The Monday Night Mistress (Peace In The Storm Publishing Presents)

By Peace In The Storm Publishing

Layla James has fallen passionately in love with Grayson Miles; a handsome man with the charisma to match his looks. The chemistry between the two is ignitable. The fire that lies between them is so tempting that breaking the rules is hotter than maintaining ambiguity. There is only one obstacle preventing Layla and Grayson from being a couple; Grayson is engaged to Layla’s cousin Sofia. Soon what’s done in secret comes out in the wash and the devastating emotional aftermath which follows discovery is overwhelming. The revelation leaves Sofia distraught as she struggles to deal with the infidelity of her fiancé and the added sting that his lover is the one person she loved like a sister.
Psychological torture ensues and brings the emotionally draining experience to a head and Sophia confronts Layla, and they both discover hidden secrets which are darker than anything they ever could have imagined. The family tree is shaken and uprooted from the core by one dark disclosure after another.
Life becomes even more complicated for those involved in this intricate life triangle. As fate would have it, final options for survival lies in the hands of one person – the woman who was betrayed the most.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Peace In The Storm Publishing
• Release date: May 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781452452197

Peace In The Storm Publishing

Peace in the Storm Publishing is a broad-based publisher whose strength lies in publishing quality books to reach the reader's soul. Our motto is "Giving your Soul a Rise, One Page at a Time." Our mission is to publish entertaining and enjoyable works by gifted storytellers in all genres, including, contemporary fiction, mystery, romance, self help, general interest fiction, street-lit, erotica, non-fiction and Christian fiction. WINNER of the 2009 and 2010 African American Literary Award Show for Independent Publisher of the Year. WINNER of the 2009 and 2010 AAMBC Publisher of the Year. www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com

Book preview

Chapter 1

Layla closed her eyes, inhaled the scent of fresh love mingled with perfume and cologne, and smiled. She ran her hand through her hair and decided that the intense love making session was worth sweating her perm out and turning it into an afro. Her café au lait skin glistened with tiny droplets that made her whole body glow. She ran her hand over her body, in sync with the music playing softly in the background, lingering at the places that were still on fire. There was something about making love to music; bodies moving in rhythm to the beat, creating a tidal wave of pleasure as passions ignited. Music seemed to intensify the moment.

Glancing over at Grayson who was fast asleep, Layla remembered when she first met him last year. She and her cousin Sofia were at Pier One Imports looking at wicker furniture when a fine light-skinned brother walked in. Usually, light-skinned brothers didn’t merit a second glance, but there was something about him. His curly hair, thin moustache, white teeth and smooth skin almost made her jaw drop. He had to be mixed with Latino or something, and as he walked towards them, she felt something inside her stir.

After working the last seven years as a private jet stewardess, she’d had her share of pretty boys who were musicians, actors, athletes, or screenwriters. Some of them lived up to the hype, but most of them didn’t. If only the walls of the Ritz Carlton could talk.

Layla James, this is Grayson Miles. Grayson, Layla.

Sofia introduced them as they both extended their hands to greet one another. She wanted to hold on to the hand that engulfed hers.

Nice to meet you, Layla.

Nice to meet you also, Grayson.

Grayson’s deep voice enthralled her, and she wanted to know more about him.

So Grayson, you must be a teacher or principal at Henry Elementary like Sofia, although I have never heard her mention you before.

Layla wondered what a specimen like him was doing trapped in a school setting. He could have easily been a model.

Actually, I’m an investment banker. I went to Sofia’s school the other day to speak to her class about preparing for their futures by starting savings accounts.

Grayson turned his attention to Sofia.

Are we still on for tomorrow night?

Sofia blushed.

Yes, sure, um, you can pick me up at seven.

Great, I’ll see you then.

As soon as Grayson left, she lit into Sofia.

Girl, I cannot believe you didn’t mention to me that you had a date. Especially a fine man like that. Are you holding out on me? Where is he from? Does he have a brother? Do you like him? Because if you don’t; I sure will.

Sofia laughed out loud.

Please calm down. It’s just a date, and I didn’t tell you because you would have me buying something you know I wouldn’t wear. You would have me sucked and tucked and I would be uncomfortable and self-conscious, and unable to relax. Now, let’s get back to picking out that furniture.

Well, I want to hear all the dirty details after your date.

"There will not be any dirty details to share. I’m not like you, Layla.

