Eve came and stood next to her. “I told you he’d be back.”
“He only came back to check on Yasmine. He’s barely even talked to me.”
“Doesn’t matter. He could’ve easily called or sent a text. He would’ve never come here if he didn’t feel something for you.”
“Simona, who is that fine man?” Eve’s sister Joanna asked.
“He’s a friend.”
“Friend? Girl, you do not friend zone a man like that. Nah. With a man like him, you drag him to the nearest empty room, rip his clothes off and have your way with him.”
“Is that right?” a male voice drawled behind them.
Simona, Eve and Joanna spun around to see Joanna’s husband standing there, glaring, with his arms folded. Simona and Eve shared a look and tried to keep from laughing.
Joanna leaned up and kissed her husband. “Yep, just like I do to you, baby. I think I need something to drink.” She hurried off with him trailing her.
Simona and Eve burst out laughing. Simona said, “Your sister is a hot mess.”
“That she is,” Eve agreed. “Always has been. But she does have a point. Ain’t nothing sexier than a fine man playing with a baby.”
Simona grudgingly conceded the point. She observed as the twins vied for Donovan’s attention. He sat on the blanket, and they climbed onto his lap. He made room for them, but never put Yasmine down. As if sensing her perusal, he turned toward Simona. Their eyes locked, but his expression was unreadable. He turned away when Yasmine pulled on his lips. Simona’s eyes slid closed with the memory of those same lips pressed against hers, moving slowly down her neck and over the tops of her breasts...
“Simona.”
She jumped, and her eyes popped open. Donovan stood in front of her. “I’m sorry, did you say something?” She had been so lost in her fantasy that she hadn’t heard him approach. Heat filled her face.
“Yeah. I’m getting ready to leave. I’m glad she’s doing well.” An awkward silence settled between them.
“Oh, okay. Well, thanks for stopping by. Are you sure you don’t want to stay for cake?”
He shook his head quickly. “No. Thanks. I have some stuff to take care of.”
She nodded, waiting for him to say something, anything about them.
“Simona, I—”
He bent and scooped up Yasmine, who had toddled over and grabbed his leg. Great timing.
“I have to go, angel. You be a good girl, okay?” He caressed her back and kissed her cheek, then handed her to Simona. “You don’t have to walk me out. I can find my way.” He paused a beat. “I’ll see you later.”
He pivoted and sauntered off, leaving Simona to stare at his retreating back. She tickled Yasmine. “Thanks a lot, little one. Your timing is rotten. Come on, let’s go cut your cake.”
An hour later, she said goodbye to her guests and laid the sleeping birthday girl in her crib. Eve had helped with most of the cleanup, so Simona washed the few remaining dishes then went to put her feet up. Almost immediately, an image of Donovan drifted through her mind. A smile formed on her lips as she recalled him playing with the kids, and she knew instinctively he would make a terrific father someday.
Her thoughts shifted to Joanna’s comments. The moment she’d seen him standing outside her front door, Simona had wanted to do exactly that—drag him to her bedroom, strip him naked and run her hands all over his hard body. She wanted to feel his hands on her, too, to put out the fire that had been building from the first time they kissed. Heated memories surfaced, and an involuntary moan slipped from her mouth. She clenched her fists to stop the sensations from flaring to life.
His visit had taken her completely by surprise, and she wished their conversation hadn’t been interrupted. Was he planning to break things off? Her stomach dropped at that thought, although she kept telling herself it was for the best. But what did she really want? Her emotions were all over the place, and she was more confused than ever. One way or another, they needed to talk. She couldn’t go through another tortuous week like the past one.
Chapter 12
Donovan rushed around his room packing. He tossed underwear and socks into his bag, added shorts, a T-shirt, tennis shoes and his toiletries. Taking a quick peek at his watch, he zipped the duffel and his garment bag. His plane would be leaving in ninety minutes. Barring any traffic, he should get to the airport in twenty minutes. He hadn’t expected the range of emotions that had consumed him when he saw Simona and Yasmine, and he needed some distance. He loped down the stairs, locked up and hopped in the car.
By the time he made it to Chicago, Kaleidoscope’s concert would be just starting. He would miss the first half of the show, but catch the entire second one on Sunday. He got to the airport, parked and made it through security just as boarding began. When he was settled in his seat, he pulled out his cell.
“Hey, T,” he said when Terrence answered.
“Hey. How’s Simona and her daughter?”
“They’re fine, but I’m not calling about that. I wanted to let you know I’m flying to Chicago for Kaleidoscope’s concerts, and I’ll be back Monday night.”
There was a pause before Terrence said, “I thought you were having Nigel and Joy travel for the Detroit, Chicago and Philadelphia shows.”
“They are. I just thought I’d go to make sure things are going as scheduled.”
“Have they had problems, and when did you decide to do this?”
“No, and today.”
“Then...”
“Like I said, I’m just checking on things. See you when I get back.” Donovan disconnected without giving Terrence a chance to reply. They had been friends since high school and were as close as brothers, so had that conversation gone one minute longer, Terrence would have figured out the real reason for this impromptu flight. He wasn’t ready to explain to Terrence, or himself, for that matter, why he felt the need to run halfway across the country instead of facing his dilemma head-on.
