Read Online Love Me Now by Celeste O. Norfleet - Free Book Online Page B

confronted by him, to her dismay, she crumbled like a stale cookie. She intended to intimidate him; instead she kissed him. Granted, he kissed her first, but still, she willingly cooperated. What was wrong with her? What was she thinking? He’d obviously done it to confuse her, and it had worked.
    Always in control, always focused, she never let anyone get to her, not anymore. Losing control was a sign of weakness. She vowed she’d never do that again. In business, as in life, there were winners and losers. Her father had taught her that and she learned her lesson well.
    She’d come up against powerful men before. Each time she had successfully held her own. They tried to use and manipulate her, but instead she used them to get exactly what shewanted. But this time, with Trey, it was different. She’d been steamrolled.
    He was no ordinary opponent. But this wasn’t over. She needed to come up with a different approach if she intended to help her father. Realizing she’d been overwhelmed, she contemplated her next move.
    Moments later she pulled into the brand-new community. New homes sparkled and shone like polished diamonds. Mostly flat and surrounded by miniature trees, the community boasted upscale living for anyone who could afford it.
    The newly developed area was very different from the old stately townhomes she had just left. She pulled up in front of her parents’ home. As lovely as it was, it lacked the impressive stature of Trey Evans’s house, but she was grateful for that.
    She looked up at the imposing structure. The newly purchased home in Arlington certainly wasn’t where she grew up. Sometimes she missed the small tree-lined street and close-knit neighborhood. There, everyone was a family. When one was in need, everyone pitched in to help. Here, at this new place, no one knew who their neighbors were and, shamefully, no one really cared.
    Her parents had sold the smaller home and moved into a more impressive one, which was more suitable to their newfound wealth. Kenya smiled. The words newfound wealth stuck in her mind. At the moment, it was all an illusion, the money, the design boutique, her dreams, everything.
    She opened the front door and went inside. “Hello,” she called out. “Sidney?” There was no answer. Apparently her sister was out, which was fine with her. She needed a few minutes alone with peace and quiet. She dropped her things on the living room sofa, and then headed for the kitchen. The closer she got, the more intense the smell seemed. It was afoul stench, like something was burning. In the kitchen she looked around then spotted the source. The coffee machine had been left on. She turned it off and yanked the cord. A spark made her jump.
    â€œSidney,” she called out in vain. She grabbed the handle but flinched, releasing it instantly. It was scalding. The electric base was charred black. She picked up a dish towel, grabbed the pot handle again and then hurried over to the sink. Black residue from what was once coffee was chipped and charred on the bottom of the pot. She turned on the water to cool it, but instead it made a popping sound then instantly shattered. “Sidney,” she said, seething quietly.
    â€œWhat?”
    Kenya turned around to see her sister standing in the doorway in a T-shirt, baggy boxers and slippers, yawning. “Sidney, I almost burned my hand. You left the coffeepot on again.”
    â€œWould you please chill out,” she mumbled sleepily.
    â€œOne of these days you’re gonna burn the house down around you. Then what are you gonna do? Believe it or not, the simple everyday chores, such as turning a coffee machine off, are just as important as partying all night,” Kenya said, and then began cleaning up the mess in the sink by gathering broken glass with a dishtowel.
    â€œFor your information, I was up late last night studying, not partying. As usual, you don’t know all the facts