Caliente Nights

Caliente Nights By Victoria Wells

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Dedication

To all those who dare to follow your heart and love outside the box this one is for you. Thank you Red Rose Publishing for giving me this wonderful opportunity to experiment with writing interracial romance. Marguerite L. Lemons you’re an awesome editor. I appreciate all your patience and genuine concern when I was going through a very difficult time in my life. It was a pleasure working with you on this project. To all the wonderful readers who support me. Thank you so much for enjoying my stories. I hope you enjoy this one as well.

Victoria

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Caliente Nights by Victoria Wells Red Rose™ Publishing Publishing with a touch of Class! ™ The symbol of the Red Rose and Red Rose is a trademark of Red Rose™ Publishing Red Rose™ Publishing Copyright© 2011 Victoria Wells ISBN: 978-1-4543-0035-9 Cover Artist: Shirley Burnett Editor: Marguerite D. Lemons Line Editor: Red Rose™ Publishing

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Due to copyright laws you cannot trade, sell or give any ebooks away. This is a work of fiction. All references to real places, people, or events are coincidental, and if not coincidental, are used fictitiously. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. Red Rose™ Publishing www.redrosepublishing.com Forestport, NY 13338 Thank you for purchasing a book from Red Rose™ Publishing where publishing comes with a touch of Class!

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Caliente Nights By Victoria Wells

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Chapter One

CRASH! “Oh my God!” Jeanette Adams shrieked as she rammed her car into a beautiful, black, shiny BMW convertible. Putting her old, beat up Honda Civic in park, she jumped out the car slamming the door shut. Running over to the vehicle, Jeanette kneeled down to inspect the damage she‟d done to the other car‟s front bumper. It didn‟t look too bad she told herself. It was just a scratch and a little dent, nothing too major. Taking a deep breath, Jeanette looked around the dimly lit parking garage. Looking at her wristwatch she noted the time was 9:45 p.m. and no one was in sight. She had just finished working her part-time evening job as a sales associate at Macy‟s. The extra money helped to supplement her day job as a daycare teacher. She needed to help her elderly aunt pay the bills, but working so many evening shifts was getting to her physically. She was exhausted and hadn‟t been paying attention when she put the car in reverse instead of drive. Going back to the passenger‟s side, Jeanette swung the door open, reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a small note pad and pen. Shutting the door she leaned against her car and scribbled a note with her information on it for the owner of the car.

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Jeanette let out a deep sigh as she placed the note under the windshield wiper. “This is going to make my insurance go up, up, up,” she mumbled to herself as she got in her Honda and drove off.

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Chapter Two

All Alonzo Castro wanted to do was go home. Groupies throwing themselves at the professional baseball player had lost its luster long ago. In the early years, when he was a twenty-two year-old rookie the attention was flattering. However, at the age of thirty-four, there was nothing cute about a waitress scribbling her number and home address on a napkin and sliding it under his dinner plate. The ninny hadn‟t had enough sense to put her name on the cloth. Shaking his head as he made his way to his vehicle in the parking garage, Alonzo wondered what it would take to find a woman who wasn‟t interested in his status as a professional athlete. At his age, he was ready to settle down and raise a family. However, unlike most of his teammates, he had no desire to bed hundreds of women and remain the consummate bachelor. Nor did he have the desire to continue playing ball until he was put out to pasture or worse severely injured. Raised by hard working immigrant parents from Cuba, it was drilled into Alonzo at an early age, not to squander his fortune. Sure he enjoyed the finer things in life, such as living in a mini-mansion on the Main Line, in Philadelphia, driving a nice car and wearing expensive clothing. However, Alonzo spent within

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reason, which made it easy to walk away from his career. Between the multimillion-dollar contracts over the years, endorsements and wise investments, Alonzo was financially set for life. Bret Carter, his agent, was beside himself when Alonzo announced he was retiring instead of renewing his contract for next season. “Dude what do you mean you‟re ready for retirement? You‟re at the top of your game. At your prime.” his agent queried in disbelief. Alonzo shrugged a muscular shoulder indifferent to Bret‟s reaction. The truth was Bret was solely concerned about his wallet. Alonzo‟s retirement meant Bret would be losing a hefty commission. “That‟s exactly why I‟m retiring now. I want to leave the game on top.” No way was Alonzo going to end up playing ball past his prime, and end up being traded from team to team like some has been. Besides, he had promised his parents once he was financially secure he would invest in the family‟s dream of owning a restaurant. That‟s exactly what he was going to do, and he felt now was the time. His younger brother Julio graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City five years ago. Having worked with some of the best chefs in the city, Alonzo was confident his baby brother was ready for the task of head chef. And with Alonzo‟s dual degrees in finance and business, hopefully the family‟s dream would be a success.

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Rounding the cement column Alonzo frowned as he spied the white piece of paper on his windshield. Not again, he thought as he took long strides to his vehicle snatching the note off, tempering the urge to tear it in shreds. Quickly scanning the note Alonzo hissed an expletive. Going to the front of the vehicle, he kneeled to inspect the damage. Although the damage wasn‟t extensive, it still annoyed Alonzo that some driver had been so careless. A woman driver at that. For a brief second anger consumed him. Perhaps the woman intentionally rammed the back of her car into his. It wouldn‟t surprise him in the least if that were the case. Over the years women had done some shady things to capture his eye. Returning to his vehicle, Alonzo eased into his car and started the engine. Putting the vehicle in first gear, he had had enough of gold diggers trying to get his attention. First thing tomorrow morning he was going to the dealership to get an estimate of the damages. Then he was paying Jeanette Adams a visit at the address she‟d scribbled on the note along with a telephone number. And God help her if this was an attempt to make her way into his bed. “At least she had sense enough to put her name on the note,” Alonzo grumbled to himself in disgust.

