by J. A. Coffey
La'Treece gasped. "What happened to your nails?"
"It's too hard to type with my tips, so I cut them. Every second counts when I'm trying to meet a deadline."
There was a strained silence until Destiny looked up to find La'Treece staring at her. Her lips twisted into a knot.
"What?" Destiny asked.
"You talk different. You look different. What's really going on?"
"Nothing. I'm the same person."
"No, you ain't. You getting a little sadity."
"C'mon, La'Treece. You're trippin' now." Destiny sipped her water again, hoping it could douse the spark of irritation that La'Treece had lit. Destiny didn't like anyone insinuating that she was putting on airs.
She was about to add to her statement when a familiar blonde from the office approached the table where she and La'Treece sat. It was Linda, a chubby temp who did a lot of the filing. "Hi Destiny," she chirped.
"Hi Linda." Linda always had a bubbly personality and a smile for everyone.
"How was your trip?" Linda asked.
"Not long enough," Destiny joked.
Linda giggled. "They never are."
"True." Destiny would have loved another passion-filled week making love on the beach with Cayson. The Maldives seemed like a distant dream now.
"Let's do lunch next week if you have the time," Linda suggested.
"I'd like that."
Linda was barely out of earshot before La'Treece demanded to know, "What trip you went on?"
Fuck.
Destiny hadn't told her about the trip. "I had to go on business for my job," she lied.
"Uh huh."
After all the accusations La'Treece was making, Destiny wasn't going to tell her she'd been to the Maldive Islands with Cayson's family. La'Treece probably didn't even know where The Maldives were anyway.
Now, that was rude and insensitive.
But it was true. Destiny didn't know where the islands were either, until a few weeks ago. Thankfully, the waiter came to take their order. Destiny was grateful for the interruption. In fact, she wished lunch could be over. She was starting to think this whole thing was a big mistake.
"You still living with Cayson?" La'Treece probed.
"Yes, but we hardly see each other. He's working and so am I."
She didn't know why she felt the need to put distance between them. She didn't want La'Treece asking her a whole lotta questions about their relationship.
La'Treece pulled a compact mirror from her purse and flicked it open. She bared her teeth, checking for pieces of food. It was an annoying habit of hers. La'Treece was obsessed with oral hygiene. "When is your apartment gonna be ready? 'Cuz I'm ready to move."
"Where have you been staying?"
"With some friends Porter hooked me up with."
Before lunch, Destiny had been eager to share her good news with La'Treece. Now, she knew she couldn't do that just yet. It seemed her entire conversation today had been filled with lies. One more wouldn't hurt. "I've been pushed further down on the waiting list. I don't qualify now because they said I make too much money."
"What the fuck? Are you serious?" She snapped her compact shut and tossed it back into her purse.
"Yeah."
"How much money you makin'?"
"Not a lot. But it looks like I'm going to have to save up and get my own place. It'll be a few more months at least." Destiny hated to be dishonest, but she needed some time to think. This would buy her a few more months while she sorted out her feelings toward La'Treece.
La'Treece nodded like she understood. Then, she leaned forward in her chair and eyeballed Destiny with an ice-cold stare. "You're lying. You don't want me to move in with you."
Destiny's heart jumped inside her chest. La'Treece had been her friend for seven years. But they were on different tracks in life now. La'Treece was bitter. She felt the world owed her something. Given her sordid background, Destiny didn't blame her. She just wasn't ready to come along for the ride anymore.
"I don't think we should move in together," Destiny admitted, "but I do want to remain friends." She was saying the last part only to be polite. They both knew the friendship was over.
La'Treece's dark eyes flashed. "You let that motherfucker come between us."
"Cayson has nothing to do with this."
"Don't lie to me!" She slammed her palm on the table, attracting the attention of some customers sitting nearby. "You think you're so high and mighty now. You don't know shit, Destiny. He goin' fuck you, then toss you to the side like yesterday's trash."
"Listen La'Treece-"
"No, you listen," she hissed. "If it wasn't for me, you never woulda met him. I saved your ass from jail. Now, you leaving me in the cold? You bitch!"
Destiny was too stunned to avoid the glass of ice water La'Treece threw in her face. She sat in shock as the freezing liquid streamed down her face, seeping into her silk blouse. Her first impulse was to throw her glass of water right back at La'Treece. But she was a professional woman now.
Professional women did not have catfights.
Professional women did not throw water in restaurants and make scenes.
She wiped her face with her cloth napkin and stood. She calmly collected her purse, mindful of the murderous rage in La'Treece's eyes. Then, with as much force as she could muster, she shoved the table over. The contents spilled all over La'Treece as she toppled backwards and landed flat on her ass on the black and white tiled floor.
Destiny huffed as she stormed from the café. That was definitely not something a professional woman would do. She'd be the first to admit, she still had a long way to go.
*****
Cayson strained to see through the rain pelting his windshield. In a few more minutes he'd reach the safety of his neighborhood. He'd left work before the thunderstorms unleashed their fury. But due to the weather and the traffic, he didn't pull into his neighborhood until damn near ten o'clock. It was late. He parked in his driveway just as a streak of lightening lit up the night sky. He fiddled with the garage door opener, but it didn't budge.
