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17. I Need Your Attention
Last Updated:
2024-12-19 08:26:54
Uniquely YoursAuthor's question: Is revenge a good idea if you still love the person? I would love to hear what the readers feel.
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When Regret Isn't Enough 18. Unexpected Visit
Amanza busied herself mentally, physically, and emotionally preparing for this sit-down meeting/dinner with Holland Haltson. She had seen him face to face the night of the Gala, but that was on her turf. Tonight, they both agreed to leave their comfort zones and go to a neutral spot for this face-off. Her phone rang as she moved about, collecting her things. "Hi girl, what's up?"“Hey girl, guess where I am?”“Where?” Amanza paused what she was doing.“I’m in Albany, not too far from your office.”"What! Girl, you’re lying.” “Deja, would I lie to you? Girl, I’m here, and we are going out to party tonight. I'll be there shortly, you'll see. Bye.”“Livia! Wait!” She had hung up. "No, not more distractions."After talking to some of the staff members in the hallway, Collin quietly eased his way back into the conference room and sat on the corner of the table, watching this sensually beautiful woman. He’s had to use restraint for years and keep his passions dormant. But now that Deja i
Last Updated : 2024-12-20When Regret Isn't Enough 19. Get It Off Your Chest
Collin cleared his throat, giving her a flirtatious smile. “I hope you didn't take that question as an insult because it wasn’t. I only asked because you look very young; it’s the opposite for most females. They usually look much older than what they are.”“Thank you for the compliment. How old are you?” “I’m twenty-eight.” “So now that we have legalities established, what else would you like to know?” “It’s not a matter of wanting to know. I’m interested. If you are a friend of Amanza, then I feel we should be friends too, so tell me about you.”“What do you want to know? Let's see, I work at the museum as a tourist and scientific and history host.”“Wow! Are you one of those people who, all they do, is read and study?”“Yes and No..." She chuckled. "I like studying things I'm truly interested in.”“Can you see yourself interested in studying me?”Olivia smiled. He was pretty clever and oozing with charm. She was saved from replying to his question when the waitress brought their
Last Updated : 2024-12-21When Regret Isn't Enough 20. Who Are You
"From that moment on, whatever happened in that cafe in Cancun was a pretense. Right, Holland?" Amanza is now questioning him. Because after our honeymoon I didn't recognize you! You are sitting here questioning my identity! Who are you?""Who am I? You know me, and no...no, it wasn't a pretense.""What happened to the man I met in Cancun who awakened me to warm kisses, which began slow and searching, that turned more passionate and urging? Who were you for three years? Because you are not the man I fell in love with."Holland sat there, startled and shocked that she was bringing up something so intimate. He could see her eyes had become sad as she remembered a precious moment in her failed marriage. Holland hung his head, shaking it. He could no longer look into her eyes, which had begun to water."It all changed so suddenly after we married and when your grandfather passed. You and your family viewed me as a gold digger. That's when I knew love still evaded me…” "Cancun wasn't a pr
Last Updated : 2024-12-22When Regret Isn't Enough 21. A Baby Is On The Way
The snow had started falling earnestly. While Holland spoke with the owner, Amanza prepared to leave the restaurant. She wrapped her coat tight around her body and stood outside in the frigid cold, hoping to flag down a taxi, but there wasn’t one. Holland comes back to the table and sees that she’s gone. Then he goes outside to search. “What on earth does she think she’s doing?” He ran to the corner. “Hey!” Giving Amanza a comforting hug around her shoulder. Amanza was freezing. She fought not to sink into the warmth of his embrace.“Amanza, now don't take this the wrong way. But the owner just told me that a place up the road rents cottages.Are you jealous of how well I and your half-brother get along?” She said lightly, chuckling again. The sound of her laughter was beautiful to his ears. Amanza crossed her shapely legs, which made heat flush his body.“We could have gotten along that way, too. See, that’s what I’m saying. It isn’t fair, Amanza! He knows the real you, and I didn'
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Her driver picks up her call. "Ms. Deja, that's impossible. The weather is getting out of control, and it's not safe. I advise you to find a hotel near you, and I will call you once the storm is over.” Holland returns to the table and sees that she’s gone. "Where did she go!"He had one of the servers check the lady's room, and she wasn't there."It's no way she left."Then he steps outside. And see her standing at the end of the block. “What on earth does she think she’s doing?” He ran to the corner. “Hey! Amanza, girl, you are going to freeze out here!" She was extremely cold. Holland took and wrapped her up in his arms. She fought not to sink into the warmth of his embrace.“Amanza, now don't take this the wrong way. But the guy told me inside that a beautiful inn is up the road. We could probably stay there for the night."Let's get inside, and I'll call to see if there is still availability.”Shivering, Amanza says. “Holland, I don't know.""What other option do we have? I know I
Last Updated : 2025-01-02When Regret Isn't Enough 23. The Friend Zone?
