by Tiana Laveen
“Take that!”
His mirth burned his chest as he edged closer to the end. He heard the man yell a few expletives, which only spurred on his enthusiasm. The green flag waved about, flapping in the wind, and Alex soon found himself rowing around it and going back upstream. Joshua wasn’t too far behind, a surly grin on his face as he chased him.
“Keep your hips loose, Rob!” Alex taunted, giving pointers to his pal who was now falling even farther behind. Alex’s chest heaved and sweat dribbled down the sides of his face only to be kissed by the cool breeze, sending pleasant shivers through out his body. As he drew closer to where they’d first began, he noticed two women sharing a little blue kayak, slowly paddling along. He slowed, his eyes glued to one of them…
WHO. THE HELL. IS. THAT?! Jesus done sent a sexy angel down here to tempt me…
She wore a white tank top and the sun radiated in her dark brown eyes, making them shine like chocolate diamonds. Her umber skin glowed and he practically salivated as she took notice of his stare, her lips upturned in a smile. Breaking the trance, she tucked her long black hair behind one ear. He began to paddle towards them, but then heard Joshua practically turning the water into a typhoon as he nearly closed their gap.
“Shit!” Alex quickly straightened up his boat, his libido in full overdrive and his need to win at all costs in competition with his desire to ogle and appreciate the beauty of a woman.
I don’t wanna cook in the morning. It’ll take forever and Joshua will have me makin’ Western omelets and flapjacks. And I sure as hell don’t want to give him twenty-five bucks! It ain’t the money. It’s the principle!
He strained and hurt, but not as concerned about his aching muscles as the fact he could almost feel Joshua beside him, a mere whisper away. Looking straight ahead, he kept pumping, only to hear the bastard yell out, “Yeah, I gotcha! A couple pretty chicks caught your eye and now I’m goin’ to win! I hope it was worth it to ya. I like blueberry syrup on my French toast, make note of it!”
“This ain’t the tortoise and the hare, Josh! I coulda taken a nap, made love to one of ’em, ate a snack and still won!” He grunted hard as he rushed towards the white flag, the first post they’d pulled away from. Everything was on the line, but he couldn’t help but look over his shoulder once again and memorize the gorgeous woman’s details and coordinates.
Close to the orange flag… white shirt, black hair, beautiful smile, blue double kayak…
“Yes!” Alex screamed out as he just barely made it, Joshua bumping into him a few seconds later. “I want my payment in full… none of that five-dollar, one dollar here stuff, either.” Joshua chuckled and rolled his blue eyes. “Keep tight and make sure Dan gets his ass ’round here soon.” Alex looped around Joshua, making his way back in the direction of the green flag.
“Where are you goin’?” Joshua hollered.
“I won’t be long. Just keep your eyes peeled!” Alex peddled towards the blue kayak, not too fast, not too slow. As he approached, he and the lady made eye contact once again.
“Hi, there!” He nodded in their direction. “Nice mornin’ for a boat ride, isn’t it, ladies?”
“Yes, it is,” replied an attractive woman in a Kelly green T-shirt, her blond hair pulled taut into a ponytail. “It’s a gorgeous day.” He looked towards the other woman in the boat, the one who made his heart beat a bit faster, her beauty something he couldn’t simply ignore.
“How about you?” he asked, grinning wide. “You enjoying yourself, too?”
The lady shrugged, looking rather indifferent.
“I am…” she finally said, but he wasn’t convinced.
“My name is Alex Valentine. I’m from right here in Charleston, Johns Island to be exact. You ladies from around here or are you just tourists?”
“We’re both from Johns Island as well,” the blond chirped up. “My name is Brittany.”
“Yeah, we’re both from Charleston County too but sometimes we wish we weren’t.” The beautiful one grimaced. “Especially with the week I’ve had.” Her words dragged at the end as she rolled her eyes.
“You sound down in the dumps. Everything okay?”
I can’t have your pretty little self looking all depressed. Let’s see what papa can do to change that…
“It will be.” She smiled.
