One Day You'll Be Mine: Steamy Contemporary Military Romance

by Hart, Alana

  “There’s no such thing as over-sharing when it’s important to you.” His brown eyes were warm as he looked into mine. “Not every boy is lucky to have a wonderful, caring mother like you.”

  Our conversation continued, lighthearted and effortless, as we snacked on spiced caramel popcorn with bacon and waited for our food. Once the meals came, I was surprised. Desmond had ordered Japanese chicken wings and lamb chops.

  “These are my favorite dishes here,” he beamed. “We’ll have a little of both. I hope you like them.”

  He extended his hand for mine and said grace. I lit up inside. Hollis stopped saying grace a long time ago. It was good to know some men were still into their manners, even on dates.

  Conversation came to a break as we ate. Desperate to maintain my charm, I nibbled as much as possible. I didn’t want to mess up my makeup, or appear to lack composition with my eating habits. It was hard, because wings and lamb chops were absolutely delish.

  “Are you enjoying your meal?” Desmond asked, looking at me.

  “Yes, it’s delicious.” I took an insanely small piece of lamb chop and held it to my lips. “This lamb is absolutely fabulous.”

  “Eat up, then, sweetheart,” he said. “You’re nibbling and nibbling. I’m a Texas man. I love a woman who eats and isn’t afraid to do so.” He looked at me with his eyebrow cocked. “I know you can eat. As much as you tell me you love to cook, and those gorgeous curves you have, I know you enjoy a delicious meal. Don’t be shy. Be yourself.”

  “I’m trying,” I said. “It’s just … a little hard.”

  “Why?”

  “Well, first, I’m trying to lose a little weight. I’ve put on weight since becoming a mother.”

  “How much?”

  I shrugged. “30 pounds, I guess. I’m not really sure. I gained two dress sizes and wear an eight instead of a four.” I hoped that would be enough. If he could shift the conversation from making me eat to weight loss, I’d be in a more comfortable arena.

  “Okay, and what’s the other reason?” He gave me eye contact, and pressed when I didn’t answer.

  “Well, I’m nervous.”

  He reached for my hand and caressed it. “There’s no reason to be nervous. I’ve been excited about this date from the moment you said yes.”

  My heart quickened. “Really?”

  “Yes. I don’t have to remind you that you’re stunning. But when I started to really get to know you, I realized we have so much in common. You have a lot of what I’m looking for?”

  I gulped. “What?”

  He smiled and shook his head. “You’re so cute.”

  “Answer my question!” I pursued. I wanted to know what he had to say.

  “I’ve been single because I couldn’t find a woman whose radiance magnetized me.” The pad of his thumb sent a series of familiar tingles as he caressed the wedge between my thumb and index finger.

  “I’m constantly approached and lusted after by different women who want something from me, without anything of interest to bring to the table. Those women lose my interest because of their vapid personalities. I’m looking for a woman whose mind is focused on the simpler things in life: food, friends, home, God, and of course, family.

  “We’re in the beginning stages of knowing each other, and I’ve come to see you’re quite possibly that woman I’m looking for. You’re intelligent, loving, kind, gentle-hearted, nurturing – and of course, quite beautiful. Your radiance is extraordinary.”

  He lifted my hand to his lips once more, sending an uncontrollable moan through me. I melted under his touch and over his words. My panties were starting to get wet from his intense energy. I felt a wave of desire spring forth that was almost uncontrollable.

  I couldn’t deny how badly I wanted Desmond. It’d been so long since a man wanted me so deeply. The spell he was putting me under was intoxicating. But I didn’t know if he was being real, or whether this was some line he’d given every woman.

  Before I could answer, Jordan returned with the dessert menu. “Have you saved room for any of our incredible desserts? I absolutely love the toffee cake?”

  “Excuse me.” Jordan. My son. My heart quickened as a pit of fear swirled in my stomach. I was a horrible mother for not checking on him. Guilt swarmed my heart. I slid out of my seat. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Yes,” I heard Desmond reply. “Bring us some of that fantastic toffee cake, and the blondie.”

