No Wasted Tears (34 page)

“He was really good, wasn’t he?” She looked over at Adam, finding him watching
her.

“Oh yes, he was. I hear that he’s up for another Grammy award. Are you having a good time?”
Adam’s whispered breath fanned her cheek. She looked over at him and smiled. “I loved it. Thank you for planning this evening. It was wonderful.” The music changed, and they both decided to move upstairs to the balcony for some
privacy.

“I just wanted you to be happy, but I must admit the performance was great and the event was well
planned.

Adam’s smile was affectionate as he moved closer to her. The way he looked at her made her heart thump with expectation. Her stomach was churning and she’d started to sweat. Suddenly her heart was beating fast because she wanted to kiss him without him being the initiator. She smoothed the creases out of her dress. Their eyes met, and he was smiling at her bashfulness. They both burst into laughter. It was almost
comical.

Adam filled two glasses, giving one to her and lifting his in a toast. “To the lady in my life, I care for you
deeply.”

“To the most wonderful man in my life, I care about you as well.”
If only he knew
, she thought, lowering her eyes to drink from her glass. She could feel him watching her. She shifted on her
seat.

“Let’s get out of here while I’m still thinking straight,” Adam muttered. As if on cue, footsteps sounded on the stairs, then in the next minute, people were joining them in the room. Adam kept his arms around her and continued to send heated glances her way. They both finished their drinks and went back to the
hotel.

They entered the hotel, walking toward the bank of elevators. He glanced over at Destiny once they were inside the elevator, thinking that he wished they were married already. She was quiet. He figured they were both caught up in memories of their day spent
together.

Once they made it back to their rooms, Adam gave her a tender kiss good night and watched her close the door. Tonight had been tough, but they had made it. He didn’t know how much longer he would have to deal with his flesh, but when he remembered Smokie’s song, he smiled and sang, “Lord, I need you
now.”

The following evening, Destiny looked stunning in her pink, two-piece crepe suit with a ruffled skirt. He knew he should not have been looking, but her legs were stunning in the gray stilettos he’d bought for her. She sat in the front row next to the pastor’s wife, smiling as she watched him. He had on the cuff links she’d bought him. She had told him earlier that he’d looked good in his tailor-made black suit. Even though they had not talked much since arriving this evening, he had enjoyed his day with her. Her thoughtfulness toward him was never-ending on this
trip.

She listened as they introduced Adam to the congregation. As he walked toward the podium, she noticed he was watching her. He had winked at her as he got up out of his seat. She couldn’t help but blush. She knew that the pastor’s wife saw it because she squeezed her
hand.

Listening to Adam as he was preaching was an awesome experience. Everyone was responding heartily to what he was saying. The spirit of the Lord came in that sanctuary and turned it upside down. Not a person was sitting as he began to close his message. Hallelujahs and amens were shouted out and followed by some calling out, “Preach, preacher, preach!” Destiny was proud of Adam, so proud of the way he allowed God to use him on every opportunity he was given. Even though most of the congregation had worked all day before coming to church, no one showed any signs of
weariness.

After falling into bed, Destiny adjusted the pillows. Adam had kissed her before saying good night. She was so comfortable with him. Adam was the man for her. He had proven to be a perfect gentleman. Sinking further into the bed, she closed her eyes and
slept.

Chapter 31

So this was Regina, and he couldn’t believe how attractive she was as she stood there holding the hotel door opened for him. Stanley could imagine being with her if the circumstances were different. His chest tightened with that thought. As much as his contempt for Destiny tied his gut into knots, he was prepared to do whatever was necessary to have her
again.

“May I sit down?” He couldn’t believe she acted so surprised to see him standing at her door. After all, they’d discussed him coming over earlier this week. He couldn’t afford her getting angry, so he made an effort to keep her calm and he had to stay calm
himself.

He was grateful she had notified him with information that led him to Seattle. Since they had both been making anonymous phone calls to Destiny he thought they had some sort of camaraderie between them. He’d just returned from Destiny’s house where he saw her and the pastor preparing to go on a trip because he saw him put a suitcase in the car. She was sleeping with the pastor. He shook his head in unbelief; it had taken him months to get her in his bed. That fact alone sobered him and gave him more reason for hating
her.

“You’re not going to change your mind about helping me, are you, Regina?”

The hungry animal look in her eyes gave him the answer he needed. It also let him know that this woman was in deep emotional trouble. But then again he had some deeply rooted problems of his own. Maybe that’s why they could work
together.

“I swear I’m not here to make you do anything you don’t want to do, Regina.” He held up his hands in surrender, prayed she would believe him. It was a lie. He needed her help. Somehow he had to persuade her to confront Pastor Wheeler. Maybe they’d have a happy reunion and an even brighter future together. She needed to face him so she could start living her life as the First Lady she wanted to
be.

“My investigator said you were right. She hasn’t told him anything about the rape or her past with me. I think it’s time you pay him a visit.” He lowered his hands back to his sides. “I can’t get her out of your hair without you doing your
part.”

