by Chanta Rand
They took their time, intermittently swimming and holding hands, awed by the plethora of wildlife they saw. The water was warm and relaxing, and the area was quiet and peaceful. Their tour guide had taken them to a secluded area with very few people. Everything was so perfect. She was glad Tristan had asked her to come to Jamaica. She was living her ultimate fantasy just being here with him.
“This is my gift to you,” Tristan said, pulling her from her reverie. He presented her with a magnificent chambered nautilus. She turned the delicate shell over in her hand. The ridges were lined in brilliant shades of silver and lavender.
“Oh, Tristan. It’s beautiful!”
“You really like it?”
“Yes. It’s a work of art.”
“I really wanted to give you a baby puffer fish,” he teased. “I know how fascinated you are by creatures with deadly reputations.”
“At the moment, I’m only fascinated by one creature with a deadly reputation.”
Their gazes locked, and she caught the sensual look in his eyes right before he leaned in and kissed her, capturing her lips in passion-filled kiss that was hotter than the Jamaican sun. She tasted the hunger in his kiss as his tongue stroked and probed, demanding to be sated. He pulled her against the hard length of his wet body, and she immediately felt her body temperature rise. No matter how many times he kissed her, it always felt like the first time, and it always left her breathless.
A discreet cough from the tour guide brought her back down to earth. “I don’t mean to interrupt you,” the old man chuckled, “but I’ve got another charter scheduled at four o’clock.”
Tristan pulled away and looked at his watch. “That’s three hours from now.”
“I know. But the way you two were locking lips, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to break you apart by then!”
Alexa laughed. “Okay, we get the point.”
He waved a hand, dismissing her comments. “Just teasing. I was young once. It does my heart good to see two young people in love. I’m just glad that I could make this a memorable honeymoon for you two.”
Alexa opened her mouth to object, but Tristan tugged on her arm and pulled her tightly against him. He whispered softly in her ear. “Let him think what he wants. It does his heart good, Alexa. We can’t destroy an old man’s heart.”
She playfully elbowed him. “You are scandalous,” she whispered back.
He kissed her tenderly on her earlobe. “You’re right. And when we get back to the hotel, I’m going to show you just how scandalous I can be.”
She felt her body tighten in response to his words. Tristan had a way of working his magic on her. If she weren’t careful, her heart might be the one in jeopardy.
* * *
After they dried off, they had lunch, which consisted of a generous helping of jerk chicken with curry rice, spicy eggplant, mangoes, and rum cocktails. Then they engaged in Alexa’s favorite activity – shopping. The markets boasted colorful fabrics, detailed woodcarvings, intricately woven baskets, shell jewelry, and a variety of leather goods. She picked up souvenirs for Viola, Jade, and Yvette. She didn’t dare return home without bringing back something for her girls. She even purchased a pretty shawl for Greta. Tristan had his own shopping to do. By the time he bought presents for his brood of nieces and nephews, they looked like typical tourists, loaded down with packages.
Their driver took them back to Aphrodite’s Palace, where a complimentary massage awaited them. Alexa relaxed as a well-trained masseuse skillfully kneaded the muscles in her back and shoulders. It was the perfect end to a perfect day. Later that evening, she and Tristan sat on the spacious balcony of their suite, watching the sunset and playing dominoes. Alexa continued to be impressed by Tristan. There were so many sides to him. He was tender, funny, intelligent, and considerate. He was also arrogant, bold and used to getting what he wanted. She loved his spontaneous spark and his fearless attitude toward life. In many ways, he was her polar opposite, but that’s what attracted her to him. That, and his sexy body!
She placed her last domino on the table. “Uh oh. Looks like I’ve kicked your butt again. That’s three games to one. You’re making this too easy for me.”
He gave her his winning toothpaste smile. “How about one more game?”
She laughed. “Okay, but this time, you’d better show me your skills.”
“Oh, so you want to see my skills, huh?”
She grinned. “Yeah, all of them.”
“There you go, getting me all worked up again.”
“What’s wrong? You can’t handle it?”
“The question is, can you handle me?”
She tossed her hair saucily. “I think I’ve already proved that, haven’t I?”
“I’m not talking about just in bed. Can you handle having me in your life?”
She stared at him, not knowing what to say. The conversation had abruptly gone from playful to serious. “I’m not sure what you mean, Tristan.”
“Do I really have to spell it out for you?”
“Yes, I think you’d better – just so there’s no misunderstanding between us.”
He took her hand in his. “Alexa, I’ve enjoyed my time with you. I don’t want it to end.”
“Everything has to end, Tristan.”
“Not for us. You make me feel like nobody else. I can’t get enough of you and I’m miserable when I’m not with you. I want to be exclusive. I want you in my life.”
Her pulse sped up. She was silent for a moment, not sure how to respond. She hadn’t expected this from him. In truth, she didn’t know what she’d expected. She just figured they would come to Jamaica, have fantastic sex, and get to know each other better. Now, the realization that he wanted something more was both thrilling and terrifying.
