Shattered Lives (The Shattered Series Book 1) Read online

  “Honestly, I have a lot on my plate.”

  “Too busy to send a quick text to say hello or offer to meet up for a drink?”

  “Yeah, kind of,” said Ramona. She couldn’t take her eyes off of him, he was even more attractive under the sunlight. “At first, I thought about driving off without saying hi. I didn’t think you would remember me.”

  “I couldn’t forget you if I’d tried.”

  “Because you chased me down that night to give me your number.”

  “I don't quite remember it happening that way,” he said, laughing.

  “That's my story and I'm sticking to it,” Ramona said with a smile. “I don't want to hold you up any longer. I see you have plans, I only wanted to come over and say hi.” Ramona turned to walk away, Nick grabbed her hand sending chills throughout her body.

  “What are your plans for tonight?” he asked, not letting go of her hand.

  “Nothing much. Maybe go home and relax in front of the television.”

  “Let me take you to dinner.”

  “What about her?” she asked, nodding towards the stripper who looked beyond annoyed.

  “You let me deal with her. You can either follow me or we can ride together. I will bring you back to pick up your car.”

  “I’ll follow you.” Ramona turned to walk back to her car. She laughed to herself as she heard the stripper cursing Nick out as he removed her from his car. She was confident in her decision to follow her heart but she wished she could figure him out. He’s married and does not to let a thing called commitment stand in the way of what he wants. In a way she’s relieved he’s unavailable because the last thing she wanted was a relationship. He intrigued her that's all. When Ramona turned around again, she saw Mr. Bishop walking towards the front door of the club. Talk about bad timing. she had to speak with him, however, she didn't want to cancel her dinner plans with Nick. Another quick decision she had to make. After going back and forth several times in her head, she chose Nick. She would have to meet Mr. Bishop another time.

  Ten minutes later she was following Nick down the street to a nice cozy restaurant that was off the beaten path. It sat away from the main road, one of those places you can only find if you're looking for it. She parked her car next to his, and they walked in together. The hostess seated them in a booth with a window view of the street. Instead of sitting across from her, he shared her side of the booth. It was tight if she scooted over once their legs would touch. This was the second time he was offensively too close to her. It should have bothered her he didn’t understand boundaries or personal space, but it didn't. A waitress brought over their menus right away and took their drink orders. Ramona only ordered a soda she wanted to remain clear-headed throughout the evening. Nick turned to her and stared when he spoke she could smell spearmint on his breath. “You’re very beautiful. I know that sounds like a line but I’m serious. I find it hard to believe someone with your exquisiteness is single.”

  Ramona placed her right elbow on the table and rested her hand under her chin. She grinned as she looked at him. “You're right it sounds like a line.” She tried hard not get sucked in by his dimpled smile. “How do you know if I’m available, you never asked?”

  Nick let out a small chuckle. “Are you seeing anyone, Ramona?”

  “No, I’m not and I’m not married, either. But, you are! I saw it on the internet.”

  Nick paused before responding. “Okay, you got me. I'm married, but it’s open. We agreed we can see other people.”

  “Her choice or yours?”

  “It was a mutual decision. Our relationship is based more on finances than love and commitment.”

  “Finances? What does that mean?”

  “It's a complicated situation.”

  “Nick, I’m not trying to get in the middle of your complicated situation. I hope you don’t have plans to make me one of your many women on the side.”

  Nick gently grabbed her hand and kissed it, which caused her body to respond with a slight shiver. She loved the touch of his soft lips upon her skin. “You're too special to be one of anything,” he whispered in her ear before planting a kiss on her cheek.

  “You’re presumptuous as hell. I didn’t give you permission to plant your lips on me.”

  “You didn’t stop me, either.”

  “Anyway, I never looked you up online. The night we met you wore a wedding band. Unlike tonight, it’s missing.”

  Nick didn’t respond to Ramona’s observation. Instead, he moved the conversation along by changing the subject. Right away she knew he was the type of man she couldn't trust. If she was smart, she would run far away from him and his dimples.

