Chapter 21
Cori
My friend and cousin sit in the back booth at Seven Heaven with their mouths hanging open. I stop speaking, and they look from me to each other.
“What the hell did you just say?” Selene asks me the question, but she’s staring at Eden. It’s as if she’s waiting for Eden to confirm what she heard, but Eden looks just as confused as my cousin.
“You heard me.” I look around the crowded restaurant. “I won’t repeat it.”
“You’re saying that Ms. Hazel’s dishwasher kidnapped you all those weeks ago, and now he’s obsessed with you? Did I hear that right?”
“That’s what I heard, too.” Eden looks behind her as if to ensure no one is eavesdropping.
“He knew I was investigating him the whole time, and he said he was leading me, not the other way around. And get this.” Both girls lean closer.
“He lives in a big mansion, and we have to go through a smaller house that has an underground tunnel. It’s all very secretive.
He admitted the whole thing, and he said Ripley works for him. ”
Eden’s nostrils flare at that. I knew she would be mad, but we tell each other everything.
“Leave my husband out of this, please.” She raises both hands.
“You fucked him?” Selene’s eyes nearly bug out of her head.
“Yes. He has a huge dick and a killer body. You should see what’s under his shirt.” Then I think better of it. I don’t want anyone else to see. “You won’t be seeing it.”
“Bummer,” Selene says.
“He took me to meet his mother.”
“What?” Selene slurps her water. “I can’t.” She shakes her hands as if she can erase my words. “You’re making this shit up. You did not go meet your kidnapper’s mother.”
“The kidnapping happened like three months ago. It was before my accident. Why didn’t you tell us? And I told your nosy ass to leave the man alone, but you wouldn’t listen. Now, look. You’re in some weird fatal attraction.”
Selene nods in agreement with Eden’s monologue.
“Says the one whose husband stalked and broke into her apartment repeatedly.”
“I wasn’t crazy enough to stalk my husband, though, was I? I did everything to get him to leave me alone.”
“Including going to his house and riding his dick when everyone who cares about you was out of town.” That takes the wind out of Eden’s sails.
“Well, at least he didn’t kidnap me,” she snaps back.
“That’s the least of what he would have done. He didn’t kidnap you because he didn’t have to.” Eden purses her lips shut because she knows I’m right.
“Are you into him?” Selene asks.
“I don’t know. At first, I told him no and that I didn’t want anything to do with him. I’m not into bad boys, and I have a life planned for myself. I don’t want a man to get in the way of that.” I wait for my friends to agree with me, but they don’t say anything.
“But?” Eden prods.
“His business aside, he’s kind of sweet and funny. He’s also the type who has to get his way, and I don’t want a man like that. My dad is that way, and I’m always on the losing end.”
“All valid.” I knew my cousin would agree with me.
“I get it, too.” Eden looks around. “But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Set the tone. Tell him what you will or won’t accept.
There are other qualities to consider. My husband respects him, and my man is a tough audience.
He’s smart. Look at what he’s accomplished.
He’s business savvy, and you want to start a business.
He can help you. You’re not about to let anyone run all over you. I’m not worried about that.”
“Not that I would know from a lot of experience, relationships are all about balance,” Selene adds.
“So, what was his mother like?” Eden whispers.
“So sweet. She can cook her ass off, and she was so much fun, but he took me there against my will. I thought we were going to brunch.”
“Sounds like he did take you to brunch. A home-cooked brunch cooked by his mother. What’s wrong with that?” Eden shrugs.
“Eden, you don’t just take someone to your mother’s without their knowledge. He should have asked, and I would have said no.”
“Girl, what do I know about that? The last time I said no to a man, I ended up married to him.” The three of us cackle. “You like him.”
“I do,” I admit.
“So, give him a chance. It’s not like you’re going to end up married to the guy next week. Agree to be with him and see if it works out. If he’s not what you want, dump his ass.” Eden squeezes my hand. “In the meantime, we can all go on vacation together.” She rubs her hands in anticipation.
“I don’t like that he kidnapped her,” Selene throws in. “What kind of shit is that? And don’t you dare blame yourself for following him around. It sounds like he set a trap for you.”
“Yes, but I started that game. I’ve thought about it, and I’m going to tell him I want to be with him.” Eden claps, but Selene doesn’t seem appeased.
“I’m going to keep my eyes on him,” Selene says.