Wishful Desires

By DawnMarie Carpintero

One thought....
One desire....
One blindfold kiss....

Jared Morris, a thirty-six-year-old billionaire, has everything he ever wanted – except true love. When he finally examines his past, he realizes that one girl he met in high school holds the key to his future happiness. After twenty years apart, he hopes that he can reconnect with the beautiful classmate whose smile made him feel as if all of his dreams were possible.

Patty Dimes, a nurse who has suffered at the hands of her former boyfriend, has a fulfilling career and is comfortable living alone. However, she feels like something vital is missing in her life. Suddenly, she begins to receive texts from a mystery man who claims to know her and says he wants to meet face-to-face to see if their attraction in the past was meant to be a forever love. Wondering if her ex is behind the mysterious texts, Patty must decide if she is brave enough to take a chance and find out whether or not true love awaits.

While dealing with family, friends, and continual drama from outside sources, Jared and Patty embark on a search to fulfill all of their wishful desires. Many leaps of faith will be required in order to reach their goal of living happily ever after. Will Jared’s determination be enough to convince Patty to trust him and to allow herself to love him? Or will her past, their present, and all of the years gone by prevent her from surrendering to desire and her one, true love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Cutrera
• Release date: Sep 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370932023

Book preview

Jared

As I sat at my large, glass desk in the headquarters of Worldwide International in Keansburg, New Jersey, I thought that I finally had it all. But I sensed that something was missing. Sure, the company I’d founded and loved so much had been extraordinarily profitable. The success of my business had far exceeded my expectations. Because of that, I had women fancying me at every turn, willing to do anything to be with me, a hot, eligible, thirty-six-year-old billionaire. However, I was tired of meaningless sex with sharks who only wanted me for my money and status. I knew that something vital was missing in my life; I just wasn’t sure what it was. All I knew was that I had to figure it out if I wanted to make my happiness complete.

Graduating from high school two years early, I’d attended college but found it hadn’t been a good fit for me. So, I’d dropped out, worked hard, and developed Worldwide International, focusing on quality, loyalty, stability, and steady growth. Most importantly, I focused on my clients’ dreams. I’d wanted to own a different type of construction business, one that could make anyone’s dreams a reality. I had a knack for taking the ugliest building around and making it whatever a client wanted or for building houses or businesses from scratch in order to fulfill any client’s dreams. I seemed to have been born with a gift for sensing people’s dreams when they came to me. I was able to see what clients desired, not only through their words or the doodles some of them showed me. Even if they didn’t know it, they always wanted something different in the end. The way that I managed to make their dreams come true was what made me so successful.

While I sat at my desk, thankful for the bit of private time I had, I thought of my closest friends. Mike Kristopher, Ray Hogan, Roman Nickels, and I were the only remaining bachelors of our original group of friends.

We have the good life, I thought. But do we really? The endless nights of drinking and the revolving door of women is getting old. We have different girls every night, but we don’t really care about them, and they certainly don’t care about us. Hell, none of us has ever had a serious relationship with any woman.

I glanced down at the Holmdel High School Herald, a newsletter from my alma mater. In it, there was information about the upcoming reunion for my graduating class. It was hard for me to believe that it had been twenty years since we’d all donned our caps and gowns. It had also been twenty years since I’d felt someone touch my heart. And she hadn’t even realized it at the time.

Picking up the phone, I called my mother. When she answered, I said, Hi, Mom. How are you? Sorry I haven’t called in a while.

Well, I’m just glad to hear from you now. I know you’re a busy man. What are you up to this afternoon?

Sitting here at my desk, thinking.

Thinking of what, Honey?

Feeling flustered, I said, The love that you and Dad have is a great love, but, before you found each other, did you think that you would ever find that love?

Jared, I always believed – and still believe to this day – that there is a love out there for any of us willing to allow it into our hearts, she answered tenderly.

How do you really know it’s out there?

Love doesn’t have you find it; love finds you. It’s one of the great mysteries of life and hits you when the moment is right. Pausing, she added, You can’t force love, Jared. It will find you when your heart is ready."

Glancing at my watch, I said, Thanks, Mom. I’m afraid I have to go. I love you. Tell Dad I’ll talk to him soon.

Don’t wait so long to call next time, she chided gently. And I love you, too.

