Sharleen watched the trio set off for the field and giggled when Emilio blew her a kiss. Every time Emilio looked at her she felt as if her heart would burst with love.
“I think it’s cute the way Emilio dotes on you,” Jariah said, refilling their empty glasses with juice. “That’s rare to see in this day and age.”
“Tell me about it. The last guy I dated never referred to me as his girlfriend and he once introduced me to a colleague as his ‘homie.’ I almost died of embarrassment!”
“I hear you, girlfriend. I dated a lot of frogs before I met Nicco, so I’ll never take him for granted. I thank God every day that we found each other.”
Sharleen picked up her glass and tasted her drink. Her gaze strayed back to the field. Nothing was more attractive than a man playing with a child, and watching Emilio chase Ava around warmed her heart.
“Are you nervous about getting engaged?”
Sharleen choked on her mango punch. Mortified, she grabbed a napkin and covered her mouth as she coughed. “What makes you think Emilio and I are getting engaged?”
“I overheard the guys talking in the living room,” she explained. “Emilio said he’s ready to settle down, and that he’d like to be married by the end of the year.”
“He said that? Really? But we’ve only known each other for a couple of months.”
“When a man knows, he knows. And these Morretti men waste no time staking their claim.”
“Is that what happened to you?”
“Yes, and I didn’t even see it coming!” Jariah told her about the first time she met Nicco, about how she hated him on sight and her valiant efforts to resist his advances, especially after meeting his difficult, opinionated mother.
“But you can see how well that turned out,” she quipped, rubbing her protruding stomach. “I never dreamed I’d get married and pregnant all in one year, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m glad I followed my heart. You should, too.”
I want to, but I’m scared. What if he meets someone else? Someone beautiful and perfect and everything I’m not?
“Nicco told me you’re the only woman Emilio’s ever introduced him to—”
“No way! But he’s dated tons of celebrities.”
“That’s true, but you’re the one who captured his heart, and that’s all that matters.”
Her mind was reeling, spinning like a wheel. Is Jariah right? Is he planning to propose? Is that why he brought me to Miami?
“Can I give you some advice?”
Sharleen blinked and shook off her thoughts. “Yes, of course.”
“Morretti men always get what they want, so don’t bother playing hard to get. He’ll sweep you off your feet, and before you know it, you’ll be head over heels in love.”
“Girl, please,” Sharleen said with a laugh. “Tell me something I don’t know!”
Chapter 16
“Baby, wake up. We’re home.” Emilio placed a hand on Sharleen’s thigh, hoping she’d respond to his touch. She murmured in her sleep but didn’t open her eyes. He wasn’t surprised; they’d had a long day and he knew she was exhausted. They’d spent their last few hours in Miami strolling around South Beach, shopping for their friends and family at high-end boutiques.
After this weekend, he was more eager than ever to build a life with Sharleen. He caressed her cheeks with the back of his hand. What he loved most about Sharleen was her resilient spirit. She’d overcome insurmountable odds, but never lost her smile or her zest for life. She was good for him, someone kind and trustworthy who would do anything to make him happy, and he was excited about their future.
Emilio studied Sharleen, took his time admiring her fit and fine physique. He didn’t understand why a ridiculously beautiful woman would struggle with feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. More shocking still, she was a virgin. Emilio never would have guessed it, not in a million years. A puzzling thought crossed his mind. Did Antwan know Sharleen was a virgin? Was that why he wanted him to back off? Because he wanted to be her first?
Shaking his head, he told himself it didn’t matter, that it wasn’t important. Sharleen was his girlfriend now, and if Antwan wanted to keep their friendship, he’d leave her alone. It had happened all of a sudden, without him even realizing it, but he’d fallen hard for her.
Emilio nuzzled his face against hers and inhaled her scent. Her hair was styled just the way he liked, in loose, lush waves flowing down her back, and she was wearing one of the dresses he’d bought her. She was feminine and sexy, without revealing too much, and she carried herself in a graceful manner. Emilio was itching to make love to her, but he wouldn’t pressure her. He’d wait until she was ready—