by Candace Shaw
“Dang it. I shouldn’t have cancelled my flight.”
“No worries. I’ll be fine. I’m a grown man.”
“Mmm ’kay. I know you like stability, though. Tell you what. Stay this weekend and hang with me. I’m off on Saturday and Sunday. Go to the hotel on Monday. I gotta go check on a few things before the movie starts. Are you staying?”
“I hadn’t planned to but … um … yeah, I am now.” His eyes landed on Brooklyn once more as she hugged Reagan’s future sister-in-law good-bye.
“Mmm-hmm. Enjoy.” Addison skipped away in the direction of the DJ’s booth.
“I definitely will,” Chase answered, placing his focus on Brooklyn who had returned to packing up her equipment and setting it in the trunk of the golf cart. She gave her assistant a hug and swiped a blanket and tote bag from the backseat. The intern drove off on the golf cart, and Brooklyn pivoted in his direction wearing a knowing smile as if she knew his attention had been on her the entire time.
*****
Brooklyn had an inkling she was being watched by a pair of seductive eyes when she was chatting with Parker. She sensed a penetrating warmth on her bare legs had roamed up to the hem of her chambray shirt dress, to the brown leather belt cinched at her waist, up to her breasts which had hardened at the notion of being admired by Chase, followed by a breathtaking touch on her neck and then lingered on her lips like the taste of chocolate. Brushing a lock of her hair, which had fallen out of her messy, clipped updo, she shifted her weight to the other leg as Chase approached. A gust of wind streamed over his woodsy scent to her atmosphere even before he reached her. It was more pronounced and stronger than she’d remembered which Brooklyn chalked up to the fact she’d noticed him helping Addison with some last minute tasks. And she was thankful because catching glimpses of his upper arm muscles flexing while setting up a tent was the overall adrenaline she needed to stay awake.
He was casually dressed in khaki cargo shorts and a short-sleeved shirt similar to her dress. His bald head she’d fantasized gliding a sensual hand over was unfortunately covered with a Memphis Grizzlies cap, and for a moment it made her homesick. His glasses were missing and she couldn’t but help miss them as she remembered the way they’d steamed up during their kiss. Her eyes zeroed in on the five o’clock shadow gracing his face with a sexual presence causing her to shift her weight to the other leg and take a slight step backwards as he landed in her personal space.
“Hi there,” Chase greeted, moving the wisps of hair which had fallen over her eye again back behind her ear. “I’ve been trying to make it over here for the past hour, but Addi put me to work as soon as I arrived.”
“She’s good at that.” Brooklyn paused for a moment, contemplating whether or not to ask him if he was staying for the movie. “Are you staying to watch the dinosaurs take over the world?”
“Yeah. I gotta go grab my camp chair out of the car.”
“Oh …my blanket is king size. We can share.” Wait! Those words spilled out of my mouth a little too naturally.
Stepping toward her, he took the blanket out of her arms. “I accept the invite. I don’t mind being wrapped up in a blanket with you.” Winking, he turned to peruse the area.
His voice was deep and low, sending a wave of heat to caress over her skin as if it were his hands. Glancing around the park, she prayed no one noticed her cheeks were on fire and would spray cold water on her.
“Thank you for the vision,” she said, scanning where they could set up as well as avoiding eye contact with him. The park was crowded but there were a few spaces left including the one in front of the photo booth which had a perfect view of the screen and out of the way of the crowds.
“Quite welcome. Perhaps one day it won’t be a vision.”
“You don’t quit, do you?”
“Because you don’t want me to,” he answered in a seductive and serious tone.
“I’m ignoring you. How about we set up here?”
“Sounds good.”
Moments later the blanket was spread out on the grass, and they were seated next to each other. Brooklyn kicked off her sandals, something she’d wanted to do since the photo session earlier in the day, and opened her tote bag.
