Rumor Has It (29 page)

Marie narrowed her eyes at him. “You know, this probably isn't going to work. Why don't . . .”

“You want to go to jail or you want to follow the rules? I'm not one of these people who hang out at The EpiCentre and need your approval to get on a party's guest list. Helping these women is a serious matter; if you're not going to take it seriously, then you need to find someplace else to conduct your community service,” Devon said.

She folded her arms across her chest and glared at him. As angry as she wanted to be at Devon, she could not deny that he was sexy as hell. Those brown eyes would make her melt had they been meeting at a party or at the bar for another reason. The fact that he wasn't overly impressed with Marie Charles gave her a sensation that she'd never felt before. He was a chef, but he didn't have the body of a man who ate decadent food all day. He obviously spent a considerable amount of time in the gym.

“Miss Charles?” he asked, breaking into Marie's thoughts. “Are we clear?”

“Crystal,” she replied after clearing her throat. “What's the address of the shelter?”

Devon handed her a pamphlet about My Sister's Keeper. “Will you need a ride in the morning?”

“No,” she said. “I'll make sure I get there on time without having to walk.”

Devon nodded and Marie started down the sidewalk, mumbling about how Devon should watch his tone when talking to her. She glanced over her shoulder and watched as Devon zoomed from the curb in his red sports car. “He's not all of that,” she mumbled as she headed back to the bar to finish her drink and call a cab.

 

 

Devon shook his head as he got behind the wheel of his classic Mustang. Marie Charles had been everything he'd thought she'd be—arrogant, pig headed, and stuck up. But there was something he hadn't expected: She looked a lot better in person than she did on TV or in her mug shot. If he had to describe her skin, he'd say butterscotch smooth with chocolate-chip brown eyes. Though he wasn't sure if her silky shoulder length auburn hair wasn't a weave, it fit her perfectly. Especially the way her bangs skimmed her perfectly arched eyebrows. And that body, small waist, an onion booty, and curves that he'd be interested in riding if she wasn't such a wannabe diva in her own mind. So what that she was well known in Charlotte; didn't she realize that her little act only made her a big fish in a small pond? Maybe he should've told her not to come to the shelter at all and that she needed to find someplace else to do her community service. How would the women react to her? Moreover, was she going to bring that diva attitude with her? He could immediately see her clashing with Shay. And then there was Bria; she already had so much she was dealing with. Would Marie push her deeper into her shell?

Maybe Marie's bark is worse than her bite. Hopefully she will come in, do her work, and get along with the women. They could learn a lot from her, if she's willing to share,
he thought as he headed to his loft.
Hopefully, this won't be the disaster that I think it will be.

DAFINA BOOKS are published by

 

Kensington Publishing Corp.
119 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018

 

Copyright © 2015 by Cheris Hodges

 

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

 

If you purchased this book without a cover, you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the Publisher and neither the Author nor the Publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”

 

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ISBN: 978-1-6177-3379-6

First Kensington Mass Market Edition: May 2015

 

eISBN-13: 978-1-61773-380-2
eISBN-10: 1-61773-380-6
First Kensington Electronic Edition: May 2015