It's Only You

by Sheryl Lister

  Donovan pulled Eve from her chair and engulfed her in a hug. “Thank you, thank you,” he whispered.

  She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “I’ll get you the address.” She came back with a piece of paper with an address and a phone number, and pressed it into his hand. “I’m glad she has you. My number is on there. Call me and let me know how she’s doing. I know this has been hard for you, too. How are you holding up?”

  “I’ll be fine once I have her back. Thanks, Eve. I’ll call you.”

  He got in his car and offered up a silent prayer of thanks. Donovan really wanted to get on the road now, but it was already after three, and with the traffic, it would take him as long to get there as it would if he left a few hours from now. Besides, he was so anxious that there was no way he could sit through hours of traffic. He went home, packed and reserved a room at a hotel in San Diego for two nights. Then he called Terrence to give him an update and mention that he might need to be off longer.

  Donovan gassed up and was on the road by seven. There was still a fair amount of traffic, and the normal two-hour drive was extended to three. He drove to the address Eve had written down and parked across the street. He saw a light on and was tempted to knock on the door tonight. He stifled the urge, started the car and went to his hotel.

  Later, while flipping through the television channels, his stomach growled and reminded him that he had skipped dinner. He had been so determined to get to San Diego that food was the last thing on his mind. Now, however, his appetite had returned with a vengeance, and he needed to find some food. He laced up his tennis shoes, stuffed his wallet and room key into his pocket and clicked off the TV. Donovan stopped at the front desk to ask the clerk for some late-night food suggestions and ended up at a nearby bar and grill. He ordered a bacon cheeseburger with french fries and a beer.

  While eating, he thought about how Simona would react when she saw him. Would she be happy, or would she stand by the words she’d left in the note, that it was better if she left and they got on with their lives? Whose life would be better? Certainly not his. He had been absolutely miserable without her. Donovan found himself reaching for her in the middle of the night or getting up to check on Yasmine, only to find an empty crib. No matter how long it took, he was not returning home without Simona.

  Without her, he didn’t have a home.

  Chapter 20

  The next day, Simona finished packing her beach bag, picked up Yasmine and went outside to put her in the stroller. “Okay, sweetie. Let’s go check out the ocean.” She glanced up at the cloudless blue sky and smiled. Summer was almost over, with September right around the corner, and the temperatures hovered around eighty degrees.

  It was a perfect day for the three-block walk to the beach. Apparently everyone else had decided to spend Saturday morning the same way. She strolled leisurely down the street, responding to greetings from passersby and stopping to point out the birds, Yasmine’s new favorite pastime.

  She found a spot on the crowded beach near the sidewalk because she had no desire to try to push the stroller across the sand. Simona spread the blanket on the sand, sat down, then stood Yasmine up. At the first touch of sand on the little girl’s soles, she clung to Simona and lifted her feet. Simona laughed. “You don’t like the sand? It’s okay. See?” Simona demonstrated by putting her feet in the sand and drizzling the powdery substance over them. She poured some on Yasmine’s feet, and gradually, after a few minutes, Yasmine was kicking her feet in the sand on her own.

  The past four days had been exactly what Simona needed. Everything was perfect—well, not everything. Thoughts of Donovan dominated the space in her brain at all hours of the day and night, and last night she woke up to reach for him, only to find an empty spot. It had taken her one night in his arms to know she wanted to wake up every morning with him. How was he doing? Was the talk dying down now that she was gone so he could get back to his life?

  She had been tempted to watch one of the entertainment shows or do an internet search, but she didn’t want to see another lie written about her. She still got angry when she thought about Travis attacking her character. The only thing stopping her from suing his butt was the fact that it would mean more time with the media in her face, and she’d had enough to last two lifetimes.

  “No, no. You can’t eat the sand, baby.” She caught Yasmine’s hand.

  They had lunch and stayed for another hour, then packed up for the walk home. The sun was directly overhead, and Simona picked up her pace. Her steps slowed as she approached Eve’s house, and her heart rate kicked up when she spotted a familiar figure sprawled in a chair on the porch. He stood as she turned up the walkway, and her breath caught. The sight of him never failed to make her pulse race and her body heat up.

  “Donovan. What are you doing here?” For a moment, he just stood there staring at her with a yearning in his eyes that sucked her in by degrees.

  “I came for you.”

  Yasmine tried her best to climb out of the stroller to get to him. Finally, Simona undid the strap and set her on her feet. She ran to him as fast as her little legs would carry her.

  “Dadada.”

  Donovan squatted down and scooped her up as soon as Yasmine was in reach, placing happy kisses all over her face. “How’s my baby girl? I missed you.” He hugged and kissed her, and Yasmine held on for dear life.

  Seeing the happy reunion and the tears standing in Donovan’s eyes filled Simona’s heart with emotion, and she fought back her own tears. He came to where she stood and brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. Her eyes slid closed from the sweetness of his touch.

  “And how’s my other baby girl?”

  He leaned down and captured her mouth in a kiss so achingly tender the tears spilled from her eyes and ran freely down her face. “I’m okay.”

  “Why did you leave me?”

  “We can talk inside.”

