by Ancelli
“Where are you from?” Kyle inquired. She had a thick accent.
“Spain.” She took a bite of her pancakes.
“I’ve always wanted to visit Spain.” Kyle took a sip of coffee.
“I would love to give you a tour.” She licked the syrup of her lips. “Of Spain, and some other places.” Paola gazed at him through blue irises.
Sincere laughter escaped Kyle’s lips. The ladies were amusing, but he was only interested in one chocolate woman, and she was on her way to their table. Destinee stared at him through narrowed eyes. She was upset. “And you?” He looked at Lettie, changing the flow of conversation back to where they were from.
“I’m from Florida.” Lettie took a sip of her orange juice.
Destinee strolled up to the table, and frowned at him and his new friends.
“Good morning.” Kyle stood.
Destinee glared at him before peering at Paola. “I can’t accept your gift.”
“Why the hell not?” He observed her as she tapped her left foot. “You need some pampering.”
“It’s too much, Kyle,” she softly answered. “You’ve already done so much.”
“Destinee, I can’t cancel those reservations. If you don’t show, I’ll still be charged,” he replied, feeling discouraged. He wanted her to he happy, and she was trying to shove it back in his face.
She glanced at Lettie and Paola, “Why don’t you give it to your new friends?” she calmly stated.
“Really!” He clenched his jaw. He should be amused that she was jealous but he wasn’t. She didn’t have a reason to be. “That fucking gift is for you.”
The ladies at the table just sat there, watching them. Paola nudged her friend.
“Are you cussing at me?” Destinee pointed her index finger at him.
“Yes, damn it!” He raised his voice. “Why are you making this so fucking difficult? It’s my money and I want to spend it on you.”
“I’m sorry.” Paola stood. “I didn’t know you were involved.” She rolled her eyes at Destinee. “Let’s go, Lettie.” She walked off and her friend followed, leaving their trays behind.
“Your loss!” Lettie yelled over her shoulder.
“What did she say?” Destinee glared at their retrieving backs as they exited the room. She turned to walk away and he grabbed her arm. “Wait.”
“Are you just going let your new friends leave?” She stared at him. “Didn’t you hear her? It’s going to be your loss,” she repeated softly.
He could feel his nose flaring. Why was he letting her get to him so early in the morning? “I don’t give a fuck about them.”
“Do you kiss your mom with that filthy mouth?” Destinee eased his hand off her arm.
He inched closer, and leaned down, barely touching her lips. “No, but I would love to kiss yours.” He smiled, and nipped her bottom lip. “Your reservation is in fifteen minutes. Don’t make me pick you up and take you there,” he said against her lips. Destinee cocked her eyebrow, as if she was daring him. “I don’t think you want to try me, today.”
Destinee placed her hands on his chest, and gently pushed him away, “Fine! I wouldn’t want to waste your hard-earned money.”
“Good girl.” Kyle chuckled. She knew he would carry her over his shoulder to the spa, if he needed to. “See you at six, and make sure you wear that little thing I bought you yesterday.”
She walked off, commenting over her shoulder, “We will see.”
***
Destinee was still upset about what had happened, earlier, at the restaurant. Why would he invite her to breakfast and have other women seated with him? She didn’t have a right to be mad—or did she? She’d been on her way to tell Kyle thank you for the thoughtful gift, that it meant a lot to her, until she saw him laughing with two stunning ladies. Her intention wasn’t to be ungrateful, but the green-eyed devil popped up its head, making her insecure in herself. The way Kyle had responded, though, gave her comfort. He acknowledged her, and acted like the other women weren’t there. Damn, she was falling hard, and it had only been three days.
Destinee was seated in a huge, brown leather massaging chair as she was getting her fingernails and toes done. Cindy, the manicurist, stroked her hands and feet. It felt so good to finally sit back and get pampered. She’d always said she wanted a day at the spa, and Kyle had made that happen. Another staff member came up and started her facial while she received a back massage from the leather recliner seat. The rolling balls went down to the arch of her back, all the way to her neck, helping release the tension in her body. A small gasp escaped past her lips. Definitely what I needed. Carmen, the esthetician, placed some cold goo on her face, and started kneading her fingers over her skin, and then covered Destinee’s eyes with cucumbers. She didn’t think they really did that—she’d always assumed it was only for movies and TV shows.
