Chapter Eighteen — Romancing Secrets “I really want to be invited in,” Chase said, standing on Monica’s sidewalk, smiling down into her eyes. She saw his desires and understood it meant more to him if he didn’t receive her invitation. “I’ve not dated many men, Chase. The ones I have…

Arina’s glance noticed the slow opening of her bedroom door. She expected Merissa and saw Joseph. He stood in his golfing clothes, holding an expansive bouquet of fresh flowers. To his surprise, his wife appeared refreshed — no puffy eyes or dark circles masked her attractive face. …

Chapter Sixteen — Inclined The wedding was beautiful, yet Monica had a difficult time focusing on it. Chase’s kiss distracted her all night. And now sitting at the reception, she looked over at the bride and groom dancing. Chase extended his hand. “Dance with me.” He did not seem interested…

The wedding was beautiful. Monica had a difficult time focusing on it, however. Chase’s kiss distracted her all night. And now sitting at the reception, she looked over at the bride and groom dancing. Chase extended his hand. “Dance with me.” He did not seem interested in the new age…

Blinking, Monica sputtered, “You’re leaving me and going back to the city?” He laughed. “I’m not laughing, Chase,” she warned “Your hair is very pretty by the way. How’d they do that?” He motioned with a twirling gesture about his head. “How’d they get your hair to hold up so…

Chapter Eleven — Play Now, Pay Later After a 14-hour shift and six hours of sleeping, Monica rolled onto her back and wiggled her nose. Her head turned left guided by the smell of her favorite vanilla latte blend. She stopped drinking them for two reasons, but mainly she told…

Arina and Merissa walked into their Manhattan home greeted by their house manager, Mrs. Philemon. She was more of a grandmother to Merissa. The little girl ran into her loving arms. “Dear heart, I’m so glad you’re home.” “Me too,” she muffled against the lady’s belly. “Why didn’t you come…

Chapter Nine — Nothing More Honest Than Time She floated to work the next day. Chase had not run from her. His eyes, his kiss, his touch remained on her all night, into the morning, and into her afternoon shift at work. Monica eased into Merissa Frye’s room for a…

Chapter Eight — Our Choices, Our Mistakes The gray images in Monica’s mind chased her. The sound of her brother’s distant voice played in the background. She could hear him and searched through the distorted shapes. He asked, “Did you tell him?” She answered, “It’s too soon. …