by Donya Fenner
“Hi, Ashley, I’m Edward. Pleased to meet you,” he said.
His voice was smooth as silk with a beautiful rich tone. How could he have baby teeth with a body and voice like that? Ashley stood looking at Edward’s teeth as he smiled at her.
“Ashley,” Grant nudged her. “Girl, say something. I told you my cousin was the man, huh?”
“Um…ok,” Ashley managed to say.
Edward walked up to Ashley and took her hand. He bent down and kissed it. Ashley swore she could feel one of his little teeth touching her skin, but then again it could all be in her mind.
“Well, I finally get the chance to meet the infamous Ashley Hernandez. Grant has told me a lot about you,” Edward said.
“Yes, I’ve heard a lot about you as well. It’s good to teeth you, I-I mean meet you,” Ashley heard herself say.
“Ash, I know it is loud in here and you guys need some time to talk. Come with me, you two. I have a surprise,” Grant said before walking away from them.
They followed Grant through the crowded living room, past the kitchen and into the large backyard. He continued down three flights of stone stair steps. When they reached the last flight of stairs, Ashley saw a round table draped with a white linen cloth and two chairs. Two candles were lit, wine glasses were set, and a bottle of wine sat in a silver bucket, chilling. It was a very nice set up, but Ashley cringed at the thought of having to go through with this date. She was too nice to run back into the mansion, get her keys from VIP and speed away from the scene, but she wanted to. Yvette was good at this kind of thing. She would not have cared about anybody else’s feelings but her own.
Edward pulled out a seat for her. “Please, have a seat.”
“Thank you,” Ashley said sitting down. Edward joined her, and Grant poured them each a glass of wine before he left to go back to his party. Shortly after Grant left, a server came with a tray carrying two silver platters.
“Good evening, dinner is compliments of Lobster House. Enjoy.”
The server pulled the silver lids off of the food. It smelled amazing and looked even better. The night was starting to look up; Ashley loved a good lobster.
“So, Ashley Hernandez, are you half Hispanic?” Edward asked.
Ashley shook her head, “No, it’s my ex-husband’s last name. Pass the butter please.”
Edward passed her the melted butter. “I didn’t know you had been married before.”
“Yes, just a few years. What about you?”
“No, I haven’t found the right person yet. I guess you can say I’m kind of picky. I want an average woman. Someone that is not too fine and not full of herself. I don’t want my woman out in the streets fooling around. That is what too pretty and too fine women do. She doesn’t have to be a professional woman but able to hold down a job and keep me, her man, satisfied in bed.”
Ashley stopped eating and raised an eyebrow. “Some list you got there.”
“Do you want to know what I think of you, Ashley?”
“This should be good,” Ashley covered her finished meal with her napkin. “Edward, what do you think of me?”
“Well, from what my cousin has told me and based off of what I see. I think you are smart, a little bit prettier than what I normally go for.” He studied her intently. “That dress is nice, but you may need a little work, you know step it up just a little to keep up with a man like me.”
Ashley was shocked. She could feel her thick left eyebrow arching and the wrinkles in her forehead forming on her face. No, he didn’t! She hadn’t been out on a date in years, but she knew how to dress.
He was not all of that. Full of himself and arrogant, this man needed to bring it all the way down a few notches. A little work to keep up with him. The nerve of this man with the teeth of an adolescent.
“Dinner was great, Edward. Thank you,” Ashley stood and gathered her things. “I have to go pick up my mother from bingo. You have a nice night.”
“Ashley,” Edward stood. “Was it something I said?”
Ashley continued walking away.
“I will call you,” he shouted.
Ashley quickly walked back into the mansion. Don’t bother, little teeth man.You have some nerve. Ashley thought to herself. If this was what dating had become, she would rather sit on the sidelines.
This could be a little harder than I thought. No Prince Charming here.
Chapter 3
Against Ashley’s better judgment, she delved into her hard-earned savings to join her cousin Yvette in the Bahamas for the divorce retreat. After that terrible date and Grant hardly speaking to her at work, a vacation was exactly what she needed.
