Her Secret Desire: Big Apple Blessings, #3

By Laurie Larsen

Ambition.  Regrets.  Pushing outside your comfort zone.  Making dreams come true in the Big Apple.   A modern Cinderella love story that plays out in New York's theater district.

 

A shy theater manager with a controlling family dreams of moving into the spotlight but lacks confidence.

 

Theater manager Monica is tired of being her family's first choice to help out at a moment's notice. They assume she has no life of her own, and they're right. She volunteers to be a Big Sister to a fatherless Hispanic girl, Luisa. She never dreams she'd fall in love with Luisa's older, brooding, gorgeous brother.

 

A ruggedly handsome Latino man's violent past makes him unwilling to accept help from anyone.

 

Carlos endured the tragic deaths of his father and brother.  Now he'll do anything to protect the rest of his family.  At first, he resists his mother's decision to bring in a young woman to mentor his little sister, Luisa.  It's his job now to take care of his family.  Plus, this responsible, accomplished Monica reminds him too much of an ex who prioritized her career over their love life, breaking his heart.  He won't allow that to happen again.

 

Is Carlos, with his violent past, the key to Monica achieving her greatest dreams? 

 

Monica and Carlos are opposites in every way, but love doesn't always strike when it makes sense.

 

Her Secret Desire was previously published in 2011 as a contemporary romance under the title Inner Diva.  It has now been transformed into an inspirational romance by its author for your reading pleasure.

 

What comes next?

 

Her Secret Desire is Book 3 in Laurie's new Big Apple Blessings series.  

 

Book 1:  His Secret Daughter (June, 2021)

Book 2:  One Big Apple Christmas (Oct, 2021)

Book 3:  Her Secret Desire (Feb, 2022)

 

All heartwarming, life-changing Christian fiction as you've come to expect from award-winning author Laurie Larsen.  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random Moon Books
• Release date: Feb 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201045128

Laurie Larsen

Laurie Larsen is a multi-award winning author of inspirational romance and womens fiction.  Fans love her books for their heartwarming storylines and life-changing message of God's love.  Her stories mostly take place in her very favorite place in the world -- coastal South Carolina's beautiful Lowcountry. Laurie lives at the beach with her husband Norm and her feisty rescue dog Weezer, where, when she's not writing, she loves walking the beach, reading, traveling and pampering her adorable first grandchild!

Book preview

Ambition.  Regrets.  Pushing outside your comfort zone.  Making dreams come true in the Big Apple.   A modern Cinderella love story that plays out in New York’s theater district.

A shy theater manager with a controlling family dreams of moving into the spotlight but lacks confidence.

Theater manager Monica is tired of being her family's first choice to help out at a moment's notice. They assume she has no life of her own, and they're right. She volunteers to be a Big Sister to a fatherless Hispanic girl, Luisa. She never dreams she'd fall in love with Luisa's older, brooding, gorgeous brother.

A ruggedly handsome Latino man’s violent past makes him unwilling to accept help from anyone.

Carlos endured the tragic deaths of his father and brother.  Now he’ll do anything to protect the rest of his family.  At first, he resists his mother’s decision to bring in a young woman to mentor his little sister, Luisa.  It’s his job now to take care of his family.  Plus, this responsible, accomplished Monica reminds him too much of an ex who prioritized her career over their love life, breaking his heart.  He won’t allow that to happen again.

Is Carlos, with his violent past, the key to Monica achieving her greatest dreams? 

Monica and Carlos are opposites in every way, but love doesn’t always strike when it makes sense.

COPYRIGHT 2022 by Laurie Larsen

Her Secret Desire

Rerelease: Originally published under the title Inner Diva in 2012 by Laurie Larsen

All rights reserved.  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This book is also available in print.

Written and published by Laurie Larsen

Under the imprint Random Moon Books

Cover art by Steven Novak

Published in the United States of America

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

Thirty minutes late .

Monica Lampton sprinted out of Barbie’s plush Manhattan townhome like a racehorse breaking from the gate.  She ran down 51st Street a block to where she'd parked her car and jumped in. Starting the engine, she buckled up.  Anger caused her eyes to go blurry.  She inhaled a big breath and took a second to calm herself.

She’d told her sister and mother that she needed to leave by five.  Yet they’d strolled into the house after shopping, late as though her request meant nothing.  Why was their activity always more important than hers?

Enough waiting.  She had somewhere to be.  She dove into city traffic and urged her little car forward.

Good ole Monica, always around to babysit, run errands, help with dinner parties, whatever her sister needed.  After all, Barbie was the important one – married to a politician, mother to Mae and Spencer, the only grandchildren on both sides.

Monica gripped the steering wheel and sighed.  And what did that make her?  Single.  Available. Reliable.  That’s how her family saw her.

She knew they loved her, but sometimes the disparity was just too much.  What about her needs?  Her accomplishments?  Didn’t they count for anything?

She glanced at the address she'd written on a scrap of paper and thrown on the passenger seat.  112th and Third Avenue in Spanish Harlem.  From her family's Turtle Bay neighborhood, it was a trip straight north about sixty blocks.  That translated to three to four miles in Manhattan.  If Upper East Side traffic didn't delay her terribly, she should be pulling up to the apartment building of Senora Josefina Garcia a half hour late. 

