Their Heats Desire

Chapter 15

Andrew's day was stressful. By the time he got home, he was exhausted. All he wanted to do was get some sleep, but he couldn’t. Sonia had dinner waiting for him, and he would not disappoint her. Andrew stood outside her door, knowing there were things they still needed to discuss.

Opening her door, he noted that it seemed so natural to him. Like he already lives there. Checking around for Sonia, Andrew found her in the kitchen, and when he saw her, all he could do was just stop and look at her. He stood there for a while, taking in all that was Sonia, and then saying, “Hey there.”

Sonia stopped what she was doing and looked at him. “Hey . . .” She said, walking over to him. They greeted each other with a kiss on the cheek. “You look tired. Do you want to skip dinner?”

“No! We need to talk anyway.”

“About?” Sonia asked, moving around the kitchen.

“Last night.” Andrew felt guilty and wanted to make amends.

“Not now, okay.” She wasn’t ready for that conversation yet.

“Fine, later then.” They ate dinner talking about how his day was, and then they found something to laugh about. Andrew did everything in his power to make sure she was relaxed before he broached the subject again.

Once dinner was over, they moved to the living room, where they curled up on the couch before starting any serious conversations. Sonia brought up the subject of having dinner on Friday night with Jon and Sammi so everyone could get to know each other.

“That sounds like a great idea. Hold on, let me call Sammi and find out if it’s all right with her?” Pulling out his phone, he called Sammie to inform her about dinner, and, of course, she said yes.

Andrew placed his phone on the table in front of him and said, “I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you about last night’s dinner until it was over.”

Sonia looked at him. “Andrew, you don’t owe me any explanations. It’s your business, and I have to respect that.”

“That’s not the point; I should have told you once we started spending time together.”

Yes, she thought, but she wanted things to work out between them. “Andrew, I know that you care a great deal about me and the baby, but you have your own life to live. I understand.”

She is understanding and caring, but yet in pain because of her family, Andrew thought. He touched her face gently, waiting to see if she would pull away; she didn’t. She looked at him, and he said, “Sonia, this between us means everything to me. I don’t want to keep secrets from you or even lie to you. Okay?” Andrew felt the need for her to rise just over the top, but he would not give in to his desire. Yes, he’ll hold off until after they’re married.

Sonia thought about the things he said. They touched Sonia’s heart, and she wanted more than anything for this to work. Sonia could also see his desire to be there for her, and the idea pleased her very much. It made her feel whole and at peace, and so she moved closer to him as he held her, and Sonia drifted off in his arms.

Andrew held her while looking into the fire, feeling now was as good a time as any to let her know how he felt. He whispers, "I love you, Sonia," but she didn’t respond. Andrew looked down and saw that she was asleep. Looking at the time, he didn’t realize that it was so late. Gently, he picked her up, trying not to wake her; she stirred, placing her hands around his neck. Andrew smiled, inhaling her scent, which always made him want to taste her more, but instead, he gave her a light kiss.

After putting her to bed, he went upstairs to his workroom. He knew sleep would be out of the question. He began to sketch and wonder. He sketched some more and wondered some more. How can he make her see that they belong together? What would help her fall in love with him? Andrew decided that bombarding her with his presence could just do the trick, but he had to be very careful.

Sonia didn’t know if she dreamed it or if he really said it, but she tingled all over at the thought. Could it happen to her finally? Could she trust her heart once again to a man? Alec never used those words with her, nor did she with him, but she felt she loved him. Now, with Andrew, she knew this time it was love. It was different, wonderful, something she can’t describe, yet it was there.

By the time she was up and out of bed in the morning, Sonia felt that nothing could stop what was about to happen. Sonia got up, took a bath, and then had breakfast with Andrew. They spoke to Sandy and James, and then Andrew went off to work.

This wonderful feeling gave her some ideas for her book, and so she drew most of the morning. Then, she went for a walk on the beach, feeling happier than ever!

It seemed that her friends and family sensed that something was up. Once she returned to the house, Sonia received a call from Josephine. “Hey there. Are we still on for tomorrow?”

“Yes, I’ll be there.”

“I just wanted to make sure. Is Andrew coming along again?”

“No, not this time he has to work.”

“Ahuh, well see you tomorrow.”

“Sure.” Sonia didn’t think anything of it. Then the phone rang again before she could get off the couch.

“Hello.” She said, wondering who it could be.

“Sonia it’s me, your aunt. How are you doing?”

“I’m fine, Aunt Rita. Things are great.”

“Great, so you did make the right decision.”

“What decision would that be?”

“You know, the other day you said that you had to make some decisions.”

