She stretched out.
“It's ok.”
Ramón pushed the talk button.
“Hello.”
“What are you doing?” Aj’s voice boomed over the speaker.
“Nothing just relaxing.” He said with a yawn.
“Is Ms. Desiree still there?”
“Yes, why?”
“Well Gia wants to know if you guys wanted to come over because we are off from practice today. We are having a game night. Your sister will be there.”
“Where is Brandon going?”
“I guess over Chad’s parents. Come on.”
Ramón put the phone down.
“Ok so Gia and Aj are having a game night and want us to come. And before you say yes my sister and her husband will be there.”
“I would love to go. Maybe we girls can show you guys a thing or two.”
Ramón held the phone back up.
“Ok we are in. she’s already talking smack so beware.”
“Ok we will see you in a little while.”
Ramón hung up and looked at Desiree.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Staying.”
She smiled.
“You are welcome.”
Three kisses and a change of clothes later they drove up Aj’s gated driveway. His house was beautiful just as beautiful as Ramón’s. It was a little more private than Ramón’s was with woodlands surrounding the house with a wraparound drive way the gorgeous Spanish style home. They walked up to the mahogany door and Desiree jumped as the cooper lanterns popped on from each side of the door. Ramón held her hand.
“It’s ok they come on automatically and don’t be nervous they are going to love you.”
Gia opened the door with a smile wearing a simple baby blue sundress. Desiree shook her head.
“Gia only you can take a simple dress and make it look like you belong on America’s next top model.”
“Desi I think I love you.”
She escorted them in. Desiree glanced around the Gorgeous American Black Walnut flooring off of the main foyer and smiled as she noticed most of the walls had mahogany panels on them. Even though Ramón said it was causal Desiree was glad she stayed away from jeans and wore a sleeveless dress which has an abstract burst print and surplice v-neckline. The flounced high to low hemline and beaded detail made her shape look curvier than she thought it would. She hated the dress until Ramón had her try it on. She wore beige heeled sandals and light makeup because Ramón said she was too beautiful to be loaded with eyeliner and blush.
Desiree couldn’t keep her eyes off of Ramón who wore beige khaki shorts and a collared white with dark blue striped shirt. He reminded Desiree of Nikki’s husband. With every outfit, he had matching shoes and a fitted cap. As they walked into the living room, Britney and Chad greeted them.
Desiree saw Rachael all up and through Britney. She had the same hazel-nut brown complexion and facial features but her dark brown eyes belonged to her father. Britney’s hair was dark brown with blonde highlights. She wore a red spaghetti strapped sundress with matching sandals. Chad on the other hand looked like a manly man. His broad shoulders were covered with a Black buttoned down collared shirt covering a wife beater. He wore dark blue jeans and all black Nike’s. His dark skin and handsome features reminded her that of Idris Elba. Britney smiled at her.
“So you are the famous Desiree? It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“Thank you so much. It's nice to meet you too.”
“That’s my husband Chad. There are two more couples due in then we play.”
“So what are we playing?” Desiree asked smiling.
“Battle of the Sexes. It's a grudge match because the guys won last time.” Britney frowned.
“Well we can’t let that happen again. So let’s start strategizing.”
Britney smiled.
“Gia you were right. I like her.”
“Told you so.”
“Knock Knock.”
Desiree looked up and noticed two other couples walking into the house. As they were all introduced, the women went to the kitchen. Desiree liked the ladies; they were nothing like she thought. Brandi who was 5’6 and a plus sized model wore her hair in a high ponytail. She was a dark ebony color with blue eyes. Desiree didn't know if they were real or not but it worked for her. Shelby stood at 5’1 her olive shaped eyes were green. Her long red hair flowed over her shoulders in soft curls.
“Ok we cannot let the guys beat us again.”
Desiree smiled.
“Ok well if I remember correctly battle of the sexes is all about knowing what the men would usually know.”
Shelby smiled.
“Yes except this time we are playing name that song battle of the sexes.”
Desiree scrunched up her face.
“Wait so we have to know songs sung by men?”
“Yes and they have to know how to songs by women.”
As the women took the food into the living room, the guys jumped up to help. Desiree smiled, she thought for sure she would go home hungry but they had chicken wings and subs. Chips and cookies. Pops and beer. Desiree didn't drink but she knew she would enjoy her night. As Gia stepped up to start the game, Desiree smiled over Ramón. Britney held up her hands as Ramón moved closer to kiss Desiree.
“Not that I don't love to see my brother so in awe of a woman but this is war.”
Gia cleared her throat.
“Ok ladies let's start this off with a win. Remember after I press the girl’s button we have 20 seconds to answer.”
She pressed the girl’s button and the music started. “Back in school we used to dream about this every day. Could it really happen? Or do dreams just fade away.”
Desiree stood up.
“I know its Motown Philly by Boys to Men.”
