Their Heats Desire

Chapter 11

Andrew thought about the question he wanted to ask Sonia. Would she say yes, or would she say no? He went over in his mind, how could he do it, whether it would make a difference, and how he did it, as long as he asked her to marry him. He pondered these things, the different scenarios she would come up with, 'being tied down, him having a life of his own, why would he want her being pregnant with another's baby?' No matter what, he was okay with it all and would prove it to her.

The more he thought about it, the more he wanted her to be his wife. She’s everything he wanted in a woman, his woman… and everything a mother should be, so why not go for it? Why not ask her to marry him? He had to stress that it was in name only; they wouldn’t have to live together if she didn’t want to, or even sleep in the same bed. She wouldn’t have to tell anyone they were married if that’s what she wanted, but he wanted to marry her. As they go along, he could work on wooing her in hopes that the marriage would be a real one.

The baby’s due in about two months or so, and it’s time she puts Sonia's happiness first. Does she need his help? No, does she need him financially? No, she does need to be cared for and pampered. The baby needed a father, and he needed her so much more than she needed him.

Andrew thought of the past several evenings they’d spent together, getting to know each other. They’d been out of this world. Not to mention what happened the other night.

What he’s feeling for Sonia was more than just friendship, and if he could eventually get her to see that maybe they’d have a chance at a good life. Andrew just wanted his family and hers’ to leave them alone.

Andrew called Sonia and told her that it was his turn to cook dinner for her, and he’d even do it at her place. She was reluctant at first but eventually said okay.

He knew she liked seafood, linguini, broccoli, and salad. She liked peaches and had a set of marble dishes she liked to pull out for special occasions. To set the atmosphere, he needed some candles, music, and some juice. Andrew began planning his meal, and for dessert, ice cream and cheesecake were her favorites.

Today is a day for new beginnings, he said to himself. He pondered the newness of this beginning between them and decided it was time. Andrew had given her enough space to think, but now his mode is forward.

He called Sammi and told her he wouldn’t be in today. Of course, Sammi wanted to know what was wrong. He reassured her that he just had something to do, and he’d speak with her later.

Andrew went into town to get his supplies for tonight. Made a stop to see if the ring was ready, and then headed back to Sonia’s place to prepare dinner. He knew she would be out most of the afternoon and would use this time to set up the place just right.

Sonia wondered all day what Andrew had planned. She had gone down to the beach early to think. Walking along the sand with no shoes on, enjoying the breeze, and the cool feel of the water. Glimpsing at the sky now and then, taking in the beauty of her surroundings. Sonia was happy yet confused about Andrew and what happened. Okay, my dreams are not dreams. They're nightmares, and I lean on Andrew in need; I like being with him, and he makes me want... He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. My life is now filled with desire and desire for a man I hardly know. I want to be cared for and held and kissed. Oh yes, she loved the way he kissed her and knowing what it truly feels like to be made love of. Yes, Andrew has caused all these feelings to surface in her. It’s all good, but I have Justus to consider. My baby is everything to me now. He’s my life, and with Andrew, in it, there could be complications. Besides, I’ve never been to this place before. The only experience I have to compare it to is Alec, and that was a disaster. I feel like I’m being pulled in two different directions. Do I want to be with Andrew or not?

Sonia pondered this entire thing as she sat down on a bench. She had to smile though because it all felt better with Andrew around. Just then, Daniel, a neighbor, said hello, then Susan from two houses down said hello, and so on while she sat wondering what to do about Andrew. Then, a man she had not seen before passed by and said hello. Sonia smiled, people can be distracting. It was late, and she had to get back in case Andrew needed help with dinner.

Andrew completed his task—he knew what he wanted to cook for dinner tonight and what music he would play right down to the very mood it would set. Sonia would have no other choice but to say yes.

Once he reached the house, he went to check in with her to see if she was ready for tonight, but he could not find her. He didn’t sense that anything was wrong, so he went up to his place and prepared himself for the night of his life...

Dinner was on, and he started to set up the table. Andrew put the flowers he brought home in a vase. Then he checked his list to see if everything was in place. The crab’s boiling, the linguini’s cooking, he has to put the finishing touches on the sauce and get the candles going. Making sure that the den was set up for dessert. He decided to go with sparkling cider instead of just juice.

Where did he put the ring— Where is it? Oh yes, in his pocket. He pulled it out and looked at it once again. Andrew was proud of his selection. Now, would he be prepared for her answer? He has to remember all the arguments she would use.

Sonia’s phone rang, but Andrew didn’t answer it. It reminded him to turn off his cell and pager. He already told everyone to contact Sammi if they need to find out anything. Sammi knows the business and can handle anything that comes up, so he trusts that she will make the right decision.

Would Sonia trust him with her life, love, and happiness? Would she let someone into her safe little world? Andrew knew she didn’t want to be hurt again by anyone, and he would try not to be the one to hurt her, but that’s a promise no one can truly make. There would be problems and possible arguments, but love and communication would see them through it all.

