New York Minute

by Melinda Dozier

  “Wait a minute. You know Euler?”

  He shrugged. “I took trig at university.”

  “I must say, you’re just as impressive, Diego.” When he inched up to kiss her, Veronica pushed his chest and clumsily stood.

  “But there’s something else, too.” She scratched her arm and took a deep breath. “My mother.”

  They were making progress, so he could hear her out. “What about your mother?”

  “She has these … expectations. I mean, really, I know they’re a bit unrealistic. I’m my own person—you’ve helped me see that. But she has a marriage campaign of sorts. She sets me up with these guys.”

  “David?”

  “Yes, and she’s all ready to have more grandchildren and move me into the suburbs and join the Women’s League.” She sat down again and the tone of her voice softened. “There’s one truth I can’t ignore with our circumstances. I’m no good around kids. I’m not.”

  He grabbed her hand and locked his fingers with hers. “That’s what you think, but I saw you at the toy store. It’s understandable. It takes time to learn how to act around kids. I’m not asking you to be a mother to Sofia.”

  “No, of course not, which brings me back to the initial reason I’m pissed.” She pointed at him, her eyes glaring. “You can’t use your words to charm me. Not anymore. You talk about there being an us, but what about you lying to me? That’s where this all started. You. Lied. About a significant part of your life.”

  So, here he was about to lay it all on the table. If she could do it, so could he. He took a deep breath and pulled her to sit close to him.

  “I’ve been meaning to tell you something for a while.”

  She crossed her leg and wiggled her foot. “Like that you’re a father?”

  Oh to hell with all this explaining. He pulled out his wallet and rifled through it to find that sweet picture of his daughter. “This is Sofia.”

  Veronica inhaled and her mouth hung open. Grabbing the picture, she scooted to the edge of the couch, almost falling off, but balanced herself again. She touched her throat. “She looks like you.”

  “That’s my princesa.”

  Diego pulled Vero’s hair away from her shoulder, letting his fingers linger longer than necessary. “There’s a lot to explain and I admit I should’ve done this a while ago. I’m ready now.” He bent his head down to look in her eyes, but Veronica continued to stare at Sofia’s picture. Diego lifted her chin. “Ready to hear my song?”

  She brought the picture down into her lap. “Yeah. Tell me everything.”

  He needed to keep touching her to continue, so he grabbed her hand with both of his and cleared his throat. “Okay, so, obviously, Sofia is my daughter.” The corners of his lips rose. “She’s amazing, Veronica. She’s five and loves My Little Pony. Can you believe I’ve shopped for those toys several times? Even played horsies with her?”

  When Veronica let out a small smile, he knew he was making progress.

  “She lives in Miami with her mother, Maria. We’re not an item. Never were. One night is all it took, but I’ll never regret it, because I have my little Sofia.”

  Veronica stayed quiet, looking at the photo.

  “When I visit Miami, it’s mainly to see her. I go at least once a month and I fit in shows here and there.” He shrugged. “I have to make money. Sometimes I feel like the worst dad, not being around permanently, not being there for important stuff, but she’s a part of me, you know.” He placed Veronica’s hand on his chest. “Like you’ve become a part of me.”

  Diego urged her to face him, his arms on her shoulders and his eyes on her beautiful, sweet face. “Veronica, I love you. These past few days have been hell.” He laughed. “Actually, I’ve been a mess.”

  “Me too.” She stared back at him, her blue eyes telling him it might be okay.

  “You too? I thought you’d moved on when you came home with David.” The man with a hand on her back … a slight chill ran through Diego’s body.

  “Oh, Diego, that was my mom’s doing … well, I agreed, but—”

  His heart stopped.

  “No, I mean …” She squirmed in her seat and grabbed his hand again, running her fingers over the top of it. “David means nothing. You mean everything.” Her hand caressed his cheek. “God, you mean everything to me.”

  Leaning into her hand, he closed his eyes and basked in her words and her touch. “Shit, I needed to hear that.”