In preparation for the storm, I was told it's already stocked with food."She met his gaze. "My first name is Deja. Amanza is my middle name.""Okay, can I still call you Amanza?""Yes. Sure."Then Holland walked ahead of her through the cottage and tried to turn on the lights, “I have some bad news." He chuckled, flicking the switch on and off."What is it?" Amanza clenched her hands, listening to all the strange sounds forming outside as the weather increasingly worsened."I know I'm a little tipsy, but I think we are fresh out of electricity.""Call the front desk and ask when the lights will return. Holland, if this place doesn't have electricity now, will they continue to have water?""Don't panic. I'll call the front desk."When he hung up the phone, he said, "Well, we are fresh out of electricity, and they only have cold water right now. It's understandable. Listen to that wind howl out there.""Oh, I hate this!" she said, rolling her eyes frustratedly. The frustration came fr
Last Updated : 2025-01-03When Regret Isn't Enough 24. Game Changer
It was Collin's natural to be attentive to a lady. It came naturally; unlike most men, he didn't do it to score or get a woman in bed. He simply enjoyed seeing a woman being treated how a lady is supposed to be treated. But it made him a perfect gentleman. He helped her remove her coat. Then, before she sat down, he pulled out the wingback chair from the small table so she could be comfortably seated. Collin did it all with a smile on his face. Olivia had to admit that previous boyfriends had never treated her so ladylike. Now she knew for sure it was time to end her time with jerks. Once he has ensured Olivia is comfortable, he unbuttons his blazer and sits, looking at his drink selection menu. His face is pleasing, and his mouth begins to water as he imagines some delicious drinks he has experienced here.Looking at him inquiringly, Olivia pleasantly continues their conversation by asking Collin, "So tell me, exactly what's a sexy nightcap? And what do you recommend I have to drink
Last Updated : 2025-01-04When Regret Isn't Enough 25. Surrendering To Temptation
Collin has the skills to make her slowly surrender. His gentleness broke through every barrier Olivia erected. The night he was experiencing was going more smoothly than expected. Fireworks were going off in the depths of his soul. He hates to admit it, but it happened when he first saw Olivia. But an inkling of guilt begins to surf within him. Collin tells himself it’s only natural to be attracted to someone attractive. Collin looks directly into Olivia's eyes, feeling genuinely taken by her. He says softly, “Besides, Deja would want me to show her friend a good time.” He tells himself this to ease his conscience.“You look deep in thought. Have we gone too far?”Collin let out the most genuine laugh, his head falling back at the directness he loved. “I see you have good perception.”She eased her leg free from his hold. “I should have known you were already spoken for. I don’t believe in taking another woman’s man. I’m not that kind of girl.”His heart tried to calm after her words
Last Updated : 2025-01-04
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When Regret Isn't Enough 94. The Phone Call
"I...I...I, please get up from there, Mr. Halston." Mr. Reid said as he came from around his desk to help Collin stand up straight as he saw the tears in his eyes. "I still want to talk to your parents, and only then can I feel comfortable giving you my approval." Collin says humbly, "Yes sir... I'll call them now."Collin knew this plot he and Olivia had devised was thickening. But it was too late to turn back, so they kept up the charade so that Olivia's parents would accept him. But there was no way Collin could call his birth father, Mr. Halston, whom he doesn't even speak to and who doesn't acknowledge him as his son. Indeed, it would all blow up in their faces if he did that. In this desperate moment, he could only call one person: Amanza's father, Clinton, who has always treated him like a son. Collin prayed that Mr. Clinton wouldn't blow his cover by telling Olivia's parents he was not his biological father. After Mr. Reid helped Collin stand up from bowing before him, he w
