“What’s wrong Raiden?” Calmly and collectedly, she sat patiently waiting for any type of response.
“I want to ask you a question that I asked Hitomi the other night. If it’s too personal or overstepping boundaries, just say so, and I will drop it.”
Nodding her head in the practiced doctor mode, she said, “I’m listening.”
Raiden leaned in a little closer. “Before I ask this question, I just want to make something clear. Your answer won’t stop me from proposing, but after Hitomi shared her past with me, a thought occurred to me. And since you are a doctor, I want your opinion.”
“Okay.”
“Through all of those miscarriages, although devastating, I never once heard Hitomi say that a doctor told her she couldn’t have children. I even asked her the same question, and it almost startled her as if she had not thought of it. Like she simply assumed.” He put his hand up because he saw that Natalia was about to speak, but he was not quite finished. “Now don’t get me wrong. I still want children with Hitomi but it doesn’t matter if they are blood-related or adopted. I’m not letting her go, and I’ve made that part absolutely clear to her.”
After being quiet for a few moments, Natalia spoke. “I really do admire you, Raiden. Daniel had been a fighter, but Hitomi fought harder. I can see that Hitomi doesn’t stand a chance in hell of winning a fight against you and Kimi. I’m glad you won’t let her walk away again.” She smiled at him. “Dang, Raiden, I keep finding more reasons to like you. I will admit that I’m a little jealous. I hope one day I’m lucky enough to meet someone like you.”
Raiden felt flushed and knew he was blushing when Natalia laughed.
“I’m sorry, Raiden, I didn’t mean to put you on the spot.”
“It’s okay.” He shook his head, still slightly embarrassed.
“Back to your question. When Hitomi was taken to the hospital for her third miscarriage, I went to visit her. I had spoken with her doctor and found out she was still capable of having children. I know about her fourth pregnancy.”
Raiden slowly nodded his head and arched an eyebrow.
“I had to check on one of my patients who was at the hospital to have her tonsils taken out and I ran into Hitomi’s doctor. We were standing at the nurse’s station and she had her chart in hand. Hitomi had already left the hospital when I arrived. Her doctor knew it would be unethical to share Hitomi’s information so instead she suggested I check on her. But before I left, Hitomi’s doctor asked for a second opinion on a patient she had. Flipping the chart open, I saw it was Hitomi’s and saw the reason for the emergency room visit. I got the hint. Clearly Hitomi didn’t want anyone to know what happened, especially since it happened after Daniel had already moved away. You are the only person I’ve told. I made an impromptu visit to her house and took care of her. Hitomi probably figured I was there out of sympathy, and I was, but not because of Daniel.”
Taking a sip of water, she continued, “Some things just simply can’t be explained. I’m a doctor, but I’m also a spiritual person, Raiden. Some things are not meant to be, and then there are moments when although we may want things, it may not be the right time. Not yet, anyway. She can have children, but I don’t think she was meant to have them with Daniel. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I do. Thank you for that, Natalia. It really helps a lot. Let’s just hope the time is right with me.”
“It will be. Now let’s go get our girl that ring.”
Chapter 19
Walking into Savagni’s Jeweler was overwhelming to Raiden, and he was once again thankful for Natalia’s help. He knew if he had come into the jeweler alone, the saleswoman standing behind the counter that greeted them with dollar signs glued to her eyeballs would have gone to town on his credit card before he knew what hit him. Natalia hooked her arm through his and took him in the opposite direction of the creepy, smiling saleswoman.
They took their time looking around. Raiden was getting the urge to buy more than just a ring for his silver-eyed beauty. He wanted to spoil her. Hell, he would buy her the world if he could. Every piece of jewelry he eyed looked exquisite. There were several one-of-a-kind items in display cases lining the walls. The place screamed class and elegance, and it seemed to carry delicate items for every budget. Raiden was beginning to enjoy this store. Natalia and Raiden were discussing Hitomi’s taste in jewelry when an older gentleman walked out to greet them.
“Hello ma’am, sir. How are you today?”
