Page 57 of Kayla's List

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KAYLA

“Shelby,don’t think that you’re slick. I know you’re the one feeding Anderson all his information,” I say into the phone. I hear Shelby suck her teeth on the other end, and I laugh.

I’m not upset that she’s helping Anderson. She has always been rooting for us. Besides, if Shelby weren’t there to hear Bethany, I wouldn’t have known what really happened that night. Bethany is a piece of work, and because Anderson wouldn’t be with her, she decided to ruin his career.Vindictive cow.

I’m glad that Shelby’s company had cameras everywhere to help prove Bethany was lying. I’m also glad that both Anderson and Shelby have been keeping me in the loop. Even though I have limited my contact to text messages, I’ve been worried sick about him. I didn’t want to be a distraction for him, so I’ve been keeping a low profile, but I miss him like crazy.

“Kay, the poor guy was damned near crying at my feet to help him get you back. What was I supposed to do, drown in both of ya’lls tears? No, ma’am, I don’t think so,” Shelby responds, and all I can do is shake my head.

“We didn’t mean to burden you with our mess, Shell.” I genuinely mean that. I never meant to put Shelby in the middle of my crap.

“You could never be a burden, sweetie. I’m happy to help.” I can hear the smile in her voice, and it makes me smile. “Now, tell me what you’re wearing on your date.”

Once I got off the phone with Shelby, I started to get ready. The air had turned crisp, and I didn’t want to be cold. However, I didn’t want to wear anything bulky or unflattering. It’s amazing that I used to live in clothes like that.

I run my fingers through my newly flat-ironed hair and pick out something cute but warm to wear. The blue leather leggings and oversized off the shoulder white sweater is the perfect combination. I pair the outfit with gold and black block heeled combat boots. I look very edgy and the opposite of a school librarian. I shake my head because a lot has changed.

Speaking of changes, I’d had a confrontation once and for all with Warren. I didn’t understand why he kept harassing me to be with him. It turned out that his grandmother had left him an inheritance. However, the condition was that he was married or engaged to a woman he’d been in a relationship with for at least a year. I was just his way to his money. The will specifically saidwoman, so I’m pretty sure that his family already knows about his sexuality.

Warren finally broke down and told me when I threatened to go to HR about his harassment. He continued to plead with me for help, but I told him that I didn’t owe him anything, and if he stopped wasting time with me, he could find another woman to help him get his money. Warren wasn’t happy about it, but when I threatened to blast him on social media, he promised to leave me alone. I would never put his business out for the world to see, but at least it got him to go away.

A knock on the door brings me out of my thoughts but makes the butterflies dance in my stomach. The nervous anticipation is back like it’s our first date. I take a deep breath and open the door.

Anderson is standing there with a beautiful smile on his face. His chocolate brown hair is styled back out of his crystal blue eyes that are alight with the same excitement that I feel. The dark hair of his beard is trimmed so that I can see his plump pink lips, and my eyes can’t help but roam. Anderson is wearing dark blue jeans, combat boots, and a soft teal sweater that brings out the color of his eyes.

“Hey,” I finally manage to squeak out through a dry throat. His presence takes my breath away.

“I missed you so fucking much, doll face!” Anderson scoops me up and kisses me until my eyes roll back into my head. “Please, forgive me.”

“With a kiss like that, how could I not?” I breathe out, staring into his dreamy eyes.

“So, you forgive me?” He says with a grin.

“Well, I have a list of things you need to do for me to completely forgive you, but I’m sure we can work it out,” I respond with a smirk.

Anderson laughs as he pulls me into another earthshattering kiss.

EPILOGUE

Happy Birthday

One Year Later

KAYLA

“Istill can’t believe you brought me to Bora Bora,” I say, looking out at the crystal blue water.

The hotel that we’re staying in has these beautiful huts that are suspended over the water. The beach is right behind our hut, and we have an infinity pool right in front. It is heaven on Earth, and I never want to leave.

“We had to cross off those last few before you turned the big three-oh.” Anderson comes up behind me, wrapping his long arms around my body and pulling me back against his chest.

“It’s so beautiful, even with the clouds,” I say on a contented sigh. The weather forecasted rain, but it’s so beautiful here that nothing can spoil my mood… not even the rain.

“It will only rain for a bit, and even then, it will probably be light. I’m sure we can find something to do until the rain passes.” Anderson moves my braids to the side and nuzzles my neck. The tickling of his beard against my skin makes me giggle.

We stand gazing out at the ocean until I feel raindrops hit my bare shoulder. The rain is warm and light, so we don’t rush inside.