“Oh yes, I did, and everything’s better.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Rita didn’t like the tone of Sonia’s voice and asked. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“Yes, I’m sure.” Gosh, Sonia thought. Did everyone sense that something was going on with her? She has to be more careful how she responds to their questions.

Once she was finished and on her way to the kitchen to get something to eat, the phone rang again. This time, it was Sandy calling.

“Hey girl, how are you?”

“Fine and you, how’s vacation and James?”

“James is great, and so am I. How’s Andrew?”

“Andrew’s great thing couldn’t be better. Now, why are you calling?”

“To see how you and the baby are doing. Also, to check up on you and find out how things are going between you and Andrew. Are the two of you getting along?”

“Don’t worry, things are great, and if you don’t believe me, call Andrew.’

“I did. He said the same thing, but I don’t know. Something tells me that something’s going on and you’re not telling me.”

“Sandy, don’t be ridiculous. Nothing is going on. Things are mellow.”

“Okay if you’re sure, but I keep having this uneasy feeling.”

“Well, don’t, I’m fine, and so is the baby.”

“Yeah, I can hear that; we’ll see you in a week.”

“Yes.” Sonia didn’t like the fact that even Sandy knew something was up, but what could she do? Should she call it off?

Later on that night, Andrew didn’t come home until late and so Sonia went to bed without seeing him.

Once she got up on Thursday morning, Andrew was gone already. It bothered her that they hadn’t sat down and talked about things, but he was busy, and so was she. Tomorrow night they will be having dinner with their friends and planning their wedding.

Sonia got up to work but couldn't work, so she relaxed as much as she could before going to her doctor’s appointment with Josephine.

Once she arrived at 10 a.m., she was feeling better about the weekend and becoming Andrew’s wife.

Josephine saw her and wondered what was really going on between Sonia and Andrew, but somehow she would find out today, she hoped.

By the time Josephine was ready for Sonia, Sonia thought it would be an easy visit. Then Josephine started asking her questions about Andrew. “So how’s Andrew?”

“He’s good,” Sonia said with a smile.

“And how come he’s not with you today?”

“Because he had to work, you know that he’s working on this large building in town.”

“Isn’t that a Harding Corporation site, and doesn’t that mean he’s working for your father?”

“Yes, but I have nothing to do with that.”

“Huh. Do you trust Andrew?”

“Yes, I do. He won’t tell them where I am.”

“So he’s spoken to you about it.”

“Yes, he told me. Why are you asking me about Andrew?”

“I don’t know if...”

“Josie, what are you saying? You don’t trust Andrew?”

“I’m just making sure you know what you’re getting into.”

“What do you mean, getting into?”

“You and Andrew, what’s going on?” Josie knew that sooner or later, Sonia would slip.

“What about me and Andrew?” Sonia sat up and looked at Josie.

“You too like each other. It’s not hard to see.”

Sonia let out the breath she was holding and said, “So I like him, but that doesn’t mean that anything is going on.”

“I thought...”

“No, we’re just friends, that's all.”

Josephine didn’t say another word but just looked at Sonia.

Sonia was uncomfortable for the rest of the day; no one ever mentioned the way she and Andrew reacted to each other. She thought that she covered herself well. Maybe she should say something to Andrew about what Josie said. But what difference would it make if Saturday is still going to happen? She’s sure about that.

Once she got home, Sonia went into her office and did some work, anything to keep her mind sane. Then she ate alone and went to bed. She’s doing nothing to have contact with Andrew right now.

Friday came, and Sonia was more nervous and jittery than ever. What could she do to calm herself? Tomorrow she will be Mrs. Andrew Hastings, wow. She never thought that this day would ever come, meaning she would be getting married. Sonia was prepared to live alone, raising her son. She would have preferred it that way, but as fate would have it, that was not to be. So here, she was getting ready to have dinner with her friend and Andrew’s friend in preparation for her wedding day. Andrew was staying home today, and she could not avoid him if she wanted to. He wouldn’t allow it. To him, this is everything he wanted, so how could she look at him and not want it to? He’s been so happy ever since she said yes, and she didn’t want to change that for the world.

Andrew kept trying to make sure that everything was in place for Saturday. What he didn’t know was how tonight’s dinner was going to turn out. Knowing he would be meeting Jon, Sonia’s publicist, and friend, for the first time, we were not sitting well with him. He could disapprove, and that could cause Sonia to change her mind. Also, the thought of Sonia meeting Sammi for the first time was weighing heavily on his mind. After all, he'd told Sammi about Sonia and how he felt. What if Sammi didn’t like Sonia? How would things work out? He didn’t know he hoped for the best and trusted that all that mattered was what he and Sonia wanted for themselves.

