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23. The Friend Zone?
Last Updated:
2025-01-03 01:18:54
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When 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 : 2025-01-04When Regret Isn't Enough 26. Drinks & Temptation
Olivia completely unraveled all her inhibitions from the inside out. His words made her assume he had to be talking about them having this drink together, or was he? But somehow, it felt more personal than just a nightcap.Collin then gave out these seductive and tantalizing instructions step by step."When you're ready, first take in the color, then inhale the smell, now part those sweet lips, and let the warm liquid slip inside and slide down your throat."Collin orders hers in a nonabrasive tone. It is challenging and sexy, something no woman can commit to. Olivia obeys, parting her lips. She lifts her glass, admiring its rich red color, swirls it under the dim lights, and handshakes the rich aroma."Mmm...It looks potent...I. I can't.""It can make you feel again, baby. Breathe it in, taste it, and let it blow your mind. Let it take you far, far away. It'll make you feel alright. You gotta crave it and taste it. Let me give you what you need; I can give you what you need; take my
Last Updated : 2025-01-05When Regret Isn't Enough 27. Irresistible Offer
"The hotel is about five blocks away, and looking at how congested the traffic is, I suggest we walk there?"He was right;—the traffic hadn't budged. The cars were in complete gridlock! They decided to walk to the hotel to escape the traffic and the cold. Olivia looked down at her red bottom pumps and began walking. She wrapped her coat tight around her body. Collin embraced her as they braved the frigid cold of snowy New York.When she entered the hotel door where she was staying, a long line had developed from the front desk clear to the hotel entrance. There were dozens of people, all frustrated, all tired, and all stranded.Collin got in a line that was barely moving. Olivia didn’t want to seem forward, nor had she considered spending the night with this man. Though it was very tempting, he was a friend of her best friend and brother-in-law. It all felt strange, in her opinion. Thank goodness the line started moving; Collin hoped to get a room for the night. Finally, it was his tu
Last Updated : 2025-01-05When Regret Isn't Enough 28. Smoking Mirrors & Flames
Holland stretched, turning over to hug his lady, but his bed was empty; "Amanza, baby, are you here?" No answer.She was gone. Holland wallowed in sadness because there was no one to give a sweet morning kiss to. He got up and wasted no time getting dressed. "She couldn't have gone far maybe I can find and catch her." But he couldn’t find her, not even a trace.He came back to the empty cabin, closing the door behind him, as he sat on the edge of the sofa. Holland groaned quietly. He just stared into space for a long moment. Disapproval filled his gaze as he slid his hands into the pockets of his dark slacks. "It wasn't cool for her to run away before we could discuss things." Holland’s deep voice filled with pronounced hurt. Well, it’s time to go home. Maybe it was best, I have a lot to get together back home. But I can't believe the very thing I didn't want to happen, it happened anyway." He thought smiling, it gave him a measure of hope.*******Manhattan:Susie felt her blood boi
Last Updated : 2025-01-06When Regret Isn't Enough 29. Blurred Lines
Collin felt exhausted as he stood there, not believing he was in this situation with Deja's friend, the woman he adores. “Look, I need to take a seat.”After taking his wallet from his back pocket and keys from his front pocket, he decided to get as comfortable as he could for the moment. Collin finally dropped his long frame to the chair by the bed, so weary he could no longer stand. He shoved his fingers through his hair, and with sleepy-lidded eyes, his silky hair fell toward his face. He looked pretty disturbingly sexy. “I need sleep more than anything else right now.”He propped one and then the other sockless foot on the mattress. He settled back, lightly linking his hands together low on his flat abs. Then he let out a long, shuddering sigh. She stared at more than five feet, almost six feet of raw power and testosterone, in disbelief. She stared more at him, but he didn't appear to care. "Thanks, I appreciate this, Olivia." "Oh, you're not sleeping yet?" With a deep breat
Last Updated : 2025-01-06When Regret Isn't Enough 30. Guilt Filled Bedroom
Olivia smiled, feeling her emotions swirl inside her. He seemed very, very nice. She tried to convince herself he was a pleasant man and that it was nice to meet a new person. 'I've talked to him, and he doesn't seem like a creep. Deja introduced him as her friend. He must be a respectable guy. ' Olivia began to feel guilty about having the king-size bed for herself. "Should I share this massive bed with him? No...well..." she thought, her guilt making her feel terrible. A few minutes later, he went into the bathroom to freshen up. She saw him pulling the two chairs together and stretching out. She pulled the bed covers up to her chest and pondered for about five minutes what to do as he tried to get comfortable in the two narrow chairs.“Collin.” Olivia softly called his name, sounding unsure of herself. “Yes.” He said quietly with his eyes closed as he was lying on his side on the chair. “I feel guilty about you sleeping on those hard chairs.” “Don't worry, I'll be fine.” Oliv
