Naughty 2: My Way or the Highway by Brenda Hampton Page A

car. I strapped LJ in his car seat and took off. I was sick to my stomach on the drive home. How was I going to tell Pat? She’d been like a sister to me. But there was no way in hell I could keep something like this from her.
    The phone was ringing off the hook as I made my way through the door. I tried to put LJ down before I answered it, but couldn’t get to it in time. Whoever it was called right back, though. When I answered, it was Chad.
    â€œNokea?” I remained silent. “Listen, I’m sorry about tonight, but I just couldn’t help myself. You’re really looking good these days and I was just hoping—”
    â€œChad, if you ever, and I mean ever, put your hands on me again, I’ll tell Pat everything.” I hung up. The phone rang again. “Hello,” I yelled.
    â€œYou won’t tell because you want me just as much as I want—”
    I hung up again and rubbed my temples. This was too much, and I knew it meant nothing but trouble. When the phone rang again I snatched it up and gave it to Chad.
    â€œListen!” I screamed. “You sorry motherfucker! Stop calling here!”
    â€œDamn, what in the hell did I do?” It was Jaylin. I was relieved, but still upset. I couldn’t help but cry. “Nokea? Are you okay?” he asked. “Where’s LJ?”
    â€œI’m fine.” I sniffled and tried to get myself together.
    â€œWell, you don’t sound fine. I’m on my way.”
    â€œPlease, don’t. I said everything is fine.”
    He hung up.
    I took the phone off the hook because I didn’t want Chad calling back. I gave LJ a bath, sang him a lullaby, and he was out like a light.
    When Jaylin knocked at the door, I was getting ready to take my bath. I slid into my robe and house shoes, and went to the door.
    â€œYou really didn’t have to come,” I said. “I told you everything was fine.”
    â€œI came by to make sure everything was cool with my son, that’s all. So, where is he?”
    â€œI just put him to bed, Jaylin. You can go check on him if you’d like, but please don’t wake him.”
    Jaylin went into LJ’s room and I went back into mine. Moments later, he came in with LJ on his shoulder.
    â€œWhat did I tell you, Jaylin? You just don’t listen, do you?”
    He sat down on the sofa. “No, I don’t listen, especially when it comes to my son. If he wakes up, I’ll take him home with me.”
    â€œDo whatever. I don’t even care anymore.”
    â€œI know you too well, Nokea, what’s ailing you?”
    â€œEverything.”
    â€œEverything like what?”
    â€œEverything like you, the baby, my job, Pat.”
    â€œOkay, so what about me?”
    â€œYou just seem like a different person, that’s all. I really thought you would have worked things out with me but you seem to be moving in another direction.” I continued to express my concerns about us being together, but Jaylin ignored me. He wouldn’t even look at me, just kept kissing LJ’s cheeks. “Jaylin, did you hear what I said?”
    â€œI heard you. But, I told you what was up with us. I need more time. Still hurting from what you did. Give me time to heal, all right?”
    â€œHow much time do you need? I’m feeling really lonely these days. The only thing I do is work and come home to be with LJ. On the weekends I at least had Pat to chill with, but I’m not sure how much longer that’s going to last.”
    â€œWhy? Did y’all fall out or something?”
    â€œNo, nothing like that, but Chad made a pass at me today and it upset me. When you called, I thought you were him. I don’t know what to do, and if I tell Pat, I’m not sure how she’s going to react.”
    â€œI knew that motherfucker was up to no good. You always bragging on how he’s such a good man, but I knew something wasn’t right. Honestly, though,