The Christmas Promise

by Sean D. Young

  The ceremony was touching as the bride and groom performed the sand ceremony, which Jennifer thought would take the place of the traditional unity candle. The sand ceremony was used to unite the two families into one. Both the bride and groom each picked up a vial of colored sand and poured it into another larger, more decorative container at the same time, blending the two lives into one.

  Everyone thought the groom was humorous as he anxiously awaited the pronouncement. He was ready to kiss his bride.

  Jennifer wanted to tiptoe out, but with everything being out in the open, they were sure to be seen, so she waited until everyone started filing out, then Simeon led the way. Instead of following the rest of the guests they continued walking the beach to Mandarin restaurant.

  They casually walked down the road, side by side. Jennifer dropped Simeon’s arm, but he grasped her hand. He liked this feeling of them being together, strolling along seemingly like they didn’t have a care in the world.

  “It’s such a beautiful night,” Jennifer said, watching the sun almost kiss the water as it went down. It was amazing. The gentle breeze caressed her face. “That wedding was simply lovely and the bride was gorgeous,” Jennifer commented.

  “I noticed you had that dreamy look in your eyes as the ceremony commenced,” Simeon said. He couldn’t help but watch her because of the animated look she had on her face. But he thought the occasion was very touching himself.

  “You were watching me?”

  “Of course,” he replied. He’d looked away a time or two, but his eyes kept coming back to her because she was captivating.

  “Weddings are special in a couple’s life, something they will always remember. But people make me wonder, why do it if you know that you want more than one person,” Jennifer said.

  “I look at what my parents have and I want my marriage that way. I always wanted only one woman.”

  Jennifer stopped and turned toward him. “Is that how you really feel?”

  “Of course it is, Jenn. I would never say anything I don’t mean. I hope you will remember that about me. My parents have been married for almost forty years and I’m sure they’ve had their struggles. But they seem to be happy with each other.”

  “Mine are right behind yours at thirty-seven. They drove to Las Vegas after their prom and got hitched.”

  Simeon chuckled. “You’ve got to tell me more about this while we’re eating,” he said, as they came upon the restaurant.

  Mandarin restaurant was an outside dining establishment on the beach. At the entrance was a chalkboard sign that showed the menu, which changed every day. The hostess seated Simeon and Jennifer at a table close to the water.

  Simeon pulled out Jennifer’s chair, then took his own. Unfolding his napkin, he threw it across his lap. “I’m starving. I haven’t had anything since we ate lunch earlier.”

  “Me, too,” Jennifer replied. “I think I’m going to have the Mahi Mahi. It comes with a caper sauce, rice, a small salad and vegetables.”

  “I think I’ll have the lobster,” Simeon said.

  When the server came they placed their orders and then continued their conversation.

  “Where did your mom and dad meet?”

  “They went to high school together, so as the story is told, they went to the prom and then decided to drive my father’s car for three days to Vegas and get married.”

  “Your father drove three days straight?”

  “No, he and my mom took turns. They wanted to get married, so they went on their own.”

  “My parents’ story is nothing like that. There was no adventure there. They met each other in college but didn’t start dating until after they both graduated. The funny part is they only dated for two weeks and got married. Went down to City Hall and said ‘I do’.”

  “Looks like both of our parents went the unconventional route to marriage,” Jennifer commented as the server brought their entrees.

  The couple enjoyed their meals and conversation while they watched some of the other diners coming in and out of the restaurant. Once their meals were completed, they walked back to the hotel.

  At Jennifer’s door, she turned to him. “I guess this is where I ask you to come in for a nightcap.”

  “You don’t have to invite me in, love. But I would like to kiss you good night if that’s all right with you.” Simeon took several steps closer to her.

  He saw Jennifer’s eyes flutter immediately as his head descended, but he stopped mere inches away from her lips. He whispered her name. “Jennifer, love, open your eyes. I want you to see me.”

  Jennifer blinked a couple of times and Simeon took her face in his hands and his lips touched hers softly at first, then he retreated. He pulled her body flush with his and came back again, but this time it was a soul-stirring, seductive, yet beautiful kiss.

  “I’ve wanted to do that since yesterday,” he announced before stepping back. “Now, you go on in and I’ll see you bright and early in the morning. We’ve got a lot of ground to explore.” What he really wanted to explore was her body, but he had to keep his word because her trust meant a lot to him.

  Chapter Five

  For the past four days, Simeon and Jennifer spent every second that they could together, sharing intimate moments and passionate kisses as they explored the adventures, sights and sounds of Anguilla. They loved taking a stroll in the gardens, talking to each other in hushed tones, reading by the pool, enjoying the presence of each other or walking the beach just as the sun was setting. Time went by very quickly and they regretted the fact that they were going to have to say goodbye soon.

  With each passing day, Simeon found himself more and more attracted to Jennifer. She was not only beautiful, but a lovely woman with a great personality. Now that they only had one last night together before she would head back to Chicago, he wanted it to be special. Simeon invited her to a romantic evening to celebrate the end of their adventurous vacation in Anguilla.

