Chapter 13
The sunlight crept across Alyson’s sleeping face. She squinted when she opened her eyes and tried to remember where she was. She was startled to find Samson lying next to her, light snores escaping from his mouth as he slept. She took in the beauty of his gentle face and muscular chest. He slept peacefully, and she wondered what his dreams were made of. She slipped from the bed and found her shoes, grabbed them. She eased the door open and crept out of it, pulling it shut as quietly as she could.
“Good morning, Miss Talbot.”
She locked eyes with Bijou, who was carrying a plate filled with fresh fruit and a cup of steaming hot coffee.
“Good morning,” said Alyson.
“Did you rest well?” Bijou asked, a questioning look on her face.
“I did indeed.” Alyson took the opportunity to grin slyly, and then sashayed down the hallway to her own room.
* * *
Church was a requirement for any member of the Talbot family who found themselves on the island on any given Sunday morning. Alyson didn’t argue with tradition, even though she hated attending her family’s small church. She preferred her megachurch in Miami, where the air-conditioning blew heavily and the wooden floors didn’t creak when you tried to tiptoe in late. Luckily she was a prompt person and didn’t have to worry about the entire church turning to see when she walked in.
She slid into the pew next to her mother.
“I tried calling your room last night,” said Beverly. “And your cell phone.”
“I was so exhausted. Went straight to sleep,” Alyson said, and then quickly changed the subject. “Where’s Jazzy and Jackson?”
“En route. You know they’re always late,” said Beverly. “Pastor Johnson wants to have a word with them after church. About the wedding ceremony.”
“Of course. I need to have a word with him, actually. I want to make sure he knows when and where he should be on that day.”
“I’m sure that Pastor Johnson has performed many marriage ceremonies. He doesn’t need you to give him instructions.”
“Actually, he does, Mother. I want this day to go as smoothly as possible, from the time they walk down the aisle to the moment they dance at the reception. This family will not be embarrassed.”
Beverly Talbot shook her head.
“What are you yapping about?” Edward asked as he slid in next to Alyson.
“Your sister’s wedding that I’ve put a great deal of time and effort into. I’ve spent way too much time in the Bahamas putting this thing together.”
“Maybe you can go home this week. I spoke with Whitney this morning, and she’ll be here tomorrow. Her school is on Thanksgiving break, and she’s coming in on an evening flight.”
“Whitney’s coming?” Their mother smiled. “I miss her.”
Alyson always thought that Whitney was their mother’s favorite. Their mother always wanted to be a teacher, and Whitney was living her dream.
“So maybe you can fly back to Florida with me on Tuesday,” said Edward.
“Maybe so,” Alyson agreed.
The truth was, she hadn’t contemplated leaving so soon.
When the choir began their rendition of “Jesus Be a Fence,” their discussions ceased. She could hear the loud stamping of feet on the old hardwoods, and everyone clapped to the music, while Alyson tried to catch some air by fanning herself with her program. When her cell phone rang loudly, she frantically searched for it in her purse. Her mother frowned. She silenced it and then checked the screen to see who was calling. Samson. Alyson smiled inside. She felt guilty about basking in the thought of his strong arms wrapped around her for the entire night. She wanted to feel them again.
Jackson and Jasmine finally slid into the pew behind them, and started clapping as if they’d been there all along.
“You’re late,” Alyson whispered.
“We know.”
Alyson had every intention of speaking with Pastor Johnson after the service, but she was distracted by the sudden need to return to the Grove. She kissed the cheeks of her mother and sister and thought of an excuse to get away.
“Aren’t you coming for dinner?” her mother asked.
“I’ve got to get back to the Grove. Need to make some phone calls and reply to some emails.”
“Are you flying out with me on Tuesday?” Edward asked. “You want me to have my assistant book you a ticket?”
“No, I’ll have Jules book me a flight,” she said. “I might stay until Wednesday. I’m meeting a client on Tuesday.”