  “This has torn me up.”

  “Me too, amor, me too.” He pulled her waist and slid her onto his lap, her hips on his. “Does this mean we’re okay?”

  She tilted her head back and peered at him while fiddling with the pockets of his leather jacket. “I think so. And truth be told, I think I’m ready to stand up to my mother completely.”

  “You can do it. You’re a freaking warrior when you set your mind on something. Besides, I’m not such a bad guy to offer all those dreams of hers. I already have a daughter.”

  “True. And we’re good for each other. Isn’t that what a parent wants?”

  “What it boils down to is that your child is happy. Are you happy?”

  “Now I am.”

  “I’ll be here for you, Vero. We’ll get through this together, and if I have to put on a suit to impress your mother, I’ll do it.”

  “That might help. I remember what you look like in a suit.” She bit her lip. “Though don’t think this clears you from not telling me about Sofia sooner.”

  “I know, amor. I know I should’ve told you.”

  “This is your song then?”

  “My song is all about the two ladies in my life, the ones who make me feel whole. You’re the notes and Sofia is the melody. Without you both, my life is flat … I’m dead to the world. Ruined. Seeing you smile like this, sitting on my lap, I feel whole and together and hopeful.”

  “I feel the same.” She pulled him closer by the collar and touched her lips to his. He wanted to take it slow, to rediscover her, but he couldn’t stop himself from prodding and pouncing into her, his tongue slicking back and forth, his hands searching her body, feeling every inch of her he could. When she let out a little moan, he pulled back.

  “You forgive me?”

  “Of course.” She ran her thumb across his bottom lip. “I want to hear all about Sofia and your life with her.”

  “You will hear everything, mi amor. I have a lot to share, but first—” He pulled her up, her chest against his. “We need to have make-up sex. I hear it’s something we should never miss.”

  She laughed, her neck tilted back again, and this time he ran his tongue from her ear down to her collarbone. She pulled on his hand and led him to her room, where Sachi was on a pillow. Pushing the cat to the side, she inched herself backward on the covers and called him with her pointer finger. “Make-up sex, it is. Get over here.”

  He roared, yes, actually roared like a lion, and climbed on top of her, scaring Sachi away, and enjoyed the best night of his life. No secrets. Love in the open. Songs to be sung.

  “I love you, too, Diego. You’re my life.”

  “Te amo, Vero. All of you, every hour, every minute of my day.”

  Epilogue

  “Papa! Papa, let’s make a sand castle.” Sofia twirled in the sand, holding her hands out like a seagull.

  “Sure thing, princesa.” Diego stretched his arms out. “We’ll make the biggest sand castle on the coast of Florida.”

  Veronica beamed at the sight. Her big, burly man in all his boardshorts glory, his stomach and abs glistening in the Miami sun, taking the hand of his sweet little girl. Sofia’s smile hadn’t stopped since they picked her up two nights ago. This time Diego and Veronica took a week-long summer vacation. No work. No responsibilities. Only them and Sofia. Their family.

  Diego and Sofia moved to the edge of the water with a bucket and tools. Watching the two together always clenched her gut. She didn’t think she could love Diego any more, but every time he was with his
daughter, some new force overtook her—her love for her sex god coupled with a desire to start a family of their own. It was too soon, but she could still dream.

  After Christmas, Veronica moved in to Diego’s loft. They spent all their time together anyway. Diego wanted to start the New Year off right, with each other in every way. Waking up with him daily was a new joy she never thought possible. He was so much of her life now. How had she lived without him?

  Diego beamed over his shoulder and Veronica waved her fingers. He wiggled his eyebrows and turned back to his daughter. With them busy, she pulled her long beach hat over her eyes. A little nap would do her good.

  “Cariño.” Diego tapped her shoulder. “Wake up amor.”

  Veronica blinked awake and stared into two sets of eyes.

  Sofia giggled. “You fell asleep. See our castle?”

