His eyes dimmed, and the smile slid off of his face.
“That was a tough day for me,” he confessed, his voice filled with sadness. “It was the second anniversary of Lucca’s death, and I was angry at the world.”
“I know, and I’m not trying to be insensitive. All I’m saying is—”
“You’re making excuses for why we can’t be together, but I won’t let you push me away. My feelings for you are real, and I won’t give up on us.”
They are? Really? You’re not just saying that because you want to get me into bed? Sharleen kept her thoughts to herself, didn’t speak. His words played in her mind over and over. They touched her in a real, profound way, but she didn’t know if she was strong enough to overcome the pain of her past. Her biggest fear had always been that she’d fall in love, but once a man saw the “real” her, he’d reject her like all the other guys she’d dated in the past.
“For the first time in my life, I know exactly what I want, and it’s you...”
Sharleen read the expression on Emilio’s face, saw the sincerity in his eyes, the truth, and caressed his cheek. She felt safe with him, cherished, and when they were apart he was all she should think of. His voice was soft, soothing, but Sharleen couldn’t quiet her inner doubts. Should I take another chance on love? Is Emilio worth it? Or am I just fooling myself?
“I don’t want you hooking up with other guys. I want us to be exclusive.”
“What makes you think I’m dating other guys?” she asked, puzzled.
“Aren’t you?”
“I don’t have time to date. I’m too busy working.”
His eyebrows merged, and he lowered his gaze in confusion. “And that’s the truth?”
“Cross my heart and hope to die.”
“I don’t want to share you with anyone.”
You won’t have to. Besides, why would I want anyone else when I have you?
“Give me a chance to prove that I’m the right man for you.” Emilio pointed a finger at his chest and flashed a boyish smile. “From now on just call me Mr. Right.”
Her heart fluttered like a butterfly, and a smile overwhelmed her mouth. This time, Sharleen was the one who initiated the kiss. She closed her eyes and brushed her lips against his mouth. Lunch forgotten, she pleased him with her mouth, tongue and hands. She surprised herself by taking the reins, by being the aggressor, and when Emilio swept her up in his arms, Sharleen realized it was the only place in the world she wanted to be.
Chapter 11
“Thanks for coming with me to the hospital today,” Jocelyn said, opening her handbag and rummaging around inside for her designer sunglasses. “I really appreciate it, and I know your visit meant a lot to my mom.”
Sharleen smiled and joined her friend inside the elevator. “It was my pleasure. Your mom’s a sweetheart, and I’m glad I could spend some time with her this afternoon.”
As the elevator began its descent they chatted about their plans for the weekend.
“Do you want to go to the Atlanta job fair on Saturday?” Jocelyn asked.
Sharleen carefully considered her words. She wanted to tell Jocelyn about her plans with Emilio, but thought better of it. She couldn’t risk one of her colleagues finding out about their secret trip to Miami and blabbing to Mrs. Fontaine. Her boss was busy promoting her new life-coaching book, 90 Days to a Better You, which suited Sharleen fine. Image meant everything to Mrs. Fontaine, and she’d be furious if she discovered Sharleen had kissed Emilio.
You’ve done a lot more than just kissing! her conscience pointed out.
Her cheeks flushed with heat. For the past few weeks, she’d been hanging out with Emilio—playing tennis at his estate, watching movies in his home theater, sharing kisses under the stars—and every day their bond grew stronger. He’d welcomed her into his life, opened up to her, and she felt compelled to protect his privacy. Emilio was a quiet, sensitive man who enjoyed his solitude, and she didn’t want to betray his trust by gossiping about their relationship to her friend.
“Sorry, Jocelyn, I can’t. I’m busy this weekend.”
“Do you work on Sunday, too?”
“Yes, I, um, have three consultations lined up and an afternoon session in Savannah.”
“I am so jealous,” she gushed, with a wistful look in her eyes. “I wish I had somewhere to go besides the hospital and the unemployment office.”
“Keep your chin up. You’ll find something soon. I know it.”
“I sure hope so, because I’m tired of sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring.”