xxxxxx
Romero drove the dark sedan through the streets with ease as he stole side glances at Natalie. He was sure he would be dead three times over if looks could kill. She'd left her grandmother's two hours later than he thought she would, most likely to get back at him. He didn't mind, he'd taken care of his business as he waited for her. He had caught her trying to leave also without him knowing, but Romero had been waiting outside patiently when she walked out, heading straight for her car. Instead of worrying about it, he decided to do something else besides take her out to dinner.
Romero pressed a button on his console before turning onto an empty street. Natalie looked out her window at the mass of homes that lined it. They were gorgeous pieces of architecture and before Natalie could ask where they were, Romero was pulling into a driveway paved in red brick and parking behind a shiny SUV in Cherry Red.
"Um, Romero…" she began.
"Come on." Romero said as he turned off his car and unfolded himself from behind the wheel. He ran to the passenger side where Natalie refused to get out. Opening the door he bent down near her. "You don't trust me?" he asked.
"No, I don't!" she ground out.
"Why not? Have I done anything that would warrant that I would cause bodily harm to you?" he teased.
"Yes…you have." She heard Romero's deep chuckle and cursed at her curiosity to see his place of residence.
"Please Nat, come on. I had my cook make us something special and since it's early, we can watch a movie and plan our wedding." He said, standing up. "Come on."
"I hate you."
"Well, at least you feel something for me." He stated sarcastically and waited for her to get out. Closing the door behind her, he led her through the walkway toward the side of the house.
Natalie took in the outside that was illuminated by the motion lights that came on as they passed near them. The bushes were meticulously groomed with a splattering of flowers that made a nice colorful display against the brick of the curved walkway. The front of the house was accessible, but she figured Romero liked his privacy. She was sure no one could see over the eight foot high black fence he had up along with vines and big oak trees lining it. Privacy was more than attainable here.
He opened the side door where she viewed the glow of water that was further in the back. The house was big and elegant. She was surprised by the area they walked into. Romero shut the door behind her and locked it as she looked around the big space. Black leather sectional and dark wood table centered on a black faux fur rug, a big plasma television on the wall, and what looked like an closet that hid something. On the opposite side of the room was a full service bar.
"This is my play room, so to speak." He grinned. She viewed a pool table that sat off in the corner and a jukebox.
"Does it work?' she asked, walking over to it and turning the pages.
"Yes, just put in a coin. There are a bunch in a cup on the shelf above it." Natalie looked up in the recessed case of the wall where a few trophies, signed baseballs, and other memorabilia sat.
"I thought you didn't have time for fun?"
"I don't, that was when I did have time." He laughed. "Here." Natalie turned around taking the drink from him. It was a sweet drink, but light. "Okay?" he asked, she nodded before putting the coin in and selecting the music. Everything in the jukebox was oldies.
"This is nice."
"But, there is more." He smiled and growing excited at the opportunity to show Natalie a more personal side of him. His home was his sanctuary, he didn't spend as much time here as he'd like too, but Romero still enjoyed the quiet and space of it when he was there. Only if it was to shower. He was way past the age of wanting to look good in someone's eyes, now he sensed a need to impress her. More or less sway her to his side. They went up a short staircase leading into a den where Romero had different shades of blue throughout it.
"This is the blue room." He laughed. "It's more of a study, but I'm never studying in it." They continued through another door into a hall. Several paintings and small photographs lined the brick colored wall. While they walked on marble flooring in a grayish and white with black specks. They soon entered the dining area where candles were lit and silver covered dishes sat on a long mahogany table. Fresh flowers adorned it and Romero sat his drink down before pulling out her chair.
"Give me your jacket and purse." He commanded and disappeared for a moment before coming back and sitting beside her at the head of the table, she on his right.
"So, you like?" he asked.
"Yes, this is nice. But you didn't have go through all this Romero."
