Walking over the threshold of the door, Jennifer noticed the image of a blooming flower with the words Sanctuary Spa written in script underneath etched on the frosted glass. Stepping up to the reception desk, she was greeted by a short Oriental woman with a spiked haircut and a diamond piercing her nose.
“Welcome to the Sanctuary,” the woman said in greeting.
Jennifer gave her a generous smile. “Thank you so much.”
“Do you have an appointment?”
Jennifer hadn’t thought to make an appointment; she was in such a rush to get out of the room. “I’m sorry, I don’t.”
The receptionist smiled and batted her eyes. “It’s okay, we take walk-ins as well.”
Jennifer was relieved. Because of the kind of work she did, she hated when folks just walked in off the streets wanting to get their hair done and expecting to be the first one out the door.
“Is this your first time here with us?”
Jennifer nodded. “Yes it is.”
The woman picked up a brochure from the rack and offered it to Jennifer. “Please check out our packages and service list. I will be more than happy to assist you.”
Jennifer accepted the paper before walking over to the seating area so she could study it. Facials, seaweed wraps, deep tissue massages and mud baths were all services offered at Good Scents, so she knew which packages she would try.
Once she informed the young woman of her choices, she was taken down a long hallway to a room with a wide wooden door.
“Ms. McClendon, Tina will be with you shortly.”
“Thank you,” Jennifer replied. After the door closed behind the girl, she removed her clothing, slipped on the white plush terry cloth robe and waited.
Tina, her masseuse, entered the room in a white lab coat. She looked so young and hip with burgundy streaks running through her neatly layered haircut. Jennifer could have sworn the woman was a teenager, but noticed the thick gold band on her third finger shining when the light hit it. Jennifer was about to ask her how old she was, but didn’t want to embarrass her.
Jennifer lay facedown on the massage table, allowing Tina to work her magic, especially on the recent tension in her neck and shoulders. As her body relaxed, she willed her mind to do the same by thinking good thoughts. The soothing scent of lavender circled the room and an image of Simeon sitting at the table with her this morning came to her.
She remembered that Patrice said that some aromas stimulated a person’s sex drive. Her body was coming alive as Tina continued to work out the knots in her back, and that picture of Simeon didn’t go away. Maybe what she really needed was to have some mind-numbing sex of her own. Just for fun. That was something she’d never done before, just sex, no strings.
Knowing that she had no business even taking her mind to that place, Jennifer closed her eyes and tried to think about something or someone else. She decided to just let things play out and if she got to know the handsome guy, great. After all she was on vacation, and just like that Las Vegas slogan, what happens in Anguilla, stays in Anguilla.
Later that evening, Simeon went down to the club at the end of the beach. He could hear the music from outside as he approached the door. Once he walked in, he looked around to see if his favorite neighbor happened to be there, but he didn’t see her. He scanned the room once again before he headed to one of the empty tables on the other side of the room. Finally, he spotted her talking to a man on the dance floor.
From the frown on her face, Simeon could tell that she was irritated as the guy talked to her. He was of medium height and build with a half bald head, wearing a tropical-patterned Bermuda short set and some khaki-colored sandals. Simeon tuned in a bit more when he saw Jennifer’s body stiffen with tension, taking a step back as the man walked a bit too close to her. Jennifer seemed to want the man out of her face.
Knowing all the time that the situation had nothing to do with him, and that he shouldn’t get involved, something about Jennifer drew him in, wanting to help her. From their first meeting, he felt that she was a decent person and didn’t deserve to be harassed.
Watching her facial expressions as she struggled to deal with the seemingly obnoxious man, Simeon took a step in their direction. Before he realized it, he was concocting a plan to get her away from the guy without causing a scene. He had no idea if Jennifer would accept the charade he was about to play, but he thought he’d give it a try.
Walking up to her, then looking at the man standing close by, he said, “Excuse me please.” He gently pulled Jennifer into his arms, all the while keeping an eye on the guy.
“Sweetheart,” he said, pronouncing the endearment ever so tenderly. “I thought we agreed that you were going to wait for me and here you are all alone on the dance floor,” he said to her.
When Jennifer looked up at him, he saw her eyes fill with gratitude as they swayed to the music. Simeon raised her hand into his, holding it affectionately. Jennifer’s other arm went around his neck and he pulled her even closer. They continued to move to the rhythm of the music and Simeon glanced around to see if the guy was still there, but he’d walked away.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“It was my pleasure,” he whispered in return.
“I take it you didn’t know that guy?”
Jennifer shook her head. “Never seen him before in my life.”
Simeon took a step back, still holding her around the waist. “Well, I’m glad I could get you away from him.”
“You and me both,” Jennifer said, before giving him another bright smile.
The guy was standing over to the side glaring at them, but Simeon didn’t care. He just wanted him away from Jennifer. He brought his attention back to the lovely lady he had the pleasure of holding. He twirled Jennifer around as her tangerine dress flowed in the wind, and then pulled her flush against his body, making sure the guy was watching for good measure. If Simeon saw him in Jennifer’s face again, he would regret it.
