One Special Moment - Brenda Jackson [35]
“I’m from Richmond, Virginia. And I’m a schoolteacher. I teach third grade.”
“A teacher! Sterling Hamilton is marrying a schoolteacher and not a Hollywood glamour girl?” someone in the crowd shouted out.
“But take a good look at this teacher. They never looked like that when I was in school. If I would have had one who looked like her, I would’ve volunteered to stay back in third grade another year or two,” another reporter shouted. His statement got chuckles and nods of agreement from the others.
“Now that you’ve gotten your story, do you mind letting us enter the restaurant in peace?” Sterling snapped. He was becoming slightly irritated at the number of reporters who were more interested in Colby’s outfit than getting a news-breaking story.
A reporter then asked, “When is the wedding?”
Sterling answered as he ushered Colby toward the restaurant. “As soon as possible in a very private ceremony. So don’t any of you wait on invitations.”
“Why the rush with the wedding, Hamilton?” the same reporter asked. “Could it be Miss Wingate is expecting a bundle of joy in the very near future? Like less than nine months from now?”
Sterling stopped and turned around. His deadly gaze lighted on the short, plump reporter. Removing his hand from Colby’s waist, he stood in a threatening stance. The stormy expression on his face radiated the fact that Sterling Hamilton was a man to reckon with when angered.
“For the record, Colby and I very much want a child one day. However, at the present time we aren’t expecting one. The only reason we’re marrying quickly is for my own selfish reasons.”
Colby reached out and placed her hand on Sterling’s arm. She felt his tensed muscles relax with her touch. Their eyes met as he returned his hand to her waist. And then to her complete surprise he lowered his mouth to hers. Oblivious of the cameras flashing around them he kissed her. The kiss was soft, warm and tender. And although it only lasted mere seconds, the feel of his lips on hers, as always, totally consumed Colby.
“As I said, gentlemen,” Sterling stated in a husky voice as his eyes continued to gaze into Colby’s, “my reasons for rushing into marriage with Ms. Wingate are purely selfish ones. Good night.” Then he tenderly gripped Colby’s elbow and led her into the restaurant.
Once inside, Colby noticed that heads turned and curious glances followed them as they made their way to their table. “Well, that’s over,” she stated as Sterling pulled out the chair for her.
“Don’t count on it,” he replied gruffly.
Colby tried to dismiss the brief kiss they had shared. She knew it was all a part of the playacting they had agreed to do, but as usual, it had had a whirlwind effect on her. He had looked at her so intensely, so tenderly and so caringly. His words had seemed so genuinely sincere, so believable, that for a brief moment she had felt…what? A fraction of truth in them? Of course, they were the truth, she realized as she accepted the menu from the waiter. He really hadn’t actually lied. They were rushing into marriage for his own selfish reasons. He wanted a baby and was using her as a means to get one.
She glanced around the beautiful establishment. Across the room she could have sworn she saw Will Smith dining with his wife, Jada Pinkett. Colby suddenly wondered how many times Sterling had brought Diamond Swain here with him. She immediately dismissed the thought, convincing herself she cared less. She would not let her mind dwell on one of the questions a reporter had asked him about Diamond Swain that he had not answered.
They studied the menu in silence. Unable to make up her mind on a selection, Colby ended up letting Sterling order for her. She was not disappointed. Both the meal and the wine were exquisite. She didn’t know which of the two she could credit with relieving the tension from her body, although she leaned more heavily toward it being the vintage wine he had ordered. She was surprised that, just like earlier that day at the park, she was enjoying his company.
He asked her numerous