Crazed Love

By Nyla Adisa

Focused and dedicated to what she feels will take her to the next level, Nina is side swiped by an equally focused Troy, who is smitten with her innocence. But does Troy offer more than Nina is able to handle?

Crazed Love is an urban romance thriller that will leave you salivating for more with the turn of each and every page. The author’s attention to detail immerses you so deeply inside the minds of the characters to the point that when you put the book down you will walk away feeling as if you have known the characters all your life. The book packs in surprising plot twists, steamy love scenes, mysterious occurrences, and just enough drama to keep readers coming back for more. Crazed Love whets your appetite for a passionate, modern love story and gives a satisfying payoff with an ending you will never see coming.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9781669877196

Nyla Adisa

no information as of the moment

Book preview

1

I sat and stared at the lake as my feet hang from the pier, a sense of peace came over me. I looked up at the tree line in the distance and enjoyed the golds, reds, browns, and yellows that seem to glisten in the October sun from the trees and into the reflection of the calm water beneath. I inhaled the subtle scent of salt water and the gentle breeze that blew through my hair that caused the trees to bend in humble submission to its will. I watched as the gentle yet rolling waves floated away from me rhythmically. It was as if nature had its own call, unbothered and uninterrupted especially on days like this. There was no one at the lake but me and the few minnows I saw scurry by. I always came here when I needed to clear my mind. Somehow, this place helped my mind. I left my phone in my car because the last thing I needed or wanted was to be connected to the outside world.

As I thought about the phone, suddenly, the reason that I needed the lake flooded my mind. I looked back down at the rolling waves, and as the waves flowed away from me, the tears swelled in my eyes until the waves became a blur, and the tears flowed from my eyes like a stream. I felt my body began to sob, and my shoulders didn’t seem to belong to me anymore; they bounced up and down with so much intensity, I felt like I had no control over my own body. I am not sure how I got in this place; I am not sure why I was in this place. At this very moment, I think I questioned everything I ever thought that I knew.

Two years earlier

As usual, I was running late. I looked into the mirror as I applied my dark-brown eyeliner around my almond-shaped brown eyes. My eyelashes were long and thick, but I loved the way mascara lifted them up. My tawny-brown-colored clear skin just needed a bit of bronzer on the cheeks, and I always opted for something with a gold hue because it matched my skin’s undertone perfectly. I lined my lips with a brown lip liner and put on a natural medium-pink lipstick and popped on a light-brown lip gloss. I popped a bit of the bronzer on the bridge of my nose and the tip. People always told me I had a button nose. I quickly glanced at my outfit for the day. I opted to wear a pair of black tights and a light-blue sweater dress with a comfortable pair of black uggs. On my wrist as always, I had on my Apple watch with the rose-gold wristband, and hanging from my ears, a simple pair of medium-sized gold hoops. My heart-shaped necklace was in its place as usual. I always dressed simple.

My hair was braided up into a ponytail, and it hang down my back because something on me had to be extra. As I turned in the mirror and looked at myself, I always thought that I was too thin, but that was just my build. I had a butt, though, and my top filled out to a D cup. My shape was decent, but I had a walk that apparently mesmerized men. I never tried to walk in any particular way, but everywhere I went, it drew attention, mostly unwanted. After the quick glance I grabbed my laptop and threw it in my backpack. I looked at my watch and thought that breakfast was not happening today, but if I hurry, I could make it to class on time.

When I got downstairs and out in the corridor, I saw the usual stragglers standing around. Hey, girl, holla at yo boy real quick! Omar yelled out to me.

I can’t, Omar. I am late for class. Shouldn’t you be on your way too? I responded back while lightly jogging past him and his cronies. I smiled at him and winked.

You gonna stop playing with me, girl. You know what it is. He licked his lips as he watched me jog off.

Where is Taylor at anyway? I retorted back.

His boys started laughing. Nina Forte, if you give me the time, she will be a distant memory. Omar was still talking as his voice faded in the distance.

