Falling

By C.S. Wadlington

Running through the alleys of Chicago wasn't how Nycole Spencer thought the night would end. Fear and adrenaline had her compassing the streets after midnight for a taxi. She desperately needed to get away. Being in such a helpless situation, wouldn't have been predicted, in her mind. Years later, Nycole Spencer is introduced to Blake Ellis, whom she's reluctant to meet. Unexpected feelings surface between them and troubles emerge as they fall victims to temptation. Nycole's checkered past and Blake's thoughtless indiscretion puts both of them in undesirable situations. A manipulative ex causes confusion and a good deed for a sexy stranger reeks havoc on Nycole and those she's close to. She doesn't know who to trust and a web of lies and deceit puts her life in danger.
Nycole is forced to deal with her past, in order to take control of her future, while she's fighting in the present to save her own life. Come into Nycole’s life as she tries to understand the love from her family, people she’s trying to run from and those who are falling for her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: C.S. Wadlington
• Release date: Apr 17, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301434367

C.S. Wadlington

C.S. Wadlington was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Writing has been on her mind since an early age. Through prayer and guidance she decided to start writing a book and fell in love with what she was passionate about as a child. She currently resides in Downers Grove, IL with her son. C.S. Wadlington looks forward to sharing her style of writing with the world. Fictional stories, Real situations.

Book preview

Prologue

Nervous energy stirred inside Nycole’s body as she wondered why her boyfriend parked the car in a dark, narrow alley. He turned off the ignition, reached in his pocket, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it. After taking a few puffs, he tossed it out of the window. Then he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Nycole noticed his jaw muscles clinching. The evening had been enjoyable until Keith’s mood changed.

A roar of thunder echoed in the air, startling Nycole. The continued silence made her grow impatient.

Why are we in the alley, Keith? she finally asked, mustering up the courage to say something.

He slowly lifted his head, opened his eyes, and gave her a piercing stare. Nycole had no clue why he was upset.

Every time we go out and have a good time, you ruin it by flirting with some guy.

What are you talking about?

Don’t act like you don’t know. I saw that guy grab your hand when you went to the ladies’ room! Keith scorned.

I didn’t say anything to that man, and I kept walking. Did you see that? she replied.

You disgust me, Nycole!

You’re not my favorite person right now, either! Why are you so insecure?

Silence again. Uneasiness gripped Nycole’s stomach as she wondered what his response would be. Just as she was about to say something else, Keith spit, aiming at her face. Shocked by his gross action, she didn’t move initially. Then she used her sleeve to wipe off the thick, slimy substance that smelled of stale beer from her jaw. The thought of what she wiped from her face nauseated her. She gagged and tried to compose herself to speak. He let out a chuckle, making Nycole feel less than human.

That’s it, Keith! It’s over, she said, while unlocking the door.

He immediately grabbed her arm to stop her from getting out of the car.

You’re hurting my arm! What’s wrong with you?

You better not leave! Keith responded, forcing himself on her.

A struggle began as Nycole tried to push him away. Suddenly, she felt numb near her lip and chin, resulting from the blow of Keith’s fist. Blood gushed from her lips and trickled down her lavender blouse. Again, she attempted to get out of the car, but he pushed her head against the passenger side window. The strong impact of the glass made her dizzy for a moment. Nycole hit him, and he counteracted with a backhand slap to her face.

I told you not to leave, he said, then turned to look out of the driver’s side window.

Adrenaline rushed throughout Nycole’s body. Using all of her strength, she picked up her large purse and swung it, hitting Keith on the head. Before he could react, she jumped out of the car and ran. He began to chase her, and she could hear his footsteps close behind. Her mind was in a twilight state with visions of her mother and grandmother. Nycole didn’t know where she was going, but she knew she had to get away from Keith.