Once the song ended, they headed over to an empty table not far away. Simeon pulled out the chair for Jennifer and she sat. He came around and took the one on the other side of her.
“I haven’t been dancing in so long,” Jennifer said, fanning herself with her hands.
“Honestly, I can’t remember the last time. It’s been that long for me,” Simeon said in response.
“I wouldn’t have ever known that, Simeon. You dance rather well,” Jennifer said.
“Thanks, I had dance lessons as a teen. My sister Sam was always in one of those cotillion things and I had to be her escort.”
“You know how to cut a rug,” Jennifer said, smiling up at him.
Simeon didn’t hear the rest of what she’d said because he was too busy staring at her.
Jennifer had flawless skin, high cheekbones, dark chocolate eyes and extremely kissable lips. He couldn’t remember if he noticed them earlier today, but the lip gloss she was wearing now had a bit of a shimmer. Each time the light hit them, it caused him to notice.
Simeon thought he preferred a tall, thin woman, but the woman sitting in front of him was of average height and curvy. He was intrigued by her and wanted to get to know her better. This was his opportunity to do so.
“Would you like for me to get you something from the bar?” he asked, pushing his chair from the table.
“I think I want to try the rum punch.”
Standing, Simeon remarked, “Rum punch it is.”
On his way to the back of the room, Simeon wondered if he would be out of place if he asked Jennifer to spend the rest of her time with him. He was there alone and so was she. There wouldn’t be any harm in them being together. But how would he go about it? He’d never asked a woman anything like that before. Would she think he was a pervert? He didn’t want to look like he was desperate or would take advantage of her. It was just the opposite—his desi
re was to enjoy his vacation and spending it with her would be a good way to do that.
After obtaining the Caribbean rum punch served in a tumbler glass for them both, he walked back to the table.
“One rum punch,” he said, placing the glass in front of her.
Jennifer grabbed the straw and took a tiny sip. Her eyes widened and fluttered closed as she leaned forward, beckoning Simeon to do the same.
“What’s in this?” she asked.
Simeon took a swallow from his glass. “Well, I know there are several different types of rum and fruit juice.”
He watched her take another swig from the straw. “Be careful now, this kind of drink will sneak up on you.”
They both continued to take their time with their drinks while they watched couples on the dance floor. Simeon wanted to ask Jennifer to dance again, just so that he could have her in his arms. But getting to know her better first would be best.
“So what part of Chicago are you from?” he asked.
“Hyde Park,” she responded.
“I’m from the south side.”
“Where do you hang out?” Jennifer asked.
Simeon hunched his shoulders, trying to think of a way to answer her without sounding like a complete nerd. But there was no escaping who he was. “Well, I’m always working so that’s why I’d said I hadn’t been dancing in a long time.”
“I’m a hairstylist, so I work a lot too, but I love my work. Making women look good is what I do,” she stated with confidence.
“What do you have planned for the rest of your trip?”
“I’m just going to try whatever I see first,” she said, before letting out a giggle.
Simeon leaned forward. “Well, I have an idea, then.” He watched Jennifer’s facial expressions carefully. If he saw any hint of her rejection, he wouldn’t go through with his idea. He didn’t approach women often, but he had never liked rejection.
Jennifer’s brows raised. “What’s that?”
“Why don’t we experience Anguilla together?”
He noticed Jennifer’s hesitation for several seconds as she moved the straw around in a circular motion in her drink. He wondered if she was thinking whether she should say yes or how to let him down easily.
She stopped, glancing up at him. “I don’t think it’s such a bad idea.” She lifted her shoulders. “Hey, what could it hurt,” she added.
Simeon hadn’t realized that he was holding his breath until she answered. He hoped the smile on her lips meant that she was truly okay with them spending more time together.
“Are you ready to leave?” he asked.
“Why, are you?” she replied, pushing her drink to the center of the table.
“I thought we’d go for a walk along the beach,” Simeon suggested. He got up from his chair and walked around to her.
“Sure,” she said, rising from her own chair.
They walked out of the club and along the road that led to the beach. The Shoal Bay beach was at least two miles give or take. Even though there were people about, it wasn’t overly crowded. The weather had cooled some, so it was a beautiful night, perfect for walking along the sandy shore.
Jennifer stopped after they’d strolled a short distance. Leaning on his shoulders, she lifted one leg. “My shoes keep getting sand in them, so I’m going to take them off.”
She looked down at his feet and then back up at Simeon.
He caught her inference. “Are you suggesting that I take my shoes off too?” he asked, hoping she wasn’t because he didn’t even walk around his house barefoot.
Jennifer nodded. “Of course. I know that sand is probably getting into those shoes you have on.”
Simeon studied her face as she waved for him to hurry. He couldn’t help but throw his head back in laughter. “Woman, you are something else,” he said, taking off his shoes.
Jennifer gave him a bright smile. “I know, I got you to take them off, didn’t I?”
