Weekend Escapade

jxx~xÇw XávtÑtwx Copyright © April 2007, Sammie Ward Cover art by Mariya Krusheva © April 2007 Amira Press, LLC Baltimore, MD 21216 www.amirapress.com No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Amira Press.

I stuffed the copy of the final divorce decree in the top drawer of the dresser with extra force. After four years, my marriage to Earl Boykins was officially over. To be honest it was over as soon as we said ‘I do” The only good deed that came out of the resolution of the marriage, was that I reclaimed my maiden name. A successful financial consultant, I didn’t need or want monetary support from my ex. Closing the drawer, I took a deep breath. Like the drawer, that chapter of my life was closed. It was time to move on. Releasing a slow breath, I stole a glance in the mirror, and ran my fingers through my hair. It was a good thing I was on my way to a hair appointment, because I had new growth sprouting up like weeds. I’d been so busy with work, lately. I hadn’t been able to schedule my appointment. I was sure, I was going to hear it from my stylist, Ty James. I fluffed my hair, thinking of the new hairstyle, I would like to try. Maybe, Ty wouldn’t be so hard on me once he saw the new look, I was thinking of trying. He’d been after me for a while to wear my hair shorter, instead of my long flowing mane. I grabbed my keys and purse, and hurried outside. Once behind the wheel of my car, I was still a little edgy. Since leaving my parents house, six years ago, this was the first time I was on my own. When I arrived at New Waves Hair and Weave, Ty was still working on his previous appointment. His skilled fingers and mouth were running a mile a minute. He had a steady flow of clients. I was lucky to get booked into a cancelled slot. Ty’s eyes landed on me the moment, I came through the glass doors. He smiled from ear-to-ear and waved. “Take a seat. I’ll be with you in a minute,” he said in light, sensitive voice. Ten minutes later, I relaxed in the chair, listening to the soothing sound of jazz music, filtering through the hidden ceiling speakers. I allowed the warm steam to caress my face. The rich avocado mask opened my pores, and cool cucumber solution placed over my eyes attempted to alleviate the stress of my job as Administrative Assistant of the Department of Agriculture and the divorce. “No he didn’t,” Ty squealed in disbelief. “Let me get this straight, Earl told you, he committed adultery because you accused him of it.” “That’s what he said,” I chimed in. “You and I both know I accused him because he was cheating. Ty placed his hands on his thin hips, flashing me an animated stare. “He could have come up with a better excuse than that. Well, everything is final now, you don’t have to worry about that no good, cheating scoundrel.” “I know.” I said in a dry voice. Ty swirled me around in the chair to face him. “Are you all right?” “Yeah, I just feel like a failure.”

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Ty pointed the brush at me. “Oh no you don’t. I’m not going to let you blame yourself for that man’s infidelities. He cheated on you, remember?” “You’re right. You’re right.” I bobbed my head up and down in agreement. “One day you will meet the right man,” he arched an eyebrow. “If I were into women, I’d definitely go after you.” I had to laugh. He reached up, running his fingers through my hair. “Now what do you want me to do with this crop? It looks awful. New growth everywhere.” I frowned. “I’m thinking of a new style to go along with my new attitude.” I reached in my purse and showed him the picture that I cut out of a black hair magazine. I wanted my shoulder length hair, cut short like Halle Berry once wore. Ty studied the picture. “You sure about this?” “C’mon Ty. You have been trying to convince me to cut my hair for a while, and now you’re questioning my decision.” “I just want you to be sure,” he placed the photo on the mirror at his station. “Alright. Let’s get started. Are you still headed up to the cottage this weekend?” I didn’t respond. Ty swiveled the chair around, again “You are still going?” “I’m having second thoughts.” The first time I approached Ty about the use of the cottage, Earl and I had been separated for six months. Earl sweet talked me into giving the marriage another chance. We spent a romantic weekend at the cottage on a second honeymoon. Several months later, I discovered Earl was still playing around. I filed for divorce, this time without hesitation. I received the final decree in the mail a few weeks ago. When I first inquired about the use of the cottage, I was sure I could go back without Earl. Now I was not so sure. “I think you should go,” Ty scolded. I raised my eyebrows at his flamboyance. “It will help bring closure in your life. You need that right now.” He continued ignoring me. I knew he was right. Ty had been my stylist for almost two years. He was a good friend and confidante. I would always be thankful for everything he had done for me. “I guess you’re right.” I said. “It’s a big step in letting go. Moving on.”

