by Grace Rawson
I bring up a map of the Bahamas on the search engine and pick the first island I lay my eyes on, a big island about 50 miles or so from Cuba.
I haven’t heard much about the Inagua Islands so it shouldn’t be too touristy. I’m aiming for some place nice and low-key.
“Mom?” I jumped.
“Geesh, Gunner. Don’t surprise me like that.”
“Sorry Mom,” Gunner says while rubbing his belly indicating that it’s time for dinner.
After dinner, I settle down into my bed and started searching for flights and hotels to Great Inagua Island. I book the flights but am not able to get accommodations for a hotel room. Oh well, I’ll figure something out when we get there. Happy with what just transpired, I log off my computer and lie in bed.
Loneliness creeps over me. It’s pretty lonely in this huge bed all by myself. But, I shrug it away. I’ve been own for years now, and I’ve managed to survive.
*****
“Attention all passengers, flight 4242 will be boarding in 30 minutes,” the flight attendant calls over the speakerphone.
“That’s my flight Miss, can I cut in front of you!” the man behind me exclaims.
“Sure.” I usher him in front. So many people have no sense of time. That is why I’m always early for a flight. I don’t like doing things last minute and I don’t like doing things without planning ahead.
So this last minute vacation is out of the ordinary for me. But it also feels very exhilarating at the same time. That will never happen again. I could very well be like this guy if I kept that up.
“I’m so excited Mom!” Gunner sounds like a kid now. Good thing too, I was starting to think he’s been an adult all of his ten years. He seems to be more cheerful today. He’s finally gotten his mind off his deadbeat dad.
Gunner and I finally make it through the gates a good one hour ahead of schedule. He reads his book while I flip open a magazine. Just then, my phone rings.
“You’re taking our son out of the States? Without MY permission?!” It’s Michael and he’s as irate as ever. No surprise, this seems to be the only mood he knows.
“Michael,” I calmly reply, “I don’t need your permission because I have full custody of Gunner. Let’s not forget that the only reason you’re in his life is because I’m allowing it.” Wow where did that come from? I’ve never been brave enough to stand up to Michael except for when I wanted a divorce. Even then, I almost succumbed to his rants.
“LEXI! ARE YOU THREATENING TO TAKE MY OWN SON AWAY FROM ME??! LEXI LET ME TELL YOU…” He screams through the phone so loud I know everyone within a one mile radius can hear.
Gunner stares at me wide eyed. I smile at him and hang up on Michael. I quickly turn off my phone. There’s no point in trying to reason with a lunatic.
“It’s ok honey. We’re going on this trip no matter what,” I assure him, knowing full well the wrath I’ll get from Michael when I return to the States.
The flight to the Bahamas isn’t bad. I’ve traveled many times before due to my job. But, Gunner isn’t too thrilled during the ride.
“Mom, I’m feeling queasy,” Gunner tells me or, “Mom, I don’t feel good.” Poor boy, it’s his first time on an airplane.
The landing is hard for him, and I can tell he’s trying to put on a brave face. Once the plane lands, he’s more than eager to step foot on solid ground.
“I’ve always wanted to fly on a plane, Mom. But after that, I might have to re-think my traveling career,” Gunner jokes.
“Honey, you’ll get used to it,” I laugh.
We gather up all our luggage and head for the rental car lot. Gunner wants to explore and sightsee, but first we need to find a hotel.
“We have to find a hotel first honey. After we drop off our bags, we’ll go do whatever you want,” I assure him.
This was what I’ve been missing. I spend so much time working that I failed to notice that Gunner is growing too quickly for his age. Right now, he’s more of a child than ever. I can see the excitement in his face. He’s so anxious he can barely contain himself.
Unlike the other islands, Greater Inagua is not much of a tourist destination. I like this. No elbowing through people. Everyone here is so friendly, all the locals go out of their way to great us.
The island itself is beautiful. There’s just something about this island that’s making me a little frisky. It’s been awhile since I’ve been in a man’s embrace and right now, this environment is making me long for a man’s touch.