Nycole stumbled as the heel of her shoe broke off. Fearing Keith would catch up to her, she kicked off both shoes to gain speed. She sprinted around the corner and into the street. Due to the time of night, not a single car could be seen passing by. Running barefoot, she briefly looked behind and saw no sign of Keith. Her long legs shook and her pulse raced as she stopped running. As she took another look to confirm he wasn’t still giving chase, she touched the bottom of her throbbing lip, realizing it was twice its size. Nycole began to sob, trying to figure out what had transpired between her and Keith. Their relationship had been emotionally unhealthy, but never volatile.

Nycole looked up at the clouds as steady drops of rain began to fall. She continued to walk, searching for somewhere with a phone so she could call a taxi since she had left her cell phone and purse in the car. As she prayed, she finally saw a nightclub within walking distance. Feeling relieved, Nycole picked up her pace. Suddenly, she heard footsteps and cautiously looked behind her to see Keith looking down at her. Nycole’s heart did a dive to the bottom of her stomach. Fear paralyzed movement in her legs to escape.

No, she whimpered.

He grabbed Nycole’s neck and attempted to strangle her. As his large hands pressed against her windpipe, Nycole’s eyes started to flicker and roll into the back of her head.

Dramatically, Keith pushed her to the wet pavement and ran away, leaving Nycole lying there coughing uncontrollably as she tried to get air in her lungs.

Miss, are you all right?

Dazed and confused, Nycole continued to cough, not looking up at the man.

Do you need me to get you to a hospital? the gentleman asked as he helped her stand up.

Nycole hesitated before answering. I’ll be fine, but would you take me to my grandmother’s house? She lives not too far from here.

Can I at least call the police? You appear to be in bad shape.

No. Please, if you would just take me to my grandmother’s, she said, rubbing her neck.

Okay, I’m not from here, so you’ll have to show me where to go.

The kind man helped Nycole into his car. The rain cascaded on the windshield as they drove. What seemed like the worst night of Nycole’s life now seemed like a blessing. She was thankful; an angel had been sent to her rescue.

CHAPTER 1

Two Years Later

Nycole sighed as the man she had only known for one night nestled his head into her bosom. Perfect lips, a great smile, and a charming personality were what caught Nycole’s attention in the club last night.

All he could give me was two minutes? Damn! This was a waste of my time, she thought silently. Nycole looked at her new friend and rolled her eyes. How can a man be this sexy and smell so good, but be awful in the bedroom?

Nycole lightly tapped his shoulder. He didn’t budge.

Sean, she whispered. He’s not leaving until he shows me what he bragged about, she thought to herself.

Both had flirted with one another all evening, and she decided to give him a chance since she thought he was good enough to test drive. Nycole ran her fingers through his black wavy hair and said his name again. This time, he opened one eye and smiled.

I know you want more of this, he said, closing his eye.

I didn’t get any of that, she mused, while counting to five in her head.

You climaxed before I even got there, dear, she said, frustrated.

Sean’s lips gently touched hers. I’m sorry. I thought I made you feel good.

Nycole could feel his manhood harden against her thigh. It wasn’t complete, so do something about it now, she thought.

He kissed the nape of her neck, and Nycole’s body filled with passion as he caressed her with his large hands.

I like the way you feel next to me.

She smiled and released a deep sigh as goose bumps traveled down her arms.

Are you ready to take all of this? he asked seductively.

Closing her eyes, Nycole responded with a nod.

You are something special. You remind me of my wife when we first got married, he said as he started grinding against Nycole’s body.

What?! Nycole shouted and pushed him away. What wife?

I told you I was married.

I don’t remember you saying that.

You don’t remember me telling you that I was happily married? I said we’ve been married for two years and I love her to death.

Nycole looked at the clock on the nightstand. If you’re so happily married, why the hell are you in my bed at two in the morning?

My wife doesn’t do the things I want her to do in bed. She likes to do it the same way all the time, and I need some variety.

You have a lot of nerve being here, Sean.

You invited me over, and you didn’t complain last night, he said smugly.

Nycole jumped out of the queen-sized bed and grabbed her silk robe. It’s time for you to go, she said, tossing his clothes at him.

