The Trouble with Luv'

The Trouble with Luv'
Pamela Yaye

He looked good enough to eat. And she was hungry!Successful businesswoman Ebony Garrett lives life on her terms. Outspoken, brash and confident, she likes what she sees in fine and dimpled Xavier Reed–and she lets him know it with a provocative sway of her hips and a dazzling smile. And when he turns her down cold, things really begin to heat up…Feisty, aggressive and Lord-have-mercy sensuous, Ebony is not what this high school guidance counselor needs. What happened to demure, classy women wanting marriage and families? But when a church function reveals Ebony's softer side, Xavier melts like butter–and is ready to risk the heat, even when some scandalous secrets spill out of Ebony's closet, putting his love and commitment to the test.

The Trouble With Luv’

Pamela Yaye

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Contents

Acknowledgment

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Epilogue

Acknowledgment

Being an author is a dream come true, a dream God placed in my heart and faithfully brought to pass. Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings on me!

To my husband, Jean-Claude: You make me laugh, you make me smile, and for the last six years, you have made me one very, very happy woman. I love you, papito!

Baby Aysiah: Thank you for taking two-hour naps and for sleeping through the night. You are my number-one girl, and mommy loves you very much.

Mom and Dad: Words can’t describe what you mean to me. You are everything I want and ever hope to be. Thank you for inspiring me, believing in me and encouraging me to pursue my dreams.

To the most beautiful woman I know: Bettey, you’re the best sister a girl could have. Intelligent, funny and caring, you continually show me what it means to be loved. Only God knows what I would do without you.

Kenny: You’re the best big brother a girl could have. Your ambition is admirable, and I know you are just steps away from even greater success.

To the lovely Sha-Shana Crichton: I never imagined I would find an agent I not only like and respect, but consider a friend. We are going to have a long and prosperous relationship because I’m never, ever letting you go!

To my editor, Mavis Allen: You are talented beyond measure, and working with you has helped me refine my skills. Thank you for your insight, your dedication to this project and your invaluable contributions.

Marsha and Delroy McCormack: God brought you guys into my life when I really needed a friend. Thank you for everything you’ve done. I never would have finished editing this book if it wasn’t for you!

Chapter 1

“Wake up, chile! I can’t believe the day is half done and you’re still lazing around in bed. Humph! It’s a wonder you ever get anything done keeping such peculiar hours.”

Ebony groaned. Cradling the phone under her chin, she forced her eyes open. She didn’t know what time it was, but she knew it was too early for this. Sunlight streamed through the partially opened window, warming the cold, dark room. Birds chattered and a light wind ruffled the lavender satin curtains.

Reluctant to leave the comfort of her bed, Ebony dragged the duvet cover over her face. I don’t want to get up now. I’m tired. I want to sleep in. Is that too much to ask?

It must have been, because the next thing she knew, aunt Mae was roaring in her ear. “Are you listening to me, chile? I said, ‘wake up!’”

Emerging from beneath the covers, Ebony peered at the alarm clock perched on the edge of the dresser. Blurry eyes prevented her from making out the numbers, 9…1…2. That can’t be right, she thought, groping around the nightstand for her wristwatch, aunt Mae said it was noon. The silver hands on her diamond Rolex confirmed the accurate time. “It’s only after nine,” she croaked, shaking her head in disbelief. “Aunt Mae, I’m—”

“Listen,” Mae ordered, cutting her off midsentence, “I’ll be dressed and ready to go at five, so don’t be late getting here. I’m part of the setup crew so it’s important I’m at church on time. People are depending on me, Ebony.”