Their Heats Desire

Chapter 9

The Thursday before Sandy and James left, Sonia was feeling relaxed and good about life. Her thoughts at the moment were of Andrew and how she enjoys the things he does for her. Things like leaving her breakfast, making sure she takes her walks, cooking her dinner from time to time, fixing any things that needed fixing, etc. Some people would say the things he does, they’re nice even special, but she’s done nothing for him except receive. She felt that it was only fair that she reciprocates in some sort of way; but what? Ah, I know, cook dinner.

She reached for the phone to call Sandy; she has Andrew’s work number and maybe an idea or two on what to cook. But how was she going to pull this off without both of them drawing their conclusions? Oh well, she wants to do this, so here goes.

“Sandy honey, can I have Andrew’s work number?”

“Ah, Sonia, why do you want Andrew’s number?”

“Sandy, just give it to me and don't give me a hard time. I don’t have it on hand. What if something happens while you're away?”

“Ahh, okay, Sonia, what’s going on? You’ve been acting strange lately.”

“Nothing’s going on why something must be going on? Can’t I just ask him a question or two?”

“Ah huh, whatever, here’s the number. 231-723-7723 that’s work. Do you want the cell, too?” Sandy said.

“Sure why not,” Sonia replied.

“Here you go 231-654-1234. Is there anything else you need or want to tell me?” Sandy asked.

“Nope, thanks, bye.” Sonia hung up before Sandy could ask another question. Later, maybe she’ll tell her about it. But right now, she needs to do this before she loses her nerves.

Sonia took a breath and dialed Andrew’s office, and a young woman answered.

“Hastings Construction Jan speaking, how may I assist you?” Jan answered.

“Yes, can I speak to Andrew Hastings, please?” Sonia said.

“He’s at the site right now. Can I say who's calling,” Jan asked, wondering who this woman could be.

“Yes, could you tell him that Sonia called and have him call me,” Sonia said happily.

“No problem, bye,” Jan said, knowing it could only be a business call with this woman. She then called the site and gave Andrew the message.

Andrew got excited and called Sonia right away.

Meanwhile, Sonia waited patiently for his call and thought of what she would cook. It’s been a while since she’s had to cook anything special for anyone, and it was hard coming up with anything she thought he’d like. When she has no ideas, she searches her bookshelf for a cookbook. As she was coming out of her office the phone rang. Walking over to the phone, she said, “Hello.”

“Sonia, what’s wrong?” Andrew asked frantically. “Are you okay? Is it the baby, okay?”

“Andrew everything’s fine.” Sonia heard him let out a breath, and she laughed. “I just want to know if you’ll be home tonight.”

Andrew was thrown by her question but then gave it some thought. “Ah, well, I was planning on it. Why?”

Sonia wouldn’t give away her surprise, so she hemmed about the answer. “Nothing really, please. If you can’t make it, call me. I have a surprise for you.”

A surprise, he thought, what brought this on? “What kind of surprise?” Andrew wanted to know, what if he didn’t like it? His mind started wondering if it could be what he thinks; he could only hope. No, deep down what he wanted may never happen.

“You’ll see when you get home tonight. Come by once you get in.” Sonia said.

“Sonia, what’s going on?” Andrew asked again.

“Andrew you just have to wait until you get home, I’ll see you later, bye.” Sonia disconnected smiling; it felt good to make him wonder what she was up to. Sonia went to the kitchen; she now had an idea of what to cook and got started.

Andrew just stood there looking at the phone. This was a surprise he wasn’t expecting, but what was he going to do now? He wondered what she'd got up her sleeve. He guesses he’d have to wait until he gets home to see. Andrew went back to work and tried as he might, but he was not able to concentrate. While in the middle of talking to Sammi and some of the other workers, he lost track of what he was saying. Sammi noticed and wondered what was going on. She began to wonder if he got lucky because he had not come back to her with any more questions and wondered what was going on with the situation. “Andrew, are you alright?”

“Yah Sammi.” He said with a smile. “I’m fine.”