She held her shoes in her right hand and Simeon stood next to her on her left.
Soon, they were coming up on the hotel. “I guess this is where we part ways,” Jennifer said.
Simeon shook his head in disagreement because he didn’t want her to walk to her room alone. “Oh, no, I’m going to walk you to your room.”
“That’s sweet of you, but I’m going to be okay.”
“No, not now. A gentleman never lets a beautiful lady walk alone in the dark,” Simeon said, extending his elbow for her to take.
“Why thank you so much, Mr. Baker.”
Simeon covered her hand with his. “You are quite welcome.”
At last, they stood in front of Jennifer’s hotel room door. She turned to him. “Simeon, I’m so glad that I ran into you tonight. First of all, you saved me from that horrible man,” she said, hitting his arm, leaning in closer.
“But I have to tell you, I would have handled him in my own way. It wouldn’t have been as nice as the way you did it.” She stood on her tiptoes. “He was awful and needed a Tic Tac really badly.” They both laughed.
Simeon could see that she was sincere about being grateful for his actions. He thought her expressions were funny and that she was a very nice young woman.
“It was my pleasure to save a damsel in distress,” he said, gazing into her eyes “What time do you want to get started tomorrow?”
“Let’s have breakfast and play the rest by ear,” she responded, removing her keycard from the secret pocket of her maxi dress. Pushing the thin card into the reader on the door, the light turned green and she pushed the handle down. Stepping inside, she turned around, holding the door half open. “See you in the morning,” she said.
“Have a good night,” Simeon said, before turning on his heel and walking down the hallway. He was very proud of the progress they’d made because he didn’t know how his proposition was going to turn out. He was happy he’d finally made a connection with someone.
Jennifer hadn’t slept that good in ages. She felt alive and free for the first time since she’d left Chicago, thanks to Simeon. His presence provided a distraction for her and she was actually having a good time.
Turning over in the bed so that she could see the clock, she wanted to be sure she had enough time to get ready for her day with Simeon. His invitation to discover the tropical paradise together was very sweet and she didn’t have to wander around alone. Traveling with a companion made participating in the activities more fun.
Flipping the light sheet back, she got out of bed and padded barefoot into the bathroom. Once she saw her reflection in the mirror she thought about last night and how good it felt being in Simeon’s arms. She thought Simeon’s plan for getting her away from the other man was genius. The best part was the feeling she got by being close to him.
The heat from his hard body, the feel of his breath caressing her neck and the shiver that traveled down her spine when his lips grazed her ear as he whispered to her while they danced made her want to swoon. She really couldn’t believe that he hadn’t danced in a long time; his moves were fluid and she followed them in sync, no missed steps. She had felt like Ginger Rogers dancing with Fred Astaire.
Shaking herself out of the memory, she hurriedly jumped into the shower, but she still needed to find something to wear.
Thirty minutes later she heard a knock at the door, so she rushed to secure her diamond earrings and slip on her gold sandals before opening the door.
“Good morning,” she said, smiling.
“Jenn, how are you this fine morning?”
Jennifer laughed at his proper greeting.
“Why are you laughing at me?” he asked, still standing in the hallway.
“I’m not laughing at you,” she said, but she couldn’t stop giggling. She could tell at times Simeon was a stuffed shirt, but one that could dance his butt off.
That thought made her giggle again.
“Are you ready for breakfast?” he asked.
Jennifer realized that they had been having their conversation in the hall. She opened the door wider. “I’m so rude, I didn’t ask you to come in.”
Simeon shook his head. “Oh no, I don’t need to come in. Are you ready to go?”
Jennifer patted herself down and then looked up at him. “Am I dressed properly?” she asked, eyeing his khaki walking shorts, polo shirt and sandals.
“Yes, I thought we’d have breakfast and then go through the activities to come up with a plan for today.”
“Great idea. Let me get my purse,” she said, leaving the door open and retrieving her canvas cross body bag. She pulled the straps over her head as she walked to the door.
“I’m ready,” she said, closing the door behind her.
Simeon extended his arm to her and she immediately grabbed hold of it. They took the elevator down to the buffet where they’d met the day before.
Again they each filled their plates with the selections of their choice, then found a table.
“I must say, the food here is delicious,” Simeon said.
“Do you eat out a lot?” she asked.
“Yes, I do because I’m never really at home much.”
Jennifer dug into her food. “I don’t cook much either, but I do know how. My mother taught me and my sisters how to cook.”
“So you could cook our meal tonight then?” he wanted to know.
“Yes, I could, but I don’t want to cook,” Jennifer said before she let out a chuckle.
“That’s good to know.” Simeon gave her a smile. He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. “I wrote down a couple of options for us for today. We can talk about what we’re going to do tomorrow later on tonight.”
Jennifer stared at him. “How do you know that I don’t have other plans for tonight?”
“Because we agreed yesterday to spend our vacation together, remember?”
Wow, he’s really serious, Jennifer thought to herself.
The Christmas Promise Page 3
