Just a Kiss

by Bonnie S. Mata

She stopped in her tracks.

  He then went around her and faced her. He placed his hands on her jaw line, and brought her face to meet his.

  She was in tears, trying to hold back a river full of tears.

  It hurt when he saw her face, so he wrapped his arms around her and said, “I’m sorry. Please don’t cry.”

  The moment she heard his words, she released the dam of tears. She wrapped her arms around him, and began to cry loudly.

  His heart began to ache, when he heard her release her cries. He squeezed her tighter. “Please don’t cry anymore.”

  He picked her off her feet, and gave her a big bear hug. He held her, slowly rocking her back and forth on his heels.

  She hugged him back tightly, reveling in the feel of his hard body holding hers, breathing in his masculine scent.

  “I’m tired. I’m so tired, of this nightmare from hell. I’m so tired, of having bad shit happen to me. I can’t take any more of this.” She sobbed, and then her legs gave way.

  “I’ve got you babe.” Pancho caught her and lifted her into his arms. “Let’s go,” he said, walking over to the truck.

  She caught her breath and asked, “Where are we going?”

  He stopped in his tracks, and looked into her eyes. “How about coming home with me for a few days?” He kissed her forehead.

  “Really?” her eyes widened.

  He rested his forehead on hers. “Yes, I think you need some time to rest, you’ve been through a lot. You need to eat, rest and be loved.”

  She smiled and rested her face on his chest, drinking in his scent.

  “Good choice.” He continued to walk toward the truck. “I also have something that belongs to you.” He put her down, to open the truck door.

  “You do?” she replied, with much curiosity, trying to see what it was.

  He leaned in, and reached for her Victoria’s Secret bag. He then handed it to her and asked, “What in the hell is in this bag, that you have refused to part with throughout this whole ordeal?” His eyes gazed steadily at her, and then his lips curled with a smile.

  She smiled, taking the bag from him. “I’d love to show you, when we get to your place.”

  Studying her, he beamed a big, boyish, wicked grin. He stepped away from the door, and motioned with his hand. “Well, let’s not waste any time, hop in. I can’t wait to see it on you.” He then swatted her behind.

  She paused before getting in, and said, “I missed you.” She looked into his deep, dark, brown eyes.

  He leaned forward and kissed her between her eyebrows. Then he moved in closer with his mouth close to her ear and whispered, “And I missed you. He didn’t hurt you, right?” His voice was soft with concern, as he tightened his embrace.

  She nodded her head, then pulled away, looking right back into his eyes, and whispered, “No, he didn’t. You know I can’t believe that all of this happened because of just a kiss.”

  “Neither can I. I’m sorry that you went through all of this, but if you hadn’t, I wouldn’t have met you. And I’m so happy I did, Celina.” He clasped her hand, lifted it to his lips, and grazed her knuckles with a sweet kiss.

  She caressed his face with her fingers, stroking his cheek. “Well, now that it’s all over and we’re okay, I’m happy that I’m here with you.”

  He kissed her lips tenderly, and then said, “Ditto.” Then he flashed her a huge smile. “And I’d like to talk you some more, about you and me becoming a permanent item.” He took a deep breath. “What do you think?” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Do you think you are ready to take the plunge with me?”

  She bit his bottom lip softly, and said, “I’d like that very much, if you’ll have me. However, I must warn you--I can be very dangerous to be around.”

  He chuckled, “Then I think I’m the right man for the job. Wouldn’t you say that I have all of the qualifications needed?”

  She threw her head back, giggling, and said, “Oh yes, you are very much qualified in every department, Francisco Guerrero, maybe overqualified, sir.”

  “Ay, Celina, I love you more than the air that I breathe every day. Tu eres mi vida, mi vida.”

  Epilogue

  Surviving doomsday and one year later

  After the end of another workday at the salon, Celina stopped in front of the newly painted double wooden doors to her condo. “Give me a hug, girlfriend.” She opened her arms to hug Valeria. “And thank you again for the ride,” she said, pulling away.

  “Anytime, Cel. I’m just happy that we still live next door and I don’t have to drive elsewhere to pick up your ass.” She looked at Celina’s tired face. “Go inside and get some rest.”

  She took a deep breath. “Pancho wanted to take me out for dinner. We are celebrating the day we met at the club.” Even though she was exhausted, her eyes brightened at the mention of her celebrating that special day.

  “I can’t believe a whole year has passed.” She shifted on her legs.

