“Man, I’m ready for this shit to be over.” I joined in on the complaints, feeling tired and hungry. “I just want to be with my woman. I hope she is okay. I hate that I’m away from her.”
Patrick glanced over at me with a smirk. “You fucking got it bad, man.” He laughed, slapping me on the shoulders. “I guess you are next, bro. Make sure that you get that garter.”
“Yeah, I can’t wait for her to be mine completely.” I agreed, smiling at the thought. “She’s the best. Look who’s talking. Beth got you by the balls too.”
“Yeah, but we’re nowhere near to getting hitched,” he said, looking serious. “I mean, she wants to have her own place first and to graduate from college. I have to finish the academy. Johnny is lucky that he’s now a rookie. I still have another six months or so to go. So yeah, we’re looking at a few more years before any marriage talk.”
“It makes sense.” I nodded at him. “You have to be settled first and save your money.”
“Thanks, bro.” He slapped me on my shoulders again. “You lucked out. Not only is your woman the most gorgeous creature in the room, but she is also fucking loaded. Wow. Talk about falling into a pot of gold, and she’s far from being stuck on herself.”
He was right, but I couldn’t care less about Dallas’s money, though. Everything he said was true but that part. I wanted to take care of my family just like my dad. The money was the elephant in the room between us.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Dallas
We were having fun at my table, but I missed Franco. I sat at table 7 at the reception with Beth, Janique, Aunt Dez, Derrick, and Franco’s firefighter buddies. Earlier, when he walked down the aisle, my breath caught in my throat. He was so handsome in that gray tuxedo. The hottest man in the room by far. I chuckled at the pained expression on his face when he walked down the aisle with the chubby brunette; she was busting out of her bridesmaid dress. She held on to his arm tightly and was grinning the whole time. My poor baby. I could tell he did not enjoy being stuck with her. I would be teasing him about it tonight.
“Damn, I wonder what’s taking them so long to get in here,” Janique complained, breaking in my thoughts. “I’m starving.”
“I think they’re getting ready to come in now, honey,” I said, glancing at her. “I can’t believe you’re hungry. We had so many appetizers. I don’t think I can eat dinner.”
“Dallas, you should know by now that your cousin has a bottomless stomach,” Aunt Dez said, chuckling. I was happy she could make it to the wedding. She looked great in a yellow chiffon gown that fit her athletic figure.
“Mommy,” Janique protested with a little pout. “I didn’t get to eat that many appetizers. You guys leave me alone.”
Aunt Dez and I laughed at my cousin, and then they announced the wedding party. Applauding, I stood up as “Celebration,” an old 80s hit by Kool & The Gang, played. The bridal party entered the room with Franco and Patrick leading the way. They pumped their fists in the air while everyone else laughed and clapped.
I blew out a Texas-style whistle and called out his name. He winked over at me and I blew him a kiss. The bride and groom walked into the room and the music changed over to “At Last” by Etta James. It was Johnny and Sheila’s first dance as a married couple. Sheila looked decent as a bride. She’d dropped a few pounds, and the white, poufy princess dress fit her nicely. Johnny was so handsome, but he looked terrified. I hoped everything worked out for them. A few months back when they came to the penthouse for the furniture, Sheila was a little standoffish. I didn’t let it bother me, though, because I knew how to handle insecure women like her. I focused my attention back to the song. I loved it. I got goose bumps listening to it, and glanced over to see Franco watching me.
“I love you,” he whispered across the room.
“I love you too,” I said, and tears blurred my vision. My mouth fell open when he hopped across the room.
“I know this isn’t protocol, but I had to see you,” he said, bending down to capture my lips. Opening my mouth, I welcomed the kiss. Everyone at the table was groaning and making teasing remarks, but we ignored them and kept on kissing. “I missed you so much,” he said, lifting his head, caressing my bottom lip. “Let me get back over there before my mom kills me. See you later, gorgeous.”
“Okay,” I nodded, and he ran back across the room. I was tingling inside. I welcomed the quick visit and was longing to be in his arms again.
“You guys are so sickening,” Janique groaned, rolling her eyes. “Mrs. Donnelly is going to get him for doing that.”
