She laughed softly. “Night. Drive safely.”
“Always.” He waited until he heard the lock click into place before going to his car. He chuckled, thinking about her bold statement. So, she thought she could make his night, huh? He looked forward to that. And he’d be ready.
Chapter 15
Despite the fact that he had gotten only three hours of sleep, Donovan arrived in the office feeling better than he had in months. He spent the first hour on the phone booking dates for Kaleidoscope’s next series of concerts on the East Coast, and now sat sipping coffee while going through his emails. Promoting Monique to manage the promotions and publicity departments freed him up significantly and was one of his better moves recently. However, working things out with Simona topped his list of good decisions.
It had taken him a while to fall asleep last night because his mind had continued to race with thoughts of their lovemaking. And every time he thought about that kiss and her assertion that next time she would put him to sleep, he was tempted to go back to her house for that “next time.”
Donovan had enjoyed every moment of being with her last night. Yes, the sex had been off the charts, but he’d also liked talking with her over sandwiches and teasing her about Yasmine giving him Simona’s kisses.
Yasmine. With her wide eyes and infectious giggles, he hadn’t stood a chance.
He clicked on the email from Monique. She had attached a chart she’d done on the promotional and publicity plans for each artist on the label after meeting with those department heads. Yep, good move. He printed it out and put it with the other weekly reports for the staff meeting.
“Is that ‘Jesus Loves Me’ you’re humming?”
Donovan halted with the pen in his hand and glanced up to see Terrence standing in the doorway. Had he been singing? “What’s up, T?”
Terrence crossed the office and took a seat across from Donovan. “That’s what I came to see. And you didn’t answer my question.”
He shrugged. “Maybe. You have a problem with it?”
“No, but I’m curious as to why,” Terrence said, stroking his goatee and studying Donovan. “Oh, and you never responded to my text Saturday.”
“I was busy.”
“No, you weren’t. You were running, just like I said. Been there, done that and recognize it when I see it.”
Donovan tossed down the pen and leaned back in his chair. “Fine. You were right. But for your information, I’m not running anymore. I can’t. I really like Simona.”
“And her daughter?”
“Yasmine isn’t her daughter.” He shared the circumstances of Simona’s guardianship.
“So Simona’s her aunt. That’s pretty cool.”
“She’s the most giving and compassionate person I’ve ever met.”
“I guess that means you two have made up and are together now.”
“I want to make it work, but remember when I told you how she reacts when the subject of my job comes up?”
“You said she likes her privacy. Janae was the same way when we started dating. Maybe she and Simona should talk.”
“It’s more than just wanting privacy. She dated an up-and-coming actor who trashed her in the media when she broke up with him, making it seem like he left her and she was nothing more than a groupie. She moved here from Oakland to get away.”
“Damn. But I know you’ll protect her the same way I protect Janae.”
“True, but you know somewhere down the line there’s bound to be something printed about us—it’s the nature of this job—and I don’t really know how she’s going to handle it.”
“You mean like this?” Terrence passed Donovan an entertainment magazine.
Donovan took the magazine and flipped to the tabbed page. “Great. This is all I need.” With Simona’s back to the camera and his arm around her shoulder, she was virtually unrecognizable, but he knew it was just a matter of time before a clearer photo surfaced.
“A couple of pictures of me and Janae popped up while we were dating, too, but neither of us responded so it faded pretty quickly. I’m sure that’ll be the case with you two.” Terrence stood. “I’d better get moving so I can be out of here by six. I’m missing my baby already.”
Donovan laughed. “Nadia’s got you wrapped around her pinky.”
“I don’t know why you’re laughing. Sounds like you’re not far behind.”
He refused to agree with Terrence’s assessment, even if it was true. “I’ll be by your office later to talk to you about your tour schedule. I’ve gotten a few calls.”
“Okay. After I clear a few things off my desk and check in with Mrs. Lewis, I’m going up to the studio. So if I’m not at my desk, that’s where I’ll be.”
As soon as Terrence left, Donovan closed the magazine and tossed it on the corner of his desk. They had dodged a bullet this time, and he hoped their luck held. He checked the time and picked up the phone. “Vance Matthews,” he said, greeting the man on the other end of the phone.
“Donovan Wright,” came the booming reply. “Hey, man. I haven’t talked to you since you were out at the house a few months back. How ya been?”
He laughed. They had been greeting each other this way since high school. “Good. How’s Belinda?”
“She’s married to me. How do you think she’s doing?”
“That’s why I’m asking. I don’t know how she’s put up with you all these years.”
“At least I’ve got a woman. Hell, even Terrence is married.”
“Whatever, man. Anyway, I need a few passes to Disneyland. Belinda said she’d get me some whenever I needed them.”
“Ah, the real reason for this early morning call. Hold on. Hey, Lindy, Donovan’s on the phone,” Donovan heard him yell. “He wants those Mickey passes you promised.”
A moment later a soft voice came through the line. “Hi, Donovan. How many do you need?” Belinda worked at the Walt Disney Studios.
“Hey, Belinda. I’m not sure. There’s a special lady I’d like to take who’s never been.”