"No, but I wanted to. Let's see what we have." He uncovered his dish to the smells of his favorite. Paella, robust spices wafted toward his nostrils and Natalie let out a sigh.
"This smells good."
"Yeah, it's Mami's recipe, so it's gonna taste good too." He stated happily. "Eat up, we have all night to talk." He encouraged.
Natalie decided she could either suck it up and play along or leave right now. Being she had no idea where she was, she would just have to enjoy the food and drink offered, then tell Romero they needed to turn this off before someone got hurt.
xxxxxx
After dinner, Romero showed her the rest of the house, literally impressed by the style and richness, Natalie felt slightly intimidated by how well off he was. Romero had made his life as a business man and reaped the rewards for his hard work. Yet his ambition had come at a price that she felt he wasn't so upset about. If the situation had been different, Natalie would look at him as the total package. Handsome, rich, and a host of other things that she only read in romance novels.
They made their way back to his "play room" after he'd changed from his suit to a pair of jeans and tight colored shirt. He looked normal and had the shirt been loser, Natalie wouldn't have had a problem not staring at his well cut chest and arms that made the shirt seem more like a second skin than just cotton.
"Okay, can we talk now so you can take me home." She hurried, slightly breathless. Natalie looked at the contoured lines of his jaw and could see the beginnings of his beard coming through. His dark eyes framed by black lashes making them look sexier with each passing minute.
"What? You're not having fun?" Romero asked innocently. Natalie rolled her eyes. "Okay!" He stood up and Natalie averted her eyes as his jeans cupped thighs and butt perfectly. Loose, but fitted and she felt the heat rise as she made an effort not to look anywhere else on Romero's body. Especially there! She decided to focus instead on the necklace that was hidden just underneath his shirt. He began pacing back and forth as he talked.
"Okay, I thought about what you said, Nat. And you're right. Mami would be pissed. So, I figured we could move in together, set a date, and start planning the wedding."
"No!" Natalie shot up.
"No?!" he stopped in mid stride and looked at her curiously. "Why not? That is what you agreed to!" he argued.
"I agreed to this charade, but not to actually marry you! Pretend, yes…but to actually go through with it…hell no!"
"But you said okay?"
"Romero, I…Grrrrr…" Natalie stomped to the juke box needed something to keep her occupied while she got her emotions under control. He was infuriating, yet it was mixed with her own inner attraction to him. "Romero, you are asking for too much, especially from a stranger."
"You aren't a stranger." He murmured. Romero turned to face her and watched as she concentrated on selecting a song. "At least not anymore." He whispered.
"No, but a week of getting to know each other is not enough. Besides, I don't' think you need to go this far. She's getting out the hospital right?"
"Yes, tomorrow." Natalie felt relief flood her and she picked a song. The sounds of The Temptations Aint To Proud To Beg came through the surround sound. Romero chuckled and got on his knees with his hands in prayer. Natalie looked down into a pair of brown eyes that glistened. It was the sheer puppy dog look that made her start. He was sure Rosar
io had been given this look plenty of times by this man as a boy. If anything she was sure he'd gotten his way each and every time because she was melting right at that moment.
"Stop! Get up! Romero…." She cried though she couldn't help the giggle that welled up inside her.
"Natalie…" he countered.
"No! I'm not going to marry you for real!"
The song was nearing the end and Romero hurried to it. He placed a coin in and pressed the button and Natalie stiffened. Billy Paul's Me and Mrs. Jones came through his speakers as she felt the warmth of his hand touch hers and turn her around. Natalie stood unable to breathe as Romero encouraged her to dance with him, pulling her close as his arm wrapped around her waist and other outstretched. She listened to him sing and a bubble of laughter burst forth as she relaxed. He smelled good, felt good and Natalie was sure it had gotten a few degrees hotter as the seconds turned into minutes. When the song ended he stepped way, giving her space that she was disappointed to have, but thankful at the same moment.
