More Than Him

by ChaShiree M.

  More Than Him

  More Than, Book 7

  ChaShiree M.

  Copyright © 2020 by ChaShiree M.

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Cover Created by Pixie Chica

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Blurb

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Epilogue

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Also By ChaShiree M.

  Coming Soon From ChaShiree M.

  For those that are scared of the happiness you deserve. Don’t be. Take it. Seize it. Own it. Allow it.

  Blurb

  Lailani

  Dunbar Louis is EVERYTHING. He's smart, funny, sexy and he is not afraid to go for what he wants. Me. Our life seemed headed for HEA. You know...the kind girls dream about. Until the day he breaks my heart.

  Now, here I am running from who I thought was the love of my life, determined to forget about him and find a way to mend my heart. At least I will always carry a piece of him with me.

  The question is...if he were to come for me, would I be able to deny what my heart wants?

  Chapter One

  Lailani

  God, I think getting into my car trying to stop the tears. It takes all I have not to turn around, go back to my friend. I want to turn around, tell her everything, take her help and stay in the place that is home for me. But I can’t. I need to get as far from here as possible. As far from the memory of everything that I loved, and everything that I lost. For one month, I lived in bliss. I lived in this little bubble, ignorantly happy, believing I had found the love of my life. Asking myself everyday how I got so lucky. How a man of his stature and pedigree could want anything from me. In the end, I was right. The last night we spent together, after hours of making love and making plans for a life I thought we both wanted, as he was kissing me, getting me worked up for round...I don’t know what, his mother showed up. Instead of him telling me to get dressed and come meet her, he told me to stay in the room and not move. I am not going to lie and say this didn’t hurt, but at the same time, I sort of understood because who would want to meet their future mother-in-law, like this. So, like a good little girlfriend, I stayed.

  I am not sure how long I was in the room before I began to wonder what was taking so long. As I opened the door, about to walk out, what I heard stopped me in my tracks.

  “Is this the only reason you came here mother?”

  “Not entirely. I spoke with Laurie. She informed me of your...detour into the shallow end…shall we say? She understands that men of your means have mistresses and certain need for...experiences outside of your circle. She is willing to overlook it son. We just need to nail down a date for this wedding. You really have put it off long enough.”

  To say I was nauseous was an understatement. I think it was more that I had known, deep down that I was out of his league, but had allowed myself to get sucked in. I didn’t even wait for him to walk in. I got up, holding my tears in, put my clothes on, gathered my things and right as I was going to walk out, he walked in, saw my things in my hand and knew I had heard. I don’t remember what was said, I just remember slapping him, calling him a lying bastard, and walking out. I didn’t go back to my place, gave my landlord notice, quit my job, and have been hiding out until I could figure out my next move,

  Which brings me to now. I am finally ready to leave. Do I know exactly where I am going and what I am going to do...no. But I know I need to leave and figure it out. Saying bye to Phillipa was difficult, but it was just what I needed too. She is right. I need a different plan. There is no way I am going to be able to be a full-time mom and go to school and hold down a full-time job. I feel the tears finally slipping as I let the reality of what is facing me finally takeover. Thank goodness I have plenty of time on the road to figure it out.

  My mind keeps going over and over what led me here. Was there a sign. Something I missed? I mean, don’t get me wrong. I knew who he was. For one, he was Cord’s best man when he and Phillipa married. Not to mention, he can be found in all the tabloids at all social functions, with a different woman on his arms. Except lately, I did notice he had been bringing one particular woman to the last few functions, the photogs had caught. However, according to everyone, including the women he has been photographed, he has had no relationships with any of them. So, what didn’t I see? I ask, shaking my head. Wiping the tears from my face, I berate myself. I am not this... whiny… weak, little girl. I am strong and I have been doing it alone for my whole life. Rubbing my hand over my stomach. I have to acknowledge however, that I left a piece of my heart back there. Luckily, I have my baby to give the rest too.

  I will never be alone... again. No. From here forward, it will be me and my baby. “Don’t worry little one, momma’s going to love you and protect you forever.”

  Now, I just have to find a job.

  Chapter Two

  Lailani

  Crap. I yawn, stretching my arms as I get out of the car. That was a long ass drive. Especially when you are alone, pregnant, and lost in your thoughts trying to figure out how you are going to build your life, with nothing but the miracle growing inside of you. I look around, taking in my surroundings. After driving eight hours, only pulling over twice to go to the potty, I figured it was time to stop for gas and to eat. I pull into this gas station with this little diner connected to it and decide it is as good a place as any. Walking in, I note that there is a nice crowd of people, letting me know the food is at least decent. “Can I help you hun?” I hear a sweet motherly voice ask me.

  “Hi. Uh, yes. First, I need a restroom,” I say, looking around trying to find it.

