“He’s not a stalker, Bree.”
“It just seems odd, that’s all. What are the chances of the two of you running into each other again? Makes one wonder.”
She didn’t mind Bree wondering, as long as it didn’t lead to her sister worrying about her. “It’s okay, Bree. Landon is a nice guy. I told you that about him months ago.” Monica had told Bree, Victoria and Kennedy all about Landon, and her hopes that he would return to St. Paul and invite her out.
“So, how’s our new roomie? Have you talked to him yet?” she asked, deciding to change the subject.
“Yes. We talked on the phone briefly yesterday. He’ll be moving in this weekend.”
“That soon?”
“Yes. I think he wants to get settled before the holidays. Rae’jean called yesterday to assure me that he was a good guy. I guess that means he’s not at all like his parents.”
“His parents?”
“Yes. Grady’s sister and her husband. Don’t you remember Rae’jean telling us about them? They, as well as the rest of the family, were against Grady marrying Rae’jean because they didn’t believe in interracial marriages.”
“Yes, but there were members of our own family who didn’t like it either. So, there were prejudices on both sides,” Monica said, remembering the cool reception Dusty had gotten when he’d come home from college with her one weekend. Taye and Michael had been fine with it, but Monica’s grandmother, Nanna Otha Mae, had almost had a cow. And when Monica and Dusty broke up, she talked about throwing a party.
“I know. People ought to be able to love whoever they want,” Sebrina said.
“I agree. And more people are understanding that. In fact, Rae’jean told us that Grady’s sister had even come around. A few years ago, she’d had a “Come to Jesus Moment” after that bout with breast cancer. And coupled with Grady’s threat to cut all ties with her if she didn’t change, well, I think she realized how close-minded she was being. Now she doesn’t look down her nose on anyone.”
“Well, I’m glad of that.” She stifled a yawn. “I think I better get some sleep,” Sebrina said. “Don’t forget, you are fifteen hours ahead of me. It might be three in the afternoon there, but it’s just turning midnight here. I’m glad I was off work tonight. Take care of yourself, Monica.”
“I will and don’t worry about me, Bree. I don’t intend to get involved with anyone. There’s plenty of time for that. I’m not even thinking of marriage until after I hit thirty.”
That had been her steadfast goal and her family knew it. She was happy for Kennedy and Victoria, but she was in no hurry to find a husband. Next year she intended to follow in Kelly’s footsteps by getting her PhD.
She wanted to teach journalism on a college level and her dream was to return home and apply for professorship at Clark Atlanta University. She had her life all mapped out. There was no time for a serious involvement with any man. All that mattered to her right now was her goal.
Sure, Kennedy and Victoria said her goals would change in a heartbeat if the right man came along. And maybe for them it had. But she didn’t see that for herself.
She ended the call with Sebrina, deciding to take a nap before dinner. She was definitely looking forward to seeing Landon again. The sexual chemistry between them was incredible. Whenever she looked at him, she could actually feel blood rushing through her veins. And when he smiled and showed those dimples, she had trouble catching her breath.
Could he be the one—the man who could change her thoughts about sex? Kennedy had told her that mature men were different than young, inexperienced ones. They’d been in the game long enough to know how to pleasure a woman in the bedroom. She hoped that would be the case. But what if the problem was with her? What if she was frigid? A casual hook-up with Landon Chestnut would dispel that notion once and for all.
Monica suddenly felt warm and tingly all over. She couldn’t wait for dinner.
CHAPTER FIVE
“HONESTLY, LAND, DOES IT matter who chipped in? We just want you to enjoy your birthday.”
“I appreciate it, although I’m sure you know that a singles’ cruise is not my thing, Zoe,” Landon said, as he moved around getting dressed. He was looking forward to his dinner date.
“How do you know when you’ve never been on one before? Just chill and have fun. I’m sure you’ll find someone nice to spend time with.”
He wouldn’t dare say anything about the woman he’d already found—and intended to get to know much better. If he was to mention it, Zoe would get all kinds of crazy ideas—including running a victory lap around her apartment complex—when it might be nothing more than an attraction that led...nowhere. Of course, there might also be some mind-blowing sex involved. He couldn’t dismiss that thought.
But then...being attracted to a woman wasn’t new to him. What he found so intriguing about Monica was the intensity of his attraction to her. That was why he wanted to find out if there was something going on between them. And why, from the first time he’d met her eight months ago, Monica Bennett had been totally unforgettable.
“I need to finish getting dressed for dinner, Zoe.”
“At least you’re getting out of your cabin. That’s a good sign.”
There was no need to tell her today was the first time he’d done so. “It’s a real nice ship.”
“It’s a new ship. This is its first voyage. Text pictures.”
“I’m not a picture-taker.”
“I want pictures, Land,” Zoe declared. “I’m sure one of the women on board will be glad to show you how your phone camera works.”
He rolled his eyes. “Bye, Zoe.”
“Bye.”
He could hear her laughter when he clicked off the phone. Landon checked his watch and saw he had ten minutes to spare before he crossed the hall and knocked on Monica’s door. Tonight was Captain’s Night, so he’d put on a suit. At least Zoe had made sure he had packed one.
Not wanting to pace, he moved to the balcony, slid open the door and stepped out. He looked out over the waves, wondering how he got here. There was just too much water to suit him. He was more of a land guy. His father loved the outdoors, and Landon couldn’t help thinking about the Chestnut family camping trips. To him, there was nothing better than living off the land and sleeping beneath the stars.
He glanced back at his watch, wondering why he was feeling nervous. Hell, it wasn’t like this was his first date. Although he hadn’t dated for two years after Simone’s death, when he’d started again, he’d been careful to be very selective—especially, when it came to bed partners. He had made sure his companions knew he wasn’t looking for a serious relationship. Luckily, he’d discovered there were many women out there with that same attitude. They weren’t looking for romance or a commitment, but just a way to work off stress with raw physical contact, the way he did. And so far, those kinds of relationships had worked for him.
Now, for reasons he couldn’t explain, he felt different. Until he’d met Monica, he’d had no thoughts of pursuing a woman. After all, he’d never met someone he’d consider to be more than a bed partner before.