As Sonia approached the house, she noticed Andrew’s car. He was back early, she thought. No matter how serious she wanted to be, a smile formed. It’s Andrew. He does this to her. Sonia had a feeling that he was up to something, but she couldn’t figure it out. Her body perked up, and the baby started moving. How does he know when Andrew is around? Her child already liked Andrew, so why fight it?

Sonia opened her door and was hit with a wonderful aroma - whatever Andrew’s cooking made her mouth water. She decided to investigate. Walking past the kitchen but the shutters were closed, and then she headed to the dining room. Sonia peeked into the room and gasped. The table looks fabulous— she steps into the room slowly and marvels at what Andrew had done.

There’s a beautiful array of flowers, her favorite place settings, and some candles. It looked like a restaurant and smelled wonderful. There’s music playing which sets the atmosphere. Now she knows he’s up to something. Okay, now she had to go get ready for dinner, and she wanted to make herself beautiful just for him.

Sonia headed down the hallway to her bedroom and thought of what to wear. Once in the room, she headed to the closet and found the perfect dress. One that would not make her look too big but yet sexy. When she was ready, she opened the door only to find Andrew leaning up against her door jam with his hands folded across his chest, and oh what a chest she thought.

Andrew knew when she came in but did not want to see her just yet. He waited until she had gone into her room and then appeared. After he finished putting the food on the table, he waited outside her door for her to come out. When he saw her, it took his breath away, but he wouldn’t let her know that.

Sonia stirred at him while he stirred back at her— she cleared her throat and smiled, and then said. “My dining room never looked so elegant before. How did you do all this without my knowledge?”

A smile broadened his face. “I’m glad you like it. It was no trouble at all. Now, are you ready for dinner ma’am?”

“Sure sir knight lead the way.’ Sonia was nervous and felt she needed more time to deal with all of this, so she said. “Andrew, I'll be right back. By the way, it smells good.”

Andrew pondered her reaction but said. “Just hurry, I have a special treat for you.” Andrew turned to head down the hallway, his heart racing. She looked radiant tonight, and he couldn't wait until after dinner.

Sonia couldn’t wait, although nervous. Things between Andrew and her had become so intense, and this just added fuel to the fire. Is there a fire? She asked herself. Sitting down on her bed, Sonia wondered how I was going to get through this evening without wanting more from him. Her heart flutters, and she is sending signals she can’t understand. “I can do this,” she said to herself.

Opening the door, Sonia was startled, Andrew was standing there with several pink and white roses waiting for her. He handed her her roses and then took her hand and said, “This way ma’ lady, your dinner awaits.”

Sonia could not believe the wonderful service she was getting, not to mention the attention. How was she supposed to reciprocate?

Andrew held her chair out for her and then placed her napkin in her lap. “I hope you’re hungry because—.” He pulled off several of the silver covers that were hiding the main course and some crab entrees. “I know you love seafood, so I took the liberty to prepare you some very special dishes. Hope you like them.”

“Andrew this is too much. How did you do this?” Sonia was truly surprised.

“I— have my ways. What do you want to start with first?” He picked up one of the crab treats and fed it to her. Sonia was in heaven at the first bite. It was delicious, and she didn’t mind showing it one bit.

Andrew was enjoying the expressions she made as she ate what he created just for her. Yes, she would be his, and he knew it.

They ate dinner and enjoyed each bit and each other’s company. throughout Sonia thought it was over once they were finished eating she felt she could not eat another bite. Andrew took her into the den where there was soft music and peach candles along with some chocolate cheesecake and ice cream. “Andrew, what are you up to?”

Sonia asked with a smile that she could not stop from showing on her face.

“Why would you think I’m up to something?” He said with a glimmer in his eye.

“Because– dinner, and now—this.” She felt truly special.

“Well you’ll just have to wait and see, now relax, I’m going to feed you dessert.”

“No, you don’t have to.” This was getting way too intimate.

“Yes I do, it’s all part of my treat to you.”

“Ah Andrew, this is too much, I don't know what to say.”

“You will, now, take off your shoes and curl up your feet, I’ll be right back.”

Sonia wanted to leave right now before he did something he would regret, or she did something she would regret. Before she could plot her escape, he returned with a flute glass filled with more sparkling cider. They toast to their future, and Andrew fed her just a co couple of spoons of cheesecake and ice cream before she told him she couldn’t eat another bite. They just sat there for a while, not speaking, Sonia leaned back, holding her stomach, and Andrew sat next to her, biding his time for the right moment.

“Sonia, have you thought about getting married someday?”

Sonia sat up, looked at him, and wondered where this could be coming from now. He didn’t move or blink, just sat there waiting. “Andrew, what— where is this conversation going?”

“Sonia, please humor me, all, right,” Andrew said, his nerves flying everywhere. He couldn’t look at her; he wanted to get it all out before he lost the nerve.

Not knowing what to think or what was going on with him, she said reluctantly., “Ah, I haven’t given it much thought.”

“You haven’t and why not? I mean you’re a warm, good-hearted person, loving and kind, but most of all beautiful. Why wouldn’t you want something as wonderful as marriage?” Andrew now turned to her to see her reaction to what he just said.