  “It’s around the corner, sweetie.” Thank God.

  “Thank you.” I say practically running to it. Finally feeling less frantic, I walk back into the diner and sit on one of the stools and grab a menu. Perusing it, I note it has a lot of comfort food which is wonderful since I am already missing home.

  “What can I get you hun?” she asks me, her hand on her hip and a warm smile on her face. A glance at her name tag tells me her name is Nana.

  “Can I get the meatloaf dinner, side of fries, and a vanilla shake.”

  “Sure thing,” she says grabbing my menu. I continue to look around, my mind whirring, picturing myself possibly settling here. It seems nice enough. I can tell it is small. Not fancy, which is fine by me. Turning toward the register, I note the for hire sign. Well shit. Maybe its fate.

  “Here you go hun,” she says sitting my food in front of me.

  “I see you have a help wanted sign.”

  “Yes. Our last waitress married the bread delivery boy and quit.”

  “Well, it just so happens, I am in need of a job.” I tell her, determined to find something to begin my new journey.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Lailani.”

  You're new around here, sweetie?” I nod my head trying to keep the tears at bay.

  “How did you know?”

  “This is a small town, sweetie. Plus, you sound like a big city girl. What brings you here?”

  “I-I needed to start over.” I tell her no lon
ger able to stop the flood.

  “Do you have somewhere to stay?”

  “No, I don’t. I left my whole life, friends, job, security, everything behind, with no plan or anything.” my body shaking, as everything comes spilling out. It isn’t until I feel a hand on my back that I realize she has come from behind the counter to comfort me.

  “You hush now, girl. Sometimes we have to leave, to find a reason to go back. Now you listen. Thirty minutes into the city, you will come to Embassy Suites. My best friend Flora is the manager of housekeeping. Tell her I sent you. She will give you a job and somewhere to stay. Now eat your food. I will give you some dessert to go.” I wipe my face and smile.

  “Thank you,” I say, grabbing her hand. She pats mine before walking away. Maybe I will like it here after all. I finish my food, take the pie she gives me, thank her once more and head out to the hotel. Exhausted, I walk up to the front desk, barely able to hide the tired from my voice. “Hi. I am looking for Flora.”

  “Sure. Take a seat. She will be right up.” The chairs in the lobby are so comfy that I find myself dozing off, until I hear a very soft-spoken woman say my name.

  “You must be Lailani?” Crap. I jump up, embarrassed she caught me napping.

  “Yes. I am so sorry. I-I have just been driving so long and…”

  “Don’t worry. Flora told me a bit about it. It just so happens I have an open position. Have you ever worked in a hotel before?”

  “I have as a matter of fact. I went from being housekeeping to overnight supervisor of the front desk.”

  “Excellent. Well here is the offer. I can offer you free room and board here in the hotel. Eat for free in the restaurant and I will pay you a small stipend. Do you have a shift preference?” I am taken aback by the question. Most employers don’t care. They put in the shift they want and you deal with it.

  “Well if it is not too much trouble, I would like midday, if you can. I am going to try to find some scholarships and such to help with going back to school and my plan is to take morning classes. So, I figure I can go to school in the morning, work here midday and maybe take a night class. However, until school happens, whatever shift you need me on.” I gulp hoping I didn’t just talk her out of hiring me.

  “Sounds great. I admire young ladies looking to further their careers.” Great.

  “That is good to know,” I say my voice is unsure and she picks up on it immediately.

  “Is there something else?”

  “Well, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind paying me in cash?” I bite my lip waiting on her to...I don't know what, but I know it is an odd request.

  “I don’t normally pay in cash, you know, tax purposes and all, but...can I ask if you are in some sort of trouble?”

  “No, nothing like that. I just... I am just looking to start over and would rather things from my past not make it more complicated than it already is.” She nods her head. I can see her mind ticking before she answers.

  “Well, I can certainly understand that. Very well. I will just have to have you sign something every pay period for the accountant.”

  “No problem.” Now I just have to tell her the biggest thing before we finalize this. “The only other thing you should know is that I am pregnant.” I hold my breath, hoping and praying she doesn’t change her mind. This is the perfect situation for me.

  “Congratulations. How far along are you?”

  “Five weeks.”

  “Well, babies are a gift. Does this have something to do with your need for… no trail?” she asks, concern taking over her face.

  “Yes and no. More no, than yes, but all the same.” She nods.

  “No worries. Now, your room will be on the fifth floor. Here is the key. It is actually a room suited for employees that fall on hard times and need a place to stay so it has an actual key. We have several of those throughout the hotel. Do you have many bags?” Is this a dream?

  “No. Just this one suitcase.”

  “Excellent. Well you go on upstairs and rest. That baby needs some sleep. You can start in the morning. Say... eight?