Last Updated : 2025-01-07When Regret Isn't Enough 31. The Storm
Good morning, Miss Olivia;I wanted to wake you and thank you in person for being the perfect roommate. But you slept so peacefully that I didn't want to disturb you. I had a wonderful time despite the inconvenient circumstances that brought us together. I want to thank you for all your kindness. It's still freezing, so wrap up warmly when you get ready to leave. Here's my phone number: (010) 213-7880. Give me a call as soon as you can. Please don't think I'm referring to the $200.00. I trust you already, remember. Collin Halston. Take care, and I hope to hear from you soon, maybe over a cup of coffee one day.******Collin reflects on what happened. When awake, he felt cold air fill the room. Daylight found its way through a slant in the drapes at the window. The line of daylight beams on my face caused me to begin to stir awake. "Something else was right on my face," he heard a soft voice say. “Why are you in my bed?” She asked breathlessly.“No...this is my bed,” I responded, n
Last Updated : 2025-01-07
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When Regret Isn't Enough 54. Getting Over It
Collin needed a drink! He couldn't believe Olivia hadn’t contacted him! You see, the night of the storm, he failed to get her phone number from her a month ago. She's the only other girl that made him feel something besides Deja. He’d thought long and hard about it, and Collin knew she was the one he could see himself starting a family with. That’s right. He wanted to have his own family to love and cherish. He knew it sounded strange, but that had been his secret thoughts. He’s headed to the club to meet his friend Tony Jones. "I called Tony and a few other guys. Tony said he couldn't wait to see me!"Tony Jones is the guy Collin made good friends with when he worked at Wright’s Jewelry. Collin was looking forward to seeing Tony. "Hey, baby, can we get some drinks over here?" he called out to the waitress, looking forward to a cold one. The rest of the guys arrived shortly after he had downed his first beer. Everyone was having a good time laughing and talking about the sights in
When Regret Isn't Enough 53. No More Pain
Collin’s PerspectiveA week had passed. Collin knew he needed time to purge himself emotionally from his firm and close connection to Deja Amanza Wright. He filed away all the memories of wishing, thinking, and dreaming about the girl he had wanted for so long but would never have by his side. Collin sadly mumbled. "It's done."He flexed his hands open, then closed them tight against his knees, trying to push back the tidal wave of tears he felt. Logically, he knew that this was what he had to do. The pain coursed through his body to his broken heart. He couldn't keep hoping that he had an opportunity when there was none. So now it’s time to do and see things differently. If I stay in the same place emotionally, I fear I will be stuck and never move past my devastating loss. And as much as he wanted to hold on to these memories, never to let a single one of them fade. He prayed out loud. “Oh! God forbid let these memories disappear completely before they drown me.”Each day at work
When Regret Isn't Enough 52. End Of A Dream
“And, if I can have a second chance to capture love again, I think it will all be worth it.” “I wish things would have turned out differently. It would make my life so much easier if it were.""It's okay, Collin. Love can be a complicated thing. But it doesn't have to be if you find the right person for you. I’m not the right girl for you. Love can't be explained or quantified; it is something you must experience, and when you do, you will know. I promise you will know." Collin nodded, “Okay…I get it; it doesn't have to be me. I’ll accept that; I will be your friend. But do I have to be your brother-in-law? Yuk!”“Don’t make me laugh.” “No, I'm serious. I don’t get why it has to be Holland. He’s been a jerk all my life.” “No matter how I try to explain it, I know you, Collin. You will never understand. So don’t wreck your brain trying to figure me out. You probably will never get it because you have never been in love or married.”“So, I’m not on your level.” “That’s right…I have
When Regret Isn't Enough 51. What Could Have Been
Tonight, Deja's heart broke as tears came to her eyes. She couldn’t face him or answer his question, so she turned her back to him. “Collin, don't ask me that.” “Please, Deja,” He said, taking hold of her shoulders from behind. “I’m trying all I can to appeal to your sense of reasoning. She hung her head, shaking it, saying no.Collin Halston had been a longtime friend of the Wright family since Deja entered college. They had met and became close. Having Collin in her life over time made her rethink a few things. Deja wasn’t sure how she felt about him associating with her dad. Clinton and her father took a liking to Collin almost immediately. As time passed, he became a mentor and took Collin under his wing. Occasionally, her father would ask her that question during her college days. If I loved Collin, it would have made me highly defensive.Deja thought, ‘Why did I get so defensive when I asked that question.’“Deja, why are you crying? Who are you worried about? If you want to
