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“Well, I know you’ll be dropping by his home sometime this week, so can you take this with you?” She rounded her desk, pulled an envelope from a drawer and handed it to him. “Tell him and Janae I said congratulations.”
“Okay. Is there anything I need to know or anything that has come up?”
“Audrey stopped by earlier and took care of a few things, but other than that, no.”
He nodded. “I won’t keep you, then. See you—”
“What happened to your arm?” she asked, cutting him off.
Donovan followed her gaze to his left arm. He had forgotten that he’d rolled his sleeves up. “Oh, it’s nothing.”
She frowned. “Donovan Wright, nothing wouldn’t require stitches.” She planted her hands on her hips and glared at him, waiting.
Her tone, as well as the accompanying look, had him spilling his guts about the incident in the hospital hallway.
“Oh, my word! You were lucky. Burns can be nasty. Is the young lady all right?”
“I noticed her rubbing her hip where the cart hit her, but she said she was fine.”
“Thank goodness. I know she’s grateful you were there. Have you checked on her since then?”
He hadn’t and wanted to kick himself for not getting her phone number. “No, but I will. I know it’s quitting time for you. I’ll walk you out,” he said, changing the subject.
She smiled. “Your parents raised such a nice young man. I know they’re proud of you.”
He chuckled. “Thanks. I’ll remind them of that the next time I talk to them. They’ll be glad to know all their hard work didn’t go to waste.”
Donovan walked Mrs. Lewis to her car, then came back upstairs to call Terrence.
“What’s up, D?” Terrence said when he answered.
“Hey. How’s the family?”
“My girls are good. Sometimes I still can’t believe it. I just want to hold Nadia all day, but Janae makes me put her down,” he grumbled.
He chuckled. “I take it she’s spoiled already.”
“I can’t help it. She grabbed my heart the moment she was born.”
A flash of memories crossed Donovan’s mind. “Mine, too,” he murmured. “Anyway, the reason I’m calling is Mrs. Lake wants to know if you’re still going to donate your time to the foundation’s art camp this year. It’s the first two weeks in August, three weeks away.”
“Definitely. I love doing the camp. Janae’s parents will be here, and Karen and Damian are planning to come down, as well. We’ll probably do a little barbecue or something the first weekend in August, so don’t plan anything. There’s nothing on the calendar, is there?”
“Other than Sheila’s concert in two weeks, no. August will be a little less busy, and I’m having Joy and Nigel travel with Kaleidoscope.”
“Good. By the way, you should bring a date to the barbecue. My grandmother mentioned trying to fix you up with the niece of one of her yoga classmates.”
Donovan groaned. “Aw, man. I know. She’s worse than my mom.”
Terrence laughed. “I tried to warn you about calling her Grandma, but you wouldn’t listen. So should I invite the woman?”
“Hell, no. I can get my own date. Besides, you’re the last person who needs to be giving anybody dating advice. If I recall correctly, I’m the one who helped you when you almost lost Janae.”
“Yeah,” he said quietly. “I owe you, man. Janae is my life.”
“I know. Tell Janae hello, and kiss my goddaughter for me. I’ll be by tomorrow or the next day.”
“I will. Later.”
Donovan disconnected and leaned back in his chair. Once again, memories of his failed relationship filled his head. He’d immersed himself in work to bury the hurt. But seeing how happy Terrence was had him contemplating trying again. Simona’s face floated through his mind. He glanced up at the clock and made the decision to be there when she got off work in forty-five minutes. He stood, packed up and headed to the parking garage.
The normally thirty-minute drive took almost an hour due to traffic, and by the time he parked and strode across the hospital lot he was hoping he hadn’t missed her.
A woman looked up as he approached the emergency room front desk. “Hello.” She held out a clipboard. “Just fill out the information and bring it up when you’re finished. We’ll get you back as soon as we can.”
“I’m not here to be seen. I was looking for Simona Andrews.”
Her brow lifted. “Simona?”
“Yes. She’s a nurse. Is she still here?”
The woman gave him the once-over then picked up the phone. She spoke quietly into the headset, nodded and hung up. “She’s still here. Have a seat, and she’ll be out shortly.”
