Their Heats Desire

Chapter 14

Later on, once Andrew was back at the building site, he called Josephine with some questions. He wanted to find out if Sonia could travel long distances in her condition. He was planning to surprise Sonia with a honeymoon.

Andrew knew that Josie would suspect something, so he told her that he wanted to take Sonia away to get some relaxation. He didn’t want to break Sonia’s trust. He could hear the questions forming as he asked Josie about the trip.

“Ah, Andrew, what’s going on?" She didn't wait for his response. "First, Sonia shows up here filling out records, and now you’re asking me if you can take her on a trip.”

“What! Sonia was there? When . . .?”

“Not too long ago, she seemed nervous and jumpy. Why is that?” Josephine knew that something was brewing between Andrew and Sonia, but they were ignoring it.

“I don’t know, but I’d better find out.” Andrew doesn't recall Sonia telling him that she was going to the hospital today.

“Ahuh, she's okay, so are you going to tell me what's going on?" When Andrew didn't answer right away, Jose said, "you’re not going to tell me, are you?”

“There’s nothing to tell, I just feel Sonia needs some time away. T'hat’s all.”

Josie was tired of playing games. “Andrew, do you love Sonia?”

He paused for quite some time, wondering. Should he say anything? Should he reveal his feelings to others? “Yes, I do love her and the baby.”

“I see. Does she know this?” Josie was happy for them, but she knew the family very well and JA Harding was not going to like any man for his daughter whom he could not control.

“I hope so.” He said with confidence.

Josie decided not to press him anymore. “Okay, so, to answer your question, yes, she can go on this trip as long as she doesn’t have to fly.”

“No flying, I promise.” Andrew was happy and excited. Sonia was going to love it and they could get even closer.

Before they hung up, Josie said, "Andrew, don't hurt Sonia."

"Josie, I don't have any intentions of hurting her." zx

With that said, they hung up, and Andrew knew that this would be the best time ever for Sonia.

Once Andrew was through with Josey, he made some more calls. One was to find a place where they could have the ceremony. He found the perfect place, a small chapel outside of town. He then called a hotel to check out the availability of a suite. Andrew wants to prepare something special for Sonia that would let her know he cares.

By the time he finished, Andrew had all the reservations made and now could look forward to seeing her face when he took her up the coast. Andrew hopes she sees how much she means to him and the baby also, giving him a chance to be a part of their lives.

Work was demanding, and he had to get back to it. Mr. Springfield called to remind him about dinner, and Andrew was more than ready for that night. He didn’t want anything to mess up his plans, so he would go to dinner and see what JA Harding was all about.

Andrew sat back, clasped his hands behind his head, and thought of how wonderful his life had become. A smile beamed from deep down inside. This is how things should be for Sonia and me, happy and so will Terrence.

Coming into the office, Sammi noticed the smile plastered on Andrew’s face and wanted to know what was going on with him. “Okay give; you’ve been on cloud nine now for the past couple of weeks. What’s going on?”

“Everything’s wonderful.”

“Glad to hear it, but things have been wonderful before, and you’ve never been this giddy. Sorry to put it like that.”

“If you must know, Sonia has made me the happiest man on earth.” He said, smiling from ear to ear.

“Your landlady . . .? How come. .?” She asked, not knowing what to expect.

He jumped up out of the seat, picked Sammi up, and swung them around.“She said yes, Sammi, she said, yes. We’re getting married."

“What! Married but, wait, Andrew. Andrew, wait, put me down you nut." She exclaimed and once she was standing again. "You told me you were not going there with this woman. Now that we know for sure that she’s our boss's daughter, you’re going to marry her. Are you out of your mind?”

After he set Sammi down, he smiled. “Yes, out of my mind! About Sonia and her son. I love her, Sammi. I truly love her, and she’s going to be my wife on Saturday.”

“Saturday, that’s— what’s the rush?”

“Sonia’s been having problems with her family, and so I decided to step in.”

“Would this be the same family we work for? Hello, now I know you’re nuts, and what are you going to do about tonight?”

“I’m going and I’m going to have a good time.”

“A-good-time, with her father. Did you tell Sonia about this?” Sammi did not like this at all.

“Yes, a good time! I can get to know the man who will be my father-in-law, and besides, I need to know more about the man. To answer your question about me telling Sonia," "No, not really.”

“Okay, can you stop smiling enough to explain what’s going on?”

“Look, I was attracted to her from the beginning, but I messed things up at first. Now, since taking your advice, things are great.”

