Page 6 of One Good Reason

“He’s harmless. I’m sure this is hard for him,” Marsha breathed out before strolling away.

Following behind her, I probed, “Hard for him how?”

“This job used to belong to his ex. We don’t know what happened between the two of them. All we know is he walked in one day and told us she resigned. Before then, we hardly ever saw him here and now, he makes it a point to stop by a few times a week.”

“Maybe her leaving is a good thing. Especially if it’s his company, and he was hardly here.”

Lifting a single shoulder, she shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not. I’m going to put your resume on the top of his stack.”

“Thank you, Marsha,” I sighed. “I would really love the opportunity to work here. I think what you guys are doing is great for not only the kids but the neighborhood. Lord knows we could use more doctors and lawyers and not Kia boys or the water boys.”

My saying that garnered a hearty laugh from Marsha. “Our kids are something else. Don’t get me wrong, they’re not perfect. We do have a few bad apples, but we strive to make a difference in each soul that walks through those doors.”

“Working at Youth Villageshas me realizing we can’t save them all. I’ve never given up on a child and I don’t plan to start now. If I can make any little difference in their life, then I’ve done my job.”

“And that right there is why I feel like you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Give me until the end of business Friday. Whether we move forward or not, you’ll hear from me.”

Tipping my head, I smiled with my eyes. “Thank you again.”

“You’re welcome.”

After grabbing my things out of the conference room, I walked out of the building with my head held high. I was confident walking into the interview, but walking out, I had a different air around me. I had this thing in the bag and now all I had to do was wait for my official offer. Now that I had nailed my interview, the only thing on my heart was getting back home so I could take Gema out to dinner. I wanted to celebrate my new potential position with the number one lady in my life.

CHAPTER 1

Lawton

Snatching the cover down from my waist, I stood from the bed and stretched. The mattress in my condo didn’t hold a candle to the one at my estate. Making a mental note to order a new one, I walked toward the en-suite bathroom so I could handle my hygiene and get my day started. I had a few meetings lined up this afternoon, but a more pressing matter would have me shooting out of town before the sun could fully rise. After relieving my bladder, I started the shower and shed the silk pajama bottoms.

Fully engrossed in my thoughts, I stood under the streaming water and let it roll down my aching body. Six months ago, my life had been flipped upside down, and for the first few weeks I allowed myself to mourn my failed relationship. Adele, my businesses, and my slew of friends had been my solitude. Even with having all those things to occupy my idle time, I still had this feeling of regret.

My regret wasn’t enough for me to completely disrupt Dahlia’s peace; therefore, I buried my ill feelings and went about my day. At night was when I felt the loneliest, leaving me to seek comfort in a few women. The fear of history repeating itself kept me from keeping them around for longer than three to fourweeks. Once the time came, I swiftly ended things and moved on without a care in the world.

Anytime I entertained company, I did so at my downtown condo that was central to my office. I couldn’t run the risk of inviting someone to my house. The stunt that Dahlia pulled had cost me a grip to fix. I refused to go through that shit again. My condo was hardly furnished so I didn’t mind it getting fucked up along the way. Laughing at the thought, I shook my head and decided to wash up so I could get a move on.

The waft of cool air blowing through the shower had me turning my head toward the door.

“Want some company?” my latest conquest, Mia, asked, leaning against the shower door in the nude.

“No need. I’m getting ready to get out.”

Shutting off the water, I snatched my towel off the rack and secured it around my waist. Bypassing her, I stepped out of the shower and into my slippers.

“Why didn’t you wake me?”

“It’s still dark out. I didn’t want to interrupt your”

“Any time spent with you is an interruption I welcome. Besides, the fire blazing between my thighs is begging to be put out,” Mia flirted.

“I appreciate the offer, love. However, I’ve got moves to make,” I informed as I leaned to place a kiss on the side of her neck.

Moving through the room with her trailing behind me, I grabbed boxers and a t-shirt out of the drawer. Mia sat at the foot of the bed and watched while I dropped the towel and stepped into the boxers.

“When will you be back?”

“Later. I have a few meetings then I need to stop by the youth center to see how it’s going.”

“Will I see you later?” She waited with bated breath for me to answer.

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