Love After War by Cheris Hodges Page A

new wheels.”
    â€œThat is a sight I’m looking forward to seeing.”
    Ian handed Dana a helmet, which she snapped on her head, then climbed on the back of the bike. She leaned against Ian and told herself she could learn to like this—a man who appreciated her love of the open road.
    But your heart isn’t all in, she thought. Last night was not closure. You simply opened a wound that was healing just fine.
    Suddenly, the warmth of Ian’s body wasn’t that comforting.
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    â€œThis is unacceptable!” Elliot boomed as he thrust a copy of the Times in Richmond’s face. Richmond took the paper and read the column with trepidation.
    â€œI didn’t know—”
    Elliot held his hand up, cutting Richmond off. “You’re the one who always called and complained about Solomon’s exploits. Yet, you purchase sex while we’re building this hotel and getting ready to do the family history book. How in the hell do you think this is going to play out?”
    Solomon walked into the suite with Kandace and their daughter Kiana in tow. “What’s all the yelling about?” he asked as Kandace and the baby crossed over to the breakfast buffet in the corner of the suite.
    â€œThis,” Elliot said as he snatched the paper away from Richmond.
    â€œI didn’t know,” Richmond said as Solomon scanned the paper. “It was a mistake and—”
    â€œA mistake!” Elliot thundered as he rose from his chair. “It’s a PR nightmare.”
    Richmond glared at his father. “So, what do you call what you did? Family building?”
    Elliot looked down at his watch, then up at Solomon. “You two better fix this.”
    â€œWhere are you going?” Solomon asked his father as he headed for the door.
    â€œOut.” Elliot slammed out of the suite.
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    Adrian checked the time on his iPhone. Elliot Crawford was late. Jackass. First he woke him up, and now this? He was wasting his time. Adrian didn’t mind losing money—he could always get that back—but his time was priceless. Part of him wondered if his delay had anything to do with today’s headlines. It was still no excuse for tardiness.
    His time could’ve been used to find a way to win Dana back. Pacing in front of his desk, Adrian was losing his patience. Elliot could kiss his . . . There was the bell, alerting him that someone had come in. He didn’t want to look overly anxious and rush into the lobby to greet his father . . . well, more accurately, his sperm donor. He let a few seconds pass; then he headed into the lobby. To his surprise, it was Solomon waiting for him and not his father.
    â€œWhat kind of place are you running here? I know you sent the car for my brother. Did you pay for the hooker too?” Solomon bellowed when he saw Adrian.
    â€œDon’t come into my place of business hurling accusations. If your brother enjoys the company of hookers, what the hell does that have to do with me? Maybe you need to have this conversation with him,” Adrian snarled.
    â€œYou son of a . . . I know my brother and he’s not stupid. You’re behind this. The question is why.”
    â€œGet out,” Adrian growled.
    â€œNot until I get answers.” Solomon stood toe to toe with Adrian. Sizing him up, Adrian squared off with Solomon as if ready to fight.
    â€œYou’re barking at the wrong person. I didn’t get in a car with a hooker while the press took pictures. So, for the last time, get the hell out of here.”
    Solomon grabbed Adrian’s collar. “I don’t trust you and I don’t know what your game is, but you’d better stay away from my family.”
    Adrian snatched away and glared at him. “You don’t want to pick a fight with me,” he snapped.
    â€œAnd you think I’m some sort of lightweight? If you want to go to war, get ready to lose,” Solomon