by Chanta Rand
She wasn’t the kind to kiss and tell, but she wanted to go out and shout it to the world. Her surgery was scheduled for ten o’clock. She would be on time, but she had one pit stop to make first.
* * *
At exactly 9:36 a.m., Alexa burst into Viola’s office. She didn’t bother to announce her arrival, so Viola’s mouth dropped open in shock when she saw Alexa standing in her doorway.
“What you did last night was totally unexpected,” Alexa told her. “You promised to take me to dinner, which you didn’t. You sent me on a fake pilgrimage to find a purse that did not exist. And you virtually abandoned me in a dark parking lot with Tristan Rexford.”
Viola threw up her hands. “Wait a minute. Let me explain –”
“No explanation is necessary.” She walked towards Viola’s desk. “Because of you, I was left vulnerable and alone. Because of you, I let my guard down. Because of you, I spent the most wonderful eight hours of my life with a sexy football player. And because of you, I ended up in his bed acting out my wildest fantasies.”
Viola gasped. “Oh my God!”
Alexa sat on the corner of her desk, crossed her arms and smiled. “I’m not here to chastise you. I’m here to thank you. If not for you, this never would have happened.”
Viola grinned from ear to ear. “So, how was it?”
Alexa smirked. “Well, let’s just say I’m going to have to start working out if I intend to keep up with that man.”
“Damn! It was that good? Now, I wish I’d set myself up instead of you.”
“Hah! That’s what you get.” Alexa pointed a finger at her. “Maybe next time, you’ll get you some business of your own and stay out of mine.”
Viola shook her head. “I doubt it. As of today, your life has officially become more exciting than mine ever was.”
* * *
A few hours later, Alexa was back in her office. The surgery had gone well, as she expected. Now was the critical part: Ensuring the patient’s recovery. Her dedicated team of nurses was on staff to make certain everything went as planned. She’d made her rounds, checked on her other patients, and personally thanked Doctors Johnston and Sampson for filling in while she was on bereavement leave. Her morning had been busy and productive. After being away from work for weeks, she felt a big sense of accomplishment.
She smiled as she sorted through her messages. There were only two. One from Tristan and one from Jade, who wanted to have lunch.
She called Tristan first. Her smile widened more when she heard his deep, sexy voice. “Hello?” he answered.
“Good Morning,” Alexa purred.
“Yes, it is,” Tristan answered. “But it would be better if you were here.”
She giggled. “I was there. Not even four hours ago.”
“So why don’t you come back for seconds?”
“Don’t you mean fourths?”
He chuckled. “Who’s counting?”
“Me and my sore body!”
“Hmm. So does that mean you don’t want me to give you one of my famous massages?”
“Uh-oh. Famous for what?”
“Famous for making you feel good and never want to leave my side.”
Her heart did a cartwheel inside her chest. “Too late for that.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. It took all the strength I had to go home this morning.”
“Damn, I’m good.”
She laughed. “Okay now, don’t go getting the big head.”
“And now, it’s my turn to say ‘too late for that.’ If you know what I mean.”
She felt like somebody had just dipped her in warm sunshine. How did Tristan always manage to be so charming? She wanted to rush back to his hotel and put that charm to the test, but she had a lot on her plate today. Besides, she had no idea what the man had planned for the day. She couldn’t selfishly hoard all of his time.
“So what’s on your agenda for today?” she asked. “Planning on more sneak attacks from the back of a limo?”
“Nah, I’ve learned how dangerous that kinda thing is. Especially after you practically ripped my clothes off.”
“Oh, whatever!” she laughed. “I did not rip your clothes off.”
“Yeah, but you wanted to.”
“Now, I won’t argue with that.”
“And I have some scratch marks on my back, too.”
“Stop lying.”
“I’m serious.”
“How can you see them if they’re on your back?”
“Woman, I can feel where you had your claws in me.”
She giggled. “Well, I didn’t hear you complaining last night.”
“And I’m not complaining today, either. I don’t have time to complain. There’s too much to do before I have to get on the plane.”
Her heart sank as she came to the sobering realization that he was talking about leaving. She guessed it was inevitable. After all, he lived in Los Angeles. At some point, he would have to go back home. She just wished it didn’t have to be so soon. “I’m sure you can’t wait to get back to sunny California.”
“Oh, I’m not headed home yet. I’m traveling to Montego Bay.”
“Jamaica?”
“Yeah. I’m shooting a commercial for a resort there called Aphrodite’s Palace.”
“Sounds like fun.”
“It’ll be more work than fun. And during the middle of summer, it’ll probably be hotter than Texas.”
“Oh, you poor baby,” she teased. “Getting stuck in Jamaica. Life just isn’t fair.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he chuckled. “That sounds like something my mom would say.”
“Well, if she’s the kind of woman who would tell you to stop whining because you’re going to a tropical paradise for a few days, I totally agree with her. I know some people who would walk through fire to go to Jamaica.”
“What about you? Would you walk through fire?”
“Of course not. I’ve seen the effects of fire, and let me tell you, it ain’t pretty.”
“Have you ever been to Jamaica?” he asked.