“I have plenty of food. Reagan was supposed to join me but she’s having dinner with Blake to discuss wedding dates.” Brooklyn set out containers of her homemade curry chicken salad, a shrimp pasta salad, blackberries, croissants, and a mixture of cashews and pecans. Taking out two thermoses along with two plastic red cups, she handed one to Chase. “Do you drink? If not, I have bottled water, as well.”
“Sure, bartender. What do you have?”
“One is a Georgia peach margarita, and in the other thermos is a watermelon mojito. Addi made them.”
“What a variety of girlie drinks. No, Jack Daniels or Hennessy?” he teased with a wink. “I’ll have the margarita.”
After they fixed their plates, making sure to save some for Addison, they ate quietly while watching the beginning of the movie. Since it was an outdoor event, people were still talking amongst themselves considering the speakers were loud enough so no one could complain about the noise as if in a theater.
“How are you enjoying St. Simons?” she asked.
“I like it. Being on the island makes me feel as if I’m on vacation even though I have to be at work in the morning. I’m going to miss being here though.”
“Oh, yeah.” Her voice cracked, and she immediately sipped her margarita. “Addi mentioned you were moving out this weekend. But it’s good your rental is ready.” Not really but I’m not going to relay that information. “I can’t even imagine you climbing up in the guest loft every night.”
“No, it now has an electrical issue. I found out before leaving work. I’m moving back into the hotel near campus on Monday since Addi is leaving Tuesday.”
“Oh, wow. I’m so sorry. They don’t have another visiting professor home?”
Chase sighed as his face scrunched in frustration. “Nope. All taken. No big deal.” He shrugged. “Besides, the hotel has free breakfast, snacks and cocktails in the evenings, plus housekeeping. I’ll be fine. It’s only for a week. I’ve been meaning to ask you, how did the contract changes go?”
“Kam accepted them, and I fly out to Memphis on Saturday morning. Were you able to turn your bio picture in on time?”
“Yes. I appreciate the last minute photo session.”
“Anytime,” she answered sincerely. “You’re family.”
“For the record, we’re not related. I may be your sister-in-law’s cousin, but I repeat, we are not related. Unless, of course …” a snarky grin inched up his left cheek and he whispered in her ear, “you want to marry me one day.”
The subtle yet on purpose touch of his lips on the bottom of her lobe zapped an electric current to straight to her center. Her eyes shut for a second and she turned her head toward him, praying her tone would be even considering now his lips were a mere inch from hers.“I was referring to Addi being like a little sister to me.”
“She will be when we’re married,” he stated in a serious tone. “Just let me know where you want to go on the honeymoon.”
“You’re a mess,” she quipped, trying to ignore the flutters in her stomach.
“When you want something, you speak it into existence.”
“Marriage?” She laughed it off, but the thought of walking down the aisle to him, raising children and growing old together played in her head like a movie. “We haven’t even been on a date.”
“I beg to differ. We had dinner at Brogen’s, and now we’re at movie night.”
“Um … it wasn’t a date, and technically I’m at work. And so are you. You know Addi will want you to take the tent down, right?” she reminded.
“Of course. Soooooo … have any plans Friday? I don’t have classes but I have office hours in the morning. I’ve been so busy, I haven’t had a chance to experience island life.”
“I’m free Friday after
noon.”
“So it’s a date?”
“No, but we can hang out. Remember, we agreed to be friends …without benefits,” she added, even though she could still feel the warmth of his lips on hers, and craved for them to be there once more.
“Only time will tell.”
“You’re funny, and since you want the ‘island experience,’ I have a few ideas you may enjoy.”
“Cool. I look forward to our da– hanging out.”
“Hey.” Addison plopped down on the other end of the blanket and grabbed a bottled water from the tote bag. “What did I miss?” She pulled out the pasta salad, spooned a few forkfuls on a paper plate, and took some of the blackberries. “You two look like something mischievous is going on.” Taking a bite of the salad, she studied both of them carefully.
