“I know,” smiled Ramona. “I want you guys to sit up front.”
“That’s reserved for the press,” said Ashley.
“Only the left side. The right is for VIP. So go find your seats.”
“Wait!” said Ashley as Ramona walked off. “How surprised were you when you arrived?”
“Very. I was speechless. How long did you guys know?”
“Dave told us two weeks ago. Have you seen the offices, yet?”
“I have and so will you after the ceremony.”
Dave nodded towards Ramona from the podium that was her cue it was time to begin. She crept anxiously up the middle aisle and stood with a nervous smile on her face next to Dave. All eyes were on her and it made her uncomfortable. A tiny part of her believed some in the audience did not wish her well. They were not there to see her continue her family’s legacy. They only attended to see her fail. She’ll prove them wrong.
“...without further ado please welcome Ramona Vasquez,” announced Dave.
Ramona stepped front and center to the podium to a round of applause. The nerves she felt were no more. She replaced them with determination. Determined to prove them all wrong. “Thank you all for the applause and the time you have taken out of your schedules to be here. I know many of you here were colleagues, associates, or maybe even friends with my aunt Melissa Pennington. And I’m sure you wondered what would happen to the charity she and my father founded. There were rumblings that the doors would close and the community would no longer benefit from their generosity. I’m here to tell you that is simply not true. We will continue to serve the public but now in the capacity of a private foundation. One of our new missions will be to provide scholarships to any student who pursues a career in the medical field. It doesn’t matter if it’s a pre-med student at a university or physician assistant course at a technical college.” As the crowd broke into an applause, Ramona found Nick’s face in the crowd. He appeared to be beaming with pride. His mouth was wide in a smile and his eyes had a slight twinkle to them. It filled her with joy the crowd has reacted positively to her speech so far.
“I didn’t grow up with my father or aunt. My grandmother raised me in one of Houston’s poorest neighborhoods. When you are a youth living in poverty, you have two roads you can travel. You can take what I call the high road and not allow your environment to determine your future. By working hard and getting good grades to attend college. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen often. Most kids give in to their circumstances and begin a life of crime because they believe there isn’t any other way. There aren’t any youth centers or mentors to show you the path of the high road or how to become successful. That’s why one of the foundation’s second goal is to open centers in low-income neighborhoods that specializes in STEM learning and activities.” Ramona nodded towards Dave and within seconds the curtain that had covered the wall to the right fell.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present to you the Michael and Melissa Pennington Foundation!” Everyone stood to their feet and loudly applauded. Ramona grabbed the scissors. “Irma and Ashley please come up and help me cut the ribbon to our new foundation.” The three ladies placed their hands on an oversized pair of scissors. They paused before cutting to allow the press to take pictures.
“Okay on the count of three. One, two, three!” They cut the ribbon and the doors to the office were open. Ramona and the first group moved to the second floor where various dishes of hors d’oeuvre and champagne were served. Unlike the third and fourth floors, Nick had furnished the entire floor. His best addition were the portraits of her father and aunt placed on the wall as you exited the elevator.
As everyone made their way up, Ramona stood and greeted them. They all congratulated her or told her good job with her speech. She saw Nick with Amber and her husband waiting towards the back of the crowd. “Congratulations, sweetheart.” Nick embraced her. “At first I was nervous, but it all dissipated.”
“I could tell,” said Amber. “You held your own and looked good doing it.”
“I still have reporter questions to answer.”
“Do y’all want to get a late lunch afterward?” asked Amber.
“What if we have dinner tomorrow,” interjected Nick. “I have a special night planned for us.”
“He won’t give me not one hint.”
“Well, Lee and I will head out now and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Ramona hugged Amber goodbye and left Nick to mingle while she tracked down Irma and Ashley. She found them speaking with Hunter Chase. She had no idea he had attended. Probably to gloat or predict her failure. “Hello, guys and Hunter.”
“Your speech was great,” said Ashley turning around.
Ramona smiled. “Thank you, Ashley. Hunter can I speak with you privately.”
“Sure.”