He smiled while putting on his shirt. You look sexy when you’re upset, he commented.

Please, Sean. We’ve wasted enough time! she retorted.

I’d like to stay in touch. I don’t want things to end like this.

"Did you say end? Baby, you never started," she said, patronizing him.

Are you going to walk me to the door?

Nycole opened the bedroom door. No! You know where the front door is!

He left with neither of them saying goodbye.

After going to lock the door behind him, Nycole plopped her body down on the ivory-colored sofa. Leaning back, she closed her eyes and wondered why she kept attracting the wrong men. The men she seemed to share her time with always fit into three categories: married men, mama boys who still lived in their parents’ home, or emotionally unstable men.

Nycole’s thoughts went back to Keith momentarily. She never heard from him since the incident in the alley. No explanation was given that night or thereafter. Deep inside, she missed his touch and secretly yearned to hear his voice. Keith had been her one and only serious relationship. She had no one else to compare to Keith, her first true love.

Five hours later, Nycole heard her alarm clock beeping loudly in her bedroom. She quickly walked into the room and silenced the aggravating noise. With her temples throbbing, she realized she must have fallen asleep on the sofa.

Nycole rummaged through the closet in search of something to wear for church. She didn’t feel like attending, but she promised her grandmother she would see her there. Nycole reached for her burgundy sweater dress. Although it looked sunny outside, the weather could be deceiving in Chicago during the fall months. She rushed to the shower, having only forty minutes to get ready.

CHAPTER 2

Nycole stopped at the stop sign located minutes away from Nana’s home. She had missed church, but didn’t want to disappoint her grandmother by not coming to dinner. She pulled up in her black Mercedes Benz that she had purchased last year for her birthday. Employed as a Senior Marketing Manager at an advertising company, she believed she had worked hard and deserved it.

As Nycole got out of the car, her cell phone vibrated in her pocket. Seeing Jason’s name brought a smile to her face. Jason Reed was a friend who she met in college. He tried to get with her during the four years she attended there, but not being physically attracted to him, Nycole was never interested. However, one night after a fraternity party, they went back to Nycole’s dorm room and one thing led to another. That night, Nycole and Jason became friends with benefits. He did amazing things in the bedroom, and no one could please Nycole’s body like him, except Keith.

Letting the call go to voicemail, Nycole made a mental note to call Jason later. She definitely wanted to see him after dinner.

As she approached her grandmother’s bungalow, she sighed. She remembered her grandmother mentioning she had met a nice man at church, along with his mother. Nana wanted her to meet them for dinner this evening, especially the young man.

If it wasn’t for Nana, I would’ve stayed home and relaxed, she mused.

Nycole knew her grandmother meant well, but she was tired of being matched up with every man that her grandmother thought would make a suitable husband.

Upon unlocking and opening the door, smells of southern style cooking opened Nycole’s senses. Originally from Nashville, Nana’s great-grandmother had taught her how to cook hearty old-fashioned meals.

Nycole walked to the living room where family and friends were together. The men were gathered by the television, while the women sat in the corner chatting and laughing amongst themselves. She noticed her younger cousins playing a board game on the floor. Seeing Nycole, Nana walked over to embrace her.

Hi, Nycole. Missed you in church, she said, smiling.

I know. I just couldn’t pull myself together this morning, Nycole replied, then placed a kiss on her grandmother’s cheek.

Everyone greeted Nycole with a hello as Nana took her hand and led her to a woman who appeared to be in her sixties.

Nycole meet Ms. Faye Ellis. Faye, this is my granddaughter Nycole.

Hello, it’s nice to meet you, Nycole said pleasantly.

Hi, I’m happy to meet you, too, Ms. Faye responded with a warm glow.

Where’s Blake? Nana asked.

Probably still in the kitchen enjoying dessert, the woman said with a chuckle.

Blake is her son. Come with me in to the kitchen so I can introduce you to him.

