by Pamela Yaye
“Are you free on Saturday night? I’d like to take you out for dinner. On a date.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say, ‘I’d love to. I’ll be ready at six.’”
“I can’t,” she said, smiling apologetically. “Dating clients is against the rules, and if Mrs. Fontaine finds out we’re seeing each other, she’ll fire me.”
“You don’t need to work. I’ll take care of you.”
“Emilio, I can take care of myself, and that’s beside the point. I love working at Pathways, and I’d be devastated if I lost my job. Being a life coach is all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
“I understand, and for now, I’ll respect your wishes. On Saturday we’ll have dinner here at the house, then watch the new Will Smith movie in my theater.”
Sharleen heaved a deep breath and tried to gather her bearings, but the truth came tumbling out of her mouth. “Dating is a bad idea. We would never work. We’re from two different worlds—”
“I don’t care. I want you, and only you.”
“Why?” she blurted out, stunned by his confession. “You can have any woman you want, so why are you pursuing me?”
“Because you have no ulterior motives. I can be myself around you, without fear of you selling me out to the tabloids or betraying my trust.” Emilio leaned in, gave her a sweet, soft kiss on the lips, then nuzzled his face against her cheek. “And you smell great, too.”
A grin tickled her lips. “I do, huh?”
“I love your fragrance. It reminds me of my villa in Lake Como. One day I’ll take you there, and we’ll make love in the garden.”
Oh, my, she thought, fanning a hand to her face. Let’s leave tonight!
Emilio entwined his fingers with hers and led her across the backyard toward the house. The backyard had it all: an outdoor kitchen, whirlpool tubs surrounded by lush plants and shrubs, waterproof flat-screen TVs and a decorative fire pit. As they strode past the car-shaped swimming pool, Sharleen decided the estate was as lavish as a five-star resort.
“Do you know how to swim?” Emilio asked.
“Yes, but I rarely go swimming.”
“Why not?”
“I haven’t found the right bathing suit,” she joked, returning his smile. “Besides, it’s just not my thing.”
“I’m going to buy you some designer swimwear. We’re going to spend the day at Miami Beach with my cousin and his wife, and I want to see you in a string bikini.”
Sharleen gulped. I can’t wear a bikini. People will point and stare!
“We can discuss our trip to Miami during lunch.” Emilio slipped a hand around her waist and held her tight. “Since the weather’s nice, I thought we could eat outside.”
A savory aroma carried on the breeze, tickling her nose and rousing her hunger. Her gaze landed on the gazebo. The table was dressed with red table linens, fine china that gleamed and sparkled and two bottles of Cristal champagne. An oversize bouquet sat beside the potted candles, and lace ribbon was swathed around the chairs. “Wow, what an elaborate spread. What’s the occasion?”
A grin claimed his lips. “We met a month ago today.”
“And you think that’s worth celebrating?”
“Absolutely.” He pulled out her chair and stepped aside. “Meeting you was the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I hope today is the first of many celebrations.”
At a loss for words, Sharleen sat down and dropped her hands in her lap. Everything was happening too fast, at lightning-quick speed. Her apprehension must have shown on her face, because Emilio crouched down in front of her and slowly stroked her cheek with his fingertips. “I don’t want anyone else. I want you today, tomorrow and for the rest of my life.”
“Emilio, this is crazy. We’ve only known each other for a month—”
“The moment I saw you, I knew you were the only woman for me.”
“Was that before or after you kicked me out of your estate?”
His eyes dimmed, and the smile slid off of his face.
“That was a tough day for me,” he confessed, his voice filled with sadness. “It was the second anniversary of Lucca’s death, and I was angry at the world.”
“I know, and I’m not trying to be insensitive. All I’m saying is—”
“You’re making excuses for why we can’t be together, but I won’t let you push me away. My feelings for you are real, and I won’t give up on us.”
They are? Really? You’re not just saying that because you want to get me into bed? Sharleen kept her thoughts to herself, didn’t speak. His words played in her mind over and over. They touched her in a real, profound way, but she didn’t know if she was strong enough to overcome the pain of her past. Her biggest fear had always been that she’d fall in love, but once a man saw the “real” her, he’d reject her like all the other guys she’d dated in the past.
“For the first time in my life, I know exactly what I want, and it’s you...”
Sharleen read the expression on Emilio’s face, saw the sincerity in his eyes, the truth, and caressed his cheek. She felt safe with him, cherished, and when they were apart he was all she should think of. His voice was soft, soothing, but Sharleen couldn’t quiet her inner doubts. Should I take another chance on love? Is Emilio worth it? Or am I just fooling myself?
“I don’t want you hooking up with other guys. I want us to be exclusive.”
“What makes you think I’m dating other guys?” she asked, puzzled.
“Aren’t you?”
“I don’t have time to date. I’m too busy working.”
His eyebrows merged, and he lowered his gaze in confusion. “And that’s the truth?”
“Cross my heart and hope to die.”
“I don’t want to share you with anyone.”
You won’t have to. Besides, why would I want anyone else when I have you?
“Give me a chance to prove that I’m the right man for you.” Emilio pointed a finger at his chest and flashed a boyish smile. “From now on just call me Mr. Right.”