  Donovan tried to put Yasmine down so he could carry the stroller up the steps, but she put up a fuss and wouldn’t let go of his shirt. “I’m just going to put the stroller on the porch. It’ll be one minute.” But she wasn’t having it.

  “I got it,” Simona said. Once they were inside, she left the stroller near the door so she could take it back outside to clean out all the sand and not track it all over the floors. “Um, do you want something to eat or drink?”

  “Nah, I’m fine. The only thing I want right now is to hold you in my arms. Can I hold you, Simona?”

  His husky plea melted her insides, and she rushed into his free arm. He held her so tight she could barely breathe, but right now she didn’t care.

  “I missed you so much, sweetheart. I was out of my mind, wondering where you were and if you were all right. Don’t leave me again.”

  She backed out of his arms. “I ca...can’t go back.”

  “Yes, you can. The tabloid printed a retraction, and we’re handling Travis and that Lorna woman. You don’t have to fight alone anymore, Simona. I promised to protect you, and I will if you let me.”

  “Donovan, you can’t protect me from everyone.”

  “Want to bet? Stop running, baby. Don’t let them win. Together we can beat this. Trust me. Trust us.”

  She wanted so badly to trust him, but every negative word she had read in those articles flashed through her mind, the memories taunting her. “I can’t,” she whispered. “What if this messes up your career? The public’s perception of you is part of your job.”

  Donovan closed the distance and wrapped his arm around her. “Sweetheart, I’m not worried about those lies, and you shouldn’t be either. The people I work with know me and don’t believe everything they read.”

  “But what if it does? I’ll never be able to forgive myself.” She wouldn’t be able to bear seeing contempt in his eyes.

  He narrowed his eye
s. “You can’t be thinking I’ll blame you.” He reached up to pull Yasmine’s fingers out of his mouth.

  Simona nodded. “You say you don’t now, but what if this shows up again later? I couldn’t take it if you—”

  “Don’t even think it,” he said, cutting her off. “I will never resent or hate you. This is not your fault, Simona.” He sighed heavily. “Baby, don’t do this.”

  “I have to. I have to think about Yasmine and how it’ll affect her.”

  He shook his head. “More excuses. Be honest. All of these are cover-ups for the real problem. What are you afraid of?”

  She opened her mouth to say she wasn’t afraid, but closed it. Simona was afraid—afraid of how her colleagues would perceive her and afraid that she would lose the job she had come to love. But mostly she was afraid he would—despite what he said—wake up one morning, say that this was all her fault and walk away. Yasmine started whining and rubbing her eyes. “I think she’s getting tired. It’s time for her nap.” Simona extended her arms.

  Donovan moved the baby out of her reach. “She’s fine, and you didn’t answer my question. What are you afraid of?”

  “Donovan...”

  He shook his head. “Answer the question.”

  “Fine. I’m afraid my coworkers are going to think I’m this gold-digging slut,” she blurted. “I’m afraid that I’m going to lose my job. And I’m afraid that one day, even though you said you wouldn’t, you’ll resent all the drama I’ve caused you and leave,” she finished on a broken sob.

  “In other words, you don’t trust me,” he said resignedly. “I’ve done everything to show you that I’m a man of my word, that you can trust me. I love you, Simona, but I don’t know what else to do.”

  “I need time.”

  “Where’s Yasmine’s room?”

  She pointed, and he turned and walked away.

  He came back a few minutes later and said, “I’ll see you later.”

  Simona stood in the middle of the room, her heart breaking into a million pieces. Why couldn’t she let go? She loved him so much it hurt.

  Donovan came back later to see Yasmine and tuck her in for the night. He hardly said two words to Simona, and she grasped just how much she had hurt him. He left without kissing her goodbye and did the same thing the next day. Simona stood off to the side observing him playing with Yasmine and hearing her happy screams. When she came outside to the porch and found Donovan stretched out on the couch with Yasmine on his chest, both of them asleep, Simona nearly lost it. She couldn’t give this man up. But she feared it was too late.

  An hour later, Donovan brought Yasmine inside and laid her in the crib. He returned to the living room and sat on the sofa next to Simona. For the longest time, he just sat there. Finally, without looking her way, he said, “I’ve given you time, Simona, and I’ve decided that I’m going to do whatever it takes to get you to trust me.” He shifted to face her. “You might as well stop running because wherever you go, I will find you. From now on, there’s only one place you’ll ever need to run to, and that’s my arms.”

  He came to his feet, pulled an envelope from his pocket and placed it on the coffee table in front of them. “I’ll see you later.”

  Simona sat stunned and confused. He wasn’t giving up on them. Then why did he leave? She stared at the envelope, almost afraid to open it. But curiosity got the best of her, and she slid her finger under the flap and took out the folded piece of paper. At first she thought he had typed a letter, but realized it was a copy of lyrics to a song.

  It’s Only You

  [V 1]

  From the day we met, I always knew

  You would be the one to change my world.

  Whether it’s your charming, sexy smile or that thing you do,

  Your love whispers with a voice of what’s lasting and true.

  [Chorus]

  It’s only you who sets my soul on fire.