Shit! The electricity must be out again. These older homes were notorious for losing power in inclement weather. He raced from his driveway to his front door, dodging thick pellets of rain. By the time he got his key in the lock, he was soaked. He dripped pools of water all over the tile in the front entryway.
I'd better clean this mess up before Destiny slips and falls-
His heart wrenched. Destiny was leaving him, if she hadn't gone already. And he'd given her no reason to stay. He'd been a first-class asshole, ignoring her for the better part of a week. He missed her so much. The realization was like a kick in the gut. Destiny had him second-guessing himself. If he was ever going to settle down, she was the woman to do it with. She was beautiful, spirited, caring, and honest. And more important, she kept him in check.
I really fucked up this time.
He flicked the light switch, but nothing happened. He groped in a nearby drawer for a flashlight. The house was dark and quiet. Too quiet. His steps carried him upstairs to Destiny's room. Without bothering to knock, he pushed the door open.
She jerked upright in bed. Still fully clothed. Red eyes puffy and swollen.
"What happened?" He was at her side in seconds. He grabbed her by the shoulders. "That son-of-a-bitch, Porter. If he's hurt you."
She shook her head. "No...I..."
Fresh tears flowed as she babbled incoherently. Something about ice water and an argument with La'Treece. Finally, she stopped in mid-sentence and looked at him with pleading eyes. "Cayson, just hold me, please."
He crushed her in his embrace. She was hurting, but this was the one thing he knew he wouldn't screw up. He knew how to hold her and make her feel better. He stroked her back until her sobs faded to sniffles. "Do you want to talk about it?"
He handed her a box of Kleenex from the nightstand. When she blew her nose, it was the most endearing act he'd ever seen of her. He didn't care that
she'd saturated his shirt with her hot tears. He never wanted to let her go.
"Everything about my life has changed," she said. "I feel like I don't know myself anymore. La'Treece hates me. I'm walking a thin line between two worlds. I can't live in both. I have to choose."
Cayson kissed the tip of her nose. "I know this is hard, but I hope you choose me."
Long lashes glistening with teardrops met his gaze. "What?"
He clasped her hands in his. Now that he had her full attention, he wasn't backing down. It was now or never. "You were right about what you said in The Maldives. I've had sex with plenty of women, but I've never made love until I met you. What I experienced with you was life-changing. It opened my eyes. You changed me, Destiny."
"What...are you...saying?"
"I'm saying you're everything I want in a woman. I love you, Destiny. I'm in love with you."
"No. You can't be." The anguish written across her face was mixed with disbelief.
"But I am. Ever since I met you. Some force keeps pulling me toward you. I can't get you off my mind. And I don't want to. I just want to lose myself in you, woman. I can't imagine my life without you."
"I've been nothing but trouble to you. Not to mention I've irritated you beyond words."
"I'm irritated with myself for not realizing sooner what a precious gem I have in you. I tried to deny it, but I just can't resist you, Destiny Jackson."
Hope danced in her eyes. "You mean it?"
"Hell, yes. I know I don't have the right to ask anything of you, but I don't want you to leave. I want you right here with me."
She pursed her lips. "You want me to shack up with you?"
He chuckled. "See, you're the only woman who can keep me in line. No, I don't want to shack up. I want to make an honest woman out of you."
"I'm already honest. Remember? You defended my honor in court."
"I'm asking you to marry me."
"I know."
"So, what's your answer?" He waited, his breath suspended in his chest. He'd always been confident when it came to women. He used his charm to manipulate events his way. But Destiny was like no other woman he'd ever met. He was never more unsure than when he was with her. But he was sure that he loved her, and that was all that mattered.
She sniffed. "Cayson, you're the most irritating, stubborn, handsome, intelligent, passionate man I've ever met."
"I'll take that as a yes."
"Objection. That remark calls for speculation."
"Sustained." He grinned, feeling like a schoolboy with his first crush. Once the laughter started, it was hard to shut it off.
The corners of Destiny's lips lifted into a smile. "What's so funny?"
"I was just thinking how ironic it is that ole Barracuda threw us together out of spite. But the joke is on her. Maybe we should invite her to the wedding."
Destiny glanced at her bare hand. "We can't have a wedding without a ring. I can't believe you showed up to a proposal empty-handed."
"Baby, I'll buy you the biggest, fattest diamond you want."
"All I want is you, Cayson Sullivan."
Their gazes locked. His chest swelled with love for her. And that wasn't the only thing swelling. He captured her mouth in a kiss he hoped would convey all the passion he felt for her. He was glad he'd come to his senses. Glad she'd given him another chance. From this moment on, he'd be everything she wanted in a man. He'd do right by her. No more playing the field. No more resisting Destiny.
The End
*****
Wait a minute. Were you thinking this was over much too soon? Well after all, it is a short story. But don't fret. You can still get your Sullivan Brothers fix. Look for the other books in the "Resisting" series. Resisting Cupid is the story of Mark and Kendra. Resisting Temptation features Dane Sullivan and Charly Monroe.