She hoped that was okay—it was the best she could do.  She hated to start off on the wrong foot for this first meeting together when she was volunteering for a job as a positive role model.  But hopefully Mrs. Garcia would give her a chance to make up for it.

She parked on the street in front of the tall brick walk-up apartment building, her breath coming in nervous pants.  She went inside, expecting to find a lobby and a board of buttons labeled with apartment numbers.  But there were none.  The hallways full of apartment doors were just through that door straight ahead.  She covered the distance and pulled the door open. She slowed to take a look around.  Shabby tile probably eighty years old topped the floors, so worn Monica couldn't tell if they were clean or dirty.  Fast food wrappers were balled up and thrown into a corner.  An inadvertent shudder tore through her.  Only a few miles from her home in a prestigious neighborhood, but from the differences, it could be a thousand. 

She shook the thoughts from her head and found the elevator.  She rode it to the fourth floor, where she got off and found the proper apartment. 

She took a moment to take a breath and say a quick silent prayer.  Lord, please let me make a good first impression.  You know my desire to help others.

She knocked gently with her knuckle.  The door snatched open, revealing a short, somewhat chubby woman.  Her dark hair, slightly graying, was pulled back with a thick barrette and she wore the unmistakable brown and gold polyester of a fast-food restaurant uniform.

"Que tarde!  Dios mio."  The woman waved her inside.

I’m so sorry I’m late.  You see, ...  But Mrs. Garcia made a sharp tsk-tsking sound, effectively cutting off any further explanation.

Five thirty.  You say five thirty, right? 

Yes, I’m sorry.  I got held up.  I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.  Monica glanced around the tiny living room – cluttered with furniture but clean and tidy.

I don’t have time now.  I late for my second job.

During this first meeting, they were supposed to cover what Mrs. Garcia expected of Monica in her relationship with her daughter, as well as what Monica expected of Mrs. Garcia.  Then, if they were on the same page, Mrs. Garcia would introduce her to Luisa.

I understand, Monica said, anger stoking, directed at her mother and sister.  Do we need to reschedule our meeting?  I swear I won’t be late again.

No, no.  Mrs. Garcia shook her head fiercely.  I don’t have another night.  You must meet Luisa.  But you need to talk to an adult from the family first, yes?

Monica nodded.  Yes, that’s the program.  But I understood Luisa doesn’t have a father, is that correct?

No, no papa, Mrs. Garcia replied, shaking her head sadly.  My Pablo, gone.

I’m sorry. 

She waved the sympathy away.  So, you must talk to Carlos.  I call him.  And she did, loudly, Carlos!

Monica looked around the room expectantly. 

"Carlos!  Venga aqui!"  Mrs. Garcia checked her watch and shuffled around the room, collecting her purse and a big canvas bag.  A sound from the kitchen doorway made Monica turn her head. 

A man entered the room.  Her breath caught in her throat.  The cliché, tall, dark and handsome flashed through her mind.  So, this was the man who had inspired that tired phrase.  It had never held much meaning for her before – until it came to life today. 

He was dressed in worn jeans, frayed around the pockets, Monica imagined, from the thousands of times he had thrust his big, powerful hands into their depths.  Hands he was currently wiping on a greasy white cloth, as if he’d just been called in from some dirty, sweaty, manly work. 

He wore a black sleeveless muscle shirt, which did an excellent job of revealing his brawny shoulders and arms.  His thick dark hair framed a face complete with sculpted cheekbones and the most intense mocha brown eyes she’d ever encountered.

She loathed the heat that washed over her face, because she knew her skin was blushing along with it, all the way down her neck.  She gave herself a mental toe-stomping and tore her gaze away from his mesmerizing eyes.  

"Carlos, mira.  Tienes que hablar ..."

In English, Mama.  Carlos shook his head at her.  You know you have to practice.

"Ay! Mrs. Garcia spit out.  I’m running late, and I don’t have time for this nonsense.  Listen to me.  You must talk to this young woman for me."

Carlos looked in her direction and gave her a nod of his head in greeting.  A heart-stopping smile followed, and Monica felt the heat begin its travels again.

She is to be Luisa’s Big Sister.

Carlos shook his head, his face now clouded with confusion.  What?

Mrs. Garcia turned and shuffled to the door.  He followed, bending closer to her.  His words became quieter as he spoke in Spanish.  Monica turned her back to them, giving them privacy.  Although she couldn’t understand the words they were exchanging, she couldn’t mistake the tone.  Carlos was unaware that she was coming.  And from the sounds of it, he wasn’t inclined to welcome her with open arms.

Monica had often felt invisible around her sister Barbie, and although she hated the sensation, now she would prefer it to standing there in the room, a third party knowing that one of the child’s family members didn’t want her there.

The door closed and the conversation stopped.  Monica turned to see that Mrs. Garcia had left.  Carlos stood by the door, his chiseled arms even more defined as he crossed them over his chest.  He ran a hand over his chin and lips, a picture of a man normally in charge, now unsure how to proceed.

