The Dirty Truth, Secret Obsessions Book 1

by Ashley Cole

  “I came back to check on you the other night. I wanted to beat the shit out of that guy for touching you. I know you don’t need anything from me but it’s something about you. I feel it’s my job to protect you. You don’t belong there, and before you assume I’m judging I’m not. I just know a good woman when I see one. I know you wouldn’t be there if you didn’t have to be. I’ve worked there long enough to know who should be there and who shouldn’t. You deserve better, you deserve the world”, he said quietly.

  Before Chanel could stop herself, she was blabbing about her father and tearing up about her mother’s situation. Noah sat quietly listening carefully, which surprised her. She was used to people disregarding her feelings and not fully listening to her needs. “I’m talking too much”, she said pausing. “Never, I could listen to your voice forever and I’d never get tired”, he admitted. “Why me?”, she asked. “Why not?”, he countered. Speechless again she sat staring into his eyes. He slowly pulled her closer not wanting to frighten her. “You are beautiful, inside and out. Give me a chance to make sure you never have to ask ‘why me’ EVER again.”

  “I don’t know Noah, I have a lot going on right now and you wouldn’t understand”, she explained. Slowly Noah placed his hands in front of her lips stopping her from speaking. “I don’t need to know anything until you’re ready for me to. When you’re ready I’ll be here waiting for you.”, he promised with sincerity. Before she knew what was happening she’d realized she was reaching to touch his cleanly shaven goatee. Her thumb lightly brushing against his lips. He sat still, closing his eyes, allowing her to explore his face.

  Chanel was never this forward with anyone. She normally allowed the guy to make the first move but with Noah it was different. She couldn’t and did not want to wait. Slowly she pulled him towards her parting her lips as she closed her eyes. Closing the distance between them, Noah allowed her to control the pace as she wrapped her arms around his neck deepening the kiss. A moan escaped her lips pushing Noah to the edge.

  Knowing he should take it slowly, he gently grabbed the back of her neck, crushing his mouth against hers, his tongue parting her lips. Testing the waters, he allowed his free hand to run alongside her ribcage pulling her to him as he caressed her lower back. He then picked her pulling her towards him. Chanel couldn’t think straight if her life depended on it, but who would want to at a time like this.

  This was all very new to her. She never knew Noah was so attracted to her. She knew deep down that everything he’d been saying to her was true. But, why did he want to peel back the layers of her brokenness? Would he stay forever, she thought? Not wanting to ruin the moment she finally gave herself permission to let go. Allowing him to kiss along her neck as he slowly lifted her with ease, turning her body towards him. She wrapped her long legs seductively around his waist, throwing her head back as he kissed along her neck. She moaned feeling him harden against her, no longer caring who may have been watching.

  “Uhhh, excuse me, ma’am, is this your friend?”, the policeman asked. Chanel froze as Noah slowly lifted her from his lap as he stood placing her on her feet. He placed his hand at the small of her back as he towered over her and the gentleman standing in front of them. Kristina stood quietly, Chanel noticed she had been handcuffed. “Yes, she’s my friend, what’s the problem officer?”, she asked her voice shaking. Noah rubbed her back slowly to try and comfort her. “Your friend stole this credit card, would you happen to know anything about that?”, he questioned. “She knows nothing, leave her alone”, Kristina replied, jerking her arm away from him. “Ma’am if you continue to move I’ll have to contain you and I don’t believe you want that.” Kristina stood quietly putting her head down.

  “What did you do?”, Chanel asked covering her mouth in disbelief. Noah pulled her towards him for comfort. “You had fun, didn’t you? Don’t look at me that way. I can feel you judging me, but I’ll explain later. Right now, I just need you to bail me out. Please don’t call my mom, you know she’s tired of me getting into trouble. She’d put me out. Don’t tell her okay? I’ll pay you back”, she replied sounding defeated.

  “You know I don’t have that kind of money Kristina, that money is for my mom”, she cried. “Alright times up”, the police approached them grabbing Kristina’s arm taking her into custody. “Don’t call my mom!”, she yelled not liking Chanel’s expression. But what did she expect her to do? She refused to dump those bills back onto her mom again. She also didn’t want to betray her friend. Turning to Noah she began sobbing not knowing what to do, and he held her not saying a word.