I hung up the phone and stood, staring out of the window at the horizon for what seemed like hours although I knew that it was probably only minutes. I could see a hint of my reflection in the glass and was happy enough with what I saw. At 6’2", I was thin but had a six-pack that I knew was a huge turn-on for women. My brown hair had just enough gray in it to make me look distinguished. I’d been told by more than one of my sexual partners that my blue eyes turned darker when I was aroused, especially right before I orgasmed. With my looks, killer smile, and sweet Italian Jersey accent, I tended to be the center of attention, something I’d enjoyed for many years. I wasn’t enjoying it anymore, not really.

It’s time for me to grow up, I realized. I want more than a good fuck. I want a woman I can come home to every night. I want love.

Thinking about my childhood days, I recalled the one time in high school that I truly felt totally happy and comfortable with a girl. We didn’t know each other well and only had Homeroom together. She had long, brown hair and brown eyes and was my total opposite when it came to personality. Yet, every time I looked at her, it felt as if an electric charge ran between us. It felt right.

That night, we’d been in the outside hallway, chatting with friends as a production of Oklahoma! went on in the school auditorium. The play was supposed to be the highlight of the week. As everyone made plans for the weekend, we stood apart from the others, looking and listening to our friends jabbering away. The girl and I didn’t speak much, but we shared a special moment. It seemed like a bolt of lightning was going back and forth between us.

Twenty years later, I wondered as I looked out onto the night’s sky what happened to that girl with the sweet smile that seemed to go on for miles.

Taking my seat again at my desk, I decided to email my personal assistant, Elizabeth. Tonight and well into the morning, I’d probably be out with the guys, partying and finding out the latest news about who is sleeping with whom. But there was something very important I needed to email Elizabeth first.

I sighed, thinking, I’ll be sampling the flavor of the night soon. Shaking my head, I wrote:

Elizabeth, do me one huge favor before you leave to spend the weekend with your family. See if you can find the where bouts of Patty Dimes. She attended the intermediate and high school in Holmdel, New Jersey. Make this inquiry discreet. Thanks. Have a great weekend with your family. Jared

Wishing Elizabeth a great weekend with her family was a must for me. The woman worked so hard that letting her off early on Fridays to spend extra time with her husband and children seemed like the ultimate gift. They were a close-knit family, always ready and waiting to do something they considered exciting. I so wanted that one day, jetting off into the unknown with my wife and kids for no other reason than to see new places and experience them with the ones I loved.

I picked up my briefcase, iPhone, and jacket, thinking about Patty again. What was she doing now? What was her family like? Was she still single like I was? Had she ever thought of that night in the halls of the high school again? Those were all questions I wanted answers to – and then some.

As I looked out to the horizon once again before turning to leave, I thought, Why do my thoughts keep returning to Patty at this time? What does this mean?

I pushed the elevator button and waited for it so that I could go down to the lobby and head for my limo. As I stood waiting, my cellphone rang, the name Ray flashing on the display. I frowned but answered cheerfully, What’s up, Ray?

Change of plans tonight. Instead of meeting at the bar, we’re going to meet at the Grande Hotel.

Why? What’s up, Dude?

We rented out the whole top floor of the hotel, and there’ll be a few surprises for all of us to play with.

I was not really shocked but asked, Surprises as in meaning what?

Ray chuckled and said, As in fantasies that each of us will never forget.

Huffing in frustration, I said, Okay. Later, Dude.

I wondered what my crazy friends were up to now. All I wanted to do was hang out with them at the local watering hole, enjoy the scenery, and maybe call it an early night with a hot girl who was ready to give me some release.

As I left the building and stepped out into the cool late-October evening I saw my limo waiting for me at the curb. I nodded to Harold, my driver, and climbed in. After telling Harold to take me to the Grande Hotel, I considered what it would be like to go home to a woman I loved instead of meeting my friends for a night of partying that would end with meaningless sex with a woman I’d never met and probably would never see again.

As we neared the Grande Hotel, my thoughts strayed once again to Patty. Without realizing that I’d said it out loud until it was too late, I muttered, Why are you in my head?

Harold, who’d been employed by me for many years, didn’t comment. He stopped, got out, and opened my door, smiling and wishing me a good evening.

I hesitated. Harold, who was in his early forties, had been married for two decades to the same woman and had fathered five children. He reminded me of a former hippie, a man who was smartly dressed but had long, blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail. Even though he wasn’t much older than I was, he treated me more like a son than his employer.

Harold, may I ask you a question?

Yes, Boss.

What made you fall in love with your wife?

