Finding Love At Life's Crossroads: An Interracial Novel

by Skylar Ward

  Quietly, they strolled along Calico Cays Resort’s five miles of private beachfront. Each deep in thought as the sun bowed, giving way to a medley of vibrant colors which glided up over the horizon, and hurled its splendor across the open ocean.

  “It is getting late,” Ace said, about an hour later. “We should head back.”

  “Of course,” Efia sighed. “It is beautiful out here.”

  As if on cue, a gust of wind lifted Efia’s curls tossing them about her face. Ace reached toward her face but withdrawing his hand. “Very beautiful,” he murmured.

  While retracing their steps, Ace picked up a few pebbles, tossing them into the water. “Have dinner with me tonight.”

  “It will be fun,” Efia said. “I bet you will enjoy the after show.”

  “Not in the main dining room, Efia. In my villa. Just the two of us.”

  “That won’t be a problem,” Efia said. “It is allowed.”

  “Then, it’s settled. What would you like to eat?”

  “I am not fussy. The menu here is excellent. Whatever you order will be delicious.”

  “As you wish.”

  “What time is dinner?” Efia asked.

  “Eight-thirty,” Ace replied. “Is that okay?

  That will give me just enough time to fix my hair, Efia thought. “That’s perfect.”

  Chapter 12

  Efia twisted herself in the bathroom mirror for the fourth time, admiring the work of Mike, the on-premises hairdresser. The blowout and flat ironing were a change she enjoyed, even though she kept the harsh routine to a minimum. Three years ago, when she had embarked on her natural hair journey, she could never have imagined that her once short, over-processed hair would now be the thick, vibrant, tresses that hung down the middle of her back.

  Walking over to the sink, she removed a tube of Kiehl's lip balm, a staple against the drying effects of the Caribbean’s weather from her makeup bag. She squeezed a tiny bit of the lotion onto her pinky, applying it to her lips. She pressed her lips together, covered the tube, and dropped it back into her makeup bag.

  “Fancy schmancy!” Ashley said when Efia emerged from the bathroom. “My God, you look fabulous, missy. Do you think Maria will approve of your hairstyle?”

  Hoping Ashley wouldn’t pick up on her excitement, Efia kept a straight face while removing a scarf that matched her skirt from her bag. She handed it to Ashley. “Help me tie it back.”

  “Good idea,” Ashley said as Efia ran her hands over her hair, lifting it at the nape. “I can’t believe how much your hair grew. There, all done.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Aren’t you happy I made you buy this skirt in Great Exuma?”

  “Yes, thank you,” Efia replied. “It was worth the expense.”

  “It suits you, too,” Ashley said “You can rock print. That material would make me look like a whale.”

  “You only think that’s the case because you favor monochrome,” Efia said.

  Ashley’s iPad vibrated. She checked the screen. “It’s my couple. They are staying in tonight.”

  “I guess they are exhausted,” Efia said.

  “They went kitesurfing today. I will check on them in a bit.”

  “I have to meet with Maria before I visit Ace. I will see you later.”

  “Enjoy yourself. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Ashley winked. “You know that gives you a wide latitude, right?”

  “I don’t know what I am going to do with you.”

  “Just have fun,” Ashley said.

  Believe me, I intend to, Efia thought as she waved goodbye to Ashley.

  <>

  A few minutes later, Efia knocked on Maria’s opened office door

  Maria lifted her eyes from the pile of papers on her desk and studied Efia. Her eyes lingered on Efia’s black gladiator sandals, peeping out from beneath her ankle length pencil skirt. Her gaze moved up to Efia’s fitted, black Tee, and then to her head.

  “I like your hairstyle,” Maria finally said. “You are presentable without being provocative.”

  Efia beamed, pleased that she had gotten Maria’s approval.

  “Remember, drinking alcohol is not permitted.” Maria stood up. “Neither is smoking with the guest.”

  “I know.

  “Leave if you feel the slightest discomfort. Do you have your FOB key?”

  “Yes,” Efia said, patting her black bag.

  “You shouldn’t have any problems with Mr. Davenport. He came highly recommended by Corporate. However, you should never let your guard down. Stay alert.”

