Love After War by Cheris Hodges Read Free Book Online

said as he took the bottle of champagne and passed it to Imani and Raymond. “Let’s dance.”
    She hesitated for a moment and then nodded. She and Ian rose from the table and brushed past Adrian to get to the dance floor. While he watched Dana bumping and grinding on the dance floor, Adrian saw red. Well, green actually. He was jealous beyond words as he saw his woman holding Ian tightly, just like when they used to go dancing. “That’s just—”
    â€œKarma,” Imani shouted out as she and Raymond started for the dance floor.
    Adrian narrowed his eyes at the actress and then returned to the bar where Richmond was in a conversation with the bartender’s breasts.
    â€œSo, Richmond, tell me more about this book.”
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    Across the room, Dana tried to pretend she wasn’t looking at Adrian as she danced with Ian. But Imani caught her stare. “I’m hungry,” Imani declared. “Babe, let’s go to Roscoe’s and bring those two along.”
    â€œDon’t they have food here?” Raymond asked through a yawn.
    â€œDo you want to leave?” Ian asked Dana. “Because your ex is shooting daggers with his eyes.”
    She laughed nervously. “How did you know that was my ex?”
    â€œThe look of ‘damn, I messed up’ gave it away.”
    Dana stroked Ian’s shoulder as she held back more laughter. Why did he have to be so damned cute and nice? “Well, if you guys want to leave,” she said, “we can.”
    â€œGreat,” Imani said.
    â€œUm,” Raymond groaned. “Jet lag is kicking in. Why don’t you all go without me?”
    â€œIf you want to go back to the hotel, I’ll go with you,” Imani said. “I couldn’t enjoy myself without you.”
    Raymond kissed her forehead. “Yeah, and you don’t want to be a part of rumors about our marriage being over, either. There are a lot of reporters out there.”
    She thrust her hip into his. “I never had such a thought.” Imani turned to Ian and Dana. “You guys can go eat without us, right?”
    â€œThat depends on Dana.”
    â€œMe?”
    Ian nodded. “Do you mind riding on my Harley?”
    â€œNot at all,” she replied, excitement peppering her tone and causing her eyes to glitter. Her plan had been to rent a bike of her own next week and hit the PCH for old times’ sake. Despite herself, she glanced in Adrian’s direction and locked eyes with his angry glare. He had always hated the fact that she rode her motorcycle up and down the highway. His solution? He bought her a Corvette. Dana smiled, turned back to Ian, and followed him, Imani, and Raymond out of the club.
    â€œThat was strange,” Raymond said once they were outside. “Was that about the conversation we had earlier? Otherwise, I’d like to know why my wife is picking fights with total strangers.”
    â€œBecause you married a drama queen,” Dana replied. “What did you do, Imani?”
    Looking down at her nails, Imani pretended not to be paying attention to the conversation about her. “I’m sorry, I thought you two were talking about someone else. Raymond, let’s talk about this later. Much, much later.”
    Ian laughed. “Imani, you’re something. I’m going to get my bike. Be right back, Dana.”
    When Ian was out of earshot, Imani turned to Dana. “Don’t fall for Mr. Slick’s tricks.”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?”
    â€œI’m not blind. I saw the looks you two were giving each other and—”
    â€œImani,” Raymond interjected. “Leave Dana alone. When a man decides to alienate folks who can make or break his club, he has some deep-seated affection for a woman. You should consider that dinner, Dana.”
    â€œNo, you shouldn’t,” Imani shot back.
    Dana reached out and hugged her friends. “I got