Made to Love: Carmen and Cooper's Story

By Candace Nicole

Carmen is a successful business owner who is young and beautiful. Carmen lives in Arlington, VA. She shares an upscale apartment with her best friends, Marcia and Giselle. Her life should be perfect, but every day she faces guilt due to the murder of her younger sister. This tragic event has controlled her love life. Carmen meets Cooper at a summer party hosted by the company he works for A. Werts. With one look Cooper has her mesmerized. How could this handsome successful business man be without a significant other? Her first encounter with Cooper was discouraging until they shared an earth shattering kiss.

Cooper Jackson is every woman’s fantasy, tall, dark and handsome. An event from his childhood, which he never discusses, has prevented him from wanting to love anyone, until he meets Carmen Williams. Even though his heart says yes he still pushes her away. After years of no contact, his mother, Beverly reappears.

Carmen never speaks to Cooper about Celeste, they are both trying to protect one another from their past. Unfortunately it cannot be forgotten, therefore, it’s only a matter of time before it comes out. Their relationship is constantly put to the test. Can they hold on knowing they were made to love each other? Or will Carmen’s heart end up wounded by this beautiful creature.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Candace Nicole
• Release date: May 22, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311671486

Candace Nicole

Candace Nicole is a former Early Childcare Educator and Business Owner. She is married and the mother of 4 children (two of them are beautiful cats) and they all reside in Central Virginia. Candace Nicole has always been an avid reader. She continuously dreams about wonderful characters and their stories that need to be told. Candace Nicole realized and knew that it was time to share their adventures of life, career and, more importantly, love through adult stories.

Book preview

Chapter Two

Two Years Ago

My cell phone rings and my sister’s picture appears. I answer quickly. How’s my baby sister doing?

I’m not a baby, Carmen. We’re only two years apart. What are you up to?

Glancing at myself in the mirror, I reply, About to head out and shake my ass. These girls think they are something out here.

Celeste laughs, You’re always the life of the party. I can’t wait to see you this weekend.

Me too. Marcia is excited you’re coming.

Sighing into the phone, Celeste states, I just need a break from everyone, especially Jermaine.

You sound down. What’s going on? Are you okay?

Everything is fine; he’s just being an asshole. Typical Jermaine.

Do you want to come here tonight? I will come to get you.

No, I have an exam in the morning. Go show those raggedy girls how we Chesterfield girls get down. See you Friday.

I love you, Celeste. To infinity.

Love you too, Carmen. And beyond.

That was the last time I spoke to my sister.

Chapter Three

Three Months Ago

Most women my age spend all week looking forward to Friday night and going out with their friends, but I am the exception. My perfect evening consists of me being curled up in my soft king size bed while sipping a glass of wine. Unfortunately, that is not happening. Instead, I’m meeting Marcia, my best friend, at her company’s party. Last year, Marcia started working for A. Werts, which is a large financial company. She is very excited about the annual summer party they host, and I am being dragged there. I could care less about the financial world. The only time it was of interest was a few years ago, when I applied for a loan for my daycare center.

So here I am, staring at myself in my full-length mirror, thinking that I look halfway decent. My jet-black hair is pulled up in a high bun, my MAC makeup is flawless, and my full painted red lips look irresistible. I decide to wear a white strapless dress. The dress accentuates my shapely figure and hugs my apple-shaped butt. The contrast of the fabric and my caramel skin tone makes me look like an angelic being. I am having doubts about how my 34D’s look, because they have a mind of their own and are impossible to hide. Marcia calls them a gift, but they are more like a curse, a daily distraction–especially when it comes to meeting someone of the opposite sex. They always seem more interested in the girls than in what I am saying.

Men can be jackasses!

Now that I have gotten myself worked up and full of doubt, maybe I shouldn’t go. There is nothing wrong with a single, 25-year-old woman who wants to stay at home on a Friday evening. Right? Pulling out my Samsung Galaxy phone, I decide I’m not going. I text Marcia:

Me: Not feeling well. Think I caught something from the center.