“Now don’t you two go anywhere,” she said to Ashley and Irma. “I need to speak with you both after I finish with Mr. Chase.” Ramona and Hunter stepped into an empty office. Ramona closed the door. “What are you doing here, Hunter?”
“I realize we got off to a bad start.”
“That’s an understatement. You called me a killer and how did you put it? Right, you said I muddied up the Pennington’s name.”
Hunter frowned. “Those were my words and I apologize. Your father and aunt were close friends of mine and I shouldn’t have disrespected you.”
Were her ears deceiving her? Hunter Chase actually apologized. “I appreciate and accept your apology.”
“I mean it. I came here out of the respect of my friendship with them. I thought you would announce you were shutting everything down. I’m impressed by your ambition. If you ever need a donation or help with anything. Call me.”
“You sound as if you mean that.”
“I do.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. I need to get back.”
“Okay,” he said, staring at her in a way it made her feel uncomfortable. “Is there something else, Hunter?”
“I was wondering if you’ll like to go out sometime.”
She raised a brow, skeptically. She had no clue for his sudden turnaround. “I’m flattered, however, I’m seeing someone. I have people waiting for me. Again, thank you for coming.” Ramona walked out, leaving Hunter behind. She wasted no time finding Ashley and Irma. She found them mingling with the guests.
“I appreciate you guys waiting for me. Let’s talk in the conference room.” They followed Ramona, she could tell they were nervous by the pained expression on their faces. “Calm down ladies it’s all good news. I wanted privacy so we’re not interrupted.” That seemed to relax them. “You know I appreciate the loyalty the both of you have shown,” she continued, closing the conference room doors. “Please have a seat.” The conference room had a large oval shaped glass table, surrounded by gray office chairs. Ramona waited until they sat before continuing. “Since we are now a private foundation that offers scholarships only, we no longer need a large staff.”
“Are you firing us?” asked Irma.
“Just the opposite.”
“I kept half the staff from the Helping Hand. But, you two will not continue in your current positions.”
“What do you mean?” asked Ashley.
“I’ve told you guys several times I appreciate your loyalty, and I meant it. To show my appreciation, I will give you both promotions. Irma, I would like for you to head our Scholarship Committee. You will head a team whose sole job is to screen the applications and make recommendations for scholarship approval. Ashley, you will oversee a team who will scout locations for the STEM centers and present it to the board.”
“Seriously?” asked Ashley, excitedly.
“I’m one hundred percent serious.”
They both thanked her and agreed to the new positions. Ramona walked them back to the celebration and answered several questions from the press. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a luncheon catered by a nearby Italian restaurant. After an hour she and Nick discreetly exited.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Whatever Nick had planned he wasn’t giving away any hints. He dropped her off and informed her the driver would return at eight to pick her up for his next surprise. With four hours to spare, an hour nap sounded like a good idea. But, a knock on the door interrupted her plan. Ramona squinted her eyes slightly to make out the shadowy figure behind the glass. As she moved closer, she could see an unknown woman holding a garment bag. “Can I help you?” she asked when she opened the door.
“Are you Ramona Vasquez?” asked a middle-aged female, dressed in a blue denim jumpsuit and black flats.
“Yes.”
“I have a delivery from Mr. Nick Corley.”
“What kind of delivery?” she asked, raising a suspicious brow.
“The kind that every girl dream of,” she said, winking her eye. “May I come in? I need to hang this for you.”
“I can take it. Just give me a sec for your tip.”
Ramona rummaged through the drawer on the table by the front door. Sometimes she puts money in there for situations like this. Two twenties and a ten-dollar bill were at the bottom of the drawer. She gave the woman the fifty dollars. “Enjoy,” the woman said handing over the garment bag before walking off.
