Testing the Waters

By Atlanta Hunter

Book Two of True Love Series

Different people, different circumstances, different traits, and different backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common. They all want true love. Whether they are looking for it or fighting to keep it, they all yearn for the same thing. Follow the innumerable characters of Atlanta Hunter as they pursue the one thing all humans’ desire, true unconditional love.

Will they sink or swim? Jamal Parker and Yazmin King have been best friends for the past twenty years. From middle school to their adult years, they have been there for each other. While friends and family have suggested a romantic relationship, the pair always disagreed.

However, after a series of events, something new is in the works. Things are complicated now! Jamal and Yazmin’s close-knit friendship is turning into an escalating attraction. Now his touch makes her body quiver, while her smile makes his pulse race. Though the chemistry is intense, is it worth it? Should they try to see what happens or leave things the way they are as friends?

Is it for real? Will it be a mistake? Twenty years of friendship ruined if things go too far? What will be their ultimate fate?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Atlanta Hunter
• Release date: Jun 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311732187

Atlanta Hunter

Atlanta Hunter began writing at the age of fourteen, but publishing never crossed her mind until nine years later. There is no telling what she will come up with next! Just when you think you know Atlanta’s style, she diverts to something new. She lives in Texas with her family, loves music, plays the piano, and is a fan of classic films. "The Great Race," “Send Me No Flowers,” “Cabin in the Sky,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” "For Love of Ivy," “Raisin in the Sun” and “The Quiet Man” are just a few of the many films she enjoys watching. The longest book she's read so far is Gone with the Wind.

Book preview

Testing the Waters

Atlanta Hunter

(Book Two of True Love Series)

Testing the Waters

Atlanta Hunter

Copyright © Atlanta Hunter 2014

All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this eBook may be copied or sold. This eBook is fiction. All characters, locations, and situations are purely fictional, coincidental, and for entertainment only.

Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as fact. Any resemblance to actual events, organizations, or persons— living or dead— is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable, right to access and read the text of this eBook onscreen. Except for use in reviews or in promotional posts or similar uses, no part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, without the express written permission of the author.

Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Sneak Peek at The Journal

Testing the Waters continues…

About the Author

Special Thanks from Atlanta

Chapter One

Yazmin King burst through the door to her apartment, grocery bags hanging from her arms. She had just gotten off the phone with a competing realtor. They had been going back and forth on an offer that Yazmin’s clients had made on a two-story traditional home. They had just reached an agreement. Yazmin had been working at Winston and Houston Realty, Inc., for three years, fulfilling her dream to work as a residential real estate agent. As a little girl, she wanted to bring happiness to home seekers. Because she grew up in a home, she wanted the same for others. In her opinion, home ownership was the American dream.

After graduation and her real estate license exam, Yazmin began working for Winston and Houston (W&H) Realty, Inc. Even in the unstable economy, she worked to make sure her clients purchased quality homes in their price range. Because of her determination and zeal, she ranked one of the top ten realtors in her firm.

Tonight was a special night for Yazmin. She had two hours to cook dinner and she could not wait to see Brad Nichols, her boyfriend of two years. She sauntered into the kitchen and put the bags on the counter. She stepped out of her heels, took off her blazer, turned on her radio, and began looking for her pots and pans. Her body flowed with the rhythm of the music and unwound as she cooked.

An hour passed before she heard a knock on her front door. She quickly walked to the door, looked through the peephole, and saw that it was her best friend Jamal Parker. Yazmin opened the door and he walked inside. She locked the door behind him.

Give me one good reason why you called me over here, he said.

She ignored his sarcasm. I told you earlier, I need you to taste the spaghetti.

I don’t know, Yaz. I can’t be eating all these carbs. I gotta keep my body up. Then he raised his shirt and showed off his toned six-pack stomach.

Please. You ain’t all that, ‘Mr. Fitness.’ And for your information, it’s whole grain anyway.

Jamal put his jacket down and laughed. He sat at her counter in one of the bar stools and took off his jacket. I don’t know. You gave me food poisoning the last time.

She playfully hit his arm. Shut up, Jamal. I’ve been practicing and this has to be perfect for Brad. She took some spaghetti and put it in a bowl. Next, she grabbed a fork from her kitchen drawer and placed them in front of him.

He looked at it. If I get sick again, Yaz—

You won’t, she assured him. She rested her elbows on the counter as she watched him take a bite. She nibbled nervously on her bottom lip as he chewed.

He looked at her and nodded. Good job, Yazmin. This is actually good. He ate some more.

Yazmin let out a deep breath. Thank goodness.

When is he supposed to be here? he asked in between bites.