"Look, Nat. I understand where you are coming from, but let me ease your fears. This isn't going to be hard. Now as for you and I, don't worry. Remember, it's in name only. No honeymoon…whatever." He grinned easily at her and Natalie looked away.
"Romero…" she breathed.
"My friends call me "Rome"." He said. It was an effort to persuade her to at least think about his idea.
"But you want me to move in?"
"I have a separate area…" he said quickly. "Actually, I have a room on the second floor, the one I showed you. You can have that."
"You want to set a date! How soon is "setting a date" to you?"
"Soon, you're grandmother would like to attend, right?"
"Yes, but it's not real."
"But, isn't that why you agreed."
"Yes, but…"
"Come on, Natalie. What are you afraid of?" he asked and Natalie's thoughts ran together. She was afraid of falling in love with this man, something that she could see herself easily doing as she stood still inches from him and with every sense being affected by him just existing. He had no idea how hard this would be for her if she continued.
"Nothing." She said finally.
9
Two weeks later Natalie stood with a small yellow and red lily attached to her hair just above her ear, a soft ivory cotton and silk summer dress, and standing beside her was Romero in equally casual dress suit of gray. The two stood as her grandmother watched from the hospital bed and Romero's mother cried softly as she held Grandma Lyn's hand sitting beside her. Deann made goo-goo eyes at Romero's friend and best man, Luca, who Natalie had the pleasure to meet over the two weeks that she and Romero started a whirlwind introduction tour. Basically, introducing Natalie as his significant other. She'd gotten pulled deeper and deeper in Romero's world. Deeper than she ever expected to be. She had not known how far it had gone until this very moment when they both stood before the hospital chaplain as he recited the words that they were told to repeat.
Nervous didn't begin to explain her feelings. She wasn't sure about Romero, but she had to remind herself over the weeks that this wasn't real, that Romero and she were just doing this to make the two women in their lives at ease. She'd gone on with her life at the Quilt shop and Romero had kept busy himself. When he had time for her to meet and greet the people he held close, she put Deann in charge and went. It wasn't long before she started to feel apart of his life.
Natalie had thankfully staved off moving in to Romero's home. Her excuse was they weren't married and being traditional, it would not be appropriate. Romero had smirked, but when Rosario heard it, she agreed and Natalie was given a reprieve from at least being in his presence constantly. The decision to marry in the hospital was not hard since she wanted Grandma Lyn to witness it. Now that they were to this point, what could be done.
Romero held her hand firmly, she could feel his thumb absently rubbing her fingers and wondered if he realized how comfortable he'd become himself. It wasn't all business, she had to admit. Romero made the most of their time getting to know each other, either calling her on the phone when he was in between conferences, or taking a quick break to stop by the shop to just watch her. He'd invited her to dinner or lunch where they talked about either their day or what they wanted to do in the future. He made her laugh with his playful innocence and although he was older, he had a very young outlook. It wasn't a mid-life crisis, but a feeling of live in the moment. He may not have time, but Romero made use of the time he had. Every minute was filled with something. They'd even gone to a spa together. He'd called her as he was driving to his appointment for a massage and picked her up on the way. He had two hours and he didn't want to waste it if an opportunity to spend time with her was available. Natalie could have taken it several ways. All of them were that he liked her and it was more than him being nice. But they'd never touched intimately, never kissed, never had a conversation where it was remotely sexual. Natalie should have been thankful, but she would only wonder if he was finding his needs somewhere else while they were planning this. Did he have a woman stashed away where whenever he got horny, he would call her to take care of it. What would happen after this? It became a battle of "I don't care", to jealousy rearing its ugly head. Natalie kept it to herself in the end. She was not Romero's keeper, and frankly, she shouldn't care. Right?
"I know pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride." Were the words that Natalie heard clearly. She stiffened at the enormity of the statement.
