Ultimate Interracial 5 Book Romance Bundle

Ultimate Interracial

5 Book Bundle

By Veronica Anderson-Stamps

Copyright © 2014-2019 Veronica Lolonda Anderson-Stamps

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Border Love

Risk it all in the Name of Love

Chapter One

Santos Rodriquez sat quietly in his one bedroom apartment. He felt as if the floor had been pulled out from beneath him. The letter was clear and to the point. His application to renew his work visa had been denied. He would soon have to go home to Mexico. The thought of leaving America nearly broke his heart.

Santos decided that he would try to make the best of things. He had nearly three weeks left to enjoy the many things that America had to offer. His years had been spent constantly working; never taking the time to enjoy himself. He decided that he would spend as much time with his friends as he could.

Good morning Santos. How are you today? a voice called from across the room. Santos looked around to find that the voice had come from Vivian Houston. She was beautiful. She was an African-American woman in her early twenties. She had hazel brown eyes, a small pudgy nose, and a small but full mouth. Her skin was sun-kissed golden brown. The yellow dress she wore, complimented her complexion.

Good morning, Vivian! Santos said as he walked through the door to the next room. Santos wished that he could have been more polite to Vivian because she had always been kind to him. He decided that he would make it up to her. He turned back to face her. Vivian, I was wondering if you would spend lunch with me today? he asked. I would love to Santos, but I can’t today. Maybe we could tomorrow! Vivian smiled. Santos was disappointed but at least they’d have tomorrow.

Santos knew that it had been so unlike him to approach Vivian. But he would soon be leaving. He wanted to have pleasant memories of her and the country. The day dragged slowly. Finally, Santos was home. He hadn’t had the appetite to eat all day. The thoughts of leaving plagued his mind. He realized that he didn’t want to leave. He wanted to stay but he could think of nothing that would keep him in America. He loved working in construction. It was all he’d done since he had arrived in America some eight years ago. He was restless most of the night. Perhaps the morning would shine new light on his situation.

Santos, are we still on for today? Vivian asked cheerfully. Yes! he answered as he passed her desk. Vivian noticed that Santos seemed very different. He seemed unhappy. Vivian decided that she would find out what was bothering him during lunch.

Hi! Vivian said as she sat on the benched table beside Santos. Hello Vivian. he smiled. How are things going? she asked. Fine, I think, but I’ve been better. he admitted. Are you alright Santos? .. I noticed that you weren’t yourself this morning. she winced. Santos knew that she was right. He didn’t want the lunch date to be a downer for her. Still, he said nothing about his situation to her. I’m alright. he answered.

During lunch, Vivian told Santos all about her plans for the future. She told him of her engagement and wedding plans. Santos was silent. He enjoyed listening to Vivian speak. She was elegant, loving and kind. Santos knew that she had a good heart. The rest of the week passed rather quickly. Each day, Santos and Vivian shared their lunch hour together.

Vivian had shared so much of herself with Santos and yet he hadn’t told her that he would soon be leaving. There was a chill in the air. The weekend brought about a change in the weather. Peter Blaster, Santos’ boss, of Blaster Construction, would soon be letting go of some of his workers. The major building project was almost complete. It wasn’t a surprise when Mr. Blaster called Santos into the main office.

Mr. Rodriquez, please have a seat. Mr. Blaster said as he glanced up at Santos. Santos sat quietly across from his boss. Rodriquez, you are a good worker and I appreciate how much you’ve committed yourself to this project. Mr. Blaster continued. Santos knew exactly what he was going to say, still, he braced himself.

I’m going to let a few workers go. I’m not firing you. It’s just that this project is nearly done. We’ll be starting on another one in a month or so. he reiterated as he handed Santos his last paycheck. Santos rose from his seat and took the check. He looked Mr. Blaster squarely in the eyes. Mr. Blaster, my work visa could not be renewed. I have less than two weeks left in America. Thank you for your years of work. Goodbye. All Mr. Blaster could do was watch as Santos quickly left his office. Santos glanced in Vivian’s direction before the main office door closed behind him.

Vivian watched as Santos walked passed her. He’d looked at her briefly. At the sight of him leaving, Vivian grew more worried. Vivian, please come in here? Mr. Blaster asked. Vivian rose from her desk and entered his office. Sir! she said as she stood before him. These are the names that need to be taken off payroll. he explained as he handed her the list. Vivian looked over the list. She saw Santos’ name at the bottom. Had Santos been angry about being dismissed? Santos, sir, has he been let go? she asked. I had to lay him off. In any event, he was going to leave. His visa has been denied. He has less than two weeks left on his old one. Mr. Blaster explained as Vivian slowly walked towards the door.

