by Pamela Yaye
“Baby, you’re it. The one, the woman I want to marry...”
“Markos, don’t joke about things like that. It’s not funny.”
“Who’s joking? I’m serious. We can go ring shopping at Cartier first thing tomorrow,” he said, nibbling on her earlobe. “Hell, we can go right now if you want.”
Tatiyana froze, staring at him with wide eyes, convinced she’d misheard him.
“I think you had too much Jamaican rum last night,” she teased with a nervous laugh.
“I’m sober, and I know what I want. You.”
“Markos, we haven’t known each other long—”
“It doesn’t matter. In case you haven’t noticed, Morretti men waste no time putting a ring on it when they find Ms. Right, and I’m no exception.”
The defiant expression on his face made her body hum and tingle. Oh, my, she thought, wetting her lips with her tongue. I’m so turned on right now I can’t think straight!
“The first time I saw you, I knew you were special, and I was right. You are. That’s why I want to marry you. Why I will marry you some day.” His voice was firm, as if the matter was decided and there was nothing she could do about it. “Baby, you’re it for me.”
“Markos, I get it. The sex is off the charts, but—”
“How many times do I have to tell you my feelings for you have nothing to do with sex, and everything to do with who you are?” he asked, interrupting her. “You’re right. The sex is amazing, and you’re an exquisite lover, but that’s not why I love you...”
Her ears perked up, and joy bubbled up inside her. You love me? Seriously? Even though you have models, and Hollywood actresses throwing themselves at you on a daily basis?
“All these years, I’ve been living in the dark and didn’t even realize it.” Cupping her chin in his hands, he slowly and tenderly kissed the corners of her lips. “The moment I met you, it felt like someone had flipped on the lights, and now my world is a brighter, better place.”
“Really? Because of me?”
“Yeah, baby, because of you. You challenge me, you take care of me, and when you’re around I smile more than a kid at Disneyland.” Markos laughed. “I’ve never felt this way before, and I know in my heart you’re the only woman for me.”
Overcome with emotion, Tatiyana couldn’t speak.
“I know a good thing when I see it, and baby that’s you. Will you marry me?”
Tatiyana bit down on her bottom lip to ward off the tears pricking the backs of her eyes. His words filled her with unspeakable joy, but she couldn’t resist teasing him. “Markos, I can’t believe you. You can’t propose during sex! Who does that?”
“Damn right I can. Anything goes!” Wearing an impish grin, he wiggled his eyebrows. “And I did my research. I read Proposals for Dummies, and according to the authors, there’s never a bad time for a man to propose.”
Tatiyana cracked up. “Liar! That isn’t a real book, and you know it.”
“Does it matter? I love you, and one day I’m going to marry you. Just watch.”
He kissed her deeply, thoroughly, with a savage intensity. Cradled in his arms, they moved together as one body, locked in a sensual, passionate embrace. They were polar opposites who couldn’t be more different, but it didn’t matter. They’d found each other, and having Markos in her life was a wonderful gift. Tatiyana felt protected, cared for and closer to Markos than ever before. As an orgasm ripped through her body, the truth fell from her mouth.
“I love you, Markos, and I want to be with you. Meeting you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’d be honored to be Mrs. Markos Morretti.”
“I love you, too. Never forget that. What we have is rare, and I’ll always cherish it.”
Breathing in his scent, Tatiyana reveled in his warmth and his closeness. Being in his arms was paradise, the only place she ever wanted to be. He kissed her, and his tongue explored her mouth, searching, teasing, and electrifying every inch of her body.
“Dannazione,” he rasped, through clenched teeth. “I can’t hold back any longer...”
His head fell forward, and his shoulders tensed. Growling, Markos palmed her ass, grinding his groin against her pelvis. Her walls contracted and she arched her back, offering more of herself to him. His erection throbbed, expanding inside her. Returning his kiss, she screamed with pleasure as he pumped his hips and increased his pace. His breathing grew louder, heavier as spasms rocked his body.