  Chapter 17

  Naomi was so mad at Scarlett and hadn’t decided if she still wanted to go out with her tonight. It was Friday afternoon but she still hadn’t forgiven her friend for setting her up on a blind date. What the hell did she look like going on a blind date? She barely wanted to go on a regular date. She had complained so much, that instead of a date, she set up a blind meet and greet, whatever the hell that was.

  Apparently, she’d be meeting some guy named Monty at Starbucks around three, but she couldn’t think about that right now. It was almost time for her follow up meeting with Dominique. Tiana was already setting up the boardroom while she went over her notes and double checked her samples. The meeting would start in fifteen minutes and her nerves were shot. Dominique was her friend and this was business but she knew she’d be broken if things didn’t work out.

  Grabbing her notes after saying a prayer she headed towards the boardroom. She and Tiana discussed the order in which she would like the meeting to go. “Okay got it. Ready Ms. Archer? You can do this”, Tiana said showing support. “Ready as I’ll ever be”, she replied motioning for her to connect the call.

  Dominique appeared on the screen moments later. “How’s my girl?”, he asked. “I’m great, how are you?” she replied. “I’m great, but I must say, I’m excited to see what you’ve got girl. Show me the money honey, or in this case the shoes!”, he teased. “Haha, okay let’s get started. Tiana sent you an email with ten samples this morning, have you received it yet?” she asked waiting for his reply. “Here let me check”, he said grabbing his Mac laptop.

  “Here it is. Oh wow! Naomi these samples are bad ass”, he replied still looking at his computer screen. “What colors would number three be available in, that’s my fav so far?”, he asked. “Number three comes in four colors, navy blue, fuchsia, hunter green and black”, Tiana replied for Naomi sensing her nervous tension. “Hell yes! What about five?”, he asked. Tiana continued supplying him with the colors on each shoe he inquired about.

  “Wow girl, you made your old man proud”, he jested. “I guess it’s safe to say I’m bumping that biyotch Sabrina! Her dad will be pissed but I’ll give him his stupid money back”, he said laughing. “Thank you soooo much Dom! I’m so excited!”, Naomi replied full of excitement. “Yes, honey I will see you in a few weeks! Get your shit ready ma’am I expect to see you soon!”, he yelled. “See you soon!”, she screamed blowing kisses as the call ended.

  “Oh my God, we did it!!”, Naomi yelled and before she knew it she was hugging Tiana. Who didn’t seem to mind but she immediately apologized. “I’m so sorry, that was inappropriate”, she said. “Boss lady it’s okay this is huge! I’m so happy for you!”, she replied pulling her back into an embrace. “Yay, we’re going to Paris!”, she yelled as she stood jumping up and down.

  “I’ve never been to Paris before. This is so awesome. Thank you for taking a chance on me, I heard about all the assistants before me and I wanted to impress you. I hope you’ve noticed my hard work and dedication”, Tiana said sounding hopeful. “Of course, I have, you have great work ethic and I hope you plan to stay with the company for a very long time”, she replied with a wink. “I’m not going anywhere unless you ask me to”, she replied as they laughed.

  “My best friend set me up on a blind coffee date”, she said rolling her eyes, feeling more comfortable with Tiana. “You should go! At least see what
he’s about and if he’s a scrub we can laugh about it when you get back”, she said giggling. Naomi laughed, “Very true, but make sure you don’t share any of my personal life with your co-workers. Whatever I tell you stays strictly between us”, she said with a serious expression. “You got it”, she replied using the hand gesture that her lips were sealed.

  “Well go ahead and take a break, I’ll find you when I make it back into the office. We should be able to leave on time today”, she said. “Yes ma’am, see you when you get back. Have fun!”, she yelled with the biggest smile. Suddenly Naomi had the biggest butterflies in her stomach. She texted Scarlett, yelling at her one more time for setting her up, but only after she shared the great news.

