One Day You'll Be Mine: Steamy Contemporary Military Romance (15 page)

“I’m constantly approached and lusted after by different women who want something from me, without anything of interest to bring to the table. Those women lose my interest because of their vapid personalities. I’m looking for a woman whose mind is focused on the simpler things in life: food, friends, home, God, and of course, family.

“We’re in the beginning stages of knowing each other, and I’ve come to see you’re quite possibly that woman I’m looking for. You’re intelligent, loving, kind, gentle-hearted, nurturing – and of course, quite beautiful. Your radiance is extraordinary.”

He lifted my hand to his lips once more, sending an uncontrollable moan through me. I melted under his touch and over his words. My panties were starting to get wet from his intense energy. I felt a wave of desire spring forth that was almost uncontrollable.

I couldn’t deny how badly I wanted Desmond. It’d been so long since a man wanted me so deeply. The spell he was putting me under was intoxicating. But I didn’t know if he was being real, or whether this was some line he’d given every woman.

Before I could answer, Jordan returned with the dessert menu. “Have you saved room for any of our incredible desserts? I absolutely love the toffee cake?”

“Excuse me.” Jordan. My son. My heart quickened as a pit of fear swirled in my stomach. I was a horrible mother for not checking on him. Guilt swarmed my heart. I slid out of my seat. “I’ll be right back.”

“Yes,” I heard Desmond reply. “Bring us some of that fantastic toffee cake, and the blondie.”

I couldn’t get to the bathroom quick enough. I only got there in enough time to lock the door, retrieve my phone, and see if I missed any calls from him. None. It was still early enough over there that he would just be getting ready to prepare for bed when I called.

“Hi, Mommy!” He said. “You look pretty!”

Tears of joy ran down my face as I looked at him. He was my heart, my world, and I missed him so much. I had no business being out with a man I barely knew when I could be with my son.

“Why are you crying, mom?”

“Hi, honey.” He scrunched his face when I called him that, but I didn’t care. “I’m not crying because of anything bad. I’m just sad. I miss you so much.”

“I miss you too. Mr. Preston doesn’t cook as well as you do.”

“Who’s Mr. Preston?”

“Daddy’s friend from Mrs. Kelli’s street?” He asked. “He’s in the kitchen making tacos tonight. Wanna say hi?”

“No honey, that’s okay. I called to talk to you.” I seethed on the inside. It hasn’t even been a month and he’s got this man coming around my son, in our former home together? I couldn’t believe Hollis was such a wreckless asshole. But I was halfway across the country. There’d be no way I could confront him at the moment.

“Where are you, Mommy?”

“Mommy’s out to dinner with friends.” Now was definitely not the time to have that conversation. I chatted with him briefly about school and Ms. Kelli, making sure everything was alright. He asked if I was coming home for Thanksgiving.

“Probably not, honey.” I started to get misty eyed as I realized Thanksgiving was just weeks away, and I was going to be alone with Ro. “But I promise I’ll see you for Christmas.”

“Okay.”

“Get ready for bed. I’ll call you tomorrow okay?”

“Love you, Mom.”

“Love you too, little man.”

A few angry tears slid down my face. I was consumed with rage and guilt. Rage because I wanted to kill my soon to be ex-husband for bringing his secret lover around my son. Guilt because I was here on a date instead of driving back to Twenty-nine Palms and taking my son. No, I may not have had the prestigious job with money that Hollis did, but I was a damn good mother, and I loved my son more than life itself.

Although my eyes couldn’t hide the redness from my tears, my makeup had held up and remained pretty intact. I looked at the sultry-eyed goddess in the mirror and she winked at me. To be honest, I don’t know how Rose managed to make me look this good, but I was going to have to learn these magical secrets of makeup. Excuse my vanity, but it was hard to keep a foul mood when I looked so pretty.

And had a hot man like Desmond waiting for me at the table.

Our desserts were spread on the table, with extra plates on each of our sides. He waved, smiling pleasantly when I returned. “For a minute I thought you ditched me.” He looked at my eyes and saw through the smile. “What happened? Are you okay?”