  “Me too. Actually, doesn’t it feel kinda weird that we don’t do the crazy shit we used to?” Her lips puckered for a moment.

  Valeria laughed. “Yeah, it does. Doesn’t it? I feel old, not doing all the crazy shit we used to.” She glanced in the distance at her front door. “Do you want me to watch over Esmi?”

  She shook her head. “Oh, no Valeria. Thanks anyway. You get some rest yourself. We are lucky to have Bertha. She has turned out to be a wonderful housekeeper. And besides, we shouldn’t be long.”

  Valeria patted her shoulder. “Okay, then. You know the offer still stands. Besides she is my goddaughter.” Her eyes widened.

  She gave her a warm smile. “Yes, Esmi has the best godmother on this planet.”

  Valeria’s eyes scanned the two-story building. “Don’t get this wrong, but I’m so happy to have some peace and quiet around here.”

  “I know, Val, you’ve been a happy camper with all the construction that went on around here, but hey--in the end you found yourself a man.” She pushed on her shoulder.

  Valeria smiled. “Yeah, I think David said he wanted to come over later this evening.”

  “Oh, so what’s it been now, two months of seeing my construction foreman?”

  She bit her bottom lip and nodded with bright eyes. That had been the longest that Valeria had dated anyone.

  “Well get going and freshen up, because I myself am eager to see my man too.” She kissed her cheek and put her house key in the lock. “And don’t forget to give Miss Puss a good scrub, just in case she gets lucky tonight.” She giggled.

  She laughed loudly. “Have a good evening, Cel and give my best to Pancho.”

  Celina pushed open the door. “I will.”

  She closed the door to her re-modeled condo of over four thousand square feet. Pancho wanted a bigger home, but Celina could not part with having Valeria as her neighbor. So, Pancho managed to cut a nice deal with Celina’s neighbors, Olivia and the Cartwrights. He bought their condos using some of his reward money; the project took over seven months to complete.

  “Hola Bertha. ¿dónde está mi marido?” she asked the housekeeper, looking around the living room. She knew he was home, because his black Ford Raptor was parked outside.

  “Está con la niña.” She looked up from dusting a long wooden console, filled with recent pictures of Celina, Pancho and their newborn baby girl.

  “Gracias, Bertha.” Celina took the stairs and headed for the baby’s room. Pancho adored Esmi. He enjoyed feeding her in the mornings before leaving for work and tried to make it on time to feed her in the afternoon. She opened the door, and there he was on the recliner, holding Esmi on his chest. She smiled and paused to watch both of them take a nap for a few minutes. Esmi looked very much like her daddy. She had his split chin, big, dark, round, brown eyes and hair, but she had Celina’s nose. She bent down to take the baby from his hold, when Pancho grabbed her arm and squeezed tight.

  “Papi it’s me! Please let me go.” She exclaimed, panicking.<
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  He took a deep breath, opened his eyes wide and released his hold on her. “Oh my God, Celina. I’m so sorry.” His chest heaved.

  She pulled her arm toward her chest and rubbed it with her hand. “I’m sorry to have snuck up on you. I was scared you would drop the baby, with you sleeping. I guess I was wrong.” She smiled at him.

  “We are trained to sleep holding on to our weapons, so me letting go of Esmi would never happen. Please--let me see your arm.” He reached for her. She extended her arm, and he took it and kissed it several times. “Does it hurt?” He frowned.

  She bent down and kissed his forehead. “I’m fine.”

  “I’m sorry. Please know that I didn’t do it on purpose.” His brow was crumpled.

  At eye level, she looked directly at him. “Of course you didn’t.” She then bent down and gave the baby a kiss on her head and inhaled her scent.

  “You look tired, mi vida.” He caressed her beautiful face.

  She straightened up and said, “Yes, papi, I am. I didn’t get much sleep with Esmi’s tummy ache last night. I’m so happy Bertha thought of giving her chamomile tea.”

  “You didn’t wake me.” He frowned.

  “Papi, I knew you had to get up early, and I wanted you rested for your big day ahead.” She ran her fingers over his hair. “There was no need for the both of us to lose sleep.”

  “So that tea helped her.” He looked down to look at his three-month-old daughter.

  Celina nodded her head. “Yes. She drank the entire bottle, and at last she fell asleep. I can’t tell you what a relief it was. I was very worried that I almost woke you.”

  He kissed the baby’s head and closed his eyes for a few seconds. “Do you want to take a nap before we go for dinner? I know I’d love to take a nap with you.” He flashed her a big grin.

