This Time for Real by Yahrah St. John

for today?” Malik inquired.
    â€œResearch, research and research,” Peyton answered,tearing open a bagel. As she lathered the cream cheese on, she knew that wasn’t what he meant. “Did you have something else in mind?” Peyton bit into the bagel.
    Malik grinned mischievously. “I do, but after breakfast.”

Chapter 6
    P eyton stared out of the window in her office. Her mind kept replaying the images of her and Malik in bed together all weekend long. The way he’d touched her, the way he’d made her feel. She hadn’t even recognized the sexual creature she’d become with him.
    â€œAhem.” A cough came from behind her. Peyton turned around and found Amber smiling at her. “Looks like someone was in another world.”
    â€œI was,” Peyton admitted.
    â€œAnyplace special?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    When Amber looked Peyton straight in the eye, Peyton couldn’t resist smiling broadly. “Peyton, you are glowing like a kid on Christmas morning. Did you and Malik take your relationship to the next level?”
    â€œOkay, you caught me. I’m busted.” Peyton couldn’tlie. “We did. And it was fantastic!” Peyton sighed dramatically.
    â€œSee, I told you there was nothing to worry about,” Amber replied. “It was just like riding a bike.”
    Peyton thought back to a moment when she was on top of Malik and was riding him until they both came, shattering in a million tiny pieces. “I wouldn’t describe it as riding a bike, but it did all come back to me.” Peyton grinned. “And I’m looking forward to another spin.”
    â€œI bet. It’s just really good to see you like this, Peyton. When you said you were moving here, Jude and I were concerned. But it looks like our fears were unfounded. You’re thriving, girlfriend.”
    â€œI think New York was just what I needed,” Peyton said. She felt as if she’d come out of a dense fog. She hadn’t felt this way in years, and it felt amazing. “Malik is a wonderful man.”
    â€œWell, don’t fall too quickly,” Amber warned. “This is your first real relationship since David died. You need to shop around the block first. You know, see what’s out there.”
    â€œI’ve seen what’s out there, Amber, and it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. What’s your problem? I thought you liked Malik.”
    â€œI do,” Amber replied. “But sometimes the first man you meet isn’t always the right one. Sometimes he’s the catalyst to propel you into your next relationship.”
    â€œI don’t know. Malik is pretty close to perfection,” Peyton joked.
    â€œAll right.” Amber knew when to let a matter drop.
    â€œCare to give me some more advice on how I can get through to one of my students?”
    â€œAre we talking about the single mother?”
    Peyton nodded. “I met with her and her boyfriend toexplain our program and how volunteering would benefit her, but it didn’t go over very well. And to make matters worse, Kendra didn’t show up for class today.”
    â€œSo what are you going to do?” Amber asked, leaning against the desk.
    â€œI thought I’d call and check on her. You know? Make sure everything’s all right.” Peyton had a nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach that something was wrong.
    â€œI don’t think that’s a good idea,” Amber replied. “Students miss class, Peyton. This isn’t high school.”
    â€œI know,” Peyton said. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t care.” Many times she’d seen her mother, Lydia Allen, make a home visit if she suspected a student was in trouble. Peyton had always admired that about her and she was following her example.
    â€œOkay,” Amber said. “Do as you please, but if you want my advice, I say steer clear. I’ve got