“I’m sorry Mr… Hector. How is your wife?”
“Ah my Corazon is doing great. If I could get her to sit down, I would be as happy as she is. Seems the further along she gets the more she can’t sit her ass down.” I smile and chuckle. The happiness in his voice, only makes me long for my own.
“What can I do for you today?”
“I am looking for a receptionist for the bottom floor. Someone to greet the guests as they come into the building. I want you to put together the contract and figure out an offer for the person I decide on.”
“Very well. Does the person need to have a degree or anything?”
“Nope. Just know how to treat people and be a quick learner.”
“No problem. When do you need the contract?”
“Say...by the end of the week.”
“Sure thing.”
“Knew I could count on you. How are Oscar’s two girls doing? Crystal has been wanting to go over there and see if they need anything, but I wasn't sure if it was a good idea. Rumor has it, you have moved in.” Damn office gossip. No doubt it was Cord.
“Yes, I have moved in, temporarily. It just didn’t feel right leaving them to fend for themselves at such a vulnerable time.”
“A man of honor. I like it. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will. Thank you.'' I hang up, my heart begging me to go home. Deciding I am done for the day, I wrap up and head out. Walking in the door, I note that the house is eerily quiet. I walk through the rooms, seeing dishes in the sink and no toys laying around walking upstairs, I see her door closed. “Done with this shit.” I say to myself deciding I am done with the tiptoeing. I knock on the door, so she knows I am here and then I open it. “Rina, baby, can I come in?” I hear her sniffle as she nods her head.
Walking on the other side of the bed, my heart breaks seeing the tears streamed down her face. I pull off my jacket, shoes and shirt, needing as much of her skin on mine as possible. Getting in the bed, I pull her into my arms and rock her, rubbing her back over and over. “I’m here, baby. I’m here. Talk to me, Rina. Don’t keep it locked in.” I kiss the top of her head and continue to hold her. It feels so damn good to finally have her in my arms.Chapter FiveSarinaI hear him when he comes in the door, but I don't have the energy to get up. After Miss Ballis came to pick up Rory so she can play with Cory, her granddaughter, I just laid here and cried. How can you go from knowing what you are going to do with your life, to knowing nothing? When he walks in the room, and starts pulling off his jacket and shoes, I can’t help the tingles that wash over me, even though I'm so damn sad. Feeling his arms wrap around me as he rocks me and assures me everything will be ok, something in me begins to calm. “I am just going to lie here with you, Rina. Is that ok?” I find it funny he didn’t ask before he got in the bed. But it is also...very him. “It’s ok to lean on me baby. I am not going anywhere.”
“You promise?” I ask him, whispering against his chest.
“How can I leave when you hold my heart?” God. Why couldn’t this be any other situation, at a different time. Hearing that is making me feel all sorts of things. Instead of responding, I snuggle further into him and allow myself, for this moment, to let the safety and calm from being in his arms take over me.
“Rina, baby wake up.” I feel like I am in a dream right now, and in it, his face is close to mine as I stare at his lips, waiting for him to take me. “Rina...Rory is on her way home. Time to get up.” I can feel myself pout, not wanting to get up. Opening my eyes, I gasp realizing he is almost nose to nose with me, his eyes piercing mine. I find myself looking at him, imagining them on mine as his weight settles on me. I don’t realize I licked my lips until he groans. “Jesus, Rina. Don’t fucking look at me like that. I am only a man, baby. I can only take so much.” I begin to feel warm all over, trying to stop the squirming my legs are involuntarily doing.
“I’m sorry.” I say, throat raspy and filled with lust and sleep.
“So fucking beautiful,” he says, moving a piece of hair behind my ear. “You don’t have to be sorry, Rina. You’re just not ready for what I have in store for you, so I need you to take mercy on me. Okay?” I smirk a little, knowing what he is asking me. That one statement makes me feel a bit empowered. “Now, get up so we can figure out what to feed my girls.” He smacks my butt leaving a trail of want behind. Shaking my head, I castigate myself. Now is not the time to be feeling anything except grief and loss.