One thing for sure and two for certain, Omar will never be more than a friend or an acquaintance. Now, don’t get me wrong; he was fine-fine. I mean, that man was downright gorgeous, and he knew it. He was about six feet three with that beautiful chocolate skin. He looked like he could be Morris Chestnut’s son. And his people were paid. And I mean paid. His father was into the tech industry and made it big with some financial app that he had created in the early 2000s, and his mother was a plastic surgeon to the stars. So he would make someone very comfortable if he ever decided to settle down. But that comfortability would definitely come with a price. Omar was on his way to the NBA; he was the star basketball player at our university.

Omar and I went out on exactly two dates our freshmen year. Our second date, we went to a house party after we grabbed a bite to eat at a wing spot right outside of campus. We ended up at the party, and when we went in, girls were all over him, and he didn’t shy away from the attention. So I was stuck looking crazy, but even worse, I felt foolish. I went and sat on the porch and talked to one of the homeys, Big Dee. He was older than all of us, but he was cool. Not really my type; he was about three hundred pounds, but he really was a sweetheart. He told me that I deserved better than a player like Omar. Big Dee was so sweet, he even joked about him and me getting together once I graduated. I agreed with him as far as Omar was concerned. I gave him a kiss on the cheek, and he walked me back to the dorm, and from that night forward, I knew that Omar was not the one for me.

Don’t get me wrong; he was a gentleman, but he was always booked and busy. I don’t mean with his basketball career either; I mean with the ladies. He is the kind you can take home to the family, and he could get the pass too. That brother is smooooooth. But I have never been one for the heartache. I don’t just jump into bed with men. In fact, I have never jumped in the bed with any man. That is how I keep my focus. I know a lot of people feel like that is corny or whatever, but it beats getting pregnant by a random or staying hooked up to a man over emotions, and, bonus, I get to keep my self-respect intact.

I got to class just in time. I sat down and took in the lecture. Once that class ended, I walked to the dining hall to grab some fruit because I was so hungry, I could hardly think. I grabbed a couple of pieces of fruit and a yogurt. I walked slowly back across campus because my next class didn’t start for another twenty minutes. I ate the strawberries, grapes, and yogurt while I walked across campus. I was so glad that this was my last semester here. I was starting my master’s program in January, and I planned to be finished by January of next year.

As I was taking a short cut to class across the parking lot, a silver Infiniti Q70L pulled up next to me with tinted windows, and the driver rolled down the tinted windows slowly. Excuse me, miss, can you tell me where the HU Convocation Center is located? A pecan-colored brother with a tapered fade and coal-black curly hair looked me in my eyes with his hazel eyes. I mean, this brother was more than handsome. His dimples flashed at me for a second.

Um, um, I stuttered. I felt stupid for a second, then I had to reel it in. Girl, get yourself together, I told myself. I am sorry. I was thinking about my class. The Convocation Center is back in the other direction. I gave him directions, and he pulled off. I laughed at myself and kept it pushing. But that brother was fiiine. I could tell he was a little older than me. But that brother was right.

After class ended, I went to the dorm to fix myself something to eat. I decided on just making a Caesar salad. I ate and then started working on my homework. I had finished most of the work when . . .

Knock, knock. Knock, knock.

Who is it? I asked.

Knock, knock. Knock, knock, knock.

It was only three thirty in the afternoon, and I wasn’t at all scared because you could hear everybody out in the hall. But clearly somebody was playing games.

I swung the door open. Hey, Nina. Get your shoes on. Let’s go to the dining hall with your boring behind, Apple demanded.

Apple, why didn’t you say something when I asked, ‘Who is it’? I retorted.

Girl, be quiet. You had to get up and get the door anyway. We both laughed. Come on, let’s go. I don’t have all day, Apple snapped.

Why not? It’s not like you planning on doing any work. We both laughed while I was pulling on my tan Uggs. After class, I had also jumped in the shower and threw on a university sweatshirt and some skinny jeans.

True, Apple admitted. I heard the Q dogs are meeting down in the dining hall today, and you know I love a man that can bark orders.