“Well, it would be a mighty shame to waste such a beautiful day and lovely smile on things we can’t control or change.” He witnessed the woman’s cheeks flush a deeper hue.
“Thank you for your sage advice, and you’re right.” She smirked. “It would be a waste but I’ll make good use of it. I promise.” Her almond shaped eyes hooded in a flirty sort of way. He wasn’t certain if she was toying with him or just being friendly, but he definitely hoped she was putting the moves on him, a sure sign he could get lucky. “It’s supposed to get hot today. Being on the water later on in the evening may be a good idea, too.” She cast her gaze towards the sky, allowing the rays to drip all over her.
I could just sit here and look at her for hours… She’s mmm, mmm, good. Damn, she’s pretty.
“Well, I’m used to heat. I’m the fire chief in St. John.” Both women’s eyes widened as he plugged his profession in hopes that would get the lovely lady’s attention, steer her a little closer his way.
“You don’t say, Alex?” the blond stated behind a kitschy grin as she turned to him head on and leaned forward.
It’s working… but I want your friend, baby.
“Yeah. Just out for some R&R with a few friends of mine.” He hitched his thumb in their direction. “Speaking of those knuckleheads, I better get back to them. We’ve got a full day planned ahead but before I leave…” He tilted his head towards the beautiful woman in white. “Young lady, what’s your name? I asked earlier but only your friend was gracious enough to humor me.”
The blond turned towards her friend, a silly grin on her face as if to say, ‘Answer the man.’
She looks familiar but I can’t figure out from where… Oh well, maybe I’ll find out later.
“Me?” The woman pointed to her chest. “You’re talking to me?”
“Yes, you.”
“My name is Snow.”
“Snow?” he said with a chuckle. “That’s kinda different… It’s pretty, real pretty in fact. Just like you… I like it.”
“Thank you. My aunt named me.”
“Well, Snow, I think you’re mighty fine. Are you single?” He glanced at her hand… no ring.
“Yes! She’s single,” her friend blurted on her behalf.
“Well, today is my lucky day then, isn’t it, ladies? Snow, can we exchange numbers so I can call you and we try to get to know one another? Maybe have dinner sometime soon?”
“Oh, uh, thank you… but well, I don’t know.” The smile on her face suddenly faded like watercolors in the sun as she grew tense, nervous even. Alex was ready to pull out his tried and true pick-up lines, the ones sure to reel her in and seal the deal. He refused to leave emptyhanded and time waited for no one. But before he could do that, her friend jumped in and saved the day, much to his delight.
“What do you mean, you don’t know?” the woman questioned, her face all twisted up in disbelief. He then heard some whispering amongst the pair but couldn’t quite make out what was being said.
“Brittany I just want to—”
“I don’t want to hear it, Snow! Are you crazy? Look. At. Him!” she said between gritted teeth. Alex smiled and turned away for a spell. “Give him your number or I will!” The blonde elbowed her friend, causing him to chuckle as he slid his phone out of his pocket.
“All right.” Snow crossed her arms over her chest, the gruffest expression creasing her brow. “It’s 843-772-9803.”
“Got it. Mine is 843-675-3717… and again my name is Alex… Alex Valentine.” He waited while her fingers moved across her phone screen. When she appeared to be finished, he positioned himself to roll out. “I’ll be in touch.” The beauty simply
nodded and grabbed her paddle, still looking perturbed.
“Byyyeee, Alex!” Brittany called out in a flirty tone. “She’ll be talking with you real soon!” This time Snow was the one doing the elbowing. “Ouch!”
“I sure hope so… I thought the sun was warm and bright today, the water just right and the sky blue as a sapphire, a true treasure. Little did I know, I hadn’t seen perfection yet… not until just now.”
