“Hello, Mom, yes I know. I called Alex this afternoon. Yes, okay, Mom, I have to go but I’ll call back later.”
He hung up and smiled. His sister Jaqueline was pregnant and they wanted to throw her a party. Somehow, every time one of his sisters was pregnant, they invited their ever-single brother along for the fun of it. He took quick strides into the bathroom and turned on the water to shower. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror. He was only 33, still in good shape. There was time for him to settle down. He definitely needed more sleep. He hopped in the steaming water and thought about the night ahead.
Chapter Six - Ciara
Nothing ever went quickly in her day. That day was no exception. She was scrambling around trying to get things done since it was her day off. Antoine had a project to work on and she had laundry. Not to mention her meeting at 7:30. She was frantically trying to get everything lined up and get there on time. She took another look at the clock on the wall.
Twenty minutes later, she had tucked Antoine in with her father watching a movie and she changed into something more suited to the appointment. She had teased and played with her hair until it was laying just right. She grabbed her bag and headed out to the car. She said a prayer and tried the car and nothing happened. She was angry and stressed, but another 15 minutes went by and the car finally started. She would be on time, but not early as she had originally planned. She pulled into the coffee shop and made her way inside. It suddenly occurred to her she wasn’t even sure who to look for. She dug around in her purse to find the number to call and when she did she heard him answer.
“Miss Jones, I’m already here just come to the left side of the room.” She hung up and walked the corner and there he was. She frowned.
“I assume you are who I am looking for, Dr. Baker?” She crossed her arms and gave him a frown.
He stood and gestured to the chair. “Please, Miss Jones, forgive me. I do have something for you and your father, but I also won’t lie, I wanted to ask you out and was afraid you would say no.” He hesitated then found his seat across from where she stood.
He watched her blush. “Oh,” was all she said before she found her seat.
“So would you have said yes?” He gave her a half grin and she smiled at him.
“I'm not sure.” She swallowed hard and sat down finally.
They talked for what seemed like hours. They compared family structures and enjoyed each other’s company. It wasn’t long before she felt guilty for being gone so long.
“Do you need to go, Ciara? I feel selfish for keeping you so long,” he asked her, concerned.
“I really should.” She gave him a smile. “Antoine is in bed but I need to check on him and my father… well he would let him stay up all night.” She stood to go.
“I’ll walk you out, I do have something for your father and I don’t want you to forget to take it with you.” He stood and she was once more reminded about how tall he was.
The two walked out to his car and she took it in as he dug through his trunk. This car alone was more than likely a huge expense. She was reminded that he was a doctor and subconsciously smoothed down her shirt, feeling suddenly self-conscious. He turned around to face her and she gave him a slight smile.
“Here, this should hold you over for a while.” He handed her a bag and she glanced inside.
She gave him a shocked look. “There must be 50 or 60 samples in here, Derek.”
“Its fine, I get them often, I know it would help right now. I’d also like to help with your father’s care.”
She gulped and blushed. “Derek, I appreciate you offering but I’m not sure what you expect in return?”
She watched him frown. “I don’t expect anything, Ciara. I think it’s pretty obvious I like you and I’d like to ask you out again, but not because of this.” He gestured towards the bag. “That’s professional.”
She felt her face grow warm with embarrassment. “Understood.” She headed towards her car and he followed her. She turned to look at him, embarrassed for him to see her car and how she had to climb through, so she wanted to say goodbye before that happened.
She held out her hand and waited for him to shake it. Instead, she felt him lean down and give her a peck on the cheek.
“I had a great time tonight, Ciara, I’d like to take you on a real date if you’d like.” He gave her a smile and shoved his hands in his pockets.
“I’m not sure if I can. I enjoyed this too, it’s been a long time since I’ve even had conversation with anyone other than my father. I just have a lot going on with Antoine and work…” She trailed off.
“Say yes, Ciara.” He started walking back towards his car and yelled back at her. “Just say yes …I’ll just keep asking, you know.” He finally slid into his car and she watched him leave as she smiled. She just might say yes.
***
The next few days went by quickly, both work and Antoine kept her going. Derek had called her a few times but she hadn’t found time to call him back. At least not during hours he would be awake. She was working some nights until 3 a.m. She had just wrapped up her shift the following night at 1 a.m. when she turned around and he was there. She smiled as she walked over to him.
“What brings you in here?” she teased him.
He leaned on the counter on his elbows. “Well to be honest, I heard the pie here was to die for, plus I kinda have a crush on a waitress that works here.” He gave her a smile and she sighed. She really did enjoy his company. She gave him some pie and cleaned up her section to go home.
“So you headed home?” He walked beside her.
“Yes, of course, I’ve been here all night.” She nudged him with her elbow. He stopped her then and turned her to face him.
“You have no idea how beautiful you are, do you?” He pushed a lock of her hair back from her face and she blushed a deep red.
“You always say the nicest things, Derek.”
She looked up at him as she teased him and she found her mouth crushed to his. The kiss was hard, demanding and hot. She felt the heat rush through her system from head to toe. It had been a long time… too long since anyone had kissed her, especially like that. She knew she should pull away, stop it before it got too involved, but she didn’t want to. It may have been the time since being kissed, or the fact that she enjoyed his company. Whatever reason she chose to blame it on it didn’t matter, she wanted and needed his kiss.
He pulled away and at the same time, he pulled her closer to him. “I really like you, Ciara, dinner tomorrow?”
She thought about it for a moment. “Yes, I’d like that.” She gave him a half smile. “Don’t judge me, okay?” Before he could ask what she meant, she climbed through the passenger side of the car and settled into the driver’s seat.
He leaned into her window. “You’re adorable.” He dropped a quick kiss on her nose before he walked to his car. Fortunately, her car started up with no issues.
Their first real date went smoothly. He was the perfect gentleman, and the restaurant was nicer than most she had ever had a chance to visit. As always, they talked about everything. Both enjoying the connection they shared that made conversation come so easily. She knew she should feel bad leaving Antoine at home while she was out, but she didn’t want to allow in anything negative. She laughed, something she missed and she felt like he truly saw her for who she was. Everything between them was open and casual, neither of them seeking out anything more than what they had.
The dating went on for a couple of weeks and she knew for a fact she would see him every weekend for one reason or another. He had come by one time to help her father install his television antenna, once he had helped put a new coat of paint on Antoine’s room and most recently, he had come over to watch a football game, and barbecue with them. Each date would bring them closer, and her heart more involved. The best part of the date was always at the end and the kisses goodnight they would share. It always led to kissing. Sometimes it would get a little heated, but Derek never pushed for more. That was, until that day.
She glanced down at the phone in her hand. He had called her and asked her to spend the weekend with him. She didn’t know what to say, so she said she would think about it. It was a step, a big one, and one she hadn’t taken in a long time. They had been dating for three weeks, but there was never any rush to do more. She was glad her father was in good spirits, he seemed to be doing well and always enjoyed the time he spent with Antoine. If she did go, Antoine would stay with Miss Withers. She was his best friend’s mother and he always enjoyed staying with them. She put the phone back in the cradle, still lost in thought. She would decide soon.
Chapter Seven –Derek
Things were getting out of hand. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. He had just asked Ciara to spend the weekend with him. Maybe he was pushing her too hard, asking for too much. He wasn’t entirely sure what he was doing… or feeling for that matter. The nightmares were still there… sometimes so real he simply stayed awake to avoid them. He knew they weren’t under control, yet he had asked her to go with him anyway.