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Collin takes a napkin and places it over by her. Then, he takes a pen out of his jacket. “I have an idea to make this transition from friendship to lovers smoothly.” Olivia begins to laugh. “Lovers? You are too much.” “Well, we will become lovers one day. I’m confident of that.” “You are?” She asked, secretly admiring his display of confidence.“I don’t mean it the way you are taking it. Just listen to me for a second. We will jot down what we want out of a relationship from each other. And if our demands synchronize, then it’s a good sign we shouldn’t be reluctant to announce how we feel and that we should date one another and become a couple instead of just friends. “A couple already? I don’t know. This is kind of swift for me.”“Try and Indulge me first, and then we'll pick the right time for both of us.” He stated, winking at her.“Okay, I guess…” she replied, flattered.Collin ordered French toast with lightly fried ham, toast with butter and eggs over easy, and blended tropi
Olivia could feel his words so profoundly within her; Collin was the first man to caress her heart instead of her body. He persuaded her heart and soul in such a short period. She covered her face with her hands, thinking, I can't be falling in..?! Olivia closes her eyes even tighter before she utters the word love in her mind. No! She couldn't be! Olivia knew she had been doing everything in her power to avoid it. She leaned away, releasing hold of him, and said, “I'm sorry, I need to go to the ladies room.”"Sure, no problem," Collin said. She entered the restroom, looking at herself in the mirror. Olivia says in her trembling voice, “I'm so disappointed in myself! Everything I did all these years was in vain. I had kept myself busy, continually working, not taking any guy seriously. All I wanted was to have a good time, and how did I allow it to turn into this? I never let any male get close enough to me to gain feelings for them. I promised myself I wasn't going to get involved. T
Holland has lived at the lake house for the entire month, living a no-frills lifestyle. He is the only person he knows who lives alone without the internet, television, or modern conveniences—things he has taken for granted, as do most wealthy people. His mother hated the idea of him moving out of his home when Susie was only weeks away from giving birth to her first grandchild. She thought he should be by Susie's side, so she abrasively encouraged him to return home to support Susie and his baby.“Mom! I’m not coming back until certain conditions are met and clear! One, the baby has to be born. Two, the DNA test has to prove I’m 99.99% the father of that child!”“You are a grown man! You should know whether or not you slept with this girl! I didn’t raise you to be this way to deny your flesh and blood!” “Yes! You also raised me not to lie! And I’m telling you, Mom! For the hundredth time! I don’t remember sleeping with Susie to make her pregnant!”“You will regret your actions, Holl
“What do you mean, Holland, you can’t do it?”Holland's mother knows what he’s about to say. He wants Amanza as his wife again.“But what if this is your baby?” She interjects.“If this is my child, I want to be a father to the baby. “Holland! Then what do you mean you can’t do it!” His mother yelled at him. His mother was upset to see him back in the waiting room.“I can’t be in there with her. With Susie, mom! I don’t even know if I’m the father of that child! It doesn’t feel right.” “You are talking nonsense! You get back in there with your child, Holland!” “No, Mother! Only a DNA test can prove I’m the father, and that is my child! And that’s what I’m here to make sure of, that this child gets to know who is rightfully his or her father.”“How did you get to be so ridiculous and cruel?!” She said angrily, turning her back to Holland. His mother was so upset she began to cry. “Mom, you really want a grandchild desperately? Don’t you?” “Yes! I only had one baby, and that’s you.
Holland arrives at the hospital to pick up the results. But as he exits the elevator he’s approached. “Mr. Halston, can you come and assist us please?” A doctor approaches him.“Uhmm, what is it? I’m here to pick up some very important papers.” “Yes. I know I have the documents you need right here. But Ms. Hubbard isn’t doing well. We think she’s having a disassociation. She doesn’t remember being pregnant or having a baby.”“What? What is going on? Look, I need those papers. I don't have anything to do with this, Doctor.” “I understand, but you are the person she says is the father of her child. So please, sir, assist us so we can help her.”“Couldn’t you just give her a pill or something? I don’t want to get involved.” “I’m sorry you are involved. What if this is your baby?” The doctor says, holding onto the envelope. “You know that you will have to take this baby home if you are the father. Suppose she is incapable of doing so. We are trying to get her back to reality. So please
It was high-pressure, fast-paced, and exciting but stressful working for her dad. Yet, Amanza needed to stay busy. At the end of my work day, all she had the energy to do was come home, kick off my stilettos, and plop down on her comfy sofa. Amanza took her job very seriously. When her father made her boss she told him she was ready for any challenge. She fought tooth and nail against every competitor to make sure Diamond are forever Designed jewelry was up the ranks in Paris and other countries. In her short time here as president, she’d opened several successful stores within the UK. But lately, she has been craving a slower pace. Right now as the boss she needs a vacation or a break. After all the work she’s done, Amanza knows she’s earned one.But she’s been hesitating to select vacation time because her personal life is in limbo and things weren't simple or clear between her Holland. Amanza needed certain questions answered. Has Holland found out if Susie’s baby is his? Will th
Amanza's POVI hear a tap on my door. "Amanza, are you awake?"I awakened, realizing it was Holland's voice. I had forgotten that he rises at the crack of dawn.I searched the closet for my robe and pulled it over my silk nightie as I walked barefoot to the door."Good morning, Holland."He's standing there with a big smile and wearing a pair of satin gray pajama pants that left little to the imagination—looking good enough to eat. The last time I saw Holland without a shirt seemed like forever, but it was doing the storm when we shared that cabin. And the man looked even better! He looked more muscular. His dark, wavy hair is still damp from the shower. My eyes took in the profoundly tanned, well-muscled shoulders. My eyes made the mistake of traveling down his eight-pack stomach, following that trail of fine dark hairs that disappeared into the drawstring waist of his pajamas that hung on his hips. I had this overwhelming urge to untie the drawstring, pull them down, and take a peek.
"So please accept my sincere apology for all the pain I caused you.""I'm also truly sorry about bringing Susie into our life and marriage. I realize now she had no business there. I feel bad about that. I didn't want you to leave. I didn't think I would ever see you again. And then that storm happened, and it was the perfect storm. It brought us back together. I can't forget how my eyes were opened in so many ways."I felt a little embarrassed. I ate my light breakfast and ordered another glass of tea.Holland had eggs over easy and broiled salmon. Two men walked past our table and smiled at me.I saw the scowl on Holland's face, "Why are you frowning?""I don’t like when men check you out like I'm not sitting here. Granted, you are beautiful, and I would have difficulty keeping my eyes off you too.""In Mexico, you could care less if guys were staring at me. I don't recall that ever bothering you.""Well, today, it is getting under my skin. I have been this way, trust me. I can’t hel
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
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
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
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
"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
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
"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
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'
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