“Thank you.” Donovan took a chair across the room. There were only a few people in the waiting area—a mother pacing while holding a small baby, an elderly couple and a man holding an ice pack against his face. He picked up a sports magazine off the table and flipped through it.
Some time later, the doors swung open and he saw Simona searching the room. Their eyes locked, and hers widened for a second before her brows knit in confusion. He tossed the magazine on the table, stood and walked to meet her halfway.
“Donovan,” she said with surprise. “Are you okay? Is something wrong with your arm?”
“No, there’s nothing wrong, Simona. It’s healing nicely.”
“Oh. Then why are you here?”
“I wanted to check on you, to make sure you were okay.”
“That’s really sweet of you, but I’m fine.”
“Good. Are you still getting off now?”
“Yes.”
“Would you like to go out to dinner?”
“Dinner?”
“Yeah. You know, that meal that usually follows lunch.”
She smiled. “I know what dinner is, Mr. Wright.”
“So...yes, no?”
“Well, I...um...I...”
He leaned closer. “You did say to let you know if I needed anything, remember?”
“I remember, but this sounds a bit like blackmail,” Simona said with a laugh.
Donovan shrugged. “Hey, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do sometimes. And if it gets you to say yes to dinner, then it’s all good. Well...” he hedged.
She seemed to consider his offer for a moment, then nodded. “All right, but we can’t go anywhere fancy. I don’t have anything except these scrubs.”
“No problem. You can choose the place.” He was just glad she had agreed.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She turned and went back through the doors.
“Take your time.” He stared after her and couldn’t stop the smile curving his mouth. Although she was cautious, he sensed a spark there.
Donovan planned to discover everything he could about Simona Andrews, and if he had anything to say about it, tonight’s date would be the first of many.
Chapter 4
Simona paced the staff break room, not sure she had done the right thing by accepting Donovan’s dinner offer. Sure, she told herself, she wanted to see him again, but it wasn’t something she was ready for tonight. Hadn’t she promised herself not to get caught up with another man who could disrupt her quiet life?
She also had Yasmine to think about now and had no intention of bringing a string of men around her young niece. Besides, most men would run screaming at the mention of a child. But Donovan’s smile and easygoing manner made it hard to say no. And, as much as she didn’t want to admit it, she was glad to see him. Sighing, she pulled out her cell.
“Hey, Eve,” Simona said when Eve answered.
“Hey, girl. You have to work late again?”
“No. Donovan showed up and invited me to dinner. But if you have to leave, I’ll just tell him no,” she quickly added.
Eve chuckled. “So, your knight is back, huh? Go, girl! Yasmine and I are just fine. It’s about time for you to get your groove back.”
“Look who’s talking. I don’t see you going out with any guys.”
“That’s because I’m still basking in my singleness. After giving seven years to my jerk of an ex-husband, I need time to do all those things the cheating bastard was doing with his mistress. His money and my classes keep me quite busy.”
Simona laughed.
“But you don’t have an excuse, so have a great time at dinner. Let your hair down and have some fun. Bye.” She hung up before Simona could respond.
Smiling, she shook her head and pocketed the phone. Walking over to the mirror, she released her long braids from the elastic band and redid them in a neat bun. She glanced down at the scrubs, smoothed a hand over her top and wished she were dressed a little better. She got her purse and went out to meet Donovan.
He was seated reading a magazine, but tossed it aside and stood when she approached. “Ready?”
Something told her she’d never be ready for a man like him, but she nodded. “Yes.”
He placed a hand on the small of her back and guided her toward the exit, the subtle pressure conjuring up memories of how much his touch affected her. And why did he have to look so good?
“So where would you like to go?” Donovan asked, breaking into her thoughts.
“There’s a bar and grill not too far from here.” She told him the name and street address.
“I know where that is.”
“Okay. I’ll meet you there.” She started in the direction of her car, and he caught her hand.
“Ah, I don’t think so.” He shook his head. “A gentleman wouldn’t let his lady drive to a date, especially a first date.”
His lady? First date...as in, there would be more? “Oh. I was just thinking it might be easier. Then you wouldn’t have to drive back over to drop me off.”
