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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, no
Last Updated : 2025-01-07
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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 Hollan
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 tire
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
When Regret Isn't Enough 85. Secrets
Secret desires are those things we deny ourselves, perhaps because we think it’s not something we should do because, in some kind of way, we feel it’s wrong. Or possibly bad because it just feels so good. Or could we feel it’s someone we didn't think we should be with because of their background or lifestyle? Olivia tried to abstain because she knew that once she had gone all the way, she would never find her way back. She shook her head. ‘Deja kept secrets from me, too, and she hasn’t told me out of her mouth that she wants to get back with her ex-husband, Holland. So why shouldn’t I keep a little secret of my own.’She was thrilled about her new life with Collin. But she grappled over how she was going to control her needs. Olivia realizes how much she desires this man in every way.‘I guess I will focus on the celebration of this wedding, where it all will come out at the ceremony. I would never do anything to take away from my best friend's happiness. So, I will continue to work
When Regret Isn't Enough 84. Inexplicably Married"
"I see you are still a little uptight. Relax, we didn't sin." She nodded rather than trusting herself to agree or speak because she was unprepared to interact with this good-looking flesh and blood of a man she assumed she had sex with and for sure he was her husband.Olivia sat down at the table across from him. "Tell me what you remember? Don't leave out anything."She said in a remarkably calm voice, breathtakingly beautiful even first thing in the morning. 'I knew I made a good choice.' He mutters."Okay, promise me you will remain calm like this?"He took her small hand, his thumb caressing the soft flesh over her knuckles. As he lowered his head, his lips replaced his thumb."Now, if you don't remain calm, dear, I’m not going to tell you anything, you got that?" She could feel him tighten his grip the instant he touched her, attempting to extract her fingers. His head came up slowly."Take a sip of your coffee first." Those sable eyes met and captured his pair of dark brown
When Regret Isn't Enough 83. Disturbing Pull Of Desire
Olivia's eyes popped open, startled out of a deep sleep, hearing her blaring alarm clock go off, blasting the words! "If you liked it, you shoulda put a ring on it!" It was Beyonce's song screaming in his ear. She closes her eyes and turns off the pink and black alarm clock on the night table beside the bed. But that’s when a body next to hers begins to stir. Collin opens his eyes, disturbed by the blaring alarm. He looked around the unfamiliar room as the song loudly repeated itself. He grabs his chest and lets out a deep sigh of relief once the music stops.Collin turns his head, and instead of seeing the other side of his empty bed. He sees a head full of long hair. With a soft pink sheet wrapped around her body. Collin thought he must be dreaming as he asked himself, "Is this the mother of my babies?" He quietly lifts her hair from her face. He lets out another sigh of relief once he sees it's Olivia. Collin goes to wipe the pebbles of sweat from his face and notices a wedding
When Regret Isn't Enough 82. Ready To Share His Love
"Yes, give me one second to pull up this song on my playlist." She stood there smiling, looking up at how handsome he was under the moonlight while listening to the water caress the shore. A song she never heard before came on; Collin took her around the waist and settled his hand at the small of her back as they began to sway slowly and softly to beat to the song called "Paris in the Rain."He sang the song in her ear as they were moving in sync with the beat. His lips caressed the tender parts of her earlobe, and his voice melted her body, leaving it like whipped butter. Closing her eyes, it felt as if she was floating away; it felt like a dream that she didn't ever want to end. Collin continues to sing, placing his lips ever closer to her ear singing, fondling her earlobe with his lips and making her soft release moans of ecstasy. The love sounds she made were more exhilarating than the thrills of fans screaming his name. He wanted to call out her name over and over. When he gaze
When Regret Isn't Enough 81. Be My Lady
Olivia honestly felt no pressure, just happiness, being and talking with Collin. She sat here tonight with him at candlelight dinner. There were sides of him that she simply loved. His cute, talkative way about him. And then there was this other side of him, this masculine, sultry, sexy young man sitting here with her, possessing a magnetic force that was making it difficult for her to resist him sexually.Even though, reluctantly, she was helping Holland have a surprise wedding for Deja, her best friend. She had her own decision she needed to make in regard to her and Collin. Since they spent time together, it was almost as if he could tell over time that she was surrendering without verbally saying it. Their conversation with him last night was quite intriguing."Yes, you know I'm not a traditional guy, nor am I average, so why live an average, ordinary life? Why waste time dating while at the same time being committed to only one person? That sounds like marriage to me. So why can'
When Regret Isn't Enough 80. The Invitation
Holland rolled over onto his back. "You mean we should get married again?" He chuckled. "Why baby, we are legally already husband and wife.""Yes, I know, but honestly, did you mean those vows when you said them to me?"The stress came over his face. His mind was in the thralls of making love for the first time in three years to his deliciously sexy wife, and now he's being stopped dead in his tracks! And he's a little bit shaken at her suggestion."You just said you would do anything to prove that you love me, and if you are sincere, I want to start over Holland. The first time was sudden, and it was a sham on your part. This time ,I want us to be seriously committed to one another and for everyone to know.""Is this everyone, meaning Susie Hubbard?""Especially her, Holland. You talked to her tonight and didn't mention anything to me. Other than what you thought I wanted to hear."He glanced at me. By the way, I held a frowning gaze with a healthy dose of curiosity and mistrust. Hol
