Was it Good for You Too? Read online

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Was it Good For You Too? @ 2014 by Naleighna Kai

  Digital ISBN: 9780982682982

  Trade Paperback ISBN: 9780982682906

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever or by any means including electronic, mechanical or photocopying, or stored in a retrieval system without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For permission, contact Naleighna Kai at www.naleighnakai.com.

  Cover designed by: J. L. Woodson www.jlwoodson.com

  Interior design by: Lissa Woodson www.macrompg.com

  Printed in the United States of America

  Table of Contents

  Acknowledgements

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements:

  All praise is due to the Creator first and foremost. A special love and respect to my guardian angels, ancestors, teachers and guides.

  To my spiritual mothers: Sandy Spears and Bettye Mason Odom; to my son, Jeremy “J. L.” Woodson, who is the perfect example of determination and dedication. I love you more than words can ever say.

  To the people who continuously inspire me: Renee Sesvalah Cobb-Dishman, Gretta Chamberlain, Debra Mitchell, Laverne “Missy” Brown, Ehryck F. Gilmore; the members of M-LAS: Joyce Brown (my “other” mother and my voice of reason), to Janice Pernell (Developmental Editor), Valarie Prince (Content/Copy Editor), and Katie Walsh (Content/Line Editor), Tanishia Pearson-Jones (Manuscript Evaluator), Martha Kennerson, Susan D. Peters, Candy Jackson, D. J. McLaurin, and Lorna L.A. Lewis.

  To the book clubs and avid readers who support my work—I LOVE YOU!!! (there are too many of you to name!)

  Pam Nelson, the woman behind the Soul Expressions Wal*Mart Tour that forever changed my life and put my literary career in orbit. Thank you for your vision, drive, and tenacity. You have the belief that books by all authors deserve a fighting chance--and we love your for it. You are the main reason I reached the national bestsellers list that year and you continue to be an inspiration and someone who I will always admire.

  To the members of C.V.S. Class of 1984 who have supported my literary career and other endeavors (Quest anyone?)--Much love and respect.

  To everyone I mentioned (and those that I may have forgotten to type), thank you for everything you are to me.

  Wishing you all—peace and love, light and joy.

  —Naleighna Kai

  Dedication:

  My mother, Jean Woodson

  My grandmother, Mildred E. Williams

  My brother, Eric Harold Spears

  My niece, LaKecia Janise Woodson,

  a rising star who left us much too soon

  To Leslie Esdaile Banks (L.A. Banks),

  one of the best storytellers the planet had to offer.

  To Anthony “Green Eyes” Johnson,

  the real life “Dallas” who taught me

  what unconditional love was all about

  to Derek V. Fields

  and the C.V.S. graduating class of 1984

  (full tribute is in the back of this novel)

  “Here’s the deal … you can be married, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready to be someone’s partner in life.”

  —Jada Pinkett Smith

  “What never leaves is that friend love. And that’s the commitment to ride or die with somebody through every step.”

  –Jada Pinkett Smith

  Chapter 1

  SOUL EXPRESS TOUR – DAY 1

  MARRIOTT INDIANAPOLIS NORTH HOTEL

  Tailan Song was juggling more balls than The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. She had given an arm and a leg to put this Midwest book tour in play, but at the moment she’d throw in a foot and a couple of someone else’s toes for just twenty minutes of sleep.

  “Wake me when we get to the first stop,” she said to her assistant.

  “We’ll wake you sooner than that if you start snoring,” Terry shot back.

  “I don’t snore,” Tailan mumbled, lowering into her seat at the back of the bus, hoping to catch a few winks before the luxury coach made it to Woodland.

  Twenty-one authors were set to sign at twelve big-box stores in the Midwest over the next four days. That was the upside. The downside … she had promised several major publishing houses that she’d bring in record sales and she had to deliver or her career was over. Thanks to the four diva authors who were thrown into the mix, she was running on fumes. Oh, and her boss was on the tour bus to keep an eye on how everything played out. Great. Just great.

  Unfortunately, her shut-eye was interrupted by her boss’s voice. “Attention, everyone. We’d like to introduce you to a special guest celebrity who’ll be joining us for the next four days. His new novel, The Black House, is a New York Times Bestseller,” David crowed. “Give a warm Soul Express welcome to author and Oscar-winning actor Delvin Germaine.”

  Tailan’s eyes flew open. She shot up from her lounging position as hearty applause rang out from the authors and the six members of the Nelson Entertainment staff. Everyone smiled as they took in the striking good looks of the man towering over David’s stocky frame—everyone except Tailan. The last person she ever wanted or expected to see was Delvin Germaine.

  “This cannot be happening,” she whispered.

  Sinking down in the seat, she tried to ignore the curly-haired author across the aisle who was giving her a suspicious look while mouthing the words, “Woman, what’s wrong with you?”

  “It’ll be a pleasure to be with you on this tour,” Delvin’s rich baritone voice echoed throughout the length of the luxury coach.

