by Tina Martin
“How do we spend more time together?” he asked, still holding her hand.
“I don’t know, Ramsey.”
“I’ve been thinking about this all night and the only solution I could come up with is for me to move in with you, or for you and Gemma to come and stay with me, and before you completely shut me down, I would sleep on your couch if I were to stay with you…whatever’s necessary. And, if you were to stay with me, I’d give you and Gemma your own private guest bedrooms.”
Gianna smiled. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“I am.”
“You know if I agreed to stay with you, I’d have to drive from Lake Norman every morning to open the bakery.”
“I know, which is why I’m offering to stay with you, instead.”
Gianna thought about it for a moment before her mind went on to something else. “A woman named Judy, from St. Claire Architects, called me this morning.”
“Judy’s my secretary. Why are you changing the subject?”
“Because Judy told me something that made me realize how one-sided this relation-friendship between us has been. She told me that St. Claire Architects, your business, was located on IBM Drive. I didn’t know that, and I think I should’ve known that just like you know where I work. Where I live. I should’ve known that your business was two miles down the street from mine.”
“What are you saying, Gianna?”
“I’m saying you’ve been so good to me and trying your best to learn things about me and I haven’t been making that same effort, so I want to start. I want to know who you are. I think you’re a wonderful man, Ramsey, and I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me and Gemma, and it’s time that I do something for you. So, yes, I will stay with you for a week.”
A smile came to Ramsey’s face. “Is this effective today? Please say yes.”
She smiled beautifully. “Yes.”
He released her hand and something that sounded like a moan of satisfaction came out of his mouth. “Did you really just say yes?”
Her smile blossomed. “I did.”
He moaned again, looking heavenward as if his prayers had been answered.
“I have to get back to work,” she said as two customers walked in. “Are you going to stick around for a while?”
“Do you want me to stick around for a while?” he asked her. Still holding her hand, he could feel it twitch just slightly when she replied, “Yes.”
“Then, I’ll stick around for a while, sweetness.”
She tried to pull her hand from his grasp but he tightened his grip on it and held eye contact with her. “Are you going to release me, Ramsey?”
“I don’t want to.” He brought her hand to his nose and pulled in a long inhale of her sweet scent.
“Don’t lick my finger,” she teased. “There are customers in here.”
“So, if there weren’t any customers, are you saying I could?” he asked, then chewed on his bottom lip.
Gianna watched his lips move. “Yes. I mean, no. I have to get to work. I’ll talk to you momentarily.”
“See that you do.” He watched her walk away. She had on a pair of blue jeans today and black shoes with a purple T-shirt. And, as always, her outfit was hidden behind a black apron. He watched her interact with her customers. She would glance over at him from time-to-time as he drank coffee and finished off the lemon cupcake. The taste of her frosting today did something sensual to him, probably because while he was wide awake last night trying to think of ways to reach her without being too bold and forthcoming, he imagined using his index finger to paint frosting on her lips and kiss it off. He would do it one day. When the opportunity presented itself. When he knew she could handle it.
He glanced up at her. Smiled.
She smiled back, then returned her attention to the door. A few customers exited and one entered.
Ramsey finished up the first cup of coffee then broke his gaze away from Gianna to look at his cell phone. It was the cancer center. He answered quickly.
“Ramsey St. Claire. How can I help you?”
“Yes, hi, Sir. I’m a patient advocate calling about your upcoming appointment for a Gemma Jacobsen.”
“Is there a problem?”
“Well, I’m calling to inform you that we do not accept private insurance.”
Ramsey rolled his eyes. He never mentioned anything to anyone about insurance when he’d called before. “That’s fine.”
“Okay, so you’re prepared to pay for the visit out of pocket?”
“Yes. I’m prepared.”
“Because if you need to reschedule, you’ll need to let me know today.”
He was getting more irritated by the second. Then he glanced up at Gianna and watched her wave at a little girl – a little girl with two pigtails wearing a dark blue, white and yellow sundress. The girl was adorable, but it was the look in Gianna’s eyes that caught his attention. He could see someone as sweet as her with a child—his child. There was no doubt in his mind that she would be a good mother and he’d give her all the babies she wanted.
“Sir?”
“I’ll pay in full when we get there,” Ramsey told the patient advocate who sounded more like a hospital advocate. A make-sure-they-got-their-money-in-advance advocate. “Was there anything else?”
“No. We look forward to seeing you next Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.”
“Perfect. Thank you.”
“Thank you. Have a good day.”
Ramsey placed the phone on the table then looked up when he saw Gianna approaching.
“I brought you some more coffee,” she said.
“Thank you, sweetness, but you don’t have to serve me. I came into your life to serve you, not vice versa.”
“Well, it’s the least I can do for the man who is trying to save my sister’s life.” Still standing next to him, she felt a sudden urge to reach out and touch his face and the prickly hair that had grown in there, but she was too timid to do so. “Would you like another cupcake?”
He smiled naughtily. “I have a taste for something sweet, but not another cupcake.”
“Then, what would you like?” she asked.
Her naïveté had his heart thudding. She was completely unaware that he was coming on to her. “How about a go at your lips?”