Feeling open and vulnerable, I leaned in. “Can I tell you something?”

“Yes.” He placed his knife and fork, which he was using to split our desserts, on the table. There he went again, giving me eye contact with his undivided attention.

“I haven’t been on a date in years. My son’s father and I split up for good less than a couple of weeks ago. I haven’t been in Dallas long at all – we’ve spoken about this – but I’m still shaky and all over the place. This is a new beginning for me. And I’m just a mess because I don’t have it together.”

Tears started to form in my eyes. I was getting so embarrassed, but I had to tell the truth. “I’m not this wonderful woman you think I am. I ran to call my son and say goodnight, and he told me about his father’s new lover in the kitchen cooking dinner already.”

“Oh…” You can’t ever tell someone how to react to your drama, but hearing “oh” didn’t help me at all. I felt like I was having a meltdown as I spoke, with Desmond watching me. What could you say to a woman you just met who’s stuck on her ex, and crying at the dinner table? Not much… but I still felt crappy.

“I haven’t dated a man besides my husband for twenty years. Today – November 15 – would have been sixteen years of marriage.” I shook my head in disbelief. “But instead, he’s with someone else. He’s not even concerned about me or the effect bringing new people around our son would have.”

“And I’m here ruining this evening and crying in front of you,” I sobbed. “I’m sorry for being a terrible date. I should leave before I make even more of a scene than I already have. I’m sorry.”

Chapter 24: Natalia

Pushing myself away from the booth, and out of my seat, I hustled to the doorway as fast as I could. The lights became a blurry mess through my tears as I pushed past crowds of happy couples and BFFs waiting to be seated. I couldn’t stomach pretending to be ready for this – any of this – anymore.

“Natalia!” I heard Desmond’s voice calling from behind. Not wanting to face him, I picked up my speed walking, and suddenly tumbled over. Pain shot up my ankle. I screamed in agony. Why the hell was life always kicking me in the ass?

I burst into sobs. What a way to ruin a night. I felt like Cinderella. Except Cinderella didn’t have a gay ex-husband who beat on her, a son who’s exposed to his father’s new “best friend” or the ability to bust her ass when running away from Prince Charming in her glass slippers. Or, in my case, wedges. Who trips on wedges!?

“Natalia, are you okay?” I could feel Desmond squatting down. I refused to uncover my face. I didn’t want to see him looking at me, taking in how much of an emotional clumsy wreck of a basket case I was.

“I’m good…” I sobbed. I tried to lift myself off the ground, but my ankle was in way too much pain. I yelped when the discomfort shot through my leg, pinning me to the ground.

“Shhh…” Desmond said. “Let me help. Push up on your good leg and I’ll pull you up.”

Defeated by my helplessness, I acquiesced and placed my hand in his. He gently lifted me from the ground, and then scooped my body in his arms. I wanted to protest, but without a proper leg to stand on – because I only had one leg left to abide by tonight – what could I do?

“Where’s your car?”

“It’s that Kia Soul to the left.”

“Cute,” he said. “My sister has one of these.” But instead of bringing me to the car, he carried me further back.

“Where are you taking me?”

“My car’s right here,” he said, walking towards a black Range Rover. Without missing a beat, he managed to grab his key fob and place me in on the passenger side. Getting into his side of the car, he started the vehicle, adjusted the heat, and drove up to my car, blocking it in. Unbuckling his seatbelt, he tapped me on the hand. “Hang tight.”

He disappeared around the corner, returning moments later with a takeout bag. My face burned with embarrassment for the umpteenth time that night when he handed me my clutch, and then reached in his pocket for my car keys. “I was calling you because you left these at the table.”

“Thank you.” I felt so small deep inside.

“Do you have a preferred hospital?” he said, pulling out of the parking lot. “If not, I know a doctor who could take a quick look at your ankle.”

“I’m fine. I just had a little fall that’s all.”  I looked at my car as we drove off the lot and into the street. “You don’t have to take me anywhere.”

“Actually, I do, because you’re not leaving my sight until I know you’re okay.”
What?

