Read On the Way to Heaven (BWWM Romance) for Free Online Page A

people who think they can give
advice like they know everything.”
         “She was trying to help.”
         “But did you ask for her help?” Skip set
his mug on the bar. “You hired this chick to clean, not be your psychiatrist.”
           “I
just don’t know what to do, man.” Neil swung his leg. “I try to move on, but I
can’t. I see Charlotte all over the house.” He looked at his wedding band. “I
hear her voice. I smell her on the sheets. I can’t get past it.”
         “Ever thought of counseling?”
           “You
know I’m not into that stuff.” Neil sipped beer. “What good would it do?”
         “You’ll be able to talk to someone besides
me about it.” Skip leaned up and looked toward the entrance. “Whoa.”
         “What?” Neil followed Skip’s gaze.
         A shapely, pale redhead pranced into the
bar in tight, denim shorts and a tank top with no bra.
         “Jeez.” Neil turned around to face the bar.
“Turn around, man. I don’t want her to see me.”
         “Why not?” Skip stared at her. “Marisa has
been wet for you for years, and now you got your chance.”
         “My chance? My wife just died last May,
Skip. The last thing on my mind is being with another woman. Especially my
wife’s friend.”
         “I didn’t mean to sound insensitive.” Skip
patted Neil’s shoulder. “But it’s almost been a year. You gotta start living
your life, some time.”
         “How would it look for me to hook up with
Marisa when everyone in this town knows how I felt about Charlotte?”
         “Who cares?” Skip lifted his mug. “Maybe
you need to focus more on your life and less on what others think. Marisa has
wanted you since high school. Even Charlotte knew it.”
         “No.” Neil shook his head. “I’m not into
Marisa. She’s a friend, that’s all.”
         Skip smirked. “I wish I had friends who
looked like that.”
         Marisa sauntered up to them. “Hello, Neil.”
She smiled. “Will you buy me a drink?”
         He coughed into his hand. “Sure.” He told
the bartender to get her a beer. “You doing okay?”
         “Yeah.” She waved at Skip and focused back
on Neil. “How are you?”
         “Fine.” Neil forced an uncomfortable smile.
         Something about Marisa made his anxiety
soar.
         “I called you earlier.”
         “Oh yeah?” He tapped the bar. “I was
working.”
         “I left a voicemail.”
         “Here you go, Marisa.” The bartender set
her beer on the bar.
         “Thanks.” She took a sip. “I called you
last night, and the night before, too.”
         “Been busy.” Neil slurped beer.
         “I worry about you.” She sat on the stool
next to him. “I know it’s still hard without Charlotte. I told you I wanna help
all I can. If you need me to come over and clean or cook—”
         “He’s got that handled.” Skip winked. “He’s
got a maid now.” He shifted on the stool. “Yeah, some young, hot looking
thing.”
         “Skip.” Neil groaned.
         “I heard you were looking for a
housekeeper.” Marisa sipped from her glass. “What’s her name?”
         “Trina Mosley.”
         “She’s a black chick.” Skip licked his
lips.
         “Ah.” Marisa set her glass down. “And she’s
going to be staying with you?”
         “Yeah, in the guest bedroom.” Neil avoided
looking at her. “I needed help with the house and the girls. You’ve seen the
place. I couldn’t do it alone.”
         “I offered to help you.”
         “It’s not your responsibility, but I
appreciate the offer.”
         “I promised Charlotte I’d be there for you
and the girls.” Marisa rubbed his arm. “I meant every word of that. I care
about you a lot.”
         “Marisa…” Neil tried to pull his arm away.
         “It’s not just because of Charlotte.” She