  Veronica sat up on her elbows and looked at the castle. “It’s beautiful and so big.” But what really grabbed her attention was the sunset, the golden colors echoing off the water. Amazing. She sat up straighter.

  “Papa is the best castle maker ever.” Sofia hugged Veronica, which tugged at her heart. When she looked at Diego, he had kneeled next to her lounger, with his guitar and a deep, longing desire in his eyes.

  Veronica squeezed Diego’s hand. “Why are you looking at me like that? Sofia’s here, don’t forget.”

  “Have you seen the sunset?” He ran his finger up her arm.

  “Gorgeous.”

  “Like you.”

  Sofia cleared her throat, like she was the adult in the situation. “Papa, pick up your guitarra already.”

  Diego shook his head clear. “Right. You ready, princesa?”

  She bobbed her head up and down and sat cross-legged in front of Veronica’s chair.

  Diego ran his hand through his hair and placed his guitar in front of him. “I have a special song for you, cariño.”

  “You wrote a new song for me?”

  “This one is for us.” He looked at Sofia who giggled, holding her hand over her mouth.

  He plucked a few chords, swallowing deep. He bounced his knee, dipping his guitar along with the movement. “I wanted this to be perfect. The song. The sunset. The people.” He glanced at his daughter, who held up a little blue velvet box.

  Holy shit. This was really happening. “Oh my God.” She sat up straighter, moving her legs off the chair to face Diego.

  “Enjoy our song, amor.” Then he strummed beautiful chords together, looking into her eyes, smiling into her soul.

  Veronica clapped her hands together, taking a deep breath, trying to calm her pounding heart. What were those yoga breathing patterns again? Holy shit.

  “It’s called ‘The First Day of My Life.’” Diego’s words rang out around them. So beautiful and perfect.

  The first day of my life is when I met you.

  Before it wasn’t enough. The broken world I lived in.

  It wasn’t enough. My empty body and soul.

  When I met you, the wall around my heart fell.

  Opened up to let you in.

  It wasn’t enough until you were there.

  The first day of my life was when I met you.

  You reached in through the wall and tore me down.

  Pulled the pieces and helped me see.

  Around the walls and through the trees.

  You’re a part of me.

  It’s enough when I’m with you.

  The first day of my life was when I met you

  Your dreamy blue eyes speaking to my soul

  Time to move on, past the hardships and fears.

  You fill me up when I hold you

  You are mine and I’m yours

  Together forever our lives have begun

  The first day of my life was when I met you.

  “Please, Veronica, be my wife.”

  Veronica wiped the tears from her face and scooted closer to him. “Oh, Diego, I love the song. It’s so true for me too. You’ve brought so much vitality to my invisible world.”

  Diego placed his fingers to her lips. “I love you, amor. I meant every word in our song. I especially mean it when I say …” He put his guitar beside him, walked toward her on his knees, and grabbed her hands. “Will you marry me? Be my wife forever.”

  “Of course I’ll marry you.” She swung her hands around his neck and kissed him with a hunger so profound, she had to move back when she remembered Sofia sat next to them.

  With a giggle, Sofia scooted close and handed her daddy the velvet box. “Here you go, Papa,” she whispered.

  Diego opened the box with shaky fingers and held up the ring. “I hope it fits. Your mom told me your size.” He slipped it on her finger and it slid on perfectly.

  “My mom? She knows?”

  He nodded, bent down, and kissed the ring, then her finger, and up her hand. “She gave me her blessing, along with your father.”

  Veronica threw herself at Diego and they fell back. Sofia jumped on top of them and the laughter fell throughout their private beach. After a few rolls, Sofia jumped up and twirled around. “My papa is getting married. Can I wear a pretty dress? A pink one and I can carry flowers and help Veronica drop roses on the floor and …” She walked toward the castle, leaving them alone.

  “You’ve made me very happy, Vero. To start a life with you is a dream come true.”