Nycole sighed silently and followed her. After they entered the kitchen, her eyes went directly to the country, average-looking gentleman sitting at the table.

Blake, honey?

He stood up and turned around while wiping his hands with a napkin.

Nycole, meet Blake Ellis. Blake, this is my granddaughter Nycole.

The pleasure is all mine, he said, extending his hand while admiring Nycole’s beauty.

It’s nice to meet you, she responded with a tight-lipped smile.

Nycole already knew he wasn’t her type. As Nana exchanged small talk with the man, Nycole checked him out. He stood about 6’4", had a medium complexion, and brown eyes. She wasn’t impressed by his appearance at all. He smelled good and was nicely shaved, but the blue Adidas jogging suit did nothing to sway her acceptance of Blake.

Nycole, go and fix your plate. Everyone else has eaten already. I’m going to the living room to chat with Faye.

Nana winked at Nycole and walked out of the kitchen. As she put the fixings on her plate, she could see from the corner of her eye that Blake was looking at her.

So, Blake, are you from Chicago? she asked, attempting to make small talk as she sat at the table.

No, Ms. Nycole.

Ms. Nycole? How old do you think I am?

I’m sorry. It’s the southern gentleman in me. He flashed her a crooked smile. By the way, you don’t look a day over twenty, he added.

Thanks, but I was just giving you a hard time, she said, smiling to break the tension.

Getting back to your question, I’m originally from Arkansas and went to college in Texas. My mom and I moved here about a month ago.

Nycole heard the sound of dynamite in her mind as the words mama’s boy screamed louder than explosives at a Fourth of July fireworks celebration.

I see, and what is it you do for a living?

I’m into real estate investing. I buy properties, fix them up, and then sell them.

He must not be doing well at it since he lives with his mother, she thought.

I’ll assume you don’t make much money in real estate?

I do all right, he replied, noticing a change in her tone.

Suddenly, the kitchen door opened.

Hello, my sweet cousin.

Nycole turned around and was greeted by her cousin Tiffany. Nycole instantly got an attitude because the two had never gotten along.

Hello, Tiffany, she said dryly.

You’re looking mighty cute in that black top and jeans. And I love those stiletto boots. Maybe you’ll find your future husband today, Tiffany said with a devilish grin.

Nycole started counting in her head to remain calm. Blake wondered why Nycole had such a large chip on her shoulder. Just as Nycole was about to lash out at her, Tiffany said bye and quickly left the kitchen.

Nycole sighed. I shouldn’t let her get to me, she mumbled.

Since I’m new in town, maybe you can show me around. I hear that Navy Pier is nice, Blake said, wanting to change the mood.

Nycole looked dazed for a moment, while thinking, I need a stiff one tonight, and I don’t mean a drink.

Nycole? Blake said, interrupting her thoughts.

I’m sorry. My cousin really works me up. What did you say? she asked, snapping out of her trance.

I mentioned you showing me around town.

Blake noticed her look of hesitation.

Just get my number from my grandmother, and we can plan something, she finally responded.

In Blake’s mind, he wanted to tell her, Never mind, but instead, he replied, All right. Does Saturday sound like a good day?

Saturday is fine, she said, while pulling her phone out of her pocket.

Excuse me, but I need to take this call, she told Blake once she saw it was Jason.

No problem, he said, then went into the living room.

Hi there, Mr. Reed.

I just called about thirty minutes ago. Where are you?

I’m at Nana’s house finishing my dinner. I already had a few words with Tiffany. You know how she is.

Why don’t I stop by your place tonight and take care of you? he asked in his deep, baritone voice.

Nycole grew excited just thinking about him taking charge of her body.

Darling, I need you to work me out all night long, she whispered seductively.

Damn! You better have yourself home by seven.

I will, she said before disconnecting the call.

CHAPTER 3

Nycole’s mind drifted to thoughts of Keith, as Jason’s tongue made circular motions around her navel.

You like that? Jason asked, his lips moving down to her thighs.