Andrew decided to do the cooking, which he found himself doing and loving all the more because it was for Sonia. He did it downstairs, and Sonia stayed out of his way. He did notice that she'd been avoiding him lately, but after tomorrow, it wouldn’t matter.

After dinner was ready, he went upstairs and got cleaned up, then headed back downstairs to set up the table and wait for his company to arrive.

When Sammi arrived at the address Andrew gave her, she expected it to be small and the owner to be a needy, homely person. Instead, she saw a magnificent house and its very beautiful owner. A person she felt she could like. This was their first meeting, but Sammi could see how Andrew acted just around Sonia. She also felt at home and saw how nervous Sonia was. Sammi tried to make her feel at ease.

Jon arrived soon after Sammi did, and upon being introduced to Sammi, they hit it off well. Better than anyone thought they would. So this is Andrew, Jon thought to himself. And this wonderful woman was his friend and co-worker. Well, that’s a plus for him so far. Now let’s see how the rest of the evening turns out, and then... Was Jon’s thought upon meeting Andrew?

As the evening progressed, Jon liked Andrew more and more. He could see how much he cared for Sonia, and that was all Jon ever wanted for his friend. He watched the response between the two when they thought no one was looking and what he saw surprised him. Sonia was in love and didn’t even know it. But Andrew is confident about how he feels about Sonia. That was another plus, and Jon was happy for his friend. Jon knows that Sonia would not accept the fact that Andrew loved her for who she is and it would take some getting used to on her part, but if she can look past her what happened, then they could make it and Jon hopes they do make it.

Even though he’s skeptical about them getting married so fast, Jon felt that Andrew was just what Sonia needed in her life. The situation with her family has put a strain on her and the baby; it’s time for some happiness in her life.

The evening was better than anyone thought it would be, and they were happy that it went well. Now Jon and Sammi began making plans to see each other. They exchanged numbers and promised to call one another tomorrow. Sonia and Andrew looked on and smiled.

Once Jon and Sammi had left, Andrew cleaned up and then went to say goodnight to Sonia. As he was about to leave, Andrew reached out and pulled Sonia to him and kissed her, not just another peck or a kiss on the cheek. No, he assaulted her lips feverishly. By the time he was finished, Sonia was breathless and could not understand what brought that on. But his kisses just keep getting better and better. Sonia just stood there looking at him as he walked upstairs.

Andrew didn’t say anything, just walked away with a smile on his face, leaving her to wonder and hope that there would be more to come.

Early Friday morning, Jan went into the office to do some computer research. Her friend Izzy e-mailed her the information she was looking for. Finally, she found out who she was looking for. The file says Sonia Rose Harding, daughter of JA Harding, has been missing since December and has not been seen or heard from since. Until now.

“Well, well, well.” She said out loud, looking at the picture in front of her. So this is Sonia, the same Sonia whom Andrew is so taken with. Well, there’s nothing so great about her.

Now that she has this information and a picture of what Sonia looks like, she’s going to hold on to this until it’s needed. A thought flashed across Jan’s mind. Maybe she should call JA Harding and let him know just where his daughter is located or hold off. Sonia could run again, and she’d be in a pickle if Sonia is never found again. No, Jan decided to wait until the right time came along.

She hates being this way, but Andrew is what she wants and has been all her life. She’s not giving him up that easily.

Smiling, she thought of her uncle! He put her in this position to help her get over his problems. Dealing with men had always been a problem for her after the way her adoptive parents treated her. Jan refused to think about that right now or relive the past two years. This is a new beginning, and she wants it to be with Andrew. Her uncle understands and will help her in every way. Right now, she had to concentrate on how to keep Andrew and Sonia apart.

It’s come to Jan’s attention the way Andrew acts when he speaks about Sonia or even how he reacts when he’s on the phone with her and thinks no one sees them, but she sees it all and she doesn’t like it one bit.

Lately, Andrew’s been making all his calls to Sonia on his cell phone or at the site, but Jan is determined to find out what secrets he’s been keeping from her. She knows he’s planning to take some time off, but he’s not giving out any information. Sammi’s the only other person he’ll tell, but no one else, except Shawna, in the payroll department. Jan decided to give Shawna a call.

"Hey, Shawna."

"Hey Jan, what can I do for you?"

"I need some information."

"Jan, you know I could get fired if Mr. Hastings find out."

"He won't trust me. I see he put in for vacation. Do you have any details?"

"This is the last time I give you information on Mr. Hastings' whereabouts." Shawna preceded to give Jan Andrew's vacation info.

After speaking to Shawna, Jan now knew where and for how long Andrew would be out of the office. He didn’t tell her if it was pleasure or business, but Jan would find out. Yes, Jan was going to surprise Andrew on his little trip. She smiled.