She must’ve dozed off, because when her eyes fluttered open, her nails were done and Carmen was peeling the facial treatment off of her face. She glanced at her lilac nails and toes. “Thanks!” She opened her purse to give the ladies a tip, but they refused.
“It’s already been taken care of.” Cindy stood. “You’re scheduled for a body massage, so please follow me.”
Destinee felt her cheeks: they were so soft. She smiled, grabbed her purse, and followed the young lady to a private room. Destinee changed out of her clothes, and wrapped a fluffy white towel around her body. Instrumental music played in the background. Candles illuminated the corners and the scent of lavender permeated the room. Destinee lay on a narrow table covered by a pink sheet.
“Good morning, I’m Marco. I will be your masseur.” The man husky’s voice reverberated in the small room. Marco slipped her towel up, barely covering her ass. Destinee was a little surprised to have a male masseuse, until his hands started putting pressure on her upper back. His fingers felt like heaven as he manipulated her muscles from her neck, down her thighs and over her feet. He laid smooth stones along her spine. During the ninety minutes, tension released and she became putty under his ministrations. Before she knew it, her time was up. Marco left the room, and Destinee quickly wrapped the white robe around her body. She entered the fancy bathroom and opened her locker, then changed back into her clothes.
Destinee decided to have lunch before her next appointment. She stopped by the buffet, hoping to run into Kyle. After eating, a quick glance at her watch told her she had some time until her salon slot so she decided to go visit someone really special.
She entered the salon, looked around, and didn’t see any black hairstylist; she was very particular in who did her hair. She walked up to the counter. “Excuse me.”
“Yes, ma’am?” a brunette woman replied.
“I have an appointment.” She twisted her mouth.
“Name?”
“Destinee.” She inspected the salon, still searching for a black stylist. “Do you have someone who does my type of hair?” She pointed at her curls.
The lady scrunched up her face in confusion. “Our stylists are certified in all types of hair.”
“Really?” Destinee tapped her newly manicured nails on the counter, looking at the services up on the wall. “Instead of getting my hair done, I’d rather get a make-over. Is that possible?”
“Yes.” The woman moved her mouse, and started tying on her keyboard. “Please have a seat.”
***
Kyle laid with his hands behind his head, resting on one of the many lounge chairs next to the pool, listening to music. He hadn’t seen his brother or sister-in-law since Puerto Rico, thank goodness. He didn’t have time for their shenanigans. Kirk would be pleading with him to get in touch with Dee, while Nicole would be trying to set him up with the first female that would show interest. He closed his eyes, listening to Meghan Trainor and John Legend sing their duet. He couldn’t help reminiscing about his wife; he should’ve loved her like tomorrow wasn’t promised. There was a time in his life when he didn’t want anything to do wit
h relationships, until he fell in love with Dee. His memories hit him like a brick, especially the day he decided he wanted more out of life, more from Dee.
***
“Dude, stop smiling.” Kyle’s buddy tapped him on the leg. They were on their way to an accident. His mind was on his girlfriend. They’d been dating for over a year, and every day, things got better between them. Dee had become his best friend. They argued from time to time, but making up was oh-so-sweet.
Kyle read a text he’d received earlier from Dee.
Dee: My legs are still shaking from last night…lol. On my way to work.
Kyle: Wait until I get a hold of you tonight, you won’t be able to walk.
Dee: Lol…I see you’re already feening for me.
Kyle: Always
Dee: Text you later, driving.
Kyle chuckled to himself. Damn, he loved being inside of Dee. Every time felt like the first time with her. The woman had an addicting pussy, one that could make a grown man weep for joy. He started getting aroused thinking of the things they’d done the night before. Kyle couldn’t remember being this happy with any other woman. Dee had changed his outlook on life. She made him want things he never thought he would ever want: primarily, a committed relationship.