Ashley and Yvette arrived at the airport in the Bahamas and went to retrieve their bags from baggage claim. Caribbean music filled the airport speakers and Yvette started dancing playfully. When she saw she had drawn an audience of handsome men, her dancing became a little more seductive.
Ashley shook her head. “Yvette, our bags are coming around. Help me grab them.”
“Why don’t I assist you, ladies?” An older man from the crowd said to Ashley.
“Thank you…” Yvette smiled.
“Michael, my name is Michael,” he said in a strong island accent.
“Thanks, Michael,” Ashley said.
Handsome and well-built, Michael retrieved their bags. From his expensive Gucci apparel and Rolodex watch, he looked like he could be a wealthy man. Ashley was surprised to see that he was alone, but maybe he wanted it that way. Maybe he wanted to come out to the Bahamas and hook up with a young tender thing. Her cousin wasn’t young or tender, but Yvette had captured the man’s attention. She’d wasted no time catching her a suitor. Ashley shook her head and thought, my cousin never has a problem with men.
Engaged in conversation, Michael and Yvette walked a few feet ahead of Ashley. And after a few moments of struggling with her bags, Ashley caught up with them. They had flagged down a taxi driver.
A strong gust of wind tousled Ashley’s hair, whipping the mass of sandy red afro curls into her face. In the wind, a faint scent of a man’s cologne invaded her nostrils. Ashley inhaled the amazing smell. Ashley slowly removed her hair from her face and turned in the direction of the scent. As soon as she did, a large light brown straw hat collided with her face.
“Oh my God!” Ashley gasped.
“Ma’am, I’m so sorry. Here let me help you,” a gentleman said taking the straw hat from Ashley. “I’m so sorry. The wind took my hat right off the top of my head. Were you injured?”
Finding herself face to face with a man’s chest, Ashley touched her face and then the top of her head. The man wore a light blue button-down linen shirt. The top two buttons on his shirt were unbuttoned revealing a well-oiled milk chocolate bare chest. The sleeves on his shirt were rolled up showing off muscular arms. Ashley was entranced by the smoothness of the stranger’s skin.
She shook her head, remembering that he’d asked her a question. “No, no…” Her voice sounded squeaky to her ears.
“That’s good. I’m Niles Parker,” he said to her.
The man smelled even better now that he was closer. Ashley raised her eyes, slowly scanning the man’s chiseled features. Before settling on wide eyes that were dark and beautiful, she cataloged his full lips, groomed goatee, thin mustache, and perfect nose.
The two of them stood fixed, looking at one another, and Ashley’s breathing became shallow. What an attractive man he was. Ashley’s nerves were all over the place, and her knees quivered a bit. But she was not about to let him see what effect he had on her.
Ashley’s heart felt like it was going to pound out of her chest as she gently rubbed her sweaty palms against the sides of her dress.
“What’s your name?” Niles asked.
“Ash…Ashley Hernandez,” she heard herself whisper. Thankfully, Niles was close enough to hear her.
He handed her his hand. “Nice to meet you, Ashley.” Ashley looked at it.
“It’s clean.
Can’t afford to take any chances after experiencing that pandemic we had a few years back.”
“Right…hold on just a second,” Ashley reached into her purse and pulled out a small bottle of hand sanitizer. She cleaned her hands and offered some to Niles who complied. Then they shook hands. Afterwards, he turned her hand over and sweetly kissed it.
Ashley noticed Yvette eyeing her interaction with Niles.
“Nice to meet you,” Niles said releasing her hand.
Ashley smiled, “You too.”
“See you around and sorry again about the hat ordeal.” Niles turned to walk away.
“Oh, heck. No, you don’t,” Yvette left Michael talking in midsentence and ran over to Niles. She reached in her purse and pulled out one of her business cards. “Sir, here take this. Why don’t you join us for drinks later?”
Niles accepted her card and peered down at her name. “Thanks, Ms. Yvette. I’m here on business, but thank you for your information.” He took another look at Ashley.