Grinning, Harold said, "When I first met my wife she was a ticket taker at the Keansburg Amusement Park. We were both very young. We became friends, confiding in each other about everything in our daily lives. I would see her in my dreams and then started seeing her in the hallways at school, even though she didn’t go to my school. I thought at first my eyes were just playing tricks on me. One day, I asked her if she saw me in her school. Her response was ‘I see you when I wake up in the morning! You are the first thing I think about in the morning and the last thing I think about at night. No matter what we are doing – or even if I don’t see you or talk to you on the phone – I know that my heart is talking to you because you became my forever heart at first sight.’ How could I resist that?"

What an awesome story, I said. Go home to your wife, Harold. I’ll find my own way home tonight or call for another driver.

Thank you, Sir! Have a great evening!

"You, too. And Harold? Thanks again for your candor.

Anytime, Boss. Anytime.

Chapter 2

Jared

As I walked into the Grande Hotel, I saw Ray with a beautiful woman who had long, brown hair, a fantastic figure, nice boobs, and a great ass. As she turned to look in the same direction as Ray, I thought, She can’t be more than twenty-five years old! Not my type, and not really Ray’s type. I mean, I know he prides himself on being a sex machine and is in great shape, but what the fuck?!? He’s forty freakin’ years old!

As I got closer, I saw Ray whisper something into the woman’s ear. She giggled like a school girl.

Just great, I thought. This woman is gonna giggle all night long.

Walking up to Ray, I greeted him, saying, What’s up, Man? When I slapped him on the back and gave him a half bro hug, he answered, Meet Karin, a model I met while doing some work on the outside of her building. She almost fell into my lap when her heel got stuck in the grass.

I said cordially, Nice to meet you, Karin. You were lucky that Ray was there to catch you before you fell.

Karin responded in a squeaky voice. Yeah, whatever! then turned to Ray and said, "Ray-a-kins! We really need to go inside. I’m thirsty, and you promised to buy me a Slippery Nipple and I really want it now! Please, Baby?"

I looked first at Karin, then at Ray, and mouthed, WTF? Ray had a mischievous twinkle in his brown eyes and gave me a half-grin, so I asked, What? Are the rest of the guys here, yet?

Nope. It’s just us right now. I need to show you something, Man.

As we walked together, I thought that Ray looked rather green around the gills and wondered what was really going on with him. As we exited the elevator at the floor below the top floor of the hotel, I immediately noticed large pictures placed on stands all around the room. If I wasn’t mistaken, the pictures were of my clients’ dream buildings.

What is he up to now? I wondered. Noting that a woman in a bikini and heels stood next to each picture, I thought, Okay, this is getting weirder by the second.

Still I continued on, examining all the pictures. Each was, of course, unique, and they did look really good with the bikini girls standing next to them.

Okay, Ray, my man! What’s really going on here?

Ray looked indignantly at me and said, Nothing is going on here. What makes you think that?

These are some of the buildings and dreams I put together for my clients. So, yes, something is definitely up here. Out with it!

Can’t one friend try and help another friend by helping his clients make their properties more valuable by adding a little flair to them?

Yes, if that friend came to his friend in the first place. I don’t like the fact that you went behind my back, considering designing landscapes for my clients without asking!

Man, you obviously wouldn’t understand if I told you, so why even bother? I just wanted to do something nice for my best friend, and this is the thanks I get!

I stared at him and said pointblank, Dude, tell me what’s going on, and just quit with the dramatics. They won’t help you in the end.

Looking as if he was trying to think of what he should say, Ray stood in the middle of the room. Karin appeared beside him and whined, Baby, I need another drink before giving him the sloppiest kiss I’d ever seen. That was saying a lot since I’d watched Ray get kissed, humped, and blown in the middle of a crowded room on various occasions over the years. I turned my head, as Ray gave Karin some money and told her to go get herself more to drink at the bar.

Once she was gone, Ray said, Jared, my investors think that my company needs to expand and get more corporate jobs with top companies like yours. Looking serious, he added, Straight up, I need more business, and I need it fast. I figured since these buildings have already been constructed, I could go to your clients and put in a bid in order to see if they will use me for their landscaping needs.

If you needed help, then why didn’t you just ask?

It isn’t like that, Man! I just need help in getting more big-name business owners to commit to using me for their clients’ landscaping needs.

Okay, stop by my office next week, and I’ll take a look at your proposal and see what I can do to help.

Ray gave me a goofy smile and a slap on the back before saying, You won’t be disappointed.

I can’t be disappointed in something I have yet to commit too. I’m not making you any promises. I’m just going to take a look for now. Tired of the conversation, I asked, Where are the guys?