  During dinner, he dominated the entire conversation. He revealed he’s thirty-four, loved his job and expensive cars. He shared stories about his childhood, mentioning he grew up poor and it was hard being the youngest of six kids. Nick talked so much about himself he never asked Ramona anything. After dinner, as he walked her to her car, he asked if she would like to come over to his place and hang out. “What about your wife?” she asked.

  “She’s out of town for the next two weeks. Since she’s away, I'm staying at my condo, downtown.”

  “Why do you have a condo downtown?”

  “My wife travels for her job. I stay there when she’s away and when she returns, I stay with her at our family home.”

  “Let me get this straight. You’re in an open marriage and you have a second home that you don’t share with your wife. I'm sorry Nick I want no part of your twisted marriage. The last thing I need is for your wife to come after me for hanging out with her husband.”

  “I promise you she won’t. I know this is a lot to take in. I rarely share the details of my marriage with anyone.”

  “Why tell me?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe it’s because you’ve stayed on my mind since the day we met. I want the chance to get to know you.”

  “And then what?”

  Nick looked confused. “What do you mean?”

  “You want to get to know me and what happens next?” Ramona was leaning against the car door. Nick moved closer. “You’re thinking too far ahead. Just take one step at a time. Start by coming with me.”

  Ramona had to admit that he intrigued the hell out of her. He had a confident swagger about himself she couldn’t resist. She thought deeply about her options. Her reckless side wanted to go with him. Who cares if he’s married, it’s only dinner and a nightcap. However, her rational side of understood that he’s married and the last thing she needed was to deal with a scorned wife. The more she weighed her options in her mind, the more the reckless side won. “I’ll go, but only for a short visit.”

  She could see it in his face he was ecstatic. His eyes lit up like lights on a Christmas tree. He insisted that they ride together and he would bring her back in an hour to pick up her car. Driving into the condo's garage Ramona was impressed with the building’s opulence. There was a doorman out front and a guard station at the garage entrance. According to a sign posted everyone must stop and show ID and but the guard waved Nick through. They took the garage elevator to the lobby so Nick could retrieve a package from his mailbox. The lobby had marble floors, high ceilings with crystal chandeliers, cream, and black plush seating. After Nick retrieved his mail, they rode the elevator to the tenth floor and entered door 1025. Once inside Ramona was awe-struck over the black-and-white marble floors, the all-white decor, and mesmerized by the floor to ceiling windows that provided a spectacular view of downtown Houston. She assumed business consultants made a decent living, but this had to be above his pay grade. Either his wife makes most of the money or he is doing something on the side. “This is a beautiful place. I didn’t realize business consultants made this kind of money.”

  “It varies. The real money is in your commission and bonuses.”

  “Maybe I’m in the wrong field. However, you said your marriage is based on finances. Did your wife’s money buy this place?”
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  “Wow, are you insulting me?”

  “No, but I...”

  “You’re assuming too much,” he said cutting her off. “This is not your business but I like you so I will share this tidbit. My wife does not support me, we support each other. Now, have a seat next to me so I can learn more about you.” Ramona sat on the white leather chair opposite of Nick. A half smile appeared on his face as he got up to make them both a drink. Ramona placed her drink down on the glass table, she was serious about remaining clear headed.

  “So how do you know Josh and Tami?” he asked, as he took a sip of his drink.

  “I don't. I met Tami for the first time at a Halloween party. We all work at the One Star Financial building near here.”

  “Are you talking about the new building on Travis?”

  “Yes, I'm an executive assistant for the guy I attended the dinner party with.”

  “I work with Tami's husband, Josh. We're more than co-workers, we’re more like brothers. His wife is another story, I don't think she's too fond of me.”

  “Why not?”

  “Not sure, she always acts standoffish towards me. I asked Josh about it but he pretends not to notice. I know that he does.”