At lunch, Vivian sat alone. She could barely eat. Santos was gone. She’d gotten used to having him around. She decided that after work, she’d pay him a visit. She was sure that the two of them could think of something to keep him in America. She didn’t want him to leave. She considered him a good friend. She couldn’t understand why Santos hadn’t told her about his work visa. Had he been embarrassed? Did he want to go back to Mexico? Why had his visa been denied? All sorts of thoughts flooded her mind as she made the long drive to Santos’ apartment.

Vivian knocked on the door and waited patiently for Santos to answer. Santos opened the door. His eyes lit up when he saw Vivian. Why didn’t you tell me? she asked as she stood in the hallway, Come in Vivian. he offered as he stepped aside to allow her entry. I didn’t want to ruin things for you. Vivian, you are always so happy. he explained. You should have told me, Santos. We’re friends, aren’t we? she asked. Santos could see that Vivian was truly hurt. Yes, of course! he smiled as he put his arms around her. Vivian smiled back at him and let out a sigh of relief.

We have to think if something Santos. I don’t want you to leave. Vivian admitted. There is nothing that can be done. In my letter, they said that I could reapply in six months. Santos explained as he motioned her towards the sofa. What will you do until then? Vivian asked desperately. I’ll go home to my family. I’ve saved enough money. I will be alright he choked out. Do you want to go back? she asked. No, but I have to go. he groaned as he rose from the sofa and went into the kitchen.

Would you like something to drink? he called from the kitchen. Vivian rose from the sofa. Deep in thought, she slowly walked into the kitchen. Santos… there is a way that you could stay. she insisted. Santos turned to her in shock. How? he asked as he handed her a soda. We could get married. You and I. she suggested. No, I won’t do that to you. You’re to be married soon to Darnell. he gasped. I’ll talk to him. He’ll understand. We will get married and you’ll be able to stay. she explained. I can’t do it, Vivian. I just can’t! he shouted as he left her standing in the kitchen alone.

Vivian sat the soda on the countertop and quietly left the apartment. She knew that she had to give Santos time to think about her proposition. Now, she had to talk to Darnell. Surely he wouldn’t object to Vivian helping a friend. As she drew closer and closer to her apartment door, she could hear Darnell playing music. So, he’s home from work. she smiled as she walked through the door. Hey baby! she said as she met his lips with a kiss. Hmm. You’re in a good mood! he said as he turned off the burner. What’s cooking? she asked. Spaghetti and meatballs! he answered. Sounds good! she smiled softly. I need to talk to you. she continued.

Vivian stared at the man that she was engaged to. Darnell Andrews was a savvy businessman. He was tall, dark and very handsome. His eyes were dark and sexy. He had curly brown hair, a slender nose, and thin lips. The features came together and make the man into everything Vivian had ever wanted. During dinner, Vivian tried twice to bring up Santos Rodriquez. Each time, Darnell changed the subject. It was as if he thought that another man had come between them and their relationship.

Santos had come out of his bedroom and found that Vivian had gone. He hadn’t meant to hurt her feelings. He decided that he would give her a call in the morning. At that moment, he picked up the phone to call his parents, who were living in Mexico.

His mother answered the phone softly. Hello. Mother, it’s me, Santos. Son, how are you? I’m coming home. But why? My visa has been denied. Oh no, my child! Momma, it’s alright. Where is Papa? Not home just yet. The conversation went on for hours. Santos even told his mother about Vivian’s offer. She encouraged him to think about the girl’s offer before he turned her down. He, in turn, informed her that he had already snapped at Vivian and that she had left his apartment upset. She told Santos that it was obvious that Vivian really cared about him and she wouldn’t hold his outburst against him.

The next morning, Santos called Blaster Construction to speak with Vivian. A woman answered the phone but she wasn’t Vivian. She was a temp. She said that Ms. Houston had called in sick. Santos was disappointed. He decided to call her apartment. But when he did, there was no answer. Hours went by and still, Vivian hadn’t returned his call. Now Santos was the one who was worried. Where could Vivian be?

A knock at the door drew Santos out of his deep thoughts. Santos quickly opened the door. Vivian stood there. She looked as if she’d been crying. He grabbed her and pulled her inside. What happened? he asked softly. Darnell left me. she cried. Why? What happened? I told him that I wanted to help you. We argued, then he left. she sobbed.

Santos held her in his arms. He was a good man but he wondered if he was worth the trouble. Vivian’s tears began to dry. She looked into Santos’ eyes. They were dark and passionate. He went into the kitchen and reappeared with a glass of water. He stood and looked to be about five-eight or nine. Vivian took in his features. To her, he looked as if he’d been carved out of stone. His body was muscular and strong, no doubt from hard work. His skin was smooth and tanned from his work in the direct sunlight. His nose was straight and perfect. His mouth was wide and his lips looked soft. Vivian dared to touch them. She took the glass of water and drank slowly.

