Starting from the moment I’d met Celeste, I ran down the order of events that had led me here. I didn’t go too much into detail about her having a boyfriend, but my mom wasn’t stupid. She saw right through me but chose not to speak on it. By the time we were done talking, an hour had gone by. I hadn’t heard any movement from the guest room, prompting me to check on Celeste. Opening the door softly, I saw her figure under the covers and light snores bounced off the walls. I was surprised sleep had come easy, but was happy she felt safe enough to close her eyes.
“Is she good?” my mother asked.
“Yeah, she’s asleep.”
“Good. Will the two of you be here for breakfast?”
“I think so. I don’t think she’s in a rush to leave. I’ll take her home after we eat,” I decided.
The circumstances were fucked up, but I loved having Celeste with me. It felt right, although I knew it wasn’t. She had a boyfriend who seemed to have a hold on her on top of a broken heart. I needed her free of both before I even considered pursuing her. I wouldn’t sit around and wait for her to leave, but I’d make it my business to be unforgettable.
CHAPTER 6
Celeste
The sound of Al Green’s “Love and Happiness”stirred me from my slumber. When my lids fluttered open, realization set in that it was a new day. Right now, all I wanted to do was wallow in self-pity. I didn’t know what I was thinking when I’d agreed to stay here last night, but going home was the last thing I wanted to do. For the second time, Allen had successfully publicly humiliated me. At this moment, I was more than grateful I didn’t have a phone. Bad news spread like wildfire and I was sure my name had been on thousands of people’s tongues over the last several hours. Seeing pictures of Allen and Serenity at the club turned me into a madwoman. Not because it confirmed my suspicions of him still cheating, but because he refused to let me go.
I never once thought Allen had stopped dealing with Serenity, but why did he go through great lengths to keep me around? It’d be more understanding if I were fighting for our relationship. The way I saw it, Allen could let me go and we’d all live happily ever after. Closing my eyes, I let out a frustrated sigh and sent up a quiet prayer for guidance. I was truly being tested and didn’t know what to do. Luxe Addiction had come tolife because of my hard work and dedication to see it through. With everything I was going through with Allen, I couldn’t help but think maybe this wasn’t what the Lord had in store for me. Luxe Addiction was mine, yet Allen was in control. Letting it go was heavy on my mind, but I couldn’t do that. Letting Allen have the building would open another can of worms I couldn’t even fathom right now. Reasons that ran deeper than money.
My mother came to mind, causing me to sit up from the bed and toss the comforter off. Most mornings, I called her to make sure her day started on a good note. I had no idea what time it was, but I needed to call her. If I didn’t, she’d get worried and call Allen. Standing from the bed, I stretched before walking into the ensuite bathroom. Last night, Miss Lynn gave me a new toothbrush and plenty of towels to hold me over. She was so kind. To my surprise, she didn’t ask any questions like I assumed. Instead of being irritated and having an attitude that a stranger was in her home at that time of morning, she had been welcoming and calm. The house felt peaceful from the moment I walked in, and if I could’ve slept the day away, I would have.
After handling my hygiene and cleaning up behind myself, I left the room. Shane stood at the kitchen island with a coffee mug in his large hand. The white tank top he wore allowed me to take in all of him. His wide muscles were defined even in his relaxed state and he wore a natural mean mug. The black durag on his head only enhanced his sexiness.
“Good morning,” I said lowly.
With the mug to his lips, Shane peered at me with so much intensity I had to look away. Every time I was in his presence, it felt like he’d stared into my soul. In reality, he was just trying to read me. I liked that he found me interesting and the feeling was mutual.
“Oh, good morning, sweetie. I’m sorry if I woke you up with all the noise. I’m an early bird,” Miss Lynn stated when she turned from the stove.
“No, it’s okay. I’m not a late sleeper myself. Thank you for letting me stay here last night. I really appreciate it.”
“Any friend of my son is welcome. I hope you eat pancakes.”
“Yes, ma’am. I do.”
“Please, Lynn or Momma Lynn is fine. Shane, set up the table for me.”
Doing as his mother asked, Shane set the mug down and dug around the cabinets.
“Come sit down,” Shane commanded.
His raspy voice caught me off guard, causing me to jump slightly. My heart thumped and the cool temperature had me pulling my arms together. It felt like I was walking on ice every time my feet hit the cold tile. Without speaking, I sat in the chair Shane hovered over and came face to face with a hot mug.
“You drink hot tea?” he asked, lowering his head to look at me.
“Yes.”
“My mom makes infused tea. Is that good with you?”
When I turned my head in Miss Lynn direction, she was already looking at me with a smile.
“Is that what you’re drinking?”
“Yes,” he answered.
“I’ll have a cup, please.”
My eyes stayed on Shane as he picked up the silver kettle from the back eye on the stove. After pouring a decent amount, he set the kettle back on the eye and moved toward the cabinet over the sink, grabbing honey. Moments later, Shane set the mug in front of me. I was just about to ask for a spoon when he placed one next to the mug.