When Regret Isn't Enough 50. What Should I Do
Tonight, Deja's heart broke as tears came to her eyes. She couldn’t face him or answer his question, so she turned her back to him. “Collin, don't ask me that.” “Please, Deja,” He said, taking hold of her shoulders from behind. “I’m trying all I can to appeal to your sense of reasoning. She hung her head, shaking it, saying no.Collin Halston had been a longtime friend of the Wright family since Deja entered college. They had met and become close. Over time, Having Collin in her life made her rethink a few things. Deja wasn’t sure how she felt about him associating with her dad. Clinton and her father took a liking to Collin almost immediately. As time passed, he became a mentor and took Collin under his wing. Occasionally, during her college days, her father asked her that question. If I loved Collin, it made me highly defensive.Deja thought, ‘Why did I get so defensive when I asked that question.’“Deja, why are you crying? Who are you worried about? If you want to give us a chan
When Regret Isn't Enough 49. Don't Do Go Back
“Oh…Collin, my father had no right to ask you that.”“I never had the chance to tell you how I feel, but I should let you know now that I got angry about your meeting with Holland.”“Collin,” Amanza took a deep breath and considered her following words carefully. "Collin, you're a great guy, and I care about you. However, I don't see this developing into a relationship if that's what you're looking for from me."He stared at her blankly like he hadn't heard her. Did he hear what she said? "You don't see it going anywhere?" he asked quietly. "No, I don't, I'm sorry." If he were hurt, he wouldn't have shown it. There was no anger or pain in his eyes. “Have you forgotten? I was there for you to pick up the pieces last time.”Amanza rolled her eyes. “This is not about Olivia but me?” “Yes, I don’t want to see you hurt again, Deja.” Placing her hand gently on Collin’s masculine hand in a reassuring manner. “Look, I’m a big girl and can care for myself. I’ve learned a lot, and I don’
When Regret Isn't Enough 48. He Will Disappointed You
"I don't know about us getting back together...but I did not know how I felt about him and was angry. All I can say is we talked and covered a lot like two grown-ups, and I know how I feel about him...""I'm still not following," he said quietly. "Even though our relationship is in question, I knew I loved him at one time, and he loved me. We've been married for three years, and after being divorced for six months. In two nights, we still found an attraction between us and chemistry. That’s all I’m going to say, do you understand?" Collin nodded his head slowly, thinking about him and Olivia. "So, you're keeping your options open but not hoping you two get back together. Right?” "Exactly. I’m keeping my options open. If he’s not the right guy. I'll move on." He stared at the table for a moment. "Have you ever considered the possibility that you're just emotional right now after going through the storm and so much this year? And since Holland happened to be there, it’s not mistake
When Regret Isn't Enough 47. Think About Forgiving
"Hi, Deja." The masculine voice said with a hint of reservedness."Hey Collin, how are you?" “I’m okay.” “Thanks for inviting me out to dinner. I know this must be about Olivia, right?” She says, still staring at him strangely."Deja?" Collin calls her name.“Uhm, yes,” “What’s wrong? Why are you staring at me?”“O,h nothing."Ah, where are my manners?" Collin says, quickly standing to pull out a chair."Here, have a seat."Amanza takes a seat, still staring at him. She didn't know if Collin wanted to talk about anything serious with her or if he was just looking for a good time with his friend. But he wouldn't get anything from her that went on between her and Holland if that’s why he asked her for dinner."I ordered you a glass of red wine. Would you prefer white or something else?" "No red is fine. It's usually what I drink," Amanza says, still staring as she raises the glass to her lips. Collin sips his tequila, smiling nervously and showing a hint of curiosity about her behav
When Regret Isn't Enough 46. Heart Exposed
“Deja, I know me. I won’t tolerate no family being involved in my relationships. Girl, you know I’m outspoken. And if he’s anything like his brother, he could keep stepping. I won’t let anybody treat me like I’m less than them. No point intended.”“Trust me, I didn’t take it that way. And Holland was so different at the start of our marriage. But Collin doesn’t have the same issues that Holland has with the family. The family has disowned Collin, and Holland is the beloved older brother. I think they all mistreat Collin because of the dread of stepmother syndrome. I would put my head on a chopping block, and she’d be behind the wedge between Collin, his dad, and Holland. Holland still has his issues, but I think that can be improved with time.” “Wait a minute. Why do you feel that way? Have you been talking to Holland, missy?”Amanza smiles. “I know my ex. He is a made jerk, not a born one. I just have a hunch. Collin is a good guy, and he’s open-minded. Hey Olivia, he said for me to