“Hello there.” Natalia greeted him as if he were a breath of fresh air. He seemed genuine. “I’m trying to help my friend Raiden pick out a lovely engagement ring for my best friend. Between the two of us, we have an idea of what we are looking for.”
“Ah. Would you be Mr. Raiden and Ms. Natalia?”
Raiden was surprised the gentleman knew their names.
“No need to look surprised. Mr. Cage rung me earlier and mentioned you were stopping by.”
“I should have known he was on a first-name basis when he suggested your beautiful jewelry store.” He loved his best friend and couldn’t wait until it was Cage’s turn to come looking for an engagement ring. “Hopefully I will have exactly what you are searching for. But I have no problem designing whatever is necessary. Tell me what this special woman likes in her jewelry.”
Natalia started first. “Round-shaped diamonds are her first choice, and then the princess cut runs a close second.”
“Pink is her favorite color. I know they’re not common, but I would special order if necessary. I want a pink diamond. I won’t substitute that color for anything else,” Raiden added.
Raiden watched as the gentleman seemed to take in and think about the adamant request he had just given. Mr. Savagni smiled. “Well, it seems that the two of you aren’t very challenging. I think I have a lovely ring or two, Mr. Raiden.” After a few moments in the back room, Mr. Savagni returned with a small black velvet display tray. When he removed the black velvet cloth to reveal the rings, Raiden was blown away.
“Oh my, those are absolutely breathtaking,” Natalia whispered to Raiden.
There were seven pink diamond rings to choose from. Three in gold and four in platinum. “Okay, Natalia, I know which one I’m getting.” He picked up a round pink diamond ring surrounded by white diamonds in platinum.
“Oh my god, Raiden. It’s perfect.”
“Okay, Mr. Savagni, wrap it up, please.” Raiden walked around, not really sure of what he was looking for.
“Excellent choice! I have just the box for your special lady.” He turned to go into the back room once again.
“Mr. Savagni, I have one question.”
“Sure. How can I help, Mr. Raiden?”
“Just two things, sir. First, you and I will have to work on those wedding bands of ours. And second, do you have any pink diamond teardrop earrings that will match her engagement ring?”
Mr. Savagni gave Natalia a wink before speaking to her. “It seems our friend has found true happiness, yes?”
Natalia nodded and smiled in agreement. “Hitomi is going to be knocked off her feet.”
Mr. Savagni smiled and looked to Raiden. “I can’t wait to collaborate with you on the wedding bands, and as for the earrings, I have the perfect pair.”
* * * *
After Natalia helped Raiden pick out Hitomi’s engagement ring, she took a picture and sent it to their other best friend, Riva. When he expressed how nervous he was about picking out the ring, Riva called him on his cell phone to help figure out how he wanted to pop the question. Riva informed Raiden that the perfect place, the only place, would be Soledad’s on the River. The times Raiden had taken her there, Hitomi couldn’t stop talking about the restaurant. She loved it as if it was her first visit every time.
Once Raiden and Natalia had parted ways, he called Riva back. He had one more question.
“Riva, is it too pompous of me to purchase the dress I would like for Hi to wear? I’m standing in front of the display window of one of Hitomi’
s favorite boutiques, and I see a dress that would be perfect for her and matches her engagement ring.”
Sighing heavily on the phone, Riva said, “Raiden, I wish God made more like you, sweetie. Buy her the dress, and get the clerk to match it with shoes and a clutch. Okay?”
“Uh-huh.” She lost him at the word “clutch.”
“I want you to listen carefully to my instructions. I know you are familiar with shopping for her, but this is different. Do not steer away from my directions or the commission-hungry sales clerks will pounce on you.”
Raiden laughed at that statement, but he knew better than to ignore her advice. “I’m listening.”
“Are you sure the dress in the window is the one you want?”
Without a second thought, he responded. “Positive.” He was imagining taking it off of Hitomi as he stood on the sidewalk. An erection was growing. He had to turn his focus on something else and fast. Look at the construction worker. Look at the hairy, ugly construction worker. Raiden figured there was nothing worse than going into a store specifically for women with a hard-on. Erection dead.