Then he put his mind back on work, but the thought of a surprise stayed with him for the rest of the day, causing his mind to wander in the middle of a conversation. After two hours of not being able to concentrate on work, he decides to head back to the office and get himself together, it’s time to go home to Sonia.

On the way back to the office, he smiles and wonders what brought this all on. The anticipation was overwhelming. He parked his car; feeling on top of the world, and he decided to send Jan home early.

When Jan saw Andrew, she became happy. She thought about the times he took her to dinner, and she wanted to go out with him again. If only he would ask, she wanted to be his. She wore provocative clothing, but he didn’t notice. She did everything as a woman to gain this man's attention, and he didn’t notice. Jan began to wonder why.

Andrew asked if there were any more messages for him. Jan replied no and wondered where he was going this early. She can’t recall him telling her he was leaving the office early. He came in all smiles and now was getting changed for god knows where.

Peeking around his office door, Andrew said. “Jan you can go, I’m getting out of here early tonight,” Andrew said.

“Are you going to a meeting, sir?” Jan asked, trying to find out the reason for his leaving early.

“No, I'm going home for a change. If anyone needs me, have them page me.” Andrew said.

Going home, but... he never leaves this early. Jan wondered if it had anything to do with the call he received earlier. By the way, he’s smiling it must be.

This was a first; no woman has ever called here for him that she didn’t know about. Maybe a secretary or two but nothing personal! Jan doesn’t like it; Andrew will be hers’ and no one was going to get in her way. Putting on her best smile, she thanked him for letting her go early, but she waited around until he left.

Andrew’s mind was on Sonia and his surprise, so he didn’t notice that Jan was still hanging around. After a while, he gathered his case and the plans, got into his jeep, still thought about what was waiting for him at home, and headed down the highway to his place. It took him less time to get home today when it took an hour normally. Andrew pulled up to the house 30 minutes later and checked himself before going to Sonia’s door. He thought about the way he looks right now. Should he go take a shower and change, yes, he thinks he should. Running up the steps to his place, he called Sonia once inside.

Sonia saw when the jeep pulled up. She was glad he came home early, all the more time to spend with him. She loves the fact that her kitchen window faces the front of the house, so she can see him whenever he comes or goes. Taking some plates out of the cabinet, she headed into the dining room to set the table. This was going to be wonderful, she thought smiling. Then the phone rang. “Hello, Andrew.”

“Hey, I just got in. I'm going to take a shower and then be right down.” Andrew said.

“The door is open,” Sonia said, hoping he would like what she did for him.

“Fine, I’ll see you soon.” He hung up and couldn’t wait to see her.

Elation showed all over her face as she continued setting up the table, hoping he would be pleased. She began to glow even more.

Andrew, after he had showered and changed, ran downstairs. When he got to Sonia’s door, he stopped, took a breath, and opened the door slowly. A wonderful aroma hit him, and he couldn’t wait to see what she had prepared. He called out to her. “Sonia, where are you?”

“In the dining room . . .” Sonia replied.

Walking to the dining area, Andrew saw how eloquent the place looked and was speechless. Looking up at her, she's standing there smiling. “Tada . . .! Do you like it?” Sonia said, looking at his expression.

Andrew had to admit it was a surprise and decided to reciprocate soon. “Wow, you did this for me?”

“Yip, what do you think?” She was happy that he liked it.

“I think it’s great, but why?” Andrew asked.

“Because you’ve been there for me, cooking, going on my walks with me, I just felt like doing something for you,” Sonia said.

“Well, I thank you, but you didn’t have to go to all this trouble,” Andrew replied.

“It’s no trouble and I had fun doing it, besides it’s not often that I get to show off my culinary skills, Aunt Rita is too busy and Sandy won’t let me cook so you’re it.” Sonia watched the display of emotions on his face. There was one she remembers all too well, the day at the beach. That was the one look she can’t let her get to her. Anyway, he’s been a great sport about her moods and emotions. Since they’ve been taken out on him most of the time. Andrew has become a very good friend, and since Sandy and James will be away for a while, they might as well enjoy each other’s company.

