Sheryl Lister - It's Only You

At length Donovan asked, “Is the temperature too cold for you?”

“No. It’s fine.”

He pressed a button, and a midtempo R & B groove poured from the speakers. The woman singing had an incredible voice, and Simona couldn’t resist tapping her fingers to the beat. She was just getting into the song when the car stopped. Donovan helped her out of the car and led her inside the restaurant. Luckily it wasn’t too crowded, and they were seated immediately.

After ordering, Donovan leaned back in his chair. “How was your day? I imagine working in the emergency room can be exhausting.”

Simona sat, momentarily stunned. She’d just met this man, and he asked about her day. Her ex had never asked about her day—not once in the six months they’d dated. “It’s definitely a challenge and exhausting,” she answered with a chuckle. “Today wasn’t too bad, though.”

“How long have you been in nursing?”

“Eight years.” She took a sip of her water.

“What made you decide to go into that field?”

“I’ve always wanted to help people. Growing up, I toyed with becoming a doctor and did some hospital volunteer work in the summers. When I saw how little free time they had—not to mention how long I’d be in school—I changed my mind. I wanted to go into the medical field but still have a life. Nursing is the perfect balance for me.”

He leaned forward and rested his arm on the table, as if he was hanging on to her every word. “I think you made the right decision.”

“Really? You don’t even know me.”

“True, but the way you took care of me last Friday says that you’re intelligent and compassionate. And as far as not knowing you...” He reached for her hand and placed a soft kiss on the back. “I plan to change that. I want to know everything there is to know about you, Ms. Simona Andrews.”

Simona barely stifled a moan. This man is too smooth. Fortunately the server returned with their food because she needed a moment to gather herself. The warmth of his lips against her skin had her fantasizing about how they would feel against other parts of her body.

* * *

Donovan stared intently at Simona as she spoke, enjoying the soft melodic sound of her voice, and just being there with her. He reluctantly pulled his gaze away and focused on the food that the server placed in front of him.

During the meal Simona asked, “What about you? What do you do?”

Donovan hesitated briefly. Whenever he disclosed his occupation, most of the women he went out with saw it as an opportunity to score free concert tickets or get closer to the artists. A few had even come right out and asked whether they’d be able to accompany him when he went on tour with Monte and acted offended when he said no. “I’m in music management.”

“Music...as in, out in the public? You’re a musician?”

He laughed at her reaction. “Hardly. More like sitting in an office with a mound of paperwork this high.” He gestured to the top of his head.

“But you work with musicians?”

He studied her. The way she asked the questions gave him pause. Her tone was almost accusatory. “I oversee contracts and a few other things and, yes, I interact with musicians. Does that bother you?”

“No,” she answered a little too quickly. “Why music?”

“I love music. My degree is in business economics, and I had intended to go to law school. But when a buddy of mine asked me to help him out in his business, I saw it as a win-win situation. You must see some crazy stuff in the ER,” he said, smoothly changing the subject.

Simona laughed. “Stuff like you wouldn’t believe.”

While they ate, she regaled him with tales of the emergency room. Donovan couldn’t stop laughing at some of the stories she shared, including glued body parts and removal of items from places where objects should never go. When he finally calmed down, he realized it had been a long time since he had actually laughed with a woman. He glanced down at their empty plates and then at his watch. Although he wasn’t ready to end the evening, he knew Simona was probably tired. “Would you like anything else? Dessert?”

“No, thank you.”

“It’s getting late, and I’m sure you need some rest.” Donovan paid the bill and escorted Simona back to the car.

On the drive back, she asked, “Who is this singing? Her voice is beautiful.”

“Her name is Sheila Martin. She’s a relatively new artist.”

“I think I’m going to buy some of her music.”

This gave him a perfect opening. “Actually, she’s performing here a week from Saturday. Would you like to go...that is, if you’re not working?”

“Um... I don’t know. Wouldn’t it be hard to get tickets by now?”

“Tickets aren’t a problem. What? You don’t like my company?” he teased. “And I’ve been on my best behavior.”

Simona chuckled. “That’s not it.”

“So, you do like my company?”

“A little conceited, aren’t you?”

“Nope,” he said, slanting her a quick glance. “And you didn’t answer the question.”

“Yes, I like your company.”

“I’m glad. And I’m really enjoying your company, Simona,” Donovan added softly. In fact, he enjoyed their time together more than he anticipated, and couldn’t wait to do it again.

“Can I check my schedule and let you know about the concert?”

“Absolutely.” When they reached the hospital parking lot she directed him to her car, and he helped her out of his and into hers. He dug his phone out of his pocket and extended it to her through her open window. “Can you please put your phone number in?”

She programmed her number and handed it back. “I had a good time tonight, Donovan. Thanks for dinner.”

“Anytime. Maybe we can do it again soon.”

She smiled and started her car. “I’d like that.”

Donovan watched as Simona backed out of the space and cursed under his breath. He’d let her get away twice without kissing her. Making a decision, he jumped into his car and followed her.

One, he wanted to make sure she got home safely, and two, he needed that kiss.

* * *

Simona smiled and hummed as she drove, thinking about how much fun she’d had with Donovan tonight. Glancing in her rearview mirror, she let out a startled gasp. Was Donovan following her home? A wave of panic came over her. What was he doing? What if he wanted to come inside? She wasn’t ready to tell him about Yasmine.

She spent the entire drive trying to come up with a plan to get him to leave. By the time she pulled up in her driveway, Simona still had no clue what she would tell him. Taking a deep breath, she shut off the engine and climbed out of the car. Donovan exited his car at the same time.

“I’m not stalking you, if that’s what you’re thinking,” he said, coming toward her with that charming smile.

She couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, that’s a good thing because—”

He cut her off before she could finish her sentence and her thought. “I just wanted to make sure you got home safely, and...”

“And what?” she asked as he trailed off.

He moved closer and wrapped his arms around her waist. “And I wanted to kiss you good-night.”

Simona’s pulse spiked. Without waiting for a response, he bent and covered her lips with his. The moment their mouths met, heat flared out in every part of her body. He tangled his tongue with hers unhurriedly, as if he had all night. Her body trembled, and she moaned softly. At length, he lifted his head.

He pressed his lips to hers once more and then whispered, “Good night, Simona.” Releasing her, he turned and sauntered back down the driveway.

Simona slumped against her car, heart pounding and legs shaking. She closed her eyes and tried to steady her breathing. When she opened them, he was leaning against his car. “Donovan?”