She placed the black bag with the word Amore engraved in gold letters across the front, on the chair. It’s the name of an upscale boutique that specialized in women’s fashion. She placed her hand on the zipper with the excitement of a kid opening a birthday gift. She slowly moved the zipper downward, with one long stroke she revealed the most beautiful dress she has ever seen. Her eyes marveled at the black, sleeveless, floor-length mermaid gown with an illusion bodice. She allowed her fingers to trace over the crystal beaded mesh that made up the plunging neckline. He obviously chose a dress that would accentuate her body’s silhouette well. Ramona held the dress against her body and shed a small tear. She knew tonight would be special. Out of curiosity, she sent Nick a text to ask what he had up his sleeve. He wouldn’t divulge any answers. His only response was to be ready at eight. With time passing quickly, Ramona called her makeup artist and hairdresser back to the house to help with preparations for the night.
Right at eight, there was a limousine waiting outside. She felt like a princess on her way to see her prince. Ramona climbed into the back of the car and on the leather seat was a handwritten note from Nick. She smiled to herself as she opened the small white envelope.
I know you’re curious. Be patient, sit back and enjoy the ride. Love, Nick.
Ramona placed the note in her black clutch and poured herself a glass of champagne. As she sipped on the golden bubbly she stared out of the window hoping to get a clue of the destination. After turning onto the third expressway, she gave up. Where ever the driver was taking her it was quite the distance.
Thirty minutes later, she arrived at an empty restaurant parking lot. The driver parked and opened her door. “Are you sure we’re at the right place?” she asked, cautiously.
“Yes, ma’am.”
He held the door opened as Ramona hesitantly exited the car. She scanned the empty parking lot for reassurance she should trust him. Within seconds the restaurant’s door opened and Nick appeared. The uncertainty she felt had disappeared, instead replaced with giddy anticipation. The kind you feel when you can’t wait to be near the one who has enamored your heart. She felt a slight flutter of butterflies as she stepped towards him. He stood at the door dressed in a black tux. How did I get so lucky? When she was close enough, he grabbed her hands and gazed into her eyes. “You are breathtaking.”
“It’s the gorgeous dress you chose and you don’t look so bad yourself.”
“The occasion calls for us to dress to the nines. We’re celebrating.”
“Celebrating what?”
Nick shrugged. “You, us, our love for one another.”
“Why are we the only two here?”
“It’s our private party,” he smiled.
“First the office building and now this. You’re spoiling me.”
“Are you ready to go in?”
“Lead the way.”
Ramona followed Nick hand-in-hand through the empty restaurant. She smiled as she passed a line of staff members as they made their way to the second level. Near the balcony, was an intimate round dining table beautifully covered with a white tablecloth, silver chargers with black plates on top. Several crystal votive encircled the small white floral arrangement adding to the ambiance. Nick held out her chair and when she sat, she took notice of the nearby window overlooking the San Jacinto River. “How did you find this place?”
“I know the owner. I know you haven’t been out here to Baytown, so I figured it would be the perfect place to bring you.”
“I never considered it because of the long drive. But as always, you went all out.”
Nick reached for her hand from across the table. “You deserved this and much more. When I think back on our relationship, it’s been a rocky road. Somehow, we’ve come through on the other side. I believe it’s because we’ve both grown into better people. I definitely saw a change in you today. During your speech, you were strong, professional, and courageous.”
“You think so?”
“Definitely. You have fully embraced your boss status.”
She eyed him intently and felt bad for the mistrust she's had in him. He has given her more than what she deserved. “Remember the other day when I said was apprehensive about completely trusting you with my heart.”
Nick nodded his head yes.
“Forget I said any of that. You have shown a million times over I can trust you with my heart, my soul, and with everything in me.” Once again, her eyes welled up with tears. “Sorry, I’ve turned into such a crybaby.” Ramona wiped her eyes with a tissue. “All I’m trying to say is thank you for your patience and I will never doubt you again.”
Before Nick could respond a young waiter approached the table. He advised her to order whatever she wanted. She didn’t have the guts to admit that most of the items on the menu were foreign to her, so she chose the safe route and ordered the steak and lobster. After the waiter left with their order, Nick stood beside her and held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”
Ramona glanced to her left and then to the right. Maybe he could hear something she couldn’t. “No music, Nick.”