  Simeon secured a private chef to prepare dinner for them in his villa. The twenty-year veteran gave him excellent choices for his menu and assured him that it would be customized to his specifications.

  The chef arrived on time with prepared baked salmon cakes, seasoned with dill and tarragon, and served with a light creamy paprika sauce, and pre-selected drinks of Jennifer’s favorite rum punch, even offering to serve it. Simeon declined that offer because he wanted to be alone with Jennifer.

  He rushed into the bedroom so he could get dressed for his date, which he came to realize was very important to him. He hadn’t gone out of his way to impress a woman in a very long time, but felt that Jennifer McClendon was worth it.

  Tonight was the last night that Jennifer would spend with Simeon and she knew just the dress she would wear. The beautiful, flowing ankle-length silk organza dress that she loved so much. It didn’t matter to her anymore that she’d purchased the dress with a different man in mind; she was going to get all dolled up for Simeon and feel good about herself.

  Still, every time she thought of Roderick, she could feel a tightness in her chest. She knew that she wouldn’t be able to forget about him that easily, but being with Simeon had given her some freedom. Everything about him was different from Roderick—their conversations, the gentle way he held her and the natural feeling she got when they were together.

  Even though they’d had some very intimate moments, Simeon never tried to take things any further than she’d allow. She appreciated him respecting her barriers.

  Watching the clock, she hurried to get dressed, anxious to get the night started. Soon, she was pulling on a pair of strappy sandals she’d purchased just for that particular outfit, sprayed her pulse points with her favorite scent and headed out the door.

  Simeon scanned the room, making sure that everything had been prepared. He slipped his arms through the white Brittani linen shirt and then his wh
ite linen pants. He stuck his feet in his black leather sandals to complete the look.

  The night promised to be an exciting one and Simeon hoped Jennifer would be pleased by his actions. He turned toward the door when he heard a soft knock and went to open it. Jennifer’s dreamy brown eyes captivated him.

  “Ms. McClendon,” Simeon said, standing back behind the door, extending his hand. “Please come in.”

  Jennifer tried to stifle a laugh and walked through the door. The main entrance of the villa opened into an airy living room with purple-painted cypress ceiling beams, yellow stucco walls and floors tiled in terra cotta and coral stone. Opposite the front door were expansive sliding-glass pocket doors opening to the pool courtyard, just like in Jennifer’s apartment.

  “Wow, Simeon, your villa is really beautiful,” she said, walking straight over to the French doors that led to his balcony. “I can never get enough of looking at that water,” she commented.

  Simeon walked up closely behind her, resting his palms gently on her shoulders. “I know what you mean,” he said, admiring the spectacular view. This tender moment would be one he’d never forget, for he would always remember Jennifer.

  Jennifer turned around and Simeon reached out, lightly brushing her cheek with the back of his hand.

  “Skin, so soft and radiant,” he whispered. “I’m sure men have told you, but I just have to say how lovely I think you are. You are so sweet and innocent.”

  Jennifer interrupted him with her laughter. “Thanks for the compliment, but I’m far from innocent.”

  “Well, you’re innocent to me,” he said. His gaze intensified as they stood looking at each other.

  “Innocent in what way? I’ve never been described as innocent before,” Jennifer said.

  “Even though I haven’t dated a lot recently, I have met and gone out with my share of women internationally. Women in many parts of the world seem to lose their innocence at a very early age. In fact, by the time they grow up, most of them have been corrupted. You just don’t come across as having a hidden agenda or seeking anything for yourself. I feel I can trust you and that is very important to me.”

  Simeon leaned forward but hesitated, staring into her eyes, requesting permission to continue. When Jennifer took a small step forward, he brushed his lips against hers lightly. The kiss was so delicate, so good to him that he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist.

  Simeon’s head descended once again, capturing her lips with wet kisses. Jennifer responded to him quickly by giving him full access to her mouth. Holding each other close, they stood, intertwined, kissing until they both were breathless.

  When Simeon moved away from Jennifer, he noticed that her eyes were still closed and that touched his heart. She showed him that she was just as much into the kiss and the intimacy that they’d shared as he.

  Simeon grasped her hand affectionately, squeezing it gently as he watched her eyes flutter open. “Hey, why don’t we have a drink?” he suggested as he led her over to the sofa in the living room.

  Jennifer sat down while Simeon grabbed the crystal carafe from the table and removed the stopper. “Is that what I think it is?” she asked, unstrapping her shoes, placing them to the side next to the couch.

  “Yes, it’s your favorite, rum punch,” he said, picking up a heavy crystal goblet.

  Jennifer accepted a glass and took a sip. “Simeon, it smells divine in here. The aroma was clear out in the hallway. I would have commented about it when I came in, but the view got my attention first.”

  Simeon poured a half-glass full of punch for himself. “What time is your flight tomorrow?”

  “Late afternoon, why?”

  “I just wanted to find out how much time I had left with you,” he said, taking a seat next to her.

  Jennifer laid her head on his shoulder. “I’m going to miss you, Simeon.” She looked up at him.

  “And I, you, love,” Simeon responded, before placing a kiss on her forehead. He’d grown to cherish her and their time together.