We’re lucky enough to find accommodations at our first stop. The flight exhausted me, so I’m eager to take the first available room they had.
“Mom! Mom! Mom! Let’s go see the water! Or the flamingos! Or the salt mine!” Gunner can hardly contain himself now. He soaks in everything the locals tell us about this island and all the sights we should see. He’s jumping up and down on the bed like any excited 10-year-old should.
“Ok, ok honey. Calm down,” I reply as I turned my phone back on only to discover tons of angry texts from Michael. I roll my eyes, don’t even bother to read the texts, and shut off my phone again.
We start off just walking around the vicinity. Gunner is so talkative with the locals that I find myself having to kill the conversations. We come upon a local who introduces himself as Adon. He offers to take us snorkeling since he is on his way out there anyways.
That gets Gunner’s attention. He turns to me with droopy puppy eyes. I couldn’t resist. It isn’t every day that I get to see Gunner acting like he should; a 10-year-old boy.
It isn’t like me to just follow some local around for a tour and to go snorkeling, but I want to give Gunner a memorable time. Plus, the crime rate is pretty non-existent on this island anyways so I feel pretty safe.
Gunner and I go back to our room to gather our swimwear while the local chats with the clerk at the front desk.
Once out there, the water is just beautiful. It’s a beautiful blue with a greenish hue. You can clearly see the fish swimming about the reef.
“You two can explore here, but don’t go far,” the guide says. It must be because I haven’t been with a man for a long time, but his accent sends thrills throughout my body. He gets bombarded with Gunner’s questions, allowing me some time to jump into the water and explore by myself.
I jump in, forgetting all my worries—forgetting about the job at home and the ex-husband, who after five years still hasn’t left me alone. I spot a beautiful fish down at the bottom and decide to dive deeper. Just then, I bump into something or someone.
It’s a man in full scuba gear who blended in so well with his surroundings that I didn’t see him. He grabs my hands and pulls me towards him.
I’m afraid. I look upwards to find the boat, but I must’ve gotten lost while I was daydreaming. I can’t see the boat. I can’t see Gunner. I try to get free. The man’s finger comes up to his mouth, to indicate for me to remain silent and still. Then he drags me upwards breaking the water’s surface.
What’s he going to do to me?
*****
Once we break the surface, I see the boat, but know that Adon won’t be able to see me. Freedom seems to be in reach, but I doubt I’ll be able to outswim this stranger.
He takes me by the arms and pauses as if deciding what to do with me.
“Mom! Mom! Mooooommmm!” I hear Gunner yelling, diverting the stranger’s attention. That’s my chance. I gather all my energy and punch him in the stomach, push myself off him, and swim towards the boat, as fast as I can.
Gunner and the local must’ve heard all the commotion as they head towards me. But then I felt him grab my leg. I knew I couldn’t outswim him! He pulls me towards him.
I can feel his entire body on mine as he holds me. If I weren’t afraid for my life, I would be enjoying this. After all, it’s the first time in a long time since I had my body so close to another man. The stranger pulls off his mask revealing a strong jawline. He is clean-cut, with beautiful blue eyes and dark brown h
air.
“Ssshhh, do as I say or you’ll regret it.” He’s American?
“You there! What are you doing with this woman!” Adon says, pointing to the man with a fishing pole. That is almost comical. I can’t imagine what he would do with a fishing pole.
“Do you mind, Sir? My girlfriend and I were just enjoying a little private moment,” the stranger says as he nudges me to play along.
“Uh, of course. I forgot to mention that my boyfriend is in town as well.” The stranger looks at me. I stare at his blue eyes as he grabs my hips towards his and gives me a deep passionate kiss. I feel an aching between my legs as I feel his tongue swirl in my mouth. It’s been so long.
“We’ll leave the rest for the bedroom baby,” he whispers loud enough for the local to hear as he winks at me.
Gunner doesn’t say anything. Somehow he knows to keep quiet.