“Desmond, I appreciate your concern, but I’m okay. Can you please just take me back to my car?”

“Here,” he dug into his wallet and handed me his identification. “Call your sister, and send her a picture of my ID. I’m not going to harm you, but as a man, I cannot let you go home, until I’ve made sure you’re physically checked out and okay. We’re going to get your ankle checked out before anything else.”

His voice was firm and final. I didn’t have any choice in the matter. I was going to the hospital, whether I wanted to or not.

“Okay,” I said quietly. I sent his information to Rose, and she called me immediately.

“Why are you sending me his information? Natalia, you’re not –” 

“Relax,” I said. “I twisted my foot on the curb, and he’s taking me to the hospital. He just wanted me to send you his information out of respect.”

“How did that happen?” I could hear panic rip through her voice. “Are you okay?” 

“Yes,” I nodded, wearily. “I’m fine but my ankle’s swelling pretty badly. I’ll tell you about it later.”

“You sure you don’t need me to come get you?” she insisted. I told her it was almost 11 PM. She had work in the morning, and to be honest, I didn’t want her seeing me in this state. I assured her I was fine, promised to text her if anything happened, and let her know I’d be home as soon as possible.

Chapter 25: Natalia

It was close to 11:30 PM when we pulled into the parking lot of the towering condo in downtown Dallas. I notice we didn’t drive obscenely far from the restaurant, just ten to fifteen minutes away.

The ride over was relatively quiet, however, it was to be expected. I didn’t expect the conversation to flow so smoothly after the rough, tumbly way things had ended between us in our booth. I kicked myself in the head over and over as I replayed my not-so-fairytale exit.

“Can you stand?” I struggled to get out the car. It was hard because my right ankle was the injured ankle. I turned almost facing the backseat to get out. Desmond reached forward and tenderly cradled me in his arms. “Close the door for me.”

“My phone…” I pointed to the car seat, where my phone, with remarkably not shattered screen, sat. He leaned me forward to reach it, and I grabbed it, along with my clutch and car keys, both which I slid under the car seat.

I marveled at how he carried me to the elevator, and even in the elevator as we ascended to the highest floor. I held on to his neck at his request. “It helps me balance you better,” he explained.

“Are we going to your place?” I looked into his eyes for the first time since running from Victor Tango’s. Instead of seeing a callous, annoyed expression – the kind I would have probably gotten from Hollis because he was helping me out of obligation – he met mine with tenderness.

“Yes. My neighbor is a doctor. You’ll be able to get looked at for free before we have to take you to the hospital. I hope you don’t mind?” His eyes searched mine for an answer.

I blushed. “No, I don’t mind at all. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He looked into mine for a moment, and warmth washed over me. We shared bashful smiles. My heart raced, and the heat off his body against mine caused my nipples to harden. I caught myself looking at his lips, and realized I picked the wrong time to notice how soft and kissable they were.

I closed my eyes.
Natalia, you are the most awkward woman walking.
The elevator rang, and I heard the mechanical movement of the doors as they slid into their enclosures, allowing us to step off with ease. Curious to see the kind of home this man had where he lived with doctors for neighbors, I opened my eyes to take in the green and brown décor of the halls. The ornate carpet was eye-catching; when I had a fancy apartment in the sky, I’d want carpet just like this in my hallway.

“Brace yourself, Bettie,” he said in a comical tone. “We’re here.”

Desmond’s place was equally attractive. Instead of the cold manly bachelor pad I expected to see, I was greeted with striking blue, brown and teal décor, along with a gorgeous bonsai tree collection near the door.

He gently laid me on the extended chaise portion of his caramel and mocha colored sectional, and then whipped out his phone. “Hey, can you come over for a second? I need you to check something out for me.” The caller spoke back, his voice not loud enough for me to hear what was being said. “Yes – see you in 5.”

“Be right back,” he said, walking off to what I presumed was his bedroom.

Exactly five minutes later, a knock was on the door. Desmond walked out. I noticed he changed his clothes. Instead of the casual shirt and slacks, he wore some jeans and a plain white V-neck tee shirt. He was still
GQ
, but more in a casual, boy next door kind of way, nothing like the James Bond rock star on a date look he’d been wearing earlier.

