Winston Carter III, a successful Attorney, is best known for his ability to mesmerize women into succumbing to his sultry pleasures and fantasies.
He has dated so many women, calling him a Playa is as understatement. Winston’s only problem is that he gets bored with his companions easily. Dismissing them one by one, he wastes no time moving on to his next conquest. Finally, after years of having a harem at his beck and call, Winston falls under the spell of a sexy vixen named of Arnelle Lapahie.
Immediately after meeting Winston face to face, Arnelle finds him a distraction in getting use to a new job in a new city. While trying to avoid his handsome and tempting allure, Arnelle unknowingly becomes his pawn in a game of cat and mouse. Angered by his ability to play the game so well, she begins to resent him and his romantic pursuit all together until something devastating becomes very clear to her. Puzzled, she realizes that Winston doesn’t remember that she held a very special place in his past and heart at one time.
Can it be that he has shared his bed with so many beautiful women that Arnelle’s face has gotten lost in the crowd?
Arnelle must decide if she wants to revisit a painful past that left her heartbroken or move on as if they’re love never existed. If she decides to allow Winston back into her life, she must reveal to him a secret she has kept from him for three years. This secret will test Winston’s ability to forgive, trust and love.
What Goes Around
Comes Around
Days later, Arnelle sat in her office, twirling an ink pen on her fingers. She was feeling homesick for the first time since coming to Philly. She missed the warm Texas evenings, sitting out on her porch, watching the sun set. She also missed her daughter, MaLeah, the source of all her determination to succeed. She was two-years old and right in the middle of that terrible two stage. Leaving her was difficult, but necessary. She was very reluctant about relocating, leaving her parents in Texas to watch over MaLeah. Especially since her father had announced his candidacy to run for Mayor. She had to remind herself to be strong because she had a long road ahead of her. At that time the telephone rang.
“Bennett Sports Clinic. How may I help you?”
A deep baritone voice from the past replied, “Hello Arnelle, remember me?”
Arnelle froze.
“What do you want Cyrus?”
He laughed.
“You know exactly what I want.”
Arnelle held her ground, but was becoming agitated.
“Forget about it Cyrus! I told you before I left Texas I wasn’t participating in your little scheme.”
With firmness in his voice he answered, “You already have. Besides, you owe me!”
She stood and yelled, “Why can’t you just leave it alone and face this thing?”
“I can’t do that. You have to help me Arnelle. I’m sure your Daddy wouldn’t be too pleased with the information I could tell him about you. He is running for Mayor and it would be a shame for the Media to get their hands on some dirt like this.”
“Are you trying to blackmail me? If you are, you can go straight to hell!”
Arnelle slammed the phone down and practically ran from her office. When she turned the corner, she ran right into a tall, hard body. Strong, firm hands kept her from falling to the floor.
“Excuse me! I’m so sorry!”
Arnelle lowered her head and tried to hold in the tears but was unsuccessful. She looked up into Winston’s eyes and broke down crying in his arms. Startled at her response, he hugged her.
“Why are you crying? Did somebody hurt you?”
She shook her head as he led her back into her office and sat her on the sofa. He retrieved some bottled water from her small refrigerator and handed it to her.
He sat next to her and asked, “Arnelle, are you going to tell my why you were crying? Where’s Venice?”
She took a sip of water and wiped her tears away with her hand.
“I’m fine Winston. I want to thank you for being a friend when I needed one. I know I haven’t been much of a friend to you and I want to apologize for my behavior. As far as Venice is concerned, she went out to lunch with Craig.”
She still wouldn’t make eye contact with him. She just stared at the bottle she held in her hands. He was mesmerized because she was absolutely gorgeous. He was also angry that someone had caused her pain.
“Are you going to tell me why you’re upset?”
She finally looked at him.
“You’re getting a little personal aren’t you Winston?
He reached over and wiped a lone tear from her cheek.
“I’m not trying to get in your business, I’m just concerned. I wanted to make sure no one had harmed you. You are a friend of my best friend. I just wanted to make sure no one messed with you.”
She stood and so did he. He was dressed in a dark, gray suit looking every bit the successful attorney he was. His neatly, trimmed goatee outlined a pair of luscious lips. For a moment, she couldn’t take her eyes off of them.
I can’t believe he’s still pretending he doesn’t know me. Now here he sits trying to be compassionate.
Clearing her throat, she asked, “Was Venice expecting you?”
“Not really. I just dropped by to see if I could take Brandon to the ballgame Saturday.”
She smiled.
“Brandon will love that.”
“We’ve been before. It’s really cool. We always have a good time too.”
She folded her arms and stared at him.
“I’m sure you do. Thanks again for being concerned about me. I’ll be fine…really.”
He shoved his hands in his pockets and said, “Well, I guess I’d better go. I’ll just leave Venice a note on her desk.”
His eyes were doing a number on her and she tried her best not to let it affect her.
“Winston, why are you doing this? What’s with this act?”
Confused he frowned.
“What do you mean? What act? It bothers me to see you cry. Wait, what are you talking about?”
She waved him off nervously.
“Never mind. Forget I asked. I’m sure Venice will call you as soon as she gets back. I’ll walk you out.”
What is it about this woman? What did she mean by that statement?
Winston left Venice a note on her desk as Arnelle waited for him in the front lobby. When he walked over to her and immediately, she felt his awesome magnetism. He stood there for a second, then without any warning, he pulled her into his embrace. Arnelle hugged him back and tried to recover from his sudden action. He released her, reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small card.
“Arnelle, if you ever need anything or you just feel like talking, give me a call me. This card has my home, cell and private office number on it. Ok?”
Arnelle took the card from his hand and smiled.
“Thank you Winston. I’ll keep that in mind. Goodbye.”
She watched through the window as he walked in long strides out to his truck, climbed in and drove away.
“Winston Carter, I will find out why you’re pretending not to know me if it’s the last thing I do. If Cyrus is involved, I’ll never forgive him.”