“Well, let’s get in the boat baby and find something to eat. I’m famished,” the stranger says. The ride back to shore is awkward. The stranger talks my ears off with stories of our past vacations together. He seems to be going out of his way to ensure that Adon believes we are a couple.
Once on shore, the stranger thanks Adon for taking such good care of his “two babies.” He pushes all his scuba equipment in my rental car, and we drive off together.
“Well, where do you want me to go?” I ask.
“Back to our room of course,” the stranger replies. I’m afraid of what he would do if I argue. Gunner is still quiet.
“Hi there Buddy.” The stranger turns around finally acknowledging Gunner. “What’s your name?”
“What’s yours?” Gunner replies.
“Norman.”
“Casper,” Gunner quickly stated.
“And I suppose your Mom is Kat?” says Norman.
Gunner nods.
“You’re alright kid.” The stranger laughs.
“Well Kat, let’s stop by the store so I can pick up something to wear.” The stranger now has his suit pulled down to his waist exposing his chiseled chest and abs. I find myself starting at his muscular body and dreaming about his body against mine.
I don’t know what he has planned, but I’m secretly hoping this stranger stays. My mind returns to our kiss just a short time earlier, and I remember the feel of his hands on my hips.
*****
“So what do you think, Casper?” Norman says as he poses in the outfit he just bought.
“You look ridiculous,” Gunner replies, not showing an ounce of fear.
“Well, when in Rome do as the Romans. I think I’m pretty handsome don’t you think Kat?” Norman and Gunner are both looking at me now.
“You’re so full of yourself,” I told him trying to be as brave as Gunner. But before Norman can reply, his phone rings.
“Sorry baby, gotta take this.” He walks into the bathroom. I motion for Gunner to stay still and quiet as I walk towards the bathroom door. The dresser was conveniently placed in a way that I could pretend I was looking for clothes.
What I hear is muffled, but I was able to hear something about the mission and being compromised. Then I hear the phone click. I quickly turn away from the door and pretend like I am busy digging through the drawers.
Norman walks out and looks at me suspiciously.
“How about we get something to eat?” I ignore his suspicious look as I pull out a top and a skirt.
“Excellent idea,” I reply. Norman’s suspicion seems to vanish.
Norman and Gunner chat as we walk towards the restaurant the concierge recommended for dinner. Norman tells Gunner stories of his travel and his childhood. Whether any of it is true of not, Gunner is hooked onto his stories. By the time dinner is over, Norman has promised to take Gunner sightseeing all over the island.
Despite the fact that I know nothing about this man, he’s already making an impact on Gunner’s life. And right now, Gunner needs just that.
“I’m pretty tired,” Gunner says.
“Climb on my back Buddy. I’ll carry you back to the guesthouse.” Gunner obliges and instantly falls asleep.
“Poor kid. He’s had a long day didn’t he?” says Norman.
“Yeah, the most excitement he’s had in years. The most ever.”
When we get into the room, Norman lays Gunner in his bed. He brings out two beers from the bag he bought at the store.
“Want a drink?” he says, ushering me out towards the patio. It doesn’t seem like I have a choice.
It’s a beautiful night. The full moon’s reflection bounces off the ocean giving off a beautiful glow. The sound of the waves give off an almost harmonic trance. There’s no pollutant in the air, making all the stars clearly visible.
I take a sip of beer and turn towards Norman.
He smiles, not saying a word. I can feel the sexual tension between us, but neither of us make a move. Instead, we both look out towards the ocean.
“Beautiful isn’t it?” Norman finally breaks the silence. I somehow get the feeling he doesn’t like long silences.
“Uh huh,” is the only reply I managed to let out while my mind wonders about this man’s life.
He turns his body towards me now. I can feel his eyes staring.
“You look sexy in that outfit,” he says and tips his head to the side. I instantly blush as I feel my body temperature rise. Without turning to face him, I make eye contact. I feel an aching between my legs. I want so badly to kiss him.
As if reading my mind, Norman leans in for a kiss. I happily oblige. As the passion intensifies, he wraps one arm around my waist pulling me in towards him. I can feel how hard he is. We place our bottles of beer on the railing as our hands search each other’s body.