Andrew’s someone she can talk to. As she remembers the day she told him what happened between her and her father, and about the father of her baby. Sonia feels he understands her better than most. She wishes there was more she could do, but dinner was the only thing that came to mind.

Tonight meant a great deal to her, and she hoped it turned out the way she planned. Could two people coming from different backgrounds be friends? She would say yes, Andrew had become a very special friend, especially now at this time in her life, when she didn’t expect to have a close friendship with other men outside of James and Jon.

“Well thank you, and I do appreciate a good home cook meal.” Andrew knew from the very beginning that Sonia Harding was a special person, and now here’s proof. She thought him worthy of being a friend and cooked him dinner. After a rocky start, he thought they would never get to this point, and whenever they were together, the sadness in her eyes disappeared. He liked the idea that he brought her happiness. In the beginning, he always looked at her and wanted to take away her troubles. Now, he knows her and understands her struggles and why she wanted nothing to do with people. Andrew wanted to change that and do more to keep her smiling.

Rubbing his hands together, he could not wait to taste what she cooked. Sitting down at the table, he watched her as she put everything out and smiled while doing it. He’s been thinking about her more and more as they spent time together.

Dinner was wonderful with good conversation, exceptional company, and more and more desire to be with this woman. She asked him about his day. “How’s the building coming alone?”

“Great, I had to make some major changes here and there, but it will be done on time, I’m determined to make it so,” Andrew said, smiling.

“That’s good and the person you’re building it for, how's he, any more demands?” Sonia asked sincerely.

“No, I think I have that under control now,” Andrew said as he enjoyed what she had prepared.

“Good, I’d hate to think that you’ve put all your time and energy into this project and have to walk away,” Sonia replied.

“I won’t, believe me, I love building and creating plans for buildings, and I want the customer to be happy. Now, enough about my day. How was your day today?” Andrew said with a smile.

Sonia smiled because she could see how happy he became when he spoke about his work. It’s not just a job to him he lives it; she wanted to hear more about him and his passion for building. Her day can't compare to his.

“Sonia? How was your day?” Andrew asked and realized that she was not looking at him anymore or smiling. “What’s wrong?”

Why would he be interested in her day? She thought. “I’d rather talk about your day and what you love to do.” She said.

He found it odd that she would not want to talk about herself. “Why, don’t you want to tell me about your day? Did something happen?”

“No, my day was like any other,” Sonia said nonchalantly.

“There’s more to it than that.” He said. “Tell me. How did you get started illustrating?” Andrew wanted to know.

She looked at him and saw genuine interest. He was truly interested in her day. Wow. “You want to know?” Sonia was surprised. No one ever asked her about her day.

“Yes, I do.” He was genuinely interested.

“Well, I get joy out of creating, as you do. I love seeing children's face light up when reading a story I've illustrated. I love that my illustrations bring life to the story, and one day I’m going to write and illustrate my very own books.” Sonia said beaming.

“That sounds wonderful. Have you got any ideas?”Andrew said, enjoying the way she lit up.

“Do I have any ideas?” She repeated with a broad smile. “Of course I do.” Sonia began to spill her ideas to Andrew, and he revealed them in the light that came from her. Andrew could see she loved what she does, as he loves to build, so here they are again with so much in common. Then she began to talk about her plans for her baby, and the whole room seemed to light up all over again. He sat there with his hands under his chin, watching her and enjoying every minute of it. Andrew’s happy that she trusts him that much to share her secrets.

Later on, when they were finished, Andrew helped her clear the table and wash the dishes, then went upstairs. Getting ready for bed, Andrew realized something was brewing between him and Sonia. It was apparent to him that there was more than friendship between them, and he hoped she felt the same way. At times, they would come so close to touching, but she would pull back. Other times, they would be so close, and she’d just stay there and not move. He noticed her smile and those luscious lips that were made for kissing. Oh, he knew that only time would tell how they were truly feeling. He lay down to get some sleep.