“Dude.” Connor hit him harder, making Kyle look up from his phone.
“What!” He placed his cell in his pocket.
“Stop smiling.” Connor shook his head. “It’s weird. We’re on our way to an accident.”
“Can’t help it.” Kyle tried to thin his lips, but instead, chuckled. “If you had a girlfriend, you would probably understand why I’m smiling.”
“I like this Kyle. The other one was an asshole.” Howard laughed, and then looked at Connor. “When’s the last time you went out on a date, Connor?”
“None of your business,” Connor replied, looking out the window.
Mitch drove the fire truck in and out of traffic as the sirens sounded off loudly. He honked, making cars move to the right. They could see the crash up ahead. Kyle saw two vehicles: the white one was overturned and the other, a black car, was smashed in the front. Whoever was in those cars had to be hurt. He prayed there were no fatalities.
A woman ran up to the fire truck before they even stopped. “She needs help!” she yelled. “I didn’t see her!”
They jumped out of the truck. “Ma’am, are you okay?” Kyle asked, inspecting the cut she had on her forehead. Blood dripped down the side of her face.
“I’m fine.” She took a deep breath. “I crawled out of my car.” She pointed at the overturned one. “The lady needs help. She’s stuck.”
Connor and Howard ran toward the other vehicle.
“Shit!” Connor stopped in his tracks, making Kyle glance his way.
As soon as Kyle saw the bumper sticker on the black car—’I love my firefighter—his heart stopped beating for a few seconds, and then it began to race. “No, it can’t be…” Connor was on his knees talking to her. Dee should be at work by now. Beads of sweat ran down his forehead, and he ran to the car. Kyle’s whole life flashed in front of him, in slow motion. “No…” he whispered to himself.
He pushed Connor and Howard out of the way. “Dee…” Her hair was plastered to her forehead with blood, and her nose was bleeding.
Dee grunted in pain, and her eyes remained closed.
She had a gash on the side of her head. “Baby, can you hear me?” Kyle pulled on her seatbelt, trying to get it unhooked. He was trying not to move her, because he wasn’t sure of her injuries.
“Yes,” Dee responded.
He could barely hear her. “Baby, I’m going get you out.”
“I think…I have a concussion.” She took a couple of deep breaths. “And a couple of broken ribs.” Dee’s eyes fluttered open, and she slowly turned her head his way. Her swollen lips curled up. “Don’t look at me like that.” She coughed. “I wasn’t texting and driving.”
Kyle had to get himself in check. He was good at his job, and now he had to be great. The woman he loved needed him. I love her, he said to himself over and over. In that moment, Kyle decided he couldn’t live without her. Dee was the best thing that had ever happened to him. She was his future. He made the decision he never thought he would. “Dee will you marry me? I can’t live without you…”
***
He wanted his wife back, but having a little bit of fun wouldn’t hurt. He hoped Destinee felt the same. Kyle went to check on Destinee, making sure she didn’t miss her appointments. He smiled, thinking about her reaction that morning at breakfast.
Kyle could sense someone watching him, and he opened his eyes.
“Hi.” Paola, wearing a barely there thong bikini, waved her hand.
He pulled out his ear buds.
“Fire Assassin,” she said, touching the colorful tattoo on his chest, right above his heart. The tat was an image of a firefighter down on one knee with an axe in his hand, an American flag behind him, the words Fire Assassin on the top, and In First, Last Out on the bottom. “You’re a firefighter?” she asked excitedly, now staring at the tattoo on his upper arm. That one had been his first: it was a fire helmet with two axes crossed, and flames in the background.
“Yes.” Kyle watched her fingers closely as she caressed his skin. He sat up, and placed his feet on the deck. Who’d given her permission to touch him?
“Sexy,” she said, removing her sunglasses, exposing her blue eyes, and she looked around. “Where’s your girlfriend?”
“She’s not my girlfriend, she—”
“Great. Good to know. A man like you needs someone a bit more fit.” She touched her six-pack. “Don’t you think?”
