by Claire Angel
“Oh, wait. How rude of me. Please, let me get you a drink.” He marched into the house.
Chloe could see that her question struck a nerve. As she looked at his glorious ass disappear into the building, she wondered why a charming man like Kenneth would choose a life of such solitude. She could sense the weird calmness in his eyes as though he had been through a lot at his young age. She knew it would be difficult getting an answer from him. She had been with the Alder family, and she knew rich folks also have their pain.
She had once caught Mrs. Alder crying in the den.. She offered her a tissue and knowing that she may not want to disclose the reason behind her tearful moment, she just hugged her and left. Mrs. Alder eventually opened up to her the following day. She had just received a piece of bad news from her younger sister. Her sister was diagnosed with stage four cancer, and she only had a couple of months at most.
Apparently, money can’t solve things. Chloe began to wonder if Kenneth’s sadness stems from a terminal illness, too. He looked healthy in the eyes, but who could tell?
Kenneth reappeared with a glass filled with margarita.
"Sorry, I didn't wait to ask. I hope you like margaritas?" He offered it to her with a charming smile.
Chloe nodded, then collected the glass from him. In between sips,, she told him about herself with hopes that he would reciprocate. She told him about her sister Kelly, her friend Tia and other important people in her circle. She told him about her first heartbreak.
Kenneth listened with keen interest. He may not have said more than three words, but his eyes were comforting. He no longer looked at Chloe as though she were an object to him. It was like he began to see Chloe as a person, instead of a doll made for sexual pleasure.
Chloe didn’t pressure him about his personal life. It felt like a casual therapy session talking to him, so she felt comfortable with him. She had never felt that way with another man since Jacob. No, with Jacob, she felt tense and afraid of rejection. With Kenneth, she felt relaxed and in control. She wanted to stay longer with him, just chatting away. Each time he smiled; he grew more attractive. Gradually, he charmed her without saying much. She wanted more, but she was grateful for the three hours she spent with him.
She slipped into her clothes and walked back to her cottage. She was thrown aback by the sight of two parrots mating at the lobby, just some meters away from the door.
“Bad girl,” she said under her breath, shaking her head in amazement.
∞∞∞
Another foggy morning greeted the beautiful resort. Chloe was still in her bed at 10:00. She had managed to take a handful of grains to her little friend in the lobby, but it wasn't there. The bird had eloped with her new lover. She walked back to her bed, feeling feverish.
Tia had sent her a text message after three missed calls. Carlton had checked on her twice to remind her of their next tour. They were supposed to see the dolphins near the park. She punched in some numbers on the intercom to tell Carlton not to bother waiting for her. She got another person on the line, finding out that it was the receptionist.
Carlton and his group had left after waiting for close to thirty minutes. Kenneth; however, learned of Chloe’s state of health from the receptionist. He dialed her line to know how serious it was.
“Hey, the receptionist just told me you’re not feeling well. How bad is it?”
"My temperature has gotten worse, and I’m still feeling feverish," Chloe responded.
“Can you make it to my place?”
Chloe paused for a few seconds, but when Kenneth noticed the hesitation, he said, "I just want to see you and make sure you’re okay."
"Thanks, Doc," she teased, "I'll be fine."
“Are you sure?” He asked, making her smile.
“Yes. I’m okay” She said
“Okay. My door is always open, just in case.” He hung up.
She knew she had to get medical attention. She thought it would dissipate after some time, but the illness had become worse several minutes after Kenneth's call. She was coughing and shivering. She knew better than to hesitate for another minute.
She slipped into tight jeans, pulled her hair in a ponytail, and wore a thick hoodie. She managed to get herself to the front of Kenneth’s house ten minutes later. She lifted her hand to knock on the door, but it gave way for her. Kenneth had seen her from his window.
He held her by the hand, guiding her slowly to a seat in his living room. He offered her a cup of warm tea before calling his doctor to have her checked out and treated.
Kenneth turned on the heater, setting the temperature to something comfortable for her. While they waited for the doctor to come, he tried to start up a conversation with her.
“Knock, knock.” he said.
Chloe smiled and responded, “Who’s there?”
“Suck.”
“Suck who?” she asked, raising a brow.
“Sucks to be you right now!” They both laughed.
“I’ve got another one for you. Are you ready?”
“Yes,” Chloe replied, enthused.
Kenneth continued, “A boy complained to his dad – ‘you told me to put a potato in my swimming trunks! You said it would impress the girls at the pool! But you forgot to mention one thing!’ The father responded, ‘really, what?’ His angry son said, ‘You should have told me the potato goes in front.’”
Chloe went wild with laughter, accidentally spilling the warm tea on her hooded cardigan. Kenneth quickly dashed to the linen closet and reappeared with a towel. His hand accidentally brushed her warm breast, just under her sweater. Their eyes met the instant they both felt the contact. But they quickly tried to overlook the stimulation they felt. Chloe collected the towel and began to damp the wetness around her chest.
Kenneth disappeared and came back with a clean bathrobe. He picked up her cardigan to take to the laundry room as she changed into the bathrobe.