  Tailan stuck her head out.

  “I’m sure it’ll be …” Delvin’s gaze narrowed.

  Their eyes locked for a split second. Heads turned, following his line of sight. Tailan crouched lower and peeked around the edge of the seat in front of hers.

  “Tai?” he asked.

  “Damn!” she muttered. Tailan straightened in her seat, then leaned over into the aisle, noticing that his dark brown eyes were flashing with a glint of something she couldn’t quite name. Shock? Maybe. Fear? Kind of. Well, he should be scared. He totally deserved a smack upside the head from the twelve-ounce can of whoop ass she carried in her back pocket.

  “Tai?”

  She snailed a nod, wishing she could deny the obvious. Given the vicious way they had parted, he should understand why she wasn’t at all ready to do cheerleader splits just be
cause he was in sniffing distance.

  “It’s good to see you,” he said in that same seductive voice that had always melted women’s hearts—and a few other parts. At the moment, Tailan wanted to kick herself because she was no exception.

  “Methinks this trip just got a bit more interesting,” David teased with a wink in Tailan’s direction. She gave him the evil eye and a scowl, as nervous laughter and hushed whispers flared up around them.

  Several of the “diva” authors, who had ignored Tailan since she had been forced to put them in check the moment they arrived in Indianapolis, now gave her the once-over, as though sizing up their competition.

  “I’ll see you all at the next stop,” Delvin announced. He bestowed one last lingering look upon Tailan before he turned to exit the bus.

  He didn’t have one foot out the door before a sultry voice vibrated through the bus. “You’re not riding with us?”

  Like spectators at a tennis match, all heads snapped toward a golden beauty with shoulder length locs, who had pinned her hazel eyes on the movie star. Delvin did an about-face and looked at Nona, who wore a breast-baring outfit that would have every newborn in the area salivating. Got milk? Indeed!

  “I was added to the tour at the last minute,” Delvin countered, tightening his grip on the exit rail. “I have to check into the hotel and—”

  “So whatcha tryin’ ta say?” a brash voice across the aisle from Nona interrupted. Shannon’s hands flapped around in a dramatic fashion. “You too good to ride with the rest of us squares?”

  Tailan stifled a chuckle as Delvin’s eyes narrowed to heated slits. She held her breath, half-expecting him to fall back on his stinging wit and mention that Shannon’s weave had seen its best days in its former life on someone else’s head.

  “Could you say that in real English?” he quipped, causing a few people to laugh and Shannon’s face to blush an angry red.

  The driver cleared his throat loudly. He lifted his arm and tapped his watch, reminding them they had to roll if they wanted to stay on schedule.

  Nona’s head rocked as she snarled, “What she said was—”

  “She’s saying that maybe for once you can check your celebrity status at the door and get your behind on the bus with the rest of us,” Tailan snapped.

  David’s glare was so intense, she almost regretted her sour words. The future of her career was riding on the success of this tour. And success was far from guaranteed—even the publishers thought it was a long shot. David’s last minute publicity stunt would have her scrambling. It already had her beyond irritated.

  Delvin’s eyes tossed her a warning. “I think I liked it better when you kept your mouth shut.”

  Colorful, stunned dialogue moved like a wave through the bus.

  “Whoa! Where the hell did that come from?” Lorna gasped, tendrils of red hair falling into her face.

  “Ooooh, that was kinda cold,” J. L., the youngest of the group, said with a grimace.

  “Whew, better her than me, girl,” Martha whispered to the woman sitting next to her.

  Delvin glanced at David, who clamped his hand on Delvin’s shoulder as though they were old buddies. “Actually people, he’s had a long flight and …”

  Tailan stood and crossed her arms over her full bosom, letting her stance speak volumes. Everyone was supposed to receive equal treatment across the board. Bottom line! This was not the right vibe to start the tour. Yet, as strong as the urge was to bark at the unfair preferential treatment, Tailan exhaled the moment Delvin turned to leave.

  Then he did a complete one-eighty and locked eyes with her.

  “On second thought,” he said with a sly grin. “I can just as easily catch a few minutes of sleep on this bus as I could in my hotel room.”

  “You’re coming with us?” David asked, a wide smile lifting the corners of his generous mouth.

  Applause, hoots, and whistles followed Delvin as he headed down the aisle to take a seat.

  Tailan dropped back into her seat and turned to her assistant, Terry. “Get him checked into the hotel pronto, and have them store his things in a secure location until we get back.”

  The blonde nodded, whipped out her cell, and went to work.

  When Tailan noticed the team publicist eye hustling the actor, she snapped, “Hey, get your head back in the game, woman.”

  Elona cringed and turned impishly to Tailan.

  “I want you on the phone like yesterday,” Tailan directed. “Ask Ella Curry to put out a blast that Delvin Germaine’s going to be at the Woodland in Indianapolis and to post the announcement on all major social media feeds.”

