by Taras Ford
“That’s hell,” she said softly.
Sydney stared at it for a long moment and then looked back at her friend. “Why? Why is it hell?”
“My father’s friend owned it. We vacationed here one summer and my father bought it from him immediately.” Trish swallowed hard. “He’d bring me here every year for my birthday from the time I was nine until my seventeenth birthday, which is when I ran away to New York.” Sydney squeezed her hand. “Did something happen there? On those special trips with your father?” Trish looked at Sydney, and her face went pale. “Nothing happened. They were just trips.” she said flatly, taking her hand away. Reaching for the button, she told the driver to leave.
Sydney looked back at the mansion as the limo pulled away, and then at Trish’s face. “Sweetie, whatever it was, it wasn’t your fault.”
Trish smiled. “I made your boyfriend explain his intentions to me, when you went upstairs to get your purse.”
“What?”
“Nolen. I got him to talk.”
“Trish?”
“You know what he said?”
Sydney touched her hand. “What did he say?”
“He said he was in love with you.”
Sydney smiled. “I doubt he said it like that.”
“You’re right. It was more like a ‘Yes,’” she said, mocking Nolen’s commanding tone.
They both laughed, and Sydney tried to relax. Trish had shared part of her past, and Sydney knew that it had taken a lot of strength for her to do so. It made her stronger too.
“Remember when I tried out for the Dance Academy?”
Trish looked over. “Yeah, you were so upset when they turned you down. I remember.”
“I wasn’t upset that they turned me down. I was upset because, well, I took Portia’s advice.” Trish’s brow wrinkled. The limo coasted smoothly but Sydney felt uncomfortable in her seat. She shifted her purse from her lap to the seat next to her. “Portia told me that I should try the Director of the school, a man named Ben Mendoza. She said I should flirt a little and try to convince him to give me a private audition.”
“She did?”
Sydney smiled softly. She didn’t share how she dressed the part, and nearly threw herself at Ben Mendoza with Nolen. Somehow even now she wanted to preserve his image of her. Besides she never told Portia what Mendoza did. She only told Ricky. And now that friendship was over.
“What happened Syd?”
“Things got out of hand. Mendoza thought I would sleep with him for the audition. When I refused he attacked me. He told me I could never get into a dance school in New York. That’s why I stopped trying and started auditioning.”
“What! You never told us? Did you tell Portia?”
“No. I only told Ricky, because I was ashamed. He just happened to be there to listen. So I understand Trish. Why you could tell Todd and not tell me about your father. I understand how the shame and guilt can make you think you’re the one at fault. But you aren’t. Neither am I. Do you understand?”
“I’m sorry you were hurt.” Trish threw her arms around Sydney and hugged her.
“Me too. I’m sorry you were hurt too. I love you Trish.”
“Ditto.”
They released each other and wiped off loose tears. “Does Nolen know about the Mendoza man?”
“Yeah, I told him. We’re starting to open up to each other.”
Trish nodded. “Strange huh? How random this all is. How he met you, how Todd met me, I think it’s like destiny or something.”
Sydney liked the sound of the word. Destiny.
Chapter 18
Baby Steps
The Red Pea, is considered one of the premier resort hotels on the island. Sydney had heard tall tales of places like the one before her from Portia. She swore by skin pampering, manicures and pedicures. Sydney wasn’t opposed to it, but just couldn’t imagine why a woman would consider this the pinnacle of pleasure. She and Trish were greeted when they entered by two women dressed in all black. “Ladies, welcome to Natoa Holistic Spa at the Red Pea,” they said unison.
“Thank you,” Sydney said. Trish nodded her thanks.
My name is Angela, you must be Sydney she said extending her hand. “Please follow me.” Sydney glanced over to Trish who received her own greeting. She agreed to follow Angela and they walked through the lobby with walls of blush pink color, trimmed in lilac. Soft music played, and the beautiful aroma of jasmine and something else floral drifted in the unseen breeze she felt from the aerial ventilation. She could hear running water but didn’t realize it was streaming around a rock formation in a fountain to the back of the hall. It all felt so serene.
After leading them to a changing room and asking that they disrobe completely, the attendant gave them heavy, celery-green robes and locker keys attached to wrist bracelets to use to store their belongings. Angela stopped in front of a large bowl filled with small polished stones. She asked Sydney to pick one. She chose a reddish brown stone with dark swirls throughout.
“You have chosen the tiger-eye stone. Good choice. It is for clarity of mind and body, and very good for artistic and spiritual people to keep them motivated and driven. While meditating today through some of your spa treatments, I ask that you center your mind on this stone.”
“Thank you.” Sydney said impressed.
She was brought over to Trish who had already disrobed and climbed on the spa table. Angela held up a large towel for Sydney to do the same concealed from the other spa assistant. She dropped the robe and eased on the table. Angela covered her and smiled walking out.
“What stone did you pick?” Trish asked.
“Tiger-eye, she said it was good for performers. Odd huh?”
“Yeah. I picked the turquoise, didn’t know it but she said it’s a protective stone. Protects me from negative energy. How weird.”
“I think the men told them to say that.” Sydney laughed.