Kissing Romero? She looked up at him, a devilish grin on his face like he knew this part would come and he couldn't wait for it to get there made Natalie pause. How could she forget such an important part of a ceremony? The feel of his hand as it slipped out of hers and made its way to the back of her head made her almost rear back. The look in his eyes told her to not even think of skipping out on this one. At least he wasn't going to let her.
Natalie glanced at the full lips that were a major player in her dreams at night. She refused to admit it to herself, hell, she'd forgotten them after the day went on, but they all came rushing back at that moment as they came closer to hers. She held her breath and absently closed her eyes as the smell of his cologne filled her nose. The touch of his lips was what undid every nerve inside her. They were soft and the fine hairs of his moustache tickled her lightly. The sheer force of the charges that raced through her sent a rush of heat down the center of her body. The sudden pull and the disappearance of everything around them made her unaware that she'd opened for him as he slid his tongue in her mouth, it's warmth touched the sensitive inside of her lip before connecting with hers.
The feel of her body being pushed closer to his and the hardness of it made her practically want to do a type of dancing that had nothing to do with the one they'd done just two weeks ago at his house. Had Natalie known this would be so hard, she would have never agreed to it. She was seconds from releasing an embarrassing moan when Romero must have regained his own senses and ended the kiss. Natalie's eyes were still closed and she was sure if she opened them the room would be spinning before her. Awareness was a cool brush of air that made her open her eyes, avoiding Romero's at all cost, and the Reverend introducing them as Mr. and Mrs. Romero Jones.
xxxxxx
Romero was unable to keep from looking at her no matter how much she avoided eye contact. From the moment this whole scheme started, he'd been wondering what drew him to this woman. At first it was admiration, but as he'd gotten to know Natalie, it became more. She gave off a sense of calm. Her fire burned bright, but only for awhile before she was soft and feminine. Maybe that was it too. She was a woman through and through, although independent and used to being on her own, she also held back. Romero still did not know everything about her and his attempts to find out went south. But what really confused him was the kiss that he'd thought would be simple. That he thought would be a way of breaking that barrier that was still between them. He had not expected to start a fire th
at he now was anxious to put out. He made no qualms about wanting Natalie as a man would. But he'd been able to keep their deal and his needs as a man separate. She was attractive and he liked her, but he respected her first and foremost.
As he watched her body move across the hospital room, the sway of her hips underneath the off-white color of the dress gave him thoughts that were inappropriate. Luca had taken his mother home, and Deann had gone back to the shop, it was just Natalie and him with her Grandmother who Natalie didn't want to leave just yet. So he'd stayed, not because he had to, but because he wanted to. He remained quiet as he tried to figure out how did something as simple as a kiss change the whole situation. He still remembered the feel of her body vibrating against his. How her fingers felt as they brushed the back of his head. Her tongue, hot and the intense pull to continue sucking it until it was swollen. The throaty sound she had made had made his manhood jump, even now just thinking about it made him hard. His imagination began to run wild at what she would feel like if he touched her intimately, and if he kissed her "there". Would she make that sound or would it be a more erotic one.
"Romero?" the sound of Grandma Lyn's voice took his out of his reverie and he noticed that Natalie had left the room. He stood and walked to her bedside and smiled down at her.
"I must have been daydreaming."
"Yes, you were." She laughed. "Thank you." She began.
"For what?"
"Taking care of my Nat."
"That doesn't require a 'thank you" Grandma Lyn." He smiled. "Natalie makes you want to take care of her."
"She wouldn't see it that way." She began to chuckle. Romero adjusted the plastic piece that gave oxygen to her behind her ear. "But, I know that you'll be there for her. That makes me happy and relieved."
"I promised, didn't I." he said.
"Yes, you did, and since Rosario would never raise a son that breaks his promises, I'm thanking you." Grandma Lyn looked into the brown eyes that she'd watched follow her granddaughter for the past hour. "You'll make some beautiful babies." She whispered. Her even deep breathing told Romero she'd fell asleep and instead of thinking on her last words, he covered her gently with the blanket.
Finding Mrs. Right Page 6