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Chapter Three

Standing on the sidewalk Alonzo shielded his eyes from the late afternoon November sun. Tender Steps Nursery School. Could this be the right address? Alonzo wondered as he stared at the Sesame Street characters dancing across the sparkling glass window. Turning the handle, the door chimed as he walked in. Gloria Phillips‟ gray head popped up upon hearing the chime. Smiling, the older woman greeted him from behind the desk, “Good afternoon. Welcome to Tender Steps Nursery School. How may I help you?” Gloria sure hoped and prayed the young man was inquiring about enrolling a child or two. The new daycare center down the street had stolen half of her children by luring parents away with two free months of tuition. As a result Gloria had to cut back to one fulltime teacher, which was Jeanette, and a part-time worker. “Yes. I‟m here to speak to a Jeanette Adams,” Alonzo informed Gloria. The expression he wore wasn‟t particularly friendly. Gloria held her smile in place as disappointment washed over her. The young man wasn‟t here to enroll a child after all. He wanted to see her niece. Although he didn‟t look too happy, he was handsome nonetheless. Knowing her

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niece, she had probably stood the young man up. “Wait right here while I go get her.” Entering the kitchen the older woman approached Jeanette as she prepared the children‟s afternoon snack. “Hey Auntie what‟s up?” Jeanette questioned Gloria. Jeanette worried about her elderly great aunt. The school had been struggling for some time now. Late paying parents, upkeep, increased property taxes, and now the new daycare center a few doors down were making it difficult to keep the school from sinking. Gloria eased up next to her great-niece, gently taking the knife she was using to slice apples. If it wasn‟t for this child, Gloria didn‟t know what she would do. Even though she couldn‟t afford to pay Jeanette a good salary the younger woman was adamant about not leaving and giving up on the school. So many times Gloria came close to closing the school. And each time Jeanette would be right there telling her, “Auntie you can‟t give up. What about the parents who depend on you to teach their children and keep them safe while they work?” Yes, Jeanette was a sweet child. Gloria had taken Jeanette in when she was just a toddler after the death of her parents in a car accident. Gloria had never regretted taking in her only nephew‟s daughter. The two of them were like peas in a pod. Gloria felt blessed to have Jeanette in her life. She was so grateful her niece

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stood shoulder to shoulder with her toiling day after day to keep the school open. Gloria did not take for granted the fact that Jeanette could very well be putting her bachelor‟s degree in early childhood education to use teaching elsewhere making a decent salary. Smiling, Gloria teased, “There‟s young man out front to see you. He‟s real handsome too. Maybe he‟s here to court you?” Gloria didn‟t disclose that she suspected that Jeanette had stood the young man up and he was here to confront her. If that was the case, serves her right for being so stubborn and standoffish the older woman mused to herself. Oh brother. Jeanette playfully rolled her eyes. Auntie Gloria was forever trying to push her into courting someone, anyone. Just last week she tried to set Jeanette up with the new mailman. The week before that it was the plumber who came to fix the leaky bathroom faucet. In all honesty Jeanette didn‟t mind her aunt‟s meddling in her love life – rather lack of love life – she meant no harm. Her intentions were good. She was forever admonishing Jeanette that she worked too hard and should get out and meet some young folks her age. With that thought Jeanette tenderly kissed her Auntie on the cheek. “No, Auntie he‟s not here to court me. I don‟t even know who he is.”

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Nudging the younger woman with her elbow, Gloria told her, “Go on now and get out there before he leaves. I know your bed is mighty cold at night.” “Auntie!” “Don‟t Auntie me. Go „head and get!” Gloria chuckled when Jeanette scrunched her face up like a five year old being reprimanded. “Okay, I‟m getting,” Jeanette pouted as she took her leave.

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Chapter Four

Oh my God…Breathe…Jeanette…Breathe… Who in the world is this Oscar De La Hoya look a like? Jeanette wondered. Although she wasn‟t a sports fan, and couldn‟t tell one professional athlete from another. She was familiar with the sexy Latino boxer from a HBO commercial she‟d seen years ago promoting an upcoming fight. Alonzo‟s foul mood evaporated the moment his eyes locked with Jeanette‟s. Beautiful was the first word that came rushing to his mind. She definitely wasn‟t the type of woman he was used to dating. Her petite stature, cinnamon sun kissed face, hazel eyes and full kissable lips were magnetizing. He wanted to reach out and rub her shoulder length two-strand twist hairstyle between his fingers to see if they were as soft as they looked. His eyes continued to roam as he took in the small breasts outlined in a long sleeve tee shirt and snug fitting jeans showcasing a tiny waist and curvy hips. Nice childbearing hips. He had to suppress the urge to lick his lips. She looked just that good…good enough to eat. It had been forever since he desired a woman immediately on sight.