“Thanks for stopping by.” He kissed the woman on the cheek as she entered. I immediately became jealous.
She
was his doctor?

I’d seen plenty of doctors in my day, but none were as gorgeous as this woman. And no man I knew could kiss a woman looking like this on her cheek and calmly tell me she was
just
his doctor.

“Hey, I’m Natalie,” she said, extending a hand. I smiled as widely as possible, while taking stock of her appearance. She wore a classic white tee that hugged her breasts, which were so perfect they had to be blessed from surgery, or an amazing pushup. Her sparkly blue eyes and caramel colored hair gave her fresh and clean classical type of beauty.

Her yoga pants showed off curvy legs, but that casual robe she tossed on didn’t fool me for a minute either.

“Natalia.” I shook hers, suspicious of her friendliness. They had to be sleeping together.

“What a coincidence.” She looked at Desmond. “You’re just collecting all the Natalies and Natalias in Dallas, huh?”

Desmond shrugged. I think he had a faint hint of a blush when she said that.

“Let me take a look at your leg,” she said, squatting down to take a look at it. “Mind telling me what happened.”

“I… uh… was headed to my car, and just took a tumble.” I looked away, avoiding eye contact with Desmond, praying he wouldn’t expose the truth: That I had made a complete ass of myself at dinner on our first date. That my acting like a crazy woman on this first date resulted in me busting my buns running to the car. And that he ended up being my knight in shining armor when I couldn’t get up.

Natalie examined it gingerly. Desmond stood close by, looking over her shoulder as she worked. I did my best to observe the two of them without seeming obvious. I was looking for signs of interest between them, because it just wouldn’t make sense for two gorgeous people to not be lovers.

“Well, the good news is it’s not broken.” Natalie said. “But you do have a nasty sprain.” She went to her apartment, came back with an ace bandage and other supplies and wrapped my ankle up. “You should be fine in a couple of days. Until then, do your best to stay off your feet and keep your ankle iced and elevated as much as possible.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. Staying in bed for a couple of days beat wearing crutches or setting broken bones. “Thank you, Dr. Natalie.”

“Not a problem.” She smiled at Desmond and I. “I’ll let you guys get back to your evening. I’m sorry your date was ruined by such a fall, but it might be good luck.”

“Tuh!” I said.
The irony.
“I fall all the time. Nothing lucky here.”

“You never know.” She stepped outside and Desmond went with her. I looked at my ankle, which was wrapped, yet still throbbing and wondered about my dumb luck. Texting Rose, I sent her a picture of my foot, informing her it was just a nasty sprain and that I’d be home soon.

Good. I have to talk to you!
She replied. She inserted one of those extremely happy-faced emoji’s. I sent her a few silly ones in return.

Desmond re-entered, closed the door, and locked it behind him. Walking over to the couch, he sat down next to me, patted me on the leg and asked, “How are you feeling?”

“I’m much better now,” I affirmed. I took a deep breath, and exhaled. “Thank you. Just send me the bill when she invoices you. I’ll take care of it.”

“You’re welcome, and she’s not going to invoice me.” He stretched his back reflexively against the couch. “Her husband and I are frat brothers.”

I prayed he didn’t notice the sigh of relief on my face. No wonder she was so comfortable.

“May I ask you a question?” He looked at me. “What happened at the restaurant? Why did you leave like that?”

I swallowed. How could I answer that? Fiddling with my fingers, I tried to come up with a suitable answer, but failed to speak. Instead of being moved, Desmond looked at me, patiently searching me for a response.

“It’d be a long story,” I admitted.

“We’re here. I’m here. I don’t mind listening.” He wrapped an arm around me, leaning in close. “Besides, I think you owe me after this eventful evening.”

I took a deep breath. “You have anything to drink?”

***

I filled Desmond completely in on my situation. I let him know about Hollis, our longstanding love affair that started when we were teenagers, and how I thought we’d be together forever. I told him about the way my parents had abandoned me, and my mother’s death.