Wanting more, Tatiyana hooked her legs around his waist and clung desperately to him. Markos stilled, but his breathing was loud and labored. Spent, sweat dripping from his face, he collapsed on the bed and gathered her in his arms. “I can die now. I’m so damn happy and content,” he said with a crooked grin. “I’m exactly where I want to be, with the woman I love, and there’s no greater feeling.”
“Markos, baby, that’s so sweet.” Moved by his confession, Tatiyana kissed his lips. “I didn’t realize I was dating a poet.”
“You’re not. I heard that line in an old Italian movie, and I’ve always wanted to say it!” he joked.
They shared a laugh.
“Man, I’m hungry. You wore me out, Ms. Washington.”
“You’re welcome.” Springing to her feet, Tatiyana crossed the master bedroom with a smile on her face and a bounce in her step. She used the bathroom, then returned to the bedroom seconds later.
Locking eyes with him, she picked up the tray on the table and returned to the bed. “Try the waffles.” Tatiyana picked one up with her fork and held it under his nose. “I made it from scratch, and it’s one of my most popular recipes.”
Markos took a bite and chewed slowly. “Babe, wow, that’s good!”
As they ate, they discussed their plans for the day, and her upcoming job interview at Center of Hope. Markos offered to give her a reference, and Tatiyana whooped for joy. Working at a nonprofit center had always been her dream, and although she’d miss working at the law firm she wanted a permanent, long-term position helping impoverished communities. Markos had asked Tatiyana to be his date for the Governor’s Masquerade Ball at the end of the month, and she accepted, was pleased that he wanted to make their relationship public. Tatiyana wanted to ask Markos about Mayor Glover’s return, but sensed it wasn’t the right time. High on life, she wanted to enjoy their romantic breakfast, not argue about the mayor’s lies.
“Baby, that was delicious, especially the waffles,” he told her, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Thanks again for my birthday breakfast.”
Laughing, Tatiyana climbed onto his lap, pinned his arms to the headboard and rocked her hips against his groin. “Now that you’ve eaten, let’s pick up where we left off.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“More lovemaking. Then a quickie in the shower.”
Tatiyana lowered her mouth and licked his earlobe with her tongue. “How does that feel?” she whispered. “Do you like it? Do you want more?”
“Yeah, baby, but take it easy on me this time. I don’t want to end up in the ER.”
Chapter 21
“Welcome to the happiest place on earth,” the tour driver joked with a hearty laugh.
Seated in the backseat of the Hummer with Markos, enjoying the scenic drive through Joshua Tree, Tatiyana smiled to herself. The guide was driving like a speed demon, but his larger-than-life personality amused her. With skill and expertise, he maneuvered the vehicle through the rocky, rugged terrain, pointing out objects of significance in the lush landscape filled with spiky plants, cacti and wildflowers.
“There’s nowhere quite like Palm Springs, and you’re going to love it here.”
I believe you, Tatiyana thought, reliving the highlights of her day with Markos.
After their morning tryst, they’d watched their sex video—twi
ce—and although Markos said she could keep the footage, she’d deleted it. He was right. If it fell into the wrong hands, it could ruin him, and she didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize his career. Once showered and changed, they’d jumped into his Bugatti and headed downtown. In the car, they’d talked about their plans for Thanksgiving, the outrageous characters they worked with at the firm, and the social events Markos wanted them to attend together next month.
They’d spent the afternoon, wandering in and out of the souvenir shops and boutiques along North Palm Canyon Drive. On a whim, they’d taken a city bus tour with a large, gregarious group from Australia, followed by dinner at a posh seafood restaurant. Markos was charming and attentive, but his cell had rung incessantly while they ate their meal. Half-joking, Tatiyana had threatened to toss it into the aquarium, and he’d apologized with a kiss for the constant interruptions. After dinner, she’d challenged him to a game of pool in the adjoining bar. Winning with an improbable trick shot, she’d celebrated her victory by doing the Electric Slide, drawing chuckles from Markos and everyone inside the lounge.