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Jeanette suddenly felt nervous as she approached the stranger who couldn‟t seem to take his eyes off of her. What in the world could he want with her? Clearing her throat she spoke. “Hi, my aunt said you were here to see me.” “Jeanette Adams?” Alonzo questioned to assure himself this was the woman who had damaged his car. “Yes.” Jeanette nervously answered, still not sure why he was here to see her, nor, was she sure why her body had suddenly begun to tingle in strange places as his dark gaze perused her body. Reaching into the inside pocket of his black leather jacket Alonzo pulled out a sheet of paper. “You left this note on my car.” Embarrassment flushed Jeanette‟s face. Stammering she said, “I‟m…I‟m… sorry. I didn‟t mean to hit your car. It‟s just that I was so tired after working my second job and I put the car in reverse instead of park and─” Just as Jeanette was floundering around in a feeble attempt to explain her actions, three year old Mya entered the room whimpering. On impulse Jeanette went to the small child, thankful for the interruption. Standing there gazing into the dark, piercing eyes of the incredible sexy man was causing butterflies to flutter in her stomach. She definitely needed the distraction. “Another bad dream sweetie?” Jeanette softly asked Mya, as she gently lifted her little body into her arms. Mya snuggled close, tucking her tiny head in

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Jeanette‟s bosom. Jeanette placed a tender kiss on Mya‟s forehead as Mya nodded her head. “It‟s okay sweetie. You‟re safe with me,” Jeanette whispered, reassuring Mya as she made her way back to Alonzo. Alonzo‟s heart melted as he watched Jeanette approach him with the small child in her arms. Something about the vision before him tugged at his heart. He had been prepared to lash out at Jeanette. However, after witnessing how she was so patient and loving with Mya any annoyance he had with Jeanette vanished. There was no way this woman had intentionally damaged his car as a means to wiggle her way into his bed. Looking at her incredibly sexy, petite body he sure wished like hell that had been her intent. He would have been more than happy to oblige her. “I‟m sorry for the interruption,” Jeanette apologized as she continued to cradle Mya. “It‟s okay. Is she all right?” Alonzo queried, nodding in Mya‟s direction. Jeanette tightened her hold on the tiny body. If she hadn‟t, she might have dropped her. The man‟s voice was so sexy and deep, her knees had slightly buckled. “Yes. She‟ll be fine in a few minutes. As I was saying I‟m really sorry about hitting your car. I know it was really stupid of me to have put my car in reverse

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when it should have been in drive.” Jeanette‟s face turned a tinge of pink from embarrassment. She couldn‟t believe she had just called herself stupid in front of possibly the sexiest man alive. “I do have insurance. If you wait a minute I can go get my wallet and give you my information,” she said before nervously rushing out the room, quickly returning with her wallet and Mya still holding on tight. The last thing she wanted him to think was that his car wouldn‟t get repaired. When another toddler, this time a little boy, wandered into the room wrapping his arms around Jeanette‟s leg, Alonzo smiled at her. Just looking at her with the children and how they seemed to cling to her for comfort told his heart she would make a wonderful mother. “I see that you‟re pretty busy. Why don‟t I come back after you close this evening so we can talk?” Jeanette couldn‟t help but to return the smile. She must have looked a sight with one child clinging to her bosom and another to her leg. “Okay. That would be fine. Come back around six.” “It‟s a date.” Alonzo said as he turned heading toward the door. As his hand was reaching for the door knob, Jeanette called out, “Hey what‟s your name.” An amused smiled curved his lips. She doesn’t know who I am. This could be interesting. Looking over his shoulder he told her, “Alonzo Castro.”

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Chapter Five

“So do you make it a habit of running into to people‟s cars?” Alonzo asked a sexy smirk twitching his lips and showing off a deep dimple in his left cheek. Jeanette‟s head popped up from the plate she had buried it in for the past five minutes. Why did she agree to go out to dinner with him anyway? Oh, yeah. Her meddling aunt had snuck up on her just as Alonzo asked her out when he returned later that evening. Just as she was about to decline the offer, Gloria butted in with her two cents. “Sure she would love to go. It‟s been forever since she‟s been out with a nice young man.” Stunned, Jeanette forced her mouth to stay shut as her Auntie literally pushed her out the door and into Alonzo‟s Ford Expedition. Nice young man my foot. For all Auntie knows, she could have thrown me to a wolf. “No, not usually,” Jeanette replied finding it extremely difficult to hide the smile that was dying to break free. “I told you I was a little tired.” Alonzo nodded. He remembered her saying something about working a second job. “Perhaps you should quit your second job.” Alonzo said nonchalantly as he reached for his water glass.

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“Believe me. I wish it was that easy. But when you have bills and you‟re trying to keep a family business from going under you have to do what you have to do. Understand?” Yes, Alonzo understood. He lived through hard times; times when he and his family didn‟t know how they were going to pay the rent, buy food or clothes. “You want to talk about it?” Alonzo softly asked as he reached across the table taking her dainty hand in his large one. Jeanette‟s initial response was to pull her hand away. The warmth of his touch was stirring up foreign sensations inside her that she‟d never experienced before. But when he looked deep into her eyes, she felt uncharacteristically at ease with him. Taking a deep breath, she murmured, “Where do I begin?” Rubbing a calloused thumb across the satiny back of her hand, he smiled, “How about at the beginning.” Alonzo intently listened as Jeanette shared with him how the daycare was losing business to the new one down the street, and how what little money came in went out to the upkeep of the building. He gently squeezed her hand when she disclosed she had put off her dream of going back to school to get her master‟s degree in education to help her aunt run the daycare center. Jeanette went on to explain how there was no way possible she could quit her second job. “If I do that, there‟s no way my aunt would be able to keep the daycare open. This is her life.