  I couldn’t get to the bathroom quick enough. I only got there in enough time to lock the door, retrieve my phone, and see if I missed any calls from him. None. It was still early enough over there that he would just be getting ready to prepare for bed when I called.

  “Hi, Mommy!” He said. “You look pretty!”

  Tears of joy ran down my face as I looked at him. He was my heart, my world, and I missed him so much. I had no business being out with a man I barely knew when I could be with my son.

  “Why are you crying, mom?”

  “Hi, honey.” He scrunched his face when I called him that, but I didn’t care. “I’m not crying because of anything bad. I’m just sad. I miss you so much.”

  “I miss you too. Mr. Preston doesn’t cook as well as you do.”

  “Who’s Mr. Preston?”

  “Daddy’s friend from Mrs. Kelli’s street?” He asked. “He’s in the kitchen making tacos tonight. Wanna say hi?”

  “No honey, that’s okay. I called to talk to you.” I seethed on the inside. It hasn’t even been a month and he’s got this man coming around my son, in our former home together? I couldn’t believe Hollis was such a wreckless asshole. But I was halfway across the country. There’d be no way I could confront him at the moment.

  “Where are you, Mommy?”

  “Mommy’s out to dinner with friends.” Now was definitely not the time to have that conversation. I chatted with him briefly about school and Ms. Kelli, making sure everything was alright. He asked if I was coming home for Thanksgiving.

  “Probably not, honey.” I started to get misty eyed as I realized Thanksgiving was just weeks away, and I was going to be alone with Ro. “But I promise I’ll see you for Christmas.”

  “Okay.”

  “Get ready for bed. I’ll call you tomorrow okay?”

  “Love you, Mom.”

  “Love you too, little man.”

  A few angry tears slid down my face. I was consumed with rage and guilt. Rage because I wanted to kill my soon to be ex-husband for bringing his secret lover around my son. Guilt because I was here on a date instead of driving back to Twenty-nine Palms and taking my son. No, I may not have had the prestigious job with money that Hollis did, but I was a damn good mother, and I loved my son more than life itself.

  Although my eyes couldn’t hide the redness from my tears, my makeup had held up and remained pretty intact. I looked at the sultry-eyed goddess in the mirror and she winked at me. To be honest, I don’t know how Rose managed to make me look this good, but I was going to have to learn these magical secrets of makeup. Excuse my vanity, but it was hard to keep a foul mood when I looked so pretty.

  And had a hot man like Desmond waiting for me at the table.

  Our desserts were spread on the table, with extra plates on each of our sides. He waved, smiling pleasantly when I returned. “For a minute I thought you ditched me.” He looked at my eyes and saw through the smile. “What happened? Are you okay?”

  Feeling open and vulnerable, I leaned in. “Can I tell you something?”

  “Yes.” He placed his knife and fork, which he was using to split our desserts, on the table. There he went again, giving me eye contact with his undivided attention.

  “I haven’t been on a date in years. My son’s father and I split up for good less than a couple of weeks ago. I haven’t been in Dallas long at all – we’ve spoken about this – but I’m still shaky and all over the place. This is a new beginning for me. And I’m just a mess because I don’t have it together.”

  Tea
rs started to form in my eyes. I was getting so embarrassed, but I had to tell the truth. “I’m not this wonderful woman you think I am. I ran to call my son and say goodnight, and he told me about his father’s new lover in the kitchen cooking dinner already.”

  “Oh…” You can’t ever tell someone how to react to your drama, but hearing “oh” didn’t help me at all. I felt like I was having a meltdown as I spoke, with Desmond watching me. What could you say to a woman you just met who’s stuck on her ex, and crying at the dinner table? Not much… but I still felt crappy.

  “I haven’t dated a man besides my husband for twenty years. Today – November 15 – would have been sixteen years of marriage.” I shook my head in disbelief. “But instead, he’s with someone else. He’s not even concerned about me or the effect bringing new people around our son would have.”

  “And I’m here ruining this evening and crying in front of you,” I sobbed. “I’m sorry for being a terrible date. I should leave before I make even more of a scene than I already have. I’m sorry.”