Marcia: Don’t have time for your bullshit. Get here!

Me: Really don’t feel well

Marcia: Lies, you are the owner and you weren’t there this week. This is why you are single.

Me: So are you

Marcia: But I have a life and always have multiple orgasms. You have 20 minutes.

Me: Fine

Marcia: BTW…there is someone I want you to meet.

Me: Wth? A blind date? No thank you.

Marcia: You will thank me once those cobwebs are dusted

Damnit, Marcia!

The last thing I need is to be set up with someone. Is my life that pathetic? I have many things going for myself: Owner of Essence of Learning Child Care Center; debt free; No children; 25 years old; in shape; Not super model status, but attractive.

Why does everyone think I need a man to define me?

When my taxi arrives at this jaw dropping, million-dollar mansion located in Falls Church, VA, my stomach starts to flip. I’m consumed with the exterior beauty alone. The driveway is rounded with cobblestones. In the center is featured a cement water fountain, in the middle of which sits a mermaid sculpture; interesting enough. The house appears to sit on at least ten acres of land, with no other homes in sight. The grass is the greenest I’ve ever seen, and looks to have been cut within the last few days. The scent in the air smells not only of freshly cut grass but also of irises, lilacs, and lavender, which are all planted in the variety of flowerbeds surrounding the front of the lawn.

I walk up the granite steps, really allowing myself to take in the massive size of this beautiful dwelling. The front door is painted a bright red with a brass handle, which reminds me of the Red Door perfume. I wait patiently to be invited in after ringing the doorbell. An older man dressed in a black suit welcomes me; he must be a butler, because looking at my surroundings, this party seems to be for a much younger crowd.

Good evening Miss, please do come in. I smile sweetly and thank him.

I search for Marcia, but not before my eyes fall on a group of gentleman, all standing in a circle. They seem to be in a rather heated discussion. I think to myself, ugh welcome to the corporate world, gotta love it! My name being called from a distance brings me back to focus. Thumping beats come from the speakers as Justin Timberlake sings one of his latest hits, Suit & Tie. Now all I need is a man to ask me on the floor so I can show him some of my talented moves.

I must have started daydreaming, because Marcia stands in front of me with her hands on her hips asking me what I’d like to drink. A glass of chardonnay would be perfect, I respond.

Okay, let’s go to the back yard, says Marcia.

As we step out onto the deck, we have the perfect view of the party. There’s a huge white tent in the yard, with strings of lights going across, similar to an old clothesline. That’s when Marcia tells me the event is being catered by Natoli’s restaurant. This is quite impressive. The first waiter then approaches me with his tray, carrying fruit tarts, which are topped with freshly sliced kiwi, strawberries, and pineapples. Taking one and putting it in my mouth, the exquisite taste is astonishing. The juices from the fruit were so sweet; they had to have been imported from a different state. I’ve never tasted fruit of this nature. I chase the tart down with a fine glass of Chardonnay. Something about the bitterness of the taste goes perfectly with the sweet tart. Other waiters are circling the yard with the trays of bacon wrapped dates with blue cheese, and of course, shrimp. As far as the main course, guests have the options of Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Rolatini, or Natoli’s Manicotti. Baskets of freshly baked bread sticks are placed strategically at the end of the buffet table for our convenience.

Marcia sees a colleague and excuses herself. I love watching my best friend in her element full of confidence. We have been best friends since the 10th grade, when I had just moved to Chesterfield, Virginia. I was lost wandering the halls, and I literally bumped into this girl with fire engine red hair. Ever since that day, we have been inseparable, even though we are the complete opposite of each other. Marcia is what people consider a rare beauty; she should be on the cover of Vogue, not in the finance world. Her body is naturally slim, and she never has to worry about dieting. I, on the other hand, have to work out five times a week, and it is pure hell. I was born with a natural tan (that Marcia claims to be jealous of), hazel eyes, and jet-black hair. She has porcelain skin, green eyes, and fiery red hair.