Touché. Sofia. Touché.

Sofia continued.

I don’t sleep with every Tom, Dick, and Harry I meet. I don’t care if they are famous.

Sofia smiled, but Layla knew she was serious, and there was another lecture coming.

It’s too dangerous. You never know what these perverts are going to do to you. I know you say you only have a core group of friends.

Sofia used her hands to accentuate her remark.

But, it’s still dangerous. Also, taking money from them is just downright shameful. Lastly, you hardly ever go to church anymore. You used to be there every time the doors opened; now you’re at the swanky parties every time their doors open.

Sofia, we’ve had this conversation before, and my answer is still the same. You know that after Pastor Buckham died, church has become a hot mess. There is nothing happening at the party that is not happening at church. At least there, you know what you’re getting. When you have been to twenty different churches and all of the Senior Pastors have their aide bring you to the office for a private proposal, something is wrong. Finally, if they don’t want me, they do want Tom, Dick, and Harry. So, don’t talk to me about being righteous, talk to them. I haven’t visited the church you go to now, but maybe I will in the future, only if you stop harassing me about it.

Layla tried to immerse herself again into finding the perfect wicker set for Sofia’s sunroom, even though she was irritated. She hoped the exchange was over, but she knew better.

I’m just saying that there has to be a Pastor out there somewhere for you. Don’t give up the search.

Right about now, different pastas interest me much more than Pastors.

Sofia looked at Layla sternly and they both laughed loudly. The sound resonated throughout the store.

***

Done with the flashback, Layla kissed Grayson on the forehead, moved to his eyes, and then allowed her lips to graze his softly. Even though she was totally satisfied, there was something about him that brought out the animal in her, and she could never get enough of his love. She admired his rock hard body, and ran her tongue over his six pack. She kissed his legs that felt like a stone wall, and slowly made her way to the inside of his hips. Once there, she kissed and nibbled him gently. That area was always super sensitive to Grayson, and she laughed as he grimaced and bit his bottom lip.

Stop. I can’t take anymore.

Grayson rolled over, and wrapped himself in the sheets, creating a barrier between Layla and himself.

Sure you can. Come here.

Layla struggled to pull the self-made barrier from around Grayson’s body, but he was too strong for her. She smiled, turned over and lay on her back, looking at the ceiling.

Grayson stirred in the bed. It was her cue that he was getting ready to leave.

Don’t tell me you’re leaving already. You just got here.

She pretended to pout.

I’ve got to go. You know I have a very important meeting, and I have to get some sleep.

Well, it’s only two a.m., so we have time for one more round. Anyway, Monday is your day to spend with me.

It was something about Mondays; they always made her relaxed and uninhibited. With both of them being frequent flyers, they would often meet up in different cities and spend the day together. She looked forward to spending time with Grayson. Layla crouched like a female lion getting ready to pounce on its prey and attempted to climb on top of Grayson.

I have to go, really.

Grayson got out of bed and stood up, and she gazed at his perfectly toned body.

Well, something tells me you’re not that ready.

Layla crawled across the bed to where Grayson was standing and started caressing his body. She watched him close his eyes and groan loudly with ecstasy as he tilted his head back, enjoying the time he was locked in.

***

Layla was alone in the bed, exhausted by the intense romantic interlude. She grabbed the pillow and hugged it tightly, hoping to catch a whiff of Grayson’s manly scent. Grayson was everything a woman could want in a man. He was handsome, intelligent, funny, gentlemanly, caring, and an excellent lover. However, there was only one thing wrong with Grayson:

***

He was marrying her cousin Sofia.

Chapter 2

Layla was video model thick, with weight in just the right places. Her dark chocolate hair was long and thick, and her legs were even longer, and she looked great in her stewardess uniform. She worked for a private jet company, and she often came in contact with celebrities, actors, professional athletes, rhythm and blues singers, and rappers. She had been in a couple of her frequent flyers’ videos but quit after the stakes kept getting higher. The one-on-one sessions with the rappers and singers were fine, but she was no groupie; she was better than that. She recalled going on the set of a popular rapper’s video. When she arrived, there were a ton of women in various states of undress and doing things she would never do. Even though she didn’t have a holier than thou attitude, she did have her limits. She left and never looked back.