  Leaning forward, he picked up the glass off the table. He lifted it toward her. “I’d like to propose a toast. To us.”

  They hit their glasses together and recited in unison. “To us.”

  They both took a sip. He could tell that Jennifer was enjoying the punch because she quickly downed the glass he’d just given her.

  “Love, you might need to slow down with that drink. Remember, it can sneak up on you.”

  “It’s just so good. I love the flavor,” Jennifer said, handing him her glass.

  Simeon refilled it from the canister. “I know, but—”

  “I know what I’m doing,” she said, as he handed the glass back to her. “This is my last night of vacation. I want to make the best of it because when I get back to Chicago it will be back to the same humdrum life.”

  Simeon didn’t want her to drink alone, so he poured more into his glass as well. “The food is in the warmers, so whenever you’re ready.”

  Jennifer smiled and tucked her bare feet underneath her on the couch.

  “You know what, Simeon? I would have never thought that I would find someone as nice as you on a Caribbean vacation, and from my hometown at that,” she said, sipping from her cup once again.

  “I couldn’t have planned this better myself,” Simeon added.

  “Honestly, I had planned a romantic vacation with my boyfriend. We had been saving our money for months,” Jennifer said, holding out her glass yet again.

  Simeon could tell that the punch had already started working on Jennifer. Shaking his head, he hoped that she wouldn’t regret it in the morning. “And you ended up coming alone?” he guessed.

  “Roderick, my ex, forgot to tell me that he was screwing another woman. I didn’t get that memo until I walked into the apartment and saw them getting down.”

  There was his answer to her staring off into the distance in the beginning. He could tell from her hesitation at times that she’d been hurt, betrayed and devastated.

  Simeon put his glass on the table, took hers and set it down beside his. Pulling her into his arms, he caressed the back of her head. “All that is over with now, love. No need for you to think about it or him ever again.”

  Jennifer’s eyes glazed over. “I was so hurt I didn’t know what to do with myself.”

  He was thankful that she chose to share her pain with him because she didn’t owe him any explanation. He hated seeing the hurtful expression on her face and hoped that their evening together would make it disappear.

  Holding on to her tightly, he said, “No need to worry, darling. You don’t have to fret, you’re far away from that betrayal and nonsense.”

  “Thank you, Simeon,” she said, snuggling her head underneath his chin, her hands sliding down his torso and back, digging her fingers around his broad shoulders.

  Simeon blinked as he heard the sensual way she said his name. He hadn’t heard the husky sound quite like that before. It suddenly felt hotter than usual in the room and he knew it had nothing to do with the temperature outside and everything to do with Jennifer.

  She looked up at him and slid her tongue across the crease of his lips, causing Simeon’s stomach to clench, and his manhood hardened almost immediately.

  He reached up and caressed her caramel-colored skin and took the pad of his thumb and gently moved it across her sensual lips. He wanted her so badly, from just the small sampling of her sweet lips earlier. Now he was being granted another opportunity. But once again, he stopped himself by getting up from the sofa. He went over to the entertainment system and pressed play on the portable device.

  Reaching out to Jennifer he extended his hand. “Let’s dance.”

  Giggling softly, Jennifer got up and flung her arms around his neck, squeezing him tightly. Their bodies were flush against each other as they swayed to the beat of
the sensual music that played. He could feel her nipples harden through the thin fabric of the dress she wore, and knowing that she didn’t have on a bra only made him fight against his growing sex.

  Jennifer dropped her arms, wrapping them around his middle, before pressing her head against his chest. She smelled so good to him.

  Simeon thrust his fingers into her hair as he removed the hairpins that held it together, freeing her tresses. Once Jennifer tilted her head up, giving him permission to kiss her, Simeon didn’t hesitate this time, tasting her sweetness and devouring her mouth.

  When he heard a moan slip through her lips, he cradled her bare shoulders, leaning closer to press a kiss to the side of her neck. His hands began to roam her backside, and she gave as much as she got. Jennifer grabbed his hand and started toward the hallway.

  Simeon led the rest of the way to his bedroom and as soon as they hit the door, they started removing their clothes. Both naked, Simeon led her over to the bed, assisting her to the high mattress. He stretched out beside her and felt her round, full, heavy breasts as he cupped them, hearing her sighs and feeling her body arching as he caressed the twin peaks. His mouth replaced his hands and he watched her writhe beneath him.

  Suddenly, Jennifer pushed him on his back, straddling him, her center capturing his manhood deeply, causing Simeon to release a loud moan. He tried to keep up with her as she created a rhythm all her own and they quickly became in sync. He appreciated her knowledge in how to please a man because he was thoroughly enjoying making love to her. As Jennifer’s movements increased, it pushed him closer and closer to ecstasy, but he didn’t want it to end yet. He wanted to give her as much pleasure as she gave to him.

  Quickly, Simeon changed their positions, entering her body in one smooth stroke. He wrapped her sexy legs around his neck, giving him access to her deep treasure. Lifting her body from the bed with each stroke, her moans intermingled with his causing them both to fully enjoy each other without any inhibitions or hesitation.