I spared no detail telling him about my desire to expand our family, and the little girl I’d always wanted. I spoke of the emotional callousness that occurred in my relationship, and finding out that my husband, indeed, was having an affair.

“They knew specific details about his privates, and his habits, that they couldn’t have known without having been with him.”

“How did he find time to cheat with her? And why would he want to? You’re beautiful.” Desmond clearly looked confused by Hollis’s behavior.

My bottom lip trembled. “It… wasn’t a
she
that he was cheating with. His mistress… is a man.”

Time seemed to freeze between us as I revealed that. A million thoughts swarmed in my head. Was I giving away too much information? Or was I letting loose what he needed to know? Did he deserve to know? Was it too early to share this?

“Wow…” he said, finally responding. “And that’s who your son – Jordan? – was talking about when he said your ex-husband had company in your home already?”

I nodded weakly. I took a sip of the watered down soda that was almost gone from my glass. “I don’t understand where this side of him came from.”

“You never knew he was gay?”

“No. He never told me about any attraction to other men. And he still won’t. If I called him right now, he wouldn’t admit to this. He has our son thinking they’re just friends – so he’s hiding it in plain sight.”

Pulling closer to me, Desmond wrapped both arms around me. “Poor love. That’s a lot to handle.” He kissed me on the cheek. “You’ve been through a lot.”

“That’s why I said I’m damaged,” I said. “You see this amazing woman, and I see a disaster.”

“You’re far from a disaster,” he said. “But let’s say you were. If so, you’d be a beautiful disaster.”

“Are you seriously still charming me right now?” I said. “I just got out of a twenty year relationship. I’m trying to keep my heart open to something new, but it feels like… maybe I just suck at relationships. I’m thirty four, I’m unemployed, I’m starting over, and I’m an emotional mess.

“Even now,” I continued, “I’m in your big, strong arms, gushing to myself about how you look like Adam Levine, yet still wishing my husband wanted to touch me and call me amazing and refer to me as ‘love’ the way you are.”

He kissed my cheek again. “I love your candor, Nat. It’s heartbreaking to experience your life crumble. I know, because the same thing happened to me.”

“Your wife ran away with a gay lover?”

“No… not quite. But I was in love. I was devoted. I wanted to marry her.” He paused, reflectively. “We set a date, picked a venue, everything. And she decided, after six years together, that she wasn’t interested anymore. She didn’t talk to me. She didn’t confront me. She got cold feet on our wedding day. Never showed up. I came home that day to a note on the door and the key on the counter. She took every trace of her with her – including pictures of us.”

I gasped. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“I’m not,” he replied. “I don’t know where she is, but she’s not welcome in my mind or space anymore. I’ve moved on. I’m ready for something real and lasting.”

“I thought I had real and lasting… I guess I was wrong.”

“It’s never too late,” he whispered. He tilted my chin toward him and leaned in. Sweet heat blazed a trail across my lips as he pressed his against mine. I felt myself pulled into his embrace, and that moan escaped; the same moan that brought itself forth any time he touched me in a manner my body craved but had not been given over the past few months trying to work things out in my failed marriage.

But I snapped to my senses pushed him back gently.

“Des…” I shook my head. “I… I can’t.”

“Too soon?”

I nodded. “My divorce was still pending. Even if my ex-husband’s moved on, I can’t allow myself to do anything until I know the divorce is final.”

I knew my honesty killed the mood. “I’m sorry.”

He shook his head. “No, you’re fine. I understand completely.” He lifted my hand to his lips, kissing it and sending that moan through my lips again.

“I love when you make that noise for me,” he murmured. “If I’m lucky, one day you’ll make that noise for me on a regular basis.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes, Natalia. Really. Right now, you’re dealing with a crazy situation. You have a lot on your plate. You’re rebuilding from scratch. But I’m not planning on going anywhere. I want to stand by your side, and support you in any way I can, even if it means long, soul-revealing chats like this every night for the next ten years. You deserve to be loved, honored, held, and made to feel beautiful, even when things aren’t perfect. I want to be the one to give that to you from now on.”