Sofia was short and thick, and she was as dark as the night. Her natural hair was cropped close, and her eyes danced when she talked. Her thick lips were made for lollipops, and Layla often wished her lips were like Sofia’s. Everyone always talked about how beautiful Sofia was. Her whole body was a comfy cushion, and her skin was as soft as cotton. Sofia never wore makeup, much to Layla’s chagrin. She’d tried many times to get Sofia to step up her wardrobe. Although Sofia was round, Layla tried, without success, to get Sofia to dress differently to accentuate her figure. Sofia always dressed in oversized dumpy dresses and shirts, making her look larger than she really was. When Layla realized that Sofia was comfortable with the way she looked and dressed and that she would never change, she gave up her quest to try to make Sofia over. Sofia was a school teacher, and her students were her most prized possession. Layla thought she spent too much time with them and felt she overstepped her boundaries, often becoming involved in their personal lives.

Layla could feel people staring when they were out together, wondering why someone who was dressed like a fashionista was with someone who dressed very plainly. Not that either was better than the other, but they just didn’t match. The stares did not seem to bother them, and Sofia and Layla learned to ignore them.

***

Where are we eating tonight? Layla asked as she walked towards her car. She and Sofia had been riding around all day making preparations for the wedding. The caterer, florist, and wedding planner rolled their eyes every time they saw them coming. She knew that it was actually her they dreaded seeing. She wanted everything to be perfect for Sofia. Even though she was sleeping with Grayson, she loved Sofia like a sister, and wanted the best for her on her big day. It seemed twisted, the way she was deceiving Sofia, but she had allowed herself to have true feelings for Grayson.

What are you in the mood for? Sofia sat in her car and quickly turned the air on full blast to escape the ravaging heat. Sofia leaned into the dashboard and closed her eyes, seemingly trying to catch every gust of air that blew from the vents.

What about that new bistro on Main? I think it’s called Light." Layla stood in the sun, fanning herself with an imaginary fan. The beams from the sun felt like they were drilling a hole in her head. She needed something for a headache.

Sure, I’ll see you then. I’d probably say yes to anything right about now, as hot as it is.

Sofia laughed, closed her car door, and drove away.

Layla got into her car and drove away, thinking about Grayson. Try as she might, she could not get that man out of her head. She rubbed her head again, trying to massage the area that throbbed incessantly. It had to be stress. Flying cross country and to the islands day in and day out would tire anyone out.

Chapter 3

When Layla arrived at the bistro that evening, Sofia was waiting for her.

You can never get anywhere on time, can you?

Sofia spoke as she wrapped her lips around her straw and sipped her mineral water.

Watching her, Layla realized that she still wanted full lips just like Sofia had, and decided that she would get injections sometime in the future.

Girl, you know I had to go by and check on Mama. I am exhausted. I can’t seem to get rid of this headache. I’ve had it for weeks now, and nothing is helping.

You need to go to the doctor, or have Grandma make you one of her special concoctions.

I’ve tried that too. Nothing helps. If it doesn’t calm down soon, I’ll call the doctor and schedule an appointment.

Layla was raised by her grandmother, and as far back as she could remember, she was always Ms. Annie’s baby. She didn’t know her real parents, and Ms. Annie spoiled Layla rotten and had her in top-shelf clothing as soon as she came home from the hospital. As far as she was concerned, Ms. Annie was the only mama she would ever know or need.

What are you having?

Layla asked as she tried to ignore Sofia’s comments about her being late.

I think I will have the California Strawberry Salad. Grayson has gotten me hooked on it. After watching him eat it like it was the best thing in the world, I had to try it. He always says the strawberries taste sweet, just like me. How about you?

California Strawberry Salad for me as well.

Layla recalled how Grayson had once plated his salad on her abdomen and ate it all, licking her clean. She closed her eyes just to try to remember the sensation.

Layla, if you have to pray that long, there’s a problem.

Sofia laughed heartily, not knowing that Layla felt she would have to pray much longer than that to recompense for her sins.

You need to eat some meat, so you can get some on those bones you call a body. You look like you’ve dropped more weight. Remember when you were obsessed with your weight and you looked like a bean pole?

Layla placed her hands in her lap.

Sofia, I just had a bad week, that’s all. Flying cross-country every day can get to you sometimes. I don’t get to eat properly like I should all the time.

You’ve made so much progress. I just don’t want to see you going back to that dark place. Maybe you need to see your therapist again.

I’m not regressing, Sofia. I have this under control. Trust me. I’ve just had a stressful week.

