Lovin' Blue Read Free

I understand, baby girl. Things happen when I get too close to a woman, and even in that raggedy T-shirt and jeans, I can see that Mike’s little sis is definitely all grown up!”
    Eden hoisted the suitcase onto the first step and then the second. By the fourth step, her strength was drained. Why didn’t I think to just get out what I needed and leave the datgum case downstairs? Now Eden felt she’d put herself in the position to prove that she could indeed carry the suitcase up the entire flight. She took a deep breath, grabbed the handle . . . and suddenly felt the weight of nothingness as Jansen took the case from her and effortlessly mounted the stairs.
    Eden raised her head to deliver a sarcastic comment but just as quickly lowered it. The towel around Jansen’s waist was a short one that perfectly outlined his round, hard buns. Two more steps, and Eden knew there was a good chance that she’d be able to see the package Jansen was working with. And even though they would be under the same roof for only one night . . . Eden knew life would be easier if she didn’t know.

3

    After a long, revitalizing shower, Eden realized she was hungry. She’d spent the night in Phoenix and then delayed her journey to spend the morning with her mother. Eden had pushed herself the last three hundred and fifty miles into Los Angeles—across the Arizona desert blazing with August heat, into the cooler, greener California, and finally into the burgeoning City of Angels. All the way up the 10 freeway, she’d tried to reach her brother and had promised her mother that she’d call as soon as she reached his house and found out what was going on.
    Eden used the towel to squeeze excess water from her hair and then combed it back and put it in a ponytail. She donned her favorite lounging outfit—black yoga wear. The pants were formfitting yet comfortable, both they and the oversize top made of soft, organic cotton. After uncovering the house shoes that were at the bottom of her luggage, she plopped on the futon she’d made up with fresh, clean sheets in the weight room and reached for her phone.
    Even though it was close to midnight, Phyllis Anderson answered on the first ring. “Hello?”
    â€œMom, it’s me.”
    â€œHey, baby. You in Los Angeles?”
    â€œYes, I finally made it.”
    â€œYou’re just now getting there?”
    â€œNo, I got here about an hour ago.”
    â€œAnd you’re just now calling? Where’s your brother? It’s not like I can catch him half the time either, but still, I’m worried sick.”
    â€œMichael’s fine, Mom. He’s out of town.”
    â€œWhat’s that got to do with why he’s not answering his cell?”
    â€œHe’s in London. Promoting some new, hot band. Guess he’s late on getting one of those international calling plans,” Eden uttered amid a yawn.
    â€œBut you got into his house okay. You had a key, right?”
    â€œUh, yeah, I got in. And almost got shot in the process.”
    â€œWhat?” Phyllis sat straight up in bed, the Essence magazine she was reading falling on the floor.
    â€œJansen’s here. Thought I was a burglar.”
    â€œJansen McKnight?”
    â€œWho else.” Eden explained why Jansen was in Michael’s house.
    â€œKathryn told me he was thinking about moving back after the divorce. But I didn’t know he was already back there.”
    Jansen’s divorced? Eden looked up to make sure her door was closed. Even so, she lowered her voice. “How did I miss that news flash? Jansen isn’t with his wife anymore?”
    â€œChild, please. You’ve been so busy it’s hard for you to remember your own name, much less what someone tells you. I told you three or four years ago that he and his wife were having problems. Come to think of it, though, that was when you were in the throes of the Obama campaign. That part of