Suddenly, she began to second-guess herself all over again. What the hell was she doing here with someone like Tristan Rexford? He was used to the spotlight, wild women, and partying. She was used to a very quiet, sensible life, filled with hard work, the occasional Sunday barbeque, and time spent alone reading a good book. They were worlds apart. She’d had a good time with him, but could she trust him enough to be committed to a long-distance relationship? Probably not. “I’m in Texas, Tristan. You’re in California.”
“So. We can work around that.”
“It’s not just that. You’re too young to settle down.”
“I’m only two years younger than you.”
She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. I know what it’s like in your profession. I know about the women and the parties. I don’t want you to sacrifice all that just because you think you want me. Later, you might resent me for it. I can’t ask you to give up your lifestyle for me.”
“What lifestyle?” He threw his hands up in a pleading motion. “Other than my family, I’m surrounded by people who only want something from me. You’re the first woman I’ve met who accepts me for me. You’re everything I want in a woman, Alexa.”
She smiled ruefully. “You’re just living on the euphoria of this trip. I’m a novelty for you, a passing fascination.”
He let out a long breath. “Yeah, you are a novelty. In my world, women like you are practically non-existent. You don’t need my money. You don’t care about my connections. You’re independent. I admire you, Alexa. And I respect you. I love your mind. I love your sense of humor. God knows, I love your body. The way you respond when I touch you makes me feel like you were made for me and only me. You’re what’s been missing from my life, and I’m honest enough to put myself out there and tell you. Which is more than I can say for you.”
Her mouth dropped open. “What are you talking about?”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m talking about being honest. You said you wanted a man with honesty and integrity. Well, here I am giving you all of that. But you can’t even be honest with me – or yourself. You’re blurting out all these excuses, like we live too far away from each ot
her and I’m too young.”
“That’s true,” she defended herself. “I was being honest when I said those things.”
“Nah,” he shook his head. “That’s not the real reason for all of your excuses. You’re afraid. You think I’m going to dog you out. You think I’m going to hurt you.”
She lowered her lashes and looked away from him. He’d hit the nail on the head. She didn’t want to get too involved. She didn’t want to care too much for him. She thought she was ready, but now she wasn’t so sure. He’d shown her a glimpse of how deep his affections could go and she wasn’t sure she could handle it. She couldn’t stand the thought of unconditionally giving herself and possibly being rejected by him later.
He gently cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him. “I wouldn’t be here pouring my heart out to you if I had ulterior motives.”
She bit her lip to keep from crying. A river of emotions was running through her. God, this was so overwhelming. “I need time to think about it,” she said.
He pulled her close and caressed her cheek. “Just answer one question, Alexa: Do you want me?”
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Do I want you? What kind of question is that? This is what I’ve dreamed of for so long. A man who treats me good, makes me scream with pleasure, and promises his total and unwavering dedication to me. Yes, I want it. I want you. I want us. More than anything. And this is my chance to finally take the plunge. She opened her eyes. “I wanted you from the moment I saw you.”
“Then, that’s all that matters.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly. His tongue silently serenaded hers, seductively probing and coaxing her to give in to him. She quickly fell victim to his smooth, erotic strokes as her tongue tasted the velvety texture of his mouth. His kisses had a way of making her forget about everything else. He pulled away and captured her gaze. “Give me the chance, Alexa. I promise I’ll make you happy.”
She was drawn into the dark depths of his eyes. That old saying was true. Eyes truly were the windows to the soul. She saw vulnerability and hope staring back at her.
“Okay,” she conceded, “on one condition.”
“Anything. You name it.”
“Let’s give it three months. Then, if you still want us, we’ll make it official.”
He shook his head. “No. I don’t need three months. I know what I want right now.”
“Then prove it to me. Just give yourself time away from me to think about this. When you’re ready, call me. If you don’t call, I’ll assume you’ve changed your mind. And I won’t bother you about it. We can both go our separate ways with no drama.”
“You can’t get rid of me that easily,” he promised. “But if it’s that important to you, I’ll give you one month, not three. Then after that, I’m coming for you, Alexa. So get ready.”
He kissed her again, but this time with none of the gentleness of the first kiss. He branded her lips with a heat so fierce, if was if he was trying to put his mark on her. As she surrendered to his domineering kiss, she wondered if she’d made the right decision by making him wait. Unselfishly, she’d given him a way out. She wanted make sure this was the right thing for him.
She just hoped to God it was the right thing for her.
CHAPTER Eleven
One Month Later
Alexa walked through the cool corridors of Mercy Hospital. She’d had a hectic morning, and she was ready to retreat to the sanctity of her office. Before leaving the floor, she checked on one of her patients who’d undergone surgery last night. She approached the child lying quietly in the bed by the window. The nurses had made minor notations on her chart. So far, the patient was making an excellent recovery.
“Good Morning, Sasha,” Alexa whispered to her. “You’re looking much better today.”
Sasha nodded, but remained silent. The breathing tube that had been inserted into her throat during surgery had since been removed, but Alexa knew it probably still hurt too much to speak. Three months ago, the ten year old had been the victim of a devastating house fire and she’d suffered third-degree burns over her little body. Now, four skin grafts later, she was finally starting to look normal again.