Sonia looked up at him and became scared. What was he thinking? He couldn’t want—, no, he’s not considering—. “Andrew I don’t know what you’re getting at or what you’re thinking, but I don’t want to discuss this now.”

Andrew could see her nervousness, but he could also see that he touched on something, something she must have been contemplating at some point. “I want you to think about this. What could our union give you at this point in your life and with the baby on the way?”

Sonia began shaking her head no; this can’t be happening. He can’t be proposing to me.

Sure enough, Andrew slowly pulled out a small velvet box from his pocket and got down on one knee, and said. “Sonia Rose Harding, will you marry me? Make me the happiest man alive and let me into you and your child’s life.” Andrew waited with bated breath, wanting her to say yes.

Sonia gasped, he did it… he asked me to marry him, why… she thought. This is not what she expected at all. He had to be kidding, but once she looked into his eyes, she could tell he was serious as a hurricane. The fear of her family and the fear of someone hurting her again played on her mind, No, she can’t do this, she hardly knew him and he knew nothing about her, what could he be thinking? “Andrew I . . .”

“Before you say anything, listen to me, don’t make a decision based on how long we've known each other, or how short a time we’ve spent getting to know one another. Make your decision based on how you feel about me… I make it based on how I care for you for this baby. Sonia, this baby means everything to me as he does to you, and I want to be a part of both of your lives.”

“Andrew—.” She said in shock, shock that he felt this way about her and her son. What was she supposed to do now?

“Sonia please let me finish, I feel that I can help you with your family situation, and you can help me in so many ways. It could be in name only, meaning we won’t have to be physically married, but we can be legally married. I want the best for you for this baby and I think that being married – well you think about it. Look, I know it’s a shock and this is very sudden, but I want this, Sonia, I want you and your son in my life.”

Sonia sat there in awe that he wanted her that way and her son. That struck a chord with her. He not only wanted her, but he wanted the baby as well. What to do, how to answer him. “Andrew, we've only known each other for about two and a half months, give or take, that’s not enough for you to develop these kinds of feelings for me or me for you.” Shaking her head, she continued. “That’s not the point. Do you know what you’re asking? I mean, marriage is forever in my book. We don’t know each other that well to even contemplate this.”

“I knew you would come up with something like that. Sonia, please just think about the baby and the situation with your parents. If your dreams are true, then I can help. If your parents come looking for you and I believe they will, they can’t do anything to you or the baby once we’re married.”

“I— I just don’t know— what can I say?” Pausing," she said. “I’ll think about it and get back to you.”

“That’s all I ask, and if you need something to show you that I’m serious— well.” Andrew took a risk and leaned in and kissed her. It was not just another kiss, like hello or I miss you, not even. He put his all into it. Andrew held her face in his hands and let his lips do the talking. He wanted her to know and remember he wanted her in his life.

Sonia was caught off guard at first but allowed the kiss; she wasn’t supposed to return the kiss. It was sweet, sensual, inviting-- delicious even. Was it supposed to be this way? It became apparent that she, too, wanted something from him, but what?

What Andrew wanted was just a reminder of how he felt and how he wanted her in his life—but the kiss became a smoldering fire, and he didn’t know how to put it out.

Andrew could not believe how much he wanted her right now. Did the things he said to her heighten his senses? All he wanted to do was give her something to think about and now. . . Now he’s pulling her to him, wanting more than any man should want. He has to stop this now before he messes things up. Andrew pulled away, breathing heavily, looking at her as if he would devour her where she sits. Oh man, that was a bad idea. The kiss was not supposed to go that far. His lips were tingling, his heart was racing, and his body was crying out because he stopped. “Wow, Sonia, I didn’t mean to go that far.”

“It’s okay.” She said, touching her lips. Man, if he kisses like this, what else is there? She thought. Sonia had to look away. She could see the passion and fire burning in his eyes and knew she felt the same way. She wanted him to continue to take her to a place she’s never been before. Just then, thoughts of her family and Alec popped into her mind, and Sonia was reminded of her promise to herself now that she became confused about what she should do and what she wanted for herself and her son.

As Andrew was walking out the door, Sonia noticed he left the ring behind. “Andrew, here’s the ring.” She lifted the velvet box to him. But he just looked at her. Sonia said. “I don’t think I should take this until I make a decision.”

“No, I think you need to keep it as a reminder that I want to become your husband and a father to your child.” With that, he left. Sonia just looked at the spot where he was standing and felt his hurt and possible anger. What could she do? She just couldn’t say yes. Could she? No, she has to think this through and make the decision based on her son and what she wants.

Sonia sighed and then got up and headed to the kitchen to clean up. Andrew was already putting things away and told her to go to bed. He would make sure that everything was clean before he left.

Sonia wanted to say, "You don’t have to do that, but he wouldn’t hear of it."

That night Andrew’s frustration became anger. He wanted it to be easy… he wanted her to say yes. But he didn’t get what he wanted, and so he wondered if it was all worth it. This woman was driving him crazy but, there is still hope, hope that she will say yes and they will be married before the baby comes.

Andrew then made a promise to himself. He won’t push or pressure her in any way; he'd just wait until she makes her decision and lives with the answer, whatever it is.