The doctor came in afterward and began to check Chloe's body temperature. He gave her a shot of acetaminophen and some tablets before leaving.
Chloe wanted to go home immediately after the doctor left to sleep over the drug, but Kenneth insisted she sleep in the guestroom so he could keep an eye on her.
The room was well lit with a King-size bed with woolen sheets and soft pillows. Kenneth kept a bottle of water on a side-table just in case she needed it. Chloe got in bed and watched him close the door behind him.
To think that she was in a bedroom in his house made she wonder how she had come to trust him to such an extent. A few days ago, she hated him for being so impolite to her. She wanted nothing to do with a rich guy who was so full of himself, or so she thought. It was amazing what a little patience and dialogue had changed between them.
She was beginning to see through his toughness. She was starting to understand him. Inside the thick wall he had built around himself was a lonely man that craved affection. 'We have something in common,' she thought. He may be handling his pain differently, but she knows better now.
‘What’s wrong with me? I may have rushed this. My last three dates were nothing to write home about. And I doubt if anything can happen to change that in the nearest future. But... Kenneth is different. He has a charming smile that could stimulate a quick build-up to orgasm. And if that doesn't get my juices flowing, just hearing that voice say my name as he spanks my butt while riding me with…’ She paused in her train of thought. She smiled to herself.
The drug finally began to kick in. She fell asleep, anticipating a healthier status by the time she woke up.
Chapter 7
To Kenneth, sleep had always been a gift. Maybe not always, but he had suddenly learned how to put aside the darkness that has held him under. Carlton had noticed it too. According to him, it was like Kenneth had discovered his mojo.
Chloe was still sleeping in the guestroom. Kenneth had checked twice already without disturbing her, so he left as quickly and quietly as he could.
Being physically attra
ctive with a good investment, and in between thirty to forty-five years of age b draw women like a moth to light. Even his mother had expressed her disappointment in the most unspeakable manner. She'd say. “A part of Kenneth died with his late wife.” She couldn’t have said it better.
He’d come across women of all shades over the years, but he was never able to maintain a consistent attachment. He’d come across as a jerk, arrogant, and many other names most of them could form from the pain and embarrassment they felt. He had no doubt affected Chloe the same way, for she despised him at some point. He was surprised she even agreed to spend the night at his place.
Knowing how hungry Chloe might get in the morning, and the fact she'd have to take her drugs, he went to the kitchen to prepare soup. The first soup that came to his mind was the sopa de piedra.
He was still slicing the vegetables when Carlton came in, afraid that they may have a missing person on their hands. Kenneth had to take the trouble of taking Carlton into the guestroom to convince him that Chloe was still safe. Carlton left for the day, smiling and shaking his head, probably thinking they slept together.
When the soup was ready, he took some to the guestroom to place it on a side table. Chloe was up the second he walked in. Her sense of smell complimented his effort. She smiled at him, utterly thrilled by Kenneth’s little gesture.
Chloe was beautiful, but it wasn’t just her looks that got his pulse racing. It was her simplicity. Sometimes, she behaved like she was not even conscious of her beauty. He never met a woman like that before.
“How do you feel now, Sucre?” he asked.
“How did you know that name?” Chloe asked, looking surprised.
Kenneth had looked her up on various social media platforms that he could think of. ‘Sucre’ was the name of her Instagram handle.
“I take my homework very seriously. I like to leave a lasting impression on my clients,” he bragged.
Chloe’s eyes depicted nothing but pure happiness, “Thanks… Ken.”
For a while, they locked eyes on each other. He thought of kissing her the way that he wanted to. Chloe also pondered it, but they let their insecurity get in the way.
They were two consenting adults with the freedom to do whatever they wanted. But they let their reservations have the better part of them. He could tell that Chloe was running from something. It wasn’t every day a beautiful young lady flies from America down to their resort. Many single people chose somewhere with a beach and several activities. Besides, it wasn't a summer season yet. So, what was this lively, hope-inspiring young lady seeking for? He was determined know that from the first day he set eyes on Chloe. Somehow, he felt she had a similar question in her mind about him.
Lost in thought, his eyes still locked with Chloe’s to find an answer an answer. He jumped as her voice jolted him into consciousness.
“I’ve got to see Carlton now. I think we’re visiting the Pines next.” She attempted to get up.
“You don’t have to worry about that. We can visit anywhere you want when you’re back on your feet,” he assured her.
“I’m good now, Ken,” she assured him.
“The doctor will be here any minute to give you the last shot. Please, take all the time you need. The resort is going nowhere.”
She felt more relaxed this time. Against the awkwardness that could have defined the move, he wanted to kiss her. He wanted it so much, but his body had been conditioned to a solitary life. He found himself drifting back into the kitchen with a dirty dish in hand. He felt her eyes all over him as he left the room.
Not long afterward, the doctor came as he had promised. He gave Chloe the final shot and left a promising analysis of her recovery.
To allow Chloe some time to rest, Kenneth tried to get back to unfinished business that had him engaged all week. He buried himself in work in his study, finally taking some time off from nursing his visitor. The maids breezed in and out to do some cleaning.