Her heart fluttered like a butterfly, and a smile overwhelmed her mouth. This time, Sharleen was the one who initiated the kiss. She closed her eyes and brushed her lips against his mouth. Lunch forgotten, she pleased him with her mouth, tongue and hands. She surprised herself by taking the reins, by being the aggressor, and when Emilio swept her up in his arms, Sharleen realized it was the only place in the world she wanted to be.
Chapter 11
“Thanks for coming with me to the hospital today,” Jocelyn said, opening her handbag and rummaging around inside for her designer sunglasses. “I really appreciate it, and I know your visit meant a lot to my mom.”
Sharleen smiled and joined her friend inside the elevator. “It was my pleasure. Your mom’s a sweetheart, and I’m glad I could spend some time with her this afternoon.”
As the elevator began its descent they chatted about their plans for the weekend.
“Do you want to go to the Atlanta job fair on Saturday?” Jocelyn asked.
Sharleen carefully considered her words. She wanted to tell Jocelyn about her plans with Emilio, but thought better of it. She couldn’t risk one of her colleagues finding out about their secret trip to Miami and blabbing to Mrs. Fontaine. Her boss was busy promoting her new life-coaching book, 90 Days to a Better You, which suited Sharleen fine. Image meant everything to Mrs. Fontaine, and she’d be furious if she discovered Sharleen had kissed Emilio.
You’ve done a lot more than just kissing! her conscience pointed out.
Her cheeks flushed with heat. For the past few weeks, she’d been hanging out with Emilio—playing tennis at his estate, watching movies in his home theater, sharing kisses under the stars—and every day their bond grew stronger. He’d welcomed her into his
life, opened up to her, and she felt compelled to protect his privacy. Emilio was a quiet, sensitive man who enjoyed his solitude, and she didn’t want to betray his trust by gossiping about their relationship to her friend.
“Sorry, Jocelyn, I can’t. I’m busy this weekend.”
“Do you work on Sunday, too?”
“Yes, I, um, have three consultations lined up and an afternoon session in Savannah.”
“I am so jealous,” she gushed, with a wistful look in her eyes. “I wish I had somewhere to go besides the hospital and the unemployment office.”
“Keep your chin up. You’ll find something soon. I know it.”
“I sure hope so, because I’m tired of sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring.”
The women exited the elevator and left the Atlanta Medical Center through the sliding glass doors. Hearing her iPhone chime, Sharleen pulled it out. The newest text message from Emilio made her heart soar.
I’m counting down the minutes until our flight to Miami. I’m going to wine you and dine you until you forget every other guy, and fall hopelessly in love with me...
Sharleen couldn’t wipe the grin off her face, didn’t even try. Emilio was a sweetheart, unlike anyone she’d ever met, and she adored everything about him—his boyish smile, his deep, throaty laugh, how his eyes twinkled at the corners when he was amused. He put her on a pedestal, treated her with kindness and respect and showered her with affection. And he’s an amazing kisser, too, she thought, her mind overwhelmed with memories of their last date. He makes me feel desirable, like the most beautiful woman in the world, and if I wasn’t so self-conscious about my body, I’d want Emilio to be my—
“I’m starving. Let’s grab something to eat at that fast-food place across the street.”
Making a mental note to return his text later, Sharleen put her cell phone away and turned to Jocelyn. “I don’t want to eat fast food. Let’s do dinner and a movie instead.”
“I can’t. I’m broke and unemployed, remember?”
“You haven’t been job hunting long,” she pointed out. “Give it more time.”
“I’ve applied for dozens of positions, but no one’s even called me for an interview.” Sadness filled her eyes, and her bottom lip trembled. “I told my mom I’d help her out financially until she got back on her feet, and now that I’m unemployed, money’s real tight.”
“How much are your mom’s medical bills?”
Jocelyn groaned. “Don’t ask. I’m trying to stay positive, but every time I think about that notice of payment tacked to my fridge I feel nauseated.”
Sharleen gave her a hug. It hurt to see her friend upset, so to cheer her up she said, “You’re coming over tonight. We’ll order pizza, make mocktails and watch movies.”
“You’re on, but no mocktails. The more tequila the better!”
After leaving the hospital, they stopped at the grocery store to stock up on food and drinks. They loaded the plastic bags into the car and set off for Inman Park. Driving across town, they sang along with the radio and reminisced about their early days at Pathways Center. It was hard for Sharleen to believe she’d known Jocelyn for five years, even harder for her to believe it had been almost a decade since her mom and dad died. I wonder if my parents would have liked Emilio.
Of course they would! her inner voice said. What’s not to like? He’s considerate and thoughtful and he spoils you silly! Jocelyn’s cell phone rang, but she didn’t answer it. “I have to change my number,” she grumbled, hurling her iPhone into the bottom of her handbag. “Brad calls constantly, and it’s driving me crazy. Why can’t he leave me alone and go harass someone else?”
“Have you considered going to the authorities?”
“No, but I have considered hiring a hit man.”