One floor up, he answered, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

You dog, Man. Let’s go.

As Ray, Karin and I stepped into the elevator, my thoughts wandered yet again to Patty. I shook my head, trying with all my might to get the memory of her beautiful smile out of my head.

This is gonna be a long night, I thought. A distraction is what I really need, but what flavor distraction am I craving tonight? As the elevator doors slid open, I glanced back to Ray and Karin, shook my head, and mused, This is gonna be a really, really long night.

When I stepped out of the elevator, I got the surprise of a lifetime. All of my friends from far and near were gathered, clapping, whistling, and yelling words that I could barely understand from where I stood. I was confused and wondered why everyone was gathered there. I was certain that it wasn’t my birthday but pulled out my phone to check the date for verification.

Nope, not my birthday. So, what’s the big occasion? Why are all my friends here?

Glancing back towards the elevator, I caught Ray smirking. Karin was hanging all over him like a cat in heat. I shook my head, bringing my attention back to the room packed with people. I threw a glance to the far left and saw that a full bar had been set up there. A hot, little number stood nearby. I wondered whether she could be the one for the night. My attention was only focused on the hot woman for a second before I got slapped on the back by Mike and Roman. They wished me Congratulations! Again, I pondered why.

Facing Mike, I asked, What’s up with all this? It isn’t my birthday. If it were, my mom would have told me when I talked to her earlier.

Laughing, Mike explained, This is the anniversary of the day you took your first step into adult hood.

Puzzled, I stared at Mike. He and I had been close friends for years, and he was a faithful friend who never took sides. Ladies loved his red hair and blue eyes, and he was friendly with everyone – unless someone crossed him or someone he cared about. Despite our friendship, Mike had always been secretive about what exactly he did for a living. Since I knew he was a good guy, I’d never pressed the issue.

Roman was the youngest of our group. He’d transferred to our high school with enough credits to allow him to graduate the same year we had. He was also shorter than the rest of us. However, his 5’5" stature hadn’t affected his confidence. He was a racer who was about to make the leap into the world of NASCAR. He was a nice guy, but, when his dark brown eyes turned almost purple, then look out.

Still trying to think of what prompted the celebration, I thought about Mike’s words that it was meant to commemorate my leap into adulthood.

Is this the anniversary of the first time I got laid? I wondered. What in the hell is going on?

I saw a gleam in Roman’s eyes and asked, Will you tell me what this is all about? It’s not my birthday or to mark the first time I got between a woman’s legs. This cat-and-mouse game we’re playing is getting old."

Roman leaned in and said, Jared, today is the anniversary of the first day you hit the nail with the hammer. That marked the beginning of your journey to follow your dreams. And look where it led you.

Dumbfounded, I stared at him and said, Roman, that was over ten years ago. I assure you that today is not that day.

After slapping me on the back, Roman said, Just go with it, Man. We all know that it was years ago, but we wanted to celebrate the first day that you really took control of your future. Roman slapped me on the back again and added, This was the first opportunity that we had to get everyone together. Enjoy!

Laughing heartily, I said, You got it!

The smiles and congratulations continued, as I walked through the enormous room. My thoughts turned back to the first time I’d seen a concrete truck pouring out the gritty substance and how I’d considered what I could do with the concrete. When my father had returned home from working at the lumber yard, I’d run excitedly to him, crying, Dad, I saw a truck pouring concrete today!

My father had grinned and said, That’s just great, Jared! That explains the big smile on your face.

Dad, do you know what you can make with concrete and some lumber? I’d asked.

What, Son?

Dreams!! I exclaimed, jumping up and down.

You go ahead and keep on dreaming, Jared. Any dream is possible with hard work.

I’d never forget that moment, the moment my journey to success had really started. I had created my dream by helping others’ dreams come to life through my efforts. From the first meeting I had with clients so that they could tell me what they envisioned to my creation of what I sensed they truly wanted, I observed everything about them. I didn’t listen only to their words; I also studied their facial expressions, the way they talked about their passions, and understood what turned them off. After many meetings, I’d build a base, a foundation on which to expand, sitting at my desk and creating what I loved to call each client’s dream house. Each building should reflect clients’ passions, both inside and out.

A snap of fingers brought my attention back to the party. I looked around but couldn’t find the culprit. Shrugging, I began to circulate again, offering a Hey, Man, Nice seeing you!, or Thanks for coming! to all I came into contact with.

