Page 17 of Emani's Way

I tick my head to the side. I’m sure there’s a plausible explanation for her rambling, but all I heard was Anderson being her friend’s ex.As long as he’s not her ex, then I’m good.

“Oh-kay. I’ll text him and tell him to meet us down here. If we go upstairs, we might miss him.” I pull my phone out and text Anderson, and he quickly replies that he’ll be right down.

I let Emani know, and she nods but shifts her feet and wrings her hands. I know she tried to use Anderson as an excuse for us not to talk, but it’s obvious that some wires got crossed somewhere. And at this point, I’m like a dog with a bone. I will find out what the fuck happened because I refuse to let the incredible time we had together go.

When Anderson steps off the elevator, he looks a little confused at first. But when he sees Emani, his face breaks into a big smile. I frown and step closer even though I know they don’t have anything going on.

“There’s a place y’all can go to talk over here.” I lead them to a little bench that’s away from the crowded lobby.

Emani and Anderson have a seat, and I step away to give them some semblance of privacy. But best believe I’ll be ear hustling my ass off.

“Emani, it’s good to see you. I’m surprised to see you.” Anderson smiles wider, and I narrow my eyes.

“I know you are. It’s good to see you too. Shelby told me everything, and I know you and Kay are trying to work it out. But I just wanted to give you some insight on my friend.”

“Shelby’s been helping a lot with that. But I appreciate any help I can get,” Anderson replies.

I briefly wonder what went on between Anderson and Emani’s friend, but I have my own shit to work out with the woman that I finally found. Now, let’s see why she disappeared in the first place.

Chapter8

EMANI

I can’t believe my eyes! Maddox Reid standing in front of me was not on my list of things that were happening today. I resolved myself never to see his gorgeous face again. I had to convince myself that he was a f-boy, and I wanted nothing to do with him. Every day was a struggle not to fall into the sultry memory of our tryst.

It’s been weeks, and his blue eyes still haunt me. The phantom feel of his lips exploring my body. The thoughts of that night alone had me begging for forgiveness.

Now, I’m trying to get through this awkward conversation with Anderson as Maddox lurks in the background.

I came here today to talk to Anderson, but also Brady. I feel bad for how I told him to stay away from Shelby. I shouldn’t have been so ugly even though I meant what I said. If Brady has such a problem with how Shell operates, then he does need to leave her alone. But I still could’ve used more diplomacy when speaking to him.

“Thanks for coming all this way to speak to me, Emani. I do appreciate it. Kay finally agreed to see me again, so hopefully, we can get back on track.” Anderson’s face lights up when he talks about Kayla.

I hope to have that someday.As the thought crosses my mind, I steal a look over my shoulder. Maddox is staring directly at me. His gaze entrances me, and for a minute, I’m caught off guard by the intensity I see sparkling in his eyes.

I finished up my conversation with Anderson, and although I didn’t tell Kay I was coming here, I’m glad I got the chance to speak with him.

“Oh, is Brady around? I wanted to apologize to him about Vegas,” I say to Anderson as he stands to leave.

“He already left with his latest toy.” Anderson rolls his eyes. “I’ll relay the message. He has his head in his ass right now.” Anderson shrugs.

“Okay, I’m sure I’ll be seeing you.”

“I know you will, sweetheart.” Anderson winks as he saunters away.

“Watch that sweetheart shit, pretty boy,” Maddox growls. His thick country accent coming out.

Anderson simply chuckles and keeps walking.

The night Maddox and I spent together, that deep, sexy country drawl would slip out, and I swear the desire would gush right out of me.Whew, that man!

“Alright, you’ve stalled enough. You hungry?” Maddox’s question sounds right next to my ear.

I can’t help the gasp that slips through or the goosebumps that break out all over my body from his nearness.

“I could eat,” I reply, and Maddox nods as he takes my hand in his. He leads me back through the massive lobby and out the rotating door.

It’s such a coincidence that I even saw him here. It was a last minute decision to try to find Anderson and talk to him. I just so happened to be on fall break, and after talking to Shell, I wanted to help in my own way. I wanted to help Shelby, too, but I guess that will have to be another day.