“You mean that dinner was about her. Andrew—are-- you—, never mind, I can see it all over your face. You love her, don’t you?”

“Yes, yes, yes, and I’m going to make her happy.”

“Does she know about your—?”

“No not yet, I’m not worried about myself, Sammi. It's all about Sonia. She deserves to be happy, and I can give that to her.”

“Yes, I know, but don’t you think she should know?”

“Sammi, I’ll tell her, but not now.”

“Andrew, what if— you know, someone else tells her? What, then?’

“No, I don’t want to think about that right now. Look, just be happy for me, Sammi. I need you.”

“Me! Why?”

“To be my best gal, as a witness, please, Sammi, you're my best friend, and the only one I want to share this with. Sonia doesn’t want anyone to know about us getting married.”

“Oh, so, you're both just alike. No wonder you fell for her. Okay, okay, I’ll do it. Maybe now I can have a life and stop living yours.”

“Ha, ha ... Anyway, I want you to meet her, you’ll love her.”

“Andrew, you don’t need my approval. Wait, let me think about that.”

“Sammi, you’ve got jokes tonight. Look, you’re not only my best friend but my sister and I need you there for me.”

“Fine . . .” They continued to talk, and Sammi became truly happy for him. It showed, ya know, she saw it plain as day and so will everyone else soon enough.

Andrew went to the office to get ready for his dinner.

Bill made arrangements to pick up Andrew from his office and take him to the restaurant for his dinner meeting with Mr. Harding. Upon arriving, Bill told Andrew they would be meeting Mr. Harding at the hotel Singapore in downtown Arizona. Andrew wondered why the change in plans was.

When they arrived, Andrew looked around to see if he could spot who JA Harding was. Crossing the lobby of the hotel, Bill then pointed out Mr. Harding to Andrew.

Right then, Andrew saw a likeness of Sonia in her father. She looks like him, and maybe they’re close in personality. That’s why they can’t get along. Who knows, but one thing is for sure in Andrew’s mind, he won’t let Sonia’s family hurt her any longer.

As he walked up to Mr. Harding Andrew extends his hand, and they both give a firm handshake. “Mr. Harding, it’s finally nice to meet you face to face.”

“Likewise, Mr. Hastings: Please call me JA. Everyone else does. Now let’s get our table and get started.”

They began to walk through the lobby and into the hotel restaurant. Andrew was impressed with JA Hsrdinh at first glance; he knows the business and looks like a no-nonsense person who gets the job done. Andrew could see what Sonia was speaking about; JA's a determined man who wants results immediately. And probably get his way always.

They sat down and started a casual conversation, getting background information. Of course, Andrew was not surprised that JA never mentioned his daughter in any part of the conversation. He mentioned his wife once or twice, but that was it. The bulk of their conversations was about his life and all he'd accomplished, from one business epic to another and now this new office building in Arizona.

Yet, Andrew was impressed with JA. He knew he could learn a lot from this man about business. No matter what Andrew was more concerned about Sonia and what happened in their lives. He can see the part of JA that pushes everyone and everything until it collapses or breaks. Andrew knew that this project, his building, would have to stand the test of time, and he wanted excellent work and expected that the person he worked for wanted it too.

“Well, JA, all I can say about a building this size, is that it must be structurally sound and if we started from the ground up, it could be close to a year before it is completed. That’s if you want the best I can give you.”

“Of course, I want your best and excellence, so what is the projected date, or don't you have that yet?”

“I will once I finish the outside structure, which will be done in about two months or so.”

“Then will you be able to give me an end date?’

“I should be able to. Then you should be able to start moving the furniture in.”

“So tell me what other jobs are you working on?”

“None at the moment. This job is the biggest one for me, and I want to give it my full attention.” Yeah, I want to stay close to Sonia and see just what you want.

“Very admiral of you, I like that. Well enough about work, how about you, anyone special in your life?”

“What? I don’t understand why you want to know about my life?”

“I was just inquiring, that’s all. Is there a problem?”

“No, I live for my work, and that’s it. I’ve just moved here, and I am watching my business grow.”

“No one special . . . at the moment?”

“Ah not now, probably later?”

Andrew thought about what he was about to do on Saturday and who with. He can't let the fact that he liked doing business with JA affect his relationship with Sonia. He has to consider Sonia in all of this.

Since he has yet to tell her who he's working for Andrew has to think about how she will respond. He wondered how was he going to break the news to Sonia. For this business partnership and marriage to work, he had to keep the two apart.

