Wild for You

by Sophia Knightly

  "All right, we'll talk about my divorce this one time and then it's a closed subject. Deal?"

  "Deal. Cross my heart and hope to die. I won't bring it up again," she said, crossing her fingers instead.

  Clay exhaled a ragged breath. When she caught the despair in his eyes, Marisol braced herself.

  "Jillian aborted our child without my knowledge. When I found out, I divorced her," he said curtly.

  Marisol's heart constricted at the agony on Clay's face. "I'm sorry. That is so tragic. Why would she do such a thing?"

  His mouth twisted bitterly. "She was afraid it might be mentally handicapped like Jimmy. Her exact words were, I could never deal with a retarded kid like your brother."

  Clay clutched the steering wheel and turned to look at her, his face an open wound of anguish. "Jillian terminated an innocent life for selfish reasons. It was my baby, too."

  Marisol winced as his revelation delivered a painful sucker-punch. "You would've made a great dad. I'm so sorry, Clay. I shouldn't have pried."

  "You couldn't have known."

  Marisol's heart went out to him. "I can understand how Jillian might have been worried about her baby being mentally handicapped, but I can't imagine anyone having an abortion in such a cold-blooded way. I would have been thrilled to have your baby," she said truthfully.

  Clay's bleak eyes studied her face, his gaze unwavering. "You wouldn't have worried about Jimmy's handicap?"

  "Not at all," she said sincerely. "Jimmy is wonderful and loving. The possibility of having a disabled child wouldn't have made me consider an abortion. I would love any child of ours," she assured him fiercely and she meant it with every fiber of her being. "I have enough love in my heart for all types of children."

  Clay's big hand folded over Marisol's and held it in a tight grip. "Not everyone is as generous and brave as you are, sunshine."

  "Thank you." Tears welled up in her eyes. Jillian's abortion had destroyed Clay's faith in love, and Marisol felt wretched for him.

  Clay slowed to a stop at the red traffic light and turned to look at her. "I didn't mean to make you cry. All that's behind me now," he said, tipping her chin and kissing her. "I don't miss being married or having children."

  "Maybe someday you'll realize how much they can enrich your life," she said hopefully.

  "We'll see." He smiled at her and turned his attention to the road ahead. "But I'm not making any promises."

  "You must be proud of Jimmy," she said, changing the subject. "He's made a productive life for himself working at the grocery store."

  Clay nodded. "He has become pretty independent. Jimmy moved in with me after my mom died, but one day when I was working undercover narc, I almost got killed. I realized I wasn't doing him any favors by sheltering him from the outside world since I might not always be there to protect him."

  "You're right. I hadn't really considered it," Marisol said, her heart bursting with admiration. Didn't Clay realize he acted like a dad to Jimmy with his strong protective instincts?

  "I found a place for him to live where he could make friends and work nearby. The Haven of Hope has an excellent program, and Jimmy's happy and proud of his paycheck."

  "Do you take care of his living expenses?" she asked.

  "I don't need to. Our dad was a lawyer. He left a generous amount for Jimmy's needs in his will. He'll be well provided for all his life."

  Marisol kissed his lean jaw. "Clay, I'm not like Jillian. You can trust me." She paused. "If you still want me in your life, that is," she said, reminding him of what he'd said during their fevered lovemaking.

  He squeezed her hand. "I do."

  Clay turned off Krome Avenue onto a dirt road. When they reached the large circular driveway leading to Linc and Isabel's house, Marisol felt instantly drawn to the fertile land. Hundreds of royal palms and tropical fruit trees surrounded the Mediterranean-style house.

  "What a gorgeous place! It belongs in a movie."

  "I thought you'd like it. It's quite a change from hectic Miami, isn't it?"

  "I'll say!" Nearing the house, Marisol saw a tall man standing with his arm draped across the shoulders of a young woman as they watched two small children at play. Linc was ruggedly handsome with chestnut hair and striking blue eyes and Isabel was beautiful with long, silky black hair and chocolate doe eyes.

  "Come inside," Isabel said warmly after they were introduced. Marisol detected a slight Cuban accent. "Linc can check the lechon while I make us some drinks. He's had the pork slow-cooking on the rotisserie."

