This Time

by Ingrid Monique

  While Kelee didn’t care for cops, she couldn’t help but wondering about Sean St. John.

  “What’s his mix?” His slanted hazel eyes had her curious.

  “His mother is Chinese and his father is West Indian. He’s single and much sought after.” Lori bounced her brows at her.

  Kelee got the hint. “I’m sure he is.” Kelee grinned. “As fine as he is.”

  Lori laughed, finishing off her cake.

  Sean St. John barely paid any attention to what Carl Wess had said during their business lunch. Kelee Kingsly was all he could think about. She was back in St. Pala. He had prayed for this day for the past ten years; now it was here. What he didn’t expect was her not recognizing him. Another surprising fact was that she was Lori’s sister. He had known Lori for years, had always heard her talk about her sister in New York, but he had never thought they would be the same person. He knew at least four different Kelees, so the name wasn’t foreign to him. He never thought to put them together.

  Sean had met Kelee on the beach while he was staying on the west coast at his father’s beach cottage. When they had first met he was going through his Rasta phase, with long dreads and a full beard. Granted, he looked a lot different then, but how could she not recognize him? The memory of their five-night love affair was still fresh in his mind. She was the first woman he had fallen in love with, the only woman he had ever loved.

  Kelee was seventeen when they met. The attraction was immediate and electric; the intensity of their passion was still fresh in his mind. The nights they had spent together exploring each other bought back pleasurable memories. He was twenty-one at the time and thought she was at least nineteen, until she told him her age after they had made love and he had discovered that she was a virgin. The way she had come on to him, he would have never thought she was untouched. She knew what she wanted and he was more than willing to give it to her. She had wrapped him around her little finger with her incredible budding body. She still had that incredible body, only more matured. She had filled out nicely; he recalled her now fuller breasts and rounded hips. She was cute then, now she was stunningly beautiful. After five nights at his beach house totally enthralled in each other, she had disappeared. No good-byes, nothing. Now she was back and she had no idea who he was. The thought of it made him laugh.

  Sean headed downtown to his office. As usual, the streets were swamped with traffic and vendors, taking him an extra ten minutes before he reached the municipal building parking lot. The municipal building reflected its colonial heritage with its stippled roof and slated windows. The municipal building housed a number of government offices. His office, which was the Office of Defense, was housed on the first floor of the building. He made his way down the old marble corridor to his office. His receptionist Clair was gone for the day. He tapped on his partner Jack Henry’s half-open door to let him know he was in the office.

  In his office, Sean unholstered his gun, which he wore behind his back, then dropped into his plush chair. His office was large, with a view of the back parking lot. The walls were lined with file cabinets and in one corner sat a shelf of surveillance equipment. He was about to make a call when Jack walked in, tapping on his door.

  “Wha’ yu’ have on Mike?” Sean asked Jack Henry as he sat behind his desk. Jack was his right-hand man, and a damn good undercover special agent. Jack was a tall, thick, dark-skinned man with haunting, cold green eyes. His eyes gave him an intimidating look, which worked well in their line of work.

  “The boat was clean.” Jack frowned. His heavy voice boomed off the walls. Sean shared in Jack’s disappointment; they had been watching Mike Curve for the past year. Curve was a businessman and a ruthless killer who used his business and his connections to traffic drugs on and off the island. Curve was a hard man to touch, mainly because he remained so visible, and of course there were his connections on and off St. Pala. Getting to Curve was proving to be more and more difficult as the days went by. Not being able to catch him was starting to frustrate the hell out of Sean. Curve knew he was after him, and was good at eluding him. But Sean was determined to bring him down no matter what it took. Drugs were starting to destroy his island and he would do anything to stop it. One way or the other he intended to get rid of Curve.

  Sean’s most recent victory over Curve was taking down three of his men in a drug bust off the north coast. That was three months ago. Drugs were still leaking into St. Pala, and his job was to put a stop to it. Not being able to get to Curve was starting to frustrate Sean; he needed something tangible on him and he needed it soon! But Curve had too many people in his pocket, which made it damn near impossible to get to him. To make matters worse, Curve’s legitimate businesses on the island provided cover for him. But Sean knew he would slip up one day, and he would be there to get him.