Edward gave her a sideways glance. He and Alyson had been two peas in a pod since the cradle. She was closer to him than any of her siblings. They swapped secrets for as long as she could remember, and he knew her better than anyone.
“Okay, whatever,” he said, but gave her a look that said “something’s up.”
“I’ll catch up with y’all later. I’ll try to make it back to Governor’s Harbor later this evening. Save me some mac and cheese.”
She slipped into the backseat of a taxi before anyone could ask another question. At the Grove, she found Samson on the back patio, sipping on a Kalik beer and watching a Bahamas football game on the television above the bar. She slipped onto a bar stool next to him and ordered a glass of white wine.
He glanced her way. “You left without saying goodbye this morning.”
“You were sleeping and I didn’t want to wake you.”
“Where did you go?”
“Church.” She smiled. “Why? Did you want to go?”
“I might have. I could use a little prayer, too, you know.”
“I prayed for you,” she said. And thought about you all through service.
“I enjoyed spending time with you last night. You think we can do something like that again?” he asked.
“What did you have in mind?”
“Maybe dinner and a romantic stroll along the beach, and anything else your heart desires.”
“Dinner would be nice. I haven’t eaten,” she said. “I’ll have Raquel put something together.”
She was glad that she’d passed on Sunday dinner with her family, because sharing conch fritters and fried fish on the beach with Samson was much more fun. She stretched her legs along the beach towel and fed Samson the last bite of her fish. Her finger lingered in his mouth as he savored the taste of it.
“That was the best piece of fish I’ve ever eaten.”
“Don’t say I never gave you anything,” she flirted.
“I won’t.”
* * *
In her room, she shut the blinds and lit a few candles. Searched for a Caribbean playlist on her phone. Tarrus Riley serenaded them as she rested in Samson’s arms—those arms that she couldn’t seem to get out of her mind the entire day. His lips found hers and kissed them with passion.
He reached beneath her silk blouse and loosened the hooks of her bra, pulled the blouse over her head. Her breasts sprang free, and he gently stroked them. She carefully unbuttoned his shirt and stared at his brown, muscular chest. His lips found their way to her breasts, nibbling on each one. Soon his mouth consumed one entire breast, and Alyson moaned and closed her eyes.
He led her to the bed. She lay on her back and waited for him to finish what he’d started. He removed his trousers, and tight boxers hugged his groin and strong legs. He hovered over her and slowly found her lips again. When he lowered his body onto hers, she could feel the hardness of him against her stomach.
Before unbuttoning her pants, Samson looked at her for approval. “You okay?” he whispered.
Her nod affirmed that she was enjoying him. He removed her pants swiftly, and she felt a gentle breeze rush across her bare legs. His fingertips danced between her thighs and caused her to moan. He removed her panties and then kissed her inner thighs, one after the other. A trail of kisses led to her sweet spot where his tongue began to dance. She moved her hips to his rhythm. She was captivated by him.
He moved to the area ju
st above her waist and planted kisses there. His tongue lingered around her navel and then worked its way back up to her breasts, and again to her wanting mouth. She touched his hardness, caressed him there.
“I want you,” he whispered.
She couldn’t remember the last time someone wanted her, but it felt good. When he removed his boxers, her breathing changed. It was all so surreal, but she found herself wanting him, too. She hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed.
“You’re so damn sexy.” The words were wet against her earlobe. He quieted her fears with his affirmation.
She needed to be esteemed. When he produced a condom and then entered her, she moaned. Hugged him tighter. They moved to the rhythm of the music, made sweet love beneath the candlelight.
After he collapsed on top of her, she stroked his bearded face—planted little kisses across his forehead and nose. He rolled over onto his back, pulled her close. She rested her head against his chest as he gently caressed her shoulder and arm.