Kyle smirked. “Destinee’s fit. Did you see the ass on that woman?” He looked at Paola’s flat butt, and smirked sarcastically.
Her smile disappeared, and she grabbed a towel out of her bag, wrapping it around her thin waist. “What are you doing tonight?”
He picked up his stuff from next to the chair, flattered that a beautiful woman was throwing herself at him, but he wasn’t interested. Paola had been his type many years ago. His taste in women had changed. “We’re going to the lounge tonight.”
“Lettie and I had plans to go there tonight. High-tech karaoke.” She bit her bottom lip. “Maybe we can sing a song together.”
Paola had simply ignored the “we”. “Maybe.” He smiled. His smile vanished as he squinted his eyes. Was that…? No, it couldn’t be.
She continued strolling over to him, waving her hands. “Kyle, sweetie!” she yelled.
Paola turned around, too.
“Oh God, no…” Kyle sighed. No, she didn’t. “Why?” he asked himself. She was going to ruin his plans.
“Surprise!” She yelled, strolling up, her salt-and-pepper hair blowing in the wind. She opened her arms once she reached him, giving him a hug and then a kiss on his cheek. “I’ve spent the last three days looking for you. The damn clerk wouldn’t give me your room number.”
He stepped back, watching her in disbelief. “What are you doing here?” He thanked God they hadn’t shared his information. He didn’t want anyone interfering with what he had going on with Destinee. Nobody, not even his mother, was going to stop him from having her.
“You should be happy to see me!” She cupped his face. “I couldn’t let you celebrate your birthday alone.”
His eyebrows met in confusion.
His mother’s lips thinned as she looked at Paola. “Who’s this?”
“Hi.” Paola smiled, extending her hand. “I’m Paola. You have a handsome son.”
His mom shook her hand. “I do.” She released her grip on her. “Paola, did you know that my son,” she turned her attention back to Kyle, “is a married man?”
“Divorced man.” He raised his voice. Why was his mother here? He shook his head, and inhaled. She treated him like a fucking child sometimes.
“Not yet.” His mom tilted her head, staring at him, and then glared at Paola. “So, pl
ease carry on. My son is not on the market.”
“Excuse me.” Paola leaned forward and touched Kyle arm. “See you tonight.”
“You’re excused, and you will not see him tonight, or any other night.” His mom watched Paola walk away, and then glowered at him. “Kyle, what the hell are you doing?”
Kyle crossed his arms over his chest, listening to his overbearing mother. He loved her to death, but right now, he just wanted to walk away. She’d just put a damper on his vacation, the one he was on in order to get away from everything—including his family.
“Kirk told me you were messing with some hussy.” She placed her hand on her hip. “Why?”
“Wait.” he clenched his jaw. “Kirk knew you were here?” Kyle was pissed, to say the least. Wait until I see Kirk. His brother had known their mother was on the damn ship and hadn’t said shit. He cracked his knuckles. “Mom, no disrespect but I’m a grown man. I can do whatever I please.”
“No disrespect taken. You are a grown man,” his mom shot back, staring lovingly at him. “But you are still a married man. I know you’re still in love with your wife, and now you’re trying to replace her.”
“Replace her!” Kyle raised his voice. “I can never replace her, but she left me.” He pointed at himself. “It seems that everyone is on her side. She walked out on me.”
“Son, she just wanted a family.” She lowered her voice. “My intention wasn’t to get you upset.” She caressed his cheek. “We didn’t want you to be alone on your birthday.”
“We!” Who the hell else was on this ship? Count to ten, count to ten, he mentally chanted to himself.
“I meant your brother and his wife.” She looked away from him.
“I saw Kirk and Nicole yesterday and you weren’t with them.” He stared at his mother.
“Kyle, it’s their honeymoon, I wouldn’t impose on their time.”
“But you’ll impose on mine?”
“I didn’t bother you until I saw you with that hussy.” His mom’s lips thinned. “Did you get to explore the island yesterday?”