  “So we have no’ting,” Sean said, frustrated.

  “He has too many eyes.”

  “We need to put out his eyes.” Sean knew he had to get working on Mike’s informers or he’d get nowhere fast.

  His thoughts drifted to Kelee, and he smiled. Kelee was a whole different matter, a pleasurable one. Her return to St. Pala was at a bad time, but he would make do with the time he had to deal with her.

  “Wha’?” Jack asked, snapping Sean back to reality.

  “Wha’?”

  “Who is she?”

  “Who?”

  “The woman yu’ was thinkin’ of?” Jack gave him a knowing look. They had known each other all their lives and were close friends; actually they were more like brothers. They could read each other like a book, which worked well with their partner- friendship.

  “Someone from my past.”

  “She must be som’ting.” A slow grin curled Jack’s lips.

  “She is,” he admitted, smiling. The way she had looked at him told him she found him attractive. He couldn’t wait to get his hands on her.

  “If she have yu’ smilin’ like that, I can’t wait to meet her,” Jack said, intrigued.

  Sean suddenly remembered an invitation he had gotten about a fund-raiser tomorrow night. Lori and Allan would be there and so would Kelee.

  “Call me on the mobile if yu’ need me. I have to pick up a suit for tomorrow night.” Sean jumped out of his chair and headed for the door.

  “I thought yu’ weren’t goin’.”

  “Change of plans . . .” He paused with a silly grin on his face.

  “She’s goin’ to be there? I wonder if Mavis up for a party tomorrow night?” Jack laughed. Mavis was Jack’s wife of ten years. They had gotten married right out of high school and had four kids, whom Sean was godfather to.

  Sean simply smiled and ran out the door. He could hear Jack’s laughter booming behind him. He hadn’t planned on attending the fund-raiser but now her being there was incentive enough for him to go to the fund-raiser.

  It was almost six P.M. and most of the businesses and shops were already closed for the day, except for the restaurants and a few small shops and supermarkets. Sean raced uptown with his siren blasting, making it to his favorite men’s shop just in time before they closed their doors. The manager knew him and let him in immediately. He told the sales lady exactly what he wanted and she found his size and style in a few minutes. Sean checked in with Jack before he headed home. His house was a located on a hill, overlooking the city. It was farther up the hill than most homes, which he loved. Driving through his security gates he drove down a short path to his house. His home was a two-level luxury house, painted cream and pale blue. His father had built it ten years ago. It had six bedrooms, a living room, a dining room and an eat-in kitchen with a separate dining area. He had put in a pool and a Jacuzzi a couple of years ago. The main attraction of the house was the veranda. It surrounded the entire house, offering a spectacular view of the city below and the mountains as a backdrop. The servant’s apartment was just off the garage, where his housekeeper May lived. The house was far too big for him, of course, and his mother kept pestering
him about filling it with a wife and children. Sean knew he would marry one day, but the right woman was key to all that. He thought of Kelee; she was definitely wife material. Any man would love to have her on his arm. She was spirited and fun when they had first met; he wondered if she was still the same.

  Sean parked his jeep in the garage and got out, taking his suit with him. He walked to the end of the driveway and looked down at the house with the red slate roof. Kelee was under that roof and the knowledge of her being so close excited him. Sean wasn’t a man who got excited over a woman often. They threw themselves at him. He had plenty to choose from. But seeing Kelee again had confirmed it: he hadn’t gotten over her. How the hell didn’t she recognize him? He stood there staring at the house. A wicked smile touched his lips. He wondered how she’d react when she found out who he really was. He couldn’t wait to find out, but for now he would simply play along.

