by Diana Kane
“Hello again.” Her sultry accent makes it sound like she is purring the words. I look up at Isabella standing before me. She wears a similar top to the one she wore yesterday, but her hair is up in a messy bun today.
“Hi.” I can feel the smile spreading across my lips.
“Sorry I interrupted your reading. I have to check in with Matt.” I watch her approach the other bartender, who must be Matt. They chat briefly, and I realize that it must be shift change. I go back to my book and am pulled away from it by the sound of another whiskey sour being placed before me, one that I didn’t order. Matt smiles and tells me to have a nice day as he winks. I go back to reading my book until I feel Isabella standing before me.
“Was he bothering you?” I give her a look indicating my confusion. She slides the second drink towards me, and I really look at it for the first time. There on the napkin is Matt’s name and number.
“I didn’t ask for either of those,” I say, shifting my vision from the drink to Isabella.
“What is this anyway?”
“Probably a whiskey sour.”
“Oh no, that won’t do.” She takes the drink and dumps it out before I can protest. “I have something better in mind.” I try to read my book while she prepares my new drink, but find myself drawn to watching her instead. She places the concoction before me and waits. I half expected the same drink that she made me yesterday, but it isn’t. I take a sip and let the cool liquid settle on my tongue. It’s initially sweet but slowly shifts to just a touch of tartness as the alcohol finally reaches my taste buds. Isabella dons a satisfied grin and I know I’ve been treated to another one of her secrets.
“Let me guess, another one of your creations.”
“Yes but this one has a name.” I look at her expectantly, waiting for her to share.
“Well?”
“I call it Forbidden Fruit.” She smiles and makes her way around the bar, checking on the other patrons scattered around it. I watch her interactions, trying to figure out if she’s flirting with me or if she has the same mannerisms with all customers. Deciding that it’s the later, I go back to reading my book until her rounds bring her back to me.
“What are you reading?”
“I honestly have no idea what it’s called. Just some free lesbian romance novel I downloaded ages ago.”
“And you picked now to finally read it? Are you some kind of masochist?” I see embarrassment flash across Isabella’s features, a complete u-turn from her normal in control, composed self. I can’t help but laugh.
“I know, it doesn’t make any sense does it?” I release a small chuckle as I think about it. “Maybe I just need a little hope or something.”
“I shouldn’t have asked you that, I apologize.”
“Don’t worry about it, really. I’m not bothered.” She eyes me, and I can see her nervousness abate when she sees that I’m being sincere. A new couple seats themselves at the bar, commanding Isabella’s attention. She’s gone for a while this time as she serves the new additions and checks on the other patrons as well.
“So has it gotten good yet? Isabella leans on the bar in front of me, allowing me a clear view down the front of her shirt. It just got much better, I think to myself and feel my lips curling into a telling grin.
“Compelling, yes.” My eyes remain fixed on the view down Isabella’s shirt.
“But not juicy yet?” Isabella arches her eyebrow when I finally look up at her.
“Not yet, but sometimes you have to build up to that, you know, invest in the characters first.”
“And sometimes you don’t.” Now I’m certain that she’s flirting with me. There’s no denying that she’s a beautiful woman and that her sexy accent only adds to her appeal. Thinking about her certainly gets the juices flowing.
“I assume you teach the bartending classes offered in the brochure.” Isabella’s demeanor changes from playful to confused back to business as usual.
“Sometimes. Would you like a private lesson?” She arches an eyebrow and grins at me. This woman never misses an opening.
“Perhaps,” I stammer. I cannot deny Isabella’s attractiveness or that her boldness has me reeling. Her eyes are locked on mine, her lips slightly parted, like she is weighing her next move. I sit there waiting for it, but Isabella’s attention is required elsewhere, there are other patrons to serve. I see her slightly parted lips close and her eyes shift back to their blank business as usual facade before she turns away from me. I go back to reading, trying to keep my eyes off of Isabella’s form as she works her way around the bar.