In an hour, and I need to get ready. She walked over to Jamal and took the bowl and fork out of his hands.

Wait a minute, Yaz. I’m not done.

She walked him to the door. I’m sorry, but Brad’s gonna be here soon. You gotta go.

Fine, I gotta date anyway, he responded.

And how’s Danielle? she questioned leaning against the doorway.

Danielle Garrett was his girlfriend and they had been together for a year.

You don’t have time to listen. Remember? he joked as he walked down the hallway.

She rolled her eyes. Whatever. I’ll see you later. Then she closed the door.

She walked back to the kitchen and turned off the stove. Afterward she went to her bathroom with her radio and touched up her make-up. She decided on plum eye shadow, which made her brown eyes look stunning. She swayed her hips as her favorite song, Bust Your Windows by Jazmine Sullivan, played. She always enjoyed the beat of the song, even though she had never experienced busting someone’s windows. As she mouthed the words, she ran her slender fingers through her asymmetric cut dark brown hair. Usually she wore her hair long, but this new haircut gave her a look of maturity. Though she loved her long dark tresses growing up, as a woman, she wanted a different hairstyle.

After applying her mascara, Yazmin reviewed her look. The way her long eyelashes perfectly framed her eyes, her blush complimented her cheeks, and her silver hoops brought her arousing look to completion. Next, she walked to her bedroom, picked out her strapless black cocktail dress, and zipped it up her pear shaped body. Once she put her brown belt around her waist, she slipped her feet into her black four-inch stilettos, and walked back to the kitchen to set the table. When she heard her phone ring, she quickly answered it. It was Brad.

Hey, Babe, she said excitedly.

Hey, look I’m not gonna make dinner tonight. I have some late meetings, Brad responded. He was an upcoming contractor-architect.

Yazmin rolled her eyes. Not again. You can’t come over just to eat? She tried to remain calm.

I can’t, Babe. That’s gonna take time driving over there and getting back, he answered.

Brad, come on, I cooked and everything. You can’t spare thirty minutes. Seriously?

Come on, Babe. Don’t do that. I’ll make it up to you. Alright?

She rolled her eyes. Fine, Brad.

Don’t do that, Yazmin. Okay? I’ll make it up to you later, but I gotta go, he replied.

Okay, she said.

Before Yazmin knew it, she hung up the phone. She would not let herself cry even though she wanted to. Though the tears seemed to be on the edge of falling, she fought to hold them. She then put the phone back on the receiver, just as she heard a knock on her door. She walked and looked through the peephole. As soon as she saw it was Jamal, she solemnly opened the door. She did not say a word but sat on the couch as he entered her apartment.

Don’t worry, Yaz. I’m leaving. I just forgot my jacket, he joked, as he walked over to her bar stool.

She did not respond, but soon felt his eyes on her. She crossed her arms, took off her shoes, and pushed them to the side.

Are you okay, Yazmin?

Brad canceled. He’s working late, again.

He nodded in response, walked over, and sat beside her. You okay?

She shrugged her shoulders. I don’t know, Jamal. Sometimes I wonder is Brad even worth my time. Some days I love him and other days I can’t stand him. Today is one of them.

I’m sorry, Yaz, he said

She gave a small smile and remembered. I thought you had a date?

Danielle canceled. Her sinuses are acting up, again, he replied.

So we both got stood up, huh?

Yep, but we can still have a good night.

How? she questioned.

You wanna go out? Hang out like we used to in high school? he suggested.

I don’t think I’m up for it tonight.

Okay. Then we’ll just chill here.

I don’t know, Jamal.

Come on, Yaz. Dinner’s already here. Right?

Yeah.

Well, there’s no sense in letting it go to waste.

You don’t mind staying?

Of course not, Yaz, he replied.

Okay then, she said and rose from her spot on the couch. Let me get out of this dress.

How about a game of dominos after dinner? Jamal called out from the kitchen.

Okay. You’re on, she answered.

As Yazmin changed into her comfortable clothes, she was grateful Jamal was there with her. They had been friends for the past twenty years. Since their parents were longtime friends, every year the Kings celebrated with the Parkers for Independence Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, and family barbeques. However, as children Jamal and Yazmin preferred being rivals. They spent most of their time fighting, especially since he always picked on her.

Nonetheless, they truly became friends when they were nine years old. In middle school, they saw each other every day in class. Because they were both new, they put aside their differences and formed an alliance. Eventually, their truce brought them closer. On the other hand, when the other kids made fun of their relationship, Yazmin and Jamal pulled apart. Soon they found themselves avoiding each other publically, but would still find ways subtle to hang out. They even invented code words and signals to communicate.