  Sean headed inside, the scent of freshly cut flowers in the foyer welcoming him. At first, he had reservations about moving in after his parents moved to Florida. They wanted to be near their five grandchildren. Sean had lived at home since he was nineteen when he joined the intelligence force. He made his way into the kitchen to find May humming and washing dishes. May Brown was an older woman, in her late fifties. She had been working for him for the past five years. She was very motherly to him, which he didn’t mind with his own mother now living in Florida. May was a widow and her children were living in Brooklyn, New York. She only visited them once a year, because of her fear of flying. She was short and round with salt and pepper hair, which she wore in braids under her headscarf. Her skin was leathery and brown from being in the sun too much. May had worked on a cocoa plantation most of her life and it showed in her sun-wrinkled skin.

  “Yu’ dinner is ready,” May told him and pointed to the plate covered by a red mesh dome on the counter. He moved over to the plate and lifted the cover. She had made him his favorite—yellow yam and steamed snapper with okra. His mouth watered at the scent of the food. He placed it in the microwave for two minutes. He had barely eaten lunch, distracted from seeing Kelee earlier.

  “Yu’ OK?” May asked. He looked up at her and swallowed. “Yu’ kinda quiet. Some’ting wrong?” May was good at picking up when something wasn’t right with him or he wasn’t himself.

  “No, no, every’ting fine.” He grinned.

  May gave him a scrutinizing look before going back to the dishes. Sean went back to his food, thinking of Kelee. He couldn’t wait for tomorrow night. It still tickled him that she didn’t remember him.

  Chapter 3

  Kelee couldn’t stop thinking of Sean St. John. She was excited over the fact that he might be at the party tonight. All day she had dreamed of seeing him again. She didn’t know what it was about him that had her so interested. Maybe it was his eyes—they were so familiar to her. She had gone to bed thinking of him and woke up thinking of him. It was crazy, but she couldn’t wait to see him again. She couldn’t even remember the last time a man had captured her attention from such a brief meeting.

  The dress Kelee had decided to wear to the fund-raiser was a sexy strapless peach number made of chiffon. The dress had an empire waist that hugged and lifted her breasts before falling into an A-line skirt to her ankles. She chose high-heeled black sling-back pumps with a matching black clutch. Around her neck she wore a single string of amber and in her ears she wore the matching stud earrings. She had pinned her hair back behind her ears with crystal clips. She checked herself one last time in the mirror before leaving her room.

  Allan and Lori were ready and waiting in the sitting room. Allan was massaging Lori’s belly, his favorite thing to do, she had noticed since arriving. He was connected to his unborn child, which was a beautiful thing. They made a beautiful couple.

  “Lookin’ good,” Allan commented, looking her over with admiration.

  “Thank yu’.” She smiled at the six-foot giant of a man. Allan was West Indian/white with black hair, bronze coloring, and blue eyes. Kelee wondered whom her niece would take after.

  They got into Allan’s BMW and headed down the hill, then crosstown to Jove Hall—a grand house used mainly for entertaining and a tourist attraction. It was the first main governor’s house built on the island. It was a grand sight surrounded by endless gardens and lawns. It was also the most popular spot for wedding receptions. The grounds and the fountain were well lit, welcoming its guests. The hall was buzzing with well dressed dignitaries, politicians, and the elite of St. Pala.

  Champagne was ever flowing with some delectable Caribbean infused hors d’oeuvres. Kelee got herself a glass of champagne, while Allan went to the bar to get Lori some juice. Kelee scanned the room but she didn’t see Sean.

  “Yu’ think Sean will be here?” Kelee looked at Lori. Lori gave her a mischievous look before responding. “He’s not one for parties.”

  “Oh.” Kelee sipped her drink, disappointed. She had hoped to see him tonight.

  Allan returned with juice for Lori. He had barely handed her her drink, when some of his friends whisked him off.

  “How do yu’ even find quality time with him?” Kelee asked.

  “Trust me, we do, or I wouldn’t be in this state.” Lori grinned and rubbed her stomach. Kelee touched her sister’s stomach and smiled. Lori was extremely patient. She knew what it was like being a politician’s wife and she handled it all so well. Kelee commended her for her patience.

