She raised up and walked to the window in her living room. “Me? Why?”
“Why not?”
“There is a laundry list of reasons.”
“What’s up with that?” he sighed in frustration.
“What do you mean?”
He stood and moved closer to her. “I hear you talk about how wonderful Nikki is and your friends but never about how wonderful you are. Don't you realize how amazing you really are?”
“What I realize is that you are only here to get something from me and I think you need to leave.”
She turned towards the door and bean to walk towards it. “You know what I am here for something…I am here to get you all of you. I told you I want to be with you. Why is that so had to believe. It’s like you’re afraid to be totally honest with me about what you’re feeling.”
“What?”
“I know you want to be with me like I want you so just tell me the truth why are you pushing me away?”
“Just go ok.”
“No not until you tell me what you are feeling.”
Desiree opened the door.
“Get out!”
“You don’t want me to get out.”
“GET OUT!!”
He walked to her and slammed the door pushing her up against it and taking her lips back into his. His mouth explored hers and she was a slave to his touch. She needed him but knew she had to fight her feeling. She had to fight the pleasure she felt when his strong hands glided up her back and she pushed him away from her.
“No stop!”
“Why do you keep pulling away from?” he demanded.
“Because I don't want you to hurt me.” She said forcefully moving him away from her so that she could gather her thoughts.
“Why would I hurt you?”
Desiree felt tears brim her eyes but before she could wiped them Ramón kissed them away. “Tell me why would I hurt you?”
“Ramón you are this amazingly famous sexy man who has gotten me to let my guard down. I love talking to you and those texts you send make me feel so special. Never have I had a guy send me texts every morning just because he likes me.”
“So what’s the problem?”
She wiped a lone tear that fell from the pool brimming around her eyes. “Guys like you don't date girls like me. I am not your type I don't belong in your world. And there is a huge possibility that you will hurt me.” More tears fell from her eyes but she continued to express herself she needed him to see why they would never work. “I don't want to be hurt. I don't wanna be left alone and heartbroken having to pick up the pieces of my life. I have a son to think about and you have a daughter. There is something about you that pulls me to you but I am sorry I can’t be with you.”
“You can’t or you won’t?”
He as he tried to pull her back to him she moved away but he stood firm he pulled her hand to his lips then kissed it. Then he wrapped her arms around his waist and lifted her chin.
“Desiree all I am asking is a chance to be with you, a chance to get to know you, a chance to date you.”
“And how is that supposed to work? I am in Fort Lauderdale and you are in Charleston.”
“We will make it work. I know we can. I will do anything I can to be with you.”
“It’s not gonna work.”
She lowered her head but he lifted it back up to meet his. “You haven’t even given it a chance and that is all I am asking. Please we can make this work. Come to the game tonight.”
“And then what?”
“We will take it one day at a time.”
“Can Nikki come?”
“You can bring whoever you want.”
She leaned back against the door and stalled for a moment.
“One day at a time seems pretty good to me.”
Ramón smiled as he pulled her lips to his. He kissed her as she wrapped her arms around him. He pulled her up to him.
“Ok now that we cleared all that up…where is the bedroom?”
She laughed as she tried to pull away from him. He picked her up in search for the bed.
***
Ramón wanted to show off for Desiree. Knowing she was watching his every move only made him play harder and score more? Desiree jumped up with Nikki as Ramón slammed the ball into the net. He hung on the rim for a second then let go and landed on his feet. Watching Ramón play was so exciting. She loved the seeing him run and up and down the court, the way he seemed to just know where the ball was made Desiree feel he made the right choice in playing ball.
By the end of the game she wanted to run onto the court and congratulate him but she knew she couldn’t. So she and Nikki walked out to the car. As they were leaving Ramón smiled up to her and walked off the court and into the locker room. He wanted to change and leave as soon as possible. As he was about to leave he was surrounded by cameras.
“Ramón over here!”
“Ramón great game.”
“Ramón do you think you guys are gonna take it all the way?”
Ramón put his hands in the air.
“Thank you guys we had a great time out there and I do think that we can get to the end and take it home.”
“Ramón you played a great game tonight. 21pts, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks your first triple double of the season. How do you feel about that?”
“It’s a great feeling we are only eight games into the season and have won six of eight. I think we are making a statement.”
“So what do you think about Sunday’s game? Last season they were your biggest competitors.”
“I think it's going to be a great game. We are looking forward to a great season.”
“How do you feel about how well your team worked together tonight?”
“I think after three years of having the majority of the same players is really working in our favor. And with the new blood doing as great as they are it makes it easier to play hard. Like we say play hard or go home.”
“Ramón what do you think about the rumor.”
“Please before you finish you know I don’t listen to rumors and I don't care to comment on them. Now if you will excuse me I should get changed.”
After returning to the locker room and changing into his coat and tie, Ramón walked out of the locker room and to the parking lot. He pulled out his phone and dialed Desiree’s number.
