She nodded. “Yeah, uh-right.” Haven was hesitant. “Ellis . . . I’ve said this a few times tonight but thanks for everything. I’ll call as soon as I get home.” They’d known each other for barely twenty-four hours, he still got on her last nerve, but if she were honest, in that short amount of time, she’d been able to depend on him more than Dylan.
“Good.”
Haven got in the car, pressed a button, and the engine started right up. It purred like a kitten.
Ellis watched as she drove off and wondered what the hell was that zing in the pit of his stomach when her body pressed into his. It was something he’d never experienced. He was thankful for two things: one, she had a man; and two, but most important, Haven was his grandmother’s friend and thus completely off-limits. Otherwise, she would have been a great distraction while visiting.
Chapter 6
It was after nine p.m. when Haven finally arrived at their apartment, and Dylan still wasn’t home. She was dog tired but giddy about the car. It drove like a dream. Before she got buried underneath homework, she decided to call Ellis and then take a quick shower.
Haven didn’t have his cell number, so she called the house phone. She hoped it didn’t wake up Ms. McKenna. If Ellis didn’t pick up on the second ring, she was going to hang up.
He answered. “Why are you calling me on this phone?”
“How’d you know it was me? Never mind. I never got your cell number. I’m home.”
“Good. Glad you made it.”
“Thanks again for the car.”
“Don’t get used to it. It’s a lease.”
“I know but still.”
“Yeah. Well, don’t go thinking I’m a nice guy and all of that.”
Haven laughed. “Believe me. You are in no danger of that. I just wanted to call and say thanks again . . . for everything.”
“You’re welcome. Goodnight.” The line went dead.
Inwardly, Haven smiled. The shower was calling her name. Maybe Dylan would be home by the time she got out. She hoped anyway.
As time crept along, her nerves continued to get more and more frayed. Her mind wouldn’t shut off, and she couldn’t keep her thoughts at bay. Was Dylan really at work? Maybe, when she got out of the shower, she should put on some clothes and just drive by his office to check? Almost as quickly as she thought about it, she decided against it. No. You’ve got to trust him.
Dylan promised he would never cheat on her again if she took him back. Haven had to believe him for their relationship to work. She couldn’t get suspicious every time he was late or didn’t answer her phone calls. Without trust, their relationship would have no chance. That’s what she kept telling herself.
Haven closed her eyes, threw her head back, and sighed. She wondered how long before things got back to normal again? It had already been six months, and the pain was just as raw as when she first found out he was cheating.
The usually therapeutic shower wasn’t helping to calm her nerves. Haven turned off the water, stepped out, and walked into their bedroom wrapped only in a towel. The most natural thing for her to do was to pull out a comfortable pair of pajama bottoms and a fitted tank. However, Ms. McKenna was right. She needed to do something to change the dynamic of her and Dylan’s relationship. The current state of their relationship just wasn’t what either of them needed. So, instead of doing the usual, she pulled out a pale-yellow silk nightie. It barely covered her ass. However, comfort wasn’t the intent when she bought it. Dylan said he liked the contrast of it against her caramel skin. Haven would do anything to get back to how they used to be. So, she shimmied into it and smiled thinking of what his reaction would be when he saw her.
Another hour later, and frustrated that he wasn’t home, the cell phone sitting on the nightstand was calling her name. Haven could almost hear it say; you know you want to, so what are you waiting for? Call him. She gave in, picked up the phone and dialed his number. It rang a few times but eventually went to voicemail. Instead of hanging up, Haven left a message. “Hey.” She tried to sound sexy. “I’ve left a few messages. I’m a little worried and hope you’re okay. Call me.” After disconnecting the call, and being slightly disappointed, Haven pulled on her fluffy terrycloth robe then went into their office to do her homework. She could be sexy when Dylan came home. Until, then, she needed to be comfortable.
At eleven p.m., he still was nowhere to be found. Haven tried his number again with the same result—voicemail. He hadn’t picked up. Since she left him messages earlier, she decided against leaving another one. Unable to concentrate, Haven called a mutual friend, Andrea. She didn’t want to put her in the middle since she was just as much Dylan’s friend as hers—if not more, since Haven had been introduced to her through him.
“Hey? Are you busy?”
Andrea held the phone between her ear and shoulder. “No. I just put the baby back down to sleep. What’s up?”
Haven swallowed her anxiety. Her voice was soft. “I need you to talk me down from the ledge.”
Andrea was hesitant. “Okaaaay. What’s going on?”
“Dylan’s not home from work yet, and I’m freaking out a little. I’m tempted to take my ass over to