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Ty twisted his face and pointed at me. “You know I’m right. You better get your butt up to that cottage this weekend.” Several hours later, “Ty stepped back, admiring his handiwork. “I have outdone myself,” he handed me the mirror. “Check out the new you.” I stared at the face, looking back at me. I looked different. Not only did I look younger than my thirty-three years but the cut also brought out my high cheekbone. The front was parted down the middle and fell in waves near the bottom of my ear lobes. “I really like this cut. It makes me look at least five years younger.” “Look, Miss Thing, you just remember you are thirty-three not twenty-five. Behave yourself.” He trimmed my edges in the back. I moved to the next station, getting my nails and toes painted in a brown sugar color. Several hours later, I arrived home. I was surprised to find that Earl had left a message on my machine. What did he want? I asked myself. Another chance? No way. With my new attitude, I wasn’t in the mood to hear it. I packed my suitcase, tossed it in the backseat of the car, and headed toward the interstate. As I drove, I had to admit, I was beginning to look forward to the weekend. It would give me a chance to put things in perspective, recharge myself, and move on with my life. The first thing, I did after I arrived was take a long, hot bath. I changed into a denim Sundress, with matching sandals. I curled up on the sofa with a romance novel, and let the quiet serenity of the moment surround me. A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I moved to the door and opened it. I wasn’t prepared for the good-looking brother, standing on the steps. I leaned back, catching my breath as I gazed at him. All I could think was that a man shouldn’t be allowed to look this good. He stared at me a moment, then stepped back as if to check the address on the cottage. “Is this 906 Skyler Lane?” he asked aloud, staring at me. “Yes it is.” I answered. He smiled. “I thought so. I’m supposed to be staying here this weekend, but I wasn’t aware that someone else would be here.” I stared into his eyes, and sputtered out. “It must have been some kind of mix-up.” I hadn’t been interested in a man since Earl. It was a decision; I was comfortable with until now! “Can I come in? I need to make a phone call. See what’s going on.”

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I stepped aside to let him pass. He made his way into the kitchen. I walked out onto the patio to give him privacy. The cottage was located on a secluded beach just south of Virginia Beach. If you wanted seclusion, this was the perfect place to get it. I stood, arms crossed over my chest. I took in the smell, sight, and sound of the beach. I was trying to calm the flow of emotions stirring inside me. I was fantasizing about ALL of the things; I would love to do to the handsome stranger. The wicked thoughts brought a smile to my face. “It is beautiful here,” the voice said, coming from the patio door. I turned to face him. He smiled. I returned his smile with my own. “Yes, it is.” “It seems the owner got the weekend mixed up. I wasn’t supposed to be here until next weekend. He wants us to see if we can work it out.” He strolled over, standing next to me, and placed his hands in his pockets. I studied his profile. He stood about six-one. He appeared to be around thirty-four or thirty-five. I didn’t get a chance to notice if he was wearing a wedding ring. My eyes continued to travel over his smooth black skin. His hair was cut low to his head. He was impeccably dressed in a blue designer shirt and black pants. The clothes accentuated his tall frame. “Would you like to stay?” “I don’t want to crowd your space.” “You’re not crowding me. You’re more than welcome to stay.” “Are you sure?” He asked. I nodded. “Positive.” “Thank you. I’m a man in need of a vacation. I’ve been looking forward to this weekend for a month. I just want to relax and unwind.” He raised an eyebrow. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” “No. Like you, I’m just here to relax.” Thoughts of the last time, I was here with Earl crept into my mind. I pushed them away. “Since we are going to be sharing a cottage together, I better introduce myself. I’m Evan Smith.” He extended a hand to me. “Shana Dobbs,” I placed my hand in his. I noticed his hand lingered a moment longer than necessary. I didn’t mind. I couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to be held in his arms, kiss him from head to toe, and make long, satisfying love to him. I looked up to find him watching me. As if he could read my thoughts, a slow smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. 4