“Something tells me your book is more than compelling now.” I look up, straight down the cleft of Isabella’s breast. She leans low on the bar in front of me, waiting for some response on my part. She leans back, changing my view. I look her in the eyes, and she smiles knowingly. “You hide it well, most people wouldn’t see it, but your lips were parted, your pupils kept dilating, your breathing increased and you started fidgeting a little.” I feel the blood rush to my face and look down, hoping she won’t notice. “No need to be embarrassed. I am curious though.” Without hesitation, I flip a few pages back to where the scene started and hand Isabella my Kindle. I watch her as she reads the words that turned me on moments ago. I wonder who she imagines herself doing those things with. I see her lick her lips, her eyes dilate, and her nipples harden slightly, just visible through the tight shirt she wears. “That could be fun,” she whispers as she passes my Kindle back to me. She pours herself a glass of ice water and takes a deep drink of it.
“There’s a musician playing here tonight. She sings in Spanish, but her voice and the music hypnotize you. You should check it out.”
“I don’t speak Spanish.”
“It won’t matter. It will be free for you, so nothing to lose.”
“I’ll keep it in mind.” She didn’t specifically ask me to join her, but I know I would have said yes if she had.
“Just a suggestion.” She leaves me to make her rounds, and I go back to my book. Several minute pass before she circles back to me. “Would you like another?” I look at my drink and realize it’s gone. I gaze at the water and the sun reflecting off of it, debating if I should have another drink or move on.
“Another time. I should get some sun.”
“Right, those tan lines,” she looks downward like she can see my lap through the bar. “If you change your mind,” she smiles at me. I reach into my bag to leave her a tip. As I move to place it on the bar her hand grabs my wrist. “Not today. You were already too generous last time.” I open my mouth to protest but all my mind can focus on is the warm flesh still circling my wrist. “You let me read the story, consider that tip enough.” She winks at me and walks away, trailing her long delicate fingers over the back of my hand as she does. The soft caress elicits gooseflesh despite the sticky warmth of the day. I stand there dumbstruck for a moment and nearly sit back down before realizing that there will only be two hours or so of sunlight left.
*****
Sunbathed and showered, I sit on the foot of the bed wondering what I should do. My stomach audibly suggests that I should feed it, that I haven’t eaten since breakfast. I put on my navy blue sundress, the spaghetti straps and low v-neck preventing me from wearing a bra. The dress is long and flowing, with a slit that stops mid-thigh. It’s lightweight and perfect for the muggy weather. I make my way to the restaurant offering authentic Mexican cuisine and order the beef, chicken and pork tacos and a margarita. It’s after 8 pm, but the restaurant is still reasonably busy. I read to pass the time I spend waiting for my meal to arrive. When it does, I force myself to consume it slowly, to take the time to enjoy the flavor. Authentic cuisine is scarce at home, I need to enjoy it while I can. I try to people watch as I eat, but see nothing but couples once again. I finish my meal and leave, intending to go for a walk on the beach, but the sound of music stops me. A woman’s voice joins the music, her timbre is like silk gliding over your skin. I follow the sound and
enter the performance hall. It’s surprisingly full, divided by couples seated at their tables and others dancing with one another. I stay toward the back and listen, realizing Isabella was right, it’s hypnotic. I order a drink at the bar and seat myself at one of the vacant tables near the entrance, with my eyes closed and my body gently swaying to the sultry voice crooning from the front of the theatre.
“You took my advice.” My eyes snap open and find Isabella standing beside me, her long legs wrapped in a black sarong, a tight white tank top complimenting it. The outfit is simple, yet compliments her body perfectly. I stare at the small gap that flirts with me between the low slung sarong and the lower hem of the top, feeling my tongue slowly run its way over my lips. Isabella sits down in the empty seat without invitation and glances around the room before turning to me. I close my eyes and let the music take over once again, letting my body sway in time, despite feeling the weight of her eyes on me. “Dance.” I’m not sure if it’s a request or a command, but when I open my eyes, I see Isabella rising from her seat and feel my body follow her.
On the dance floor, I close my eyes and let the nuances of the music control my movements. I occasionally risk glances at Isabella and each time find her watching me. I sneak glances at her body moving in time to the music and resist all temptation to stop and watch like she’s dancing for me in private. Midway through the third song, I feel the heat of Isabella’s body pressed against me, her breasts against my back and her hips resting against my ass. Her left arm wraps around my midsection, one hand resting against my stomach as she slowly trails her finger tips up the length of my thigh, accessible via the slit in my dress. Our bodies meld together like this as we move as one in time to the music.