Nycole’s breathing increased as he concentrated on pleasing her. While he continued to outline every detail of her body, she yearned to feel his manhood.

Letting her take control, Jason laid on his back, allowing Nycole to let loose. She closed her eyes and thought of Keith as Jason kneaded her nipples between his fingertips. Nycole’s excitement grew, and she let out a high-pitched sound as she reached the point of no return. Nycole’s body jerked, while Jason watched her round breasts dance to their own beat. He, too, climaxed minutes later.

*****

The next morning, Jason finished the hearty breakfast Nycole had cooked.

You must have been a chef in your past lifetime, he said, rubbing his round belly. Why are you letting it all go to waste?

Nycole gave him a confused look. What are you talking about?

You’d make some man very happy. When are you going to be ready to settle down?

If the right man comes along, I’ll consider it.

Jason smiled. I’m right here, but you won’t give me a chance to show you.

How many times do we have to discuss this?

What’s wrong with me trying to get with you?

Nycole let the last drop of hot coffee hit the back of her throat before answering, We’re friends, and I don’t want to ruin that, she told him, hoping he would buy her friends line for the fiftieth time.

How long do you expect us to continue like this? I’m thirty-five years old, and I’m ready to settle down. I want to be with you.

Don’t give me that crap. You’re sleeping with other women, just like I’m sleeping with other men.

Jason rubbed the small bald spot in the middle of his head. Maybe I just feel that at this age, I should be committed to one person.

It’s not like you’re old. We’ve had this arrangement all these years, so why mess it up?

Nycole, don’t you think at thirty-four, you should be in a monogamous relationship?

No. I like things as they are.

Jason didn’t say anything else about the subject; he just shook his head. He definitely didn’t want to continue this way and vowed to figure out a way for her to be in his life forever.

*****

Nycole parked behind the old Maxima sitting in front of Nana’s house.

He’s definitely not doing well investing in properties if he’s driving that old car, she mumbled.

She checked her lipstick in the rearview mirror before grabbing her Fendi purse from the backseat. As she walked up the steps of the porch, the front door swung open.

You’re thirty minutes late, Nycole. This man has been patiently waiting, Nana scolded.

Maybe he’ll be mad and not want to go, Nycole said with a smile.

Nana frowned. That’s wrong, young lady. Get yourself in there and apologize.

As Nycole walked into the living room, Blake stood up.

Hello, Blake. Are you ready?

He looked at his watch. Yes, I’m ready, but next time, let me know if you’re going to be late.

Next time? she mused. Nycole could see the aggravation on his chiseled face.

Nana watched out the window as the two walked to the car. She hoped Nycole wouldn’t ruin their outing. Nana worried that her high-maintenance granddaughter didn’t know how to appreciate a good man.

The hawk was out that cold Saturday afternoon, even though the sun highlighted the big city. Blake and Nycole enjoyed a late lunch at a trendy restaurant in Water Tower Place. Navy Pier was their second stop. When they got there, they walked along the pier exchanging small talk. Not really enjoying herself, Nycole would have rather been indoors.

Do you have a boyfriend? Blake asked.

There’s no one special, she replied.

At first, Nycole didn’t say anything else, but the silence in between questions was driving her nuts.

Do you have a woman? she inquired.

No. The last serious relationship I had was about two years ago. After it ended, I decided to dive into real estate full time, which didn’t leave much room for dating.

What did you do before real estate?

I worked in banking, so I was already familiar with real estate.

Nycole decided to humor herself by making the next statement. And you’re making tons of money now?

Blake already knew Nycole was the type that liked a man with a large bank account, but he refused to divulge his financial situation with her.

I believe I mentioned before I do all right. As they approached the large Ferris wheel, Blake excitedly said, Let’s take a ride so I can view the city.

Nycole scrunched her nose up. I don’t do Ferris wheels.

All right, tell me why not?

"I don’t want to ride the Ferris wheel because it’s too high