As casual as I could manage, I suggested,” Let me show you to your room.” He nodded and fell in step with me. The smell of the Fahrenheit cologne, mixed with his male body scent washed over me. I quickened my steps, forcing him to fall back a step. As I walked in front of him, I could feel his eyes on me, watching my body through my dress. We passed through the living room; I noticed the novel on the floor. It must have fallen when I answered the door. I knelt down to pick it up. “I’ll get that.” He crouched down next to me. His fingers grazed mine. Nervously, I cleared my throat. “Thank you.” Our eyes locked. I got the feeling, he was aware there was something happening between us. I led Evan down the hall to a room across from mine. He looked across the room. It was huge enough to have a sitting room area, including a desk. He strolled over, and opened the sliding glass door that led out to the balcony, overlooking the beach. “Nice view,” he said, turning to face me. “I’m glad you like it. I’m going to get out of your way and let you get settled. As I turned to leave, I heard him ask. “Are you hungry?” “What?” “I’m famished. I wanted to know if you were hungry.” “I haven’t eaten. I can eat a little something.” “Great. I would like to treat you to dinner. I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer. It’s the least I can do for intruding on your weekend. “Do you like Chinese?” “I love Chinese.” “There’s a great little Chinese place not too far from here. They deliver, unless you would like to go out,” he added. I frowned. “I’m not in the mood to go out.” Thirty minutes later, the food arrived. Evan ordered Moo Goo Gai Pan with sliced white meat chicken, broccoli, and mushrooms in light sauce. I ordered Orange Chicken served in hot and spicy sauce. I found a bottle of wine in the rack, placed the food on plates, and carried it into the dining room. I found Evan looking through a wide selection of CD’s. “Do you mind if we listen to music while we eat?” 5

“Not at all. I hope you don’t mind.” I held up the bottle of wine. “I found wine in the rack.” “Nice touch.” Evan said. “What’s your favorite type of music?” He flipped through the CD’s. “Shaggy? Chuck Brown? Kem? Eric Benet?” He glanced at me for guidance. “What about Kenny G or Boney James?” “Kenny G.” I chimed in. “I love Jazz.” “So do I,” he slipped the CD in the player. The sound of music flooded the room. While we ate and sipped wine, the conversation flowed free and easy. Evan was easy to talk to. He wanted to know about me. I wanted to know about him especially if there was someone special in his life. I was doing well until he began to ask about what led up to my divorce. “Now you’re here for closure?” I nodded. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I’ve never been married.” He dipped his head and lowered his eyes. “I was close once. Two years ago, but our careers got in the way. She was just as driven as I am. I can’t fault her for that,” he breathed, a deep sigh. “Any way, she took a job in Japan. I became President of the Wings. A multi-million dollar computer software company and that was that.” We sat, talked, and laughed until two o’clock in the morning. I stretched and yawned. “I better turn in. I want to thank you for a memorable evening. I can’t remember the last time, I opened up like that. I really needed it.” He leaned forward. “I’m glad I could help. Anytime you want to talk. My door is always open.” “I’m going to hold you to that,” I said. “Please do.” He replied. Once inside my bedroom, I undressed, and walked into the shower. I turned on the water and adjusted the nozzle spray, allowing the cold water to cool down my racing hormones. It had been a long time since I was this attracted to a man. I was flirting with Evan. Usually, that wasn’t my style, but the way he was looking at me, giving me signals. I believe the feeling was mutual and I was more than willing to let him share my bed anytime he wanted. A few minutes later, I emerged from the bathroom to the sound of a light tap on the door. I opened it to find Evan standing there. “Evan,” I said, surprised to see him. He smiled.