  "It smells great," Clay said. "Did you make my favorite black beans and rice?"

  Isabel beamed. "Of course!" She turned to her daughter and said, "Suzie, let Tio Clay breathe now." Although he wasn't related to Linc, Clay had told Marisol that the kids called him uncle anyway.

  "Stay right there, Suzie," Clay said, winking at the little girl with huge brown eyes whose sturdy arms wound tightly around his waist, while he held T.J. in his arms.

  Linc said to Clay and Marisol, "Let's go to the patio. You can see the new swimming pool."

  Isabel joined them with a tray of margaritas. Marisol liked Isabel right away. They were close in age and even though their lifestyles were quite different, Isabel had once run her own business and they had much in common.

  Marisol looked out at their lush backyard and the orange-pink glow from the setting sun that spread over fertile rows of citrus trees. Suzie and T.J. played in the yard with Casper, their white Labrador retriever. It was an idyllic surrounding for raising children.

  Later, they went inside to the kitchen so Isabel could prepare an avocado salad. While Isabel squeezed lime juice over the avocado chunks and thinly sliced onions, Marisol glanced out the window and watched Clay and Linc at the barbecue grill. Clay had remained close friends with Linc even after Linc, one of the best narcotics lieutenants in the force, had retired to run Isabel's fruit tree business.

  On the drive over, Clay had told Marisol how Isabel had led Linc on a rollercoaster ride before agreeing to marry him. Clay had said that he'd initially thought Isabel was more trouble than she was worth until he'd gotten to know her. Now he understood why Linc had agreed to change his lifestyle so drastically for Isabel to marry him.

  "The pork's ready, Isabelita," Linc called out. "Is everything else set up?"

  "Yes, please bring it in."

  They enjoyed a feast of succulent roast pork, tasty rice and black beans, and fried sweet plantains. Suzie and T.J. had been fed earlier, but Clay allowed T.J. to sit on his lap, munching happily on a piece of Cuban bread. Marisol was amused by Clay's patience with T.J. as the little boy talked gibberish and shared his gnawed piece of bread with him.

  Isabel and Marisol cleared the table while Linc showed Clay the new fertilizing equipment and Suzie took T.J. to her room to play. When they finished rinsing the dishes and stacking them into the dishwasher, Marisol helped Isabel get the children ready for bed.

  "How long have you known Clay?" Marisol asked as Isabel dressed T.J. in blue cotton pajamas.

  "About three years. You're the first girl he's ever brought for us to meet."

  "Really? That's good news," Marisol said, grinning.

  Isabel's warm brown eyes twinkled as she smiled at Marisol. "You're in love with him, aren't you?"

  "Is it that obvious?"

  Isabel laughed delightedly. "Are you kidding? You two haven't been able to keep your eyes off each other all evening!"

  "I didn't notice him staring at me," Marisol said, blushing because she really had noticed the look in his eyes that had promised a sensual night ahead.

  "From the looks of it, I'd say he's in deep. I never thought I'd see the day Clay would fall in love again."

  "Why not?" Marisol asked, following Isabel into Suzie's room.

  "Since I've known him, he's been a diehard cynic about love. His vow not to remarry is legendary at the police station."

  "Did you ever meet his ex-wife, Jillian?" Marisol asked, still
curious about her.

  "No, but Linc says she was a witch."

  "That sounds like Clay's description of her."

  Isabel's brows shot up. "He told you about Jillian?"

  "Yes, but I had to pry it out of him. Why do you look so surprised?"

  "That subject has always been taboo with Clay." Isabel stopped talking when Suzie, freshly showered and in her nightgown, walked in. Suzie tucked T.J. next to her in her bed for a bedtime story and Isabel called Linc to join her in kissing them good night.

  Marisol was ashamed to feel a pang of envy mixed in with her admiration for their loving family. Just then, Clay walked in and kissed both kids good night after promising to take them to the beach soon.

  They retired to the living room and Isabel served flan de coco for dessert with strong Cuban espresso.

  "How did you two meet?" Linc asked, looking from Marisol to Clay.