“I don’t know Syd. I just feel so centered now. I really think this is all because we’re focusing on the positive things in our life. I’ve been so scared to let people in. Since I’ve met you and Portia, my life has been so filled. I’m happy.”
Sydney glanced over at her friend and saw the beautiful sweet smile on her face. She took Trish for granted most days. Her sweet shy manner meant she didn’t need much. Hell she even settled for the lumpy sofa as a bed. But here she was some rich heiress addicted to bologna sandwiches and painting. God had truly blessed her when He gave her Trish as a friend.
“I’m happy too.”
Two handsome masseurs came in, and the girls exchanged glances. Surely their men hadn’t meant to include this particular pleasure.
Both men had muscled bodies and deeply tanned skin. They asked them to turn over and place their faces in the padded headrest. Immediately Sydney complied and one touch from her masusse relaxed her. The men heated stones first then oils and began massages that worked through every muscle in their bodies, and despite her vow not to, she fell asleep. Sydney woke from her light nap with a moan deep in her throat.
Blushing, she lifted her head to see her Greek God flash his pearly whites at her and wink. Embarrassed she noticed Trish moaned as well.
After the massage, they were given new bikinis to wear and taken to another room to have a mud bath, then a rain-shower rinse followed by a spa tub treatment. The meditation in between was the most rewarding.
Sydney hadn’t realized how off balance she had become. The lessons went on and on. She ate with her closest friend, talking about any and everything. Somehow their bond had become stronger. She never had a sister but Trish felt like one. She loved her dearly. The final treatment came with deep skin facials, and pedicures, before getting their hair groomed. Sydney was glad they knew how to do African American hair. The blowout style she was given appeared far better than any she’d ever received.
Six hours later, they thanked the staff and left feeling beautiful.
“My God, have you ever done anyt
hing like that before?” Sydney asked, clearly overwhelmed by the experience.
Trish shook her head. “No. My mother did them all the time, but never me. I feel like a new woman.”
“Me too. Do you think that’s what they intended. Nolen and Todd? For us to feel brand new?” Trish’s gaze returned to the window. “Maybe. I think they’re good guys.” When they reached Todd’s beach house a car waited outside with a driver standing next to it. She recognized the tall man. He was the same one that brought them in from the airport. “I guess he’s here for me.” Trish smiled. “You have a good night. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“You too Trish.” Sydney said. She hugged her and hurried over to the car. The driver helped her in. He drove her back to the Red Pea Resort. Sydney laughed to herself. Once she was outside the car another person welcomed her back and ushered her into the resort. She was walked to an elevator that carried her to the third level. Her guide bid her a good evening when she stepped off the elevator. With a golden key in her hand for room 3009 she walked down the carpeted hall toward the doors. Though her skin, hair, and makeup looked fresh and groomed, she wore jeans and a thick turtleneck under a weatherworn leather jacket. She wished she’d chosen something different for the day.
Sydney inserted the key. The suite was nice. No, the word better suited for it was handsome. She stepped into the sunken and spacious living area in the suite with a four foot tall and three-foot wide fireplace.
Darkly paneled walls and sensibly placed furniture made the lighting dim even though the sun hadn’t fully set. It had dark paneled, comfortable, but old furniture, sensibly placed throughout. She heard the clinking of ice-cubes first. Nolen stepped out to greet her with his drink in hand. He was casually dressed in a v-neck black sweater and slacks.
“Did you have a good day?” he asked softly, taking a sip of his drink.
“The best day of my life.” Sydney answered not sure of his mood. The setting was nice, but the look in his eyes said that drink in his hand wasn’t the first one. “Nolen? Is something wrong?”
“Do you know how happy you’ve made me?” He set his drink down on the desk table he passed and walked toward her. A faint smile crossed his lips and soon faded away. If this was happy then she’d hate to see sad.
“Are you okay? Have you been drinking all day?”
“Shhh…” He pressed a finger to her lips. “Had some business to handle today. Nothing for you to worry about. You look beautiful Sydney.” He touched her hair. “Now answer my question. Do you know how happy you’ve made me?”
“We make each other happy.” She touched the side of his face and he turned his head to press a kiss inside her palm
“Yes, and I’m learning to trust and believe in that happiness. I like the feeling.” Sydney kissed the corner of his mouth. “I’d rather have spent the day with you Nolen. The gifts are nice, the spa was nice, but I feel like I’m running in circles just to get to these moments. I want it to be you and me.
Just us.”
“I’m yours babe.”
She struggled against the urge to undress and drag him to the bedroom. Instead she wrapped her arms around him tight until they were the only ones who existed, and whatever troubled him outside of their suite doors was set aside. She could feel the tension in his body ease, but his hold on her remained powerfully strong.
“I want to make love to you.” He said against her ear.
She closed her eyes finding his mouth instinctively and drawing his tongue into hers for a slow kiss.