Ashley wondered if he liked what he saw. She watched as he admired the silhouette of her curves filling up her tangerine sundress. When his gaze finally reached her face, Ashley met his smile with a smile of her own.
“Bye, Niles,” Ashley said before walking towards the taxi. He smiled once more and waved. Ashley noticed Niles had gorgeous adult teeth. He is fine, but he didn’t even ask for my number. Wonder why he’s not interested?
***
Passing through town on the way to the luxurious five-star beach resort Ashley and Yvette were staying at, the two women marveled over the scenery. The marketplaces were crowded with people. Caribbean music not only played inside of the taxi, they could also hear the exotic sounds of an African calypso type rhythm mixed with island groove. Ashley and Yvette noticed a group of men standing outside of a bar, shirtless. They looked at each and playfully squealed as they did in high school. Their excitement startled the driver.
When they reached their destination, the driver looked into his rearview mirror and said, “Here we are, ladies. This is a nice resort. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
“I know you’re going to help us with our bags,” Yvette interjected.
“Of course,” the driver said unbuckling his seat belt.
“Liar,” Yvette said.
After their bags were unloaded from the car and the ladies were checked in, Ashley and Yvette took an elevator up to their rooms, which were connected to each other. Ashley opened her door and took in the room perfumed by the scent of light tropical flowers. Her bed was dressed in white linen and a lightweight quilted comforter of the same color. Sheer curtains tied to a cherry wood four-poster bed swayed in the ocean breeze that entered the room through open balcony doors. Ashley placed her luggage on the bed and walked over to the opened patio doors. The beach looked inviting. She couldn’t wait to change into her bikini and soak up the sun.
An hour later, Ashley and Yvette laid out on the beach under an umbrella looking out at the ocean. This was the life: blue skies, crystal blue waters, and white sandy beaches.
“I could get used to this,” Yvette said, wearing all things Chanel. Chanel sunglasses, Chanel earrings, and a Chanel bathing suit. She’s a fancy one, Ashley thought.
“Ash, can you put some sunscreen on my back? I’m going to splash around in this big gorgeous ocean. I sure didn’t buy this bathing suit to hide it under an umbrella.”
“Sure.”
Ashley laughed as she heard Yvette squeal from the ocean water rushing over her legs. She was content with staying under the umbrella. Plus it was fun to watch people.
As Ashley glanced over the crowd of beachgoers she was surprised to see Niles jogging on the beach. Her eyes widened at his exposed bare chest and loose red jogging shorts. It looked like he was running in slow motion, like the actor on Baywatch. He was looking ahead and never saw her, but Ashley continued to watch him behind her sunglasses.
I don’t know why, but that man sure has my attention.
***
Later that night, Ashley and Yvette decided to go out and enjoy the Bahamian nightlife. Yvette invited Michael. Ashley watched as they danced the night away. Ashley turned down a few invitations to dance opting instead to edit and upload pictures to social media from her phone. While she was looking down at her phone, a man walked up to the bar next to her and ordered a glass of wine. The voice sounded familiar. She looked away from her phone surprised to find Niles standing next to her.
“Niles Parker,” she smiled.
He turned to see her sitting next to him.
“Hey, you,” he said to her.
“Funny running into you again.”
“Yes, indeed. Can I get you something?” Niles offered.
“Good luck, brother. I’ve been trying to get this beautiful woman to dance with me all night. You’re getting nowhere with that vault,” a guy said to Niles in passing.
Ashley’s mouth dropped open, she was appalled. How rude was this guy? No wonder he was at the club by himself. For starters, he needed to learn how to talk to a woman. His cheap cologne reminded Ashley of sweat and WD40. Ashley watched as the man with his one curved bow leg strutted to the dance floor.
“Yeah, make sure you keep on walking, guy. Learn how to talk to a lady,” Niles said. “Watch, I’ll show you,” Niles looked at Ashley. “I’m sorry, he’s a jerk.”
She shook her head. “It’s not your problem.”