“My…my lips?”
“Yes.”
“Um…uh…I gotta go check on the pies. The cakes. I mean cupcakes,” Gianna said nearly breaking out into a sprint to get away from him. A kiss? No way. She’d turned into mush if she pressed her lips against his. And she was certain that once he got those lips on her, he wouldn’t want to let go. A small peck on the lips wouldn’t be sufficient like Felicity had warned her. He’d want the whole shebang. Her entire mouth. A sensation ran through her at the thought that he could desire her that much. If she had hair on her arms, it would’ve been standing straight up.
Ramsey simply smiled as he watched her run, thinking how nice it would be to corner her so she couldn’t run. The cupcake girl had passion inside of her that had never been released, and he was certain that he could open those floodgates. It was only a matter of time.
Chapter 18
After Gianna had packed up enough clothes and personal items that she and Gemma would need for a week, Ramsey requested that Gemma ride with him to which she happily obliged. All the while they were conversing about her upcoming appointment now that she was confirmed for next Wednesday, and he kept looking through the rearview mirror, making sure Gianna was staying close.
The feeling of knowing the woman he intended to marry would be staying at his home – that would ultimately become their home and in his mind already was– was producing a feeling of elation deep within his soul. Her being here felt right. There was no question about whether or not she was the woman he wanted. She was it.
Walking inside, they were greeted by Carson with ice cold, sweet tea served in crystal glasses. Ramsey had already given Carson the heads up that he would be havi
ng two women over for the week. He could only imagine what the man must’ve thought – probably that he was going to be a participant in some strange threesome – but it was nothing of the sort. He had finally gotten his sweetheart on his turf and if all went well, she’d never leave. The one-week offer was never intended to be just for one week. He wanted Gianna for an eternity – her, her baggage, her problems, her heart, her soul and anything else she had to offer. Everything.
“Um…Ramsey, I would love to tour your massive mansion, but I’m pooped,” Gemma said. “Can you show me where I’ll be sleeping?”
“Sure thing, Gem,” Ramsey said.
“Allow me, Sir,” Carson stepped in to say, then winked at Ramsey.
“Thanks, Carson,” Ramsey told him.
“Wait, let me get my hug first,” Gianna said walking over to Gemma and gave her the most tender, compassionate hug. “I love you, sweet girl,” she said softly.
“Love you, too.” When they parted, Gemma said, “Goodnight, Ramsey.”
“Goodnight, Gemma.”
“Oh, and don’t keep her up too late, Ramsey,” Gemma said. “You know she’s a lil’ cuckoo in the mornings.”
Gianna smiled at her sister. She couldn’t deny the truth, so she just went with it.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Ramsey said. He looked at Gianna, extended his hand to her. “Shall we continue with the tour of the house?”
“Uh…okay,” she said, reaching for his hand, feeling heat stir in her abdomen.
They headed to the kitchen first – a gourmet kitchen. A chef’s dream kitchen. The granite island was big enough to be an actual island – the thing was huge – about the size of a king-sized bed. And the quality craftsmanship of the woodwork in the kitchen was impeccable. That detail alone must have cost a small fortune. The wood floor was so shiny, she could see her reflection in it. And then the soft ceiling lights gave the kitchen a welcoming, homey feel.
He showed her the expansive living room areas – one of which looked like a showroom that no one used – decorated with high-end furniture. The other was more of a family room but still had an expensive feel to it with its wall-mounted flat screen, fireplace, furniture that looked so comfortable, it drew you in and the view – oh goodness, the view. He said he had converted the sunroom to a family room. This was amazing. And equally as amazing was his home gym. It was a step away from the family room and had that same view of beautiful Lake Norman.
The next room he showed her was his private office. It too had its own lake view and a large table that contained several blueprints and sketches, she noticed. And on one wall, there was an expansive bookshelf with all kinds of books on architecture and design. Situated on the opposite wall was a wet bar and a leather sofa, two matching chairs and a coffee table.
He watched her as she looked around, pleased with the awe on her face. He liked the fact that she was impressed. He liked it even more that when she got off work, she’d changed into one of her summer dresses – a plain cotton, dark pink one that hugged her body and accentuated that small waist he couldn’t wait to grip. “What do you think?” he asked to hear what she’d been showing in actions translated to words.
“You have a beautiful home, Ramsey.”
No, we have a beautiful home…
He took her up to the second level to show her the four guest bedrooms, one of which belonged to Carson. He showed her where she would be sleeping for the week, right next to Gemma’s room. All bedrooms came with their own private bathroom.
“So which bedroom is yours?” she inquired.
“I was wondering when you were going to ask me that,” he said. Still holding her hand, he took her to another set of stairs, hidden behind a door with a keypad lock. He punched in a code and they walked up the stairs together, hand-in-hand and once at the top, he stepped into his bedroom – a grand master suite that encompassed the entire third floor.
“Wow,” she said, taking it all in. The room was filled with elegant décor with a black and cream color scheme. The four-poster bed was fit for royalty and looked like the perfect escape after a long day. The wall facing the lake was made up of windows and there was even a set of French doors that led out to a balcony.