  “No more sad songs, Diego. Our life songs will be happy about our future and our love.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you. Every day. Every moment. Every minute.”

  About the Author

  Melinda discovered her first romance book at the age of twelve. Since then she’s devoted her life to reading and writing. She’s an international middle school English teacher by day and a sassy romance writer by night. She married her college sweetheart and moved to Guatemala, Central America, twenty years ago. Their romance continues to live and breathe. Melinda loves reading, reality TV, traveling, blogging, and playing Zynga games.

  Melinda loves hearing from her readers. You can find her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/melindadozier or her website http://www.melindadozier.com.

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  More from This Author

  (From Breaking the Rules by Melinda Dozier)

  The minute Colin stepped foot into the middle school office, the sinking feeling dropped deep into the pit of his stomach. Why would the principal summon him to meet her immediately? It’d been a while since the school called him and the secretary’s tone indicated this impromptu meeting would be a delicate situation.

  He approached the counter and looked down at Mrs. Snyder, the same secretary from when he attended Harbor Bay Prep, her hair cut into a bob with a pencil sticking out behind her ear.

  She gaped at him. “Dr. Calaway. So nice to see you.”

  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Snyder.” He looked down at her worried face. “You called about my meeting the principal.”

  “Oh, yes.” She fumbled with a piece of paper. “She’ll be with you in one minute.”

  He had a list of responsibilities that demanded his attention. Mondays were always busy at the office. His physician assistant had taken over his last two examining rooms, and patients filled the regular waiting area at his clinic, expecting him to diagnose their problems. Now, he had to wait for the principal? He glanced at his watch and asked, “Can you tell me what this is about?”

  “The principal will be with you in one minute. Have a seat.” Mrs. Snyder pointed to the tiny chairs against the wall.

  Colin walked to the window facing a hallway. He hoped to see his eleven-year-old son, Jason, among the padding feet next to the lockers. No sight of him. What the hell did Jason do?

  His son almost never got into trouble. Last year Jason’s teacher had called Colin about a small disagreement with a boy i
n his class, but that was it — he’d never been called to the office. The only other reasons he ever came to school were for the parent-teacher meetings or swim meets on the weekends. Never for something serious enough to meet with the old school marm.

  He took a deep breath, looked back at the little seats and unbuttoned his sports coat. He perched himself with a squeak at the edge of the hard plastic seat.

  Who was this new school principal anyway? He hadn’t met her yet, since it was only September. He looked around the office walls to try to find pictures or some indication of who the woman was. Nothing.

  He took out his smartphone to see the time — again — and to check for any messages from his assistant. Above him, the steady tick of the wall clock kept him company as he waited. He checked his watch. One more hour until his next patient. Enough time, if the woman would hurry.

  When the school bell rang, a tall, slender figure wearing a foot cast wobbled into the office entrance. She paused, broadcasting regal certainty as her eyes roamed Colin’s figure. “You must be Mr. Calaway.”

  Colin frowned, opened his mouth and then closed it. Standing, he took a double take at the alluring woman who held out her hand. “You’re the principal?”

  “Yes.” She met his smile and the hand he offered. “I appreciate you meeting me at such short notice. Please come into my office.”

  He took a deep breath as he followed her. Interesting. This blonde bombshell was the principal? Why didn’t principals look like this when I was in school? He couldn’t help but eye her behind. The tight pencil skirt that accentuated her narrow waist commanded his attention. He rubbed his hands together. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the principal’s office.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. Have a seat.” She closed her office door and used a cane to teeter over to her workspace. Looking over the desk at him, she cocked her head, then sat in her cushy rolling chair. She fumbled with some papers on her desk with a puckered brow.

  Colin sat across from her and examined the nameplate on the desk. “Ms. Robinson, huh?” He stretched his leg across his knee, bouncing it up and down. Jason had somehow forgotten to mention that his new principal was hot. And for some reason, meeting her in this tiny room made him nervous.