“How long have you two kids been married?”
Tatiyana felt her skin warm. Before she could answer the question, Markos spoke, and his response floored her, leaving her speechless.
“We’re not married yet, but we will be, soon,” Markos said, oozing with confidence.
“Then let me be the first to congratulate you.” Lowering the volume on the radio, he stared at them in the rearview mirror. “Eloping with my girlfriend to Atlantic City last year was the smartest thing I’ve ever done.”
Tatiyana glanced at Markos, saw the amused expression on his face and couldn’t resist snuggling against him. She coiled her arm around his and put her head on his shoulder. Leaning over, he kissed her forehead. Tatiyana felt close to him and reveled in their newfound love. She loved how affectionate and romantic he was, and couldn’t have asked for a better day.
“Tatiyana Morretti has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?” he whispered into her hair. “Because of my horrible track record with women, I never thought I’d ever settle down again, but that’s exactly what I want. You and me, together forever.”
Giggling, she rolled her eyes at him. “You’re silly.”
“As long as I make you laugh, I’m doing my job.”
Gazing up at him, Tatiyana recalled something the Morretti wives had said in Tampa while the group was partying at Applause Nightclub. The women weren’t kidding, she thought, admiring his handsome profile. Morretti men are masters of seduction. It was more than just the things Markos said. It was the way he looked at her, the way he touched her, the feelings and emotions that stirred inside her when they kissed. He was a dream, one of a kind, and Tatiyana was ready to take a chance on love.
“I don’t see anything but wide-open space. Are we lost?” she asked aloud, peering out the backseat window. Hanging low in the sky, surrounded by thin, wispy clouds, the orange-hued sun dripped toward the horizon. A blustery wind blew dust in the desert air, and the scent of pine flowed through the open driver’s window. “Where are we going?”
Markos’s eyes smiled, and a mischievous expression covered his face. “On an adventure.”
“You’ve been saying that since we left the restaurant over an hour ago.” Straightening in her seat, she playfully jabbed his side with her elbow. “Fess up, Markos. The suspense is killing me. I can’t take it anymore. I’m dying to know where we’re going.”
“Be patient. You’ll find out soon enough.”
Spotting a hot-air balloon in the distance, her eyes widened in alarm. It felt as if her seat belt were choking her, and she struggled to catch her breath. “Please, tell me we’re not going in there.” She pointed at the windshield, her limbs quivering with fear, and swallowed hard. “I don’t do well with heights...or balloons...or falling from the sky.”
“You have nothing to fear. I won’t leave your side.”
Her stomach dropped to her feet with a thud. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
“Baby, trust me, you’re going to love it.”
“Why? Because your other women did?”
“I’ve never been in a hot-air balloon,” he confessed. “I thought it would be an exciting new experience for both of us, so I booked the champagne night tour.”
An exciting new experience? More like chilling, scary and stressful.
“And for the record, there are no other women. Just you.”
The pictures of Markos she’d seen weeks earlier on several LA gossip blogs days before her trip to Tampa came to mind, and she couldn’t resist asking him about them. “What about the women you were linked to this past summer?”
“I want you, and no one else. I thought I made that clear this morning. You’re the most selfless, compassionate woman I know, and I admire how you care for others.” Markos winked. “Especially me.”
His gaze zeroed in on her, and her heart sighed.
“You’re right. I am fabulous!” she joked with a laugh.
“Yes, you are, and I want you to be my girl forever.”
Tatiyana leaned over and caressed his face with her hands. “I’d love nothing more, Mr. Morretti!”
“Morretti?” The driver slammed on the brakes. Twisting in his seat, his eyes bugging out of his head like a cartoon character, he spoke in a loud, animated voice. “You’re not related to baseball phenom Demetri Morretti from the Chicago Royals, are you?”
Nodding, Markos wore a proud smile. “He’s my first cousin.”
“Holy crap! That means you’re Emilio Morretti’s brother!”
“Right again. Are you a fan?”