“There’s a balcony?”
“Yes. Do you want to see it?”
“Yeah,” she said with a twinkle in her eyes.
Ramsey opened the door and she stepped out behind him, blown away by the sheer beauty of the view. “Wow,” she said a second time. “This is…this is breathtaking.”
Ramsey came to stand beside her. As she took in the view, he admired her. She was the view that had his mind blown. And another thing that had him secretly filled with joy was, she had yet to grasp that this was all hers.
“Do you come out here a lot?”
“No. I’m usually on the deck downstairs. I only come out here to meditate.”
He looked at her and wanted so badly to wrap his arm around her and claim her as his, then and there, but, again, he paced himself. He got her here at his house. He couldn’t devour her just yet no matter how much he wanted to. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that we’ll finally have some time to get to know each other.”
“Yeah,” she said, but with less enthusiasm than he had.
When his cell phone rang, he glanced at it and saw Wedded Bliss on the display then told Gianna, “Take your time enjoying the view. I’m going to step inside to take this call.”
And she was so enraptured by the view, she didn’t hear a word he’d said.
Ramsey eased the French doors opened then stepped inside of his bedroom. “This is Ramsey,” he answered.
“Hi, Mr. St. Claire.”
“Hi, Ms. James…not getting your receptionist to do your dirty work today I see.”
“Don’t start with me today.”
He chuckled. He could see her eyes rolling already.
“Anyway, I was calling with some good news, or shall I say to congratulate you as I’m sure Gianna has already told you.”
Told me what? And what news could be better than Gianna standing on the balcony of his bedroom? Agreeing to spend a week with him? He doubted that she could top that. “What news? What are you talking about?”
“Gianna signed the papers. When can I expect your signatures?”
Frowning, Ramsey looked through the glass to see Gianna looking up to the sky with her eyes closed. The breeze fanned her hair. She signed the papers? “She signed the papers?”
“Yes.”
“When?” he asked, his breathing heavy.
“Last night.”
Last night? After she told him she needed time? A week to think about it? And now she’d done a complete three-sixty and not only agreed to move in with him for a week, but to also sign the papers? “Are you trying to pull a fast one on me?”
“No. I’d play with you like that, but not my bestie. She signed it, and trust me when I say she’s been hesitant to do so since I presented it to her on Friday, but yesterday, I believe she reached an epiphany.”
“And what might that be?” he asked.
“That you really like her. She said it out loud with a look of astonishment on her face.”
“She just realized that last night?”
“Yep, with a little help from me,” Felicity said. “When you made it clear to me that your intentions were pure, I knew she’d be in good hands. I could hear the conviction in your voice.”
Still holding the phone, mind clouded in disbelief, Ramsey watched Gianna extend her arms and spin around in a circle. She’d actually signed the papers. “I’ll be there in the morning to sign.”
“What time?”
“What time do you open?”
“Nine.”
“Then, I’ll be there at 8:55 a.m.”
“Okay. See you tomorrow.”
Ramsey slid his phone back into his pocket and returned to the balcony. The moment he did, Gianna stopped twirling and her eyes opened. The closer he got to her, the wider
they became.
“Ramsey?” she said when he didn’t say anything. What was he doing? Why was he walking up to her with a hardened jaw and dark, pleasure-seeking eyes? “Ramsey, what are you—?”
Before she could utter another word Ramsey locked his arms around her and tried to steady her still enough to capture her lips but to no avail. She squirmed and flopped around like a fish fresh out of the water.
“Ramsey, what are you doing?”
“I’m trying to kiss you and I wish you’d hold still and let me.”
“No,” she said, gripping his dense wrists. “I can’t kiss you.”
Amused, he said, “Why not?”
“Because I was practicing on an apple and I bit it,” she said amused and still trying to free herself from his grasp but feeling her legs grow weak when he tightened his hold on her and nearly lifted her off of her feet when he walked her backwards until her butt was pressed against the outer railing of the balcony.
He licked his lips and was staring at her lips when he asked, “You were learning how to kiss using an apple?”
“Yes.”
Ramsey laughed.
“Stop laughing at me, Ramsey. It was Felicity’s idea.”
“Should’ve known. You’re too innocent and smart to do something that silly.” Ramsey licked his lips again. “Kiss me.”
She frowned. “No.”
“Wait…why are you frowning?” he asked.
“Because I don’t want to kiss you,” she said looking up at him with eyes that said the exact opposite of what she’d verbalized. She’d never been kissed before but had always been curious about how it would feel to literally merge her mouth with someone else’s. Never in a million years would she have imagined that the mouth would be the likes of this man.
She chewed on her bottom lip, uneasy about it. She could even feel her lips trembling just barely and wondered if Ramsey noticed. He probably had with his extreme attention to detail.
Ramsey smiled, watching her intently as she chewed on her lip. He knew what that meant, especially in combination with the things she wouldn’t say that he could read in her eyes. Those light golden brown eyes with hints of green. Her eyes weren’t dark. She wasn’t mad. Afraid. She was curious and nervous, but mad? No way. “Why not, Gianna?”