  Ramona found that surprising, she thought everyone liked Little Miss Perfect. It was nice to be around someone who shared the same feelings she had about her. Maybe, not the exact feelings but in the general area. Nick walked over to one of the massive windows. “Come look at this view,” he said.

  Ramona stood next to him. “It's a spectacular view. You’re lucky to wake to this every morning.”

  Nick turned to her and with his hand moved a long lock of hair from her face to behind her ear. “When I first saw you, I couldn’t take my eyes off of you. I waited for you to call because I couldn’t get you off my mind. You fascinate me, unlike anyone I’ve ever met.”

  They both stood staring into each other’s eyes. It was as if his steel-gray eyes pierced into her soul and could see how vulnerable he made her feel. The guard she tried to keep up was slowly lowering. She shifted her eyes away from his. She didn’t know how to respond. No man has ever articulated their feelings to her in that manner. It was always the usual same old tired lines to have sex with her and it worked. Because she was desperate for a man’s attention. This time it felt different. Everything he’s said, she felt the same way too.

  But he’s married.

  “You mentioned that I’m lucky to wake to view every morning,” he said, breaking the silence. “How would you like to do the same?”

  “That would be nice,” she said not sure of what he was asking.

  “Why don't you spend a night,” he continued, “And before you think I have ulterior motives, I have three bedrooms. Well, two are bedrooms, the third one I made into an office. But, you can sleep in one of the spare rooms.”

  “Slow down, Nick. I can't spend a night. My car is parked at the restaurant. Most importantly, I don't know you well enough. We’ve only spent a few hours together and you’re already expecting me to spend the night.”

  “There are people who spend the night together and don’t know each other’s name,” he said.

  “True, but I don’t.”

  “I won’t try a thing. Promise. I thought we could just talk. Nothing else.”

  “I don’t have a change of clothes.”

  “I can take care of everything. I can call someone to tow your car to your house and there’s a boutique in the lobby. You can get whatever you want and have it billed to me.”

  “I...I don’t know,” Ramona stammered, “It doesn’t feel right.” She wasn’t pretending to be a little innocent flower by any means, but this was different. She’s still weighing in her mind if she wanted to take things further. If she pursued anything with him, she wanted to proceed slow and smart.

  “Look, we’ve already established that we enjoy each other’s company, so what’s the harm in spending more time together?”

  “Yeah, but —”

  “You're over thinking this,” he said. “It's simple, you stay here with me in separate rooms, we have a good time and you can leave in the morning.”

  After much thought, Ramona made up her mind. “You win! Against my better judgment, I will stay one night.” Nick hugged her tightly, slightly pulling away to plant a kiss on her forehead. He paused as if he was waiting for her to react. When she didn’t, he brushed his lips against her cheek, slowly moved towards her lips, softly and tenderly kissing her. Ramona tried not to kiss him back, she tried hard to resist the warm sensation she felt with each of his kisses. She gave in and kissed him in return, getting more into the moment but pulled away when she felt his hands go under her miniskirt. “Nick no! Stop!” she protested.

  “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to overstep,” he replied.

  "I’m not sleeping with you. You just promised me you wouldn’t try anything!”

  “You’re right. I apologize. Would you like to leave?”

  “No, I agreed to stay. But, we need to move slow.”

  “Understood.”

  Nick made calls to have Ramona’s car towed to her apartment and made a call to the boutique. He told them she would be there shortly to make several purchases and to charge them to him. Ramona did not want to be greedy, she only picked out underwear, a pair of skinny jeans, and two fitted tees. When she returned, she took a shower and put on one of Nick's t-shirts. When she exited the guest bathroom, she found him sitting on a black and white shag rug placed in front of the fireplace in the living room. He had a bottle of red wine and two wine glasses. “Why does anyone need a fireplace in Texas?” she asked, standing over him.

  “It’s for ambiance.” He clicked a remote which lit the electric fireplace and dimmed the lights in the room at the same time. “You look good in my shirt.” He held out his hand, which she grabbed and lowered herself next to him.