Shelby and Brandi looked at each other.
“You sure?”
Britney smiled.
“She’s right!”
As the DVD gave her the answer, the girls jumped up in celebration. Ramón looked over to the guys.
“I guess I should have told you guys Desiree’s nickname is The Music Encyclopedia.”
Desiree smiled.
“You guys are going down!”
Chapter 5
Back to present
Desiree watched as Ramón slammed in another dunk. He was on fire. And after every dunk, he glanced up at her and smiled. Desiree couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. She was impressed and aroused at every dunk, block, and rebound he put up. Nikki shoved her jokingly.
“I know what you’re thinking.”
“No you don't.”
“Yeah I do. I know you still love him it’s too hard for you not too.”
“Love. I should have just left when I had the chance. But no we had to stay with him. What was I thinking?”
“You were thinking that you wanted him to beat it up again.”
“Nikki!” Desiree shoved her back.
“What you know it’s true.”
“It was too much Nikki. All the lies and the letters, being put in magazines the speculations.”
“I understand but it wasn’t his fault. He has a life in the spot light. You had to have known.”
“How could I know? I didn’t know that while Zack and I were there someone was taking pictures and running stories on me. You know it broke my heart when they called me his plus sized beauty.”
“At least they called you beautiful.”
“Ha small comfort. I should have ended it that day. The day I left I should have cut all ties with him.”
“Why didn’t you?” she questioned.
“Because when I looked into his eyes it was just him and me and that was enough for me. We were only supposed to be friends. Friends. Nikki I have to tell you something.”
“What?”
Desiree looked back down to the court and tried turn away but couldn’t. As the second Quarter ended Ramón looked up
at Desiree still overwhelmed that she was there. As he walked into the locker room he couldn’t lose the image of her beautiful face. She looked stunning. He sat down and grabbed a towel. As he wiped his face he couldn’t help but think back to the first game Desiree had ever attended.
***
20 months earlier
Desiree placed the crest whiting strips over her teeth and opened her mouth wide then ran her tongue across her teeth as she readjusted the Bluetooth phone piece in her ear. She placed the phone on her hip.
“You know Nikki these strips do seem to work.”
“I told you. So what are you doing today?”
“I dunno. With Zack over Derrick’s I have the house to myself. I might grab some food and watch the game.”
“I can’t believe after all this time you guys spent together you guys still aren’t official yet?.” Nikki said picking at her nails.
“Nikki I told you we are just having fun. I don’t expect anything from him and he doesn’t expect anything from me.”
“Who are you fooling? You feel something for that man I know you do. I mean you did sleep with him how many times has it been?”
“Nikki stop.”
“Then be honest with me.”
Desiree walked into the living room and plopped on her couch.
“Ok since you won’t drop it…he has asked me to be with him officially but.” Desiree let her voice trail off. She didn’t really have a good reason for not being with him other than she was scared.
“But what? He is fine, he is smart and rich.”
“Nikki, Ramón Norris is a superstar and I know he is busy. I understand that while he has a life, he wants me in it but how can I? We don't spend enough time together and I don't wanna be alone in a relationship again.” Nikki questioned.
“So you just keep telling him no?”
“I told him we would talk about it the next time we saw each other.” Desiree grabbed her nail polish and began to paint her nails.
“And you have no intention on talking to him?”
“I don't see why I need to ruin what we have.”
“Why would you ruin it by being with him?”
Someone knocked on her door. She put the cap back on and stood up.
“Hold on Nik someone is at my door.”
“I am not buying that answer the question.”
“I am serious hold on.”
Desiree walked to the door and opened it.
“Hey.”
She stood at the door stunned and in shocked with her mouth wide open. She shut the door in his face.
“Desi who is it?”
“Nikki its Ramón.”
“Ramón? Where?”
“Outside my door.”
Nikki screamed through the phone as Desiree removed the ear piece.
“He’s there? Desi talk to me.”
Ramón knocked again.
“Desi open the door.”
Desiree exhaled then opened the door.
“Ramón?”
The phone long forgotten Desiree felt she was dreaming. Ramón smiled down to her with his hands behind his back.
“You forgot about me already we just talked this morning?” he asked smiling.
Desiree snapped out of it.
“Yeah and you didn’t tell me you would stop by.”
“Good to see you too. Are you gonna invite me in?”
“Oh yeah come in.”
He walked into the apartment and she took a whiff of his scent. He smelled so good. She shut the door and turned towards him. He looked so good wearing a pair of Khaki’s and a Sweater. She looked away biting her lips. He came up behind her.
“These are for you.”
He handed her a dozen pink roses. She smiled and hugged him.
“Thank you…but what are you doing here? Don't you have a game tonight?”
“You really think I would come down here without seeing you?”
“How did you get here?”
“I have my ways.”
She looked him up and down and felt heat rise from within her. She stepped back from him.
