Desperate for You Read online

  Desperate for You

  by

  Ruben Soto

  KINDLE EDITION

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  PUBLISHED BY:

  Ruben Soto on Kindle

  Desperate for You

  Copyright © 2012 by Ruben Soto

  Kindle Edition License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events, or locales in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, used fictitiously. The resemblance of any character to actual persons (living or dead) is entirely coincidental.

  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 person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Kindle.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

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  Prologue

  Jennifer Del Castillo opened her bedroom window and admired the beauty of this October morning. It was cool and drizzling outside. This was a welcome change from the long, hot Texas summer that had just ended.

  She felt a sense of accomplishment living in this mansion. She had fulfilled her childhood fantasy by marrying a wealthy businessman. He had taken her away from her poor neighborhood in Monterrey, Mexico. She was his prized possession and he loved her very much. Their sprawling mansion was located in San Antonio’s prestigious Olmos Park neighborhood. She had two maids and a nanny that took care of her two young children - Robert, who was ten, and Alyssa, who was three.

  Jennifer was getting ready to leave since she had to be at her boutique by nine every morning. In her boutique she sold upscale European clothes and other fine imports. It was located on Broadway Street, famous for its elegant stores and fine restaurants. Many of her clientele were the wealthy women from Monterrey who came at least twice every year. These were the women Jennifer both admired and envied when she was growing up. They were the wives of prominent bankers, doctors and entrepreneurs who traveled to Europe and other parts of the world.

  As she looked out the window, Jennifer was fondly recalling meeting the man who brought her to San Antonio and changed her world forever. Her husband, Roberto, was a self-made millionaire. He was one of few Hispanics lucky enough to have made a fortune in America. He was a successful entrepreneur who learned early the easy way to make money. He prided himself on his lovely wife and children. He also had a collection of cars – among them were a Porsche, a Ferrari, a Jaguar and a Mercedes Benz for his wife.

  Jennifer was thinking about their incredible honeymoon. First they spent a week in the Fiji Islands, where they strolled together along the beach, admiring the island’s exquisite beauty.

  For the first time in her life, Jennifer experienced the pleasures of being with a man. Roberto knew she was inexperienced and he made this moment special for her. She was only twenty and he was thirty-five.

  Jennifer remembers how she was trembling, but excited at the same time. She longed to hold Roberto close to her – to feel his body. She was aroused when he undressed and stood nude in front of her. He took off the satin robe she was wearing and admired her well-built body. He kissed her lips and then kissed her breasts gently. She had never felt this sensation before, and she grew more in love with Roberto. He slowly entered her body and together they made passionate love. They made love many times throughout the week and she thoroughly enjoyed it. It was heaven on earth indeed for Jennifer.

  They traveled for the next three weeks to Europe. They visited Rome, Venice, Madrid, and Paris. Jennifer finally got her chance to travel around the world. This was a dream come true for a poor Mexican girl. She went shopping everywhere, and on their return trip they stopped in New York City where she shopped some more at the city’s famous department stores..

  Ten years had gone by since they had said their wedding vows. Although Roberto had given her the life she always dreamed of, she was now ready for new adventures. What these adventures would be, she wasn’t sure. She just knew that certainly there had to be more to life than being a mother and a wife.

  She was still living in the mansion that Roberto had bought for his first wife Elena. Elena died tragically in a car accident, and she was five months pregnant with their first child. Roberto had not fully recovered from this tragedy and Jennifer knew it.

  Chapter One

  Jennifer was ecstatic that Roberto’s businesses were doing exceptionally well. He had amassed a fortune worth two billion dollars. Hence, she was ready for a change and she convinced him to build her a new home. She knew the exact location of where she wanted the house to be. She envisioned how it would look on the exterior and the interior. She affectionately remembered the house where her mother used to work at. It was the home of a prominent Monterrey doctor and it was grandiose. She wanted her new home to resemble it. Roberto agreed to build her this home and he selected the contractor they would use for the construction of the house. He asked Jennifer to be in charge of the overall design of the house and she gladly fulfilled her responsibilities. She selected all of the material and had some of these imported from Europe. Her new home would be extravagant.

  Currently their home was located in the prestigious Olmos Park subdivision of San Antonio and although it was a splendid home, it was filled with the memories of Roberto’s first wife. Jennifer wanted a home that was all hers and where she and Roberto could have a fresh start. She thought it would also be good for her two children. This was the greatest project of her life and she was looking forward to it immensely.

  She chose her home to be located in Alamo Heights which is an upper class town with older homes but which also has sections of sprawling new homes. Jennifer knew exactly where she wanted it to be built and Roberto gladly stood by her decision. He wanted her to be happy and she knew he would do anything that she asked of him.

  Well, the months rolled by and the house was almost complete, except for the kitchen cabinets. She had not yet seen any cabinet styles that she envisioned would match the house’s décor. All of the styles were “too American” in her view and she wanted something that was uniquely hers. She did not want to have these imported for fear they would be damaged on the trip.

