An hour later, Donovan brought Yasmine inside and laid her in the crib. He returned to the living room and sat on the sofa next to Simona. For the longest time, he just sat there. Finally, without looking her way, he said, “I’ve given you time, Simona, and I’ve decided that I’m going to do whatever it takes to get you to trust me.” He shifted to face her. “You might as well stop running because wherever you go, I will find you. From now on, there’s only one place you’ll ever need to run to, and that’s my arms.”
He came to his feet, pulled an envelope from his pocket and placed it on the coffee table in front of them. “I’ll see you later.”
Simona sat stunned and confused. He wasn’t giving up on them. Then why did he leave? She stared at the envelope, almost afraid to open it. But curiosity got the best of her, and she slid her finger under the flap and took out the folded piece of paper. At first she thought he had typed a letter, but realized it was a copy of lyrics to a song.
It’s Only You
[V 1]
From the day we met, I always knew
You would be the one to change my world.
Whether it’s your charming, sexy smile or that thing you do,
Your love whispers with a voice of what’s lasting and true.
[Chorus]
It’s only you who sets my soul on fire.
You’re my one desire.
I’ll be loving you only till the end of time.
From this day forward, you will always be mine.
[V 2]
Your love fills the empty spaces and makes me whole.
It deepens the joy and peace in my soul.
In your arms it’s like I’m being loved for the first time,
And my heart belongs to you for a lifetime.
[Repeat Chorus]
[Bridge]
No matter how the winds blow
Or how cold the nights may be,
From now on there’s only you, only me
Because
[Repeat Chorus x2]
Fade
She recognized his bold handwriting below the printed lyrics: I penned these words years ago, but only now do I know that they were meant for you. Always have been.
Penned them years ago? Meant for her? Simona scrambled off the couch and went to the kitchen table where her laptop sat. She turned it on and searched the internet for the title. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” There were thousands of hits. Then a memory sparked. She typed in Monte’s name, and a YouTube video link popped up. She clicked on it and turned the volume up. Monte’s sexy baritone filtered through the speakers. She picked up the paper, and her heart beat faster. Donovan wrote this song.
Another memory surfaced. The platinum record on his wall was for this incredible song. A female voice sang the second verse. Simona closed her eyes and focused on the words. She replayed it again and again, listening to the soulful ballad and letting the words seep into her heart. He said the words were meant for her and always had been. She grabbed her cell.
“Donovan, I love you and I’m so sorry,” she said as soon as he picked up. “I trust you, and I know you keep your promises. I don’t want to give you up, either. I’m not running anymore. I want to run to you.” He was silent. “Donovan?”
“Then run to me, baby.”
She whirled around to see him standing in the doorway with his arms outstretched. She dropped the phone and flew into his arms. He grabbed her up with such force that she thought he might crack her spine. Simona was crying and kissing him and telling him how much she loved him. He laughed and spun her around until she was dizzy.
“I love you, Simona Andrews.”
“And I love you, Donovan Wright.” She lowered her head and kissed him, attempting to infuse it with everything she felt and couldn’t express.
* * *
Donovan lay on the bed waiting for Simona while she tucked Yasmine in. There were no words to describe the joy he was feeling.
“Hey.”
He sat up. “Hey, yourself. Is Yasmine asleep?”
“She’s out like a light.”
“Good. Come here, baby.” He pulled her to stand between his legs and settled his hands at her waist. “You’re always taking care of everyone, so tonight I want to take care of you. I’m going to run you a nice, hot bubble bath, and then I’m going to give you a full body massage. Afterward, I’m going to make love to you long and slow. How does that sound?”
“Mmm, it sounds wonderful.”
Donovan undid the buttons on her top, pushed it off her shoulders and kissed her flat belly. He reached around and unclasped her bra, letting it drop to the floor. He filled his hands with her breasts, gently kneading and suckling first one, then the other. His hands slid down to her shorts, and he removed them and her bikini panties. Standing, he lifted her in his arms and headed for the bathroom. Donovan placed her on her feet and started the water in the tub, adding some of her bubble bath. When the water was done, he carefully placed her in the tub. “Is the water too hot?”