Damn, I am daydreaming. Marcia is smiling at me. I smile back until I see this beautiful creature with her. Fuck, they are coming over here. I’m going to kill her. This man is breath taking; he looks fine in his charcoal gray slacks that fit just below his obliques. If they were a half size bigger, he would need much more than a belt to hold them up. He has matched them perfectly with his cerulean blue button down shirt that seems to have quite the grip on his sculpted biceps. His tie has an assortment of blues, from cobalt to baby blue, with a shade of gray in between. Looks like he has been dressed by someone at GQ; his coordination is downright amazing. The blue shirt not only brings out his ocean blue eyes, but does wonders as well for his olive skin. I see his hair, and instantly want my hands all in it; it’s sandy blonde, short on the sides, longer on top, parts to the right, and dangles close enough to brush his eye. I want to move it for him myself, ugh!

My imagination has to have gotten the best of me, as there cannot be such a thing as a hot, perfectly groomed male with a great sense of fashion. I stand in my fitted white dress, hoping his ocean blues are not only interested in my chest. The hem lies right above the knee, and the bottom lace fringe looks dazzling with my strappy silver wedge Steve Madden sandals that tie around my leg. I stand in a very inviting yet stylish pose, the kind where my full body can be admired. Okay Carmen, get it together. He is only a guy.

Marcia is the first one to speak. Cooper Jackson, this is my best friend, Carmen Williams.

Cooper extends his hand, and I am hoping my palm is not sweaty as his large hand engulfs mine. He stares me in the eye, never smiling, but I do notice a slight frown on his face. Shit, do I have something in my teeth?

Well, you kids have fun. I see Francisco, Marcia quickly walks away. I really have to remember to kill her.

Would you like another drink? Cooper asks.

Yes, that would be wonderful. Cooper flags down a waiter and hands me a drink. I thank him. There is an awkward silence.

So, you work with Marcia? I ask, trying to make small talk.

I do. And may I ask what you do for a living?

I am a child care provider.

Working with children requires a great deal of patience. Do you have any children of your own?

Gosh no, I want to assist in helping children excel in life. My philosophy is the earlier you begin teaching kids, the better understanding and knowledge they will acquire, especially once they start school.

I would have to agree with you on that.

Do you have any kids?

I don’t, which is a good thing because my job can be very demanding at times.

I’m so infatuated that I stop paying attention to what he is saying as I watch his mouth move. I take a small sip of wine and catch Cooper staring at me, but why is he frowning? When I get home, I will need two shots of tequila. God, he is beautiful, I could look at him forever and do naughty things with him, if only he would smile and stop frowning at me. I try to show a little cleavage and his frown grows deeper. What do I have to do to make this man want me? Cooper looks bored and irritated. The DJ announces that dinner is served.

After you, Cooper says as he places his hand on the small of my back.

Upon approaching the tent, I look to my right and see the dance floor. I think to myself, that the CEO must have put out a fortune for this party. The floor is oak wood, all boards laid with precision, making a perfect square big enough to hold at least 50-75 people. Speakers are found on every corner and the DJ’s booth is located right before the floor begins. I step inside the tent, careful not to trip on cords running along the grass. I definitely don’t need to embarrass myself this early on. There are several tables inside, all draped in burgundy linen, with lights on the bottom hem, really causing the color to pop out. In the middle of the tables are glass bowls, which have three floating candles, all white in the shape of roses. Shiny utensils paired with a table napkin of burgundy with white stripes circle around each individual place setting. On my left is where the entrees are stored in rectangle metal pans, with steam coming off them, compliments of the burners underneath. The staff looks eagerly pleased to serve us. There are three different courses to choose from. Cooper chooses Chicken Marsala while I choose the Manicotti. The waiter places our choices onto a crystal plate that has the design of a sunburst in the middle; the outer rim is trimmed in a fine line of silver. We make our way to be seated.

