LITMIR.BIZ

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All-American Air.”

      “How—when—”

      “While I was in L.A. waiting for my big break, I was taking flying lessons. I started, oh, about seven years ago. Then the big break never came. And here I am.”

      I’m impressed. Really impressed. But I say, “A pilot. See—you could have a girlfriend in every city in the country. That’s exactly why this has to end.”

      “I don’t have a girlfriend in every city in the country, but yeah, maybe I am a bit selfish like you said. But there’s a reason for that.”

      “I can guess what that is.”

      “Probably not.” He pauses. “I’m in love with you, lady.”

      He’s looking right into my eyes as he says the words, a steady gaze that doesn’t waver.

      I ask, “What did you say?” Can he be serious?

      “It doesn’t matter where I go, or where I’ve been. I always end up right back here with you. Why do you think that is?”

      “Because I’m an easy lay?”

      He chuckles, and the warmth of his laugh fills my body. “I’m easy, too. But only with you.”

      “Stop lying.”

      “I swear.” His lips capture mine in a gentle, earnest kiss. “Honestly, Lishelle, why do you think I keep coming back to you? Six years have passed at this point. I could easily have moved on. I’ve met other women, sure, but no one can compare to you. I know now that I’ll never be able to get you out of my heart.”

      Even though I don’t want it to, my heart starts to fill with hope. “You mean that?”

      “Hell, yeah. So why don’t we stop playing around and get back together.”

      “Get back togeth—”

      “Start dating again. But this time, knowing that we’re headed on the path till death do us part.”

      I eye Glenn cautiously. “I don’t understand.”

      “Are you listening to me? I’m telling you I love you. I’ve been in love with you the whole time we’ve been apart. And I’m ready, babe. Ready to make it work between us.”

      “Glenn.” I frame his face and arch my hips against him. “Oh, Glenn.” I kiss him deeply.

      He breaks the kiss and asks, “Should I take that as a yes?”

      “It took you long enough, you big jerk.”

      I can’t believe the words that have come out of my mouth. I can’t believe what’s just happened. And so easily. But Glenn’s warm smile makes me feel entirely comfortable. Makes me feel this is right. That it’s finally our time.

      “I know,” he says. “I’m sorry.”

      “You’re going to have to make it up to me,” I tell him. “Right now.”

      “Oh?”

      “Yeah.”

      “What did you have in mind?”

      I spread my legs and wrap them around his waist. “There’s only one punishment that’s fitting,” I tell him as his penis hardens against my stomach. “Do me, baby,” I whisper hotly in his ear. “Do me good.”

      Chapter Seven

       Claudia

      I feel as if I’m going through hell with the wedding plans, and honestly, Adam isn’t helping. Before, I thought his I’m-a-man-I’m-totally-clueless routine was kind of cute, but right now it’s just plain aggravating. There’s still so much to do, and I need a break from it.

      That’s why, as I approach the front door of Liaisons this Sunday morning, I feel a burst of happiness, knowing that I’m going to see my dearest friends.

      Only Annelise is seated at our booth when I walk into the restaurant just before one o’clock. Every Sunday afternoon, Annelise, Lishelle and I have brunch at this restaurant in Buckhead, which serves the best brunch in the city as far as I’m concerned. We’re so regular, the hostess saves our table for us.

      It’s a time for us to sit back, relax and catch up on each other’s week while enjoying great food. Even though we talk quite a bit during the week with each other, during our brunches we really get to let loose.

      “Hey,” I say in a singsong voice as I reach the table. An-nelise shoots to her feet, a wide smile on her face. She gives me a long hug.

      “How are you, hon?” she asks.

      “Ugh, stressed. This wedding’s killing me.”

      “I know the feeling. I’m stressed, too.”

      “Oh?” I slink into the booth’s soft leather. “Your wedding plans giving you grief?”

      “No.” She flashes a sugary smile. “But I’ve had a shitty week at work. Two customers canceled on me, and I was counting on that cash.”

      “Oh no.”

      “Lots to tell, but only after you get your first cup of coffee.”

      “I was thinking more like a mimosa today.”

      Annelise’s eyes light up. “Thank God. I didn’t want to be the only one.”

      She raises a hand to flag down the waitress, and moments later, Sierra, a petite Asian woman, comes to our table.

      “Hello, Claudia,” Sierra greets me. “How are you?”

      “I’m great,” I tell her. “You?”

      “Busy. Taking a summer course in physics.” She rolls her eyes. “What can I say?”

      Despite the fact that Sierra has worked here as a waitress for the past two years, she’s studying to be a doctor. I’m impressed. And a little envious. I’ve always wanted to go to med school. My father is a top neurosurgeon, and the profession fascinates me. But despite my schooling, I knew I’d never pursue a career. That’s the way it is for a self-respecting society woman like myself. The average woman today doesn’t understand that concept, that a woman in my position doesn’t actually work outside the home. She supports her husband in his aspirations, does volunteer work for worthy causes, raises children, works the society circles. One day soon, Adam will be in the political arena, and I’ll need to be by his side. He’ll need a full-time wife to support him.

      “Two mimosas,” Annelise is saying to the waitress when I tune back in to the conversation.

      “Lishelle’s not coming?” Sierra asks.

      “You’re right, make it three,” Annelise decides. “If she doesn’t show up anytime soon, I can always drink hers.” Annelise makes light of her statement with a smile, but I know she’s serious. Which means she really must have had a shitty week.

      “Help yourself to the buffet whenever you’re ready,” Sierra tells us. And then she’s off to deal with more customers.

      I glance at my watch. It’s now one-ten. “Have you heard from Lishelle?”

      Annelise shakes her head. “But I assume she’s coming. I mean, she’d call if she weren’t—right?”

      “Right. It’s just not like her. She’s usually the first one here.”

      “She’s probably stuck in traffic.”

      “Yeah, probably.” Sierra suddenly appears with a tray of drinks. “Wow, that was fast,” I tell her. Both Annelise and I sip our drinks, then Annelise looks up.

      “Speak of the devil…”

      I turn. There’s Lishelle, gliding toward the table.

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