I rolled my eyes as I closed the door behind me. I don’t really know how, Apple and I became friends other than the fact that we were in the same English class freshman year. We really don’t have that much in common. She is what my mama calls boy crazy. She is a lot of fun, though, and she keeps me laughing, and my girl is loyal; I have to give her that. She is in school to snag a man and to be taken care of, in that order. Anybody with potential could be in her crosshairs. Every party and any event, she has to be seen. On the other hand, I love a good book when I am not studying. I am a homebody. I don’t mind a good party every now and then, but I got that constant partying all the time out of my system freshman year.

Not my girl Apple; if she can be in the mix, in the mix is where she will be. She argues just to argue, and she loves to start mess. But whatever she says, she usually has receipts; a liar she is not. As soon as we got in the dining hall, Apple spotted Taylor in the doorway with her crew.

Nina, was that Omar I saw flirting with you this morning? Her messy hind parts just can’t help herself. Taylor and Apple have never gotten along. I always tell Apple that they are too much alike and that’s why they can’t get along.

I was caught there like a deer in the headlights, Taylor and her crew looking me up and down like they wished I would say something about Taylor’s man.

Now, see, I am not scared of anyone, and Taylor and I don’t exactly see eye to eye. If she wouldn’t have given me that snarky stare, I might have let it ride. But today I had time. I think that is every morning. We laughed. Taylor turned her back and stomped off, and her little minions were on her heels. She knew better than to try and check Omar or me.

We headed down the hall and to the ladies’ room. I don’t know why, but that is what we always did. We checked ourselves out in the mirror to make sure we were looking right and walked back around to the front of the building. I guess you could say it was a courtyard of sorts. The courtyard sat in the center of four buildings with stonelike benches and makeshift benches around. Apple ran ahead of me because one of her many suitors asked her to come holla at him for a sec.

I went to go sit on the bench to watch the Q’s step when I heard that deep voice again, Hey, miss lady, I forgot to tell you thank you for the directions you gave to me earlier.

I spun around, and my face was eye level with this hard chest wearing a Bull’s Jordan jersey. He smelled amazing, and his biceps were bulging. He had to be about six feet three or six feet four, and his body definitely matched that face.

Um, you’re welcome. I looked up at him. I was so nervous, and I never get nervous around men. Ever.

I am sorry. Where are my manners? My name is Troy Nzema. He extended his hand.

We shook hands. I am—I mean, my name is Nina Forte.

Nina. Nina, he said as though he was savoring the taste on his lips. That is a pretty name, he said with sincerity.

I could feel people staring at us, and I looked around a bit nervously. But he never lost his focus on me. His eyes seemed to be reading me like a book. His eyes were so intense. I was so self-conscious. I felt like he knew I was about to melt into a puddle on the ground. He spoke again in that beautiful deep voice. So, Nina, what year are you? I mean I-I assume you are a student here? he probed.

Yeah, I, uh, I am. Get it together, girl. This man is going to think something is wrong with you. Pull it together. This is my last semester. I graduate in December. I will start my master’s program in January, I blurted out, trying to appear to have some modicum of sense.

Just then, Apple came running up to me. "Hey girl, look, I gotta go see what this fool is up to. He said we need to talk. I hate when men act like females. I am going to catch up with you later, all right?"

O-OK, I’ll see you later, then. I fumbled over my words.

Nothing ever got by Apple; she got behind Troy’s back and gave me the thumbs-up and motioned like she was fanning herself. That’s what I loved about Apple; she could always bring me back.

Are you a student here? I asked, knowing the answer already.

No, I am not, Nina, he answered flatly.

Why does he keep saying my name? Not that I don’t like it. I mean it is sexy but odd.

Can we walk? he asked as he motioned with his head to get out of the courtyard. It was starting to get loud in there.

"Um, sure. Then maybe you can tell me what you are doing on my campus," I joked, and as I looked around, I noticed that people were still staring. We walked around the corner from the courtyard and up the block.