  “Sounds perfect.” After a few more words, I take the elevator up, open the door, look around for a second, take my clothes off, leaving only my underwear and bra on and fall into the bed. The last thing I remember is crying for what could have been. One last cry before I fortify. Doesn’t stop me from missing his touch.

  Chapter Three

  Lailani

  Grrrr... the feeling and sound of my stomach rumbling wakes me, alerting me to the fact that I barely fed the baby at all yesterday. Looking down at my stomach, I place my hand on it. “I’m sorry, little blip. Mommy was too tired to eat. It won’t happen again.” Stretching, I finally take a second to take in my surroundings. Per usual, Embassy Suites hotels are always beautiful. The only difference being this one is equipped with a midsize refrigerator instead of the small one. Just big enough to store some milk, juice, and fruit for a late-night snack. It also has a nice sized pantry to the left of the fridge. Walking toward the restroom, I note the closet is bigger than the guestrooms and it has a dresser inside. “Wow, it really is like a mini apartment,” I say as I keep going to the bathroom. The bathroom is a standard hotel bathroom with the exception of one thing...it has a little linen closet and the mirror opens for cosmetics.

  The shower is bittersweet as it has been since the moment I walked out on Dun. We spent lots of time out, eating, going to the theatre, walking in the park, museums, everything. But just as much time as went out, we spent inside. Eating, watching TV, pretending we were watching TV, cooking, and making love on top of counters meant for cooking. I feel myself smiling a little thinking of the time we were watching Alex Guarnaschelli on the food network make her famous pork meatballs with onion jam. The problem is, we barely made it halfway through the online lesson before I found myself spread eagle on the counter with pasta sauce dripping down my pussy as Dun had dinner mixed dessert.

  “The next step is to create the onion jam. The fastest way to do this is to sauté…

  “Mmm… you smell good baby.” he says in my ear, his mouth kissing my neck as he nudges my neck.

  “I think what you're smelling is the meat.” I moan, rubbing my legs together.

  “You are correct, my love, just not the meat you are referring to.” Oh God. How does he make everything sound so erotic? “I would know your scent from anywhere and I can tell that you are ready to be my feast.”

  “I-I thought we were cooking...oh…Dun,” I gasp in surprise as he lifts me onto the counter knocking all the bowls and utensils off. Before I can register anything else, he has my panties down and his mouth less than a breath from my pussy.

  “Mmm... look at how shiny your thighs are baby. I don’t even need to stick my tongue in that sweet pussy to taste you. You coated yourself just for me didn’t you, Lani?” Although I know the question is rhetorical, I find myself answering as I squirm and groan for him, my voice no more than whisper.

  “Yes. Yes, just for you.”

  “Good girl,” he says nothing else as his tongue licks my thighs, purposely avoiding my pussy, driving me crazy knowing I need him so bad. My hands grip his head, doing my best to force him where I need him most, but as usual he is in charge. “You need it huh, greedy girl?” I love it when he calls me that.

  “Yes. Lick me, Dun.”

  “Ah fuck. You know how much it kills me when your sweet, innocent mouth says dirty things to me.” I hear him say simultaneously with his zipper going down. Knowing that he is stroking himself as he continues to lick every inch of my desire from him, is a powerful feeling. This man is so gone for me that I drive him to the brink. “Jesus, Lani, do you know how good you taste? Fucking sugar coma will this sweetness.'' My eyes are closed rolling to the back of my head as I chant over and over ‘lick me... lick me’, all inhibitions lost. Out of nowhere my body springs to life as something cold drips down the slit of my pussy. Raising my head, I see the glint in his eye as my eyes con
vey shock, realizing he poured pasta sauce on me. “Think Alex would add this sweet meat to her recipe?” he says before licking me like his favorite tomato covered lollipop. I call his name, my voice rising in octaves the closer I get, something about the dirtiness of this whole situation and just having him mouth sucking the solace form my body. Over and over he licks, his head going wild as he groans against my click sucking it into his mouth every few seconds.

  “DUN!” I scream when he adds two fingers not caring that he is probably getting red shit inside of me. Will his cum wash it out? “Oh god. I’m coming, babe. I’m coming.” I scream, trying to catch my breath. He always told me to tell him when I was on the edge. He licks me one more time, before removing his head, and slowly inching his cock inside of me, the juicy sound amplified by the fact that I am covered in Alex’s special recipe. I gasp like I do every time he enters me because it always feels like the first time.

  “So fucking tight,” he grunts right before his mouth attacks mine. I can taste myself mixed with the food and somehow it turns me into a ravenous, greedy version of myself. I eat his mouth with vigor, pulling his head further on my mouth as my legs lock him inside of me, telling him without words to never leave. “Fucking shit he says before he kisses me and his body begins to slam in and out of me sending flashes of a life with this constant state of pleasure being a part of it.