He pulls up my skirt, exposing my butt cheeks as he forcefully caresses them with one hand. His other hand makes its way up my top and unhooks my bra. He brings his hand around and cups my breast. Norman forces his tongue deep in my mouth as he eagerly kisses me. I felt moisture between my legs.
“Ohhh…” A small groan escapes me.
“Sshhhh. Don’t want to wake your son,” Norman whispers in between kisses. Both his hands are on my butt now. I wrap my legs around his strong waist as he sits back towards the recliner on the patio deck.
I’m now straddling him as I grind my hips. I can feel his hard-on in between my thighs. Norman gently kisses my neck with both hands on my hips, guiding me. He pulls off my top and bra, exposing my breasts, his finger gently squeezing and teasing one nipple as his mouth finds the other. I’m dripping wet by now. I need to feel him inside of me. It’s exactly what I need.
“Take off your pants,” I command as I get off him and pull off my skirt and underwear. He happily pulls off all his clothes and lies back on the recliner.
I hop onto of him and I guide him inside me. I sit there without moving, just taking in the moment, and look long and hard into his eyes. My fingers trace his jawline and over his Adam’s apple without breaking contact. I place my hands on his chest feeling his heartbeat and chiseled abs.
He buckles his hips as if urging me to move. He settles his hands on my buttocks, pulling me towards him, guiding me back and forth. My hips grind in unison with his movement as I ride him.
“Ooohhh Norman,” I moan as we both reach climax. This is exactly what I need.
*****
"Mom, where’s Norman?” Gunner asks me.
It’s early morning now. The sunlight peeks through the curtains, which sway back and forth in response to the gentle breeze from outside.
“I don’t know honey,” I reply. I can’t believe what happened last night. I feel ashamed. I needed that release so bad, but can’t believe it was with a man I barely even knew.
Gunner’s happy demeanor changes instantly as he realizes that Norman is nowhere to be seen. Let down again. Norman promised to take Gunner sightseeing today. Are all men made the same? Or perhaps I’m just terrible at picking them.
Gunner sadly walks into the bathroom. I get up and follow suit.
“Gunner, it’s ok. I can still take you,” I say. But before I get the chance to say any more, Norman walks through the door.
“Good morning buddy! I got breakfast for everybody!”
“Norman!” Gunner exclaims, running towards him and giving him a hug. “I thought you left.”
“Why would I leave Buddy? I promised to take you sightseeing today. I hope you’re prepared for the time of your life!”
I can’t help but admire this man—this man that I barely even know.
After everyone got ready and ate the breakfast Norman graciously got us, we climb into my rental and head out to see the flamingo reserves. Greater Inagua has the largest concentration of flamingos in the western hemisphere, or so I am told by Norman.
Gunner and Norman happily chat all the way there. When we get there, Gunner is the first to get out of the car. He runs out happily to explore the area as Norman and I walk behind him.
“I enjoyed last night,” Norman says, breaking the silence between us.
“Yeah,” I murmur.
“Look, Kat,” he begins.
“It’s not Kat,” I interrupt. “It’s Lexi.” I don’t know what makes me give him my real name. But, something deep inside me makes me feel like he can be trusted.
“Lexi? Hmmm, that’s such a sexy name,” Norman says, smiling at me with that look on his face again. The look where he wants to grab me and just have his way with me.
He shakes his head as if to knock himself back to reality. “Lexi, I can’t stay. I have a few friends who will be picking me up tonight. I want to thank you for playing along.” With that he wraps his hand around mine and kisses my forehead.
This is the most love from a man I’ve felt in years. I fight back tears wondering why I’m going to cry for a man I just met yesterday.
“You’re son’s a good kid. I’ll miss him,” he says.
“Will I see you again?” I ask, interrupting him. That’s all I wanted to know. I finally found him. The man I needed for my son. The man I needed for ME. Someone who I felt completely safe and at ease with—and now HE’S LEAVING?
“I can’t stay.”