“Hell, yeah, I’m a fan! Demetri is an outstanding baseball player, and Emilio’s the greatest Formula One driver of all time.”
“I agree, and they’re great guys, too. Talented, hardworking and ambitious.”
The driver returned his attention to the road but continued questioning Markos. “Do you have any advice for a young, aspiring businessman like myself?”
“Success doesn’t happen overnight. You have to be disciplined and determined to be the best in your field, no matter the cost.”
Hearing her cell buzz, Tatiyana fished it out of her purse. She had three missed calls from her mom, and a text message. It was obvious her mom was upset, annoyed with her for leaving town on the fly, but Tatiyana didn’t call Lena back. Markos was sitting beside her, and she didn’t want him to overhear their conversation. Reading the message made her feel low.
Where are you and why aren’t you answering your phone? I hope you’re not off with Markos Morretti, because he’s bad news. Just like his friend the mayor.
Annoyed, Tatiyana tossed her cell in her purse. Her mom was wrong. Markos wasn’t bad news. He respected her, made her feel safe and protected, and Tatiyana was hopeful about their future. He was her man now, and she wasn’t going to let her mom disrespect him.
Your man? asked her inner voice. That was fast! One minute you’re avoiding him and the next he’s your man. Are you sure you know what you’re doing? What you want?
Her thoughts returned to the day they met. From the moment she’d laid eyes on Markos, she’d been smitten with him, and couldn’t fight their attraction any longer, wasn’t strong enough to resist him. And why should she? Markos was a catch, the kind of guy she’d always dreamed of marrying, and she hoped her family wouldn’t come between them. Ice spread through her veins, chilling her to the bone. Pushing aside her fears, Tatiyana told herself not to worry, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that trouble was right around the corner.
Chapter 22
“Baby, we’re here,” Markos said with an easy smile. “Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?”
Hearing his smooth, sexy voice, Tatiyana snapped to attention and nodded.
�
��This is the launch site. The team’s ready for you,” the driver announced. “It was a pleasure driving you this afternoon, Mr. Morretti, and behalf of everyone at Ultimate Sightseeing Tours, thank you for your business.”
The men shook hands, and Markos stuffed a hundred-dollar bill into the driver’s tip jar. In many ways, he reminded her of her Uncle Byron—strong, dependable and generous—and for the second time in minutes, she wondered what her family would think of her dating him. Tatiyana was confident her mom and sister could put the past behind them and embrace Markos the same way his family had embraced her in Tampa. It wasn’t every day she brought someone home, and it was important to her that her family and her new boyfriend got along.
Markos stepped out of the Hummer, came around the passenger door and helped Tatiyana out of the vehicle. “Your hands are ice-cold. Are you okay?”
“I don’t think I can do this.”
“You can do anything you put your mind to.”
Fear flooded her body. “But I’m scared.”
“Baby, trust me. I’ve got your back, so let’s do this!”
His enthusiasm was contagious, and as he tenderly stroked her arms, her legs stopped shaking and the butterflies in her stomach disappeared.
“Welcome Markos and Tatiyana. I’m Arielle Jospeh, and I’ll be your pilot today...”
A redhead, rocking a white Jimi Hendrix T-shirt and skinny jeans, waved in greeting. Speaking with a Southern drawl, she explained what would happen, what to do and how to be safe during the ninety-minute tour.
In seconds, they were inside the basket of the balloon, flying high in the sky. Tatiyana soaked in her tranquil surroundings. The air was warm and fragrant, the mountains majestic, and the sunset as beautiful as a postcard. The ride was smooth, exhilarating and romantic. It was the experience of a lifetime, and Tatiyana was glad Markos was at her side, holding her close. Watching the sky change colors, she admired the golden-hued landscape. The pilot answered their questions, pointed out various landmarks and educated them about the history of Joshua Tree. Ninety minutes after takeoff, the balloon reached the landing spot. Exiting the basket, hand-in-hand with Markos, Tatiyana was shocked to see a round table decorated with fine linens, candles, and trays topped with tropical fruits and pastries.
