Wishful Seductions

By DawnMarie Carpintero

One Desire....
One Dream....
One Seduction....

Sexy landscaper Ray Hogan has had a few bad years. After losing his fortune, he’s trying to claw his way back to the top of the landscape design world. The last thing he has time for is love. But when fate puts beautiful Barbara Budge on the same flight as him, everything he thought he knew changes with just one glance.

With three young children to raise, single mom Barbara Budge gave up on the idea of happily ever afters long ago. But one look at Ray Hogan has her heart beating in a way it never has before. As they get to know each other, she starts to believe that fairy-tales might be real after all.

Old friends and faithful favorite characters such as Penni and Polli return to help Ray and Barbara along as they take a wild ride on the rollercoaster we call life. Join the happy couple as they indulge in a delicious and exotic fruit-and-chocolate-filled sexcapade. Yet, will Barbara and Ray allow themselves to give in to their “forever” love, or will the painful memories of the past keep them from making that last leap of faith? Read Wishful Seductions to find out!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Cutrera
• Release date: May 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463246979

Book preview

Ray

It was early February when things in my love life really began to heat up. Back in November, I’d witnessed one of my closest friends, Mike Kristopher, marry Kelsey Shaw, a woman he’d first seen from afar on Earle Naval Base in Colts Neck, New Jersey. Mike and Kelsey married in Hawaii and had no regrets. As I witnessed their exchanging of vows, I got to thinking that perhaps I, too, could find everlasting love.

You see, I met Kelsey’s friend, Barbara Budge, on my buddy Jared Morris’s private plane on the way to Mike and Kelsey’s wedding. We immediately hit it off, but nothing serious happened between us. Since the wedding, I’d returned to Holmdel, New Jersey to live in Mike and Kelsey’s pool house while they explore the Hawaiian Islands. I was supposed to move into Patty’s home after she married Jared, but I decided that moving there would be too much of a temptation for me.

Patty and Jared had a whirlwind romance once they reconnected after twenty years apart. They were the first couple in our circle to marry in Hawaii. I was supposed to move into Patty’s home with Rachel, a woman that I met through another close friend, Roman Nickels. But I decided that living with Rachel would bring with it the temptations of women, alcohol, and partying, all of which I was trying to avoid. The fact was that my life had turned into one, big mess due to my alcoholism and weakness when it came to women and living it up. I needed time alone to get my head on straight.

Barbara had given me her number after a night we’d spent just talking before Mike and Kelsey’s wedding. I wanted to get my act together so that I could be a better person when I was ready to make the call to her. I didn’t want her to see me as a worthless guy who was down on his luck. That was exactly what I was when she’d met me, but she’d still given me her number and asked for mine. My goal was to prove to her that I could be worthy of a woman like her.

Jared had recently given me the opportunity to work with his company once again since I’d lost my landscaping business. I’d made some bad decisions involving two women, Amanda and Kathy. Thankfully, they were completely gone from everyone’s lives by that January. Without having their drama to weigh me down, I could focus on working for Jared’s company, Worldwide International. Jared ensures that the homes and businesses of his clients surpass their dreams, and I’d come to understand his passion for making certain that their visions are fulfilled. Like him, I love seeing the looks on clients’ faces when they see the finished projects. My landscape designs help make their dreams a reality.

As the months had passed, I’d gotten closer to the point where I could finally reach out to the woman of my dreams. It took many months to finally get up the courage to be the man I knew she would want me to be: Ray Hogan, a man’s man who was finally willing to share his heart with the right woman.

Now forty, I used to think a man’s man was some macho dude who guzzled booze and slept with every pretty, single girl in town. Women were drawn to my brown eyes, brown hair, my six-foot- three height, and my fabulously conditioned body. Yeah, I am pretty cocky, except when it comes to Barbara.

Barbara, who is five foot six, weighs about one-hundred-fifty pounds and has brown eyes and long, curly brown hair that has some red in it when the light shines just so. In my eyes, she’s a rare beauty. Barbara has her own computer business and is currently working for Jared and Patty’s new resort ventures in Hawaii. She also has three kids, so she has her hands full between work and home. Unfortunately for me, she lived in Florida at the time we met. I hoped that Jared’s company might expand to the southeastern U.S. so that I’d have a chance to fly down from New Jersey to see her.

I’d been ruminating on that possibility one Thursday evening when my phone rang. Glancing at the screen, I thought, Speak of the devil.

Hey, Jared, I answered. What’s up, Buddy?

I have some news that I think you’ll like. We’re creating a new southern division of Worldwide International.

