Naughty 2: My Way or the Highway Read Free Page A

that Scorpio had heard enough action, reached over to slam down the receiver. I quickly wrapped up my business and tried to get some rest before going to work.

Chapter 2
    Nokea
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    I had mega explaining to do. Daddy was so furious with me for not marrying Stephon that he wasn’t even speaking to me. Mama, on the other hand, understood what I was going through. She told me to take some time for myself and use the days I had set aside for my honeymoon to relax. Knowing how messed up I was, she told me she’d keep LJ until I got myself together.
    No doubt, I was so screwed up. The only person who was really happy about the whole thing was my best friend, Pat. She didn’t want me to be with Jaylin or Stephon. Right after I’d escaped from the church, she’d left a message on my voicemail and thanked me for not making the biggest mistake of my life.
    Still, I felt terrible for leaving Stephon at the altar. And I’d never forget the look on Jaylin’s face. I spent hours trying to make sense of the whole thing, and had gotten a room at the Ritz Carlton in Clayton just to clear my head. I’d been there since Saturday night; my mind was starting to feel at ease. But Jaylin wasn’t returning any of my calls. If I talked to Stephon first, I was afraid I’d say something I really didn’t mean. My true love, Jaylin, was the one who deserved an explanation of why I couldn’t marry him. Knowing him, though, he’d probably never want to speak to me again.
    After a long bubble bath at the Ritz, I went downstairs to have breakfast. When I finished, I went back to my room and held the phone in my hands. I called Jaylin at Schmidt’s Brokerage Firm, where he works as an investment broker. Expecting his secretary to answer, I was speechless when he did instead. I was silent.
    â€œJaylin Rogers,” he snapped again.
    â€œHi, it . . . It’s me, Nokea.” No response. “Jaylin, are you there?”
    â€œI can’t talk right now.”
    â€œOkay, then can we talk later? I’m at the Ritz in Clayton. Will you stop by after work?”
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œListen, if you’re not going to come just tell me. Please don’t have me waiting for you. We really need to talk.”
    â€œDamn, I said I’ll be there,” he snapped. “Gotta go.” He hung up. I hated this side of him, but I knew his attitude was because of me.
    I picked up the phone again and called my parents’ house to check on LJ. When Daddy heard my voice, he gave the phone to Mama. I couldn’t believe how he was treating me, like it was his life or something. But I also knew he just wanted the best for me.
    â€œHow’s LJ?” I asked Mama.
    â€œHe’s doing fine. Stop worrying so much, you know your baby is in good hands.”
    â€œI know, Mama. I just miss him, that’s all.”
    â€œI understand. Have you spoken to Jaylin yet?”
    â€œNo, but I plan to speak to him later.”
    â€œOkay. If you need me, I’m here.”
    There was a knock at the door so I hurried to end my call. “I know, Mama, and thanks. Give LJ a big kiss for me and I’ll see you soon.”
    We said good-bye, and when I opened the door, I was so glad to see Pat. She came in and we held each other tight. I couldn’t help crying on her shoulder. “I know, sweetie, I know exactly how you feel,” she said, comforting me.
    I wiped my tears and we walked over to the couch to take a seat. “Why don’t this bad dream just go away, Pat? Why is it just one thing after another?”
    â€œBecause, that’s just how life is. God never said it was going to be easy.”
    â€œI feel like I’m failing Him too. I can’t seem to get anything right. Tell me, where did I go so wrong? All I want is to be happy.”
    â€œNokea, I didn’t come here to give you one of my lectures. I’m here as your best friend and not a