  "It's a long story," Marisol said, glancing at Clay and letting him tell them.

  "Somebody has been anonymously stalking Marisol. I've been acting as her bodyguard and investigating the case."

  "How horrible! I'm glad you're protecting her, Clay," Isabel said.

  "Do you have any leads?" Linc asked.

  "It could be Marisol's ex-fiancé. I won't know until tomorrow when I check the prints. He's in custody right now at the police station."

  "You already arrested him?" Linc asked.

  Clay nodded. "He tried to kidnap Marisol on a boat last night from the restaurant. When I arrested him, he had the balls to make light of it, insisting it was a prank."

  "Sounds like a nutcase." Linc turned to Isabel, who looked panic-stricken. "Don't worry, honey. Marisol will be fine if Clay's protecting her. He's the best detective I ever worked with."

  "Thanks," Clay grunted, acknowledging the compliment. "If Gabe isn't the stalker, then things are going to be a lot more complicated. I'll compare the latent prints I lifted when the AFIS report comes in tomorrow."

  "What's the AFIS?" Marisol asked. "That's the first time I've heard you mention it."

  "The Automated Fingerprint Identification System that checks fingerprints nationwide," Clay answered.

  "If I can help you in any way, let me know," Linc offered.

  "Okay, but I think I have this under control," Clay said.

  "So now you're dating?" Isabel concluded, beaming at them.

  "No, we're married," Marisol blurted out. She looked away from Clay's pained expression, not wanting to meet his eyes.

  Chapter 9

  "You two are married? Congratulations!" Isabel cried, rushing to embrace Clay, then Marisol.

  "Wait a minute, Isabel. Marisol hasn't told you the whole story," Clay said, shaking his head at Marisol. "We're married temporarily until I catch the stalker."

  Isabel gave them a perplexed look."You married her to catch the stalker? I don't get it."

  Clay slouched on the couch with a weary sigh. "The stalker is obsessed with marrying Marisol so I married her instead. That way I can protect her until I arrest him."

  Linc laughed heartily, exchanging amused looks with Isabel. "That's right, Clay, keep telling yourself that," he mocked.

  Marisol smiled at them, but Clay looked serious as he glanced at his watch and stood up. "It's getting late. Marisol and I have an early morning tomorrow."

  "Thank you for a wonderful evening. Everything was delicious," Marisol said, rising beside him. She and Isabel exchanged phone numbers and said good-bye after Clay promised Linc to keep him abreast of Marisol's case.

  On the drive home, Marisol leaned her head drowsily on Clay's shoulder and snuggled beside him. "I'm sorry I blurted out that we were married. Are you mad at me?"

  "No, of course not. I know to expect the unexpected from you."

  Marisol smiled at his gruff admission. "I'm glad you brought me along tonight. Isabel and Linc are wonderful together. You really like them, don't you?"

  "They're good friends."

  They drove home in silence, save for the light patter of rainfall. Too emotionally drained to talk anymore, Marisol remained quiet. Witnessing Linc's devotion to his wife and children had triggered a longing for the same from Clay and she couldn't control her disappointment at the way he'd downplayed their relationship to Linc and Isabel.

  When they got back home, Marisol went into the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth before changing into an oversized T-shirt. She remembered how much she had longed for Clay's lovemaking before they left the apartment. But now she couldn't bear for him to make love to her without him telling her what she wanted to hear because she had fallen in love with him.

  Marisol walked out of the bathroom and stood in the doorway leading from the bedroom to the living room. "Good night, Clay," she said, smiling at him.

  "Why are you going to bed so early? Let's watch the news together."

  "No. I'm sleepy," she said, stifling a yawn.

  "How about a good-night kiss? C'mere, sunshine," he coaxed, patting his lap.

  "Not tonight. I'm turning in," she said quietly. "Night."

  For several moments, he studied her from beneath hooded, midnight eyes. "Night, baby."

  Marisol shivered involuntarily. She wouldn't have liked being called baby by anyone but Clay. Coming from him, it was sweet and incredibly sexy.