Where? I asked, thinking and hoping it would be in Florida but not willing to say it aloud.

If you’re thinking Florida, you’re right. My dad’s plane is at Newark International, and he’s offered us its use for your trip. I need you to hightail it to the airport tomorrow morning to catch your 7:00 a.m. flight. I want you to check out the sites that we’ve recently acquired.

What’s your main objective?

Patty and I have been talking about putting another home base down there. Since Barbara and her crew work from their houses, we thought it would be beneficial to have a corporate presence in that region. Also, we want to tap that market while it’s hot.

Man, can’t you get your mind out of the gutter for one minute? I said, laughing.

"Speaking of minds in the gutter, have you spoken to Barbara since you left here?" he asked curiously.

Nope. You know as well as I do I needed to get my life back together before I could contact her.

You’re quickly getting there, so why not call her just to touch base?

I was considering sending a text to break the ice. Feeling deflated, I added, She might not even remember me after all these months.

Trust me when I tell you that she remembers you. She and Kelsey are old friends, but she also made a big impression on Patty. The women are tight, and girls talk. Between you and me, she’s asked Patty about you several times in-between work discussions. So, get off the horn with me and call, text, or whatever you intend to do when it comes to her.

I’m not even sure if I’m ready.

Ray, you might not be in the place that you personally want to be in, but you’re ready to call Barbara. Trust me, Man.

We’ll see, I said uncertainly. Now, back to my work assignment. Am I staying at a hotel, Roman’s house, or what? It doesn’t matter to me, especially since it’s on your dime if I’m not going to crash at Roman’s place.

Do you want to stay in Bradenton where Barbara lives or Daytona where Roman lives? I’m footing the bill for the trip either way, so make sure you get your work done. I don’t want you to slack off because of what your dick tells you to do.

Ha, Ha. I’m sure you know that I want to stay in Bradenton so that I can be close to Barbara and see her if I decide to make that call.

"You’re such a pussy! How about if I set up a meeting involving the two of you? You both work for me, right? I’ll arrange the meeting, but you have to take it from there."

That’d be great, I said, secretly relieved.

Contact Barbara before you leave New Jersey. Pausing, he said to someone else on his end of the conversation, What? Oh, thanks. Then, to me he said, Patty asked me to tell you that she’s just made your reservation at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Bradenton’s downtown historic district. He paused again and then continued with a bemused tone in his voice. She also added not to blow it with Barbara.

Tell her thanks. Chuckling, I said, "I won’t blow it, but you might get lucky after we hang up and Patty will."

Whatever, you perv, Jared said, and I could picture him shaking his head.

I’ll be in touch soon. Email me the information you want me to review while I’m in Florida.

Have fun, but remember that you’re there to work first. You can play afterwards.

Yes, Sir. And thanks again for everything, Buddy.

No problem. If our roles had been reversed, you’d do the same for me. Now, hang up and get presentable. You represent Worldwide International, and I don’t want you showing up in Florida looking like a hobo.

Got it.

One more thing, Jared said before ending the call. "Do not screw this up, Ray. Any of it! You’re a good guy, and here’s your chance to prove that you’re able to be at the top of your game when it comes to work and love."

Love, I thought. I’ve never been in love. But maybe dreams can come true when it comes to love and me. Jared’s sending me to Florida and setting up the meeting with Barbara in Bradenton. But will she reject me? I don’t think I could take it if she did. What if she’s dating someone else? What if Patty is wrong about Barbara’s interest in me? I should have asked to talk to Patty myself, but am I even supposed to know about the girl talk that Patty shared with Jared? Still, Barbara’s asking about me is a good sign, right? Why in the hell am I talking to myself when I could be talking to Barbara? Damn, I’m just going to take the plunge and text her!

Ray: Hi, Sweetness. Are the sunsets better in Hawaii or Florida?

I hoped she’d put me in her Contact list as I’d added her to mine while we were in Hawaii for Mike and Kelsey’s wedding. I needed for her to know that the text was coming from me. If she hadn’t added me to her list, that might be telling in and of itself.

When I didn’t get an immediate response, I wondered whether or not Barbara was busy with work or her kids. I tried not to consider that she wasn’t texting back because she no longer wanted to talk to me.

At least we are in the same time zone. I guess packing would be a good thing to do. That would keep my mind off my phone for a few minutes. What does one pack for a business trip to Florida that will hopefully be mixed with pleasure? I’m assuming casual and business casual clothes for a warm climate with a suit or two thrown in. Sighing, I thought, Okay, I don’t know how anyone plays the waiting game when they send a text. I’m not used to caring, because I haven’t really cared about the women I’ve been with in the past. Seriously, Barbara is torturing me since I haven’t been in touch sooner. It’s my own fault. Or maybe she simply isn’t interested at all anymore.