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“I came to see if you,” he cleared his throat. “Still needed to talk.” “That’s a flimsy excuse, don’t you think?” He looked embarrassed, spreading his hands apart in a nervous gesture. “You’re right. We’re both adults. I shouldn’t have to make an excuse.” “No you don’t. I thought I read you wrong?” “How could you think that? I was attracted to you the first time I saw you. We just met. I didn’t know how you would feel about us getting together.” “I’m all for it,” I said, taking his hand in mine. I pulled him further into the room. I looked into his eyes. What I saw in them was desire. My own reflected the same burning rapture. The towel around me fell to the floor, and I stepped into his embrace, burying my face in his neck, I breathed a kiss there. Evan’s lips seared a path down my neck, my shoulders, then his lips found mine, forcing my lips open with his thrusting tongue. In unison with his thrusting tongue, his large finger found its way between my legs. I sighed as his finger began to explore the lining of my feminine lips. In harmony, he nipped at my mouth, fingering me, taking my desire to new heights. Sighs and moans filled the room. The heat from his hands set my body aflame. My breath came in a long, surrendering moan when my body began to vibrate with liquid. “Ohhhh,” I cooed. He picked me up and eased me down on the bed, his lips still pressed to mine. He held me close, fully aroused, and throbbing between my thighs. “I know you want more,” he whispered in my ear. “Yes, I do.” I agreed. He complied, undressing in record time. I lay panting, my chest heaving. He removed his shirt, followed by his pants. I couldn’t help it, my glance made a trip up and down his beautiful naked body. It was a stunning sight to see. Evan was watching me, watching him. “You still want me?” In response, I reached out to him, gasping as he lowered his body over mine. He entered me with short, teasing thrusts. I wrapped my legs around him, begging him to go deeper. Evan answered, taking each thrust deeper inside me. Each stroke was strong and précise. . . ecstasy. I whimpered, my fingernails raking across his back

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Skin to skin, body to body, we became one, rocking in each other, in exquisite harmony. I swayed with him, giving, taking, pulling, him deeper inside me. The scream at the back of my throat rang out around the room and we both collapsed. Afterward, I kept him locked in my embrace, memorizing every detail of our lovemaking. He’d loved me so completely, something I had been missing for months. Several hours later, a tremor of desire rushed through me. I snuggled close to Evan, running my hand up and down his chest. I didn’t realize he was awake. “What are you trying to get?” I beamed at him. “What do you think?” I asked, placing a hand between his legs, and squeezed. Evan grinned, pulling me on top of him. “I’ve created a monster. You’re not what I expected. I’m surprised.” “At what?” I asked. “I knew we would be good together but I never expected this. There is so much fire and passion inside of you.” “It’s the man,” I said proud of myself. I ran a finger along his strong jaw line. “I got exactly what I expected, then some, and I’m looking for more.” He reached up, cupping my breast. “If you enjoyed the first round, you’re going to love what we do for round two.” I braced myself with hands on each side of him, easing him inside me. I poured all of my passion into him, making sure I would be etched in his mind long after we separated. The next morning, I woke to find Evan had already left the bed. I slipped on a robe and made my way to the kitchen to find Evan at the stove. I allowed my gaze to slip over his lean, muscular physique. He was wearing only denim. The jeans hugged his nice bottom, emphasizing his legs, thighs, and the slimness of his hips. “Good morning,” he replied, turning to face me. His brown eyes took their time, traveling over me from head to toe. “You look radiant.” “Thanks to you,” I strolled over, giving him a kiss. “You don’t look so bad yourself.” I swatted him on the bottom. “Something smells good,” I inhaled the savory aroma from the smell of bacon and eggs. Evan and I went through several sessions of lovemaking last night. We attempted every position, we could think of, not getting much sleep, working up an appetite.

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“Do you need any help?” I walked behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist. He felt warm and solid. He swirled around, finding my lips again. “My Queen, the only thing I want you to do is sit down.” He led me by the elbow to the dining room table, pulling out a chair. “And enjoy your breakfast.” He placed a glass of orange juice in front of me. The last twenty-four hours were like a dream. If it was a dream, I didn’t want to wake up. “What are you smiling about?” he asked, setting a plate of omelet, sautéed vegetables, and bacon in front of me. He quickly prepared a plate, sitting across from me. “The food looks good.” I answered. “I don’t think it’s my cooking skills that put that smile on your face.” “How do you know?” I teased. “You haven’t tasted it yet.” Evan smiled. I couldn’t help being flattered, being the center of his attention, and in a romantic setting. Outside I could hear the sound of the waves, crashing against the shore. Whenever my glance met his, Evan was wearing a sly grin. As we sat and ate, I knew we shared the same thoughts. The setting felt as if we were just married and on our honeymoon. We finished breakfast, left the dishes in the sink and decided to take a morning stroll along the beach. I removed my sandals, allowing my toes to sink in the sand as we walked hand in hand. We strolled along in silence, but it wasn’t an awkward silence, it was one of peace and contentment. We stopped holding our shoes, and enjoyed the calmness of the waves. “It’s so peaceful here,” I said breaking the silence. “I was just thinking the same thing. I will come here more often,” he emphasized the word ‘will’. “You helped me to realize there’s more to life than deadlines and meetings.” He placed an arm around my waist. “Did I really now?” I asked in my best Irish imitation. I pushed him away. I dropped my sandals and made a mad dash down the beach. I ran along the water’s edge. I glanced back just in time to see Evan reaching out for me. I made a hundred and eighty-degree turn, running in the opposite direction. My sudden movement caused me to slip and fall. Evan fell on top of me. He straddled me, pinning me down. “Now, I’ve got you.” I couldn’t stop laughing. He cupped his hands full of water and held them high over me.