Chapter 14
Alyson was officially distracted by Samson. She had completely forgotten to have Jules book her a flight back to Miami. In fact, Miami was the last place she wanted to be. She was perfectly content being on the island. She held on to Bailey. The base of the guitar rested on her thigh, and the neck was facing up. Samson’s hands held on to hers, making sure they were in the right place.
“Now balance the neck between your thumb and forefinger,” he said. “Back straight, love.”
“Like this?” She stiffened her back and sat straight up.
“Relax a little.”
She began to strum the strings of the guitar, in no particular rhythm. “I should probably just leave this to the professional.”
“No, you can do this.”
He showed her the basics. She began playing the major chords. Soon she was playing “Sweet Home Alabama” and singing along. Samson joined in on the verse, and the two made a spectacle of themselves as a crowd gathered in the Grand Room.
She stood and handed the guitar to him, and applause filled the room.
“Please stop.” She laughed.
“She’s being modest,” Samson said as he took a seat on the stool.
“Bravo!” Kosmo clapped his hands with a grin.
Samson grabbed Alyson’s hand.
“Stand right here,” he said. “The guys in the band taught me this one.”
She stood close as he began to strum the guitar and sing the words to Jah Cure’s “Only You.” It was a song that Alyson had heard a million times, but she had never expected anyone to sing the words to her, describing her as an offer that couldn’t be declined, and sunshine in the rain. Though she tried to mask it, she was choking with emotion.
Samson wasn’t the best vocalist, but Alyson found his performance admirable and sweet. She swayed her hips to the music. When he was done, the guests applauded.
Jasmine worked her way through the crowd and found her sister. “Okay, what was that about?”
“What?” Alyson could barely contain her smile.
Jasmine grabbed her sister by the arm and pulled her aside. “Oh. My. God.”
“Jazzy, what is your problem?”
“You like him!”
“He’s okay,” Alyson stated, but was barely convincing. “I appreciate how he took care of Daddy. That’s all.”
“No, it’s more. You’re all giddy and he’s singing love songs.”
“He was singing for the crowd!”
“He was singing to you!”
“Okay, he was singing to me. So what?”
“Nothing.” Jasmine smiled. “I just think it’s sweet.”
“Let’s go, babe.” Samson interrupted the rendezvous between the sisters, grabbed Alyson’s hand in his. “Sorry to interrupt, Jasmine. But we have a sunset to catch.”
“Babe?” asked Jasmine.
“I’ll talk to you later, Jazzy.” Alyson followed Samson toward the cabana at the back of the house.
“We’re not done, missy! Your sister Whitney is here on the island. Her flight got in last night. She’s been looking for you. You should come by the house and at least say hello. After all, she’s your sister...” Jasmine stretched out the word sister, as if it were the last word of a song. “And what happened to your flight back to Miami this morning?”
“I missed it!” Alyson yelled.
Alyson followed Samson along the trail on the backside of the Clydesdale until they reached the ocean. Samson took a seat in the sand and invited her to join him on the ground.
“I’ll get my pants dirty,” she said.
“This isn’t the time for prim and proper.”
“These are Armani pants,” she complained. “End of season last year, but Armani nonetheless.”
“I’ll pay for your dry cleaning.”
“That’s beside the point,” said Alyson.
“Remind me to buy you a pair of trousers from Walmart. They don’t have a Walmart on the island, huh?”
Alyson shook her head as she cautiously took a seat next to Samson in the sand.
“Do you even know what Walmart is?”
“Of course I do. They have them all over Miami.” Alyson laughed.
“Good. The next time we’re in Miami, we’ll visit one.”
“The next time we’re in Miami?” Alyson asked.
“You need to go home soon, right? Don’t you have appointments?”
“I do,” she said. “But it’s Thanksgiving in a couple of days. I’ve never spent one Thanksgiving without my family.”
“Can you miss it this year?”
“I don’t see why not,” she said, but wasn’t so sure how her family would feel about her absence at the dinner table. And suddenly, she didn’t care.
