been chosen.”

Sterling's face registered his surprise. There was a sudden degree of coolness in his voice when he replied. “There was no need for you to do that, Colby. I already have a name picked out.”

Now it was Colby who showed surprise. The heavy lashes shadowing her cheeks flew up. “You do?” At his nod she shrugged. “Well, I guess it's negotiable.”

Sterling's dark eyebrow raised questioningly, and the line of his mouth tightened. “There's nothing to negotiate.”

Colby was stunned by his words and his curt tone of voice. “I think J.C. may have something to say about that.”

Sterling stared at her through dark, brooding eyes. “J.C.?”

“Yes, James Cameron Wingate. My brother.”

“Your brother?” Sterling stood and stared at her, blinking. Confusion lined his features, and his mouth took on an unpleasant twist. “What does your brother have to do with any of this? This is strictly a business venture between the two of us.”

Colby shook her head and gazed up at the man towering over her. “No, it's not,” she replied angrily, getting to her feet so she could face him squarely. She knew he wielded a lot of power in Hollywood, but he was wrong if he thought for one minute he was going to run roughshod over her or Wingate Cosmetics. Of all the nerve! Just who does he think he is?

“I'm sorry if you were given the impression I'm alone in this, Sterling, but James has a lot to say about what happens. After all, it will be his creation, not yours.”

Fury shone in Sterling's eyes and his face was set in a stormy expression. “His creation! How do you figure that? I don't know what kind of sick game you're playing but—”

“How are things going?”

Sterling and Colby turned their furious glares from each other to Edward Stewart as he reentered the room. His smile faded when he saw their angry looks. “Have we encountered some sort of problem?”

“That's not the tip of it,” Sterling replied heatedly, placing both hands on his hips. “She's trying to drag her brother into this! The contract is suppose to be between the two of us. No one else! I thought you made sure she understood that, Edward.”

Colby's anger was boiling and topped the scale with Sterling's stone-faced expression. “How can I not drag James into this? After all, he owns the company.”

“What company?” both men asked simultaneously, completely baffled.

Now it was Colby's time to be confused. “Wingate Cosmetics.”

The two men looked at each other uneasily. And Colby didn't miss the questioning gaze that passed between them. Then Edward Stewart spoke softly. “Ms. Wingate, just why are you here?”