Other Books by Chanta Rand
THE HIGHEST BIDDER
DELAY OF GAME
SIGNS OF LOVE
DIRTY LAUNDRY
PHARAOH'S DESIRE
GODDESS
YOU'VE GOT MALE!
MAN AT WORK
BLUEPRINT FOR LOVE
YIELD TO LOVE
Short stories
RESISTING CUPID (Mark's Story)
RESISTING TEMPTATION (Dane's Story)
BRO-MANCE 101
TOO HOT TO HANDLE
If you enjoy this book, don't keep the news to yourself. Please submit a review afterward. Readers rely on reviews to help them decide whether to purchase a book. Also, you'd be helping me out because good reviews for me mean more sales, and more sales means I get to quit my day job. I'm just saying...
About The Author
Chanta Jefferson Rand is an Emma Award winning Debut Author of the Year, a multi-published, best-selling author of sizzling-hot romance, and the former host of The Chanta Rand Show. An avid reader of all genres, she stepped onto the scene in 2010 with her first published historical romance, Pharaoh's Desire.
Chanta is a history junkie, a Walking Dead fan, and a recovering shoe addict. She never met a stiletto she didn't like! She lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband.
Check her out at www.ChantaRand.com or email her at [email protected].
TRUSTING LOVE
By
Emma Leigh Reed
Dedication
To my daughters, Alexa and Rachel.
My wish is that you know how worthy you are. Worthy to be treated as the beautiful young women you have become. Never accept being treated with anything but respect. I love you both!
Chapter One
Chloe Wilder shot up in bed. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands trying to adjust to the dim moonlight that filtered in through the closed blinds. Her heart raced as she took in the shadows that danced around the room. She swiped her hand across her face to wipe away the tears the nightmare left behind. Wrapping her arms around her knees, she hugged herself tight.
This same nightmare had become recurrent. Her arms wrapped around her waist, she whispered, "I won't let anything happen to you."
She pushed the covers off, jumped out of bed, and crossed to the window. It was dark except for the light of the moon. No street lights were lit. There was no better time than now.
She pulled on an old pair of sweat pants and a baggy sweater. She dragged an old tattered suitcase from the closet and started packing. A sense of urgency came upon her as she shoved in the last shirt and closed the suitcase. She glanced around the room and her eyes stopped on a picture of her parents. They held each other, smiling. It was obviously taken at a happy moment. She picked up the picture and looked closer. Sadness and shame overwhelmed her. Holding it close, Chloe closed her eyes and prayed for forgiveness for the mistakes she had made in her life. Putting the picture in her purse, she picked up the suitcase and slipped through the door into the night.
She threw the old suitcase in the backseat of her beloved Toyota. The vehicle was on its last leg, but somehow it kept running. Chloe prayed it would take her far away from this town, and even further from all the pain. She needed a fresh start for her and her baby she vowed to protect.
She drove with her lights on low, praying no one would see her. Turning onto a back road she blew out a sigh of relief as the road lead her out of town. Time was of the essence. She had a small window of opportunity to put distance between Tony and her. Chloe didn't know what had possessed her to get involved with him. He had been quite a charmer in the beginning. Now thoughts of Tony brought only regret and fear. She shuddered at the thought of what he would do when he found her gone.
The night seemed to get blacker as she drove further out of town. Tension knotted her neck and her arms ached from gripping the steering wheel. Chloe forced out a deep breath and turned the radio to a soft rock station. She allowed herself to relax just a fraction after driving for hours into the night.
Miles passed. The sky turned from black to a gray with a tinge of pink in the horizon. Chloe's eyes grew heavy. She found a rest a
rea facing the ocean and pulled in. Locking her doors, she closed her eyes. Just a few minutes of sleep, then I will keep moving.
*****
The house was quiet when Tony slipped inside. He smirked in the dark. Chloe was so predictable—always in bed before he got home hoping to avoid him. He could see through her, but she was easily influenced and good to have around. He made his way to the kitchen to grab a beer. Twisting off the cap, he slipped into living room and sat down. His legs sprawled in front of him he lounged back in the easy chair.
Chloe had been young when he had found her. She was eager for love and he gave it to her. Well, maybe not the love she had been looking for, but he didn't care what she needed. He did feel sorry when he saw her tears but now he's bored and ready to move on, but can't. She overhead too many conversations and knew too much.
He sighed and placed the empty bottle on the table next to him, stood and started upstairs. Something had to be done with her. He slipped into the bathroom off the bedroom and turned on the light. Tony expected to see Chloe huddled on the edge of the bed. He did a double take when he realized the bed was empty.
What the hell. He flipped on the bedroom light. She had been there. The covers were tossed aside. He pulled open a bureau drawer. Her clothes were gone. His fists clenched at his sides as he raced downstairs.
He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and punched in a number.
"She's gone... I don't know where, just find her and fast..." He disconnected, picked up the empty beer bottle and flung it against the wall. The glass shattered into tiny pieces that sprayed across the hard wood floor. "Chloe, what have you done?"
Chapter Two
A rap on the window startled Chloe and she flew up. A uniformed officer stood smiling at her. She rolled down the window an inch.
"Miss, are you okay?"