  “Hello, ladies,” a deep voice said behind them. Kelee instantly recognized Sean’s voice and excitement raced through her. She turned to look at him. The sight of him was a pleasure. Kelee allowed a gentle smile to reach her lips. She had to keep her excitement in check; she didn’t want him to see the effect he had on her. He was striking in a gray suit that hung just right on his muscular frame. Damn, he was fine!

  His eyes met and held hers as he dropped a kiss on Lori’s cheek. His eyes were so familiar to her. Anxiety coupled with curiosity filled her stomach, making it quiver. She got the feeling of knowing him, which was strange, seeing that she didn’t know him. She was looking forward to knowing him, if he was available.

  He smiled at Kelee and his face came alive with his million-dollar smile. His teeth were even and perfect—and those lips! She blinked and rescued her thoughts from just how much she wanted Sean St. John. She hadn’t felt this kind of attraction since she was a teenager. He moved to sit beside her and she caught the scent of his cologne. His cool scent invaded her senses, stimulating her in ways that surprised her. Stay cool. She really had to get some control. Maybe her stay in St. Pala wasn’t going to be so boring. She smiled inwardly, looking into his handsome face. Not that being here for her niece’s birth was boring. All she knew was that Sean was definitely the kind of man she would love to occupy her free time with.

  “Thought yu’ didn’t do social events?” Lori gave Sean a questioning look.

  “This one is different,” he commented, never taking his eyes off Kelee. She blushed under his piercing eyes. “Kelee,” he greeted her with that infectious smile of his.

  “Nice to see yu’ again,” she said coolly.

  “Yu’ too,” he said. “Can I borrow Kelee for a second?” he asked Lori, but kept his eyes solely fixed on her.

  “Sure, my husband looks like he needs rescuin’.” Lori looked at Allan. Sean assisted her out of her chair. Lori thanked him and headed towards Allan. He held a hand out to her. Kelee placed her hand in his strong warm hand. He gently helped her up, placing a hand around her waist, and led her from the hall. He grabbed fresh drinks before leading her out into the gardens.

  “Is this yu’ first time in St. Pala?” He directed her towards a bench. He sat beside her.

  “No, it’s my third trip.” She took a sip of her drink, loving how the light of the garden made his hair shine.

  “And we’ve never met until now?” he asked, intrigued.

  Kelee smirked. “Guess not.”

  “How long yu’ stayin
’?” His eyes held hers with such intensity, she felt like baring her soul to him. That was not good; she didn’t even know the man.

  “Until Lori has her baby.”

  “Then yu’ go back to New York?” He sounded disappointed. She studied him and he seemed genuinely disappointed.

  “Yes.” She looked at him, curious. “How did yu’ know I was from New York?”

  “Lori.”

  Kelee couldn’t help but grin. “So yu’ know about me?”

  “Not enough.” His eyes searched hers with such earnestness, she had to take a breath and focus her thoughts. “I want to know more,” he continued.

  “Like what?” She smiled, enjoying his inquiry.

  “Wha’ exactly yu’ do in New York.”

  “I’m a decorator and stylist. Lori told me that yu’ the minister of security. Do yu’ like what yu’ do?” She came back with a question of her own.

  “I used to be an undercover cop, so it was an easy transition,” he told her with a confident ease.

  “So yu’ like what yu’ do?”

  “I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t; an’ yu’?”

  She smiled. “I love what I do. I get to meet new and interesting people.” She loved her career mainly because of the different people she interacted with on a daily basis.

  “So can I see yu’ while yu’ here?” Kelee was a little thrown by his bold request. The man wasted no time, not that she minded.

  “I don’t know.” She eyed him with caution.

  “Yu’ don’t know?” He raised a surprised brow at her.

  “I just met yu’.”

  “Then have lunch with me tomorrow, so yu’ can get to know me.” He smiled and she knew she couldn’t say no.

  “Yu’ waste no time, do yu’?”

  “Why should I, when I know wha’ I want?” he said with such sexy confidence, it excited and intrigued her at the same time; Kelee had forgotten how bold Caribbean men could be; especially when it came to a woman they wanted.