Brooklyn and Chase glanced at each other with a knowing smile, and then at Addison who was popping berries into her mouth with one hand while tapping her fingers of the other hand on the blanket.
“What’s with the secret look?” Addison asked, placing her gaze on her brother. “You know I’m observant, Chase.”
“Nothing.”
“Well, if you say so. I won’t pry. But you’ll be happy to know you can stay in my house after all. I’ve decided to rent a RV van. Something I’ve wanted to do for awhile now.” Standing, Addison took a swig of her bottled water. “Perfect. The park manager has finally arrived, and I need to speak with him.” She headed in the direction of the man who had signaled for her attention.
“I guess I’ll be hanging around for another week on the island,” Chase said as a naughty smile plastered across his face.
Instead of answering, Brooklyn stuffed the rest of the pasta salad into her mouth and placed her focus on the screen. She hated to admit she was ecstatic he’d be there awhile longer, but she wasn’t going to tell him.
“Your silence means you’re happy I’m staying after all.”
“Nope. I just like this scene in the movie.” She pivoted her head toward him and winked.
“Mmm-hmm. I know you’re looking forward to it, as I am. Especially our date.”
“Hanging out,” she corrected. “And I’m going to give you an island experience you’ll never forget.”
“Really?” He scooted closer until his lips were back on her ear. “Care to elaborate?”
A sensual sensation prickled along her body as his tongue had deliberately flicked across her skin and was lingering, waiting for her to answer. She’d imagined his tongue on other parts of her body and the desire to experience it ripped through her. For a moment, she wanted to forget they were in public so she could turn her head and place her lips on his to satisfy the hunger of the kiss she’d longed for ever since the last one. Brooklyn promised herself not to give into temptation but some promises were meant to be broken. Especially one as tempting as Chase Arrington. She decided right then and there that whatever happens, happens and there would be no regrets from her.
“I guess you’ll just have to be patient and find out,” she said, moving away from him before she’d let him find out right now, and they’d be arrested for lewd conduct in the park.
“Can’t wait, beautiful.”
*****
Later on that night, Brooklyn lay awake thinking about the events of her life which had transpired in two weeks. Never in a million years had she imagined he felt the same way. Maybe there was some truth in what Chase said about speaking things into existence. Had she said it out loud? She couldn’t remember. However, the more she thought about some of the things she prayed for lately, she realized they had happened—such as a different career path and finding a good man. Chase definitely was a good man. Almost too good, but she had an inkling her two guardian angels were watching over her as they always had. It was something both her parents had promised her and Rasheed they would do when they were on their death beds. The thought of them not being there strained her heart and melancholy filled her being. At one point she didn’t want a wedding because if her father couldn’t give her away and her mother couldn’t be there to help her plan and prepare, she didn’t want to. However, she was a teenager at the time, and as she grew older, she knew her big brother would have no problem doing the honor and Reagan along with Zaria would be by her side fussing over her hair and makeup.
Brooklyn wiped a few stray tears and let out a soft giggle over her two best friends being more of a mess than she would on her wedding day. She didn’t even know why she was thinking of her wedding day. Thanks to Chase joking about them marrying, she had conjured up crazy thoughts and images. She even pictured tossing her bouquet to Addison who clearly didn’t seem as if she wanted to settle down anytime soon. She laughed out loud at Chase’s marrying joke but then it died down as something in her gut screamed he wasn’t kidding.
Turning off the lamp on the nightstand, Brooklyn slid under the comforter for some type of comfort and to hopefully shield the fact he was indeed serious and apart of her didn’t mind at all.
Chapter Seven
“So you think us dying on our first date is a great idea?” Chase asked as they stood on the dock of We Love to Parasail. “How utterly romantic.” He shoved his hands in the pockets of his swim trunks and stared down at Brooklyn with a smirk. If she wasn’t so damn sexy in her purple bikini, and the fact it was her and not some random chick he barely knew, he would jump in his ride and leave.
“You said you wanted to experience island life,” she reminded.