After that came high school and both were involved in sports. Jamal played football and basketball, while Yazmin played basketball and volleyball. He would attend her games, only to see the other girls, and she cheered for him on the sidelines at his. While each dated other people, it did not change their close friendship.

At prom, Jamal took the most popular girl in school, while Yazmin went with the quarterback of the football team. When the friends shared two dances at the event, suspicions of a romance spread amongst the inquisitive classmates. Almost all suspected something more between Yazmin and Jamal, but the pair argued against it.

Over the years, their parents willed for the two to get together once they were of age. They had hoped their children would marry and have a family of their own. Yet again, Yazmin and Jamal protested the idea.

When college stepped on the scene, the pair experienced separation for the first time. Jamal went to college on the east coast due to a football scholarship, while Yazmin stayed home and earned her four-year degree at a local university. However, in spite of the distance, they kept in touch. Then after graduation, he moved back home where he started a profession as a fitness trainer. She, in turn, found her passion in real estate. Now, twenty years later, the pair was closer than ever. Yazmin knew she could trust Jamal, and she knew he felt the same way about her. He was dependable when she needed him and vice versa.

Thought it was easier to deny the possibility of a relationship as teenagers, now in adulthood, friends still suspected more than friendship between her and Jamal. Still Yazmin denied the prospect. It did not seem right in her eyes to date her best friend. Crossing that line seemed too much of a risk. On the other hand, over the years, there were a few times when she seriously considered it, but she ignored the opportunities.

Yazmin walked back into the kitchen in her sweats and a comfortable t-shirt. She found Jamal pilling his plate with spaghetti. She grinned.

You couldn’t wait till I got back? she joked.

You were taking too long, he answered.

Yeah, but still you couldn’t wait for me?

Is that what you tell all your guests?

Yazmin laughed. You’re not a guest, Jamal.

He put his hand over his heart. Seriously, Yaz. After all I do for you. You don’t consider me a guest in your home? I think we need to reevaluate our friendship.

She rolled her eyes and smiled. Just hand me a plate.

He complied and he looked her up and down. Is that my t-shirt?

She grinned. It looks better on me. Right? Besides, you left it over here last week. I did wash it. I just haven’t returned it, yet.

It looks more like a dress on you, he teased.

Shut up, Jamal. Just because you’re taller than me doesn’t mean anything, she responded.

Whatever you say, Shorty.

Whatever ‘Mr. Six-two!’ I like my five-four body thank you very much.

Jamal laughed but turned serious. Are you okay? Seriously, do I need to call my boys and have a chat with Mr. Nichols?

Yazmin shook her head. No, I’m alright. Just forget it.

You sure? he questioned.

I’m sure. Now what’s up with this dominos game? she responded.

Chapter Two

Yazmin decided the following night to hang out with her friends Alana Tatum and Larissa Young. She felt that she needed some girl time, because she was still angry with Brad. Aside from work and Jamal, Alana and Larissa were the only ones who could make her feel better about her situation.

The women met in college as roommates. At first, they had to adjust living together, since it was the first time they were all living away from home. Larissa and Yazmin quickly gelled as friends because they were alike in personality, but it took time for Yazmin and Alana time to bond. Yazmin and Larissa were mild-mannered compared to the headstrong and direct Alana. This made the young women bump heads a lot. It took various conversations for them to find common grounds with each other, and soon they were all getting along.

After their first year, the young women became inseparable. Yazmin valued the friendship since she did not have any sisters of her own. Alana and Larissa, in her eyes, filled the void. She even found herself taking on some of Alana’s personality traits. Yazmin became more assertive and direct with people, but she was nothing in comparison to Alana, who could go off like a firecracker if provoked. Tonight, the women decided to eat at their favorite Italian restaurant, Natalia’s. Once their waiter took their orders, the women talked as they waited for their meals.

Thank you ladies for coming out with me tonight, Yazmin said.

Girl, thank you. I love my boys, but sometimes I need a break, Alana responded.

I still can’t believe you have twins, Larissa commented.

I can’t either and they’re turning two this year. Alana took a sip of her drink.

Larissa and Yazmin laughed.

Your boys are growing up so fast. How do you deal with it? Larissa asked touching her stomach. She was three months pregnant.

One day at a time. But Malcom and I have decided two is enough for now, Alana answered.

I don’t know I think you might have one more. You have to at least have a girl Alana, Yazmin advised.

I’ll rely on one of you for that. I’m not saying it won’t happen, but my husband and I are not in any hurry for another baby. I need to catch my breath first. My boys are no joke.

I guess I should be grateful for the one I’m having.

Yazmin