Designer Desires (15 page)

Korrine was being released from the hospital after being there for almost a week and a half. It was precaution since they had to put her in a medically induced coma. Tony, of course, never left her side for more than a couple of hours. Korrine made him go and shower and get something to eat. She had to promise to do unspeakable things to get him to go, but it was worth it. Plus, as sexy as he is all rugged with a five o’clock shadow, he was starting to smell.

As Korrine and Tony were packing up what few things she had at the hospital, Charlie walked in.

“Hey, baby girl. I came to help you pack. How are you feeling today?” Charlie asked as she hugged Korri.

“I’m good, cousin. I’m really glad you came up here for me. It really means a lot,” Korri replied hugging Charlie with all she had.

“Aw, Korri. We’re all the family we have left. Of course, I would be here for you.”

“I hate to break up this love fest, but I’m feeling a little left out here,” Tony said with a fake pout.

“My bad, big guy,” Charlie apologized with a smile. “You doing all right taking care of my cousin?”

Just when he was about to give a snarky reply, he heard a throat clearing. Jake was standing in the doorway, his arms crossed over his broad chest with a strange look on his face.

“Ah, Jake. How’s it going, buddy?” Tony greeted with a knowing smirk.

“I’m good, buddy,” Jake said, never breaking eye contact with Charlie. “I’ll be even better when you introduce me to your new friend here.”

“Oh, of course. Charlie, this lunkhead is my cousin Jake. Jake, this beautiful little lady here is Charlie, Korrine’s cousin from Houston,” Tony said looking between the two as if watching a tennis match.

Korrine cleared her throat, trying to get her cousin’s attention.

Charlie looked at Korrine mouthing “dayum” as she turned to face Jake.

“Hi, I’m Charlene Heart,” she told him as she extended her hand. “But everyone calls me Charlie.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Ms. Heart.” Jake was nearly breathless as he returned her handshake, realizing how good her skin felt against his. “I’m Jacob Cameron. As you see, everyone calls me Jake…”

“Well, I’m glad we are all getting…
familiar
…with one another,” Korrine said, grabbing Tony’s hand and moving towards the exit. “How about we blow this popsicle stand? I’m ready for some real food and a real shower.”

Six Months Later

It had been a long couple of months after the kidnapping when Tony’s father was indicted on fraud and conspiracy charges, and so was Gregory Austin. They turned state’s evidence, but both men were still sentenced to fifteen years for all of the crimes they committed. Misty also helped with the evidence against her father and Anderson Cameron. But with the extra kidnapping, criminal assault, and conspiracy to commit fraud charges, she too was sentenced to fifteen years in prison. Jeff received ten years for the part he played, and Steve received seven years probation for his role, with an additional order of protection to stay away from Korrine. If the restraining order is ever violated, he will go to prison.

With most of the cases wrapped up and behind them, Korrine was able to get back to a sense of normalcy. In the days that followed, she had a body guard around the clock, which this time she didn’t mind or fight. Although both Misty and Jeff were caught, she still felt scared sometimes. But she was getting through it with the support of her friends and her man.

Charlie decided to stay in town and help Korri get adjusted, and she was even thinking about relocating to Dallas. Korri started designing again and had a whole new clothing line worked out. She had new clients, and she was putting the past behind her.

Tony stuck his head into Korrine’s bedroom. “Baby, we’re going to be late for dinner.”               “I’m coming, baby. I was just looking for my other earring...” Korrine stopped talking once she noticed the look on Tony’s face.

“What’s wrong, superman? You okay?” Korri asked at the concerned look on Tony’s face.

Tony stalked closer to Korri as if she were his prey. “I uh-uh…damn, baby…we’re definitely going to be late…”

“Babe,” Korri giggled, pushing past Tony. “Baby, we gotta go.”

“Yeah, but, sweetness, you’re wearing my favorite red dress and you look so damn delicious. How am I supposed to concentrate when you look so delectable?”

Korri laughed as she slipped past Tony. “Antonio Cameron, what exactly do you need to concentrate on…?” Korri voice died off when she turned around and saw Tony down on one knee.

“Korrine Marie Taylor…I never thought I wanted love until I found you…I can’t imagine my life without you…Sweetness, you are my entire world, and it would give me great pleasure if you did me the honor of becoming my wife.”

Korri had tears rolling down her face and she let out a breath she hadn’t known she was holding. She ran and wrapped her arms around Tony’s neck sobbing like a child.

“Sweetness, is that a yes?”

“Yes! Baby, yes, I will be your wife!” Korri shrieked with tear soaked cheeks and laughter.

Korri and Tony were indeed late for dinner, but nobody cared when they shared their news upon their arrival.

As she showed off her ring, Korrine clung to her superman with the most blissful smile on her face.

The once shy designer had gotten everything she desired and more.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I am a wife, daughter, sister, and educator.  I've always had a love for reading, which turned into a love for writing as well.  I wrote my first book purely as a stress reliever.  I had a few friends read what I wrote and they liked it, so I finished the book. I never thought I would have the opportunity to become a published author, and I am both blessed and thankful! I look forward to others coming into my imagination and hopefully they enjoy it as much as I do!