"So, Nina, to answer your question, the reason that I am on your campus is I am the new head coach for the basketball team," he stated plainly.

Oh, I guess congratulations are in order. Congratulations, Coach Nzema, I offered as a bowed my head with sincerity.

Please, Nina, call me Troy. He stopped and looked me directly in my eyes. I promise you this man felt like he was piercing my soul. His hazel eyes twinkled. His mouth curved to a smile.

Congratulations, Troy, I replied.

Thank you, Nina, he stated and started walking again. So where are you going for your master’s program, Nina, and in what, may I ask?

I have been accepted to the William and Mary’s psychology program, I said proudly. I will be graduating in December and starting there in January.

Ahh, congratulations, Nina. So I have about four months before I can make my first real move. Duly noted. But in the meantime, may I have your phone so that I may give you my number? I could use a friend in the area. After all, I am here without any family to accompany me. Not to worry, Nina, I will not do anything inappropriate. After all, I am faculty here and you are still a student. But we can still be friends, he stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

I was literally in shock. I have never encountered anyone with such confidence and directness. He was turning me on by the second. He had this no-nonsense way of speaking that made me feel quite bashful. I could almost hear myself purr like a kitten.

You are a bit forward, aren’t you? I joked.

Yes, he stated flatly. I am a man and I don’t play games. May I see your phone, Nina? he asked as he stopped and turned to me.

My phone? I answered, a bit confused.

I tell you what, here is my phone. He handed me his iPhone. Will you please do me the honor of putting your number in there? Go ahead and look through if you like. I have nothing to hide. As I stated, I am a grown man and I don’t play games.

I was so intrigued right now, I am not sure what to do. I take that back. I put my name and number in his phone. As I was adding my number to his contacts, he began walking again. And so did I.

We rounded the corner to my dorm, and I said, Well, this is me.

Nina, I will no longer be speaking to you in public. I will not see you in private either. But I will call you. Again, I do not want to cross any lines with you as you are a student here. But when you graduate, I will make my move. Good evening, Nina. With that, he turned and walked away.

Good evening, Coach, I replied. I had found some of my old self in there, and I wanted to test him. I wanted him to know that he would not control me, at least not yet.

He turned around and smiled at me, and I could have melted into a puddle right there on the ground. He was so fine.

That night and every night after, Troy called me, even if the team was out of town. We talked for hours about our dreams and desires. The crazy thing is he never flirted with me. In our phone conversations, I found out that he graduated from UCLA for which he was there on a full basketball scholarship. After which he played for the San Antonio Spurs for five years until he tore his ACL. He tried going back the next season, but it never was the same. In his words, he bowed out gracefully. He was an assistant coach for a semi pro league, and, finally, he interviewed for a job here.

Troy’s father’s family is from the Ghana coast close to Togo border, and he and his brother both live in the States. His father is a successful trader and farmer in Ghana. His mother, however, was an American. She is from New York and moved to Ghana for a job at a company that apparently helped build Africa. She was a foster child who overcame great odds. She had no desire to move back to the States.

I shared with him that I was from the local area and had never really traveled. My parents were still married and a middle-class family. I always had an interest in psychology and never really considered anything else. I told him I did want to travel someday and that I was an only child. No real remarkable things for me. I love to read, and I love peace. Other than that, I was pretty boring.

Troy and I could talk about anything from politics to sports to art to the education system, and we vibed. We just did. He made sense to me, and he would often tell me he loved my mind. Apple had went on one of her messy explorations to find out more about him, and she turned up nothing more than what I had already shared with her or at the least knew myself. He was a solid dude. Apple never shared with anyone our phoneship. Like I said, my girl was loyal. I could trust her, and I did.

The next four months were pretty uneventful other than getting to know this beautiful specimen of a man. Graduation came and went. He called that night as I was moving the rest of my belongings out of my dorm and moving into my apartment in Yorktown. He simply said, Congratulation, Nina. You looked beautiful and happy.

Thank you, Troy, I replied.