“You’re next,” Beth said, giggling. “You guys have it really bad. You can’t keep your hands off each other.”
I shook my head and teased Beth too. “No, you and Patrick will be next,” I said, looking over at her. However, the thought of marrying Franco sounded fantastic. Heck, I would be twenty-five in May, and Mama Mabel kept talking about my biological clock ticking away. I was not rushing it, though. Franco and I had plenty of time before the marriage talk. I was dreading telling him about being a billionaire. I was sure that everyone thought all my money came from daddy. I did not want to think about it now but had a hunch he would have a problem with it.
Later on, Franco and I were on our fifth dance of the night. He gave no one else a chance to dance with me. Heck, when his friend Karim took me on the dance floor, he cut in immediately. Karim was so pissed that he stomped back to the table. Aretha Franklin’s “You Make Me Feel like a Natural Woman” was playing.
“I adore you, baby,” he whispered in my ear as we swayed to the music. I shivered when he stroked my bare back. I was wearing a JJ Stewart backless gown. “You look so beautiful in this dress.”
“Yankee, you make me feel like all the things in this song,” I said, holding on to him tightly. “I’m so happy right now.”
“Me too, Dallas Cowboy,” he whispered in my ear. “Are you tired yet? I am ready to get out of here. I am eager to eat you up, baby. I have been aching for you all night long. I can’t stay here any longer.”
“Franco, your mama is going to flip,” I said, laughing. “They didn’t cut the cake yet and I didn’t give them my wedding gift.”
“I don’t care,” he said, rubbing my back. “I’m done here. Let us give them your present and leave. I want to go home. I already did all the important things. It’s time to go.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, glancing up at him.
“Yes. Let’s go.” He took my hand, and we headed off the dance floor. I retrieved my stuff and wished everyone goodnight at the table. I met up with Franco, who had on his jacket, and walked over to Johnny and Sheila’s table.
“Bro, we’re about to head out now,” Franco said to them. “I am beat.”
“But we haven’t cut the cake!” they said in protest.
“C’mon, Franco, it’s only a few more minutes,” Sheila said with a frown.
“Sorry, Sheila, I’m exhausted.” Then he looked over at me. “Baby you have the card?”
“Yes.” I felt awkward that we were leaving before the other festivities. “Sheila, this is from me and my family,” I said, handing her two cards.
“Thank you, Dallas,” she said, taking them. “We appreciate it.”
I reached over to hug her and then I whispered in Johnny’s ear, “The other card is a honeymoon surprise.”
“What?” he said, glancing at me. “Can we open it now before you leave?”
“Of course,” I replied with a smile.
“Baby, let’s open Dallas’s gifts,” Johnny said, looking at Sheila, who nodded.
“Oh my Lord,” she gasped, opening the first card. “It’s a trip to Hawaii. Thank you so much. We didn’t have any money left for a honeymoon. How did you know?” Sheila glanced over at me with beaming smile.
“Mrs. Donnelly,” I said, feeling elated as I looked at their happy expressions. “I hope you have a wonderful trip. It’s ten days at my friend Cole’s new resort in Maui. It’s b
eautiful, and y’all will have first-class treatment all the way.”
Johnny stood up and gave me a warm hug. “Thank you so much, Dallas. You don’t know how much this means to me,” he said, choking up. “Words can’t express how I feel.”
“Well, I’m not done,” I teased him. It felt good that I was able to make their dream come true. Franco’s family was like mine too. They welcomed me with opened arms and not because I had money. “Open the other card.”
“We’re afraid to,” they both chimed in.
Franco squeezed my hand, and I looked over at him. “You’re incredible, you know that, right? What else can top Hawaii?” The bridal party was eager to see the other card too. It felt good helping them start out. I had so much and wanted others to enjoy my good fortune.
They gasped after opening it, crying openly. “Dallas, you are the most amazing person in the world,” Sheila said, standing up giving me another hug. “You don’t know how much this means to us. Thank you so much. This pays off our wedding debts.”
“This card is from my family,” I said, smiling at them. “The honeymoon was my gift.”