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She lives for the ability to provide a safe place for children and educate them while their parents are working.” Pulling her hand free, she added, “And now my insurance premium is going to go up because I hit your car.” Just thinking about the extra money she would have to put out. Money she didn‟t have; it depressed her. Pushing the chair from the table, Jeanette excused herself to go to the ladies‟ room. She felt herself welling up inside. The last thing she wanted to do was start crying in front of a total stranger. “Take your time. I‟ll be here when you get back.” Just as Jeanette entered the ladies‟ room three women approached the table. The busty, redhead, seductively purred, “Can we have your autograph?” Reaching for the pieces of paper thrust in his face, Alonzo scribbled his name. The entire time he was scribbling he missed Jeanette.

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Chapter Six

“Man you‟re gonna have to tell her who you are sooner or later,” Julio warned his brother. Running his fingers through his dark hair, Alonzo agreed. “I know man. I know. It‟s just that Jeanette‟s not impressed with me because I‟m an athlete. Hell, she doesn‟t even know I‟m an athlete.” Alonzo had fallen hard for Jeanette. She was by no means like the typical women he had dated. Most women made it a goal to get him in the bed after the first date. But not Jeanette; she had firmly told him on their second date when the kissing and caressing had begun to get a little out of hand, “I‟m not one of those girls who sleeps around. So, if that‟s what you‟re looking for, I suggest you look elsewhere.” He had never been turned down by a woman. Never. This not only made him respect Jeanette, it made him want to get to know her even more. And that is what he‟s been doing for the last two months and liking it. Shaking his head, Julio chuckled. “I still can‟t believe she doesn‟t know who you are.”

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Alonzo shrugged broad shoulders. “Lucky me. She doesn‟t like or watch sports.” “Yeah, I guess so,” Julio half heartedly agreed. Jeanette definitely was a keeper compared to the other women his brother had dated. He hoped Alonzo‟s decision to withhold the truth from Jeanette didn‟t ruin their relationship. Checking his watch, Alonzo slapped his brother on the back. “Gotta go bro. I have a date with my lady.” “Adios, bro.” “Adios.” Dating Jeanette had definitely been a challenge. Staying out of the public eye was even more of a challenge. The night of their first date was a close call he didn‟t want to revisit. Dinner dates were usually early in the evening during the week before the crowds arrived. Jeanette never questioned the early dinners since she had to be up and ready to receive the kids by 7:00 a.m., so going out to an early dinner fit nicely into her working schedule. It meant coming home early and getting enough rest to handle the very energetic toddlers and preschoolers. On the weekends they stayed in at Jeanette‟s place curled up on the sofa watching movies. Tonight was another night they‟d be staying in. Jeanette was cooking him an authentic soul food dinner. Fried chicken, collard greens with smoked turkey

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necks, candied yams, macaroni and cheese, corn bread and sweet tea. For dessert she had promised him the best peach cobbler he would ever taste. Fluttering around like a butterfly, Jeanette hummed as she checked her peach cobbler in the oven. This day could not get any better. In a few minutes Alonzo would be buzzing for her to let him up to her apartment over top of the daycare. The air was permeated with the aroma of good old southern cooking. She hoped Alonzo would enjoy the meal she‟d prepared since this was her first time cooking for him. Usually when he came over on a Friday or Saturday night he‟d bring take-out with him. Alonzo was the most amazing man she‟d ever met. Whenever they were together they had a wonderful time. There was something that was mysterious about him though. He always insisted on avoiding crowds, taking long walks in the park at night, and staying in on weekends. He was a good listener and he had a witty sense of humor. The icing on the cake was that the man could kiss like nobody‟s business. Kisses that drove her absolutely crazy and made her fall in love with him over and over again. Kisses that made her want to take their relationship to another level.

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Chapter Seven

Alonzo stretched his long, lean muscles like that of a large well fed sated feline as he sat close to Jeanette on the sofa. Wrapping an arm around her shoulder Alonzo leaned over placing a tender kiss on her temple. “Baby, that was really good.” Jeanette‟s smile was coy. “You‟re just saying that to be nice. I bet that‟s what you tell all the women who cook for you,” she teased. Chuckling, Alonzo pulled Jeanette to sit in his lap. “Mami, you‟re the only woman who cooks for me.” Just as Jeanette was about to tell him she better be the only woman cooking for him or else. Alonzo cut her words off with the touch of his lips to hers. The kiss started off nice and slow as they nibbled each other. Jeanette wrapped her arms around Alonzo‟s neck as soft moans escaped her lips. Her soft moans were rewarded by Alonzo deepening the kiss, stoking their passion, taking it to another level.