  “Let’s make a toast,” he said, pouring wine into each glass. “To the start of a relationship with an incredible woman.”

  “You’re very confident that this will progress into much more.”

  “I’m hopeful. You know where I stand. I like you but if you feel my situation with my wife is too much. No pressure.”

  Ramona took a gulp of her wine. If only he was single. If he was, she wouldn’t hesitate to throw caution to the wind. Tim was a means to get what she wanted, and she used Chad to have a night of fun. It was nothing serious, and both men were unattached. Nick was someone who she liked and would love to move forward with. “I’ll tell you where I stand after you answer my questions.”

  “Uh-oh, whenever a woman has questions for a man, it’s never good.”

  “First question. Do you make it a habit of bringing strippers home with you?”

  Nick almost spit out his wine. “You don’t play around, do you?”

  “Hey, you want me to take a chance on you. I need to know what kind of person you are.” She added more wine to her glass.

  “That’s fair. The person you saw me with earlier I was not bringing her here. I was giving her a ride home.”

  Ramona gave him the you got to be kidding me face. “That’s the best you can do.”

  “Okay. I was bringing her home for you know. But, that all changed because of you.”

  “I’m not judging. But let’s be honest, you want me to take a chance on someone who acts like a bachelor when his wife goes out of town.”

  “It won’t be like that with you.” Nick placed his glass down on the floor and scooted closer to her. He removed her glass from her hand and placed it beside her. Ramona didn’t move as Nick leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. She returned his kiss, simultaneously moving her body backward on the rug. She wanted him badly and with two-and-a-half glasses of wine in her system, her guard was down. As she allowed herself to get more into the moment, she felt Nick’s hand travel underneath the oversized t-shirt she wore. Every ounce of herself wanted to stop him but the longer his hand lingered on her body the more she wa
nted him. He moved his hand upward and paused when he reached her breast. She bit down on her lower lip as he squeezed and played with her nipple. If she didn’t stop him now, she would be in his bed in no time. She placed her hand over his, putting a halt to his motion. “I can’t,” she whispered.

  He immediately removed his hand from underneath her shirt. “I’m sorry. I made you promise, and I went for it, anyway.”

  Ramona sat up. “You don’t have to apologize. I was right there with you. But, I can’t until I’m sure if it’s what I really want to do.”

  “I understand.”

  Ramona suggested that they call it a night and slept in the guest room. As she tried to fall asleep, she thought about when she first met Nick. The attraction they shared was undeniable, and she wanted him for herself. Now that she has spent time with him, she was confused. Did she really want to be a part of his open marriage? He’s a married man who has a second home where he lives the life of a bachelor. How insane is that? It’s always been a rule of hers not to get involved with married men. She doesn’t need the headache of being a mistress. But, there have been times she unknowingly had broken her rule and in the end, she always regretted it. The men would wait until after sex to announce they're married. Never has someone been as forthcoming as Nick, but it still doesn’t make it right. Yet, she can’t deny he’s the first guy in a long time she’s felt a strong attraction. However, situations like this never end well. She's experienced too much hurt in her life to be optimistic. Ramona was fully aware if she continued this relationship with Nick, it will only end in heartache.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Tami glanced at her phone and saw Alexis had called again. She rolled her eyes and put the phone on vibrate. Her mood would not allow her to listen to another chapter of Alexis' drama. The many messages she had left were all concerning a run in with Ramona and she didn’t want to hear any more about it. Tami's priority was her mother’s health. Because of complications from her stroke, she now walked with a cane and has speech problems. When she tries to speak it is incredibly slurred, and it takes much effort for her to form full sentences. Tami brought her home with her to Houston so she could provide her with full-time care. She has already set up physical therapy sessions at a nearby hospital, arranged for a nurse to care for her during the day, and a speech pathologist to come to the house twice a week. Tami has taken another week off from work to make sure her mother's care goes smoothly. She has been in touch with Tim and asked him to handle the Emergence Project. She also helped Suzette with problems as they occurred.