“Okay, when you walk into the store, glance around. One of the sales clerks would have noticed you the minute you walked in the store. Make your way over to the display window and inform the sales clerk that you want that particular dress, and give her Hitomi’s size.”
“Riva, you had me thinking it was going to be some stealth operation. I can handle that.” He was amazed at how these two women loved his Hitomi. She was lucky to have them in her life. And now he wondered what he would have done without their help today.
“Smooth move, but that won’t work this time. You are shopping for a special occasion. They will be able to smell your excitement a mile away, which means tempting you with unnecessary impulse purchases. You have a checklist, and you have to stay focused. You say this dress is perfect?”
“It is.” The color will make her skin glow. I can’t wait to kiss her shoulders when they are revealed. Hopefully Hitomi will rub that lotion on her body that looks like tiny, subtle flecks of glitter.
“Remember that, and stay focused. Now, once you have the dress, stick with simple but sexy shoes. If you are unsure of the choices the sales clerk shows you, take pictures, send them to me, and call me immediately. Then last but not least, tell the clerk you want a simple clutch to match the shoes.”
“That’s a lot of info. Thanks, Riva.”
“You have just had the CliffsNotes version of Shopping 101 by Riva. I’ll keep my phone nearby. And you are absolutely welcome. Good luck, Raiden. I can’t wait to see her in it.”
* * * *
“Tonight’s the night.” Raiden was giving himself a pep talk on the elevator ride to Hitomi’s condo. It had been two weeks since he had purchased her engagement ring and booked Soledad’s on the River. He was going to propose tonight in front of all of their friends and family.
Now, as he waited in the elevator, he felt a bit nauseous. Raiden almost ran out of the elevator when it finally opened. Stepping out into the hallway, he took a few deep breaths, trying to gather his composure. Hitomi would know something was up if he knocked on her door looking nervous and a bit green in the face. “Get it together, man,” Raiden whispered to himself as he pushed the doorbell.
When Hitomi opened the door, Raiden was speechless.
“Damn, woman, are you trying to give me a heart attack?” he exclaimed as he walked into her condo and shut the door. Wasting no time, he pulled her into his embrace. He couldn’t control himself as he covered her mouth with his, kissing her passionately. “You look beautiful, baby,” he muttered before he kissed her again. Finally pulling away, he admired the way she looked in her dress. He was proud of himself.
Hitomi looked damn good.
* * * *
Hitomi felt like a princess. Never in her life had a man bought her a dress. It was pale pink chiffon, one-shoulder neckline with cream, beaded detail and stunning heels and clutch to match. Just the thought of him taking the time to buy something for her made her cry. She had already picked out an outfit to wear for dinner. Nothing extravagant, just a simple cream pencil dress. But when Heather brought in the huge red rectangular-shaped box with a matching red bow that was sent by messenger from one of her favorite stores, she was blown away. And the card, oh my, the card made her want to go to Raiden’s work and fuck him right then and there. Heather begged and pleaded until Hitomi read the card to her.
I hope you don’t mind that I took the time to pick you out something to wear. This dress was screaming at me, so I had no choice but to purchase it. I know you own tons of beautiful things, but I would be honored if you would wear this dress to dinner tonight. I’ve included a pair of heels that I wouldn’t mind seeing you parade around naked in. Feel free to leave your undergarments in the drawer. I can’t wait to see you in this. I love you so much, Hitomi.
You’ve stolen my heart.
Raiden
P.S. Would you please wear your hair up tonight?
P.P.S. And you have an appointment in two hours at Plum Yummy Day Spa for a manicure and pedicure and an open tab for whatever else your heart desires. Enjoy your day.
After Hitomi finished reading the card, Heather dashed out of the office only to return ten minutes later. “Okay, I know it’s only nine in the morning, Hitomi, but I’ve managed to rearrange your schedule. I will see you on Monday!” Heather picked up Hitomi’s purse and packages and slowly started to push her out of the office.