“Yes, there it is.” And just like in the movies, a man with a twirly mustache appeared with a violin. She stood and laughed to herself. He continued to surprise her, and she loved it. She interlocked her arms around his neck and they slowly swayed to the soft sounds. With his hands placed around her waist, she momentarily closed her eyes and inhaled his intoxicating scent. He always smells so damn good! She felt like the luckiest woman in the world, never wanting the evening to end. She lifted her head upward and their eyes met. As she gazed into his gorgeous gray eyes, their journey together entered her mind causing tears to stream down her cheeks. Nick cupped her face and wiped the falling tears with his fingers. “What’s that about?”
She shook her head. “Nothing. They’re tears of joy.”
Nick kissed her lips. “Our food has arrived.”
The couple enjoyed their meal and by the end, Ramona was stuffed like a turkey. She had no room for anything else. Moments later the waiter returned with desserts. Just like the main course, a silver dome covered the dish. “What did you order, Nick?” she asked.
“Lift it and find out. It might be your favorite, chocolate lava cake.”
“I might have room for a lava cake,” she said, excitedly lifting the top. She held the dome mid-air as her mouth fell open at the sight. There wasn’t a lava cake. Instead, it was a small blue ring box, that revealed the largest diamond she had ever seen. Ramona sat frozen unable to utter a word. Nick removed the lid from her hand, placing it on the table. He then placed the ring box in his hand and came to her side of the table, dropping to one knee before her. Her mind raced as she silently told herself she must
be dreaming. Her breathing became almost labored from excitement, her right foot uncontrollably tapped the floor, and her stomach was doing its own dance. She tried her hardest to calm down, but the moment wouldn’t allow it.
“Ramona,” Nick began, “the day you entered my life is one I will never forget. In that moment I realized a person could fall in love at first sight. Our connection was instant and our chemistry was undeniable. After spending years apart, we are fortunate to have another chance at love. This time I want to take the love we share to the next level. Sweetheart,…”
“Yes?” Ramona squealed.
“Will you please marry me?”
“Yes!” Ramona tried to contain her emotions as Nick slipped the ring on her trembling finger. “Oh, my God! Is this for real?”
“It’s always been you and only you I wanted in my life. So yes, this is real.”
Ramona stood and kissed Nick tenderly. “I love you,” she mouthed between kisses. “I love this ring. It’s amazing.” She held her hand outward and reveled in the diamond’s radiance underneath the restaurant's lights. The emerald-cut diamond platinum ring was the most exquisite piece of jewelry she’s ever owned.
“Are you ready to continue our night elsewhere?”
She responded by leading Nick outside where the limousine waited. The couple stopped right outside the door to kiss. “Your house or mines?” he asked.
“Which one is further?” she asked.
“Yours.”
Ramona waited in the limo while Nick instructed the driver where to take them. She stretched her hand out in front of her to admire the rock on her left hand. When she woke this morning, she would’ve never imagined the day would end with an engagement. She couldn’t wait to pick a day and walk down the aisle to the man she loved. “Why did you ask whose house is further?” Nick asked, closing the car door.
Ramona unzipped her gown and slowly peeled it from her body. She climbed on top of Nick’s lap, straddling him, while he salivated over her naked body. “So, we have more time for this,” she whispered in his ear. She placed gentle kisses on the left side of his neck and moved her hands to the waistband of his pants. She could hear his breathing become heavier in her ear. “Let’s get these off.” Nick moved her hands away and leaned her backward on the seat. She watched as he wasted no time removing his pants. She pulled him towards her as they both kissed and explored each other bodies with their hands. The sound of pleasure escaped her lips as she felt the flick of Nick’s tongue between her legs. His soft hair became intertwined within her grip. He placed wet kisses on her inner thighs before moving on top of her. She pressed her body against his as he entered slowly. With their bodies in tune with the other, they moved in a synchronous motion. He made her feel more loved and connected to him than ever before. Their souls were kindred mates and her heart was completely in his hands. She was better with him and couldn’t imagine her life without him. Utterly insatiable love.
Shattered Hearts (Shattered Series Book 2) Page 19