Several times during dinner, JA questioned Andrew about seeing someone, and Andrew wondered what that was all about. He can see where Sonia gets her spunk from. Andrew was more interested in Mrs. Harding and what was her take on it all?

All in all, the dinner was a success, and Andrew enjoyed getting insight into Sonia's family.

By 11 pm Mr. Harding was ready for a nightcap, and Andrew was ready for home. On his way home, Andrew wondered how Sonia would feel about him having dinner with her father. He didn’t know if he should mention it now or after the wedding. In either case, he must tell her about it. There are many ways to get around it, but that would be starting their life together with a lie. That was something he did not want.

His cell phone rang; it was Sammi calling to find out how things went. “Fine, Mr. Harding has a lot of business knowledge, but I can see some of what Sonia mentioned about him.”

“And what is that?”

“That he pushes people hard and wants things done his way. You know he asked how soon the building will be finished and if I’m dating someone?”

“What, does he want trouble with the building inspector? Do you think he knows about Sonia?”

“No, but he has a deadline for me, and well, I think he has someone in mind for me.”

“Who . . .?”

“I don’t know, but I didn’t give him the chance to suggest it either.”

“You sound like you like him, and how is Sonia going to feel about this?”

“I don’t know, but I have to tell her.”

“I think you’re getting started on the wrong foot with this one, but I’m just a friend.”

“No, you’re more of a sister, and right now, I need your help.”

“With . . .?”

“How am I going to tell Sonia? Do you have some time for me now?”

“Sure come on by, it’s nothing new to us.”

Instead of going home, Andrew made a detour and laid his plans out to his best friend.

Sonia did not want to admit she was waiting for Andrew. So she did some work while checking to see if the car was in its seat. When she didn’t see it, she decided to get some sleep. In the morning, she'd find out about his big dinner with... she didn’t know what company he was working for. They’ve talked about his job, and never once has he mentioned the name of the company he’s working for. Sonia decided not to worry about that and drank some warm milk to help her sleep. After deciding not to let it bother her, Sonia went to bed.

The day started slowly, but she didn’t mind. By the time she finished her work, it was time for her to prepare dinner. It was a warm day, and she was standing in the kitchen thinking about what she should prepare for dinner when all of a sudden she felt this hand circle her waist. He began to kiss her neck just below her hairline. Sonia shattered and leaned to him for support. He made her weak in the knees, and she wanted more than anything for him to make love to her. Sonia moved into his arms as he turned her around so they could be face to face.

When their lips met, Sonia could not believe the onslaught of sensations and desire that filled her. At that moment, she felt as light as air and wanted the feeling to never stop. Then Andrew pulls her closer as their tongues meet, and the kiss deepens. Sonia knew she could never let him go.

He touched her breast, and her n*****s hardened instantly. Andrew then replaces his hand with his mouth, and she’s lost in him. Sonia moans and begs him never to stop loving her.

There were bells all around her; no, it was a ringing sound. It got louder and louder. Sonia woke only to realize that her phone was ringing. Sonia could not believe that she had dreamt about Andrew in that way. She looks at the time. It’s 9 am. Picking up the phone, she said, “Hello.” Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes!

“Hi, honey, it’s me, Sandy. How are you doing?” Sandy sounded chipper than usual.

“Hey girl, what’s up?”

“Nothing much, just call to see how things are with you and the baby and Andrew. You’re still in bed. Why?”

“I’m tired, dah.”

“No! You're pregnant, dah . . . Anyway, how are you holding up?”

“Great, but I miss you guys. When are you coming home?”

“In another week or so, how’s Andrew? Are you two getting along?”

Sonia was glad that her friend could not see her face. She was beaming on the other end of the phone. “Andrew’s good, we’re getting along.”

“Okay, have you heard from your mother lately?”

“No, and I don’t expect to either,” Sonia said, but quickly changed the subject. “Where is James? I don’t hear him?”

“He’s in the hot tub waiting for me,” Sandy said, laughing, knowing her friend understood just what she meant.

“So why are you on the phone with me? Go get in the tub with you, man.” Then Sonia heard James.

“Say hello to Sonia for me, then hang up and get in here.”

“I think your man needs you,” Sonia said.

“Yeah, I’d better go. Say hello to Andrew for us, okay, and I’ll be in touch.”

“Sure thing, I’ll call if I need you, okay?”