“No, but I’ve heard it’s very beautiful and relaxing.” She would be sad to see him leave, but she had to be a big girl. She promised herself she would not act like a star-stuck fan. Yeah, but that was before he put that good lovin’ on me! “Aphrodite’s Palace sounds heavenly,” she told him. “I’m sure you’ll have a good time despite all the hard work you’ll be doing.”
“I would have a better time if you came with me.”
She hesitated. “Excuse me? What was that?”
“You heard me. Come with me,” he insisted.
“I can’t just jump up and leave everything. What about my job?”
“It’s only for a few days. I’ll have you back by Wednesday afternoon.”
“Uh,” she stammered, trying to collect her thoughts. Sleeping with him was one thing, but going away on a trip just seemed so sinful. What were they getting themselves into? What’s the problem? Just a few minutes ago, you were sad to see him leave. Now, you have a chance to continue this fantasy – in Jamaica, no less! “I’m just not sure…um…we should…”
“Aw, don’t go getting all shy on me, woman.”
She laughed out loud. How did he manage to read her mind so well? “I’m not getting shy,” she protested.
“Then why are you tripping? I’ve already seen your naked body in all its glory, so I know you’ll look damn sexy in your swimsuit. You do know how to swim, don’t you?”
“Of course.”
“I’m not talking about no weak ass dog paddle. You gotta be a seasoned veteran to keep up with me.”
“Brotha, please. Do you know who you’re talking to? I was on the swim team in high school. I know what I’m doing.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah,” she teased. “And I will embarrass you if you keep talking all that lip.”
“Uh oh. Is that a challenge?”
“Let’s just put it this way. I’ll be swimming with
the dolphins while you’re dragging your butt behind with the turtles!”
She heard his deep chuckle on the other end. “Okay, it’s on, then. I’ll pick you up bright and early tomorrow morning. Our flight leaves at seven.”
And just like that, he’s convinced me to go with him to Jamaica. “Wait a minute. Don’t I need to buy a ticket?”
“No, it’s all taken care of. You don’t need a ticket.”
How was she going to fly without a ticket? Had Tristan already bought hers ahead of time? There was no way he could have known in advance that she’d agree to go with him. “Are we going on a private jet or something?” she asked.
“Yep.”
If they’d been face to face, he would have seen her mouth drop open. Two weeks ago she’d never dreamed she’d be going to Jamaica, much less flying on a private jet. “I’m impressed,” she admitted.
“Don’t be,” he said laughing. “The resort is paying for it. It’s not my personal jet.”
“And they won’t mind having one more passenger?”
“Alexa, I got this. Just let me handle all the details.”
She didn’t mean to ask so many questions, but this was new territory for her. She wasn’t used to having a man plan anything in her life. “Okay,” she relented. “What should I pack?”
“In Jamaica, all you need is a tube of red lip gloss and a matching thong.”
She laughed at his joke. “Okay, so why even bother with the lip gloss? You’re just going to kiss it off anyway.”
“Exactly. So make sure it’s cherry flavored.”
* * *
At noon, Alexa joined Viola, Yvette, and Jade for lunch. When she sat down, Yvette gave her a sly smile. “So, you had yourself a hot date last night?”
Alexa’s eyes narrowed as she looked accusingly at Viola. “Viola, you can’t hold water! Does everyone know I slept with Tristan?”
Yvette sputtered, nearly spitting out her iced tea. “Viola didn’t tell me that. I called your house at eleven last night and you didn’t answer, so I figured you were on a date. I guess I figured right.” She snickered. “You little slut. What happened to your three-month rule? No sex for the first three months of a relationship?”
Alexa laughed. “When you haven’t had sex in over a year, all rules go out the window!”
All of her friends laughed with her. “I second that emotion,” Viola declared.
“I’m sorry I yelled at you,” Alexa apologized.
Viola shrugged. “No need to be sorry. I didn’t tell Yvette, but I did tell Jade.”
Alexa rolled her eyes. “I should have known.”
“You know good news travels fast,” Jade told her. “We’re just happy you dusted the cobwebs off that thing and got some use out of your abandoned factory.”
Once again, they all laughed hysterically. “Whatever!” Alexa waived them away with her hand. “My factory is just fine, thank you.” The ladies hushed up as the waiter approached and Alexa ordered chicken Caesar salad.
After the waiter left, their conversation resumed. “So spill it,” Jade urged. “How’d Mr. Rexford convince you to do The Nasty?”
Alexa smirked. “You mean Viola didn’t give you all the juicy details?”
“No,” Viola interrupted, “Because you didn’t give me any. You were being stingy.”
“Thank goodness I made that decision. Otherwise there’d be no need for lunch. You could have just sent an e-mail blast to all my close family and friends.”
Viola rested her chin on her fist. “Hmm, why didn’t I think of that?”
“We’re wasting time,” Jade prompted. “What happened?”
Alexa took a deep breath and then plunged into her story. She gave them a general outline, omitting all the X-rated details.
Afterwards, Jade fanned herself with her napkin. “And did he rock your world?”