A silent moment passed while Monica determined her plan of action.  Becoming a Big Sister was something she’d thought long and hard about.  She wanted desperately to have a positive impact on someone, to help and guide someone less fortunate.  And she’d love to prove to her sister and her mother that there was a greater purpose in her life. 

She took a few tentative steps in Carlos’ direction.  Excuse me.

He aimed those gorgeous, albeit stormy, light brown eyes at her.  Yes.  I’m sorry.  My mother hadn’t told me about your appointment.  If she had, I could have saved you the trip over.

Monica blinked.  Your mother applied to Big Brothers/Big Sisters for an adult companion for Luisa.  I was assigned.  I’m supposed to meet with the family about expectations.  That’s how it starts. 

He stared motionless, then walked toward her, stopping a handbreadth away.   Yes, she filled me in before she left.  But my mother is mistaken.  Luisa doesn’t need a Big Sister.

Monica frowned.  Maybe he wasn’t familiar with the program.  Once he knew how helpful the organization was, and what positive things could come out of the time she and Luisa would spend together, there’s no way he could object.  A Big Sister is simply an adult female role model to help enhance her schooling and social network.  I would help her with homework, reinforce her learning, take her to plays, movies.  How does that sound?

He ignored the question but shook his head.  They stood so close to each other that when she inhaled, she took in his aroma – a clean soap smell combined with the tartness of oil.  He looked down, his jet-black hair falling over his forehead, and for a moment hid his eyes from her view.

Could I meet Luisa?

But the words were barely out of her mouth when he chopped them off with his own, No.

Why?

Carlos turned his back and interested himself with a figurine sitting on a nearby table.

Monica sighed, unsure of what to do.  They were at an impasse, and without Mrs. Garcia, she could see she’d make no headway with this protective older brother.  Despite Mrs. Garcia’s insistence that she didn’t have another free night, she would have to try to reschedule the meeting.  She looked at Carlos and shrugged a single shoulder.  All right then.  Thank you for your time.

She slipped past him and returned to her car.  She gripped the steering wheel, her mind focused on the challenges ahead.  Somehow, she had to clear the obstacles in the Garcia family so she could provide a positive role model for Luisa.  First, she must figure out how to get around a dark, stormy and totally gorgeous hermano.

THAT NIGHT, AT LEAST twenty minutes after Carlos expected her, his mother arrived home, carrying a grocery bag.  He rose to his feet as she entered through the door.

Mama, here, let me help you.  He covered the distance between them with a few strides and took the bag from her arms.

"Ay, Dios mio, you scare me sitting there.  The older woman placed her hand atop her heart.  I didn’t see you."

I was waiting for you. He motioned to the bag.  Why didn’t you call me?  I could’ve picked up groceries.

She waved a hand, a dismissal of his suggestion.  "You’re busy enough, hijo.  You work so hard.  I take care of shopping."

Carlos bit his tongue.  The thought of her stopping at the grocery store so late at night bothered him.  He didn’t like her working late hours anyway. Making a stop afterward invited trouble.

He carried the bag to the kitchen and pulled out a gallon of milk, a box of cereal, a few apples, and a box of Pop Tarts.  Mama swiped them into her arms and bustled around the kitchen, putting them in their places. 

Would you like tea?

No thanks, Mama.  You go ahead.  I want to talk to you.

She nodded while pouring water into the teapot.

This woman that wants to work with Luisa..., he began.

Monica.  Her tone was firm.  "You learn her name, hijo.  She be a part of your sister’s life.  Monica."  She banged the teapot on the burner.

Carlos held back an angry retort.  He took a breath and tried again.  I wish you had consulted me before you agreed to a Big Sister for Luisa.  I have concerns about this Monica.

Mama turned to him, leaning a hip against the stove.  She is a smart woman.  Independent.  Just like I want my Luisa to be.  She be good for Luisa.

Mama, I’m not so sure.  How much do you know about Monica?

Mrs. Garcia blinked.  The agency recommend her.  That’s all I need to know.  They do screenings.

Carlos stood and took a step toward her.  Let me take a guess.  She’s smart, she’s professional, she has a good job, she’s dedicated to her career.  She would never turn down a promotion or transfer if it helped her climb up the ladder of success.  Then, what about Luisa?  She could get very attached to this woman only to have her leave.

His mother studied him for a silent moment, then came to him and placed a tender hand on his cheek.  "My son, you still mend your broken heart, si?"

Carlos turned away.  I’m not talking about myself, Mama.  What about Luisa?  She would be heartbroken if she got attached to this woman, only to have her desert her.

Monica no talk about a transfer.

Neither did Angela.  His tone was bitter, and he hadn’t meant to get into this topic with his mama.  He shook his head, trying to pull the conversation back on track.  Do you remember Luisa’s tears when Angela left us?

Mama came up behind him and patted his shoulder.  Luisa is a little girl.  She have many losses in her life.  She learn to deal with them.  Monica will help her, not hurt her.

Carlos drew a breath and exhaled.  Was she right?  Was he being overly