I woke up the next morning to a knock at my door. I got up and stumbled my way to the front door. I peeked through the peephole. No one was there. I placed the chain on the door and cracked the door, and down on the ground was the most beautiful floral arrangement I had ever seen; it had white calla lilies and yellow tulips with beautiful royal-blue roses. I picked them up and brought them in the apartment and set them on the breakfast bar. I grabbed the card.

Consider this my first move. Troy. I couldn’t help but smile.

Just then, my phone rang. I walked back to the bedroom and saw that Troy was calling me. It’s only nine in the morning; Troy never calls me in the morning.

Well, good morning, Troy. Thank you for the arrangement. They are beautiful, I said as calmly as I could.

You’re welcome, Nina. I have a request, though, he replied.

What’s up? I asked in a curious tone.

Would you do me the honors of attending a fundraiser in Richmond with me this weekend? he asked.

Inside, I was screaming, jumping, dancing, and exploding. But I managed a calm Yes.

Great. I will pick you up at four on Saturday because it is a about an hour drive to the event.

We talked a little more, and he wished me a great day and promised to call me later on that night.

I jumped in the shower, made some oatmeal, and got dressed. I already had an appointment at the hair salon, and I opted to have my hair silk wrapped. My hair was natural, but I wore a lot of protective styles like braids or twists. But I decided to switch it up a bit and go straight and long. My hair fell right above my waist when pressed.

I stopped by the nail salon and got my nails done and a pedicure on Saturday morning. I didn’t need a new dress; I knew what I would wear for my date—an off-the-shoulder black dress that came just below my knees. It hugged my body in all the right places, so it showed my curves perfectly. But it was classy. I had the perfect black faux fur full-length coat. I wore some strappy black stilettos and gold accessories. For my scent, I wore my Laura Mercier Eau de Toilette.

At three forty-five, Troy knocked on the door right on time. I opened the door, and there he stood this gorgeous man. He smiled when he saw me. He had on a tuxedo, and his hair was perfectly tapered. His hazel eyes always seemed to demand my attention. His dimples and perfect white smile made me want to kiss his perfect lips. I don’t know why this man has this effect on me, but I just feel like jelly inside. He looked at me with such intensity that I feel literal heat. I moved to the side and motioned for him to come in.

You look beautiful, Nina. He gasped as he stood there taking in what feels like every inch of my body. He handed me the flowers in a beautiful yellow vase. He finally stepped over the threshold. I closed the door behind him.

Thank you, Troy. You look very dapper yourself. I placed the flowers on the center of the coffee table. Have a seat. You are going to spoil me with these flowers, be careful. He sat on the couch next to the dining area. Do you want something to drink? I have water, soda, juice, and—

Juice, please, he answered.

I walked to the kitchen, and I felt like this was my first date; I am not even sure what to say to him. But I managed to clear my mind long enough to ask, How was your day? I opened the fridge and grabbed a cranberry and apple juice.

Long, he replied. I couldn’t wait to see you. And now I feel a little like a schoolboy, he confessed, looking down a bit.

We laughed nervously. I handed him his juice. I sat at the bar because as good as he smelled and as handsome as is, I could not trust myself too close. He got up from the couch and stood in front of me. He placed his hands gently on either side of my face, and I looked up at him. I mean it, Nina. I don’t know how I got through those four months without touching you. But now that I can see you and touch you, I am not sure I am going to let you go. He bent down and pressed his lips against mine gently. Slowly, his tongue invaded my mouth; he swept his tongue against my tongue. His lips were so soft, and the kiss was so intense, I felt that he owned me. That chemistry was all-the-way live. He slowly pulled his lips away, and he stood me up in front of him and looked down at me. Then he pulled me into a gentle longing embrace. He held me as if he needed my energy like he needed this hug. He slowly grabbed my hands and asked me if I was ready to go.

Still in a daze, I mustered enough wherewithal to say, Let me go freshen up.

I quickly went to the hall bathroom and reapplied my lipstick. I went back out to the living room where he stood waiting for me. I walked to him where he had my coat held up for him to place it on me. When we