When Regret Isn't Enough 93. Please Give Me A Chance
Collin takes Olivia by the hands. "No! Never! What I'm saying, I was wrong. I've fallen in love with you.""I've fallen in love with you."Collin reached up, stroked a finger down her cheek, and lowered his head. He hovered close enough for their breath to mingle. Just as he was about to touch his mouth to hers, Evie and her husband walked up. "Olivia, sweetie, your big Sis. is about to leave for her honeymoon." Olivia and Collin quickly stood up, looking slightly embarrassed. "I think you two better put a hold on that. Marvin is still in the running for that hand in marriage." "Stop it, honey. Olivia, Daddy will straighten this out for you in the morning. And make sure to listen, okay? Listen with your heart, Olivia. Promise me." "I promise.""Don't rush into nothing. Marvin isn't perfect, but he understands you and your people.""Evie, I know that...but Collin understands more than you know." "Well, honey, I'm going.""Have a good time, you two." Olivia and Evie hug one another.
When Regret Isn't Enough 92. Pretending Not To Be Married
“Oh sure, have a seat.”Olivia was still somewhat shocked as he sat down next to her. He was precise, what she remembered, sincere looking and honest. Without all the arrogance, with that strikingly handsome face, so unlike many men, including Marvin Peck, who is attractive but overly confident and self-assured.They both went to try to speak at the same time. "You go first," Olivia says."In short, I want to apologize for the way I left things. That morning, when I left, I did intend to call you. But reality hit me, and I didn't know how to deal with everything." "What is everything? I asked you if you were in a serious relationship. And Collin, you told me no." "My parents and environment want me to follow all this culture and customs. It has us divided and confused about what we should and should not like and love. But I no longer want to be confused and caught up in those ideas and views. And I know, being with someone like you and you being with someone like me, it's not going
When Regret Isn't Enough 91. Let's Talk Son
The MC announces it's time for the reception to get underway. The light in the green room is dimmed into a very romantic setting. Everything was beautifully done, and the weather was perfect for a traditional Jamaican garden reception! The large green room that held about 300 guests smelled of good Jamaican food that even floated to the outside driveway. Collin saw the lights low as the music blared so loudly that his whole body vibrated with the beat. He smiles, looks around, and stays seated, watching Olivia's family and friends interact."Wow! The Jamaicans really know how to throw a party. And I never knew there were so many beautiful black women. This is amazing!" Collin thinks, smiling. The dance floor quickly fills up with guests ready to dance! Collin patiently waits for Olivia to return, but before she does. This attractive lady with a beautiful figure for her age, wearing a teal green fitted dress and a hat, approaches him and sits. It's Olivia's mother, she been full of
When Regret Isn't Enough 90. Who Is This Man
The Reid household was in a cheerful mood this afternoon. Fresh flowers were ushered inside by several florist trucks that just pulled into the long driveway. Today was an amazing and eventful day! One of the Reid girls was getting married this afternoon. Miss Reid is married to a wealthy Jamaican man who has been a long-time friend of the Reid family. According to custom, the oldest daughter should be married first. Now that the Reids have accomplished that, Mr. Reid is so happy he's about to get his eldest daughter married today, and now he can focus his attention on his next beautiful daughter.That would be fine if this daughter were certain she wanted to follow the traditions of marrying a Jamaican even though her first experience with a foreign man left her hurt and feeling used. She forced herself to put being in love again far from her mind. She still wasn't sure if the traditional route was what she wanted to take. Even though Jamaican parents aren't sticklers for arranged m
