When Hell Freezes Over Read Online Free PDF Page A

a true gentleman.”
    Keaton was a handsome man, all six feet six inches of him. His bronze complexion, dark eyes and heated passion gave away the Indian heritage he’d obtained from his father. His African-American mother passed on to him unbelievable dimples, a fiery temper and his unique culinary skills. He had other talents he was proud of but found cooking to be not only relaxing, but rewarding.
    Winston laughed. “Don’t think for one second she’s going to be what you’re used to, Bro. Meridan might surprise you. Actually, you too are a lot alike. Number one, you’re both single. Second, you’re both passionate about your careers and third…never mind, I’ll let you find what number three is.”
    This bit of information got Keaton’s attention. When Winston turned to walk out of the room, Keaton asked, “What’s number three?”
    â€œHave a nice dinner, Keaton,” he said as he walked away laughing.
    Keaton hurriedly put on his robe. “Yo, Winston, hold up! What were you about to tell me?”
    He found Winston in his bedroom retrieving his jacket. “I’ll let you find out for yourself,” he said, still grinning.
    â€œOkay! Hey, don’t make a big deal out of this dinner with Meridan. I don’t want Arnelle telling Momma and Daddy, for them to start acting crazy. I still stand by my vow of remaining single.”
    Winston laughed out loud, making Keaton look in his direction. “Keaton, my brotha, Dr. Meridan St. John is going to turn your world upside-down. You’re already on your way, and it shows all over your face every time you get within a mile of her. I’ll put money down on this and I know you don’t like losing money.”
    He folded his arms and yelled, “Winston, you’re crazy! Okay! Name your price. I’m up for this little game of yours. How much do you want to lose? I’m in Philly for a short time and I’m going to enjoy taking your hard-earned money. Besides, she seems like she’d be cool to hang out with while I’m here; that’s all.”
    â€œOkay, Keaton. If I win, at your wedding reception you have to get up in front of everyone and tell them how you vowed you’d be single for life until you met Meridan. Then you have to serenade her with a song of my choosing in front of everyone.”
    Keaton stood there in silence, staring at Keaton as if he was weighing his options.
    â€œOkay, but if I win, I want that Ninja motorcycle in the garage,” he negotiated as he paced the floor.
    Winston glared at him as if Keaton had asked for his firstborn. Now it was his turn to stare his brother-in-law down. After a few seconds, he said, “Aight! You’ve got yourself a deal.”
    â€œDeal!”
    The two sealed the deal with a brotherly handshake. Winston walked out of the room, saying, “You need to start practicing on your song.”
    â€œNo, you need to get that motorcycle tuned up for me, my brotha! This is going to be so easy.”
    â€œWhatever!”
    Winston disappeared down the stairs, laughing.

    It wasn’t until Keaton was alone that fear tried to sneak in on him. After a series of deep breaths, he laughed and said to himself, “Calm down, Playa. It’s only dinner. Winston must be crazy if he thinks I’d let any woman get me to the altar.”
    Before he could enter the bathroom, he heard MaLeah coming back up the stairs. “Uncie Key!”
    â€œI’ll be down in a minute, Shorty. Pour me some orange juice.”
    â€œK!”

 
C HAPTER 7
    M eridan was exhausted by the time she got home from the hospital. She didn’t know why she’d accepted Keaton’s dinner invitation for that night. Maybe it was the sexy tone of his voice over the phone when he’d called earlier or it could’ve been those unbelievable dimples. Whatever it was, it made her unsure about the evening. He’d called her