“Yeah, bye. . .” Sandy disconnected.

After getting off the phone, Sonia thought about Andrew, and instantly, the dream came flooding back. If only things could be just that easy, then she might be able to relax.

Getting out of bed, finally, she made her way to the bathroom. Getting herself together, she went in search of breakfast. When she got to the kitchen, she found a single white rose and a note waiting for her from Andrew.

‘Sonia,

Please don’t be upset with me for not being able to say this to you face-to-face, but... I’ve been avoiding this since I found out

about it. Now that I know you better, I want to know more. My curiosity got the better of me. So, I had dinner with your father last night. He’s the man I work for. Now don’t worry, I didn’t mention you in any way. I knew after our conversations about him that you would not approve of it, but I had to meet him and see for myself the kind of person he is.

I hope that, with all your heart, you can forgive me.

Yours truly

Andrew.’

Sonia stood still for quite some time. She didn’t know how to react to Andrew’s note. For her, this was not a good way to start things off between them. Wait, her parents are in town? She’s not ready to confront them yet. Not until she’s married to Andrew, and then she will be able to see them. Sonia thought about being upset with Andrew, but he had a business that was just getting off the ground, and he was working for JA before they knew each other. She can’t be mad at him. Looking at the rose he left her, Sonia smiled and thought how sweet of him, but he also left something else. She looked at the bottom of the note.

‘PS, breakfast is in the microwave, enjoy it; and by the way, there are several more white roses in the living room and your office!’

Sonia felt a little giddy at his thoughtfulness, kindness, and how sweet he was. The thought of getting married so soon also made her a bit giddy. How can she be mad at him? There are major changes about to take place in her life. Is she ready? Sonia hoped so.

Okay, he has made it clear that he wants to go through with this, so maybe it is time I got on the ball. Sonia decided to go into town to see Jon, but first, she had to pick up Andrew’s ring.

When Sonia crossed the doors of Econo-Publishing, she knew she was going to do this. “Hey there, Melissa, can I speak to Jon?”

“Sure thing, Sonia, go on in,” Melissa said.

“Thanks.” Sonia walked into Jon’s office and watched as his face lit up.

“Hey there, come in. I'm glad to see you. It’s been a while since our last conversation,” Jon said.

“Why. . .?” Sonia replied.

“Because I don’t get to see you often enough, now what can I do for you? Oh, by the way, I have a check for you,” Jon replied.

“Thanks, but I’ve got other pressing matters. I have an assignment for you if you agree,” Sonia said.

“What is it? You sound ominous. What’s going on?” Jon asked.

“I would love for you to be my witness at my wedding?” Sonia said.

Jon stopped what he was doing and just looked at her. “Did you just say your wedding? What are you talking about?”

“I’m getting married on Saturday, and I want you, my friend and publicist, to be there for me,” Sonia said, smiling.

“Wait a minute now, you haven’t been seeing anyone that I know about or have you? Sonia, what’s going on?”

Sonia laughed. “Jon... Oh, where do I begin?”

“At the beginning of the course; now sit and spill.”

“Okay, well, I told you about the tenant that James and Sandy helped me with, right?”

“Yeah, Andrew, if I’m correct.” He paused. It hit him. “No, no way, you mean to tell me you kept this from me.”

“No one knows except you and Andrew, of course, and his co-worker Sammi.”

“Not Sandy or Rita. Wow, why . . .?”

“I... well; Andrew and I decided that we would hold off until I’m ready.”

“Ready for what? Sonia, what are you not telling me?”

“Nothing, I just need you in my corner, say you’ll do it.”

“Of course honey, I’ll be there for you. So when can I meet Mr. Andrew.”

“Soon, actually, Friday at my place, okay?”

“Sure.” Jon didn’t know what to think about the news she had just dropped on him, but he could see she was happy about it, so he would wait to pass judgment.

Sonia left Jon’s office elated that her friend would be there for her. She went home and parked in the driveway. Getting out, she went to open her door when all of a sudden she looked up at Andrew’s place. Sonia realized that she hadn’t gone up there since they bumped into each other. She decided to go check out the place since she might be spending time up there. Opening up the door, Sonia saw how homey Andrew made the place, looking around, taking it all in; she liked what she saw. Sonia checked out the place, the kitchen, the spare bedroom, and his room. She felt like a snoop and decided to leave, but she got a sense of comfort in his place.

Sonia went back downstairs and called Andrew to see what time he would be home. Then she went to bed.