Nolen was stunned. Never in his life, not even the few times when he was weak enough to believe in love had he ever felt such passion for a woman. Today had been a shitty day. That asshole Harris had caved and named him and the men that worked for him as the ones giving him insider information on Delstar. The deal wasn’t even cold between them yet, and though Nolen’s hands weren’t clean, he hadn’t traded a damn thing. The SEC wanted him on the hook and they were going to use the sniveling bastard as the bait. This he couldn’t share with Sydney. To explain what he did, the laws he bent to serve his own selfish needs, would paint him in the most unfavorable light. He needed her to think of him as her prince. He needed it desperately.
She smiled. “Okay.”
Sydney pulled out of his embrace; she walked over to stand before the fireplace. Nolen dropped his hands in his pockets. He let his eyes go over her shapely form. She had a dancer’s body. A bit taller than most ballerinas, she had a tiny waist, slender legs and a round ass. She looked back at him. Her hair, now minus the puff and frizz of its natural state, was silky and resting past her shoulders. Maintaining his stare she worked off her leather jacket and dropped it. Nolen smiled. She crossed her arms in front of her and drew her cable knit turtleneck over her head, tossing it to the floor. The light of the fire caused her brown skin to appear golden.
Soft and supple, he loved touching her, and did so many times through the night while she slept. Feeling her tummy, backside, thighs, always silky and warm under his sheets.
He’d worship her body tonight. Love her so hard that the press and bad things to come wouldn’t scare her. She’d accept the good and the bad of him. She’d never question why she chose him despite her initial instinct to run away.
Sydney turned to face him. She reached behind her and unclasped her bra. The black straps slipped down her arms and her breasts emerged from the lacy cups. Her jeans were worked down her hips and then followed by her underwear.
Nolen grabbed the back collar of his sweater and pulled it off. He undid his belt buckle and dropped his pants and underwear. Somewhere behind the gauzy shield of the curtains covering the windows to the suite the sun set in the sky. The only light blazing now came from the bowels of the fireplace. He walked around the sofa to his woman.
She went straight into his arms and kissed him. He took the time to explore the hot, sweet cavern of her mouth before nipping at her full lips. Her hands went slowly down his side. Nude, they were caught in the dueling mastery of their kiss. She gave the sweetest kisses. Though her lips were full her mouth was small and her breath always sweet.
Nolen walked her backward, until the back of his calves hit the sofa. He turned her and lowered her to the sofa. Sydney smiled up at him. They’d been careful. He used protection every time until they both got tested.
Now he enjoyed the raw feel of her, and it was divine. He ran his hand down her throat to her breast. Warm and soft in his hand he massaged the fullness, brushing his thumbs over her nipple until it was marble hard. Nolen’s face lowered. He captured her nipple in his mouth and sucked until her back bowed and she gripped his shoulders for release.
Sydney’s long slender legs curled around his waist as he ran his tongue over the chocolate peak of her nipples and then kissed his way back up to her neck. Covering her now he eased into her without protection and gasped with her as warm tightness clamped down on his cock. Nolen pressed his knees into the cushion of the sofa, his hand raised above her head he worked his hips driving himself deeper and deeper. Her body shuddered and he was careful to kiss her through the spasmodic release of her climax.
The time for his release mounted and he pumped his ass hard locking his muscles in the back of his thighs. His balls drew up tight and his breath caught in his throat just before he lost control. He kissed her hungrily unable to stop moving. The soft lush feel of her beneath him drew the last of his strength.
“I love you.” She said when his lips left hers. She smiled up at him and he cherished the words.
“I love you too Sydney.”
Sydney drank the last of her champagne and raised her glass. “To us!” He clinked his glass to hers. “To us.”
Warmth covered her under the blanket he brought out for them. She snuggled him close and stared at the dancing flares of amber from the charred wood in the fireplace. “Is it wrong that I don’t want to go back.
Not just yet. I feel like we just got here.”
“We can stay another d
ay if you want.”
“So it’s all about what I want?” she chuckled. “Don’t you have work?”
“That’s right,” he said sexily. “It’s all about what you want.” His arm dropped around her shoulders. She noticed he ignored the reference to work. Sydney decided to strike the word from her vocabulary. Besides, playtime had to end. There would be a grueling schedule for her and the dancers in the next coming weeks.
“Let’s promise to do this soon.”
“You said you would go to the Christening with me. It’ll be another treat.” He said, and sipped his scotch.
“Oh yes! I forgot. I’m excited to meet your family.”
When he didn’t respond she lifted her head and looked at him. “How long has it been since you’ve seen them?”
“Almost two years.”
“Wow. It’s been almost the same for my folks and me. It’s hard huh?” After a brief pause, Sydney sat forward and set the wine glass on the coffee table. She turned in the blanket and straddled his lap. He stared up at her with heavy lidded eyes. “You know what I want to do now?”
“What?”
“Play the lollipop game.”
She dipped under the blanket holding onto his flaccid penis. She stroked it awake and heard him grown.
On her knees before him she planned to play this game all night long.
Chapter 19
A Family Reunion
In the limo on their way to Nolen’s place, he’d made a passionate plea for Sydney to move in with him.
Initially, she’d hesitated, but with her animosity toward Portia, and need to avoid Ricky, she found no reason not to, especially since she couldn’t bear to be without him. After three days of Nolen pouting over it she reached her limit. Before she could tell him of her decision she needed to clear it with Trish.