  ***

  Jennifer and Roberto were invited by their close friend, Monika Garza, to a special party to honor her husband. Monika’s husband, Dr. John Garza, had just been named the new President of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. The party would be held at the Garza’s house and only prominent locals were invited.

  The night of the party Roberto and Jennifer arrived in their black Porsche. She designed her own gown and looked ravishing. Roberto wore a traditional tuxedo. Monika who was wearing a new diamond-studded necklace greeted them. This was a gift from her husband for their fifteenth wedding anniversary. Monika was a very beautiful lady. She had straight brunette hair and a pretty olive skin tone. She was very charming and looked much younger than her forty years. She only wore the finest clothes and went on shopping sprees around the world. She always had to be the center of attention.

  Jennifer had never gone into the Garza’s home before. They had just built an extravagant mansion in the exclusive The Dominion subdivision. The mansion was breathtaking and Monika gave Jennifer a complete tour. They immediately found that they had the same taste for design. Jennifer told Monika that she needed to come visit her at their new home. The only problem she told her was that the kitchen was not complete. After hearing this, Monika took her by the hand and showed her their kitchen and Jennifer was speechless. The kitchen was simply elaborate. Her jaw opened wide since she could not believe
what she saw. The European style cabinets were exactly what she was looking for. The material, the design, the décor, the color, everything was finely coordinated.

  “Monika, this is simply exquisite. This is a work of art. Where in the world did you find this kitchen? I’ve been looking all over San Antonio, but I just couldn’t find anyone that had designs that I liked.”

  “Thank you. Well, we actually contracted a young man who studied this field in his native Mexico. His instructor was an Italian cabinetmaker who was brought to teach this trade for six months in Mexico City. As you can see he was an excellent student.”

  “How did you hear about this young man?”

  “I trust you so I’ll tell you the truth. Everyone else that asks me, I tell them a completely different story. Well, one of my longtime maids knew exactly how I wanted my kitchen cabinets. She mentioned that one of her son’s friends had just moved from Mexico and was starting this business here in San Antonio. He had shown her pictures of kitchen cabinets and other fine carpentry that he did in Mexico. He only did this type of work in the mansions of the wealthy. I’m very leery about contracting this way. But I always have a soft heart for people who are starting their business. Besides, I was going to save a lot of money by taking this route. And like you, I had not found any designs locally that were of my interest. We asked him to gradually make some of the cabinets so we could see his work for ourselves. I was so impressed with his original work and his attitude that I told him the entire project was his. And the rest is history.”

  “I can see that he’s going to make a name for himself in this city. Do you have his business card? I’m definitely contracting him to do my kitchen. I’ve finally found what I’ve been looking for and what better referral than you.”

  Monika smiled at Jennifer and got closer to whisper something to her.

  “I’ll give you his number but I’ll let you in on a dirty little secret. You must promise that you’ll keep it to yourself. He is one hot stud and I have an orgasm every time I see him! Chiquita, that is one hot dude!”

  Monika’s daring comments momentarily surprised Jennifer. She had always considered herself rather conservative, although deep inside she enjoyed spiteful jokes every so often. Monika pulled his business card from one of the kitchen cabinets and seductively rubbed it against her breasts. She then handed it to Jennifer with a sarcastic laugh.

  Jennifer glanced at the business card and noticed the peculiar name of the company. It simply said Brandenburg on top and then a phone number. On the bottom left corner it read Enrique Garcia. “Oh, his name is Enrique. What a romantic name,” Jennifer thought to herself. She wondered what he looked like and what part of Mexico he was from. She thought of her father who had deserted them and whom she never saw again. She wondered if Enrique’s story was similar to his. She placed the card inside her purse with the intentions of calling him in the morning.

  ***

  The next day while at her boutique, Jennifer took out the business card and dialed the number. It was busy. She dialed again. Again it was busy. Soon after that her cell phone rang and it was Roberto. He wanted to tell her that he was going to be late that night. He said he had a meeting with the owners of a shopping center that he wanted to buy. He told her he loved her very much and would see her later that night. Roberto had been coming home later than usual in the last four weeks. He was also traveling to the cities where he had other properties. They weren’t spending much time together and the children were longing for their father. She wasn’t sure if moving to the new house had affected Roberto somehow.

  When she got home the kids came over to hug her. Her son Robert couldn’t wait to tell her about his day. He told her he was going to receive a perfect attendance award at his school. Robert was enrolled in a prestigious private Catholic school. Alyssa was just glad to see her and ran towards Jennifer. Jennifer picked her up and gave her a huge kiss. Alyssa resembled her mother, with blonde hair and green eyes. She then hugged Robert and kissed him and told him how proud of him she was. Jennifer then turned towards Becky, her nanny, and asked her how the day had gone.

  “Oh, the usual. Alyssa slept until ten and then she was unstoppable from then on. I picked Robert up from school and Mrs. Jones asked me to remind you that his award will be given on Friday morning. She wants to make sure you’re there. I told her to expect you since you always attend his special functions. I already made a note in the kitchen’s calendar to remind myself in case you forget.”

