Midnight Kisses by Wayne Jordan Page A

ring.
    She had already picked it up when she checked the caller ID and saw that it was Cheryl.
    â€œYes, girlfriend. I did promise I would call. What you doing?” Cheryl asked.
    â€œEating. Reading.”
    â€œCookies, right?” Cheryl asked, her voice expectant.
    â€œI confess.”
    â€œChocolate chip?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œGirl, want some company?’
    â€œSure. But if you want some of these, I suggest you get over here soon.”
    â€œI’ll be right over. And please make sure you keep a plate full for me.”
    Forty-five minutes later, Cheryl opened the door with her spare key and entered, her hands laden with several bags and a large box.
    â€œChinese,” she responded when Renée raised her brow. “I know for sure that if I didn’t bring something else for you to eat, you’d settle for those cookies for dinner. Cookies are dessert, Renée. How many times do I have to tell you that eating all those sweets will be your downfall?”
    Renée laughed. “Look who’s talking?” she accused. “It’s a good thing I’ve encouraged you to join the gym. At least we get to work off all those calories.”
    â€œWell, let’s not waste time chatting. Where are those suckers?”
    They both laughed.
    â€œCome, let’s get a couple sodas, watch a movie and have dinner. Of course, those cookies are dessert.”
    â€œI’m with you, girlfriend. Something exciting and fun. No soppy romance for me.”
    Several hours later, tired but not ready to sleep, Cheryl finally got down to business.
    â€œSo how’s the ex-minister?” Cheryl asked.
    â€œNow, why do you have to go there?”
    â€œYou know me. I can’t resist a sexy man, even if he was a minister. And note, the word is was. So you plan on jumping his bones.”
    â€œCheryl!” Renée said with a laugh.
    â€œDon’t Cheryl me. I’d have had his body all racked and exhausted ten minutes after meeting him. You’d think he was created so beautiful for nothing. I mean, he’s a bit too serious for my liking, but he’s one hot specimen of manhood.”
    â€œYou are so dirty, girl. Is sex the only thing you think about?”
    â€œOf course not. Not when I can take home a few of those cookies you have left over.”
    They laughed. Then Cheryl got serious and looked at her with a stare that suggested she knew exactly what was going on in Renée’s head.
    â€œSo you like him?”
    There was no sense in denying what was obvious to her friend.
    â€œYes, I like him,” she replied. “Cheryl, you know me. Relationships and I don’t work.”
    â€œI know it hasn’t been easy, but suppose you were to find happiness with him? He seems like a good guy.”
    â€œI don’t believe he’s ready for any kind of relationship yet. He’s a widower. His wife died just three years ago.”
    â€œBut I see the way he looks at you.”
    â€œLook, I like him, but nothing is going to happen between us. And I’m definitely not interested in a relationship. Besides, he needs help. He needs someone to help him deal with his wife’s death. I suspect that he hasn’t yet. I’m sure he still loves her.”
    â€œYou know what you need? A good curl your toes session of uninhibited sex.”
    Renée rolled her eyes.
    â€œDon’t roll your eyes at me. Lately, everything for you is work.”
    â€œAnd you don’t spend all your time at the hospital?”
    â€œYeah, I do, but at least I’m getting some when I’m not there.”
    â€œMaybe you’re right,” Renée said. “Maybe I do need to concentrate on my life outside of work a little more.”
    â€œNow, that’s my girl,” Cheryl said happily.
    For a while there was silence, and then they looked at each other and smiled.

Chapter 5
    R enée took her time dressing. She’d found the