Barbara: Who is this? Florida has the best sunsets, but Hawaii has the second best.

I imagined her smirking at the phone. Meanwhile, I was jumping up and down excitedly because she’d replied. I wondered if I should make her wait for a reply.

Like that will happen!

Ray: I am hurt that you don’t know who I am. Who did you spend a sunset with in Hawaii?

Barbara: Oh! Hey, Roman! How are you doing?

That response told me that she was jerking my chain. She knew whom she was talking to, and it made me smile.

Ray: Haha. Funny. You know who I am. Admit it!

Barbara: I will not admit anything, Ray.

Ray: I wasn’t sure if you remembered me.

Barbara: How could I forget the man who said he’d call or text? Except you didn’t.

Ray: I have no excuse. All I can say is that I wanted to get my head on straight before I got in contact with you.

Barbara: Is it on straight now?

Ray: Mostly. Are you still single? Or have I lost my chance?

Barbara: That depends on you really. Do you still want a shot?

Ray: Of course, I do.

Barbara: Then the ball is in your court. I just got an email about a meeting you and I are supposed to have in a couple days. That should give you ample time to get some girls lined up for your time spent in my area. I assume that you’re going to be lonely while you’re here. That’s probably the only reason you want to see me other than during work hours.

My jaw dropped, and I wondered, Geez, does she really think that badly of me?

Ray: Fuck this, Sweetness. Texting is good for a few minutes, but I think we need to talk on the phone about something as important as this. Answer your phone in a few seconds. It’ll be me calling.

Barbara: I can’t answer your call at the moment. I’m on a date.

Ray: Answer your phone, Sweetness. I am NOT joking.

Barbara: So demanding!

Ray: You know you like it.

I hadn’t planned to call her, but her last few texts had me riled up. To top it all off, she was on a date! The only guy she should have been on a date with was me. I realized that I wanted Barbara to learn that she was meant for me and no one else. I hit her mobile number and waited, listening to the rings and willing her to answer.

Hey, I said when she did. By then, I was pissed.

Hey yourself, she answered, clearly pissed, too.

I’m assuming you’re not on a ‘date’ with one of your kids.

Of course not! I’m on a date with a very nice man, Barbara said, irritated.

The key word there is ‘nice,’ which we both know is a synonym for ‘boring,’ I said, smiling to myself.

Well, he isn’t really like that, she said evasively.

Did you meet him or did he pick you up? I asked, thinking she’d tell me that it was none of my business.

Surprisingly, she confided, I met him here at the restaurant.

You’re speaking to me while you’re at the table with him, aren’t you? When she didn’t answer, I prompted, Well?

Maybe, she said sheepishly.

You’d rather be with me, wouldn’t you? I continued, gaining self-confidence with each passing moment.

Yes, she admitted. But I got tired of waiting for a call or text that never came.

This is what I want you to do. Think twice about arguing with me, Sweetness. I won’t have it. A punishment will follow when I see you if you don’t do as you’re told. Understand?

I do.

Listen to me. Thank whatever-his- name-is for a very nice evening. When he asks why you’re leaving, tell him that the ‘sunset’ called you. That will leave him with questions which you won’t answer. You’ll only thank him again and walk away. If you don’t do that, expect a handprint on your ass the first time I get you alone. Got it?

I’ve got it.

Hm. I thought you would have put up a bit of a fight on that one. When she didn’t comment, I ordered, Don’t hang up the phone! I want to listen to you tell him. Go ahead. Remember, I’ll be listening.

Chapter 2

Barbara

I couldn’t believe that Ray decided to text me after months of silence. Not only that, but once he found out I was on a date, he put his Big Boy Alpha Man Panties on and called me. I thought I had gotten over his not calling after our all-night talk in Hawaii, but obviously I hadn’t. Unwilling to cave and call him first, I did what I thought most women would do if she works for the guy’s friends: I asked Patty Morris how Ray was doing every chance I got. Patty was tight-lipped, saying that she didn’t want to share Ray’s personal struggles with anyone, that it was his business. She’d reassure me that he was fine, but I wanted to hear more than fine. I wanted him to be pining after me but understood where she was coming from since she and Jared have known him for decades from what Kelsey said. Ray was one of four male friends who hung together in high school and beyond, always doing something together every Friday night until Jared married Patty. That changed the dynamic of the men’s friendships although it didn’t end them.