“Girl, he rocked my galaxy!”
“I love it! Tell me more.”
Alexa laughed. “I’ve already given you enough to write your own romance blog. I feel guilty even discussing this with y’all.”
Jade smacked her lips. ‘You think he’s not spilling his guts to his friends right now?”
“I hope not.”
“Jade’s right,” Yvette said. ‘That’s how men are.”
“That’s how athletes are,” Jade confirmed.
“I think he’s different,” Alexa defended him.
Viola spoke up. “So do I. I had the opportunity to speak with him one-on-one and he seems like a good guy to me.”
“We just want you to stay on your toes,” Yvette told Alexa.
Jade agreed. “And now that you finally have a man, you’ve got to hold on to him.”
“That’s easy,” Yvette said. “Keep putting that loving on him so he won’t go nowhere!”
“Wrong,” Jade interjected. “Let me give you some tips that always work for me.”
“Oh Lord,” Viola complained. “Watch out everybody. It’s Oprah on Slim-Fast.”
Alexa giggled. “You can laugh all you want,” Jade said. “But I have a formula that is guaranteed to make a guy fall head over heels in love with a woman.
“Number one,” She tapped the fire-engine-red-polished fingernail of her index finger. “Have wild, mind-blowing sex. Which you already did. Number two,” she tapped the next finger, “Ignore him.”
“What?” Alexa was confused. “Why the hell would I do that?”
“Because men love the chase. Once the chase is over, the romance is dead. You can’t go running after him like a pathetic little dog in heat. Give him a chance to miss you. Don’t call him for a few days. And if he calls you, don’t return his calls for at least a week.”
“I already talked to him this morning,” Alexa admitted. “He wants me to go to Jamaica with him tomorrow.” The reactions from her friends were mixed. Viola was shocked. Jade squealed with delight. And Yvette looked worried. “I told him I would go,” Alexa added.
“Is he paying?” Jade asked.
“I guess so,” Alexa shrugged.
“That’s the first question you should have asked.”
“It wasn’t like that, Jade. He was already scheduled to go there for a commercial he’s shooting. He’s booked at their resort and we’re taking a private jet.”
“Damn, I’m impressed!”
“Yeah, I said the same thing.”
Viola spoke up. “I’ll give it to him; the man moves fast.”
“Just be careful,” Yvette warned. “You don’t know where this thing is headed, and you don’t want to end up getting hurt.”
“Wait a minute,” Alexa objected. “You guys told me to go for it. Now you’re telling me to hit the brakes?”
Yvette sighed. “I’m not trying to discourage you. I want you to look at this for what it is. This could just be an extended booty-call. He’s probably thinking that since he’s going to be in Jamaica anyway, why not bring along a little diversion to ease the loneliness.”
Viola shook her head. “I disagree. Tristan is too smart to bring sand to the beach.”
“Viola’s right,” Jade insisted. “If he wanted to scratch his itch, he could have his pick of women to choose from. He asked you to come because he likes you.”
“I think it’s more than just like,” Viola said. “When a man asks you to go away for the weekend, that means he’s ready to take the relationship to the next level.”
“We already took it the next level,” Alexa reminded them. “How many levels are there?”
Jade laughed. “When it comes to men, who knows what mindless rationale they’re using?”
“The question is,” Viola prompted. “What are you going to do?”
Alexa smiled shamelessly. “I’m going to take a chance on him. You only live once.”
“Amen!” Viola encouraged.
Jade raised her glass and offered a toast. “Here’s to Montego Bay, basking in the sun, and more wild, mind-blowing sex.”
Chapter Nine
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At five o’clock the next morning, Alexa woke with a sense of anticipation. She’d hardly slept at all the night before. She’d stayed up packing, so all she had to do was get dressed in jeans, a white t-shirt, and a pair of high-heeled sandals. As soon as she’d pulled her hair into a loose ponytail, she heard her doorbell ring. When she opened the door, the sight of Tristan made her heart thump at a breakneck pace. Even at the crack of dawn, the man managed to look fine!
They were dressed identically. He wore jeans as well with a short-sleeved, white button down shirt that showed off his muscular biceps. He smiled when he saw her, then, pulled her into his arms for a tender kiss. “Mmm,” he murmured against her lips. “Cherry flavored. You remembered.”
“Not only can I give orders, I can take them as well,” she replied saucily.
“So I noticed. You keep this up and I might have to take you to Jamaica with me more often.” He playfully swatted her on her rump.
“All right, now. This ain’t no pigskin you’re playing with. It’s delicate merchandise that needs to be handled with care.”
He smiled. “I can assure you, I am a professional. Your merchandise is safe with me.”
* * *
Being in private jet was like riding in a limo in the sky. The ride was so smooth Alexa barely even felt the plane taking off. Less than twenty minutes after she’d strapped on her seatbelt, she was being served breakfast. Tristan had thoughtfully pre-ordered coffee, fruit, and sausage and egg croissants for both of them. She was impressed with his planning, and she told him so.
“I said I would take care of you,” he boasted. “And I meant that to the very last detail. You just relax and let me handle all the rest.”