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This woman in his arms was driving him to the edge of no return. For weeks they danced around making love. Each time they approached the threshold, Jeanette would pull back leaving Alonzo in a state of frustration. However, tonight he noted from the moment she invited him in and all through dinner that there was something different going on. When she hugged him at the door it was a tad longer. The kiss she gave him a tad sweeter. During their conversation over dinner, she keep touching and stroking his hand. With each passing minute he wanted her and wanted her bad. Feeling the bulge in his pants beneath her bottom sent a shiver down her spine. Wiggling her rump caused the bulge to grow larger and harder. It was the warm tingles vibrating the pearl in her secret garden that caused her to lose control. “Alonzo, please,” Jeanette moaned. “Please what Mami,” Alonzo answered as he trailed kisses down her neck. He was aware of what she was pleading for. He needed to hear her say it because once he got started there was no turning back. “Please make love to me.” Standing with her in his arms, Alonzo growled, “Where‟s the bedroom.”

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Chapter Eight

Setting her down on her feet, Alonzo stepped back his dark gaze taking her in. She was the most beautiful sight he‟d ever seen. Pulling his shirt from his jeans he began to unbutton it as he kept his eyes trained on her. Removing his shirt he tossed it on a nearby chair. Jeanette bit her bottom lip. The man had the muscle definition of a Greek gladiator. “Take off your top and bra.” The deep command caused Jeanette to shiver, her nipples tingling in anticipation of what was coming. Slowly she lifted the scooped neck sweater up and over her head letting it drop to the floor. Her fingers trembled as she unhooked the clasp on the front of her bra letting it land on top of her sweater. She was dying to have his hands touch her all over. Alonzo let out a rough grunt when her breasts jiggled free. The coco colored tips, were begging to be suckled and nibbled on. Pulling down the zipper of his jeans was proving to be nearly impossible from the growing bulge. After a few tugs on the zipper, he was able to pull his jeans off taking his briefs right along with them.

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Standing proud in all his glory Alonzo took a few steps, closing the gap separating them. Leaning down his lips sought hers. Welcoming the kiss Jeanette opened her mouth, their tongues doing a sensual tango. A string of moans bubbled from her throat as large hands unfastened her slacks. Her legs buckled when one finger and then another entered her moist heat slowly moving in and out. When his thumb began to stroke her hidden treasure Jeanette wrapped her arms around his neck melting further into his embrace. Ending the kiss, coming up for air, Alonzo rested his forehead against Jeanette‟s. Slowly he released his hand. Jeanette groaned her disappointment. Alonzo chuckled. “Don‟t worry mami, I‟m gonna take care of you.” “You better,” Jeanette breathed out, her body trembling as Alonzo quickly worked to remove her slacks and shoes. She had held him at bay for weeks, not giving in too soon. And now that she was ready, she definitely did not want to be disappointed. Swiftly picking Jeanette up Alonzo walked the short distance to the bed. Gently laying her nude body on the bed Alonzo hovered above her. Reaching out his large hand he tenderly caressed the soft mound of one breast then the other. The pulse at the base of her throat pulsated triple time as the tip of his tongue stroked a turgid nipple and then began to suckle it like a newborn babe.

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Threading her fingers through Alonzo‟s dark, silky hair Jeanette pulled his head closer. The tongue action he was giving her breast had her insides turning to mush. She sighed in pure bliss when he treated the other breast to the same delicious torture. Alonzo‟s tongue continued southbound, gliding over her flat tummy. Jeanette‟s thighs began to tremble slightly as his tongue drew circles around her bellybutton before plunging in. The taste of her skin was driving him crazy. It tasted like the sweet honey he imagined it would. Moving further south Alonzo nestled his nose in her soft triangle. Inhaling her womanly scent made his mouth water with the desire to taste her in the most intimate way. Securing her legs over his muscular shoulders, Alonzo passionately kissed Jeanette‟s inner thighs before delving in to taste her sweet nectar. Jeanette let out a shaky sigh as Alonzo did things to her that no other man had done before. The sensation was incredible, indescribable as he loved her. And when the powerful explosion hit the center of her core, splintering her in a million pieces all she could do was scream his name. With one last lick, Alonzo slowly kissed his way back up Jeanette‟s trembling body. His final kiss was a tender peck on the tip of her nose. Confusion marred Jeanette‟s pretty features as she watched him leave the bed. A sigh of

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understanding settled over her as he went to his jeans and retrieved a condom from his wallet. Putting the condom in place, Alonzo rejoined her in the bed. Jeanette wrapped her arms around his neck and purred when he settled the tip of his erection at her center. She gasped, tightening her hold when the thrust of his hips joined them as one. Allowing her a few seconds to adjust to him, Alonzo gently gripped her hips. He clenched his jaw when Jeanette wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him in deeper. Slowly they moved in perfect harmony. Every time Alonzo slid deep inside of her, completely filling her up, Jeanette eagerly received him, her inner muscles squeezing every delicious inch of him. Neither of them could control the intense heat that had begun to consume them in a blaze. What started off as nice and slow was now a wild, uninhibited mating. A coming together that neither had experienced before. It was so amazing they both struggled to ward off the inevitable. They clung to each other as their bodies tumbled over the cliff diving in a sea of orgasmic waves. When the last shudder left his solid body, Alonzo rolled on his side, bringing Jeanette with him, making sure they stayed intimately connected. His heart hammered hard in his chest as he struggled to control his breathing. What he‟d just shared with Jeanette had been beyond his expectations. Being here with

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her right now, like this, was where he wanted to be always. But how could he confess his love to her when he‟d been so dishonest with her? How was he going to tell her, “I love you and by the way I‟ve been lying to you about who I am.” Wiggling, Jeanette snuggled closer, if that was at all possible. Placing butterfly kisses over the expanse of his broad chest, she sighed in complete satisfaction. This felt so good and she loved this man so much. The few times she had engaged in sex with her ex-lover, he had never made her feel like this. Her body felt like it was glowing all over.