  Scarlett would kill her if she held back that kind of pertinent information. It was the reason they were going out tonight. She knew her friend would be dismissing her students soon so she expected to see a response from her shortly thereafter. Maybe she’d call her back instead of texting and rescue her from this damn blind date. Grabbing her purse, she made her way to the restroom to see her reflection in the mirror. She freshened up her makeup and sprayed a little more of her Coco Chanel Mademoiselle perfume on.

  “I don’t know why I’m being so extra. This man is probably a hot ass mess”, she said to her reflection on the way out. “Alex hold my calls, I’ll be back soon”, she said. “Yes ma’am”, he replied, looking her up and down again. “This child”, she said mumbling under her breath as she made her way to the exit. She already knew her way to Starbucks, but wished she hadn’t. She was so nervous.

  Leaving the parking lot, she knew it should only take about ten minutes to get there. As she pulled into the parking lot, she noticed a tall chocolate skin toned brother looking in her direction as he made his way towards the entrance. Dear God, he had mad sex appeal, but she was sure he wasn’t the guy she’d be meeting today. She clearly had bad luck when it concerned men. Thinking of Ethan, she didn’t even attempt to get her hopes up.

  Stepping out of her car, she stared at her reflection checking one more time before heading in. She was wearing a red ruffled top that hugged her waistline with black Skinny pants and red stilettos. Her Fendi bag was black and red. Taking a deep breath, she started making her way towards the entrance. Scarlett said he’d be sitting in the back of Starbucks near the window.

  Stepping around a few customers standing in line, she scanned the room, looking for the large window in the back. Immediately her eyes were drawn to the gentleman sitting there. “Thank God, it was him”, she whispered, hoping no one heard her. He was reading a magazine with his legs crossed at the knee. His muscles were flexing through the pink-collar shirt he was wearing. “Hmm a man confident enough to wear pink”, she observed with appreciation. Suddenly, she was extremely thirsty but she knew a glass of water wouldn’t quench this kind of thirst.

  Before she was caught staring, she began making her way towards his table. When she was halfway there, he sat up looking directly at her, with a smile. Assuming she was his blind date, he stood before she completely made it to his table. She noticed he was already pulling her chair out for her.

  “I have a confession, I saw you in the parking lot, and I was hoping you were the lady I’d be meeting today. I’m Monty”, he said checking her out as he stretched his hand in her direction. “Oh, really? Well the feeling is mutual, I’m Naomi. Nice to meet you”, she replied trying not to throw herself at him, allowing him to kiss her hand. He smelled sooooo good.

  Scarlett was right about those cobwebs. Her pheromones were at an all-time high and if he got any closer he’d know exactly how long it had been. “Please have a seat”, he said motioning for her to sit as he pushed her chair in behind her before sitting back down. “Can I get you anything? I didn’t want to order until after you arrived”, he said patiently awaiting her reply.

  Naomi had to force the words from her mouth. Why did he have to look this good? He was gorgeous, classy and such a gentleman. There was one thing she did know. After today, she would never question anything Scarlett asked her to do. She could ask her to run around Manhattan naked and she’d strip down to her birthday suit and take off in a sprint, no questions asked.

  “I’ll have an Iced Caramel Macchiato”, she replied trying not to drool. “Coming right up”, he smiled as he stood walking to the counter to place their order, but not before winking at her. What in the hell. My panties are going to be soaked before I make it back to the office. I can’t go back to work like this, she thought.

  Pulling out her phone, she noticed Scarlett had gotten her message but she ignored her messages and sent, “Girrllll, where did you find him?” adding an emoticon with hearts on the eyes. She wasn’t in love but she was definitely in lust. If she didn’t calm herself down she’d be stopping to buy more panties on her way back to work.

  “For you my lady”, he said interrupting her thoughts as she put her phone away. His voice was very sexy and she felt his breath on her ear as he placed her coffee in front of her. She jumped, startled, hoping he hadn’t seen her text to Scarlett. “Thank you”, she said allowing him time to get back to his seat. “So, Scarlett says you’re her neighbor. I must ask, were you open to the whole blind date thing?” “To be honest, no, but it’s been a while and I felt now is as good a time as never and it’s time to get back out there”, he admitted.