Watching them at Kelsey and Mike’s wedding, I observed the connection that made them great friends. No matter what the circumstances, they took time out for the people they loved the most. When one was in trouble, the others rallied around him. If there were problems, the friends would drop everything to make certain that solutions were found. That was true friendship, and it had spilled over to Patty and Kelsey, who were more like sisters-in-law than fairly recent friends.

Kelsey had been my best friend for a long time, but she fit right into the new group. I was not surprised. She would drop everything if I’d ask her to, not that I would. That’s just not the type of person I am. Giving is a big part of me, so I thought that if Ray and I ever would get together, I’d fit in well with his friends and their wives. The main difference among Patty, Kelsey, and me is that I’d been married once before and had three kids.

Of course, Ray decided to text me while I was on a date. I’d only told him part of the truth. Yes, I’d met the man at a restaurant, but it was because my local friends had set me up on a blind date with him. I wasn’t thrilled about going on a blind date but did need to get out of the house. The man’s name was Patrick, and we’d talked a couple times on the phone before our date. He seemed interested in me and sounded okay. He asked me to meet him at Juan’s Mexican Restaurant, even after I mentioned I didn’t like Mexican food. I guessed he wasn’t listening to me after all.

In truth, I would have had a better dining experience at the local Denny’s. Instead, I arrived at Juan’s first and waited. And then I waited some more. Just as I’d decided to leave, a tall man about six foot one with long, black hair and weighing approximately three hundred pounds appeared beside me.

Are you Barbara? he asked.

Yes, and you are? I said, hoping it wasn’t Patrick.

Patrick! I’m your fantasy come true!

Um, nice to meet you. Why don’t you have a seat? I suggested, feeling as if I needed to run to the ladies’ room to be sick.

"Why don’t you stand up and give me a kiss right here?" he said, pointing to his lips.

I don’t think so! I said, horrified by the thought and the fact that Patrick had made such a suggestion immediately after meeting me for the first time.

A feisty one! Patrick said, winking. I do like women who have a bit of fight in them.

Whatever. Trying to change the subject, I asked, So, what do you do for a living?

"I hope to be doing you later," he stated, leering.

My cellphone received a text at that precise moment. I didn’t care who it was; I was thankful for the interruption.

My savior! I thought before looking at the screen and noting that I‘d gotten a text from Ray Hogan. I asked Patrick to give me a second. During my brief exchange with Ray, I heard Patrick tell the waitress my order.

Um, thanks for ordering for me, but I was going to stick with peach ice tea since I really don’t like Mexican food, I said through gritted teeth.

Oh, come on! Everyone loves Mexican food! You know you like it, don’t you? he asked, as I got more and more pissed.

Patience, I told myself. Then my cellphone rang. It was Ray, of course.

Excuse me, I told Patrick, as red snaked up his neck. I have to take this call. It’s the babysitter.

What followed was not my usual exchange with men I’m interested in dating. However, I was so relieved that Ray had saved me from an evening with Patrick that I let him get away with being controlling. I even decided to follow his orders although not to the letter.

While Ray was listening to my side of the conversation, Patrick stood and grabbed some of my hair in one hand before yanking it. I yelped and struggled to rise as a policeman entered the restaurant.

Are you okay, Ma’am? he asked, hurrying forward just as I buried my knee in Patrick’s family jewels.

Good work, the policeman said, pulling out a pair of handcuffs and cuffing Patrick before using his phone to call the station. I’m off-duty, but I’d be happy to make sure this guy’s taken care of for you.

Thanks, I said before turning to Patrick again and saying, Guess this night’s not going to end quite in the way you’d hoped, eh? Boy, are my friends going to get an earful later!

It didn’t take long for a squad car to arrive. I gave my statement, as did other witnesses in the restaurant. Eventually, I realized that I was still holding my cellphone and that Ray had remained on the line.

Did the police officers just haul away your friend? Ray asked, laughing.

Yes, I grumbled. Thanks so much for your concern.

It sounded like you handled yourself just fine, Sweetness. But I was worried for a minute there. Are you okay?

I just want to go home, I said tiredly.

Go home then. I wish I were there to comfort you.

I wish you were, too. I’m going to get off the phone so that I can drive home and will call you after I am settled in. Okay?

I can’t deal with any more men tonight. I need to be by myself and calm down.

Are your kids at home?

No, they’re with their dad this week. I love my kids, but it’s nice to have some alone time.

Okay, Sweetness. You promise that you will call though, right? I’m gonna worry about you till you call me, he said, and I could hear the caring tone in his voice.

One minute he’s all Alpha on me; the next he’s Mr. Sensitivity. Where did he hide the old Ray?

