Been Loving You Too Long Read Online Free PDF Page A

should!”
    Ophelia tossed the pillow back at Brenna. “You’ll be singing a different tune when I blow the rent money on slutty panties!”
    “As long as you plan to use those slutty panties to earn it back, I don’t care!”
    Still smiling, Ophelia went to the tiny bathroom that they shared and climbed into the shower.   She did need some fun, she thought.   It had been ages since she’d done anything just for herself.   After quickly washing her hair and shaving her legs, Ophelia emerged to find that Brenna had retreated to her bedroom.   She’d probably sleep until the early afternoon.  
    Dressing in a pair of denim capris and a flowing shirt, she slipped her feet into a pair of ballet flats.   She braided her hair for ease, and a pair of cat eye glasses completed the look.   It was her day off and casual was the theme for the day.   
    Heading out into the already substantial heat, Ophelia breathed in the scents of the city.   They weren’t always pleasant, but they were home to her. Deciding to play tourist, she headed for the French Quarter.
    Some shopping would make her feel better and if nothing else, there was a bakery there with the most amazing beignets she’d ever tasted.   Since she couldn’t have what she really wanted, pastries would have to do.  

     
    ~~****~~
     

     
    Vincent stared out the window, deep in thought.   It should’ve been the renovations on the hotel that pressed on his mind, but instead it was Ophelia.
    His actions had been disastrous and he knew it.   He couldn’t get her out of his mind. It wasn’t the first time he’d been haunted by dreams of her, and it wasn’t the first time that she’d inspired long, cold showers for him.   With a muttered curse, he turned around, only to immediately regret the decision.  
    Claude stood in his doorway, beaming at him, Melina Tate on his arm. “Vincent!   Look who I found just wandering around in the Quarter today!”
    Melina scoffed at Claude’s introduction.   “Don’t mind him.   I wasn’t just wandering around.   I came here with a purpose today, Vincent.   Mama has put me in charge of rounding up eligible bachelors for the charity auction at the country club, and you are the most eligible bachelor in Nola.”
    Vincent smiled coolly in response, making no move to close the considerable distance between them.   “Thank you, Melina, but I’m afraid I have to decline.”   He could feel the tension creeping into his shoulders as her pretty lips turned down in a childish pout.   That kind of drama was the last thing in the world he wanted.
    “Now, Vincent, you surely don’t intend to send me home disappointed?”
    “Yes, Melina, I’m afraid that I do.   Given Thomas’ present health and the renovations on the hotel at this time, I simply don’t have the time.”
    “Is that why you haven’t called me?”
    The hopeful note in her voice was not lost on him, neither was the hint of desperation.   He could have murdered Claude in that moment.
    Courting the Tate dynasty had been Claude’s ploy all along, and he didn’t doubt for a minute that Melina’s coincidental appearance was anything but.   “Excuse us, Melina, but I need to speak to Claude privately for a moment.. business.”   
    “Of course!   Claude, don’t you forget about your Sunday tee time with Daddy,” she chirped.   “Vincent, I’ll see you later?”
    “I’ll be in touch.” The blandness of his tone was unmistakable.  
    After Melina exited the office, the door closing quietly behind her, Claude whirled on him.   “What the hell are you doing, Vincent?   That girl’s family could be the saving grace of this company!”
    “The company doesn’t need saving, Claude.   Our cash flow is tied up in the renovations right now, but the properties are all sound.   We don’t need Tate Textiles cheapening the DuChamps brand.”
    Claude’s face purpled with rage.   “You sound just like Thomas!   People don’t want to pay