  Chapter 24: Natalia

  Pushing myself away from the booth, and out of my seat, I hustled to the doorway as fast as I could. The lights became a blurry mess through my tears as I pushed past crowds of happy couples and BFFs waiting to be seated. I couldn’t stomach pretending to be ready for this – any of this – anymore.

  “Natalia!” I heard Desmond’s voice calling from behind. Not wanting to face him, I picked up my speed walking, and suddenly tumbled over. Pain shot up my ankle. I screamed in agony. Why the hell was life always kicking me in the ass?

  I burst into sobs. What a way to ruin a night. I felt like Cinderella. Except Cinderella didn’t have a gay ex-husband who beat on her, a son who’s exposed to his father’s new “best friend” or the ability to bust her ass when running away from Prince Charming in her glass slippers. Or, in my case, wedges. Who trips on wedges!?

  “Natalia, are you okay?” I could feel Desmond squatting down. I refused to uncover my face. I didn’t want to see him looking at me, taking in how much of an emotional clumsy wreck of a basket case I was.

  “I’m good…” I sobbed. I tried to lift myself off the ground, but my ankle was in way too much pain. I yelped when the discomfort shot through my leg, pinning me to the ground.

  “Shhh…” Desmond said. “Let me help. Push up on your good leg and I’ll pull you up.”

  Defeated by my helplessness, I acquiesced and placed my hand in his. He gently lifted me from the ground, and then scooped my body in his arms. I wanted to protest, but without a proper leg to stand on – because I only had one leg left to abide by tonight – what could I do?

  “Where’s your car?”

  “It’s that Kia Soul to the left.”

  “Cute,” he said. “My sister has one of these.” But instead of bringing me to the car, he carried me further back.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  “My car’s right here,” he said, walking towards a black Range Rover. Without missing a beat, he managed to grab his key fob and place me in on the passenger side. Getting into his side of the car, he started the vehicle, adjusted the heat, and drove up to my car, blocking it in. Unbuckling his seatbelt, he tapped me on the hand. “Hang tight.”

  He disappeared around the corner, returning moments later with a takeout bag. My face burned with embarrassment for the umpteenth time that night when he handed me my clutch, and then reached in his pocket for my car keys. “I was calling you because you left these at the table.”

  “Thank you.” I felt so small deep inside.

  “Do you have a preferred hospital?” he said, pulling out of the parking lot. “If not, I know a doctor who could take a quick look at your ankle.”

  “I’m fine. I just had a little fall that’s all.” I looked at my car as we drove off the lot and into the street. “You don’t have to take me anywhere.”

  “Actually, I do, because you’re not leaving my sight until I know you’re okay.” What?

  “Desmond, I appreciate your concern, but I’m okay. Can you please just take me back to my car?”

  “Here,” he dug into his wallet and handed me his identification. “Call your sister, and send her a picture of my ID. I’m not going to harm you, but as a man, I cannot let you go home, until I’ve made sure you’re physically checked out and okay. We’re going to get your ankle checked out before anything else.”

  His voice was firm and final. I didn’t have any choice in the matter. I was going to the hospital, whether I wanted to or not.

  “Okay,” I said quietly. I sent his information to Rose, and she called me immediately.

  “Why are you sending me his information? Natalia, you’re not –”

  “Relax,” I said. “I twisted my foot on the curb, and he’s taking me to the hospital. He just wanted me to send you his information out of respect.”

  “How did that happen?” I could hear panic rip through her voice. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes,” I nodded, wearily. “I’m fine but my ankle’s swelling pretty badly. I’ll tell you about it later.”

  “You sure you don’t need me to come get you?” she insisted. I told her it was almost 11 PM. She had work in the morning, and to be honest, I didn’t want her seeing me in this state. I assured her I was fine, promised to text her if anything happened, and let her know I’d be home as soon as possible.

  Chapter 25: Natalia

  It was close to 11:30 PM when we pulled into the parking lot of the towering condo in downtown Dallas. I notice we didn’t drive obscenely far from the restaurant, just ten to fifteen minutes away.