The way her body rubbed up against his had him wanting her all over again. “Mami, stop your moving. You‟re making me hot for you again,” Alonzo murmured in a deep, seductive voice as his tongue traced the outer shell of her ear. Pushing Alonzo on his back, Jeanette straddled him. She was going to show him just how hot he was making her. “Caliente…caliente…caliente,” she softly purred as she slowly eased herself inch by wonderful inch down his magnificent manhood.

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Chapter Nine

Jeanette feathered a light kiss on Alonzo‟s forehead just before she slid out of bed and headed to the bathroom. After completing her morning ritual of showering and brushing her teeth, she headed to the kitchen to make her man breakfast in bed. Switching on the television to the Sunday morning news, she took bacon and eggs from the refrigerator. Humming, she started preparing the food as she listened to the anchor. In the world of sports today it has been confirmed that Cuban American Shortstop Alonzo Castro will be retiring from baseball this season. Castro made history when he became the youngest top earning ballplayer in Philadelphia history... Jeanette felt dizzy as the small television on her kitchen counter filled in the missing pieces to her mystery man. Turning off the burner under the bacon she was frying, she staggered to the chair dropping her head in her hands. All the weeks they‟ve been dating came rushing back to her in a blur as her heartbeat pounded in her ears and tears spilled from her eyes. Now all of the secrecy suddenly made sense. It explained why on the very few occasions they‟d

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gone out to dinner it was always in the early evenings when the restaurant was practically empty. And why he always brought take-out for dinner and their late night walks in the park. Jeanette let out a bitter chuckle. “Stupid me. Here I‟m thinking he‟s all into me.” Why hadn‟t he told her who is really was? Why had he lied to her about what he did for a living? The lying bastard said he worked in finance. Jeanette‟s head jerked up, sending her twists flaring around her shoulders. “Oh, hell NO!” Was he ashamed of her? The thought of him being ashamed of her angered her more than it saddened her. Wiping away the angry tears Jeanette marched back to her bedroom. As mad as she was at Alonzo she wouldn‟t deny that he looked darn sexy in her bed. Coming back to her senses her eyes scanned the room. The first thing they landed on was his shoes. Bending down she picked up the leather loafer. She grunted in disgust. They probably cost more than Auntie paid her in a month. Hurling the shoe, she yelled, “Wake the hell up!” Startled, Alonzo bolted from a sound slumber as the shoe made contact with his right thigh. “Mami! What‟s wrong with you?” “Don‟t you Mami me! You lying bastard!” Confused, Alonzo wanted to know, “What are you talking about Jeanette?”

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“I‟m talking about you being some big shot baseball player!” Pointing toward the kitchen, she went on yelling, “Don‟t you dare try to deny it. The news just announced your retirement. Not to mention a shot of you flying through the freakin‟ air catching a freakin‟ baseball!” She still couldn‟t wrap her mind around why he lied to her about who he really was. The color drained from Alonzo‟s face as he wondered who leaked the news about his retirement. Jumping out of the bed, Alonzo went to Jeanette. He didn‟t know which pierced his heart the most, the hurt look in her eyes or when she pulled away when he attempted to touch her. “Baby, I‟m sorry you had to find out like this. I swear I was going to tell you.” “When Alonzo? When were you going to tell me?” She asked, her voice coming out shaky. This could not be happening to her. She had just spent the most incredible night with the man she loved only to find out he was a liar. A sick, queasy feeling overwhelmed her. She had given herself to him in a way she had never done with another man. She had let him do things to her she hadn‟t allowed another man do. “Today. I was going to tell you today.” He swore, his eyes begging for her to believe him as he took another step toward her. This wasn‟t going to end good. Alonzo could feel it deep in his soul. He mentally kicked himself for not telling her the truth. The look she was giving him was scaring the hell out of him.

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Backing up, shaking her head, not believing a word he said, she told him, “I don‟t believe you.” Wrapping her arms around her body, she said, “You can leave now. You finally got what you wanted.” “Jeanette, baby it‟s not like that. Let me explain,” Alonzo desperately pleaded as he reached out crushing her to his chest. She allowed herself only a few seconds to feel the warmth of his touch. After today she would never experience it again. Although it broke her heart into a million pieces, she pushed herself out of his embrace. Wiping the lone tear that escaped, she told him, “I‟m going downstairs to the school, please be gone before I return.”

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Chapter Ten

Pacing back and forth, Jeanette couldn‟t believe her luck. The first guy she had to go and fall in love with had to be a big, fat liar. After she put Alonzo out, everything started making since. He was the anonymous benefactor who had donated an obscene amount of money to the school. Jeanette had been ecstatic when her aunt informed her of the generous donation. Gloria immediately demanded Jeanette quit her part-time job at Macy‟s. No wonder he hadn‟t said much when she called him, excited as a puppy rolling in mud, and told him of her aunt‟s good fortune. He‟d mumbled something stupid like, “Baby, that‟s real nice.” Yeah, I guess it was…since it was your money. Jeanette blew out a frustrated sigh. The next morning when she stormed into work fuming, telling her aunt what Alonzo had done and that he in fact was the anonymous donor. She couldn‟t believe her aunt‟s response. “Praise Jesus! I just knew that young man was going to be a blessing.” “A blessing!” Jeanette snapped. “How are you praising Jesus when he lied to us? Lied to me?” Jeanette ranted as she angrily pointed to her chest.

