Never Again Once More Read Online Free PDF

two on the elevator. “Are you upset about the ticket?”
    “Of course I’m upset. But I’m glad Christopher taught me by example how to keep my cool. That’s why I hit the steering wheel after he left and before he returned.”
    The room smelled damp and stale. Wellington turned on the air, and Jada sprayed a dash of her perfume into the vent.
    Jada turned on the TV. “We can watch a movie.”
    “What’s on at eleven-thirty in the morning?” Wellington diagonally stretched across the bed. His arms hung over one edge and his feet over the other. “Come here. I want to hold you in my arms. I’m sorry, ba. I didn’t know how to react when he pulled his gun on you. But I do know if he had pulled the trigger, both of us would be dead.”
    There was nothing Wellington could do to that asshole who made him feel less of a man in front of his woman. Friend. Whatever. Today was the first time Wellington realized he was willing to lay down his life to protect Jada. Thankfully, he could quickly turn to her for solace. The scent of Jada’s hair, the warmth of her body, and softness of her skin calmed and comforted him. He hoped he provided the same compassion for her.

Chapter 3
    T hree days of moping over Wellington after he’d left had practically driven Jada insane. The time had come for her to adapt to her new environment in Baldwin Hills, California. Spring’s sunshine reigned outside. Snapping her fingers, swinging her hair, and dancing wildly, she sang ahead of Pattie LaBelle. “He’s the right one baby. Sure nuff he’s got the stuff . . .” A private victory because she’d decided earlier to call the good-looking guy who handed her his business card while she and Candice were at LAX Starbucks. Unbeknownst to him, he was going to cure her heartache and her coochie ache.
    Jada skipped to the bathroom. She stopped and stared at the test tubes lying on the white marble vanity. Daddy used to say, “If you confess with your mouth and believed in your heart, your sins will be forgiven.” On bended knees, Jada propped her elbows on the toilet lid and prayed, “God, if you let me out of this situation, I’ll never do this again.” The Lord must have been busy, or maybe He’d heard her whisper “Never again” once more since she’d made the same promise at twenty years old when she was in college.
    From her five-pack First Response, the first, second, third, fourth, and last window each framed double pink stripes. Every damn test reminded Jada she’d not only fucked but also slipped up. One of her two lovers’—Wellington’s or Darryl’s—sperm had won a race and left her pregnant with a baby like a happily single female who had just reluctantly caught the bride’s bouquet. And if Jada could have tossed her bundle to a woman who desperately wanted a child, she wouldn’t have batted an eyelash.
    “This can’t be happening.” Jada talked to herself in the mirror. “Okay, God heard your prayer. You’ve been late before and you weren’t pregnant. Maybe you’re stressed because of the move. Girl, what are you going to do with a baby if you are pregnant? Think positive. The home kit was defective. The only thing you’re expecting is having a fabulous time with Mr. Wonderful.”
    When the phone rang, Jada dashed out of the bathroom, hoping it was her new acquaintance. “Hey, hey,” Jada answered, grooving to the beat as she lowered the volume.
    “Hi, Jada. This is Dr. Bates.”
    Picking up the remote, Jada turned off the stereo and said, “Tell me it was only a bad dream and my blood test result is negative.” Slumping in the oversized chair, Jada stared at the ivy plant that hung as an accent across her living room drapes as she kicked her feet up on the ottoman. Then she crossed her pointing and middle fingers on both hands. “Lord, I promise. I really mean it this time.”
    “Negative. No can do,” Dr. Bates replied. “You’re going to be a mother, my dear.”
    “Thanks”—Jada