  “Thank you. I am going now.”

  “Efia?”

  Efia held her breath and turned slowly, hoping Maria hadn’t picked up on her eagerness to be with Ace.

  “You are doing a good job. I am proud of you.”

  White teeth flashed as Efia found it difficult to contain her happiness. “Thank you, Maria. Thank you very much.”

  <>

  Outside the Fiesta Villa, Efia thought of Ace’s loss. To date, her grandfather was the nearest relative who had passed away, and he had been in his late seventies. She still missed him, so she imagined Ace would forever grieve for his loved ones.

  Hopefully, I can help him to forget his loss. He did seem comfortable with me today. Efia pushed the thoughts aside and checked the surroundings. Moving off to an area shaded by an ironwood tree, she removed her scarf from her hair and tucked it into her handbag. She ran her fingers through the length of her hair, loosening the strands. Next, she removed a compact, lighted mirror from her bag, along with a lipstick tube, smearing the red color across her mouth. Her pulse thudded between her ears. She drew in a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

  Chapter 13

  Ace heard the knock at the door and glanced at the clock on the dining room’s wall—8:25 P.M. He smiled. If only his family and friends were a fly on the wall, they would be stunned. How could a few days have made such a difference?

  Ace slipped his arms into a custom-made navy blue linen sports jacket and adjusted the collar before buttoning it. He opened the door. His eyes widened as they roamed over Efia. She met his gaze. Seconds became minutes, yet, neither spoke.

  Efia broke eye contact. She clutched her handbag, playing with the straps. “May I come in?”

  “By all means,” Ace said, shifting his body out of the doorway. “Sorry about that.”

  Efia pushed past him, her eyes focused on the dining table set for two.

  I am more nervous than Efia, Ace thought as he followed her into the dining room. “My God, you are lovely.”

  Efia ran her hand over her head. “Thank you.”

  Ace followed her action with a raised brow.

  “What?”

  “Your hair is different.”

  “What you saw before was my hair in its natural state.” Efia twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “I had it blown out.”

  “Natural hair … state?” Ace questioned.

  Efia waved her hand. “It is a long story.”

  “Perhaps one day, you will share it with me,” Ace said. One day? What the hell is the matter with me? Where would I see her? “I hope you are hungry.”

  “Yes, I am,” Efia said emphatically.

  Ace glanced away and quickly drew a chair, “Have a seat.” He spotted the goosebumps on her arm. “You are cold, let me turn the air-conditioner down.”

  “Thank you,” Efia responded when he had followed through.

  “It should be better soon,” Ace said. “Would you like to put away your bag?”

  “No.”

  Ace analyzed the stylish bracelet dangling on her arm. His eyes followed the bag she hung on the back of the chair. He inwardly chuckled, aware of the security practice in place.

  “What are we having for dinner?” Efia asked.

  Ace removed his jacket, placing it on the back of his chair. He proceeded to remove several covers from their warming trays. “We have Crab cakes, roasted beet salad, aged R
ibeye steak with caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms, and wild rice. There is also baked Brie and Focaccia bread.”

  Efia stood. “Let me help.”

  “No,” Ace said. “Allow me.”

  He plated their meal. Aware Efia’s eyes were trained on him, Ace smiled as he had zero objection to being the focus of her attention. He was not a novice when it came to females. He knew desire when he saw it, and hunger was written all over Efia’s face. On the other hand, Ace hoped Efia would not pick up on his own longings. Silently, vowing not to act on his own impulse, he placed a plate with a serving of everything before Efia.

  “This looks even better than it sounded,” Efia said.

  Ace opened a bottle of wine and took the wineglass closest to Efia.

  “Oh, no.” Efia raised her hand. “I will have water.”

  He poured water from a crystal pitcher into her glass. Efia gaped at the pitcher, a frown on her face.

  “It only contains strawberries and lemons, Efia. There is no alcohol in this.”

  Efia lifted the glass, taking a sip.

  “What do you think?”

  “It is refreshing.”

  “Good,” Ace said. “Do you mind if I play a little music?”

  “Music?”

  “Just something from my iPhone,” Ace replied. “I haven’t played anything in a while, but if you don’t …”

  “It’s okay,” Efia said.