When Regret Isn't Enough 89. Meeting Olivia's Family
“Where do I start? This is hard. I didn't know how or when to break this news to you.”“What is it, Collin?” Amanza asked.“Amanza, me and Oliva got married.” “Really! Oh, Collin, I'm so happy!” She said, getting up and hugging him. “Why didn’t you bring Olivia with you?”“She’s on a business trip, and I have to pick her up a couple of hours from the airport today. But I thought we should talk alone, and I wanted to apologize for going off at your wedding.” “Thank you for apologizing. But I’m so happy for you two.” “Well, from the first time I met Olivia, I have been crushing on her. Besides, I didn't want to get caught sneaking around. So I thought it was best I say something to you especially. But I can't help myself. I love Olivia so much, and I miss her right now. “Ah, I’m so very happy.” “But I feel bad about ruining your wedding. But I don’t trust my brother, and I don’t want to see you hurt.”“I’m going to be fine, and it doesn't matter to me, as long as you and Olivia an
When Regret Isn't Enough 88. Why Collin?
Holland smiled at Amanza this evening, so happy that all that had happened was now behind them. “Baby, you sure are looking good this evening.” He stated, watching Amanza get dressed.Amanza POVI knew he had been standing there the whole time as I slipped my feet into my 5-inch pumps and fixed my pencil skirt and silk blouse before putting on my black fitted coat and matching hat. I smiled as Holland continued to eye me."Wow, you look beautiful, what's the occasion?" Holland's natural reaction was to hug me. But it wasn't just any kind of hug. Instead, I got a big bear hug that lifted me off my feet into his muscular arms."Where are you going? Should I let you go?""Yes...I'm going somewhere very important. I shall return, and then I will be all yours."I barely squeaked out the last few words before Holland set me down, planting a kiss on my lips that I had no time for but couldn't resist. That's when I heard a car horn honk outside. I looked up, shimming myself free from Holland
When Regret Isn't Enough 87. You Have A Right To Fight
Amanza PovOnce I was home. I let the phone ring for a solid minute. Then, when I got no answer, I immediately sent a text.Holland, I know you will see this text since you refused to answer my calls.But you will ignore it because you think I will understand your care for the weak and naive Susie.Soon, you'll learn that you are mistaken. Amanza Ended the Text.I promised myself I wasn't going to cry. Tears didn't help. They had never helped in the past, and they sure weren't going to help now.Nothing would help but get justice. But, like serrated blades, the memories of what has happened in such a public way. He has sliced into me and tore at me. Had I been so naive that Holland would never return to Susie? And how very wrong I'd been.Weary and broken, I lay in my bed, reflecting on all the pain that has filled my heart."God didn't create fools. Fools are something you let others make of you."I have to free myself from all the games and free myself from all the pain. I'm so tired
When Regret Isn't Enough 86. Shock and Awe
Amanza smiled and said. "Yes, I'm ready even though this day has been like a dream, dad. I don't know how to describe it."Amanza's father smiled and said. "Holland seems to have come to his senses; your mother and I are happy for the both of you."They continue to walk. Amanza felt this overwhelming nervousness and excitement come over her. It was a good thing her father held her arm tightly. Amanza didn't know Holland would go this far to prove his devotion and love for her. It wasn't expected. It just keeps getting better and better.All eyes were on her again. "Dad, thank you for everything you've done for me. I love you and mom dearly. I'm so happy you got to be a part of my wedding this time."Her father smiled back and said. "We're always here for you. I will always be with you like I am today. Ready to support you if you need me to. But I'm confident Holland will take good care of you. Look, we both are getting emotional."Amanza's father opened the door. He stepped out first a