“Okay, then. We’re going to Miami,” said Samson.
Alyson didn’t respond, just turned her head away from Samson and smiled at the thought.
She watched the sun as it began to set, but her thoughts were a million miles away. She couldn’t stop thinking about how Samson made her feel. Whatever it was they were doing, she didn’t want it to end anytime soon.
* * *
Miami was a beautiful seventy-five degrees in November. Coconut Grove’s CocoWalk was bustling with shoppers. Samson and Alyson strolled hand in hand along the beautiful brick patio lined with tall palm trees, high-end boutiques and bistro cafés.
“This is where you do your Christmas shopping?” Samson asked.
“Some of it. I like to pick up nice perfume and scarves for my mother and sisters. Things they can’t get on the island,” Alyson explained. “And I need to find a nice wedding gift for Jasmine and Jackson.”
Samson wrapped his arm around Alyson’s shoulder. “I don’t care where we go. I just want to be near you.”
She rested her head on his chest for a moment.
They stopped to listen as a live jazz band serenaded the crowd. Samson wrapped his strong arms around Alyson’s shoulders as the two swayed to the music. She relaxed in his embrace, and Samson leaned down and planted a sensual kiss against her neck.
On the way back to Alyson’s condo, they stopped for a café con leche at a little café tucked away on the nontouristy side of South Beach. At Las Olas Café they stepped up to the outside take-out window and ordered cups of predawn café cubanos. They took a seat on the shaded patio, and Samson was grateful for the reprieve. Christmas shopping with Alyson had been exhausting.
“So how long do you think you’ll be on the island before you head back to Chicago?” Alyson asked out of the blue.
“Actually, I’ve been in touch with some old business contacts, and I’m strongly considering politics again.”
“Seriously?” she asked. “I thought you’d never consider that again. I thought that’s why you were on the island in the first place...because it had been such a horrible experience.”
“It was a horrible experience. But someone very dear to me told me that I shouldn’t run from my fears. I should fac
e them.”
Alyson smiled and took a sip of her café con leche. “Glad you listened.”
“I guess you could say I’ve been inspired to not give up on the things that I really want.”
“If you let a little opposition stop you from achieving your dreams, you’ll never achieve anything.”
“You’re right. I watch you, and how dedicated you are to Alyson Talbot and Associates, and I admire your work ethic, your tenacity,” he said. “I have to start building my team and planning for the next campaign. I can run for city council in two years, but I have to start now.”
“Sounds like you have a plan.”
“I have a little something. So after the holidays, I’m going back.”
She changed the subject. “Let’s go out tonight. Catch some nightlife.”
“Are you serious? After you dragged me all over the state of Florida shopping for Christmas gifts?”
“The state of Florida? That’s a bit of an exaggeration.”
“Okay, the city of Miami, then.”
“I say we get dressed up and catch a party on South Beach.”
“I’m in.”
* * *
Alyson wore a tight black bodycon dress, one with artfully placed lace panels. It flattered every last curve on her body. With Samson in a pair of designer skinny jeans, a white T-shirt and a charcoal-colored blazer with the sleeves rolled up, they were a handsome pair. And Samson found it difficult to peel his eyes from Alyson’s curves as she sashayed around the kitchen, pretending to tidy things up before they left for their night on the town.
“Are we ready?” she asked.
“Damn, you look good.” He completely ignored her question.
She blushed, and then shut the miniblinds over the sink. “Thanks.”
“You’re making it really hard to go out. I can think of a million things we can do right here.” He grabbed her by the waist as she attempted to walk past him.
“Those are things we can do when we return. But for now, let’s go have fun.”
He smiled and released her. Followed her to the door. He grabbed the keys from her hand and locked the door behind them. He grabbed her hand as they entered the dimly lit parking garage. He knew she’d been to the garage by herself a million times before, but he still felt the need to protect her. He opened her car door and allowed her to step inside.
A Yuletide Affair Page 9