“You’re in luck. My brother was supposed to visit but had to cancel, so I have nine or ten park hopper tickets.”
“Park what?”
“Park hopper. You can go to both Disneyland and California Adventures.”
He hadn’t been to Disneyland in a long time and had forgotten about the second park. “That would be great.”
“You’re welcome to take them all. Give them away or take her again. We’ll be here after seven tonight, if you want to come by.”
“Thanks, Belinda. You’re the best. I’ll be over after I leave work tonight.” Donovan ended the call and smiled. Now it was time to show Simona that he was a man who kept his promises.
* * *
Simona waved at the security guard who had walked her to her car and drove out of the hospital lot. Between her busy day and late night, she was beyond tired, but as Donovan had said, it had been so worth it. She’d never doubted his bedroom skills but hadn’t expected the tenderness, which made it harder to keep from falling for him. She yawned. I hope Yasmine isn’t in a playing mood tonight. That morning, the little munchkin had been all smiles and babbling nonstop.
As soon as she entered her house, her cell rang. Simona prayed it wasn’t the hospital calling her back for an additional shift. Seeing Donovan’s name on the display made her smile.
“Hi, Donovan.”
“Hey, baby. I know you’re just getting off work, so I won’t hold you long.”
“It’s fine. Actually, I’m just walking in the house.”
“If you’re not busy on Saturday, I’d like to take you and Yasmine to Disneyland. As a matter of fact, I have enough passes for Eve and her sisters’ families, if they want to go, too.”
“Wow. Ar
e you serious?”
“I promised you I’d take you, didn’t I? And I wanted to make up for being so bullheaded and not listening to your explanation.”
Her heart softened a little more. He told her he kept his promises, and he was proving it. “Yes, you did, and it wasn’t all your fault.”
“Can you find out if the others want to go and let me know?”
“I’ll ask and call you tomorrow. Thank you, Donovan.”
“Anytime. Kiss Yasmine for me, and get some rest. I know you need it after your day.”
“I will. Good night.” She stood in the middle of the living room and held the phone against her chest. I’m falling in love with this man.
“Simona, are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Eve. I was talking to Donovan.” She bent to pick up her niece, who was banging on Simona’s leg. “Hi, sweetie. How was your day?” Simona sat on a chair in the dining room with Yasmine in her lap while Eve packed up her books. “Donovan has Disneyland tickets and wants to invite you, your sisters and their families on Saturday.”
“That’s nice of him. Those tickets aren’t cheap. I haven’t been there in years, and it might be a nice relaxer after I get done with this final on Thursday. I’m never taking a summer session again. My brain is fried.”
Simona laughed. “I know what you mean. I thought I was going to die when I did that master’s in nursing.”
“I’m going to try to put in about three more hours of studying, and I’ll call my sisters tonight to ask them. Girl, Donovan is a keeper. See you tomorrow.”
Later, while lying in bed, Eve’s words rushed back to Simona: Donovan is a keeper. She wanted to believe he was a keeper, and so far, he had not broken any of his promises, but every relationship started that way. Would he still keep them next week, or a month from now? One day at a time, she told herself.
She was admittedly excited about her first trip to Disneyland, and by Saturday was bouncing off the walls like a kid on Christmas morning. She finished packing Yasmine’s bag with milk, food, snacks, diapers, a change of clothes and everything else she thought she might need. Even Yasmine seemed to sense Simona’s enthusiasm because she was more animated than usual. Eve and her sisters’ families had agreed to join them, and everyone would meet at Simona’s house at nine. Due to the children’s young ages, they all felt it better to go early. Donovan arrived at a quarter to nine.
“Morning. How are my girls?” he asked, wrapping an arm around her waist and kissing Simona with a hunger that left her lightheaded.
“Mmm, morning. We’re good.” Yasmine kicked her legs excitedly, squirmed in Simona’s arms and grabbed Donovan’s shirt. “Hold on, little girl. It’s a good thing I got my kisses,” Simona teased, and passed her to Donovan.
“Hey, angel.” Donovan placed noisy kisses all over her face, and Yasmine squealed with delight. He turned to Simona. “Do you need me to help you pack anything for her?”
“Nope. It’s all done. We just need to transfer the car seat.” She went to retrieve her car keys from the hook in the kitchen.
“Okay. I’ll do it.” He eased the keys from her hand.
“You sure? Those things aren’t easy to put in.”
“Yeah. I’ll have to learn sooner or later, preferably sooner.” He handed Yasmine back and strolled out the door.
Simona stood stunned by his words. Did she dare hope that he planned to stay around? Smiling, she placed Yasmine on her feet. “All right, little one, let’s go to Disneyland.”
Twenty minutes later, they were on the road. Eve rode with Simona and Donovan, while her siblings and their families followed in an SUV large enough for both couples and their children. When they arrived at the large theme park, Eve’s brother-in-law paid the parking for both cars. Simona chuckled at the strollers and bags that had to be unloaded. With all the stuff they had, someone would think they planned to be at the park for a week.
“You didn’t have to pay for the parking,” Donovan told Eve’s brother-in-law as they walked toward the entrance.
