by Carrie Macon
Chapter Four
“Where did she go?” Zackary said breathlessly. He felt like he had just run a marathon.
Kemah answered, nonchalantly. “Shyla? Oh she took a cab back to the hotel. Sorry she’s a little freaked.”
“What about? We were having such a good time. We were finally connecting.”
“I’ll say you were,” he smiled and it reminded her of, him, but she wouldn’t dwell on it. “Just give her some time. She’ll come around. And before you ask I can’t give you the room number because she’d kill me. She already warned me.” She looked down at her watch. “Boy will you look at the time.” She tapped her watch.
“It’s two-seventy-eight.” He then looked at his own watch. Why? There was no such time.
“Kemah, I think something’s wrong with your watch.” Or maybe she has dyslexia, he thought.
“No look.” She showed him her watch. “It’s two-seventy-eight. I told Shyla that I would be out for a while and that I wouldn’t need another Margarita until I went back to the hotel.”
“Why would you need to wait to get a marg-?”
Kemah began shaking and nodding her head yes. He realized that she was saying the room number and place they were staying.
“You’re right it is two-seventy-eight. I should probably get that second hand checked on my watch; he tapped it several times then held it to his ear. And you say you like margaritas?”
“Yes. Margaritas, on the beach. Love them, on the beach. I think when I turn in I’ll get one, oh, about a half mile east of here.”
“I like margaritas too. So I’ll probably head on down there now. Maybe I’ll run in to someone I know,” he winked. Kemah smiled reluctantly. Not only was Shyla going to kill her she couldn’t shake the feeling about her ex. Were there still feelings there? She thought they were long gone just as he was but since meeting Zackary the feelings and a few dreams came rushing back at her. Well she wasn’t going to dwell on it. She was rooting for Shyla. One of them needed to have a man. She wasn’t out looking so it may as well be Shyla.
“Well I’m getting back out there on the dance floor before I have to head back. I hope my friend has gotten over her issues by the time I get there. Did I mention that it was two-seventy-eight? Time is ticking.” She tapped her watch as he had earlier.
“Yes you mentioned that. Thanks for the heads up, about the time and the good margaritas down the road.”
“No problem. Have a good time.”
“I hope to. Do you have a way back to the hotel?”
“Yes. My girlfriend and I rented a car for the time that we are here. She refused to take it so she left if with me. I’ll probably go back to the hotel in about an hour or so.”
“I’ll try and remember that.”
Shyla was sitting on her balcony when her doorbell rang. She knew it couldn’t be Kemah because she had a key card and she knew it wasn’t room service because she didn’t order anything, so that left only one other person.
Zackary.
She looked out the peephole and there he stood just as fine as could be.
“I am going to kill Kemah,” she swore under her breath. “I knew she was going to do this. I knew it.”
“Shyla I know that you’re in there.” When she didn’t answer he continued to ring the bell and knock on the door. “Shyla we need to talk. If not today then tomorrow or the next but we will talk. You can’t stay in there forever.”
That was so true. Eventually she would have to go home. Why was he being so stubborn? Why couldn’t he just leave well enough alone?
“Shyla you may as well open up. I am not going anywhere. Please.” He sounded desperate and he knew it but he didn’t care. “Come on baby, I need to talk to you.” He put his forehead up against the door and knocked again. Still she did not answer. “I know you’re there. I can hear you breathing, baby.” She then put her hand over her mouth.
“And your shadow is under the doorway, Shyla.”
Shyla eased back a few steps. She could see his shadow from the doorway too. It’s a wonder he wasn’t lying on the floor peeking under the door. That would be a dead giveaway.
“If you won’t come out or let me in at least listen. I think we have something special. I don’t know what you are afraid of but we can figure something out.” His voice got softer. A couple came off the elevator and smiled at him when they were passing him by. “Listen I’m going to leave now. I don’t want to do this out in the hallway. Too many ears and eyes, but I just want you to know that I am not going to give up. That explosion didn’t make itself up; the kiss didn’t happen on its own, Shyla. There’s something powerful between us.” He hit his head softly on the door twice and then turned and walked away. But not before telling her good night and to dream about him.
She touched her still swollen lips. No the kiss didn’t happen on its own and if she had the opportunity she would do it again. But she didn’t want to be attached or a kept woman. She was so confused. She wanted to open the door and fall into his arms. But she knew that it would complicate things. She wasn’t ready to have a relationship especially one with Zackary Trellis. What was she so afraid of? Was it more to it than being hurt by another man? A man who didn’t even have what it took to call himself a man.
That next morning Kemah and Shyla sat down to breakfast in their hotel room. They ate in silence. Kemah knew that Shyla was upset with her because she gave her whereabouts up to Zackary but she also knew that unless someone helped them with this relationship that was inevitable it would take forever to get off the ground.
“What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing.”
“Then why are you not eating you food? You’re just playing in it. Do you know how many people go hungry on a daily basis and you aren’t even touching your plate?”