His mom called again. She had his number on speed dial to continually remind him of the same issues, over and over. Just like Kenneth, his mom had had her fair share of losses. She always found someone to talk to, and that has worked for her well. He wouldn't say it does for him with his circle being tiny. He always hated the idea of seeing a shrink.
With a phone pressed to his right ear, he listened to his mom on the other end of the line. He looked through the window and saw Chloe taking a swim. He quickly ended the call, alternating between jogging and walking to the pool to ensure Chloe wasn’t swimming without steaming the water. He was relieved to know she had made sure of that before diving into the water.
The weather was mildly cold and perfect for his pool. Making sure she was okay, he started to walk back to his study when he felt a splash of water on his lower body. And he turned back in surprise. Chloe splashed another handful on him once more. She was inviting him to swim without using words. He wasn't sure he would be able to endure looking at her half-naked body once more, so he increased his pace walking back to the building.
However, he changed his mind some inches away from the doorstep because she kept sounding like he was running away from her. Slowly retracing his steps to the pool, he took off his watch, shirt, and finally, his shoes. The little boy in him was challenged, and he loved winning.
She looked nothing like a recovering patient. Her smile glowed even in a bright morning. The way her breasts formed in the water made her look beautiful. Either the water accentuated her beautifully shaped breast, or they got bigger after her illness. He was fighting hard to keep his urges under control. Chloe was a smart girl, and he didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable.
They had a water-splashing battle in the pool for a while. Chloe’s splash was weak, but Kenneth showed no mercy. He spooned as much water as he could and splattered it on her face as hard as he could. They laughed uncontrollably whenever she threw water faintly in his face.
The water-splashing was soon over, and they started a swimming contest. The challenge was to swim across the length of the pool back and forth. She was a fantastic swimmer, but Kenneth bested her in all challenges.
Realizing that he was too much a competition for her, Chloe gave up.
“What,” she said as he shrugged his shoulders, throwing his victory at her face. “You think you’re invincible now because your opponent is a recuperating patient?”
“Oh, excuse me. Where’s the recuperating patient?” Kenneth teased.
He got off the pool first, then helped her out. His body ached lustfully for her as he watched her saunter back to where she kept her bathrobe. Her back view was a view to behold. It could have been embarrassing for him if he wasn't quick to realize that his crotch had noticeable grown. Walking back to the building required some tricks.
They had a light breakfast together. She had toast with a jam, while he went for huevos rancheros avocados. Soon, they got ready to step out for a tour of the pines as he had promised her.
Chloe wore a blazer that Kenneth gave her on her tight jeans and polo t-shirt that he had ordered a maid clean up in the laundry room the previous night. Her curly hair was pinned back.
Kenneth held her by the hand as they walked to the parking lot. They hopped into a golf cart before driving off. One of the policies they had in the resort is to avoid the use of larger vehicles.
The pine radiates an aura of tranquillity whenever one steps into the beautiful space that are sheltered by oak, hickory, and maples. Besides the beautiful vegetation, what makes it unique is the artistic engravings done by the conservative natives as a way of passing a message across to the generations unborn. Most of them were carved so cleverly that one would begin to wonder how those ancestral men were able to come up with a technology that aided the designs.
They caught sights of antelopes a few times. Chloe had a firm grip on the cart when he told her there were also some wild animals. They had barely toured a few areas in the pine when the cart developed a mechanical fault. So, they contin
ued on foot.
The two walked another mile, taking a closer look at the ancient marking and drawings engraved on some stones and trees.
Chloe found a bunny caught in a thicket. She stooped down to free the young rabbit when a lowland paca zoomed pass them. Chloe turned from a rescuer to the rescued. She threw herself onto him in a split second. For a moment, they held on to each other. The panic in her eyes turned to amusement, with a smirk playing on her lips. He could feel her warm breath on his chest. He felt a sensation burning through his chest down to his thighs. His heart raced as he leaned further. Eight years had passed since he had been with a woman. In the spur of the moment, he kissed her and eagerly responded. She tasted of raspberry jam and honey from her tea.
A few minutes into the kiss, memories came flooding back. His late wife was wearing the very blazer that Chloe had on. He had remembered kissing her at a friend's birthday on a golf course. Their marriage was just a few weeks old. She had looked so radiant on that summer afternoon. After a few hours under the sun, Kenneth and Belinda took a walk on the field. He remembered the very words he had spoken to her before they kissed, I’ll learn to love you for the rest of my life. The eerie hands of guilt suddenly gripped him. He flinched back in horror, cursing as he kicked a stick on the ground.
Kenneth walked out on Chloe as she called him repeatedly, wondering what she had done to him to incite such reaction. He kept going without turning back. He found a large rock that sat on for a while, punishing himself for the memories that kept haunting him for the rest of his life. Images of his late wife repeatedly flickered in his mind as he tried to cry, but he couldn't. He had mourned her for almost a decade; the shadows of the past always came to collect.
Poor Chloe. He wondered what she thought of him. He shook his head in regret, cursing, and wishing he could change some things. A hand rested on his shoulder. He had been with Carlton long enough to identify him even by his footsteps.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hey. Is she okay?”
“Yeah, Marques will drive her back to the resort.”