When she didn’t immediately balk, he gestured to the sofa. “I’ll just sit right here and listen.” He eased down onto the sofa. He knew she needed money or she wouldn’t be in this hotel. He was willing to give her a house and a generous amount of money if she just helped him with his plan. All she had to do was help
him.

The suspicion hadn’t totally cleared from her eyes. She didn’t sit and she kept her arms folded over her chest in a classic protective
manner.

“I’ll help you but it’s going to cost you,” she said from where she was
standing.

He relaxed at those words because he had plenty of
money.

“Can you be a little more specific? How much?” This was definitely different. Usually he was the one
negotiating.

Regina’s gaze narrowed with uncertainty. “I don’t want much, just enough to pay for my wedding. Being the wife of a pastor, I want a grand wedding; a hundred and fifty thousand should do the trick.” She smiled but he noticed sweat forming on her
forehead.

“When can you meet with him?” The idea that she’d be meeting him soon gave him immense joy. She’d done everything right so far and if she didn’t come through on this, she would pay the ultimate
price.

“First I need half the money to be sent to this hotel by tomorrow morning, postmarked from Atlanta. That way it will appear as if my parents sent me the money and no connection to you. Then I will call you by phone on my way to Adam’s office. The rest of my money should be delivered by
then.”

Unable to keep the bitterness from his expression, he stood to make his point. How dare she tell him when to deliver the rest of the
money?

“I know what you’re thinking,” she said, waving her hands for him to remain seated. “But I’ll have him eating out of my hand by the time I leave his office. Adam loved me and still does, he just needs a
reminder.”

Struggling to maintain some semblance of composure, he met her scrutinizing gaze once more. “All right. But this better work. I’ll have the money delivered here in the morning. You said he still loves you? What proof do you
have?”

She turned and move to the sofa he vacated and picked up her purse from the table, removing whatever was inside. She walked back to where he waited and thrust it at
him.

A newspaper article. “Pastor Adam Wheeler Admits to Cyber-porn Addiction.” His heart raced with excitement. He looked at her. “Is this our Pastor Wheeler?” The surprise in his tone gave away the emotions twisting inside
him.

“The one in the same. Don’t you recognize him from the picture? He was so distraught after our break up, the poor man turned into a cyber-porn addict. I know every trick in the book. I’ll get him back; you just get my
money.”

Yes. This woman was a freak. He couldn’t help but get his hopes up with evidence like this. He handed the article back to her. “What else do you have?” He’d had his heart ripped out for the last time being
gullible.

She snatched the article from
him.

Regina stood looking at him in silence for a moment. He really didn’t doubt her ability; he just wanted to see some of her talents. She reached behind her and unzipped her dress letting it pool at her feet. Revealing her body. She stood there, looking at him for a moment that seemed to last
forever.

“Even you can’t resist this,” she waved her hands down her body. “If you can then walk out that door.” She gestured to the door. “Just know that I am a woman with experience and not a little goodie two shoes like Destiny. I can teach you more than you have ever taught her. I don’t need a teacher, just a
man.”

He wanted to be angry. But instead he lowered himself back onto the sofa and watched as she walked toward
him.

Chapter 32

The time they spent together had been wonderful. Adam was an anointed
speaker but she was glad to be home. It was just after nine in the morning. Sara had called earlier to say she had spent the night at Tina’s helping them spoil the baby. Cynthia had been spending more time with her parents since she’d reunited with them a month ago, but today she’d gone to work and the boys were at school. All of their lives seemed to be coming
together.

As they drove into her neighborhood, Destiny noticed a lone car parked across the street.
She
frowned. The man was looking down but something about his profile seemed familiar. Terror built inside her chest as she recognized Stanley. The fine hairs at the base of her neck quivered with apprehension.
Tears welled in her eyes. Her temples throbbed and an alarm twisted in her chest. The need to jump out of the car came over her so suddenly. As if she felt his attention on her, she turned and looked toward the car once again. Their gazes locked across the distance as if it were mere inches rather than several yards. Tension exploded inside her. His head was shaven and his face seemed slimmer, but she knew it was Stanley. Then he rolled down his window, confirming her
fear.

“Impossible.” The muttered word startled her despite its having crossed her lips. How did he find me?” Now she could put a face to the calls she’d been receiving. Her hands began to shake and her stomach fell when she saw him get out of the car. “How did who find you?” Adam asked. Watching as he turned off the car she saw him glance in his rear view
mirror.

“Stanley.” She opened her door but Adam reached over to close it. Looking at her with concern, he asked again, “Who is Stanley? And what is he doing
here?”

Her hands were fidgeting in her lap. Dropping her head she said, “I never thought he would find me.” She reached for the door again. This time she slowly climbed out. Adam got out on his side rushing around the car to assist
her.

Stanley’s focus for the moment seemed to be on Adam; he hadn’t looked in her direction. Adam squared his shoulders and protectively wrapped his arms around
her.

“Is he the guy you left in South Carolina?” he
asked.

“Yes,” was all she could
muster.