“Let me put these in some water.”
She walked into the kitchen and grabbed a vase. Ramón walked around the small apartment and smiled.
“So how have you been?”
“I'm ok. Just studying on my day off.”
“Where’s Zack?”
“Over a friends for the day.
How are you? And Madison? The family?”
“I'm ok. So is everyone else. Maddie told me to tell you hi.”
She arranged the flowers in the Vase. It was at that point she realized that she was a total mess. She had her hair pushed up into a pony tail, a mud mask on her face and she was wearing her pajamas. They were yellow with little seals kissing. And if that wasn’t bad enough she had the crest whitening strips in her mouth. She turned in horror.
“Can you give me a moment and let me change.”
“Why do you need to change?”
“I know you see me…I'm a mess.”
He walked towards her.
“I think you look cute.” He said pulling her to him
“Let me at least wash my face.”
She pulled away from him as she walked to her rest room. Ramón smiled after her. He had never seen a more beautiful sight then Desiree in the morning. Even though she was wearing something on her face and the cutest pajamas, he couldn’t stop finally feeling complete when he was near her. He walked around her living room and sat down on her maroon loveseat. Desiree walked into the bathroom and shut the door. As she looked in the mirror and it was worse than she thought. She took off her glasses as she turned on the water.
She grabbed a wash cloth off the towel rack and placed it under the water. As she exhaled she scrubbed her face removing all of the dried mud on her face. Once done she removed the whitening strips, rinsed out her mouth and brushed her hair. She felt her phone vibrate on her hip and grabbed the Bluetooth headset she placed on her shirt.
“Nikki let me call you back.”
“He’s there?”
“Yes let me call you back.”
She hung up and walked out the bathroom. Ramón walked over to her desk as she walked over to him.
“This is a nice place you have here.” He said smiling.
“It works for us. I didn’t need anything big or flashy I just needed something in a nice area where we could be safe.”
“That’s what’s up.”
He picked up a book off her desk.
“You’re a writer? I mean I know you said you wrote but a book? Wow.”
“I am a struggling writer. That is actually my first book. It’s out in stores but I didn’t really have a promotion or nothing for it yet.”
“Wow so you are like really talented?”
“I guess.” She shrugged.
“No seriously because it looks interesting.”
She turned towards him and sighed. “So why are you really here?”
“What do you mean?”
She crossed her arms over her chest and stood firm.
“I mean you have to have a reason for being here on game day.”
He moved closer to her. “I missed you and it's been a month since I have seen you.”
“You have been busy.”
“I know and I am sorry but you deserve so much more than phone calls. And that is why I came over here to see you.”
“I see.” She moved towards the loveseat and sat down.
“Come on we both agreed that we would cool it until the media died down. And they have.”
“I know. It's just really hard being compared to all your so called love interests.”
“You had every right to be upset about that I still am.” He moved next to her and sat down he pulled her hand in his but she pulled hers away.
“Yeah so ok shouldn’t you be at practice before the game?”
“I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind I have thou
ght about you a lot and I just wanted to come here and see you. I missed you and I know you missed me.”
He stood and drew her up to him. He was so addicting that she couldn’t resist him. As he caressed her face she realized she was powerless against his defenses. His lips moved to hers and couldn’t help but feel like she was back where she belonged. When their lips touched Desiree felt a burst of electricity flow between her and him. As his lips parted and she felt his tongue flick hers she went weak in the knees. Gathering her thoughts she pulled away from him and stepped back wiping her mouth.
“Ok. Ahem.” She cleared her throat. “Well it was great seeing you again. You should be getting back.”
He stared at her.
“Wait what?”
She backed away from him a little more.
“You came over here just so you could have sex with me again it's what you do and I just don't feel like doing that right now.”
“What?” he couldn’t help but feel hurt by her assumption.
She noticed the flicker of pain appear across his face and but couldn’t stop feeling hurt herself at the thought of being just a booty call to him. “Nice touch coming to me for once though.”
He held up his hand. “Whoa; now who is jumping to conclusions?”
“If that’s not why you are here then tell me why you’re here?”
He sat on her love seat.
“I wanted to talk to you.”
She placed her hands on her hips. “About?”
“I want you to come to the game with me.”
“Come to the game?”
“Yeah the game tonight, I want you to come as my guest.”
She sat next to him and looked towards him. “You want to take me to a game? But we agreed since we are friends it would be stupid to feed into the rumors.”
“Actually I wanted to talk to you about that.”
“Ok talk.” She said trying to control the emotions creeping through her body.
“Desiree you are nothing I am used to.”
She glanced down to the ground knowing what was coming next. “I get that I mean I have seen the type of girls you are into.”
“I’m into you Desiree.”
She looked back up to him. “You’re what?”
“I am into you. I really wanna be with you and I want you to stop stalling and be with me.”
To Love a Man Page 16