Carlos POV
That woman is going to be the death of me I thought as I saw the retreating taxi. She is the first woman to ditch me, not just once but twice. I thought about waiting for her in her hotel room, but that seemed too crazy and stalker-ish even for me.
She seemed to be immune to my charm, and I on the other hand was falling in deeper every time we met. I drove back to Rangeman in silent contemplation. How do you woo a woman? She no doubt by now, thanks to Hector, knew about my playboy ways. How do I show her that I've changed?
Taking the elevator up to seven I thought about calling Celia to ask for tips, but then quickly crossed that idea off. The only thing that would accomplish would be the entire family knowing about my little crush before midnight, and I'm not ready for the Spanish inquisition yet.
I hurriedly opened up a browser and typed in 'how to woo a woman'. A series of results showed up and I clicked on wikiHow, it seemed legit.
How to Woo a Girl in 11 steps:
1) Break the ice
2) Make her laugh
3) Dress like you mean business
4) Keep yourself smelling fresh
5) Don't be threatening
6) Master a talent
7) Boost your confidence
8) Always look into her eyes when speaking to her
9) Be careful about teasing
10) Respect her
11) Know when to make your move
That doesn't seem too difficult, though I don't know about the 'don't be threatening' one, is she afraid of me? Is that why she won't go out with me? No, that woman is anything but afraid. Confidence is a huge turn on for me, and this woman has truckloads of it. I think I'm falling for her…
Stephanie POV
As soon I reached my hotel room I let out a sigh of relief. I was afraid for a moment that he would show up here, and I'm not even remotely ready to take on an angry-Cuban-playboy-mercenary.
Oh Shit! Lula's going to be pissed when she notices that I'm gone, or maybe she'd be too busy sucking the life out of Tank to notice that we're gone.
There was a knock on my suite door. Looking through the little peephole I saw Hector waiting outside.
"Did you ditch the boss again?"
"I tried; he caught me jumping out the bathroom window."
"Stephanie, do you like him?" Hector asked with a contemplative look
I looked to the carpet, I really like the pattern I should ask the hotel where they got the carpet from. I want to install one in my new home.
"Stephanie." Hector lifted my chin, so we were eye-level.
"You like him." It wasn't a question.
Sigh. "Yes I like him…" I trailed off "He's just… I don't know how to do this. You know there hasn't been anyone before or after Patrick. I don't want anything serious while I'm on the rebound. You told me that he's a player, but he has that look. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be chasing me just for a lay…"
"He is a good man angel."
"I know, I just think he may be too good."
We were interrupted by a knock. Hector opened the door to find one of the hotel staff with a huge bouquet of roses. "Mam this is for you from a Carlos Manoso. Would you like me to place them in a vase for you?"
"Yes please." I murmured, astounded by this man.
He placed the flowers into a crystal vase filled with water and left.
I saw an envelope in the flowers and reached for it. It was one of those really pretty ones, with the designs and stuff on it. The note inside was beautiful:
Dear Miss Plum,
I hope I have made my intensions known, I plan on wooing you. I understand that you have hesitations about dating me and I would love to discuss them with you on dinner tomorrow, hopefully we can clear up any misunderstandings and I can persuade you to not leave through the bathroom window.
I will pick you up at six pm at your hotel tomorrow. Please give me a chance.
Love Carlos
I did not know what to do. I think I was in shock. Hector took the note from me and read through it. I sat down on the couch trying to figure out my next move. If he wants a chase, then I'm going to run. Though losing might not be too bad… If he thinks that one sappy note is going to have me running into his arms then he's in for a surprise.
Let's see what you're made of Carlos. I think I'm going to enjoy this game.
Hector left shortly after, saying that he had a night shift. I tried to go to sleep but my brain decided that it was time to analyse the events which took place today and wouldn't let me sleep. It was eleven thirty when I finally fell asleep thinking about one Carlos Manoso.
Carlos POV
I was flicking through the monitors when I saw a Lexus pull into the parking lot. It was Stephanie's car. Since it was eight in the morning and ten hours to out date I was sure that she was here to chew me out. She was on her phone texting someone; to my surprise Hector exited the elevator and walked towards her, leading her to the elevator.
He stopped on level three and led her to the gun range. They seemed to be in a deep discussion about something and I wished we had audio to go with the video in the hallways. I made that note on my post-it pad.
Stephanie pulled out a Smith & Wesson Model 29 from her handbag and handed it to Hector, whom after briefly checking it pulled out a pack of bullets. He entered them into the gun and handed it to her, stepping back.
Stephanie after donning on all the safety gear proceeded to shoot the six rounds with astounding accuracy into the heart of the paper figure. I felt a warm feeling flow through my chest – Pride. This woman is one of a kind. She then gave the camera a bright smile as if she knew what I was thinking.
Cal entered the range and suddenly Hector was standing behind her 'teaching' her hot to shoot. They seemed to be talking about something really quietly and then she pointed at the Remington Model 100 and Hector pulled it out for her. He called Cal over so he could 'instruct' Stephanie on her stance. Cal was our go-to shooter. The best there is, though after watching Stephanie, I might have changed my mind.
Stephanie fired off a few shots, completely missing the goal. Cal then stepped up behind her to straighten her posture. I had to calm myself down when his arms went around her to hold up the gun and aim. They shot a few rounds together before separating. Thank god for small favours because I was about to blow my casket.
Hector and Stephanie then exited the gun range and went into Hector's apartment. I didn't like this at all. Unable to contain myself or my anger any longer I raced to Hector's apartment and hammered on his door.
Stephanie opened the door smiling about something. This fuelled my anger.
"Carlos" she looked surprised to see me, and suddenly I really needed to kiss her.
"I really need to kiss you." With that I pulled her warm lips into mine, unable to control my lust and trying to calm my anger. She didn't fight, instead wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me closer.
I stand by my statement – this woman is going to be the death of me.
Word Count – 1320
Okay so I have a proposal for all of you - The hundredth review will get a one-shot with a topic they want (Babe related, cause I'm not writing cupcake stories). So please review. It motivates me to write stuff. ;D
This chapter is the result of procrastination (I should really be working on my school stuff right now…), so please be patient with me I will finish this story… soon. Any errors are mine, so please just overlook them because editing the chapters after they are posted is a pain…