I promise I’ll call after I’m settled. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.

I haven’t stopped worrying about you since we parted ways.

What? Really?

Yeah, but that story will have to wait for another time. Right now, you need to hang up and get home. At least text me when you get there so that I know you got there safely. When I didn’t respond quickly, he added, Please?

I will. And Ray? Thank you for calling and caring, I said sincerely.

Talk to you soon, Sweetness.

Chapter 3

Ray

I couldn’t believe that idiot put his hands on my woman, let alone any woman. I thought that this couldn’t have been his first time doing this to someone, and Barbara got lucky with that cop coming in when he did.

My thoughts were going wild in my head, but one thought remained constant: No matter what I have to do in order to make it happen, Barbara will be mine in the end. I worried the entire time I waited for her to call or text me, telling me that she was home. I’d have thought it might take minutes, but it felt like hours.

Is this what it feels like to care for someone other than yourself? I wondered.

I considered calling in reinforcements but decided that would only make me worry about her more. Finally, my phone rang, the word Sweetness popping up on the screen along with the ringtone.

What in the blazing hell took you so long to get home? I’ve been freaking out, thinking that you might get hurt or worse!

Well, I got stuck at every red light between the restaurant and here. Also, there was an accident on Highway 41. As for your overprotectiveness, I appreciate it but told you that I’d call you once I got home. I’m home so just stop giving me crap! Barbara snapped.

I won’t apologize for being worried, I said tightly. This is a new emotion for me. Knowing that she was waiting for some sort of apology, I offered, But I will say I am sorry for my tone of voice.

"Well, that’s something. And thank you for texting me just at the right time."

You’re welcome, Sweetness.

So, what are you doing right now? she asked, sounding curious.

Besides packing and pacing around the house? I was thinking about tomorrow.

Does your flight leave early?

7:00 a.m. I’m flying in on Jared’s father’s plane since Jared and Patty’s is in Hawaii with them at the moment. When I arrive, I have to check out a few recently-purchased properties, make notes, and give him a full report. After that, I should be free for a while.

So, what time do you think you will be done with all that? she asked.

I’m not sure. The wheels in my head turning, I asked, Would you like to see the properties with me?

That would be great, depending on what time you actually arrive.

Well, you and I have a meeting scheduled soon, but we could move it up. For the life of me, I don’t know what it’s about.

You know, I don’t know either? Do you think this is a set up by Jared to pave the way for us to work things out?

I could give Jared a call, I suggested, not answering her question.

Or we can call him together during our meeting.

Sure. So, how about if I pick you up after I land in the morning? You said your ex had the kids for a few days, so you don’t have to worry about them at home. Hell, I can’t even remember how many you have.

You could ask about them, she said, sounding perturbed.

That still feels kind of…weird to me, I conceded. I’ve never really dated anyone before, so I definitely haven’t dated anyone with kids.

But I really want Barbara to be the first, the one and only. Since she has kids, they’ll be a part of that, too. It sounds strange for someone who only went for one-night stands or wild relationships that only involved sex and lies. But I’m starting to realize that there’s so much more to life. What a revelation!

Tell me about your oldest child, I said, deciding to take the plunge.

Marc, my Nascar fan, is fifteen going on thirty. Although he hasn’t yet been to a race, he’s constantly watching television reruns of races, studying each one by taking notes and going over every mistake that each driver makes until he knows how to fix it. I can only imagine what the years to come are going to be like with him. As I chuckled at her description, she continued, I want him to meet your friend Roman because he’s a Nascar driver.

Roman’s been sidelined because of lack of sponsorship, but Patty and Jared had been dropping hints regarding a new sponsor for the upcoming season.

"Maybe if they sponsor Roman, I could take Marc to a race or two."

That would make his year!

What about your other kids?

Well, my daughter, Chelsea, has brown hair and brown eyes like her older brother, but she’s barely over five feet. Marc’s already almost six feet tall. Chelsea loves to read everything and anything that she can get her pretty little hands on. She loves school, even though schoolwork doesn’t come easy to her. She studies hard and makes good grades.

Both of those kids sound smart and determined like their mother, I volunteered.

Thanks, she said, sounding embarrassed but pleased. I’m the proudest mom ever!

What about your youngest child?

That would be Logan. He’s thirteen, a little shorter than Chelsea, and has blonde hair and brown eyes. He loves computers and does well in school without even trying. When I asked him last week what he was going to be when he grew up, he told me, ‘I’m going to be a doctor!’

I hope that he gets his wish.

"Yes, assuming he doesn’t