  “Thank you, Becky. I appreciate so much your special attention to my children. You’re like a second mother to me. Ah, the kitchen. It’s so interesting that you mentioned that. As you can see there is no kitchen yet. This morning I tried calling a young man that built Monika Garza’s kitchen in her new house. You should’ve seen that kitchen, Becky. It is to die for. I mean, the minute I walked into that kitchen I knew that’s what I wanted. The cabinets were just like the ones that my mother’s employer had in Monterrey. Monika told me that the young man who built them is just starting out here in San Antonio. I’m going to give him a call right now. Please have Lupe get dinner ready for us, mi amor. Oh and Roberto won’t be joining us since he’ll get home late tonight.”

  “Claro que si, señora. I’ll have dinner ready for you and the children.”

  Jennifer dialed the number again and this time it was ringing. After the fourth ring Enrique answered.

  “Bueno.” Enrique answered hello in Spanish.

  “May I speak with Enrique Garcia, please?” Jennifer responded in Spanish too.

  “Can I tell him who is calling?”

  “Yes, my name is Jennifer Del Castillo. I am a friend of Monika Garza. He built the kitchen cabinets for her new house.”

  Enrique was being cautious so he would always screen his calls. As an illegal immigrant he was afraid of being caught by the law.

  “Oh, I see. I am Enrique. How can I help you?”

  “Enrique it’s so nice to hear your voice. I tried calling you this morning twice but your line was busy. I can see why you’re in such demand. Your work is absolutely beautiful. I’d been looking for kitchen cabinets for my new house for months. Not until last night did I finally find what I had been looking for. Mrs. Garza told me you made all of the cabinets for her and she gave me your card. I hope you don’t mind. I certainly want to contract you to build my cabinets. When will you be available to do this work?”

  “Why thank you ma’am. I am sorry I didn’t get your last name?”

  “Del Castillo. Jennifer Del Castillo.”

  “Well, Señora Del Castillo I am currently finishing up a bar for a restaurant. It should be completed by the end of this week. I should be available to start work on your kitchen next Monday. But first, we need to get together so I can show you the different designs that I can build. I can go over the prices with you then also. What would be a good day and time for you and your husband to meet with me?”

  Jennifer was surprised at his suggesting that he wanted Roberto to be there as well. But most impacting to her was that he sounded so intelligent and well cultured.

  “I can be available any day and time. My husband placed me in charge of the construction of the house and now the kitchen is the last item to be completed. So, I’m the only one you would need to talk with.”

  “I appreciate your sincerity Señora Del Castillo. However, I take my business seriously and I always like to involve the man of the house in the initial stages. I hope you’re not offended and excuse me if I sound chauvinistic. It’s just a common business practice that I was taught early in my career.”

  “Oh, I understand fully, Enrique. I’m not about to change your business practices. The problem is that my husband travels a lot since he has businesses in other cities. I’ll have to check with him to see if he’ll be available on Monday.

  “Thank you for your honesty, Señora Del Castillo. Thank you also for giving me your business. I know you won’t be disappointed. I will wait for your call. Have a go
od day.”

  “Thank you, Enrique. You do the same.”

  Jennifer hung up and was trying to figure out a way to make sure that Roberto would be there. Enrique was the only man that could put the finishing touches on her dream house. This was the dream kitchen that she had always wanted. She was also longing to see how hot Enrique really was.

  “Ay Virgen, ayudame. Help me, please. What can I do? You know how much I want this kitchen. Help me to convince Roberto to hire Enrique.”

  ***

  Roberto got home at almost midnight. Jennifer was reading Hola, the trendy magazine from Spain. She enjoyed seeing pictures of the world’s royalty and reading about their social functions.

  “Roberto, you look tired. How did the meeting go?”

  “Those dumb people don’t know how to run their business. They couldn’t give me updated statements on the properties. I can’t believe how disorganized they were. How do they expect me to buy something from them when they can’t even give me the current statements?”

  Roberto was somewhat tall, with dark brown hair, dark eyes and a well-maintained mustache. He had an olive skin tone and a perfect smile since he prided himself on having healthy, white teeth. In his younger years he would often be mistaken for being a telenovela star since he had dashing good looks. He never had a problem getting any woman he wanted. Now in his forties he was still attractive but had less hair and had gained some weight around his stomach area.

  “I’m so sorry that it didn’t go well. A good night’s sleep is what you need. What time do you have to be in your office tomorrow?”

  “I have to be at the car dealership at eight-thirty since I have a meeting with the sales staff. I’m going to give awards to last month’s top sellers.”

  “Robert is going to get an award on Friday for perfect attendance. You should’ve seen his face when he told me today. He is so proud of this accomplishment. Mrs. Jones asked me to be there for the awards ceremony on Friday. Will you be able to make it? It starts at ten in the morning and I know it’s important to Robert for you to be there too.”