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Putting her hands on her full, robust hips, Gloria glared at her niece. “I know you have lost your foolish mind talking to me in that tone. Did you ever stop to think Alonzo had a good reason for not telling you who he really was? And yes, he is a blessing. Lord knows if he hadn‟t come along and given me that money all my life‟s work would have gone down the drain. All my blood, sweat, and tears would have been for nothing. And then what would I have to leave you? Nothing! At least I know if the good Lord calls me home tonight, you‟ll be able to keep this school going.” “But Auntie,” Jeanette whined attempting to further present her case before Gloria cut her off. “Stop that whining child!” Gloria snapped. Lord knows she loved her niece something terrible, but the girl was working on her last nerve. “I suggest you act like the grown woman you are and talk to the man. Moping around here isn‟t going to change a thing.” Gloria went to Jeanette and gently pulled her from the chair she was sitting in at the table preparing next week‟s lesson‟s plan. Wrapping her arms around the younger woman, Gloria tenderly placed a kiss on her brow. “Baby you must have feelings for Alonzo; otherwise, you wouldn‟t be so miserable. Give him a call so you two can work this out.”

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Flopping down on the sofa, guilt stabbed at Jeanette as she recalled her conversation with her aunt. Two weeks had passed and she hadn‟t spoken to Alonzo. Sure he‟d tried contacting her. The man was blowing up her house phone and cell phone, while sending her delectable confections and exquisite flowers. Jeanette‟s stubborn pride wouldn‟t allow her to accept his calls or his gifts. With each passing day her misery swelled as her heart continued to crumble in a million pieces. No man had ever treated her the way Alonzo had. She missed everything about him. She missed their long walks at night in the park. She missed how they would cuddle on the sofa watching movies until the wee hours of the morning. She missed his tender kisses and caressing hands. She just missed him period. Why does love have to hurt so bad? Jeanette wondered as she schlepped from the sofa to the bathroom to shower and get ready for bed.

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Chapter Eleven

Inserting the key in the lock, Alonzo told himself he was doing the right thing. Jeanette had given him no other choice. He‟d been beyond patient with her. He would not continue to be ignored. Desperation had driven him to go to Gloria for assistance. After pouring his soul out to the older woman about his feelings for her niece she had been all too happy to help him. “That niece of mine is as stubborn as an old mule.” Reaching into the pocket of her full skirt, Gloria pulled out a key ring. Removing a silver key, she handed it to Alonzo. “Now you go on up there and talk some sense into her.” Alonzo hadn‟t hesitated, nor was he wasting any time going up to Jeanette‟s apartment. He wanted his woman back. And he was willing to do whatever it took. Even if it meant he had to grovel on hands and knees to win her back; he was willing to do so. Entering as quietly as he could Alonzo softly closed the door. Immediately he could hear the water in the shower running. A devilish smiled curved his lips. He knew just how he was going to make her see reason. Taking hurried steps,

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Alonzo went to the bathroom door which was slightly ajar. Quickly stripping out of his clothes he eased the door open. Jeanette‟s piercing scream nearly ruptured Alonzo‟s eardrums, as he pulled back the shower curtain stepping into the shower with her. Jeanette‟s first reaction was to tell him to get out. But she just couldn‟t do it. Not when he was standing mere inches from her looking like a Greek god. “How did you get in here?” She queried as she crossed her arms to shield her breasts Jeanette‟s action caused an amused smile to touch Alonzo‟s lips. The one night they had spent together making love he couldn‟t get enough of her breasts. And she couldn‟t get enough of him caressing, suckling, and nibbling on them. Now suddenly she was protective of them. Alonzo didn‟t think so. Reaching out he gently unfolded her arms. Lightly stroking a nipple with his thumb, he hoarsely whispered, “I have my ways.” His already engorged manhood seemed to grow larger as Jeanette let out a soft groan. “I bet you do,” she sighed in divine pleasure. Her body trembled on the outside as her insides were consumed in heat. Alonzo‟s hand slid down the flat plane of Jeanette‟s body as if it was one with the warm water. He didn‟t stop until one finger and then another was inside her driving her mad. Her mind was telling

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her to put an end to this madness. But her heart was telling her she loved him and couldn‟t stand to be another minute without him. Alonzo used his free hand to pull Jeanette closer to him. Leaning down he captured Jeanette‟s mouth in a deep, passionate kiss. For the next hour he told Jeanette just what she meant to him without speaking a single word.