He unleashed that captivating smile on her. “Believe me, it’s no problem, Simona. Shall we?”
Simona nodded. He continued to hold her hand as they walked across the lot to his car. Donovan stopped next to a late-model black BMW and held the door open. She melted into the butter-soft leather seat as he closed the door.
Donovan got in on the driver’s side and started the engine. “It’ll be cool in a minute,” he said as he turned the air on full blast.
“No problem. Nice car. It still has that new car smell.” He must be pretty well-off to afford this type of car. It made her speculate on just what type of job he had.
“Thanks. I’ve only had it about four months. I figured after eight years it was time for a new one.”
She hadn’t been on a date in a while and always hated that first date awkwardness. She searched her mind for something to say. “So, you said your arm is okay? Did you see your doctor?”
“Arm’s fine. I have an appointment on Thursday. How’s your hip?”
“It was sore for a couple of days, but I’m good as new now.”
He came to a red light and turned his head in her direction. “Is that right?” His heated gaze roamed lazily over her, lingered at her hip, then moved back up to her face. “That’s good to hear,” he murmured, focusing his attention back on the road and pulling away.
Simona’s pulse spiked. She pulled in a deep breath and stared out the window. His comments were innocent enough, but the accompanying look and sensual undertone warmed her in places she’d forgotten about and reminded her of just what she’d been missing. They lapsed into a companionable silence.
At length Donovan asked, “Is the temperature too cold for you?”
“No. It’s fine.”
He pressed a button, and a midtempo R & B groove poured from the speakers. The woman singing had an incredible voice, and Simona couldn’t resist tapping her fingers to the beat. She was just getting into the song when the car stopped. Donovan helped her out of the car and led her inside the restaurant. Luckily it wasn’t too crowded, and they were seated immediately.
After ordering, Donovan leaned back in his chair. “How was your day? I imagine working in the emergency room can be exhausting.”
Simona sat, momentarily stunned. She’d just met this man, and he asked about her day. Her ex had never asked about her day—not once in the six months they’d dated. “It’s definitely a challenge and exhausting,” she answered with a chuckle. “Today wasn’t too bad, though.”
“How long have you been in nursing?”
“Eight years.” She took a sip of her water.
“What made you decide to go into that field?”
“I’ve always wanted to help people. Growing up, I toyed with becoming a doctor and did some hospital volunteer work in the summers. When I saw how little free time they had—not to mention how long I’d be in school—I changed my mind. I wanted to go into the medical field but still have a life. Nursing is the perfect balance for me.”
He leaned forward and rested his arm on the table, as if he was hanging on to her every word. “I think you made the right decision.”
“Really? You don’t even know me.”
“True, but the way you took care of me last Friday says that you’re intelligent and compassionate. And as far as not knowing you...” He reached for her hand and placed a soft kiss on the back. “I plan to change that. I want to know everything there is to know about you, Ms. Simona Andrews.”
Simona barely stifled a moan. This man is too smooth. Fortunately the server returned with their food because she needed a moment to gather herself. The warmth of his lips against her skin had her fantasizing about how they would feel against other parts of her body.
* * *
Donovan stared intently at Simona as she spoke, enjoying the soft melodic sound of her voice, and just being there with her. He reluctantly pulled his gaze away and focused on the food that the server placed in front of him.
During the meal Simona asked, “What about you? What do you do?”
Donovan hesitated briefly. Whenever he disclosed his occupation, most of the women he went out with saw it as an opportunity to score free concert tickets or get closer to the artists. A few had even come right out and asked whether they’d be able to accompany him when he went on tour with Monte and acted offended when he said no. “I’m in music management.”
“Music...as in, out in the public? You’re a musician?”
He laughed at her reaction. “Hardly. More like sitting in an office with a mound of paperwork this high.” He gestured to the top of his head.
“But you work with musicians?”
He studied her. The way she asked the questions gave him pause. Her tone was almost accusatory. “I oversee contracts and a few other things and, yes, I interact with musicians. Does that bother you?”
“No,” she answered a little too quickly. “Why music?”
“I love music. My degree is in business economics, and I had intended to go to law school. But when a buddy of mine asked me to help him out in his business, I saw it as a win-win situation. You must see some crazy stuff in the ER,” he said, smoothly changing the subject.
