Naughty by Nature Read Online Free PDF Page A

minds.
    â€œSo,” I said. “What brings you out of hiding? I thought I’d never see you again. Honestly, I thought you’d left St. Louis.”
    â€œNo, I didn’t leave St. Louis. After Jaylin and I broke up, I almost did, but I decided against it.”
    The waiter approached the table and displayed the special of the day, then asked if we wanted something to drink. As he spoke, my eyes were glued to Scorpio. She was so stunning; I knew Jaylin had to be missing her like hell.
    â€œI’ll have a dry martini,” Scorpio said to the waiter.
    The waiter looked at me, “And, you sir.”
    â€œRémy, no ice.”
    The waiter said he’d be back shortly with our drinks. Scorpio noticed my stares and questioned me. “Shane, you really don’t have to put on a front like I’m the most gorgeous woman you’ve ever seen. I’m sure you’ve had plenty.”
    I smiled at her comment and licked my lips. “Are you telling me, Miss Scorpio Valentino, that you’re unaware of how attractive you are? Woman, as you stood there, do you know that every head in this place was turned. And, still is. I am honored to even be sitting here with you.”
    She turned her head and noticed some people, women included, gawking at her. “Those women are looking at you, and possibly, Mr. Shane Ricardo Alexander, some of the men are, too.”
    â€œRicardo? How in the hell did you know my middle name?”
    â€œJaylin told me. We were talking about you one day and he told me your middle name.”
    â€œI hate that name. My mother knew she was tripping when she gave me that for a middle name.”
    â€œWell, I kind of think it’s cute. Now, don’t get me wrong, Shane fits you to a capital T , but Ricardo is kind of a suave name.”
    I shamefully dropped my head. “Please. Suave or not, I ain’t feeling it. And you, pretty lady, better not ever call me that again.”
    She laughed and agreed not to. The waiter came back with our drinks and took our orders. Scorpio ordered a Caesar salad and I ordered a steak.
    â€œNo wonder your body is intact like it is. Hell, you don’t eat nothing,” I said.
    â€œOh, I eat plenty. I just know how to work it off.”
    That statement went in another direction for me, so I left it alone and changed the subject.
    â€œI . . . I would assume you called me to discuss Jaylin. There couldn’t possibly be no other—”
    â€œYeah, you’re right,” she said, and then clinched her hands together on the table. I could tell that my mentioning his name made her nervous. “Lately, my mind has been preoccupied by the thoughts of him. I know it’s been a long time, and I have been able to move on. However, a . . . a part of me wants to know what he’s been up to. I thought you might know, since the two of you are so close.”
    I hesitated to talk to Scorpio about Jaylin, but I only thought it was fair that she knew the truth. After all she’d been through with him, if I was able to put her mind at ease, then that was the least I could do.
    â€œJaylin is doing well, Scorpio. He lives in Florida and things are going well for him.”
    â€œFlorida, huh? Has he been in Florida since our breakup, or did he recently move there?”
    â€œHe’s been there for,” I looked away to think. “almost two years.”
    â€œThen, it was right after we broke up.”
    I shrugged my shoulders. “I guess.”
    Scorpio swallowed and looked down at her lap. “You’re not going to hurt my feelings, Shane. If I didn’t want to know the truth, then I wouldn’t be here.”
    â€œWhat do you want me to say, Scorpio? That . . . he’s married to Nokea, they have another child, and they’re living out their dreams together as a happy couple.”
    She looked up and gasped. “Is that true?”
    â€œI . . . I wouldn’t lie to you,”