  With the music softly playing in the background, Ace and Efia turned their attention to the scrumptious meal on their plates. After eating for about twenty minutes, Efia lifted her eyes to Ace. “I would have thought you were more of a classical music fan.”

  Ace smiled. “I am, but that does not preclude me from enjoying good music across other genres. What type of music do you enjoy?”

  “I like modern music,” Efia said. “Beyoncé, Rihanna, Drake, Katy Perry, etc.”

  Ace nodded.

  “Who was that last singer?”Efia asked.

  “That was Abby Lincoln,” Ace replied. “The song is Windmills of Your Mind.”

  “She has a very distinctive voice,” Efia said.

  “Yes, she was a great Jazz singer,” Ace said. “Underrated, in my opinion.”

  “The tenor sax was nice, too,” Efia said. “Whoever that was can really play.”

  Ace raised his eyebrows. “You picked up on that?”

  Efia laid her fork on her plate. She looked at Ace. “Enjoying modern music does not preclude me from knowing musical instruments, Ace.”

  Ace laughed so hard, a tear rolled from his eye.

  Efia joined in. “My dad is a jazz lover,” she acknowledged.

  When Ace stopped laughing, he said, “The tenor sax was Joe Lovano.”

  Efia nodded. She looked at her almost empty plate. “I am stuffed. I think I might have to fast for three days.”

  Ace pushed away from the table. He took their empty plates to the rolling cart. Removing a bottle of Larressingle VSOP Armagnac, he poured a small amount into a brandy sniffer, passing it to Efia.

  “Drink this, it will help with your digestion,” he said.

  Efia pushed the glass away, knocking it from his hand. The glass fell to the table, breaking into large pieces, and splattering its contents onto Ace’s white silk shirt and blue jeans. Efia slapped her hand over her mouth, and her eyes stretched wide as Ace’s shirt began to change color.

  “I am so sorry.” Efia grabbed a white napkin from the table and ran into the galley-style kitchen. Returning she said, “Remove your shirttails.”

  Ace removed his shirt from his pants.

  Efia slid her hand beneath it. Lifting the fabric, she blotted the stain. As she rubbed vigorously, and her hand glided along his chest, Ace’s skin flamed. Temptation weighed heavily, and he gritted his teeth. Efia’s nails raked his chest. Inhaling deeply, Ace closed his eyes.

  “Oops, sorry about …”

  Ace grabbed Efia’s right hand, halting her movement. Her left hand dropped from beneath his shirt. She froze.

  Ace glanced down into her upturned face. “Jesus,” he whispered before taking the napkin from her hand and tossing it onto the table. This is wrong on every level, he thought before sliding his hand behind her neck. He lifted her hair, wrapping the thick tresses around his hand, and holding it tightly at her nape. His eyes dropped to her heaving chest. Her harsh and uneven breath, filling his ears. Slowly, he lowered his head, giving her time to turn away. Efia stood her ground, an air of expectation on her face. Deciding not to disappoint her, Ace pressed his lips to hers. His body shuddered. Stunned, he felt like an awkward teenager, getting his first kiss.

  Regrouping, Ace pried Efia’s lips apart seeking her tongue. After a short hesitation, she surrendered. Ace released her tongue in favor of the recesses of her mouth, claiming it as though he had the right. Her body slumped. Ace tugged her closer to his heightened arousal, the heaviness, a reminder that self-gratification was no match for a willing female.

  Ace feathered his lips along the side of her face. “I want you, Efia. I want you now.”

  Efia closed her eyes and ran the tip of her tongue over her lips. Her action causing his cock to rage beneath his trousers. Groaning, Ace scooped her into his arms and hurried from the room. He kicked the bedroom door shut, depositing her into the middle of the king-size bed.

  He climbed over her, balancing his weight on his knees. He ran his thumb across her lips before pushing her hair away from her face. Suppressing his own need, he peppered small kisses over her face. It’s been a while, you must be careful, or you will embarrass yourself. Ace pushed the nagging inner voice aside, concentrating on Efia’s moans and his desire to please her.