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“No. Don’t you dare? I’ll scream.” I warned. “Go ahead and scream. All you have to do is say we will see each other after the weekend.” I didn’t answer. Instead, I laughed harder. Evan’s response was to scoop more water. “Say it, Shana. Promise me that we will see each other again.” I began sputtering. “Okay.” “I’m very serious, Shana.” The expression on his face was serious. I stopped squirming. “Say it,” He urged, but then his voice softened,” After this weekend, we will see each other again.” I could only nod, looking at the smoldering heat in his eyes. The laughter had vanished and a new awareness rose between us. I watched as his head descended toward me. I closed my eyes as his lips caressed mine. He lifted my waist. I felt his hard desire, pressing against my warm box through the shorts that I was wearing. I groaned as his hands began sweeping back and forth, causing my nipples to become taut. His tongue slipped inside my lips. “Lets get inside,” he breathed in between kisses. “The last thing we need was to be arrested for indecent exposure.” Drugged by desire, I stood on wobbly knees. Speechless, I fell in step with Evan toward the cottage. My mind whispered a small warning. Regardless of what I promised, Evan would only be in my bed for the weekend--not beyond. My heart wasn’t ready for another relationship but my body was more than ready. Once inside we peeled off our clothes in record time. He swooped me up and we only made it to the sofa. He placed his tongue between my thighs, his tongue parted my feminine spot. I moaned aloud with an erotic pleasure as he feasted there. My toes curled. I was on the edge of oblivious, passion flowing through the soft core of my body, and I fell off as sweet liquid exploded in a downpour of fiery sensations. The muscles in my legs shuddered as the contraction slithered throughout my body. “I can’t get enough of you, Shana,” he said. With the quickness of a cat, he entered me. I gasped as I welcomed his, long, strong, thrust. He dipped deep enough to touch my womb. I could hear his uneven breathing as he tried to hold on. To pull him deeper inside, I arched my hips and matched him stroke for stroke. I could feel him expanding inside me. Then I felt his release, I felt myself building, and together we rode the wave to final ecstasy. I wanted to cry tears of joy and happiness. Everything I was feeling with Evan was blowing my mind. It was going to be difficult to walk away from a man, loving me the way I like to be loved.

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We spent the next two days together. Every moment was precious. When Sunday arrived, I looked back on the time with a fondness in my heart. As Evan packed, he tried to keep the conversation light. “I’m going to be in meetings all day tomorrow. Just getting back to work. I need to be filled in on what went on the past couple of days.” “I’m going to be quite busy myself the next couple of days,” I said. “This was the best weekend of my life,” he added. “Yes, it was. I hate to see it end,” I sauntered close to him, turning him around to face me. I stepped into his arms, pressing my lips to his. I was going to miss the feel of his lips on mine. “We still have several hours.” I reached around his back, raised his shirt, touching his warm skin. “One for the road.” Evan’s eyes lit up. “You are so bad,” His lips found mine again. “You read my mind.” I waited until Evan was in a deep sleep and crept out of bed. Turning on the bathroom light, I dressed and carried my bags out to the car. I settled behind the wheel, looked over at Evan’s bedroom window, wiping away the tears from my eyes. I threw the car in drive and drove out of the driveway and out of his life. “How was your weekend?” Ty asked one week later. “Things went fine.” I didn’t want to talk about it. I knew I would miss Evan, I just never knew how much. I hadn’t returned any of his calls. Although Ty was insightful, I doubted he would understand what happened between Evan and me. “My weekend was peaceful, very quiet.” I lied. He adjusted the black cape around my neck. “You just lay around doing nothing?” Something like that, I said to myself. I glanced up at Ty, and noticed the smirk on his face. I got the impression he knew something. How could he? I didn’t tell anyone about Evan. The weekend with Ty was what it was; just sex. “That’s exactly what I did.” I replied “Hmmmm. I know you did,” Ty leaned me back in the shampoo sink. Several hours later, I paid the receptionist and was on my way out of the door. The door chimed. I looked up and almost fainted. I blinked in surprise to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. There was Evan standing in front of me. He removed his shades and was the first to speak. 11