However, my mind began to wander again, wondering what it would be like to be at my party and have my true love on my arm. Instead, the female sharks were itching to get to me. I could usually spot a shark within a few seconds, but these high-maintenance women seemed to be getting wind of that lately and tried to hide their true intentions.

I know exactly what they’re after, I thought. Some are starting to downplay what they’re really searching for. But just because they walk and talk like women, it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what they are. Yup, they are sharks. It’s like the old saying, If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck it might not be a duck.

Smirking, I wandered on through the crowd. As I got closer to the windows that offered a view of the bay, I experienced a chill running up my spine. I looked around but saw nothing. So, I shook off the feeling and continued to look out into the darkness. I scanned the crowd of friends, thinking that most of them weren’t really friends. They were just people I’d met at one point or another during my professional career. Some of them were ex-girlfriends who thought that coming to the party would be the best way to get at my cock again.

I laughed to myself and thought, Really, the audacity of some women! Did they think when I screamed I’m cumming! while I was in their pussies that they could change me or be the first to hold my heart?

They hadn’t seemed to understand that one night meant one night. No amount of orgasms would change that, especially when I could fake a great orgasm with the best of them.

Women! I muttered, laughing out loud.

I went to the bar and decided a beer would be the best thing to take the edge off for a while. I spotted a slim woman with blonde hair, a pretty smile, and hips that made me think she would be able to withstand the pounding I was in the mood to give a woman that night.

Hi. I’m Jared. I don’t remember meeting you before.

No, I don’t think we’ve ever been introduced. My name is Taffany.

Hi, Tiffany.

Looking annoyed, she said, No my name is Taffany, as in Taffy with ‘any’ at the end.

I shook my head, astonished that she didn’t even know that ‘taffy’ with an ‘any’ at the end would be Taffyany’ and said, Oh. What a unique name

Taffany responded with a smile and sidled up to me. She caressed my arm in a sweet fashion, but I sensed that she was wet for me already. Deciding that Taffany could surely withstand the pounding I was primed for, I gave her a bright ‘come hither’ smile. She began to nuzzle my neck and kiss it while I stood there, not even moving to put my arm around her.

A mindless twit to screw, I thought. Just what I need right about now.

I had noticed when I’d come to that side of the room that there was a kitchen. When the door had swung open, I’d seen a waiter coming out of a walk in freezer. I reasoned in the back of my mind that the spot would be a great place to rub one out with a woman.

Why not Taffany? I thought. It will be quick, and she started it. I can certainly finish it. Then, I can go on my merry way or pick up another woman for a quickie on the way home. I’ve always heard that sex in a taxi can be daring and exciting. Maybe I should try it with someone tonight….

I grabbed Taffany’s hand and asked, You want to come with me for a few minutes?

Lead the way, Stud, she purred.

Fighting the urge to roll my eyes, I thought, Yeah, definitely just a quick dip with this one to rub one out in the kitchen.

As we entered the kitchen and approached the walk-in freezer, I quickly looked around before grabbing Taffany’s hand to pull her in with me. I swung her around and began to kiss her neck, as I pulled down on the front of her low cut dress and then put my right hand on her left tit. I rubbed the soft flesh and pinched the pointed nipple. When I murmured, Mmmm, Taffany giggled and said, Oh, that feels so good, Baby!

I slid my hands under the hem of her short skirt, gripped the sides of her panties, and then pushed downward, leaving her panties just above her knees. Cupping her mound, I inserted a finger into her sopping wet cunt. When I inserted a second finger, she started to grasp at my pants in an attempt to get them off me. I unzipped my fly and pulled out my half-hard cock, bringing Taffany’s hand to feel how hard she was making me.

Taffany moaned, Oh, Baby! Is that all for me?

I grunted, It’s all yours, Honey.

When I sank a third finger into her cunt, she moaned so loudly that I had to stop for a moment to see if anyone else was around. With the coast clear, I turned her to face the wall, hiked up her dress the rest of the way, and asked, Taffany, are you ready for a ride on my pogo stick?

Yes! Fuck me, Baby!

I slipped on a condom and then started to insert my cock into her. Taffany moaned again, as I pushed forward. But my mind began to wander as I pumped my hard cock into Taffany.

Great. Damn. I can’t be doing this to this woman when my mind and cock aren’t really into this. Who am I kidding? I’ve been in denial long enough. Patty is the only one I want to be pumping my cock into while I watch her eyes as she smiles at me.

I pulled my cock out