No One But You (Kimani Romance),New

Excerpt. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. 'I don't understand why we're at the store purchasing an outfit for me, when I have a perfectly good pair of slacks and a snazzy blouse at home.' Sara Lovell followed her four sorority sisters through the department store toward the women's section.'This is a milestone birthday, correct?' Denise asked, over her shoulder. Her pace didn't slacken. She was a pintsized dynamo whizzing past customers.'I don't think twentyfive is a milestone,' Sara responded, rolling her eyes at Denise's exaggeration.'Girl, you'd better celebrate it. How many women are twentyfive years old, a professor and no lame man hanging on?' Naomi stepped outside of their entourage to throw out her question, as Sara, who was bringing up the rear, passed her.'I'm not tenured,' Sara corrected. This was her first semester and there were no guarantees in the collegiate world. Like anyplace else, climbing the ladder partially depended on office politics.'Whatever! Only you highbrowed people know the difference. We, mere mortals, will continue to call you Professor Lovell.' Naomi grinned with extra effort since her braces had only been removed two days ago.They arrived in the women's department, not too quietly. Sara followed the direction of their scrutiny and fingerpointing, trying to catch the gist of their discussion. Her sorors were always up to something. Why did she think her birthday would be any different among these mischiefmakers? But she'd be on the lookout for any pranks.'Ooh, I like this.' Naomi held up a little black dress.'Is that the entire dress or is that only the skirt?' Sara asked, concerned with the choice. 'You like to show your skin. I don't.''You're right. This little number would look good with my long, shapely legs.' Naomi spun in front of the threesided mirror. With a manicured hand on one hip and a haughty raise of her chin, she erupted in a fit of giggles.'At least those legs would be good for something,' Denise added, with a smirk. 'I sure enough lost a pretty penny on your lazy behind in the last basketball game. The coach should've left you on the bench.' Denise stood behind Naomi's still form, fearlessly sizing her up with open disgust.Sara foresaw the potential conflict that always ignited without much provocation. She stepped toward Naomi, removed the black dress from her iron grip and set it on the rack with other unwanted items. Then she propelled her friend out of the dressing room to another area of the women's department to cool off.'Don't take on Denise. You know that she's always in a bad mood after she loses money.'Her friend's budding pro basketball career wasn't exactly taking off in the right direction. Sara empathized with her soror. One thing she'd learned the hard way was how to shoot for the stars, but end up sitting in dirt.'Hey, Sara, I found a great pantsuit.'Sara looked over at Asia standing next to her twin, Athena, who held up a navy blue pantsuit. The tailored cut was flattering. And how could she pass up the added bonus to wear pants, her clothing item of choice?Asia handed off the suit to Sara, who headed for the dressing room again.'I've got several blouses to go with this.' Sara changed into the pantsuit. The jacket's cut enhanced her figure, as she expected it would. It had a longer hem that covered her wellpadded behind. Although not fond of full pants legs, she did like the comfortable fabric of these that didn't cling to her thighs.She stepped out into the open area to model. 'I really like this.' The darker shade complemented her toasty brown coloring.'Good!' her friends answered in chorus.Sara laughed. They'd often criticized her inability to make a quick decision. This impromptu trip did manage to improve her mood, considering that she awoke today feeling a bit bummed. The year had not been one for celebration when the highlight was a botched wedding ceremony.Her sorors made quick business of paying for the outfit. Back at her con