“Don’t tell me, you haven’t told him anything.” Athena leaned back in the chair and glared.
“I don’t want to lose Jaden.”
“Unless you prepare to commit, you will lose him. You’re doing all the right things to get you to the right place. Having a supportive, loving man at your side is a bonus.”
“My love life is a shambles. My relationship with my mother is a shambles.”
“Sounds like you need to get off the high horse and be among us little people.” Athena pulled out her compact and repaired the damage in Denise’s makeup. “I know Sara was the one to tell it to you like it is. And I’m willing to use it to knock some sense into you.” With one hand resting on her hip, she jabbed at the air between herself and Denise. The shoes looked as if they would fly and knock Denise in the forehead. Denise leaned back just in case. “Your mother has apologized. She has tried to make up for what she’s done wrong. I’m not saying you can’t be hurt, but you also can’t let it act like battery acid on your relationship. And Jaden sounds like the perfect man for you. I’m not sure anyone else can put up with your self-centered attitude. You said he’s got problems with his brother. I think that makes him qualified to handle your crazy behind.”
“My therapist doesn’t abuse me the way you do.” Denise’s face burned with humiliation and the truth that Athena had turned a spotlight on.
“I’m also not getting paid.”
It was as if a lightbulb had gone on in her head. Denise shot off the chair. “Do you think he left?”
“I would have. But I think one of those skeezers may have their hooks in him by now. There is a shortage of men at this party. Look for a big booty girl with a red hair weave. I think she’s the one he was dancing with.”
Denise left Athena and ran to the reception room. Some of the guests had left, while others clustered in small groups, chatting. No one was left on the dance floor.
She scanned the room looking for Jaden or Miss Red Hair. No sign of either. She headed for the door when a hand closed around her wrist and pulled her down.
“What the—” She landed in Jaden’s lap and spontaneously hugged him. In his embrace, she stayed there, grateful that he’d remained.
“Jaden Bond.” Denise snuggled against his cheek.
“Yes, Denise Dixon.”
“Will you be my soul mate?”
“Forever.”
“Will you love me?” She kissed the side of his sexy mouth.
“Forever.”
“No matter what issues I’ve got in my life—and I am working on them—I’d rather have you in my life than out of it.”
“I’m here for you, Denise, just as I know you’ll be there for me. Through whatever.”
She hugged him close. “You got that right.”
Epilogue
Denise ticked off the many events that required her presence. The last in the lineup of events was her parents’ wedding anniversary party. She’d taken time off from work and stayed hidden in her house. No one bothered her, sensing that she needed the retreat.
Tonight, under the bright lights of the event, it was her first venture out with the family. She didn’t feel any sense of dread. Her mother looked stunning, and her father had lost years off his appearance as he greeted the many guests.
More importantly, Jaden stood at her side.
“You’re looking fabulous,” he whispered. “Don’t worry.”
“Jaden, good to see you,” her mother said, kissing each on the cheek. “I’ve enjoyed chatting with you, Jaden. Take care of my daughter. She means everything to me.”
Jaden had insisted that he meet her parents again.
Denise walked up to her mother and hugged her, long and hard.
“You’ve got a great man. I’m proud of you.” She paused. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart,” her mother whispered in her ear.
Denise tried to talk, but the tears flowed. She still hadn’t released her mother, when her sister popped her head into view.
“Everyone’s staring. You’re going to have to go blubber somewhere else,” Thea interrupted.
Denise smiled. Yep, her sister would make a good socialite—and there was nothing wrong with that. Denise took a deep breath, cleansing the worry, fear and insecurity from her system. Jaden stood at her side, his strong hand clasped in hers. His love had the power to be a physical cloak that covered and protected her. Leaning against his body, she looked forward to being a wife to this man and a mother to their children.
“When can we blow this joint?” he whispered. “I want to make you holler tonight.”
“Behave,” she scolded, but the mischievous giggle that erupted said otherwise.
Slowly they eased out of the party and headed for the car.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-2302-2
GAMBLE ON LOVE
Copyright © 2008 by Michelle Monkou
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Gamble on Love Page 17