“Hello?”
“Hey beautiful where are you?”
“Getting ready to leave.”
“Oh can I see you before I leave?”
“I dunno what’s in it for me?” she teased.
“You get to see me.”
“Oh well in that case turn around.”
Ramón turned and smiled as he saw Desiree standing next to her 2002 Black Hyundai Accent. He walked over to her and pulled her to him. She put her hands up in protest.
“Someone will see.”
“So.” He pulled her lips to his and she allowed him to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around him and Nikki cleared her throat.
“Can’t you guys wait till you take me home or something?”
Desiree smiled and looked at Ramón.
“Can I take you home?”
Ramón put her down and frowned.
“I have a flight to catch in a couple of hours.”
“Oh.”
“Don’t do that please.”
“Do what?”
“Look at me like that. I know it's tough but we are gonna take this one day at a time remember?”
“I know. So we are just going to have to make this time enjoyable.”
“Oh I know how we can do that.”
He pulled her to him again and Nikki sighed.
“Again can you do that after I am gone?”
Chapter 6
Fifteen months earlier
“We’re here!” Desiree said beaming.
“Desi!”
Madison ran to Desiree and hugged her. Desiree smiled as Ramón put the bags on the floor. Zack walked i
n the house and smiled.
“Maddie!”
She hugged him.
“Zack dad finished the indoor game room. He added so many more cool things we now have bowling, basketball, a pool table, WII, PS3, 360 and all the games come on.”
Zack ran after Maddie and Rachael walked out the living room with her purse. She hugged Desiree.
“How was the flight?” Rachael asked loving how her son who was in a bad mood all week seemed to beam now. Desiree exhaled.
“It wasn’t bad, how are you doing?”
“I am really glad you are here.”
“I am glad to be here. This should be a fun Thanksgiving.”
“Well I know you guys are gonna have a good time. Ramón said he wanted Thanksgiving dinner here. So Britney and I will bring the food over and cook.”
Desiree lit up at the thought of having a big family dinner. “Can I help I am used to cooking.”
“Ramón mentioned you might want to help. I say the more the merrier.”
“So what do you guys usually cook?”
“Turkey, ham, greens, Mac and cheese, yams and some other things depending on who decides to come. We usually have around thirty family members over and Ramón says Nikki and her family are coming?”
“Yes they should be here tomorrow.”
“Great I can’t wait to meet your best friend. How old are her kids?”
“Seven and four.”
“Well we have a few other kids in the family. And with Maddie and Zack they should have fun.”
“Ok. Well just let me know when you want to go to the store.”
“Really?”
“Yes ma’am.”
Rachael smiled a wide smile. She really liked Desiree. Everything about this woman said down to earth and sweet. What made things better was Ramón being so taken with her. Her son was in love and Rachael was glad the woman was Desiree. Ramón reached around her waist and smiled as Desiree picked up her bags.
He took the duffle bag and suitcase from her and walked towards the bedroom. Desiree followed him to the bedroom and smacked him on the behind as he placed her bag on the bed. She walked over to it and opened it. And opened it. She smiled as Ramón stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her.
“I am so glad you are here.” He said kissing her neck.
“I am glad too. I needed this break I mean I love my job but I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too. So very very much.”
He rubbed her shoulders.
“Your shoulders are so tense. Maybe I should de-stress you.”
She turned towards him and moved him towards the bed. She sat him on it then moved to his lap.
“If you are really willing to get rid of all this stress then I could use a kiss.”
She wrapped her arms around him and took his lips to hers. She was over taken by the pleasure that he gave her. He pulled back and stared into her eyes.
“I need to tell you something.”
She pulled herself off of him and began to take her clothes out of her suitcase. “Ok what?”
“Desi I know we have only known each for about six months but I have fallen head over heels in love with you.”
“What?”
“I love you Desiree Holloway.”
Desiree turned towards him and felt a tear descend from her left eye. She heard the words leave her lips and love surrounded her heart and soul, she saw in his eyes that his words were true, he really did love her. And she loved him. She moved closer to him and tried to hold back the tears that wanted so badly to fall. This was something she had never felt before. She felt tears of joy fall from her face.
“I love you too Ramón. I really do. I didn’t want to but it happened anyways.”
“I hate being apart from you. I hate missing you as much as I do. I love Zack as much as I know you love Maddie.”
“I do love her and your whole family.”
“But-”
“But what?”
Desiree pulled her hands away from him.
“But what Ramón? I thought we were doing well. I let my guard down and we made time to see each other every chance we get.”
“We are calm down.”
“Did you bring me all the way over here to break up with me? After you tell me you love me?”
“No will you listen to me.”
Desiree stood by the door with her arms folded. She let the tears fall but didn’t care, that great feeling she had in her had left her and was replaced with sadness.