“Tell your family thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” Johnny said, his eyes wet with tears of joy. “They saved us a ton of debt.”
“I’ll do that, suga,” I said, grinning. “Y’all deserve it.” I glanced over at Franco. “Ready?”
“You bet, beautiful lady,” he said, taking my hand. “Goodnight. We’re out of here.” I waved at everyone as we walked towards the entrance of the restaurant. “Okay, spill. How much money did your family give them? I’m curious,” Franco said, looking over at me.
“I'm surprised you didn’t ask the bride and groom,” I teased. “I thought for sure you were going to peek at the check.”
“Dallas,” he warned, glancing at me. “Stop playing. How much was it?”
“Well, if you must know,” I said, smiling, “it was fifty grand.”
Franco's mouth dropped open. “Are you fucking kidding me?” he said, looking over at me. “You gave them a check for fifty grand? Dallas, that took care of their entire wedding and extra. Wow. There are no words. Let’s get out of here, baby.”
I followed Franco towards the car and hoped that my gift to his brother and wife did not make him feel weird. Heck, giving a check for fifty grand at a wedding was nothing to me. I was used to giving more at the million-dollar weddings I used to attend back in Texas.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Franco, a week later
The entrance towards the Belt Parkway was packed as usual, and I moved my truck across lanes after leaving the airport. I dropped off the newlyweds a few minutes ago; they were leaving for Hawaii and would stay at that asshole Cole’s resort. I was happy they got to go on a honeymoon but felt annoyed it would be at his hotel. Of all the fucking places in the world, Dallas had to pick his hotel. I was still angry at him for disrespecting me at his New Year’s Eve party a few months ago. He tried to grope Dallas in front of me. I wanted to kill him but held back because of her. She might have forgotten and moved on, but I did not. I could not stand the arrogant bastard. He wanted my woman and fucking admitted to it. Dallas tried brushing it off, but I sensed she had a thing for the prick in the past.
I saw her reaction when he claimed he loved her. She played it off like nothing. I had no doubts about her love for me, but she still carried a soft spot for him. It was funny how she did not talk about him until her mother mentioned his name at Christmas. I found out about the other asshole Hank when I discovered her crying about him in her office. She had a life before me, and I had one too, but when the past spilled into the present, then it could become a problem.
Cole rubbed me the wrong way. I was planning on popping the question soon and wanted to make sure he wouldn’t be a problem. Damn, what's the matter with me? When she told me the amount of money Johnny and Sheila received from her family, I almost pissed on myself. Fifty grand to her family was nothing big. Damn, I worked hard for my money. Although I was happy with her generosity, part of me was still struggling with my old insecurities. Another man might’ve loved having a wealthy woman, but my ego made it problematic. I loved her and would have to get past it, as I couldn’t imagine life without Dallas in it.
∞∞∞
Thirty minutes later, I entered the entrance towards Central Park West; I was heading to the penthouse. My cell phone rang, and I clicked on the Bluetooth to activate the call—one of the fancy features of the new ride.
“Hello,” I answered, driving through the park.
“Hey, darlin,” Dallas said. “I have a visitor at the penthouse.”
“Oh yeah?” I raised my eyebrows. “Who?”
“Cole is in town on a business trip,” she said like it was nothing.
What the fuck? The bastard won’t go away. I fumed.
“What the hell is he doing here?” I burst out. “Why is he even stopping by? You know how I feel about him. I’m fucking on my way now,” I said, ending the call. I stepped on the gas and gripped the steering wheel to make a left turn on Eighty-Sixth Street. My cell phone buzzed. Dallas was calling me back, but I needed to calm down. I pulled the car over to relax my nerves. I’d hung up on her. Damn. Taking a deep breath, I hit the last call on my phone. She picked up after one ring.
“Franco, what the heck is wrong with you?” she said, her accent thicker. “You need to relax, you hear me? Why are you acting like a madman? Do you not trust me?”
“I’m sorry, baby,” I said, feeling bad that I hung up on her. Damn, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. “I didn’t mean to blow up on you. I don’t like Cole being around you. I trust you, baby, but I don’t trust him.”
