“Okay. Oh, wait. Here’s the box so you can bring them in the car.”
As soon she was in the driver’s seat, Simona plucked the card off and opened it. They were from Donovan.
Because you’re you. Donovan
At that moment, she lost a piece of her heart.
She waited until after she had put Yasmine to bed before calling Donovan.
“Yeah,” came the clipped greeting when he answered.
“Donovan?”
There was a pause, and then he said, “Simona?”
“Yes, it’s me. Am I interrupting?”
“No, no. Sorry about that. I was reading something.”
“You’re still at work?” she asked incredulously, peeking at her watch. “It’s almost ten.”
“I know. I’m going home soon.”
“You sound exhausted.”
“So do you. Long day?”
“Yes. I wanted to thank you for the roses. They’re beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like them.”
“Donovan, I...”
“Did you change your mind about going on Saturday?”
“No, but—”
“But what?”
Simona tightened her grip on the phone, trying to force the words past her constricted throat. What if he decided throwing a child in the mix was too much?
“Simona, are you feeling a little unsure about what’s happening between us?”
“A little.”
“Sweetheart, I understand where you’re coming from, but let’s just take things one step at a time. We’ll talk more about us on Saturday.”
“Okay.”
“I need to finish up so I can get out of here.”
“Of course. Be careful going home.”
“Always.”
“Coward,” she muttered after disconnecting. Simona knew she was only prolonging the inevitable. Saturday, she told herself. She had to come clean, and hopefully he would understand. What’s the worst that could happen?
He could walk away, that nagging voice inside her head reminded her. She didn’t think he was that kind of man, but in another week, she would know for sure.
Chapter 9
It had been exactly two weeks since he had seen Simona, and Donovan missed her. Excitement filled him when he pulled into her driveway. The only thing he wanted was to kiss her again. Truth be told, he wanted much more, but he’d settle for the kiss as a start. But he continued to be bothered by their last conversation. She wasn’t telling him something. And in the back of his mind, signals flashed, warning him to proceed cautiously. Donovan shoved the warning aside and got out of the car.
When Simona opened the door, his mouth went dry at the sight of her wearing a pair of white shorts, a red sleeveless blouse and low-heeled sandals.
“Hi, Donovan. Come in.” Simona stepped back to let him enter.
His brow lifted in surprise. This was the first time she had invited him into her home. “Hey.” As soon as they reached the living room, he draped an arm around her waist, lowered his head and kissed her the way he had been dreaming about all week. She captured his tongue and sucked gently. Blood rushed straight to his groin. He pulled her closer, and her soft breasts pressed against his chest, forcing a low moan from his throat. Donovan trailed kisses along her jaw and the scented column of her neck as his fingers deftly unbuttoned her top. “Very sexy,” he murmured, transferring his kisses to the exposed portion of her breasts above the black lace bra.
“Donovan,” Simona whispered breathlessly.
Donovan reclaimed her mouth once more, then reluctantly lifted his head. If he hadn’t promised Terrence and Janae he’d be there today, he would strip Simona slowly and make love to every inch of her sexy body. Not bothering to hide the desire in his eyes, he told her, “We’re going to finish this later.” He redid her buttons.
“I...I’ll be right back.” She turned and fled the room.
He was sorely tempted to call Terrence and tell him they’d be late. He wanted Simona...badly...now. Donovan scrubbed a hand down his face and tried to get himself under control.
“I’m ready.”
He spun around at the sound of Simona’s voice. She ran her tongue across her bottom lip, and her gaze drifted to his mouth.
“Baby, don’t look at me like that. I promised my friend I’d be at this barbecue, and I’m a man of my word. But if you keep that up, we’ll never make it out of here. I won’t leave until I know every part of your body inside and out.”