“I am touching my plate. See.” Shyla touched the tip of her plate with one lone finger. “Just because I haven’t eaten a bite means nothing.”
“You always have to be so technical.”
Shyla dropped her fork on her plate and it chimed against her water glass.
“And you have to always be in my damn business,” she snapped. “I asked you not to tell him where I was and you did just that.”
“First of all don’t use that tone with me and technically, as you always like things, you said don’t tell him the room number. I did not tell him where you were. Technically I only told him what time it was and that I would be coming back to our hotel around two o’clock. So talk what you know.” She rolled her eyes and continued with her meal.
“Damn it Kemah. I know you,” she pointed. “That is not all you said.” She started pacing. And then she turned quickly and knew what she had probably done. “What time did you say it was?”
“Huh?”
“Oh you heard me, Miss Kemah. What time did you tell Zackary it was?”
She put her head down and started picking at her nail. “My goodness I need a fill, bad. Didn’t we just go to the shop a week ago? I wonder if they have any nail shops around here. That’s the only shop we haven’t come across. I just know that it’s going to cost a pretty penny. But hey it won’t be mine,” she snickered. “I won a jackpot, baby, and I’ve decided to get braids, too.”
Shyla stomped her foot. “Kemah? Answer me right this minute.”
“Didn’t you just say something to me yesterday about throwing a tantrum like a three year old?” she said, narrowing her eyes just a little. The look on Shyla’s face was nothing to play with. It was like her face transformed into rage. Friend or not Kemah knew when to stop. “Okay. If you must know I told him that it was two-seventy-eight,” she whispered the latter.
“What?”
“Two-seventy-eight.”
“Two-seventy, that’s no time, that’s our room number. I can’t believe you.” She screamed.
“For what it’s worth it took him a minute to catch on.”
She turned away from her friend and left the room without another word a
nd slammed her bedroom door.
Kemah smiled to herself. She knew that Shyla wouldn’t stay mad at her forever. Besides they were best friends and nothing, not even matchmaking would break them apart. “And you better stop slamming doors before they kick us out of here.”
There was a knock at the door. It was Zackary.
“Good morning Miss Kemah. Is your friend here or is she still avoiding me?”
“She’s here. We just had it out a little while ago and she’s been held up in her room ever since.”
“Because of me?”
“Yes, because of you. You know it’s because of you.” Kemah and Zackary both smiled. “But don’t worry, she’s just being stubborn and knows that I am right.”
“I don’t want the two of you having problems because of me.”
“Please, not even death can separate us. I told you don’t worry. We’re fine. I’ll get her for you.”
Knock, knock. No answer. Knock, knock. Still, no answer. Kemah decided to just walk in. Shyla was standing at the window looking out.
“Stubborn ass, I know you heard me knocking at that door.”
“And I don’t recall telling you to come in, snitcher. So will you please leave?”
“Snitcher?” she snickered. “Fine Shyla. I will tell your little boyfriend to just come in.”
“Zackary? He’s here?”
“Zackary? He’s here?” Kemah mimicked and started to walk out the door.
“Kee, wait.”
“Oh so now it’s Kee wait. How may I help you, ungrateful ass?”
“Is he really here? You wouldn’t be pulling my leg would you?”
“Come see for yourself.”
“I don’t have on any clothes. I’m not dressed to see him.”
“Then you better get dressed because I am leaving and I’ll leave him here so that you two can talk.”
“No. Please don’t leave. I love you.” Shyla reached for Kemah but she moved away.
“Yeah, yeah. That’s what your mouth says.”
“Please Kemah. Don’t leave. Can you tell him that I will be out in just a few minutes? I need to get myself together. There’s no way that I’ll be able to avoid him this time. He’s already in the suite.”
Kemah looked at Shyla and shook her head. “The things people go through when they are trying to fight love. I’ll do it this time but if you ever talk to me the way you did earlier not only am I going to beat you down I will tell him all of your embarrassing moments.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” Shyla said smugly.
“Oh trust me. I would. And will have fun doing it. Now get dressed and get your big butt out here. I am not staying here all day. Be advised that if you are not out there in ten minutes I am sending him in.”
“I’ll be there.” Kemah backed out the door.
“Judas.”
“I heard that.”
They both laughed as she closed the door.”
“She’ll be out in a few minutes. She’s dressing.”
“So what kind of mood is she in?” He talked with his hands. “Should I have brought flowers or something?”
“You’ve known Shyla for a while. Have you ever seen her in a good mood?”
“I can’t say that I have. Well except for last night when we danced. Other than that, I can’t recall that I have.”
“Well she isn’t like she was when you were dancing but she’s not like she was afterwards either. So you have about a fifty-fifty chance of succeeding in your visit today.”
“That’s good to know. I’ll give it my best shot.”
“Think of it this way, you only got one shot, make it count. Besides, she knows she can’t run since you’re already here.”
Zackary smiled and nodded. He wasn’t about to miss out on this opportunity of having his say today.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure. What’s on your mind?”
“Do you have a brother?”