“Well, hot damn,” she drawled in that sexy twang. “I’m a grown woman and can make my own decisions. Cole and I are lifelong friends. He’s family and won’t ever cross the line. I know that. So calm down and get on up here. I’ll see you in a minute.”
She hung up the phone before I could respond. My girl was peeved. I didn’t blame her, because I had acted like a total jackass. I had to stop being insecure around that idiot or else he would have the upper hand.
Dallas
I clicked off the cell phone and plopped down on the sofa, still in shock that he hung up on me. He rarely got mad at me but having Cole in my life was a big problem for him. Damn. I wished Cole had kept his big mouth shut about his feelings for me. He was drunk, but Franco hated him now and wanted me to have nothing to do with him. We had to have a serious talk when Franco got here. I invited Cole to stay at the penthouse while he was in town. Cole would do the same for me, and he respected me. He knew how much I loved Franco and accepted it.
He was upstairs, putting his things away in one of the guest rooms. I had called Franco to give him the heads-up before he came here and saw Cole. The buzzing intercom cut in my troubled thoughts, and I moved to answer it.
“Hello, Harry, you can send Mr. Donnelly up,” I said, biting my lips.
“Very well, Miss Hollingsworth,” he said.
“I’m back, darlin’,” Cole said, walking down the stairs. I glanced over to see him grinning. “Is your Yankee here yet? I bet he ain’t gonna be thrilled to see this cowboy,” he teased, eyes twinkling. “Especially when he finds out that I’ll be staying with y’all.” He frowned when he noticed me grimacing. “Y’all got into it?”
“I don’t know why he’s acting this way,” I said, swallowing hard. “He knows I love him. Try to be on your best behavior when he gets here. Can you do that for me?”
“Oh, me and my big mouth,” he sighed, brows creased together. “I didn’t mean to blurt out how I felt about you in front of him. I was so fucking wasted. I promise to behave. You’re important to me. I don’t want to lose our friendship, angel.” He pulled me into his arms for a quick hug. “I can tell that he loves you. Don’t worry.”
I nodded and stepped out of his arms. Franco should be coming up in the elevator now. I didn’t want him to see me in C
ole’s arms. That would be icing on the cake. “Have a seat. He’s coming up right now,” I said, stepping away from him. He nodded and walked towards the living room. I hurried over to the foyer when I heard the elevator door opening. My heart sped up. Damn, he still had that effect on me. However, I wasn’t making it easy for him. I was still heated he hung up on me.
The door opened, and he stepped out. I was tempted to rush into his arms, but I stopped myself and watched him walk towards me. His worried green gaze glanced over at me.
“Baby, I am so sorry,” he said, pulling me towards him. “Damn, I didn’t mean to hang up the phone. I flipped when you told me Cole was here alone with you. Forgive me, my love.” He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my head. I felt myself loosening up a little. I was crazy for him, and he did not mean any harm.
“Okay,” I said, moving back to glance up at him. I didn't want us arguing about nothing. “Yankee, can you do me a big favor?”
“Anything for you, gorgeous,” he said, moving his thumb across my cheek.
“Can you be a little nicer to Cole?” I said, biting my lips. “He’s in the living room waiting for us.” He tensed up when I mentioned Cole’s name.
“Okay, baby,” he said reluctantly. “I’ll try for you. But if he’s disrespectful then I don’t know how I’m going to react. I’m just warning you.”
“Okay,” I said, smiling. “Let’s go on inside.” We walked into the room to see Cole taking in the view of the park. He turned around when he heard us. Franco had a tight hold on me. I could feel the tension in his body.
“Franco.” Cole smiled, walking towards us and greeting him with a handshake. “Good to see you, man. I see you’re keeping this woman happy.”
“Of course,” he said, looking over at me. “I love her. What brings you to town?” Franco looked at him warily.
“I’ll be here for a week on business. Closing out a deal with my new business partner,” he said, flashing a toothy smile. Then he glanced over at me, adding wickedly, “Dallas was kind enough to offer me one of the guest rooms while I’m here.”
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