You can stay here tonight. Santos suggested. No… I just needed someone to talk to. Thank you, Santos. I want you to know that I’m going to help you. She insisted as she rose to her feet. I’m sorry about yesterday. I didn’t mean to snap at you. he smiled with sad eyes. Does that mean you’ll let me help you? she asked cheerfully. Yes… but we need to talk about this. You need to know what you’ll be getting into. You see, it’s not as simple as it seems. he explained. I have to go now. We can talk about this tomorrow. she insisted as she walked to the door. Santos followed close behind.

He couldn’t help but look at her bottom. A sensation went through his body. He had to fight it. He had to calm himself. She opened the door and stepped through. I’ll call you tomorrow around noon. she promised as she turned and embraced him. Santos wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He couldn’t stop himself. Desire ran across his face. She looked up at him. His lips flew to hers. They shared a gentle kiss before she ran away from his embrace.

Chapter Two

Santos had been up almost all night. Every time he closed his eyes, he thought about Vivian’s proposal. If they were to marry, they would have to live together for at least two years. They would constantly be watched by immigration. Would Darnell be able to handle the fact that the woman he loved, would be living with another man? There were just so many complications. Santos wondered for the umpteenth time if it really was worth it. Could he really put Vivian through the ordeal of a fake marriage?

The telephone rang twice before Santos heard it. He finally answered. Hello. Hi, Santos. It’s me, Vivian. she said nervously. Within an instant, Santos’ mind drifted back to the night before. He wanted to bring up the subject of the kiss that they’d shared, but he knew that it just wasn’t the right time. Can you come to my place tonight? she asked. What about Darnell? he asked. I think that he may be out of town. she supposed. I guess I can come. What time? Eight-thirty. Oh, do you know where my place is? Don’t worry… I will find it. I will see you tonight, he promised before he hung up the phone.

Santos was headed to Vivian’s apartment. He knew that It was crazy to go over. Maybe he should have canceled. Going over just didn’t seem like a good idea. What if Darnell found him there? What would he think? Still, Vivian was his only hope of staying in America. Suddenly, a feeling came over him; guilt, then selfishness. How could he go through with it? He had to tell Vivian that he needed to find another way to stay in America. He mustered up the strength and knocked on her door.

The door opened suddenly. Vivian stood there in a lovely white dress with the sandals to match. She smelled sweet and fresh like vanilla. To Santos, she looked as if she was glowing. Come in Santos. she offered softly. Santos stood in a trance. Santos, come inside. she insisted as she grabbed his hand and pulled him inside.

Santos loved the apartment. It was large and spacious. The furniture was warm and comfortable. It matched Vivian in every sense. Her apartment felt like home. Santos had no choice but to feel at ease. I made dinner for us. You are hungry, aren’t you? she asked curiously. I am definitely ready to eat, he answered confidently. Santos followed her into the kitchen. He had to resist the urge to watch the way her rear swayed in that airy dress.

The table was set for two. Please have a seat. she offered softly. What are we having? he asked. Tacos! she laughed. Oh really? he grinned. They sat and ate together. The conversation was easy flowing. Santos tried to keep their shared kiss out of his mind but when she smiled her sweet smile, it was pretty hard not to want to kiss her again. After dinner, they had coffee. The room went silent. I’m not sure about this Vivian. I don’t want to ruin what you have here with Darnell. he insisted while looking into her eyes. Don’t worry. Darnell and I will work things out. It’s you who I’m worried about. she smiled sadly. I’ve been thinking and I think it would be best… if I just went back to Mexico. I don’t want you to go. Why do you care so much? "Because you’re my friend and I think you have a right to stay here if you don’t want to go."

The conversation went on and on with Vivian offering the pros of marriage and Santos offering the cons. Before long, it was nearly one o’clock. I’d better go! Santos suggested. He felt himself wanting more than Vivian was offering. Alright. Then it’s settled. We’re getting married. she smiled jokingly. Yes. This weekend? Yes. he agreed as she walked him to the door. Santos’ heart started beating rapidly. He had to control himself. This woman was his friend. The two of them embraced. Vivian kissed Santos on the cheek and smiled. Then they said their goodbyes.

As Santos left Vivian’s apartment, he had noticed that he’d been spotted by Darnell Andrews. The man didn’t look pleased with him at all. There had to be something going on. Why else would he be leaving Vivian’s apartment so late? Darnell got out of his car and decided that he would confront Santos. Santos turned the key of his green Altima. He saw a man quickly approaching his car. Santos didn’t know him and didn’t want to deal with any more problems. So he simply drove away. He could hear the man yelling something from a distance, but Santos drove on. He couldn’t have known that this man was, in fact, Darnell, Vivian’s fiancé.

The drive home was nice. Santos decided to open the windows to smell the fresh