Layla usually told Sofia everything, but she wouldn’t dare tell her today about the severe fatigue and the pain in her joints, especially her hip. She decided to change the subject.

So, what are you going to do this summer since school is almost out? Are you finally going to travel with Grayson to some baseball games? You know he gets those crazy sky box tickets.

Layla wanted to, but couldn’t stop talking about Grayson.

No, I can’t go with him. You go and keep an eye on him for me, and keep those groupies away.

Sofia chuckled.

You know I will be splitting my time volunteering with the Soup Kitchen and the Kids’ Camp. I know you want to go anyway.

Sofia, you know how much I enjoy going to baseball, basketball and football games with Grayson. You know I’m going to hook up with a baller one day.

She put her hands up and danced in her chair.

But still, I am sure that Grayson would rather you come than me.

She hoped that she sounded convincing.

First of all, you need to sit your old tail down. Secondly, during basketball and football season, school is in session, so that counts me out. I already told you what I’m doing this summer. Anyway, I want to travel somewhere else besides a sports-related venue - like when our travel group went to the Bahamas.

Sofia, Grayson does not want to travel with a bunch of other teachers,

Layla interrupted.

He wants to spend time with you alone. These separate vacations will need to stop once you get married.

It’s working for us right now. Stay in your lane.

Sofia had that stay-outta-my-house look, and Layla dropped the subject.

After the waiter removed their plates, Layla took one final sip of her water.

Well, I’ve got to get home and get some sleep. We’re flying an A-list actor to a secret location tomorrow. He may have me stay a few days, so I have to be ready.

Layla stood after paying her bill.

Sounds like fun.

Sofia spoke as she remained seated.

She sensed that Sofia was still a little miffed about their earlier conversation.

I love you, too.

With those sarcastic words, Layla walked out of the restaurant.

Chapter 4

Layla pushed herself to do fifty more sit-ups. After dinner with Sofia, she decided that she deserved a treat, since Sofia kept talking about her weight. She stopped at Bruster’s Ice Cream and got a scoop of Chocolate Lover's Trash, which consisted of chocolate ice cream with chocolate chunks, chocolate covered peanuts, chocolate butter toffee, and chocolate krispies. Trash. That word kept resonating in her mind. That was exactly what she felt like. What kind of person sleeps with their cousin’s man?

After showering, she made sure every part of her body was on point. She’d had a complete spa treatment, waxing and all. She looked in the mirror at her naked body, making sure no stray hairs were present. After determining her manicure and pedicure were not chipped, she felt at ease. She gave herself the once over and tried to read a book she had picked up at the library, but her mind was restless. She tried not to think about all of the calories she’d consumed. She needed to see Grayson. Reaching over, she picked up her cell phone and dialed the number she had become all too familiar with.

Come here… Layla purred into the phone.

What seems to be the problem? Grayson was casual with his conversation.

I want you. I’ve done fifty extra sit-ups so that your dessert plate will be extra firm.

Layla continued cooing into the phone, working herself into a state of arousal.

I don’t think I should. We really need to stop seeing each other. I’ll be marrying Sofia soon, and I really love her. I don’t want to mess this up.

Grayson, we’ve been seeing each other a while now. You are my buddy, and we have an arrangement. Anyway, Sofia has already given me the green light to travel with you and keep those chicken heads away. So, I’m always going to be there for you. Now come over and have your dessert, before it melts.

She hung up the phone.

***

Twenty minutes later, Grayson was underneath her. Layla loved the way Grayson’s arms wrapped around her waist as he kissed her deeply. She sat on his lap facing him; her legs perched on the side on the kitchen chair they shared. Layla looked into Grayson’s eyes, longing for him to truly love her. His light brown eyes flecked with hazel always mesmerized her.

I could gaze into your eyes all day, Grayson. They are so kind. You know they say the eyes are the window to the soul.

He pulled her closer, and she could feel the heat emanating from him as he slid his hands down from her waist and squeezed her inner thighs.

Is that right?

She started singing.

I wanna know one thing, will you be with me? Quit breaking my heart…

Grayson laughed and cut her off.

Mint Condition would be very upset with your rendition of Pretty Brown Eyes right about now.

She smiled and leaned in closer.

It’s so easy to love you, Grayson. I want to look in your eyes and see that you love me back. Is that possible?

Layla bit him on the neck a little harder than usual, signaling her dismay at his suggestion of