“Let’s say we shake some of that off. Would you accompany me to the dance floor?” Niles extended his hand.
Ashley smiled at him. “Sure, I would love to.”
Ashley and Niles started dancing and swaying to the reggaeton music the DJ was playing, and it seemed like they danced all night. Ashley noticed Michael and Yvette sitting at a nearby table enjoying each other’s company.
A slower jazz song, still keeping the flavor of the island, began to play. Niles looked down at Ashley and with a smile, gently pulled her closer to him.
“Now two-stepping is one of my specialties,” Niles admitted.
“I see you got skills,” Ashley teased.
Niles spun her around and caught a glimpse of the clock over the bar.
“Right when the fun really begins,” Niles said to Ashley. “I have to go, Ashley. I have to work in the morning.”
“Aww shucks, Cinderella, the ball has just begun. Well, I enjoyed your company and your dance moves,” Ashley grinned so hard her cheeks hurt. She couldn’t help it.
“You have great moves too, girl,” Niles said.
“Well, I guess I’ll head back upstairs,” Ashley said.
“Your room is in this hotel? So is mine. Let me walk you up. It’s the least I can do.”
Ashley looked over at Yvette. “Sure, let me tell my cousin I’m turning in.” Once she had Yvette’s attention, Ashley waved at her and Yvette waved back.
Niles walked Ashley to her room.
“So, Niles, what do you do for work? I know this is crazy, but I think I’ve seen you somewhere before.”
“I’m an author; I write self-help books. My latest is about marriage, divorce and relationships,” Niles said.
“That is awesome, I would love a copy of your book or books.”
“I will make sure to get you some signed copies then. I had a great time tonight, Ashley. You’re a gem.”
When they reached Ashley’s door, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Let me open that for you,” he said, reaching for the key Ashley held in her hand.
“You’re such a gentleman.”
Niles opened the door, and Ashley placed her hand on top of his gently rubbing the back of his hand. His hand was soft and his skin smooth. Niles looked at her, and she flashed him a warm smile before removing his hand from the door. Ashley placed his hand on her cheek.
“I have two cheeks,” Ashley teased.
Niles’ eyes widened in shock, but he managed to smile at her before leaning in to kiss her other cheek. At the last minute, he decided to ki
ss her softly on her full plump lips. When Ashley kissed him back, it was hard for either of them to let go.
Ashley led him into her room. She had sense enough to take a break from their kissing to lock the adjoining door to Yvette’s room. Back in Niles’s arms, they soon were under the covers making love.
Ashley had never felt so alive. Niles was very attentive to her every need. He made love to her all night until the wee hours of the morning. Ashley vaguely remembered him leaving to go to his room. Before he left, he kissed her on the other cheek. What a beautiful night the two of them had shared. A smile lit up Ashley’s face, she felt like she had left her body and was floating on cloud nine. Niles made her feel amazing, but there was a slight feeling of guilt as well. She had had a one night stand, a good one but she could never do that again. One night stands were out of character for her and her beliefs.
Chapter 4
The fresh wind from the open French doors blew inside of Ashley’s suite, and the white sheer curtains sailed in the air. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks outside collided with the sound of the seagulls squawking and a boat horn in the distance.
Ashley laid on the side of the bed where Niles had been. She inhaled his cologne. It brought back memories of the night before. Interrupted by a knock on the door connecting her room to Yvette, the thoughts were short-lived. Ashley stretched and got out of bed, collecting her large white hotel spa robe. She wrapped it around her body and proceeded to the door.
Good thing I thought to lock the door last night. Although, she was sure that Yvette may have spent her night with Michael
“Morning, Ash,” Yvette said.
“Good morning,” Ashley said.
Yvette stared at Ashley for a second. “You look different.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. You look relaxed, not so uptight. You’re also glowing. Could it have something to do with that small passion mark on your neck?” Yvette pointed.
“What! No,” Ashley ran to the mirror in a panic, “a man like that wouldn’t leave an obvious passion mark on my neck.”