“This song is beautiful, what’s it about?”
“Breaking up. She is telling the lover that plans to leave that he will regret it.” The song sounded so romantic, in a tragic sense I suppose it might be. We continue to dance together as one song moves on to the next. I can feel Isabella’s nose as she nuzzles the back of my ear and the sensitive nape of my neck. I want to turn around and press my lips against hers, but the feeling that we are being watched stops me. I open my eyes and discover that an attractive pair of women watch us from a few feet away, neither looking particularly pleased.
“Who is that?” I lean back and whisper in Isabella’s ear. She hesitates momentarily but doesn’t answer my question. Instead, she slowly turns us so that our backs face our unwanted admirers.
“Want to get out of here?” I feel her warm breath caress my ear when she makes the suggestion, sending shivers along my spine. I clasp the hand held against my stomach and move us toward the exit. Once outside of the theatre, I hesitate, unsure where I should lead us. I look to Isabella for guidance and see that her mood has shifted, something seems to be bothering her.
“Want to go for a walk?” Walking isn’t near the top of the list of things I want to do. It’s been months since my mission trip, and my body is begging for attention, especially the ministrations of the beautiful woman who still clasps my hand. I nod that I do and Isabella leads us down to the shore, keeping my hand in hers. We walk in silence, and I can tell that despite her physical presence, Isabella isn’t completely with me.
“Care to talk about it?” I make the offer, curious to discover what’s bothering her. She remains quiet for a while. I don’t press further because somehow I know she won’t answer.
“I’m sorry, but I’m not very good company now. I will say goodnight.” She gently squeezes my hand before letting it go. I watch her as she walks away from me, her shoulders slumped and her head down. With nothing else to do, I turn around and crawl into bed with my book, the feeling of Isabella pressed against me a fond memory.
Chapter 15
An unexpected noise wakes me the following morning. Disoriented, I roll over and look at the clock to discover that it’s just after 9 am. I roll onto my back and stare at the ceiling, realizing that it’s my third day on vacation and I’ve already destroyed my normal sleep pattern. I hear the noise again and realize that it’s a thunderclap. Curious, I slide out of bed and open the door leading to the terrace. Rain cascades from the gray sky, the scent of the fresh water falling different from the salt tinged air I’ve quickly grown accustomed to. I stick a tentative hand out the door and discover the water is warm, not shower water warm but pleasant enough. I close the door, brush my teeth and get dressed to head to the fitness center, plugging my earbuds in, letting my gym mix start to get me pumped up.
I step into the fitness center and look around. It sits on one of the corners of the main building. The two exterior walls are composed of untreated glass from floor to ceiling, offering a view of the beach front and some of the bungalows that sit along the resort’s outskirts. It hits me as I take in the view, not only has the torrential downpour stopped, but the puddles have already dried up as well, removing any evidence that it had rained. I shake my head in disbelief and seat myself on one of the rowing machines. I’m nearing the end of my interval when I realize that I have an audience. Isabella stands on the path outside of the gym’s glass wall, watching me sweat. When she realizes she’s been caught, she keeps her eyes locked on me instead of averting them in embarrassment. I stop rowing a minute early and make my way to the glass that separates us, not caring that the only thing covering my sweat soaked body is my sports bra and a pair of mesh shorts. I stare at her as she rakes her eyes over my body before flashing me a lascivious grin and moving on. I guzzle half a bottle of water before jumping on the elliptical machine to crank out another interval. I watch the crashing waves as I ignore the burning in my legs, realizing that if I want to swim it will have to be in the pool. I finish the bottle of water as I make my way back to my room where I change into my merlot hued bikini and my black sandals. I wrap one of the hotel’s towels around my waist and make my way to the pool.