When the plane landed, Donovan grabbed his bags, picked up his rental and programmed the House of Blues address into the GPS. He was tired and his mind was still in turmoil, but he was glad to have some space between him and Simona so he could think. Being close to her challenged his resolve to remain distant, in ways he never anticipated.
He was lucky enough to find parking in one of the nearby garages, and the concert was in full swing when he entered. Donovan had taken the time to call Joy to let her know he would be there to avoid him having problems getting into the club.
“Hey, Donovan,” Joy said, greeting him with a hug. “We didn’t expect you, but I’m always glad to see you, boss,” she added with a smile.
He chuckled. “I thought I’d come and make sure you guys weren’t having any problems.” Truthfully, he had missed this aspect of his job.
“The shows went great in Detroit, and we sold out both shows tonight and tomorrow night.”
“Sounds good. We can talk more later.” Joy went back to her duties, and Donovan leaned against the wall to listen to the show. Usually listening to music relaxed him, but tonight it didn’t work. He suspected nothing would work except being honest with himself. Not tonight, he decided. Maybe tomorrow.
After the show, he turned on his cell and found that Terrence had sent him a text: Simona got to u, and ur running... ROFL! Donovan muttered a curse and deleted the message, not bothering to respond. Instead, he dialed his sister’s number.
“Hey, Giselle.”
“Donovan! This is a surprise. I never talk to you twice in a week.”
“Yeah, and whose fault is that? Since you married Bryce, you kicked me to the curb,” he said with mock sadness.
She laughed. “Wow, that’s a low blow. So, to what do I owe this honor?”
“You up for a visit from your big b
rother?”
“I’d love for you to visit. It’s been almost six months. When are you coming?”
“About twenty minutes,” he said with a chuckle.
“Wait! You’re here? Now?”
“Yep.”
“You didn’t tell me you were coming when we talked a week ago.”
“I didn’t know then.”
“Oo-kay. Hmm, interesting.”
“Kaleidoscope is at the House of Blues tonight and tomorrow, and since I am their manager, it shouldn’t be a surprise that I’d be here.”
“Uh-huh. You’re staying the night, aren’t you? You’d better not be staying in a hotel. You need directions?”
“Nope. I’ll just plug the address into the GPS.”
“You hungry?”
“Starved.” He hadn’t eaten anything since noon, and it was almost eleven.
“I’ll fix you something.”
“Thanks. See you in a bit.”
Donovan spent a few minutes talking to the band, then said his goodbyes.
His sister leaped into his arms when she opened the door. “Hey, sis,” he said, picking her up and swinging her around.
“I’m so glad to see you, Donovan.” She palmed his face and examined him critically, much as their mom did each time she saw him. “You look tired. Come in.” She hooked her arm in his and led him to the kitchen.
“Where’s Bryce?”
“Right here,” came a voice from behind them. “What’s going on, Donovan? It’s been a long time.”
“Hey, Bryce.”
“Donovan decided last minute to come to Chicago. Isn’t that wonderful, honey?” Giselle asked Bryce with a twinkle in her eye. She went over to the stove. “Mom told me Terrence had a little girl. I know she’s adorable. Who does she look like?”
Donovan pulled out his cell and brought up the picture of him and Nadia. “See for yourself. Her name is Nadia Elise Campbell.”
Giselle took the phone, and Bryce moved closer and peered over her shoulder. “She is an absolute cutie,” Giselle gushed. “You look like a natural holding her, Donovan. I can’t wait to be an aunt. You’re going to be such a great father.”
Donovan and Bryce shared a look. Bryce grinned and mouthed, “Sorry, bro. You’re on your own.”
Donovan shook his head, knowing that sweet comment was just a lead-in for the inquisition that was sure to follow. His sister was a die-hard romantic and thought everyone should be happily married.
“How long are you staying, Donovan?” Bryce asked.
“I’ll be here until tomorrow, then I’m going to spend a day with Mom and Dad before going back home.”
“Well, I’ll let you two catch up.”
Donovan looked at him pleadingly.
Bryce grinned. “I have some things to do. See you in the morning.” He kissed Giselle passionately.
“Yo, man, that’s my sister.”
“True, but she’s my wife.” Bryce winked at her and strolled out of the kitchen.
Giselle’s eyes followed him until he was out of sight, a smile of contentment on her lips. Donovan remembered the same expression on Simona’s face when he kissed her. Her lips had been soft and warm, and molded perfectly against his. He could kiss her for hours and never get tired of it. Thinking of Simona and her kisses sent a rush of desire straight to his groin, and he quickly claimed the nearest chair and scooted close to the table. The last thing he needed was his sister seeing his growing state.
Giselle sat a plate in front of him with a grilled chicken breast, baked potato and steamed broccoli. She poured him a glass of iced tea and herself a glass of water, then sat across from him. “So, how are things with your new lady friend?” she asked sweetly as she lifted her glass.
He groaned inwardly. “I can’t even eat before you start the cross-examination, huh?”