He winked in their direction, turned his kayak around, and eagerly paddled towards his friends who now stood on the dock, looking like a bunch of haggard misfits wanting answers, details, and plenty of booze and food to boot. Alex felt a stirring within him; the newness of everything invigorated him as he rowed to the edge and got out of his kayak, parking it next to the others that were all lined up like pencils on a school table. He was eager to collect his winnings, get in a bit of fishing while the morning was still young, but most of all, put the stuff gnawing at the four corners of his mind behind him, at least for the time being…
CHAPTER FIVE
Fresh Squeezed Apple Pie in the Garden of Eden
A torn black tank top lay cast aside a large boulder. Alex’s eyes stung with fresh sweat as he took the last gulp of warm water from his water bottle, parched once again. The stench of defeat wafted in the air, but he was damn glad he wasn’t the rotting carcass. Robert had tried his damnedest to kick his ass in rock climbing; after all, the man was practically an expert at the activity. But Alex was hell-bent on letting out some steam that weekend and taking out all his aggression in the form of recreational sports. That way no one would get hurt.
He was in luck that the casualty this time had been Rob—an added bonus, a cherry on top of the damn mountain. Bets were made and arguments erupted, and though he didn’t catch any fish during their earlier outing, he still claimed himself victorious. He was actually elated that Dan got that prize fair and square, but the kayaking and rock climbing were his and he meant business.
Alex slumped down on a fold-up seat while Joshua took his chances, zigzagging up the man-made mountain like a spider high on crack. The guy was damn good, he had to give him that, but Alex refused to lose. The second round would be commencing soon, so he sat back and waited. Easy peasy.
I already lost Mrs. Brassie… lost a friendship with my ex, too… That shit crashed and burned. I lost my father around this time last year. I ain’t losing nothing else, and I mean that shit…
“Alex!” Dan called out, pushing him out of his thoughts. “It’s your turn again. Wait a minute… is that the same lady you were talking to earlier? You know, when we were kayaking?” Alex snapped his head in the direction Dan pointed to and immediately warmed with excitement.
“It sure is…” Crushing the empty water bottle, he tossed it in a trashcan and made his way over to her. Snow stood alone by a small stand that sold cold beverages, holding her wallet in one hand and a bottle of what appeared to be lemonade in the other.
“Well, this must be fate,” he said with a chuckle, and she turned toward him. “Snow, it’s nice to see you again. So, what about that dinner date, pretty lady? We should pick a time and place sooner rather than later. What do you think? After all, time waits for no one, and it’s is precious, just like you…”
Oh no, he’s here! Oh my God, but what I really need to know is where in the hell is this man’s shirt?! I swear sometimes if I didn’t have bad luck lately I wouldn’t have any at all. Don’t stare! But shit! Do you see his chest?! Of course, I see it; he’s standing right here in front of me, breathing in and out, showing off his pecs and abs… and he’s all lubed up like a damn turkey slathered with butter. Why am I fussin’ in my own head?
Nothing will come of this. I don’t need this mess… but damn he looks good. He’s White… like snow, like fluffy clouds and cotton balls… Ain’t nothing fluffy about him though. Lawd have mercy! I mean, I’m not against interracial dating. Hell, my best friend is White. Now I’m just being silly. That sounds like something Paula Deen would say. I can’t recall the last time I’ve looked at a White man in a sexual way. I mean, there’s plenty of good looking White men, sure, I’ve noticed some but… hell, I don’t know why I can’t just pull myself together, wave and walk away from him, but good Lord, he is gorgeous!
Snow stood there looking up at the man who was built like a lumberjack. His shadow fell upon her like a black blanket. The muscles in his arms, chest, and stomach gleamed with sweat. His shoulders were so damn broad, two people could sit on both sides and seesaw. An impeccably detailed tattoo of a red fire hat stood out on his left pectoral, as well as jumping flames on his shoulder. He had short, dark chocolate hair, a dense, well-trimmed low beard that looked soft to the touch and piercing dark brown eyes with a hint of cinnamon in the center. His thick brows rutted naturally, making him look angry even when he was more than likely full of joy. His plush looking lips softened his appearance but there was an intensity about him that melted her like ice against a flame and now she was as good as gone.
Alex was the shit of which wet pussy dreams were made. She flushed with guilt at the realization that she was all hot and bothered, taken in by his manly ways. She’d had no intention of calling the man, and she’d already mapped it out in her mind that she’d make good on not answering if he ever called her. After giving Brittany an earful about putting her on the spot like that, she was faced with another dilemma… fight or flight. I’m trapped.
