Dramatic Encounters: Temptations

By Michele Burden

Keiadra is eager for a new beginning. After years of trying to make previous situations work in her life, she thought that she'd finally gotten life right. She had broken the curse that was cast in her family and began to focus on her and Brian.

In this sequel to Dramatic Encounters, we find Keiadra, Latrice, and Leaja have more in common than they realize. However, as they soon will see what happens in the dark always comes out in the light. The truth will come out whether you want it to or not. Did Keiadra really know Brian like she thought? Will Latrice have to choose between two people that she love dearly? Will Leaja find herself in a situation that she can't get out of?

Dramatic Encounters: Temptations will have you on the edge of your seats. So get ready because nothing lasts forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 11, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514472729

Michele Burden

Michele Burden have experience as well as helped a few people in her life deal with the struggles of everyday life. To lend a helping hand to those who need advice not only helps them but encourage her to continue to assist those who needs a listening ear instead of listening to respond. She is also the author of Dramatic Encounters and Dramatic Encounters Temptations. Her passion to write helps her to continue her journey. Michele resides in Hampton, Virginia, with her three children, where she continues to devote her passion as a writer.

Book preview

Chapter 1

A s Latrice watched Kenny walked down the hallway from the room, she thought to herself how lucky she was for being with a man so handsome and professional. They have been together for five years, and since today was their anniversary, she felt that Kenny would pop the question to her. Latrice knew that she would make a beautiful bride for Kenny; too bad Kenny couldn’t figure this out on his own.

As she lay on the bed, she smiled as she realized how successful she had become over the years. She had accomplished everything she wanted in life and more. After all the years of heartache and pain, how could she not want to be with this man who made her feel like a queen! She was only thirty-two years old without any children, a great career, and she felt that it was time to start a family before it was too late for her to carry any of her own. After all, Kenny and Latrice were the same age, and time was running out for the both of them. Latrice never had the intentions on becoming the CEO of her own company. Latrice attended the University of Bloomsburg in Pittsburg on a ROTC scholarship and was one of the best in her class. Even though this is what Latrice wanted to do with her career after she graduated, she found herself wanting to decorate more than anything else. After she finished school, she knew that this feeling she had about opening her own décor shop was more than just wishful thinking. This was her dream. It made Latrice so happy; she followed her dream instead of what others wanted her to do.

Latrice was raised by both of her parents. They were both successful in their careers also. Her mom was a lawyer in the state of Pittsburg, and her dad was the CEO of his law firm, White and Burk. She always wondered how they stayed in love and how their marriage stayed strong over the years being that they almost never saw each other. Because of the way her parents loved each other, it made Latrice want a long-lasting marriage like theirs. With Kenny, it was different. He was a man who loved her unconditionally and accepted all of her flaws, but Latrice couldn’t understand why it was so hard for him to commit himself fully to her.

Latrice’s career was like another boyfriend to her. In case Kenny decided to leave her one day, she would have something to fall back on to help keep her mind off the heartache and pain. Latrice always keeps her work first. Kenny felt some type of way about it even though he never talked about it with Latrice. This was putting a strain on their relationship, and maybe this was why Kenny hasn’t asked Latrice to be his wife.

Happy fifth anniversary, baby, Latrice said to Kenny as he walked in the room. Kenny was shocked as if he didn’t remember that it was their anniversary.

Happy anniversary, Trice, Kenny responded.

So what are we going to do tonight to celebrate? Latrice asked curiously.

You will find out later after work, Kenny said.

Latrice was so aggravated! For some reason, she felt as if Kenny forgot about today being their anniversary. You know what, Kenny? Since I have to wait for my gift, you can’t have your gift until I get mine.

Latrice stood in front of Kenny with her arms folded. She was mad that he wouldn’t give her the gift before she went to work. Now she had to think about what she was getting all day at work.

When Latrice walked in the door of her business, she was surprise to see a bouquet of roses on her assistant’s desk. She thought about the conversation that Kenny and she had before she went to work, so she was wondering was the roses from Kenny or did they belong to her assistant. Hello there, Alicia, Latrice greeted as soon as she walked through the door.

Good morning, Ms. White, Alicia answered.

So what is the special occasion? Latrice curiously asked Alicia.

Oh, they are not for me, Ms. White! They are for you, Alicia responded. So Kenny did not forget, Latrice pondered to herself. It seems to me like someone really loves you to send all of these roses, Alicia continued.

Bring these into my office and then get back to work, Latrice ordered Alicia. Alicia always thought that Latrice was rude and disrespectful to her. Even though she was just an assistant, she was also a human being with feelings.

Alicia had done what was ordered of her and hurried out the door. Latrice could not believe that Kenny remembered. She thought to herself that a ring would have been better, but it was the thought that counted. Besides, Kenny had told her that she would receive her gift later tonight. This made her more curious as to what the real gift was. As soon as Latrice was about to read the letter that was attached to the bouquet, the phone rang.

Hello, Latrice White office, Alicia said as she answered the phone. Please hold, she said. There was a pause for a moment before Alicia buzzed the phone. Ms. White, you have a call on line two, Alicia told her.

Okay, thank you, Alicia. You can send it through. Ms. White, how may I help you, Latrice continued. Good morning, Ms. White. This is Mr. Adam Settle. We have a meeting schedule later today to decorate my wife’s living room. Well, I wanted to make a few changes to the positioning of the furniture before we start this process. I want this to be the best gift I have ever given my wife after fifteen years, Mr. Settle continued.