I deposit my towel and sandals on one of the pool side chairs and lower myself into the water. It’s cooler than I expected, a byproduct of the rain. The decorative shape of the pool isn’t conductive to swimming laps, but I make do and push myself as hard as I can. When my body tells me I’ve had enough I make my way to the shallow water near my belongings, content to soak while my body cools down. Despite the rain abating, the sky remains overcast. I lean back and close my eyes, happy to have a clear mind and the ability to just be at peace in the water.
“You should drink this.” I open my eyes at the sound of the water muffled voice and discover Isabella standing at the edge of the pool offering me a bottle of water. I instinctively plant my feet and slouch down, like the crystal clear water will somehow cover my modesty. Isabella’s face betrays her amusement before she sits the bottle down and makes her way back to the bar. I down the bottle in two long draws as I climb the stairs out of the pool. I look towards the bar and find Isabella watching me, her lips parted slightly, her eyes focused on the twin spaghetti straps that curve around my hips. The sensation of the water slowly trickling down my thigh reminds me of the sensation of Isabella’s fingertips last night. I wrap the towel around my waist and slip into my sandals before making my way to the bar. I watch as Isabella fixes me a glass of ice water and places it on the bar, anticipating my presence or perhaps commanding it. Either way, I willingly join her, even if nothing more comes of this, she’s still a welcome distraction from everything I came here to escape.
“Thanks,” I say taking a seat and the water. She smiles as her eyes linger a little too long on my breasts. I feel the grin playing at the corner of my lips as she tears her gaze away.
“It will likely rain most of the day, I hope it doesn’t spoil your plans.”
“Well I don’t see myself swimming in the ocean or deepening my tan today, but I’ll survive.” Frown lines crease her forehead as she absorbs what I’ve said.
“You really didn’t make any plans?”
“Nope, I told you, this was all spur of the moment.” She shakes her head and looks at me.
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“Perhaps a massage then. I’m sure you could use it after this morning.” Her voice lowers during the second sentence, despite the fact that we are basically alone. I nearly choke on my water. Smooth Sara, really smooth. I watch as she grabs the chrome drink shaker. “Drink?” she asks arching one eyebrow in my direction. With every movement she makes I can’t help but watch the white fabric of her snug shirt hug the curves of her upper body. My stomach chooses this window to release a painfully loud gurgle, raging because I haven’t eaten since dinner last night. Isabella laughs, and I feel my blood defy gravity, torrenting to my face.
“Later, perhaps. I should get something to eat.” She closes her eyes and nods slightly, the smile leaving her face. I briefly wonder again if the flirting is an act for the tourist, but then remember the feeling of her pressed against me, her fingers trailing their way up my thigh, and the contrast of her soft hand in mine versus the firm hand she held against my stomach. It can’t be an act, I think as I walk away from the bar. I risk a glance over my shoulder and find Isabella intently watching me walk away. No, definitely not an act.
Showered and fed I watch the second storm of the day, the rain coming down like sheets of glass and quickly disappearing. I read for a time while my meal digests before taking out my laptop and logging into my email. Several messages await my attention, so I scan the list of senders, picking out the important ones. I open a message from Catherine, received only minutes ago. The subject line is You’re where?!?!. So Abby has told her, which means Alex knows as well. I click the link and the message appears: Katrina has been asking after you. Alex and I had no idea you were gone. Abby told Alex after much pressure was applied. I assume this has to do with a specific someone. Try to enjoy yourself, your secret is safe with us. I send her a brief reply: Sorry, the trip was last minute, I needed to get away so I could rest. I appreciate your confidence. We’ll talk when I get back. Please don’t blame this on Katrina, we’re both at fault. Love to you both. I scan further and read the generic messages from my partners telling me to take whatever time I need and they are here if I need anything. I’ve always preferred keeping my business and personal lives separate from one another, so they know very little about my private affairs. Abby has sent me two messages, the first with my reworked schedule when I return. I won’t be getting many lunch breaks or finishing up in the OR before 7 pm anytime soon, but I needed this. Her second email is to warn me that Catherine and Alex pressured her into revealing my location. I send Abby a quick response thanking her for the new schedule and telling her not to worry about telling Catherine and Alex. With no other messages that look urgent, I shut my laptop and decide to follow Isabella’s suggestion.