“Well at least you have some experience. The crew on the boat waved to you like you’re a regular. How many times have you parasailed?”
“Um … no. I’ve never been either. I know them because I was the photographer at their wedding this summer.”
The popping of a vein on his forehead was imminent. “Wait. What? This is your first time, too?” He tried to keep his tone steady but a sense of nervousness washed over him.
“Surprise,” she answered with a bashful smile. “We can experience it together.”
“Well, there are some things I wouldn’t mind us experiencing together …” he started, sliding his hands around the indent of her waist. He wanted to lower his lips to hers, but he was trying hard to be a gentleman and stick to their agreement which flew out the window every time they were near each other. “You know, I think parasailing will be fun. It’s different.” He was more so convincing himself. He could hear his other sister, Zoe, in his head shouting at him to “man up.”
“Perfect. I have to admit I’m sort of scared but it’s something I’ve wanted to do since moving here. I didn’t have anyone I trusted to keep me safe … until you arrived.”
“I got you. You’re safe with me.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
They waited in line for a few more moments watching other people on their parasailing adventure. Chase stood behind her with his arms still wrapped around her body and his chin resting on the top of her hair. He was shocked she didn’t protest, but he could sense her nervousness and probably didn’t mind the comfort of him next to her even though he was a tad nervous as well. He wanted to plant amorous kisses on Brooklyn’s neck and shoulders, but instead he tried to place his focus on the Atlantic Ocean and not the fact her plump bottom rested on him ever so perfectly. Every part of her body fit snug against him as if she were molded for him. Perhaps a rib had been taken from his body to create the flawlessness which was Brooklyn Vincent for she was the first woman he’d ever said the word marriage to. While he was joking, there was something in the way he said it that came from a place deep within. It was as if he meant it and Chase wasn’t scared of that fact. Brooklyn’s face had softened into a beautiful array of emotions when he’d spoke it into existence, but the one emotion not present was fear. Sure, she laughed it off but she didn’t object, and the thought made him sneak in a quick peck to the side of her neck. The cute giggle, followed by her intertwining her fingers with his, made him realize even more he could definitely see himself standing wh
ere he was with her nestled in his arms for infinity.
“We’re up next,” he whispered as the couple in front of them prepared to put on their life jackets since another couple had returned.
Peering at him over her shoulder, Brooklyn formed her lips in a cute pout. “Is it too late to change my mind?”
Squeezing her gently, he rocked her in his arms to ease her nerves. “Too late.”
Moments later they were given safety instructions and signed a waiver release form. They continued watching the couple in front of them until they found themselves on the parasailing boat putting on their life jackets and safety harness swing they would sit in.
“Ready?” Chase asked, as the newlyweds, Sunni and Jake, hooked the harnesses to the parasail and they sat as if on a playground swing.
“Yep,” Brooklyn replied, gripping the swing. “No turning back now.”
“All right,” Jake started. “Going to release you two. Hold on.”
Clenching the swing tight, Chase leaned over and kissed Brooklyn on the lips as the parasail released them backwards up in the air five hundred feet above the water. They both screamed and laughed at the same time, dangling their legs.
“Oh my goodness,” she shouted. “I can’t believe we’re doing this.”
“Woo hoo!” He panned his phone around to video the scenery. “The view is amazing.”
“It is. So glad you brought your phone. I was scared I’d drop mine, but now I wish I had my camera.”
“The boat and the crew are wayyyyyyyy down there.” He pointed down at the boat pulling them. “This is insane.”
“It is. Aren’t you glad I thought of this?”
“I am, but I didn’t care what you planned. I want to continue our journey of learning about each other.”
“Sweet of you to say.” A grin spread across her cheeks. “So you’re down with swimming with the sharks next?” she asked jokingly.
He jerked his head quick toward her. “Don’t push it, woman.”
“I’m kidding, but this is truly the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced. Look how beautiful and serene the water is.”