“Jocelyn, I’m serious—”
“So am I.” Blinking back tears, she stared aimlessly out the windshield. “I still don’t understand how this happened. I only had two glasses of wine the night we hooked up...”
Sharleen let Jocelyn vent, listened quietly as she recounted her story. Red flags went up, and a chilling thought entered her mind. “Did you leave your drink alone at any time? Was it ever out of your sight? Even for a second?”
“I don’t remember. That night is such a blur.”
“I think Brad spiked your drink. That’s why you don’t remember what happened—”
“No way. He’s a chauvinistic pig, but he’d never do something that sneaky.”
“Yes, he would,” Sharleen insisted. “He took naked pictures of you and threatened to post them online. I wouldn’t put anything past him. Guys like Brad are capable of anything.”
“He didn’t drug me, so drop it.”
“Okay, okay, don’t bite my head off. I won’t mention it again.”
Twenty minutes later, Sharleen parked in front of her brown two-story house. Inman Park was full of Victorian homes, trendy restaurants and boutiques, but what Sharleen loved most about the neighborhood were the people. Her neighbors smiled and waved as she got out of her car. Skateboarders zoomed down the street, and kids played hopscotch on the sidewalk. Laughter filled the air, and the smell of barbecue carried on the evening breeze.
Sharleen took the grocery bags out of the trunk, grabbed the letters in the mailbox and unlocked the front door. Sunshine streamed through the bay windows, filling the main floor with light. To create an inviting feel, she’d decorated with Persian area rugs, off-white furniture and brass lamps. Glass sculptures beautified end tables, and black-and-white photographs of her parents were prominently displayed in the foyer.
“Why don’t you go in the living room and relax while I put away the groceries?”
“Sounds good to me.” Jocelyn took a wine cooler out of the fridge and grabbed a pack of barbecue chips off the kitchen counter. “I’ll order the pizza.”
Working, attending aerobics classes and hanging out with Emilio left little time for housework, so while Jocelyn watched TV, Sharleen cleaned the kitchen and sorted through the mail. She was surprised to find a letter from Antwan’s company, Elite Management. She ripped it open and read the handwritten note inside.
Keep up the good work, and there’ll be more bonuses in your future.
Sharleen studied the check attached to the note, wondering if her eyes were deceiving her. Antwan had given her bonuses in the past, but he’d never sent her a check for ten thousand dollars. She grabbed her cell, dialed his number and when his answering machine came on left a message.
Her mind racing, she drummed her fingers on the counter. She had to return the check—it was the right thing to do, the only thing to do. Besides, she’d had nothing to do with Emilio’s decision to come out of retirement, and she didn’t want Antwan—or anyone else—to think she’d influenced him in any way. Emilio was his own man, his own boss, and if he ever found out about the bonus, he’d be upset.
Sharleen walked over to the garbage, but when her gaze fell across Jocelyn, she had second thoughts about destroying the check
An idea came to her. After grabbing a pen from her purse, she scrawled her signature on the back of the check and strode into the living room. “This is for you,” she said excitedly, flopping down beside Jocelyn on the sofa. “Use it to pay your mom’s medical bills.”
“What’s this?”
“A gift.”
Reluctantly, Jocelyn took the check from her outstretched hand. “Ten thousand dollars?” Her hazel eyes grew wide. “I can’t take your bonus. You earned it, not me.”
“You need it more than I do.”
She cocked her head to the right. “Did you win the lottery or something?”
“No, but I signed on to work with Rashad J, and the pay’s incredible. We had our first session yesterday, and even though he’s difficult, I’m up for the challenge.”
Jocelyn squealed like a five-year-old girl at Disney World. “Rashad J! Wow, that’s awesome. I love his new single, ‘Heaven in Your Eyes.’”
Yeah, I like it, too. Every time I hear it on the radio, I think of Emilio.
“I’m so happy for you! Before you know it, you’ll be the life coach to the stars, and celebrities will be beating down your door for a private session.”
“I don’t want to be famous. I just want to help my clients discover their life’s purpose,” Sharleen said, speaking from the heart.
“I don’t know when I’ll be able to pay you back. It could be months from now.”
“Jocelyn, it’s a gift. No strings attached.”
Her lips moved soundlessly, and unshed tears filled her eyes. “I can’t believe this. Yesterday, I didn’t know how I was going to pay my mom’s medical bills, and now I have enough money to pay off the balance.”
“You’ve been an amazing friend and colleague, and this is my way of saying thank you.”
“I love you, girl. You’re the best.”
The doorbell rang, and Jocelyn jumped to her feet.
“I’ll pay for the pizza,” she said, with a cheeky grin. “It’s the least I can do!”
Sharleen picked up the remote control and flipped channels. On the sports channel she saw a commercial for the World Series Racing All-Star Race, and she leaned forward in her seat. Her eyes were glued to the picture on the screen of Emilio. His five o’clock shadow and brooding gaze gave him a mysterious air, and he looked drop-dead sexy in his red-and-white fitted coveralls. He’d been training with his team for weeks, and Sharleen was surprised by the changes in his personality. He smiled more, laughed more and constantly cracked jokes about his grumpy pit-crew boss.
“Girl, get in here quick!”