That will be okay, Mr. Settle. Just fax me over the information as soon as possible so I can go over the details before we meet tonight, Latrice responded.

Will do that right now, Ms. White, Mr. Settle answered as they finished their conversation and hung up the phone.

Fifteen years? Latrice screamed. He is still trying to please his wife and make her happy after all these years! I can’t even get my man to commit, Latrice said out loud. What am I doing wrong that will not make him commit? Latrice asked herself.

Latrice was an attractive young lady with men waiting in line to go out with her. Her slanted eyes and dark chocolate skin made her irresistible to men of every culture. At times, Latrice felt as if she had to move on and find someone to love her, like Kenny did, but would also want to marry her. She felt as if she was wasting time on a relationship that was not going anywhere. She put five years into their relationship to receive nothing but an I love you from Kenny. This is why Latrice kept her career first and a man last.

Ms. White. You have a call on line two, Alicia said on the intercom.

Latrice pick up the phone. Latrice White speaking, how may I help you, Latrice answered.

Hello, Ms. Pretty, the caller said.

Latrice could not recognize the voice or figure out why this person was calling her. How may I help you? Latrice asked.

I was wondering if I could take you out sometime, said the caller.

May I ask who I’m talking to? Latrice asked curiously.

Oh, I am sorry. I had gotten so excited that you answered. This is Will, the voice said.

I’m sorry, but Will who? Latrice asked.

William Scott, the man answered.

Latrice could not believe that she was on the phone with her long lost love. William a.k.a Will had left while they were in high school to join the military. Latrice and Will both attended Lakeside High School in Pittsburg.

Hello, Will, Latrice answered. She didn’t want to make it noticeable how excited she was to hear from him; after all, it has been ten years. How have you been? How did you receive my number? she asked.

I have been fine, thank you for asking. I saw an old friend of ours back in high school who told me you had your own business. I looked it up on the internet, and that is how I got your number, Will explained.

Oh, okay … well, how may I help you? Latrice asked him in her sexy voice.

Actually, I do not need help. I wanted to see you again and to see if you were available. Could I take you out to dinner sometime? Will asked.

Let’s not get off on the wrong foot, Latrice began to say. I am in a relationship, and I don’t think it would be possible to try to start another with you, she told him.

Slow down, Latrice, Will said. I am not looking to jump into a relationship with you. I just want to take you out to dinner and talk about what I miss out on over the years, he assured her.

Well, I have to get back to you on that, Latrice responded.

Sure. You have my number, so call me when you have a chance. Just remember that I am only here for three weeks, Will said.

Okay, I’ll remember that, Latrice responded. Goodbye.

Latrice could not believe that after all these years she had a chance to talk to the man who she felt in love with in high school. She thought that he was dead and would never be able to talk to him again—especially not today on her anniversary with Kenny. This was the wrong timing for her, and now she was having mixed feelings going through her head. Latrice stared into space, forgetting that she was at work. She didn’t have any remorse about the thoughts that were going through them about Will. She remembered how he used to massage her entire body before they had sexual intercourse. The way that he used his tongue to taste her goodies and every place that needed pleasure. Besides, at that time, she didn’t know how another man felt because Will was the one who took her virginity. Even though she was with Kenny, she wasn’t about to let Will out of her sight. What was Latrice to do? She wanted Will more than ever after these thoughts, but she knew she couldn’t go there because she is already taken. Kenny definitely has to put a ring on it now, Latrice said to herself.

After Latrice snap back into reality, she notice that she was about to miss her twelve o’clock appointment. She buzzed her assistant. Alicia, can you please call Ms. Brown and let her know that I will be fifteen minutes late, Latrice requested.

Yes, ma’am, Alicia responded.

Latrice was never late for an appointment, but what had been going on for the last couple of hours had her head spinning. She had to gain composure before she conducted her business or the things that were going on in her life at the moment could only cause distraction to her and her client.

Even though Latrice was late, as soon as she arrived to Ms. Brown house, Ms. Brown was outside waiting for her. Thank you for waiting, Ms. Brown, Latrice pleaded as she approached Ms. Brown.

You see Ms. Brown was an elderly woman who inherited a lot of money from previous marriages. She was known as the Cougar of Heritage. She always wanted young men half her age and didn’t care if they were in a relationship or not. She figured that as long as they came to her when she needed them, their girlfriend or wives would not have to find out. A lot of families were broken up and a lot of relationships were destroyed because of her. Yet, she kept showering them with gifts so they would not leave her alone. Ms. Brown was a woman who took what she wanted. To Ms. Brown, it showed strength and power, but to everyone else—it showed hoe tendencies.

It is okay, Ms. White. I was running a little late myself, Ms. Brown answered. So where should we start, she continued.

Well, we can start by showing me your house, responded Latrice. Okay then, follow me, Ms. Brown requested.

Ms. Brown walked Latrice into the house to show her which rooms that she wanted to redecorate. They started in the living room. Ms. Brown told her that she wanted her living room in the color of purple and silver. She continued to tell Latrice about her third husband who told her that when she wore the color purple, it blended well with her completion. That was the reason why she had wanted the living room purple. After they had reached the