  Tailan studied Delvin’s progress down the narrow aisle. A taloned hand landed on his upper thigh, halting his movements. She wasn’t surprised that the owner of that obscenely expensive manicured hand was none other than Nona, the woman who had purred out the initial challenge.

  Delvin looked down, assessing the proximity of Nona’s hand to his family jewels. “A woman’s hand should never be that close to the business end of a man unless she’s washing or servicing. Since you’re doing neither, I’d appreciate it if you’d allow him”—he gestured toward his groin—”to mind his own business.”

  Nona winked suggestively, stroked his thigh as though she was sizing him up for purchase, then pulled back and blew him a kiss. Hoots of laughter echoed around them.

  These four divas—Nona, Shannon, Chanel, and Traci—were giving Tailan a special kind of headache—the kind that didn’t go away with two aspirins and a call to the doctor in the morning. The foursome was forced on Tailan as a compromise—which now felt more like a punishment—for requesting that four New York Times bestselling authors be part of the tour. While the four she wanted, all mature women over fifty, were a literary event planner’s dream, The Divas were more than a handful. They had missed their flights, missed the information briefing about the tour, insisted on costly upgrades at the hotel, and then somehow convinced the limo driver to cart them to a nightclub last night instead of straight to the hotel.

  All of this forced Tailan out of bed at three in the morning to yank them out of the club, get them in the right rooms, and provide an hour-long briefing to cover the information they had missed earlier in the day. Operating on a mere two hours of sleep had Tailan ready to strangle all four of them. She gave each one a warning look before signaling to the driver to head out.

  “There’s plenty of room up here,” said Traci, another scantily clad woman who was sitting next to one of the more outspoken divas on the bus.

  Delvin ignored her and didn’t stop until he reached Tailan. “Is this seat taken?”

  “Yes.” The novel Tailan pretended to be reading now commanded her complete attention. At least, that’s how she hoped it appeared.

  “Really?” he countered.

  Tailan turned the page and gave him a haughty lift of her chin. “My imaginary friend is sitting there.”

  “Well, she won’t mind if I sit on her lap,” Delvin smirked.

  Tailan turned another page. “She’s a he.”

  “Makes no difference to me.”

  Tailan’s right eyebrow winged up. She tilted her head and grinned. “So the rumors are true … you do swing both ways.”

  “Watch it, Tai!” he said through his teeth.

  She smacked her novel closed, grabbed her bag, and tried to angle past Delvin. Tailan was determined to vent her frustration where it belonged—on David.

  Delvin blocked her escape with a firm grip around her wrist. “I’ll follow you wherever you go.”

  “No you won’t,” she said through her teeth. “You’ll get lost just like you did the last time.”

  Chapter 2

  Delvin didn’t have a quick comeback for Tailan. He could only take in the anger flashing in her soft brown eyes. She had creamy golden skin, a pert nose, almond-shaped eyes, and inviting lips—a beautiful, exotic combination thanks to her Black mother and Asian father. She looked absolutely sexy with a touch
of magnificent thrown in to give him an erection that could plow through rush hour traffic.

  Anger often made Delvin play dirty. He tossed over his shoulder to David, “I see I’m not the only star on this bus.”

  The warning look David flashed Tailan made her whisper to Delvin, “I’m going to put you over my knee and spank that ass.” But she sat back down, scooting over to the window seat.

  “Was that a promise or a threat?” he drawled.

  She threw him a look that could melt the North Pole.

  Delvin ignored her animosity and joined her. She kept her gaze firmly fixed outside the window, but he plucked the novel from her manicured fingers to get her attention and placed the book behind his back. “How’ve you been?”

  Tailan’s eyes nearly cut him in half as her head snapped in his direction. She dashed a quick glance to David, who continued to throw daggers her way. She took a deep breath and mumbled, “I was wonderful until you showed up.” She gave a quick “I’ll get to you later” nod in David’s direction before turning her heated gaze again to Delvin. “You’re playing with my livelihood, Delvin,” she strained through a tight smile. “David is the Vice President of Nelson Entertainment Group. Because of you, he’s watching me more closely during one of the most challenging events of my career.”

  “It’s your own fault. All—”

  “Shut it,” Tailan commanded, snapping her fingers together like a duck’s beak. “It’s taken me months of fancy footwork and my best impression of James Brown’s baby, baby, baby pleeeeeeeassse, to get the publishers and big-box retailers on board.” Her eyelids dipped over her incredible eyes. Her lips pursed in a thin line, and Delvin realized he wanted to kiss them. She rubbed her temples as she continued. “Everyone expects this tour to fail. David has already warned—hell, more like flat-out threatened—that if this tour doesn’t meet the projected numbers I guaranteed …” Tailan shook her head and turned away.

  Being in her presence was pleasure and pain. Delvin had loved this woman since the summer he had found her hiding in a classroom at school. She had no place to go and had eaten her last meal two days before. Even in her most vulnerable state, she was still the most courageous person he knew. He loved her to this day, and he knew that would never change. He had to make things right between them.