  “Yes.” She bent over to kiss him once on his lips, then pulling away, she gave him a seductive smile. “Shall I lay the baby down, or will you?” She arched her eyebrows.

  He licked his lips savoring her kiss. “I will put her to sleep, so you go ahead, and I’ll be there shortly.”

  “Okay.” She gave the baby one more kiss on her soft, dark brown hair and kissed each foot and then whispered, “I love you, Esmi.”

  She walked away and when she reached the doorway, she turned around to look at Pancho holding their precious baby girl. He was an amazing father, and it was obvious how much he loved that little girl.

  When she walked in their oversized bedroom, she wasted no time undressing, and leaving a trail of clothing leading to the bed. She slipped underneath the bed sheets and got comfortable in their king-sized bed. She closed her eyes and thought how a year had passed so quickly. Her thoughts went back to when they had driven off the zoo parking lot, headed to Pancho’s apartment. There she finally modeled every piece of lingerie from the Victoria's Secret bag for Pancho. How she had rested there for two days under Pancho’s care before going to his parent’s house. There she met his parents, his older brother, and two younger brothers. From there, Pancho drove her to Laredo, where he met Valeria and the other girls at the hair salon.

  A few days later, she had asked Pancho to please accompany her to the house of Elia’s parents, to keep the promise she made to the poor, unfortunate, soul of Elia, the lost ghost of a young girl she befriended in the depths of the underworld of the cartel. It was difficult for her, but with Pancho’s support, she built up the courage to go and talk to her parents. Xavier, who was now divorced, helped Celina find their address. He had also made arrangements to have all the bodies exhumed from the sidewalk, back at Rafael’s compound. The police were grateful and were trying to identify the bodies of missing girls and possible men. The project was underway but would take some time. Xavier had been rewarded for his help in the missing person’s cases as well.

  Pancho moved in right away with Celina, into her condo, but they immediately got to traveling when Pancho received his reward of two million dollars for the capture of Rafael, even though he was dead. The first thing they did before leaving the U.S. was get married, barefooted, on the beach, in Hawaii. It was beautiful, and so romantic. There was only Celina and Pancho, and the priest who married them. After that, Pancho took her to many different places around the globe. Her passport had so many stamps on it, too many to count.

  They traveled for two months nonstop, from destination to destination, until she begged to go home, due to early stages of her pregnancy--the dreaded morning sickness. Their last destination had been to the Philippines, to the island of Palawan. It was a tropical paradise of sugar-white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters and rocky coves. Pancho felt right at home in his natural water element, diving from cliffs as Celina waited for him on the beach, praying to all the saints for his safety. Snorkeling was an activity that Celina did enjoy without hesitation. She found it to be utterly breathtaking and called it a natural underwater zoo, filled with tropical fish galore. In the evenings, they would eat their dinner by candlelight and slept listening to the gentle crashing waves.

  Her mind drifted to the present with her eyes fluttering when she felt Pancho’s nude warm body press against her backside. He flooded her shoulder with tender kisses, and wasted no time sliding his hand slowly over her shoulder blade and over her breast. He cupped her heavy breast and rotated his thumb over her nipple repeatedly, until it hardened.

  His lips brushed over her ear as he whispered, “Hey, sexy mama.” He then wedged his muscular thigh between her legs. “Have I told you today, how much I love you?”

  She turned on her back and with a big smile said, “Only once this morning, when you left for work.” She placed her hand on his cheek and stroked it.

  He looked deep into her eyes. “Well, I want you to know that I am one happy and lucky man to have found myself a beautiful wife and loving mother who gave me a beautiful baby. I have been blessed beyond words, and I am very grateful to the big man upstairs.” He pecked at her bottom lip. “This year together with you, has been precious to me, and I hope God grants us many more years like this with you, Celina.”

  Her eyes welled with the tender words that escaped from his mouth. “You and Esmi are my most treasured possessions in this world,” she said, “and I’m so blessed to finally have someone who loves me, because when my daddy died, I felt like a homeless person... so alone I felt.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.

  “Ay mi vida, I didn’t know you felt that way.” He kissed her tears away. “Don’t cry. Please don’t cry. You’ll see how our lives will continue to be blessed.”

  “I love you Pancho, with all my heart.”

  “And I love you too, Celina. You are my life, and I live and breathe for you and Esmi.” He lowered his mouth over hers and sealed it with a passionate kiss.

  THE END

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