“Hello Shana.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Evan,” I finally said. He was looking better than ever, dressed in a two- piece denim outfit. His gaze traveled up and down my frame. “You look good. Looking healthy.” “So do you.” “Why did you leave in the middle of the night like that? Didn’t call me?” With his entrance, the chatter in the salon had fallen off. I looked around the salon; we were the center of attention. “Well,” he prompted. “This isn’t the place to talk about this,” I said through clenched teeth. Ty clapped his hands together, breaking the silence. “Come on people, get back to work. There’s nothing to see here.” He came and stood next to us, slapping Evan on the back. “Everything all right big brother?” My mouth gaped opened. “You’re brothers?” Ty winked at me, walking away, a huge smile on his face. A light bulb went off in my head; Ty set the weekend up with Evan. “Ty is my stepbrother. Don’t change the subject. Why did you leave like that?” “Evan there was nothing left to say.” “So you lied when you promised to see me again? Our weekend meant nothing.” When he put it that way, it made our weekend seem dirty. “We both knew what the weekend was all about.” Evan dipped his head. “What are you saying? You were only servicing me for the weekend?” I felt like the ground opened up and swallowed me whole. “Answer me, Shana.” Evan prompted. I folded my arms across my chest. “You know that’s not what happened.” He took me by the hand, leading me outside. “From the moment the door opened, I knew there was something between us.” He reached up, his soft, gentle hands touching me on the cheek.

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“I felt it too, Evan. I wanted to call you, see you again, but these feelings scare me.” “I’m scared too, Shana. Running away is not the answer.” “I just went through a divorce. I don’t know if I’m ready to get involved again.” “Let me put your fears to rest,” he placed a hand to his chest. “Give me a chance.” Evan was right. The past week has been awful. I missed him. I couldn’t get him out of my mind, my heart. “You’re right, baby,” I pressed a finger to his lips. “I have missed you.” He pulled me into his arms. “And I have missed you like crazy.” “I’m sorry,” My head fell to the comfort of his broad chest. “I’ll never leave like that again.” He tilted my chin up, looking me in the eyes. “You better not,” He pressed his lips to mine, kissing me passionately. The clearing of a throat interrupted the kiss. We glanced over to find Ty watching us, grinning from ear-to-ear. “Does this mean I can tell Mama to set another place for Sunday’s dinner?” “You bet it does,” Evan and I answered in unison. THE END

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TuÉâà à{x Tâà{ÉÜ Sammie Ward has published over thirty short stories to various confession magazines: Jive, Bronze Thrills, True Confessions, Black Secrets, and True Black Experience, to name a few. Many of her short stories have also appeared on numerous e-zines, (Timbooktu, Nubian Minz, The Writers' Block, and Nubian Chronicles). She is also the author of the novels, In The Name of Love, Love To Behold, Seven Days, It’s in the Rhythm, and Lace&Honor (to be released Oct 07). In June 2005, she was voted BEST NEW DRAMA &FICTION OF THE YEAR for her debut novel, In The Name of Love by the DLNA (Disilgold Literary National Association). In 2006 she earned a YOUnity Guild Award for : New Romance Author of the Year. The same year, she was recognized as a Literary Diva in Heather Covington’s best selling novel, Literary Diva: The Top 100+ African-American Women in Literature. The novel was nominated for a 2007 NAACP Image Award.