  The ride over was relatively quiet, however, it was to be expected. I didn’t expect the conversation to flow so smoothly after the rough, tumbly way things had ended between us in our booth. I kicked myself in the head over and over as I replayed my not-so-fairytale exit.

  “Can you stand?” I struggled to get out the car. It was hard because my right ankle was the injured ankle. I turned almost facing the backseat to get out. Desmond reached forward and tenderly cradled me in his arms. “Close the door for me.”

  “My phone…” I pointed to the car seat, where my phone, with remarkably not shattered screen, sat. He leaned me forward to reach it, and I grabbed it, along with my clutch and car keys, both which I slid under the car seat.

  I marveled at how he carried me to the elevator, and even in the elevator as we ascended to the highest floor. I held on to his neck at his request. “It helps me balance you better,” he explained.

  “Are we going to your place?” I looked into his eyes for the first time since running from Victor Tango’s. Instead of seeing a callous, annoyed expression – the kind I would have probably gotten from Hollis because he was helping me out of obligation – he met mine with tenderness.

  “Yes. My neighbor is a doctor. You’ll be able to get looked at for free before we have to take you to the hospital. I hope you don’t mind?” His eyes searched mine for an answer.

  I blushed. “No, I don’t mind at all. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He looked into mine for a moment, and warmth washed over me. We shared bashful smiles. My heart raced, and the heat off his body against mine caused my nipples to harden. I caught myself looking at his lips, and realized I picked the wrong time to notice how soft and kissable they were.

  I closed my eyes. Natalia, you are the most awkward woman walking. The elevator rang, and I heard the mechanical movement of the doors as they slid into their enclosures, allowing us to step off with ease. Curious to see the kind of home this man had where he lived with doctors for neighbors, I opened my eyes to take in the green and brown décor of the halls. The ornate carpet was eye-catching; when I had a fancy apartment in the sky, I’d want carpet just like this in my hallway.

  “Brace yourself, Bettie,” he said in a comical tone. “We’re here.”

  Desmond’s place was equally attractive. Instead of the cold manly bachelor pad I expected to see, I wa
s greeted with striking blue, brown and teal décor, along with a gorgeous bonsai tree collection near the door.

  He gently laid me on the extended chaise portion of his caramel and mocha colored sectional, and then whipped out his phone. “Hey, can you come over for a second? I need you to check something out for me.” The caller spoke back, his voice not loud enough for me to hear what was being said. “Yes – see you in 5.”

  “Be right back,” he said, walking off to what I presumed was his bedroom.

  Exactly five minutes later, a knock was on the door. Desmond walked out. I noticed he changed his clothes. Instead of the casual shirt and slacks, he wore some jeans and a plain white V-neck tee shirt. He was still GQ, but more in a casual, boy next door kind of way, nothing like the James Bond rock star on a date look he’d been wearing earlier.

  “Thanks for stopping by.” He kissed the woman on the cheek as she entered. I immediately became jealous. She was his doctor?

  I’d seen plenty of doctors in my day, but none were as gorgeous as this woman. And no man I knew could kiss a woman looking like this on her cheek and calmly tell me she was just his doctor.

  “Hey, I’m Natalie,” she said, extending a hand. I smiled as widely as possible, while taking stock of her appearance. She wore a classic white tee that hugged her breasts, which were so perfect they had to be blessed from surgery, or an amazing pushup. Her sparkly blue eyes and caramel colored hair gave her fresh and clean classical type of beauty.

  Her yoga pants showed off curvy legs, but that casual robe she tossed on didn’t fool me for a minute either.

  “Natalia.” I shook hers, suspicious of her friendliness. They had to be sleeping together.

  “What a coincidence.” She looked at Desmond. “You’re just collecting all the Natalies and Natalias in Dallas, huh?”

  Desmond shrugged. I think he had a faint hint of a blush when she said that.

  “Let me take a look at your leg,” she said, squatting down to take a look at it. “Mind telling me what happened.”