There are no empty tables, I do a quick glance around to see if I spot Marcia. She is seated with Francisco and two other colleagues; Cooper follows me to their table. Marcia welcomes us with a cheesy smile and introduces me to Francisco, Peter, and Matt. Cooper sits by Peter, and Marcia insists that I sit beside her. The conversations are extremely boring. The group is discussing work and their clients. Meanwhile, I’m wishing that I could wear this napkin as a bib to guarantee that none of the marina sauce drips on my dress. Marcia asks if I am okay, I want to say, no you left me all night with this douchebag, but of course, I do not say that.

Sarcastically I reply, I am having the best time. Now Marcia knows that I’m pissed. Of course, every time I catch Cooper looking in my direction he’s frowning. Now I have had enough; shit, I could be at home in bed. I politely excuse myself.

This evening has been a complete waste. I’m ready for it to be over. To think I may have gotten lucky is a joke. Maybe I should tell Marcia that I am leaving. No, fuck that, not after her disappearing act. I quickly locate the steps leading to the deck and take each one with careful stride. Soon, I am back in the beautiful atmosphere of this home. I take brisk, but somewhat fast steps to make my way out front.

Before I exit the door, which is being held so kindly by the butler, I hear a soft, yet masculine voice.

Carmen, Carmen are you leaving? I turn to see a jogging Cooper. You have got to be kidding me. Why is he acting like he cares with that fake look of concern?

Yes, I snap.

They are about to serve dessert, thought we might have some.

This guy is a real piece of work. Dessert? Why? It’s perfectly clear you don’t enjoy being in my presence. Once again, he is frowning. There’s that frown again, shows how much I disgust you.

What? Cooper looks confused. Is that what you think? I roll my eyes.

It isn’t a look of disgust, Carmen. You are the most stunning woman I have ever had the pleasure to lay eyes on. All night I have imagined what you would feel like in my arms. Disgust? No beautiful, it’s me fighting to restrain myself from kissing you.

I am speechless. Did this sexy man call me beautiful and say he wants to kiss me? I nervously lick my lips. Cooper seductively smiles; not too wide, just enough to allow his gorgeous white teeth to show. That’s when I see clearly that this man wants me. He’s moving closer, and I can only stand there dumbfounded. He is the predator, and I’m his helpless prey. Oh Cooper take me, take me now. What is wrong with me?

Then Cooper whispers in my ear, You don’t believe me?

Before I can say or do anything, Cooper’s wonderful mouth is pressed against mine. His lips are moist and full, and I taste a hint of the Cabernet he was drinking earlier. Our kiss is perfect, filled with passion and lust. I have never been kissed like this. I am excited, extremely turned on and yes, wet.

Things have gone from frustrating to intense. How are you getting home?

My brain is fried. I know I should answer, but can’t. He is waiting patiently for my answer. Um, I need to call a cab.

Cooper pulls out his Blackberry and says, James, please bring the car around. Carmen, I will be taking you home.

This wasn’t a request, it was a command, and all I could say was, Okay. Cooper softly kisses me on my cheek, and it is disappointing because our lips are meant to be connected.

Moments later, a sleek black Signature Series Lincoln Town Car pulls up to the curb. James steps out of the car with his chauffeur hat that matches his all black suit.

James, this is Carmen Williams. We will be taking her home this evening, James smiles.

It is a pleasure to meet you, he says in a friendly manner.

Cooper assists me into the car. I climb in and sit lady-like. This is a difficult task, because all I want to do is straddle him.

Staring at Cooper, I realize he is speaking to me.

What did you say? I ask.

Cooper gently touches my leg, and his thumb traces the inside of my upper thigh; now my panties are completely soaked. He gives me an all-knowing look. I am thinking the same thing, but I asked where do you live?

How does he know what I am thinking? I’m so embarrassed and to make things worse, my cheeks are on fire.

My address is 1881 N. Nash Street. Cooper asks James if he got it, then he hits a button, causing a black window to appear, giving us privacy.

My pulse is racing and there are millions of thoughts going through my mind, wondering how the evening is going to end. Carmen, I would love to take you out tomorrow evening. Are you free?

Did he just ask me out? My schedule is open, I say.

"Then it’s settled. I will pick up you up at 6. We will go to The Melting Pot