  “Yah, this is a first for me”, she smiled. “Well I hope you don’t regret it”, he replied leaning forward. “I sure don’t”, he said before she had time to respond. Taking a sip of his coffee he smiled. She sure wished she was that cup right about now. His full lips looked soft and she knew she’d love how the felt on her— “So do you?”, he asked. “I’m sorry, do I what?”, she asked becoming flustered with herself. Seriously, am I drooling? Get it together Naomi! she thought.

  “Do you regret your first blind date, with me? Or should I call it a meet and greet?”, he asked seeming very interested in her answer. She wanted to scream hell no. Have you seen yourself? I want to find your mother and thank her for raising such a kind, strong, handsome, beautiful man. “No, of course not. I must admit I was very skeptical and a little nervous, but you seem like one of the good guys”, she replied.

  “You can thank my mother for that, she didn’t play around. No son of hers would be a heathen. She only raised gentleman. I can only hope that I’m setting a good enough example for my daughter. Maybe she’ll choose someone like me one day”, he said sounding hopeful. “Oh, you have a daughter?”, she said sounding surprised. “I do, her name’s Madison and she just turned seven, will this be a problem?”, he asked concerned.

  “Oh no, not at all. I have a son, his name’s Mason and he’s four” she replied. As time went on they smiled and laughed sharing tidbits of information. Unfortunately, the hour passed much quicker than she’d have liked it to. Here she was thinking she’d need an emergency call to escape their date and now she craved a reason to stay. Monty was so different from Ethan. She hated to compare, but it was inevitable, the wounds were still fresh.

  “Well I have to get back to the office, but it was really nice meeting you Monty”, she said. “The pleasure was all mine Naomi”, he replied grabbing and kissing the back of her hand. “Would you be okay if we exchanged numbers, or is it too soon for that? I’ve been out of the dating scene for too long so I’m unsure of the rules”, he joked still holding her hand. “I think that would be okay, maybe we could make our own rules.” “I would love that. May I ask what perfume you’re wearing?”, he asked, closing his eyes inhaling her scent.

  “It’s Coco Chanel, one of my favorites,” she smiled shyly. “I think it just became my favorite as well”, he said leaning in to whisper. Naomi almost swooned. “That’s nice to know”, she replied feeling like a giddy school girl. They exchanged numbers and made their way towards the exit. “Do you think I could take you on an actual date next time? “Scarlett said you may not want to rush into anything, but I had to ask. I’ve truly enjoyed my time wit
h you”, he said as he walked her to her car. So, he wants to take me on a real date? Thank God, her mind screamed on the inside. She was probably going to need more underwear; her panties were soaked.

  “Sure, I would love that”, she smiled looking up at him batting her eyelashes. Mmmm tall dark and handsome, and that smile. She loved nice teeth. “Good, I’ll give you a call soon, but I’ll make sure you have time to plan for your little one. I know all about that”, he joked. “Yes, thank you, but I’m sure Scarlett would love to keep Mason for me since this was pretty much her idea. Just let me know”, she laughed.

  Monty opened her door for her after she deactivated the alarm. As she turned to say goodbye his arms were around her pulling her to him before she had time to register what was happening. The surging tide of warmth between her legs left her limp. As he bent down, his lips brushed lightly against her cheek. His touch sent shivers up her spine.

  “If you want me to stop, tell me to stop”, he whispered. When she said nothing, he began tracing his lips against her cheekbone. “Now?”, he asked. Still no response. “What about now”, he said as his lips crashed against hers. He kissed her with an intensity that made her want to cling to him, but just as she wrapped her arms around his neck he’d let go, staring into her eyes. He held her close allowing her to get her bearings before letting go.

  “I’ve been wanting to do that for the past hour”, he said. She opened her mouth to respond but he placed a finger to her lips. “Shhh, if it was too soon, I owe you an apology but I do not regret what just happened, and I damn sure don’t regret what I feel.” Motioning for her step into the car Naomi stared at him in awe as she stepped into her vehicle. “Talk to you soon beautiful”, he said shutting her door, as he walked towards his blue Porsche.