“Man, it was the least I could do, since you wouldn’t take any money for the tickets.”
Simona found out that Donovan had secured tickets for both parks. He let her choose the first stop, and she opted for Disneyland.
Donovan took her hand as soon as they passed the gates. “Simona, whatever you want to do and see, or wherever you want to go, let me know. This day is for you, and I want it to be special.”
Just like that, another layer dropped off her heart. “Thank you, Donovan.”
Simona had a ball. They took the children to It’s a Small World and Goofy’s Playhouse, rode the Disney Railroad and Jungle Cruise. Yasmine spent more time on Donovan’s shoulders than in her stroller. She wanted to be in his arms every minute. But Simona couldn’t blame her because it was the same place she wanted to be. Donovan convinced Simona to ride Space Mountain, the Indiana Jones Adventure and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It took at least an hour for her stomach to settle after all those drops.
Later, the group had lunch in one of the character dining restaurants. The kids, especially Eve’s five-year-old niece, got a kick out of seeing and taking pictures with the Disney characters. Simona ate and watched as Donovan patiently fed Yasmine. The little girl was far more interested in his mashed potatoes and ate more off his plate than her own food.
“Do you want me to take her so you can eat?” Simona asked.
“No. She’s fine. I can’t believe she eats this much. Whoa, angel.” Donovan grabbed hold of his plate just before Yasmine pulled it off the table.
Simona laughed. “Oh, and those little hands are fast.”
“Tell me about it. So, are you enjoying yourself?”
“I’m having a great time. I feel like a kid again. But I’m never going near the Tower of Terror again.” She rolled her eyes. “You said it wasn’t that bad.”
He laughed. “It wasn’t.” He leaned closer and nuzzled her neck. “Come on, admit it, you had fun.”
She giggled. “I’m not admitting anything.”
“You don’t have to. I know you loved it.”
“Whatever, Donovan Wright. Eat your food.”
He winked and unleashed that captivating smile on her, then kissed the top of Yasmine’s head and continued to eat.
Simona’s heart leaped. She didn’t think she would ever get used to that smile.
“Girl, I see what you meant,” Eve said, sotto voce. “That smile, those eyes and, mercy, that dimple! A lethal combination guaranteed to make a woman drop her panties every time. Now I know why that grin has been a permanent fixture on your face lately.”
She felt her face grow warm. He could make her drop her panties and more, just from the lightest touch. A vision of him running his hands all over her body filled her mind.
“Stop that,” Eve whispered.
Simona whipped her head around. “What?”
Grinning, she said, “Those must have been some thoughts. Your whole expression changed.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Simona mumbled, pushing the food around her plate. She met her friend’s amused face and couldn’t hide her smile.
As they left the restaurant, Donovan said, “There’s another ride I want to take you on. I promise you’ll like this one. No big drops.”
She wagged a finger his way. “Okay, but I’m warning you...”
Eve volunteered to keep an eye on Yasmine.
Donovan led her inside a vintage airplane hangar with a sign that read Soarin’ Over California, then to a briefing room and finally into a large theater. After they were strapped in, the lights went off and the huge screen came to life. Simona sat mesmerized by the foggy skies clearing to reveal the Golden Gate Bridge. She felt as if she were flying over the city. She couldn’t contain her
delight when she smelled oranges as they passed over the groves, or the pine scent and cold in snowy Lake Tahoe. Simona instinctively covered her face as a golf ball flew toward her, but relaxed viewing the lights of downtown Los Angeles’s nightlife. The ride came to an end, and they followed the crowd to the exit.
“Oh, my God! That was fantastic!” she squealed as soon as they were outside, launching herself into his arms. “This has been one of the best days ever.” She kissed him deeply, trying to convey her feelings. “Thank you, thank you so much for bringing me here. I lo—” She clamped her jaws shut and backed out of his arms.
Donovan pulled her back into his arms. “What were you going to say?”
“Just that I loved the ride,” she answered quickly.
He eyed her a lengthy minute before saying, “I’m glad.”
“We’d better head over to California Adventures, if we’re going. The kids will be worn out soon.” She took his hand and guided him back to where the others waited, chastising herself for almost blurting out those words. What were you thinking, Simona? She would have liked to attribute the surge of emotions to being caught up in the spectacular day, but she knew it was a lie. She was falling in love with him, plain and simple.
For the rest of the afternoon and all the way home, every time their eyes met, Donovan stared at her curiously. She tried to avoid direct eye contact, but he made it difficult. He helped unload the car and placed the sleeping Yasmine in her crib. The day had worn her out, and she didn’t stir while Simona changed her diaper and put on her pajamas.
She stalled going back into the living room where Donovan waited, but after several minutes she walked back down the hallway. She found him stretched out on the sofa with his eyes closed.
“Come here, sweetheart.” He held his hand out to her.
She placed the baby monitor on the table, then spooned her body next to him.
“Tired?”
“Yeah, but in a good way. I wanted to see more.”
Donovan chuckled. “There’s no way to see it all in one day. We’ll go back another time and spend a day at each park.”
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