Reaching over, the spot beside Alonzo was cold. Sitting up Alonzo ran his fingers through his dark hair. This is not how he had planned on doing things. His intention was to talk to Jeanette, to apologize for misleading her. Instead he let his hormones overrule him like a horny teenager. Slipping out of bed he found his briefs on the floor and put them. Going into the living room he found Jeanette in the dark, sitting on the sofa with her knees pulled to her chest. Taking a seat next to her he felt her body stiffen. An uneasy feeling overshadowed him. She was regretting what they‟d shared earlier. Just as he was about to begin speaking, Jeanette beat him to the punch. “Alonzo, why did you lie to me?” Alonzo‟s heart twisted in his chest. If she had yelled, he could have taken it. Instead, her question came out in tearful agony, which was slowly killing him. Letting out a deep breath, he explained, “Baby when you‟re in my position you never know if the people who are into you, want to be your friend because of you

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or because you‟re an athlete making long paper. I can‟t tell you the things women have done just to meet me.” Flashing Jeanette a sheepish grin, he admitted, “I thought you had hit my car on purpose to meet me.” He elected not to tell her how women he dated once, maybe twice claimed he fathered their children. The money he spent in bogus paternity suits was ridiculous. Another reason Alonzo had not disclosed his identity to her. Sucking her teeth, Jeanette mumbled, “Boy please, don‟t even flatter yourself.” Chuckling Alonzo assured her, “For real. That‟s what I thought. After all you did scratch my ride up.” “Ouch!” Alonzo yelled in exaggerated pain after Jeanette punched him in the shoulder. Turning serious he said, “When I laid eyes on you mami and saw how you were taking care of those babies─” Alonzo stopped speaking long enough to pull Jeanette into his lap. He was pleased when she didn‟t resist. Kissing her forehead, he continued talking. “I knew you were special. I knew I had to get to know you.” He also knew that some day she would be his wife and give him lots of babies. But he wouldn‟t tell her his thoughts on that subject just yet. He first had to convince her that he loved her.

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“I just wasn‟t special enough to tell me the truth,” Jeanette challenged, her voice taking on a chilly tone. Squeezing her tight, Alonzo pressed on. “Baby you have no idea what it was like for me not having you know what I did for a living. Honestly, it was a breath of fresh air. For once I was with a woman who liked me for me. You wanted to spend time with me not because I could give you expensive gifts or take you to fancy restaurants. To you I was just me, Alonzo Castro, and not Alonzo Castro, Major League Baseball‟s MVP of the year. I never meant to hurt you. I swear, the night I made love to you I was going to tell you everything the next morning.” Jeanette raised an eyebrow as Alonzo went off on a rant speaking rapid Spanish. Whatever he was saying had caused his golden complexion to turn crimson and his jugular veins to bulge appearing as if they were going to burst. If she knew the names he was calling his agent for leaking the information of his retirement to the press, she would be flushed a tint of red. He was still fuming at the careless way in which Jeanette had found out about what he did for a living. All because his jackass of an agent thought this would change his mind. He figured the fans would be up in arms. Bret had been correct. The fans were up in arms. Alonzo received tons of mail begging him to reconsider his decision. Standing firm he refused to give into anyone‟s demands. It was time for him to live his life for himself. A life which he hoped included Jeanette.

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Apologizing for his outburst, Alonzo said, “Baby I‟m sorry. I just get pissed off every time I think about you having to hear about me on the news.” Gently kissing the tip of her nose, he hoarsely whispered, “Baby, please forgive me and give us another chance. Mami, I love you so much.” Jeanette closed her eyes as a single tear ran down her cheek. She had spent so much energy being angry she never thought about what it was like for him being a famous athlete. Though it stung that he for one minute thought she could have been some hoochie-gold digger, she totally understood his position. She could only imagine what it must be like to always have to worry about people‟s motives. To constantly have to wonder if you can trust them. A sense of guilt grabbed hold of her. She had reacted like a spoiled, rotten child. Alonzo had been nothing but caring, respectful, compassionate, and loving not only to her, but to her aunt and the children they cared for at Tender Steps. Because of him, her aunt‟s hard work and dream of leaving a legacy of educating young minds would not die. But what had she done when she deduced he was the anonymous benefactor? She‟d cursed him instead of taking her auntie‟s advice and being grateful for his generosity. She suddenly felt ashamed of herself, as she realized he‟d been so generous because he cared so deeply for her. Gently stroking his jaw, tears sprang to her eyes as she spoke in a shaky whisper. “Baby, I‟m so sorry for behaving the way I did. I should have talked to

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you. Listened to what you had to say.” Dropping her hand in her lap and tucking her head she said, “I understand if you don‟t want to continue seeing me.” What? Was this woman crazy or what? He loved her. He couldn‟t and wouldn‟t live without her. And that‟s just what he proceeded to tell her as he began to play in her the cottony, soft shoulder length twists. “Jeanette, baby nothing you say or do will make me stop loving you or wanting to be with you.” After the way I treated him…he loves and wants me. Well, that was a good thing because she loved and wanted him too. Smiling at Alonzo through watery eyes Jeanette confessed, “I love you too. And if you want me you can have me.” Leaning down Alonzo gave her the sweetest kiss. “Oh, mami I want you. I definitely want you.” “Forever?” Jeanette breathed out looking up at Alonzo through passion filled eyes resembling sparkling jewels. The passion in his dark eyes matched hers as he brought his lips mere millimeters from hers and whispered, “And ever and ever.”

The End

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www.victoria-wells.com

Author Bio:

Victoria Wells resides in Philadelphia, PA with her husband and children. She has a Master‟s Degree in Nursing. Victoria enjoys reading, writing, knitting, volunteering, and hanging out with her family and friends.

Red Rose Publishing Caliente Nights

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