  You’re my one desire.

  I’ll be loving you only till the end of time.

  From this day forward, you will always be mine.

  [V 2]

  Your love fills the empty spaces and makes me whole.

  It deepens the joy and peace in my soul.

  In your arms it’s like I’m being loved for the first time,

  And my heart belongs to you for a lifetime.

  [Repeat Chorus]

  [Bridge]

  No matter how the winds blow

  Or how cold the nights may be,

  From now on there’s only you, only me

  Because

  [Repeat Chorus x2]

  Fade

  She recognized his bold handwriting below the printed lyrics: I penned these words years ago, but only now do I know that they were meant for you. Always have been.

  Penned them years ago? Meant for her? Simona scrambled off the couch and went to the kitchen table where her laptop sat. She turned it on and searched the internet for the title. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” There were thousands of hits. Then a memory sparked. She typed in Monte’s name, and a YouTube video link popped up. She clicked on it and turned the volume up. Monte’s sexy baritone filtered through the speakers. She picked up the paper, and her heart beat faster. Donovan wrote this song.

  Another memory surfaced. The platinum record on his wall was for this incredible song. A female voice sang the second verse. Simona closed her eyes and focused on the words. She replayed it again and again, listening to the soulful ballad and letting the words seep into her heart. He said the words were meant for her and always had been. She grabbed her cell.

  “Donovan, I love you and I’m so sorry,” she said as soon as he picked up. “I trust you, and I know you keep your promises. I don’t want to give you up, either. I’m not running anymore. I want to run to you.” He was silent. “Donovan?”

  “Then run to me, baby.”

  She whirled around to see him standing in the doorway with his arms outstretched. She dropped the phone and flew into his arms. He grabbed her up with such force that she thought he might crack her spine. Simona was crying and kissing him and telling him how much she loved him. He laughed and spun her around until she was dizzy.

  “I love you, Simona Andrews.”

  “And I love you, Donovan Wright.” She lowered her head and kissed him, attempting to infuse it with everything she felt and couldn’t express.

  * * *

  Donovan lay on the bed waiting for Simona while she tucked Yasmine in. There were no words to describe the joy he was feeling.

  “Hey.”

  He sat up. “Hey, yourself. Is Yasmine asleep?”

  “She’s out like a light.”

  “Good. Come here, baby.” He pulled her to stand between his legs and settled his hands at her waist. “You’re always taking care of everyone, so tonight I want to take care of you. I’m going to run you a nice, hot bubble bath, and then I’m going to give you a full body massage. Afterward, I’m going to make love to you long and slow. How does that sound?”

  “Mmm, it sounds wonderful.”

  Donovan undid the buttons on her top, pushed it off her shoulders and kissed her flat belly. He reached around and unclasped her bra, letting it drop to the floor. He filled his hands with her breasts, gently kneading and suckling first one, then the other. His hands slid down to her shorts, and he removed them and her bikini panties. Standing, he lifted her in his arms and headed for the bathroom. Donovan placed her on her feet and started the water in the tub, adding some of her bubble bath. When the water was done, he carefully placed her in the tub. “Is the water too hot?”

  “No, it’s just right.”

  He placed a lingering kiss on her lips. “Enjoy your bath. I’ll be back.” While she took her bath, he lit candles around the room
, pulled the covers back and warmed the oil he had bought in a bowl. Placing his hands on his hips, he glanced around at his handiwork and smiled.

  Donovan stepped into the bathroom just as she was rising from the tub and hardened instantly at the sight of the water cascading down her glistening dark-brown skin. It had been over a week since they’d last made love, and he wanted her now. Stick to the plan, Wright. He picked up a fluffy towel, dried her off and wrapped it around her. Then he carried her to the bedroom and laid her in the center of the bed.

  She sat up and viewed the room. “Oh, Donovan, it’s... I love it!” She ran her hands over his bare chest. “You have such an amazing heart, and I’m glad it’s all mine.” She swirled her tongue over the spot where his heart was beating like a drum and kissed it.

  “I’d hoped you would.” It was the first time he had gone to such lengths for a woman. Maybe because this time, he was truly in love. He stripped the towel away and gently turned her on her stomach. Straddling her hips, he used his tongue to chart a path down the center of her spine. Donovan reached over and dipped his fingers in the oil then, starting at her shoulders, gently massaged in long strokes.

  “That feels soooo good. Where did you learn to do this?”

  He chuckled. “You’re my test case.”

  “Ohhhh.”

  He kneaded and massaged every part of her body until she felt like putty in his hands. He rolled her onto her back, leaned down and kissed her slowly, deeply, thrusting in and out of her mouth in imitation of what he planned to do next. At length, he rose, rid himself of his shorts and underwear, and donned a condom. He kissed his way back up her body and settled between her thighs. “I love you, Simona.”

  He lowered his head and slid his tongue between her parted lips, capturing her tongue and absorbing her essence into his very cells. At the same time, he eased into her sweet warmth, groaning as her tight walls clamped down on him. He thrust in and out with long, deliberate strokes, going deeper each time. His hands roamed possessively over her body as he whispered tender endearments in her ear.