  Efia writhed beneath him, her hands roaming freely over his back, and her moans growing louder. Delighted with her response, Ace captured her bottom lip between his teeth, nipping her slightly. She cried out. Ace ran the tip of his tongue over the area, soothingly. He lifted his head. “I need to see you, Efia—all of you. I have to turn the lights on.”

  <>

  Efia wrestled with Ace’s request for all of ten seconds before her sense of adventure kicked in, reminding her she would never see him after his trip. Ablaze with the desire to go all the way, she threw caution to the wind.

  “Okay,” she whispered.

  Ace slid down the bed, taking her skirt with him. He tossed the floral material to the floor, and reached for her top, easing it over her head. Efia sat up helping him with the task while her lower region pulsed in expectation.

  Ace forewent the bedside lamps and ambled across the room, flooding the space with light. The appreciation on his face, hard to miss as he gazed at Efia in her bra, panties and Gladiator sandals.

  Efia realized she wasn’t as brave as she had previously thought. She grabbed the edges of the sheet.

  Ace shook his head. “You are beautiful, Efia. Don’t hide from me.”

  Without taking her eyes from his, Efia let go, and the material fell from her hands. Ace started to undress, when he had removed the last of his clothing, he stood upright. Efia gasped at his sheer size. Her slickness touched her inner thighs. She squeezed her legs together, and a little moan escaped from her lips. Smiling, Ace strolled slowly over to the nightstand as though he was giving her time to get used to his body. After removing several packets of condoms, he sat on the edge of the bed and removed her shoes. Next, he ran his palms up the sides of her body and over the satin cups of her bra.

  Overwhelmed by a deluge of sensations that she had never experienced before, every fiber in Efia’s body yelled, hurry up!

  As if sensing her needs, Ace used his teeth to lower one bra strap down her arm. He did the same to the other before unsnapping the hook. Pushing the bra from her body, he hooked his fingers into the sides of her black, satin underwear. Efia arched her body in a feline pose.

  “You are stunning,” Ace whispered, rolling the garment down. He tossed the scrappy material over his shoulder, and his lips grazed the va
lley between her breasts.

  He trailed kisses across each erect nipple, igniting a flame across her skin. Ace moved on to her toned stomach, dipping the tip of his tongue into her navel.

  “Oh, Oh!” Efia dragged her nails across his back.

  Ace sucked in air.

  “Oh, God, Oh, No,” she panted.

  Ace lifted his head, “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, Yes.”

  Ace worked his way further down her body. Efia pushed her thighs together, hoping to slow the pounding in her ears. Ace spread them apart, sliding his index finger into her core. He paused. He shook his head. Removing his fingers, he smeared her liquid across her nub. Efia groaned, and her body raised off the bed. Keeping her thighs far apart, Ace pressed the heel of his hand into her mound. Increasing the pressure, he continued to stroke and arouse her body. Efia’s movement matched the rhythm of his hand. Just as she was on the verge of combustion, Ace removed his hand from her thigh, reached up, and pinched her left nipple.

  Ace parted her nether lips, and lowered his head, giving her swollen clitoris two long strokes with his tongue. That was all it took for her body to release its essence. Ace took every drop of nectar before kissing her inner thigh.

  With her womanly scent, permeating the air, and clinging to his face, Ace stood. He tore a packet, sheathing himself. Repositioning himself on the mattress, he knelt and hooked Efia’s right leg over his left arm. He ran his cock along her wet seam. He pushed forward. He paused. He pushed forward a second time. He stopped and lifted his head. He shook his head. Again, he pushed forward.

  Efia squeezed her eyes shut, the look on her face far from pleasant. “Oh,” she whimpered. “Ouch.”

  Ace’s hand shook. And Efia’s eyes flew open.

  “Oh, God, no,” Ace whispered. “Tell me that you have done this before.”

  Unable to stand the scrutiny and the sharp tone in his voice, Efia twisted her face to the side.

  Ace turned her face gently back to him. “Efia?”

  She shook her head.

  “My God, Efia. Why didn’t you tell me to go to hell, or kick me in the nuts when I kissed you?”

  Efia raised her hips, causing Ace to blow out a sharp breath. “I want to do this,” she said. “I want to do it with you.”