Sonia went to bed with a smile on her face. Dinner was better than she hoped. Andrew was so happy and she was glad about that. He genuinely seemed interested in her work, and she was surprised by that. Most men don’t take that kind of interest in her work. It was a joy to let it all out like that.

Sleep came easy and was peaceful. Soon, she was on the beach enjoying the sound of the ocean doing what she loved best, and then a dark cloud rolled in, and it changed. Tossing and turning, she groaned. Sonia’s running and looking back, running trying to get away from the shadow that followed her. Even though her eyes are open, the scene changes around her, she’s in her bed and the baby‘s coming, but there’s no pain, and then the shadows appear, and the baby’s gone. She sat straight up screaming, not fully awake.

Andrew heard the first scream but thought nothing of it, but when the second scream sounded, it was continuous, and he jumped up. His first thought was Sonia, the baby. Andrew took off running, not putting on a robe or slippers. He ran downstairs opened her front door with the key she gave him, and ran down the hall and into her room, he saw that she was sitting up in her bed screaming, her hands clutching the sheets. He went to her side and held her, saying, “Sonia honey, it's just a dream, Sonia, Sonia.”

Sonia had a blank stare at first. She did not see Andrew; all she saw was her father, and then she started to hit Andrew, saying, “No you can’t have my baby.” Andrew grabbed her hands, and she broke down in sobs, crying hard. Andrew knew that this would eventually affect the baby, so he held her and began to console her. He never felt such pain like this in a person before. It made him upset; her family was the cause of her pain. He leaned back against her pillows, holding her with one hand while the other rubbed her stomach, trying to calm the baby as well.

Andrew’s feelings rose to the surface, and he became more intimate with each touch. “Shh --- shh, it was only a dream, but it can cause this little guy to get just as upset, and we don’t want that.”

Sonia sobbed a no....and clung to Andrew, she found such comfort in his arms. She could hear his heartbeat, which has such a strong rhythm, and it seems to calm her as she listens to him console the baby. Sonia felt a peace wash over her, and she relaxed even more.

Andrew could tell that she was relaxing and gently kissed her forehead, then took the same hand he was rubbing her stomach with and lifted her face so he could kiss her cheek. Slowly, he lowered his face, and their lips met ever so slightly, but the sparks were already flying. “What in your dreams could cause you to react like this?” He kissed her again.

Sonia shook her head. She didn't want to speak it out loud. She would rather he kiss her again and again.

“Please tell me. I'm here. Do it for the baby.” He said, rubbing her stomach again.

That did it; his concern for her son floored her. Sonia began to spill her nasty little secret. “I was on the beach one minute, then running the next, and finally, two shadows appeared and took my baby. It’s always the same. I keep losing my baby.”

“No, you won’t lose your baby. I won’t let you, do you hear me? You are the most caring, loving, thoughtful, wonderful person I’ve ever met, and you are going to be a great mother.” Andrew said lovingly.

“You think so?” Sonia asked.

“I know so, now you get some rest, I’ll be in the living room if you need me,” Andrew said, and he began to move from the bed.

“No, don’t go, please Andrew, stay with me. I feel so much calmer when you’re here.” Sonia finally admitted.

He looked at her. Did she know what she was asking me to do? Andrew thought, but what else could he do but accommodate her? He made himself and her more comfortable. “Sonia?”

“Yes, Andrew.” She replied.

“I’ll stay on one condition." She looked up at him. "Tomorrow, you let me take care of you and the baby, okay,” Andrew said.

“Andrew! You don’t have to. It was just a dream.” Sonia didn’t want to disrupt his day just because of a silly dream.

“I insist. That means you stay home and rest, no walks for a while.” He said.

“Fine . . .” She liked this, having someone around to talk to, to lean on when feeling down. Feeling safe knowing they’re there. Yes, she liked this very much.

“Now get some sleep.” He held them close until she was asleep, and then he spoke to the baby. “Young man, your mom needs your help and mine, we have to make sure that she stays calm so you can grow and develop.” Andrew massaged Sonia’s stomach while talking to the baby, and he got a kick in response. He smiled and rubbed the very spot the baby kicked.