“Unfortunately no,” she was relieved until his next statement. “I have two brothers, twins to be exact.” That statement made her feel much better. Her ex was not a twin. Thank God for that. Two of them running around the world would be too much.
Shyla was indecisive about what to wear. It was too hot for jeans. Her butt was too big for shorts and her bikini’s showed off too much. She wasn’t going for a swim. She’d find something, she just didn’t know what.
It took her more than ten minutes to get dressed. Kemah knocked on the door and told her time was ticking and she needed to hurry up. Shyla told her she was on her way out.
She walked out the room wearing a yellow floral bikini top and bottom with a matching sarong draped on her hip and tied to one side.
Damn she was beautiful. Her hair hung at her shoulders in a mass of curls. She hadn’t had a chance to dab on any make-up. But that was okay. She didn’t need it. All Zackary could think about was holding her in his arms again and kissing those beautiful full, pouting lips. He stood up as she walked closer into the room. The sway of her hips was like the sway of the ocean. ‘That’s right baby come to papa,’ Zackary thought and hoped he didn’t embarrass himself by saying it out loud or doing something else stupid.
“Hi,” she said breathlessly. Her heartbeat wouldn’t stay at a normal pace when she was around this man.
“Good morning.” His throat felt dry. So he tried to clear it. “Did you sleep well last night?”
“Like a baby.” She lied, again. She knew that she wasn’t able to get a moment of sleep because every time she closed her eyes all she could see was his lips pulling her in.
Kemah cleared her throat. She knew it was a lie too. “You’re getting good at that.”
Shyla rolled her eyes but continued her conversation. “What about yourself?”
“I slept pretty decent.” That was the truth. He was happy to say that in his dreams he came out on top but Shyla may not be able to handle that so he’d just say that his sleep was the best he’s had in a while.
“So what brings you here so early in the morning?”
“It’s actually almost noon. I told you last night that we should talk. So I’d like for us to go for a walk on the beach.” She didn’t say anything so he continued. “Unless you would prefer to go to the lounge or better still stay right here.”
Shyla looked dumfounded. There was no way they would be staying in this suite. She wouldn’t last ten minutes alone with him. They would definitely finish where they left off on the dance floor last night. This time there would be no dancing. Not standing up anyway. Kemah took the decision out of her hands.
“A walk on the beach sounds like fun,” she said. “Shyla hasn’t taken a walk on the beach since we made it here.”
“Actually Kee, I have.”
“When?”
“On the third night while you were asleep, again for a little while last night.”
“I bet it wasn’t like having company. Especially male company,” she blinked rapidly. “Besides I thought we weren’t supposed to go to the beach by ourselves?”
“Why not?” Zackary asked.
They both looked at him and smiled. “It’s nothing. Just don’t want to get into the habit of going places by ourselves and something happen. You know?” Kemah said.
Zackary nodded his agreement. But he knew it was more than just that.
“Kemah I can’t tell you how much I disapprove of your-”
She stopped talking because Kemah gave her a warning look saying she was ready to start talking.
“So are you two lovebirds going for that walk or what?”
She looked at Shyla who in turn looked at Zackary, who looked deep into her eyes and she gasped. What she saw there was making her stomach do somersaults.
“It’s up to you.”
“I guess we better go then.” She rolled her eyes at Kemah, picked up her keycard and headed to the door.
“You kids have a good time. Stay as long as you like and please don’t do anything I
wouldn’t do.”
“That’ll be the day,” replied Shyla.
Zackary held the door open for her as they walked out and closed it behind him. They didn’t say anything on the elevator or anything in the lobby. She kept quiet most of the time while they walked on the beach. He took her hand in his as they walked. A surge of energy swept through her hand, up her arm, down her spine and throughout her body. What was this man doing to her? She shivered.
“It’s warm out, are you cold?” He put his arm around her shoulders as if that would make her warmer.
“No. I just got a chill. I get that a lot.” She tried to move away but his big arms encased her and she realized she wasn’t going anyplace. He even went as far as to put her hand around his waist as if they really were a couple. She had to admit though, it felt oh so right.
They continued to talk about last night. Zackary dominating most of the conversation because Shyla was either too shy or just didn’t want to talk.
“Shyla, I’m very serious about my position. I want us to get to know each other, spend some time together when we get back to the states see where these feelings lead us. I know that you feel them too. We have known each other for quite some time and you’re always running when I come around. And I seriously think that your arguing with me at our every meeting is a maneuver to keep me away.” Shyla still had not said a word. She was a talker so what was this silent treatment thing.
“Does this have anything to do with Felton and Essence? They don’t need to know until you’re ready for them to know.”
He stopped walking still holding her hand.
“Let’s stop for a minute. Look at me. You’re not saying a word. I’m just talking and talking and you’re not saying a damn thing. Since when did you not have a voice? You always have something to say.”
She froze. He had no right to curse at her.
“I feel like I’m talking to my damn self. It’s like you’re saying to hell with what I have to say. Could you please be a little more responsive?” They just stare at one another. “My God, can you please say something?”