Simona laughed. “Stuff like you wouldn’t believe.”
While they ate, she regaled him with tales of the emergency room. Donovan couldn’t stop laughing at some of the stories she shared, including glued body parts and removal of items from places where objects should never go. When he finally calmed down, he realized it had been a long time since he had actually laughed with a woman. He glanced down at their empty plates and then at his watch. Although he wasn’t ready to end the evening, he knew Simona was probably tired. “Would you like anything else? Dessert?”
“No, thank you.”
“It’s getting late, and I’m sure you need some rest.” Donovan paid the bill and escorted Simona back to the car.
On the drive back, she asked, “Who is this singing? Her voice is beautiful.”
“Her name is Sheila Martin. She’s a relatively new artist.”
“I think I’m going to buy some of her music.”
This gave him a perfect opening. “Actually, she’s performing here a week from Saturday. Would you like to go...that is, if you’re not working?”
“Um... I don’t know. Wouldn’t it be hard to get tickets by now?”
“Tickets aren’t a problem. What? You don’t like my company?” he teased. “And I’ve been on my best behavior.”
Simona chuckled. “That’s not it.”
“So, you do like my company?”
“A little conceited, aren’t you?”
“Nope,” he said, slanting her a quick glance. “And you didn’t answer the question.”
“Yes, I like your company.”
“I’m glad. And I’m really enjoying your company, Simona,” Donovan added softly. In fact, he enjoyed their time together more than he anticipated, and couldn’t wait to do it again.
“Can I check my schedule and let you know about the concert?”
“Absolutely.” When they reached the hospital parking lot she directed him to her car, and he helped her out of his and into hers. He dug his phone out of his pocket and extended it to her through her open window. “Can you please put your phone number in?”
She programmed her number and handed it back. “I had a good time tonight, Donovan. Thanks for dinner.”
“Anytime. Maybe we can do it again soon.”
She smiled and started her car. “I’d like that.”
Donovan watched as Simona backed out of the space and cursed under his breath. He’d let her get away twice without kissing her. Making a decision, he jumped into his car and followed her.
One, he wanted to make sure she got home safely, and two, he needed that kiss.
* * *
Simona smiled and hummed as she drove, thinking about how much fun she’d had with Donovan tonight. Glancing in her rearview mirror, she let out a startled gasp. Was Donovan following her home? A wave of panic came over her. What was he doing? What if he wanted to come inside? She wasn’t ready to tell him about Yasmine.
She spent the entire drive trying to come up with a plan to get him to leave. By the time she pulled up in her driveway, Simona still had no clue what she would tell him. Taking a deep breath, she shut off the engine and climbed out of the car. Donovan exited his car at the same time.
“I’m not stalking you, if that’s what you’re thinking,” he said, coming toward her with that charming smile.
She couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, that’s a good thing because—”
He cut her off before she could finish her sentence and her thought. “I just wanted to make sure you got home safely, and...”
“And what?” she asked as he trailed off.
He moved closer and wrapped his arms around her waist. “And I wanted to kiss you good-night.”
Simona’s pulse spiked. Without waiting for a response, he bent and covered her lips with his. The moment their mouths met, heat flared out in every part of her body. He tangled his tongue with hers unhurriedly, as if he had all night. Her body trembled, and she moaned softly. At length, he lifted his head.
He pressed his lips to hers once more and then whispered, “Good night, Simona.” Releasing her, he turned and sauntered back down the driveway.
Simona slumped against her car, heart pounding and legs shaking. She closed her eyes and tried to steady her breathing. When she opened them, he was leaning against his car. “Donovan?”
“I’m just waiting for you to go inside.”
Such a gentleman. This man was breaking down her resolve. She walked to her front door and stuck the key into the lock. Before she could open the door, her cell rang. Frowning, she pulled it out and answered it quickly.
“I didn’t want you to worry whether I would call or not.”
She whirled around to see Donovan standing there with his phone against his ear. “Donovan?”
“Yep. I also realized you need my number so you can let me know whether you’ll attend the concert. Will it work in my favor if I throw in dinner before the show?”