“So? What’ll it be?” the over-confident handsome bastard quipped. “Tonight? Next weekend?” He tossed up his hands, sporting a twisted grin.
“Look, Alex, I’m certain you are a very nice man but—”
“Aaaaaand here we go! The official blow off!” He burst out laughing, and she chewed her lower lip for a spell as she took in how damn nice his teeth were. “In this corner we’ve got Snow, the lady on the go, and in this corner, we’ve got Alex, who’s already gotten two shove offs. Can he withstand another? Stay tuned!”
She burst out laughing, but quickly got a hold of herself, not wishing to encourage the fool. Pushing the man’s theatrics aside, she continued on her original path—to try and let him down nice and gentle.
“It’s not a blow off. Who wouldn’t want to date you?” She put on a warm smile and tossed up her hands. “I mean, you’re attractive, funny, employed, fit, and charming as the snake in the garden of Eden, but now that we’re here and this has come up again, I need to—”
“Satan is the snake in the Garden of Eden. So, you’re Eve, huh? I can’t even get Adam’s role? I mean, Adam and Alex both start with the letter ‘A’. Would that have been too much of a stretch?” She grimaced and placed her hand on her hip. He was proving to be a handful and she was no longer certain she was willing to expend the energy on such a persistent giant. “You’ve reduced me to a slitherin’ reptile tryna offer the pretty naked lady in the garden an apple… only this time you’re fully clothed, I am on two legs, and the apple would have to be replaced with apple juice.” He glanced at the beverages available. “You want some juice? It’s the best I can do on such limited notice.” He chuckled.
“You’re funny, I’ll give you that.”
“Yeah? Well, I’ll be here performing all night and guess what, pretty lady?”
“What?” She toyed with the cap on her bottle of ice cold lemonade as she hooked his gaze.
“I think I could take you out on a better date than the one in that Biblical tale… Hell, I’d at least upgrade you, offer you an apple pie.”
“How generous of you, but I might have to pass.”
“Why? Oh, are you countin’ carbs?” He grinned.
“No, not in the least.” A chill ran down her spine as she watched his eyes scan her long and slow.
“Well then, we’re all set here. McDonald’s sells apple pies, two for a dollar. Snakes such as myself are always looking for a deal. We’re cheap, too. We don’t like to spend too much money.” She exhaled loudly and rolled her eyes, fighting another bout of gut gurg
ling laughter, but it was getting damn near impossible to keep it together. “Those pies are a bargain. Well, actually, I think they’re back up to a dollar now and isn’t that Dollar Menu of theirs laughable? I mean…” He tossed up his hands. “All the good stuff on it is two and three bucks.” She batted away tears of hilarity. This man is a fool! Silly! “They must think money grows on trees, or at least the foliage at Mickey-Dees. Mickey-Dees will do what they please, always raising those damn prices and fees. Look! I’ve got bars!” He began to snap his fingers and jump about like a madman. “Bars means good rhymin’ and rappin’ skills.”
“And please don’t be offended but how do you know that?”
“I learned that from watching music videos,” he said. She slapped her hand across her mouth, refusing to encourage his antics. “Why do they call it a Dollar Menu when most of the stuff is over that price?”
“I… I don’t know.” She shook her head as her eyes misted from mirth. “Perhaps it is just an indicator to let consumers know that it is where the more economical options can be found.”
“Yeah, but if you’re charging three bucks, then that’s not a dollar. With that logic, a ten-dollar combo meal could be on the Dollar Menu, too, since it’s all comprised of dollars, just ten of ’em. That doesn’t make any sense. It makes dollars, but it don’t make sense, you know?” All she could do was nod in response. She wanted to race away from the man, but he was too entertaining, too delicious to look at, and too much of a force to reckon with to escape from. “I may not be an arithmetician, but I do know that right there is false advertising.” He jetted his finger in her direction and wore a stern expression, making it all the harder to not burst out laughing. “Let me tell you, I shocked McDonald’s last time I was there.”