“But I didn’t even get to see who I was meeting…”
“You had a light schedule anyway. You trust me right? Right. Go enjoy your day, girl! Let the man spoil you a little.”
“I will be back after lunch…”
“Oh no the heck you won’t! You have an open tab, girl. Get a massage, a facial, a wax, or whatever!” She shook her head, tsking at Hitomi like a child. “Hitomi, you don’t want to hurt Raiden’s feelings. It looks like he really is trying to give you a special day. Don’t be ungrateful.” Heather could work a guilt-trip.
Hitomi couldn’t help but grin as Heather flitted around the office packing her items back inside the red box they had arrived in.
“Sorry. Thanks, Heather. Will you help me take this box down to my car? I have some folders I need to take with me.”
“Of course. Make sure you get a wax!”
* * * *
“I love my presents, Raiden, and I received my beautiful pink roses about an hour ago. And I love you, sweetheart.” She picked up the clutch that was included in her package this morning. “That suit looks great on you. Did you color-coordinate us on purpose?” Hi asked with a grin on her face. He wore a black Armani suit with a pale pink dress shirt with the top button undone.
“Of course I did. Hell, we look good. I have another gift for you. Thank you for wearing your hair up. You look beautiful.” He pulled out the rectangular-shaped box. She stood there agape and apparently speechless. Her eyes danced with joy. He knew she loved gifts and especially if the gift was from him. “Hold your hand out.”
Hitomi held her hand out, and for a moment, she simply fingered the pale pink box he placed in her palm. “Baby, you have to open the gift in order to see it,” Raiden teased as he continued to watch her face light up. Spoiling her was just as exciting for him as it was for her. The look on her face was priceless.
“Oh, sorry.” She blushed as she opened the box. The gasp of excitement was proof enough for Raiden. “Oh. My. God. Raiden, these are beautiful.” She fingered the pink diamond teardrop earrings while her eyes grew watery. He could tell she was trying to hold back the tears. She quickly walked over to the mirror in her hallway and changed her earrings.
Raiden went to stand behind her as she finished putting on the second earring. Her beauty always amazed him. Laying his hands on her shoulders, he saw a glimpse of light reflecting from her shoulders. Hitomi leaned her head back against his shoulder as they continued to stare at their reflections in the mirror.
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Raiden inhaled her sweet, natural scent and whispered in her ear, “You smell delicious, sweetheart, and you are wearing my favorite scent. Mmmm…I may not be able to keep my hands to myself.” He leaned forward and kissed the sensitive part of her body where her neck and shoulder met.
A hiss escaped Hitomi’s lips, and she smiled at him in the mirror, giving him a naughty look. “Raiden, we won’t leave here if you keep this up.” He loved when her voice became sensuous and husky. Of course, she didn’t help the situation by slowly moving her butt up and down against his stiff cock.
“I’m going to eat you up later.”
She arched an eyebrow at him. “Promise?”
“I promise. Let’s get going, sweetheart. We have reservations.” He silently begged for willpower as his dick throbbed in his slacks. He wanted nothing more than to slide into her warm, wet heat.
Chapter 20
Hitomi didn’t bother to ask where they were going tonight. She wanted to be surprised. She was enjoying the pampering and was still riding high off of the wonderful day at the spa. It was clear there was nothing Raiden would not do for her, and she felt the same way about him. Learning the hard way that communication was the key to her happiness with him, she made a vow to herself to share everything with him.
When they pulled in front of Soledad’s on the River, she didn’t hide her excitement. The food was fantastic, and it had been a while since they had eaten there. It had quickly become her favorite place to eat. Although the restaurant always drew a nice-size crowd, tonight Hitomi noticed the parking lot seemed to overflow with cars. As usual, they walked right to the podium where Camille, the hostess, stood wearing another stylish dress.
Tonight, Camille looked especially cool and collected. She immediately gave Hitomi a warm smile, then Raiden. “That dress is stunning. It makes your gray eyes really pop. I will definitely have to talk to Soledad about purchasing one for me. You look gorgeous.”
Alexander, Kortny - Love, Interrupted (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 17