Simona laughed. “Good night, Donovan. I’ll let you know.”
His deep chuckle rumbled through the line. “Talk to you soon.”
She disconnected, waved and went inside. Still smiling, she met Eve coming down the hall holding Yasmine. “Hey, Eve. Hi, Yasmine,” she said, reaching for the eager baby. She kissed her niece on the cheek. “Were you waiting for me, little one?”
Simona tried to make sure she kept Yasmine to her scheduled eight-thirty bedtime. It was only twenty minutes past that time, and she figured her niece was waiting for their usual bedtime ritual of reading, singing, back rub and kissing the two small stuffed animals that slept in the corner of the crib.
“Let me put her to bed, and I’ll be right back,” she said to Eve.
“Take your time. I’ll be waiting to hear all about that dinner date.”
Simona shook her head and continued down the hall to Yasmine’s bedroom. She placed her purse on the dresser and sat in the rocking chair. Yasmine immediately lifted her arms. “Okay. I know you want to sing ‘Itsy Bitsy Spider.’” She sang a jazzed-up version of the tune, plus “Jesus Loves Me” before rising to place the baby in her crib.
They played the kissing game. Yasmine giggled and babbled, “Mamamama,” warming Simona’s heart. The little girl was asleep within minutes of the back rub.
Simona made sure the monitor was turned on and left silently. Eve was sitting at the dining room table with a book open, scribbling furiously. She sat across from her. “How’re classes going?”
Eve put the pen down and removed her glasses. “Girl, somebody should have warned me that brain cells die after thirty. I was always a good student, but this thirty-four-year-old brain ain’t what it used to be. This master’s program in psychology is no joke. If I ever get the notion to go back for a doctorate, please smack me upside the head.” They both laughed. “Enough of that.” She leaned forward with her head propped in her elbows. “I want to hear about your dinner with Donovan.”
“There’s not much to tell. We just went to a bar and grill.”
“What kind of car does he drive, and what does he do?”
“He drives a BMW and works in music management. He says he works in the office, but knows some musicians.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. He’s a really nice guy, but I don’t want a repeat of what happened before.”
“You can’t compare Donovan to Travis.”
Simona cringed at the mention of her ex. She had met the up-and-coming actor at a local theater in San Francisco where a friend was also performing. Her friend had invited Simona to hang out with the cast after the show. Travis Jacobs had been pleasant and likeable, and before she knew it, they were a couple. Initially, things had been great. But as the months rolled by it became less about them and more about him, and his true egotistical nature was on display for the world to see. Every date became a photo op, and after six months she called it quits.
Rather than let it go, Travis spun it to insinuate that he’d initiated their breakup and used it as an opportunity to further his career, making it sound as if he was devastated by the breakup—he had the nerve to shed a tear during an interview—and accused her of being jealous of his fame.
After several months of dodging the cameras, she’d quit the job she loved and relocated to LA. It didn’t help that Simona was dealing with her sister’s death and concerned about her niece.
“Simona?” Eve gently prodded.
“I know. But I can’t do that again. Travis made my life a living hell. I couldn’t go anywhere without a camera in my face. And now I have Yasmine.”
“Did you tell Donovan about her?”
“No. We barely know each other, and I don’t want to start bringing all kinds of men around. Besides, most men don’t want to be saddled with a woman who has a child.”
“I can see your point about not wanting to bring lots of men around her, but what if Donovan wants to continue seeing you? How long are you going to hide her from him?”
“I don’t know what I’ll do. He asked me to go to a concert next weekend.”
Eve stood. “Well, if you decide to go to the concert, I’ll be happy to babysit. But don’t wait too long to tell him.” She gathered up her book and papers and put them into a tote. “Oh, your grandmother called.”
“Okay. Thanks. I’ll call her tomorrow.”
She saw Eve to the door, then came back and collapsed on the sofa. “And this is why I don’t date,” she muttered, rubbing her temples.
Leaning back, Simona replayed every detail of the evening in her head. She laughed, remembering Donovan’s phone call outside. Her smile faded and she groaned. He hadn’t said a lot about his job, just that he worked in an office. But what did he really do?