“First I need you to listen to me. If this is about that article I read it and I honestly don't care. I knew going into this that people would try to pull me into something that may or may not be true. I just have to accept it and I can. I know I am not the ideal woman.”
“Wait what?”
“Your ideal woman, someone who has that model figure and who won’t hinder you. That’s why I have been working on myself because I want to be a woman who is worthy of a man like you. I don’t want to let fear ruin what this is.”
“And what makes you think that you are not worthy of me Desiree when I look into your eyes I know you are it for me. You are this incredible woman. I see how you have come back from having your heart broken. Your ex cheated on you and treated you like you didn’t deserve to be loved. I am not worthy of you.”
Ramón pulled her to him.
“I know you like the simple things in life. While most women would want a big commotion about this I know that you would prefer it to stay between you and me. I love that about you. I love that you freely express yourself I love that you love me. I love how you treat my daughter. It’s like you get me in a way no one ever has.”
He pulled out a small box and she knew she had to be seeing things. He got down on one knee and she backed away from him tears flowing freely now.
“Ramón what are you doing?”
“I know Christmas is a month away but I wanted to give you an early Christmas present.”
He pulled a small box from his pocket. He opened the box and she gasped as she saw the three carat Princess cut three stone Diamond Ring. Ramón moved closer to her.
“I feel like I wasn’t complete until I met you. It may sound corny but it's true. I love you so much so will you be my wife.”
“Me?” was the only thing she could get out of her mouth. There was no way he was serious about choosing her as his wife. Shocked by her question he couldn’t understand why she asked “Me” instead of saying “yes”.
“I’m sorry?” he asked wanting her to clarify things for him.
“You want to marry me I'm not hearing things?”
He laughed at her. “No you’re not hearing things I want you to be my wife I want you to be a mother to my daughter. And I want to be a father to your son and I want to have more kids with you. Be my wife.”
Desiree shook her head trying to work through her own demons. “But it has only been a few months how can you be sure?”
“I have never been this sure about anything in my life. All you have to do is say yes.”
Desiree looked deep inside herself and couldn’t find a reason why she shouldn’t marry Ramón. He was sexy and sweet, he made her feel beautiful. She had plenty of doubts when it came to being with Charles. But when she thought about being with Ramón all she could see was the possibilities.
“Yes.” She said feeling a fresh bunch of tears fall from her eyes.
Ramón swooped her up in his arms and kissed her. He filled that kiss with all of the love and passion he could find. He reluctantly pulled away and she held out her finger for him to place the ring onto her fingers. She wiped the tears from her eyes. She had never been so happy in her life. He was everything that she had ever wanted and she was determined to keep him.
“So I want you guys to move here as soon as possible. We can start moving you in after thanksgiving.”
Desiree held up her hands.
“Wait I need you to calm down. I have work and Zack has school
. Ohmigosh Zack I need to know how he feels about this…about us.”
“I asked him.”
“What?”
He smiled down to her and opened the door. Desiree was surprised to see Maddie and Zack fall backwards smiling. Ramón moved out the way so they could enter the room and then he shut the door.
“I talked to Zack a couple of days ago and he and Maddie both are thrilled at the thought of us being a family.”
Desiree looked at Zack.
“Zack?”
Zack turned towards his mom and smiled.
“I haven’t seen you this happy in a long time. I think Ramón is a great guy and can make you very happy.”
“But what about transferring?”
“I am ok with it. You have made so many sacrifices for me I don’t mind making this one for you. I have been reading up on it and from what Maddie has told me and what I have been reading I really think I am going to like the school.”
Maddie walked closer to her.
“And I have always wanted a big brother to pick on. And I think you would be a great mom. Its ok if I call you mom isn’t it?”
Desiree felt touched at her question.
“I would love that.”
She hugged Maddie and smiled as Ramón and Zack had joined in on the hug. Desiree looked around feeling complete at what was soon to be her new family and she felt blessed.
***
“Let me see the ring again.” Britney smiled while she looked at the ring.
“It’s so beautiful. Kelli look at it.”
“I never knew my brother had such good taste. In jewelry and women.”
Desiree smiled touched at the comment.
“Thanks for that.”
Nikki took Desiree’s hand.
“That’s for sure it's like the ring was made for you Desi.”
Desiree smiled over to Nikki, Kelli and Britney. The women seemed to genuinely accept her and Nikki into their family.
“I wasn’t expecting this at all. It came out of nowhere. And to be honest I am as happy as I am scared.”
“Scared?”
Desiree smiled as she noticed the similarities between Kelli and Britney. If it wasn’t for the age difference Desiree would have asked if they were twins. The differences were subtle though. Kelli was a little more defined, being a police officer kept her in great shape. Kelli walked over to the fridge and brought her mother’s cheesecake and began to slice everyone a piece. She handed Desiree a slice and frowned.
To Love a Man Page 17