Alexa noticed the head nurse hovering nearby. “Please give her an additional ten CCs of morphine,” Alexa instructed. Then she turned her attention back to the young girl. “We’re giving you something to help with the pain,” she promised Sasha. “You’re making great progress. Only one more skin graft to go.”
Sasha grasped her hand and squeezed it tightly before eventually succumbing to the powerful drug the nurse had injected into her I.V. Alexa’s gaze traveled the length of the child’s small body to her pale arm to where the I.V. was connected. It was so unfair. No one should have to suffer through that much pain. And to top it off, her parents were immigrants with no health insurance. As a doctor, Alexa was dedicated to saving every life – she didn’t care whether a person had insurance or not. It was her mission to heal people. It was the hospital’s job to sort out the paperwork.
Her cell phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. She felt her demeanor instantly change as she recognized the number. Her heart crashed against her ribcage in anticipation. She hurried to her office for privacy. She was sure she looked like a damn fool, half walking, half skipping down the hallway. “Hey you,” she answered coyly.
“Hey yourself,” Tristan’s deep voice washed over her. “Did you miss me?”
It had been one month since their trip to Jamaica. Tristan had gone back to Cali, and true to his promise, she hadn’t heard a word from him. She’d kicked herself almost every night, praying that she’d made the right choice in offering him time away from her. “Of course, I missed you,” she said shamelessly. “I can’t wait to see you again.”
“Well, I’m in town. I’m staying at the Ritz.”
He was here! “So, what are you doing this evening?” she asked hopefully.
“Having dinner with you,” he answered.
“Good answer. We must be on the same wavelength.”
“That’s what I told you from the beginning, baby.”
“Well, I’m stubborn,” she smiled into the phone. “I think you’ve already figured that out.”
She heard his amused laugh on the other end. “Not only have I figured it out, I’ve been the victim of it. So tell me, where does my stubborn woman want to eat tonight?”
She playfully tapped her nails on the desk. “I was thinking I’d make dinner for you.”
“Whoa, hold up. Let me get this straight. You’re a doctor. You’re fine as all outdoors. And you can cook?”
She was flying high, happy that he was back. “Correct on all counts.”
“What have I gotten myself into?”
“Nothing I didn’t want you to get into.”
He gave a low whistle of approval. “Can we start dinner now?”
Alexa laughed. “No. I have a lot going on today. Just be at my house at eight.”
“Please. I can’t even think straight. Do you know how horny you’re making me?”
“I have the perfect remedy. Take two aspirins and one ice cold shower.”
“It’s gonna take a lot of ice to put out this fire,” he assured her.
“I didn’t say put it out. I said put it on hold. I’m an expert when it comes to fire, remember?”
“Yeah, I remember. And that’s exactly what I’m counting on. See you at eight.”
She hung up and turned to see Viola standing in the doorway. There was a huge grin on her face. “Was that Tristan?” Viola asked.
“Yes.”
“See, I told you everything would work out.”
“Then why am I shaking like a leaf?”
“Hell honey, that’s just nerves. It’s not every day a woman meets a fine ass man, gives him a fuck me free pass, then sets him loose amongst the female wolves of the world – only to have him return to her all in one piece.”
Alexa cracked up laughing. “Well, I haven’t seen h
im yet. He might not be all in one piece. Lord knows what he’s been doing all this time. He could have been sowing his wild oats, for all I know.”
“Good. Then that means he’s gotten it all out of his system – which is exactly what you wanted him to do.”
She took a deep breath. “And now he’s come back to me.”
Viola crossed her arms. “Was there ever any doubt?”
“Oh yeah. When it comes to me and men, there are always doubts! I wondered if he would even call me after I gave him such a hard time. A man like Tristan could have his pick of women. He’s good looking, talented, wealthy –”
“Hey, he’s not the only catch in this room. I’m looking at a woman who is equally good looking, equally talented, and certainly not short on money. Not to mention, you have a heart as big as Africa. Tristan was just smart enough to realize something I’ve known all along: Any many would be fortunate to win your heart.”
“Thank you, Viola. You always know how to make me feel better.”
She waived her hand away. “Girl, please. I think Tristan has me beat at that job.”
Alexa smiled. “The question is, how in the world am I going to keep my mind off him until eight o’clock tonight?”
Viola walked toward the door. “Follow me. We have a roomful of patients in E.R. who would be happy to see your pretty face.”
* * *
Tristan stared at the computer screen. His neck was tired from being hunched over so long, and his forefinger was sore from clicking the mouse.
Lou walked in the room and laughed at him. “You’re gonna wear that complimentary Internet service out,” he chided. “You’ve been surfing for over an hour.”
“I’m trying to find the perfect balloon arrangement for Alexa.”
“Why? Is it her birthday?”
“No,” Tristan frowned. “Does a man need an excuse to buy a woman balloons?”
“Uh, hell yeah. Man, you’d better get wise and buy her a diamond or something sparkly. A man with an ounce of good sense should never buy a woman a freaking balloon arrangement.”