  Marisol lay in bed and prayed for sleep to come. She decided she was getting too absorbed in Clay and didn't want to obsess over his negative views on marriage. She needed to snap out of it, go back to work and devote her energy to her salon. Punching her pillow, she told herself that worrying about Clay wouldn't change a thing until he learned to trust her. She loved him enough to be patient and wait it out.

  * * *

  Clay stayed awake long enough to watch the evening news. When it was over, he lay down beside Marisol who had fallen asleep with the light on. Lying on her side facing him, she was sleeping deeply, as usual. Clay stroked her cheek, enchanted by the way her long lashes curled against her cheeks and her small nose tilted upward against the pillow. Planting a kiss on her soft cheek, he turned off the light.

  He had noticed the yearning look on her face when Linc and Isabel had kissed Suzie and T.J. good night. Marisol probably longed for a family life like theirs. As much as it pained Clay, she'd have to settle for not having a baby if she stayed with him. Her pledge of fidelity had deeply moved him when she'd basically said she would love him and any child of his unconditionally. No woman, especially not Jillian, had ever uttered those words to him.

  He could already feel Marisol's radiant presence chipping away at his self-imposed solitude. From the first time he had made love to her, he had felt fiercely possessive. Clay gazed at her peaceful, sleeping face with a heavy burden of regret in his heart because he couldn't fathom someone as desirable and sweet as Marisol wanting to be with him forever.

  Her genuine words earlier floated into his mind... and warmed his heart. "If I had been Jillian, I would have been delighted to have your baby. I have enough love in my heart for all types of children."

  God, how he wanted to believe her, to trust that she was different from any other woman in his life, but he knew better.

  He would never blindly trust a woman again.

  * * *

  Marisol awoke Monday morning determined to face the day with a positive attitude. She regretted her gloomy mood at the end of the wonderful Sunday she and Clay had spent together. Each time she pondered Linc and Isabel's marriage, she pined for a committed relationship with Clay, like theirs. Witnessing their unconditional love, Marisol knew she needed the same from Clay. There was no problem with their physical connection, which was amazing. What was flawed was his emotional involvement.

  She told herself to be patient. Somehow she'd have to convince him that he could trust her, especially after Jillian's betrayal. Marisol squared her shoulders and made a crucial decision. She was tired of moping about Clay's attitude toward marriage and babies. She would find a way to teach him to love wholeh
eartedly again.

  Bolstered by her resolve to woo and conquer Clay, Marisol joined him in the kitchen for breakfast. "I think I'll skip my workout today," she said cheerily. "I want to open the salon early and get right to work."

  Clay glanced at her with an odd expression. "Did you sleep okay?"

  "I had a restless night, but today is a new day filled with new possibilities."

  "Glad to hear it." He seemed on edge as his deep, unswerving gaze watched her from across the table.

  She stood up. "Okay, well... I have to get ready. Can I use the bathroom first?"

  "Sure, I'll read the paper while you shower."

  Marisol hurried through her shower and styled her mousse-dampened hair with her fingertips as she blew it dry. She wanted to get to the salon as soon as possible and have time alone to sort her thoughts.

  When they were dressed and ready to leave, Clay followed Marisol's car to the salon. "I'll be back at seven to escort you home," he said, before driving off.

  "I don't think that's necessary now that you've arrested Gabe."

  "Wait for me at seven," he said, undeterred.

  Marisol was anxious to leave. "All right. Go to work and stop telling me what to do."

  "Be careful. Call me if anything comes up," he said before driving away.

  Marisol entered her beauty salon and felt a surge of pride. The pink-and-black-neo art-deco look pleased her clients who often commented about the beautiful surroundings. In the center of the main room was an island counter with a large mirror surrounded by flattering studio lights where Kyla, the makeup artist, did makeovers. Marisol had a special room set aside for waxing and facials to the right of the main salon, where Trini worked when she wasn't doing manicures.

  At the back, next to the supply room, was a small kitchen where the cappuccino and espresso machines seemed to be in constant use. Marisol strongly believed in pampering her clients so they'd keep coming back.

  Her business was booming and she was thankful for that. She had hired top hair stylists and designed a state-of-the-art beauty salon. Many of the area salons were already competing with her success by trying to copy her marketing ideas.