“You’re a man of many talents and multitask well. So?”
“Let’s just say I’m still deciding on some things.”
“Must be something serious for you to fly halfway across the country.”
He glanced up from his plate. “Job, remember?”
“Whatever you say,” she murmured with a smile.
“Anyway, how’ve you been feeling?”
“Not too bad. I had morning sickness for a few days and I get tired faster, but other than that, good.”
Donovan wondered if Simona had suffered with morning sickness and whether she had gone through it alone.
“I’m going to change the sheets on the bed in the guest bedroom.”
“I can do it.”
She stood. “You finish your food.” She placed her arm around his neck and kissed his temple. “I’m really glad to see you, Donovan.”
“Same here, Gigi,” he said, kissing her hand. Left alone, he scrubbed a hand down his face. What was he going to do about Simona?
Twenty-four hours later he still hadn’t come up with a game plan. No, he wasn’t sure he could trust her, but the only thing he had resolved in his mind was that he couldn’t go another full week without holding her in his arms. Donovan spent Sunday morning and afternoon with his sister and brother-in-law, went to the concert, and then made the two-hour drive to Rockford.
He let himself into his parents’ home and followed the sound of the television to the family room. “Hey, Mom, Dad.”
“Donovan! Oh, my word.” His mother rose swiftly from the chair and rushed over to him, examining him much like his sister had done the night before. “What are you doing here? You said you wouldn’t be able to visit for a while.”
Kissing her cheek and hugging her tight, he said, “I know, but I thought I’d surprise you.”
“Well, you sure did that.”
He moved into his father’s rough hug. “You’re looking good, Dad. How’re you doing?”
“It’s good to see you, son. I’m coming right along. How long are you staying?”
“Just till tomorrow afternoon. The group I manage had concerts in Chicago tonight and last night.”
“You hungry?” his mother asked.
“No. I had dinner. But I’ll take breakfast in the morning,” he added with a grin.
She nodded. “Come on and sit down. What’s been going on? Giselle told me you were seeing someone. Is it serious?”
Donovan shook his head and muttered, “Gigi talks too much.”
His dad chuckled. “Maureen, let the boy catch his breath before you start grilling him. If he has something to tell us, he will.”
Maureen Wright eyed her husband, but Elijah Wright ignored it and placed a kiss on her lips. She giggled. Donovan viewed the exchange with amusement. After nearly forty years of marriage, his father could still make his mother blush like a schoolgirl. A vision of Simona’s shy smile appeared in his mind’s eye. He missed her.
“You okay, Donovan?” his father asked.
“Yes, just tired.” He sat and talked with his parents, catching up on the latest goings-on with relatives, his father’s health and the remodeling project they were starting at the house.
His mother yawned. “It’s almost midnight. I need to go to bed.”
He stood and helped his mother to her feet. “Good night, Mom.”
“Good night, sweetheart.” She turned to her husband. “Are you coming to bed, Elijah?”
Wrapping his arms around her and kissing her, he said, “I’ll be there shortly, sweetheart.”
Donovan sprawled across the sofa and closed his eyes.
“Something on your mind, Donovan?”
He sat up, braced his forearms on his knees and stared at his shoes, contemplating whether to share his dilemma. Finally, he lifted his head. “Dad, I met a woman and I like her. But...I found out she has a one-year-old daughter.”<
br />
“You have something against dating women with children?”
“It’s not that.” Though he still wasn’t sure how he felt about being around a woman with another man’s child. What if Donovan got attached to Yasmine and then her biological father decided to make an appearance? Who would Simona choose? “We’d been dating almost a month and she never told me. I found out when the little girl got sick and had to go to the hospital. She lied to me.”
“Did she tell you she didn’t have children?”
“No.”
“Then she didn’t lie.”
“But she kept it from me, which is the same thing, in my book.”
“I’m sure she planned to tell you.”
“That’s what she said,” Donovan grumbled, still feeling a sense of betrayal.
“Son, everyone has a past, including you. If you’re looking for me to validate your holding this over her head, it’s not going to happen. None of us is perfect, and we all make our share of mistakes.”
He opened his mouth to speak, but his father cut him off.
“There’s no logic when it comes to love. This trip didn’t have anything to do with your job. It had everything to do with you running away from what’s going on inside. Stop listening to your head. Listen to your heart. Now I’m going to bed.” He squeezed Donovan’s shoulder reassuringly as he passed.
“Night, Dad.” Donovan laid his head against the couch. His dad was spot on. Donovan thought the distance would ease his turmoil, but he hadn’t outrun it...or his feelings. His mind said the risk was too great. But his heart wanted Simona and her little girl.
Digging out his cell, he pulled up Simona’s number from his favorites list. Taking a deep breath, he tapped the screen.
“Hello.”
Her soft voice came through the line and immediately warmed his heart. “Hey, Simona. How are you?”
“Okay.”
“And Yasmine?”
“She’s fine. Asleep for the night.”
“Yeah, I guess it is pretty late. I didn’t wake you, did I?”
“No.”
“So, do you think we could talk?”
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