by Nana Prah
“Wow. What did you do?”
“I went to the principal of Vanessa’s nursing school to tell her what was going on. Vanessa was becoming a danger to others. I wouldn’t have minded so much if she had concentrated on me. Because as you mentioned, I was dealing with the consequences of my actions. They had her admitted at Pantang Psychiatric Hospital.”
“And you haven’t seen her since then?” she asked.
“I felt guilty.” He stilled his hands from raking down his face at her open-mouthed stare. “I’m human. I possess the full range of emotions. When I do something wrong, I feel bad.”
She slanted him a look. “I didn’t say a word.”
“Your pretty face gaping at me said it all. I went to visit her a few times, but I was told to stop because she would get worse after I left. Today was the first time I’ve seen her since my last visit.”
“The way you treated her today doesn’t seem like a man who felt guilty over making a woman lose her mind.” She waved her hands in circles around her ears. “You seemed angry with her.”
“I know it’s been ten years, but I didn’t want to lead her on in any way.”
“So you aren’t still upset with her?”
“Not at all.” He couldn’t tell if she believed him, but he hoped she did. He’d run out of truth to tell.
“Hmm.” She ducked her head. “And the fake fiancée thing?”
“That was an excuse to hold you.” She’d fit into his side, which surprised him because of her short stature. She stood at no more than five foot three inches. But what she lacked in height, her body made up for in plush curves.
Esi’s expression turned lethal.
Hands up, he took a step back. “I’m joking. I didn’t want her to think she had any sort of a chance.”
“Why didn’t you tell her I was your girlfriend or your wife?” She had to speak louder due to the rushing of water in the background. They’d arrive at the waterfall in a matter of minutes.
She swatted his hand away when he swiped her cute little nose with his index finger. “First of all that foul four letter W word never leaves my mouth. You being my girlfriend wouldn’t have meant anything to her. I chose the middle ground.”
“You’re a confirmed bachelor till death then?” Was it disappointment that resonated in her voice?
“Yes. I’m clear and up front about it. I’m not going to get married.” Unless…he trampled on the wayward thought. Remaining firm in his decision is what had kept him free from emotional injury all these years.
Her casual shrug bothered him. “At least you know what you’re looking for, and it helps women to steer clear of you if they’re looking to be someone’s wife.”
His stomach tightened at Esi’s ominous words.
Chapter Eleven
Keeping herself far away from Adam would be her best course of action. The beyond gorgeous man who made her feel excited about life and the prospect of falling in love, could not—no—refused to give her what she desired in life. Okay, brain, allow treacherous body not to respond to him and everything will be fine.
He was an enigma. To learn he’d been in love after what Lynette had done to him threw her off balance. Sadness had washed over her. It was horrible he’d been so hurt by a woman that he had given up on love.
They turned the bend to find the most beautiful waterfall she had ever seen. Granted, she’d only visited one other waterfall in her life, but this was far more spectacular. The woman at the tourist office had boasted that Wli waterfall was the highest in West Africa—reaching four hundred meters high. She desired to walk behind the thundering cascade. The security guard she spied to the right would deter her from breaking one of the park’s most stringent rules of staying away from the falls.
Esi turned to see Adam’s reaction to the gorgeous scene and caught him staring at her. The rushing water made her raise her voice in order to be heard. “What?” His gaze never left hers. “You look amazed.”
She waved her arms around her. “I am. This place is beautiful.”
“Aren’t you glad I made you come?”
Esi’s eyes widened as she tried and failed to answer. She was sure he didn’t mean it in the sexual context that her dirty mind had interpreted. Where was the justice in life? Five years ago, she’d been dating for the fun of it. She was sure that if he’d whispered those same words back then, it would’ve been after a heavy session of lovemaking. His hand flashed in front of her face. “Are you all right?”
Blinking she turned to the fall. “Yes. I’m in awe at God’s greatness.”
They gravitated to the pool. He scooped her up into his arms, and she shrieked as her feet left the ground. She held onto his neck for dear life. “What are you doing? Put me down.”
He advanced. “Are you sure you want me to do that?”
Esi looked down to see that the water was inches away from lapping at his shoes. She hung on tighter. “Move back and then put me down. I’m too heavy for you to be carrying.”
“No, you’re not.”
“Adam Quarshie! If you don’t put me down right now I’m going to…to….”
He hiked her up higher on his chest. “To what, Esi?”
The heat from his body burned through her clothes, setting her skin on fire. The intensity of his eyes dared her to kiss him. Her resistance fled. Leaning forward, a spark flowed through her as her lips settled on his. Instead of allowing her to pull back after the brief encounter, he shifted her closer and ran the tip of his tongue over the seam of her mouth. Not needing much coercion, she opened to allow him entry as her tongue sought his.
His kisses turned out to be more passionate than any her fantasies had created.
Esi pulled away when she registered that her skin was damp from the mist of the waterfall. Embarrassment flooded her as she recalled they were in a public place. “Put me down.”
“In my bed?”
Tempted by the offer, she hesitated for a split second. “No.”
He took a few steps backwards and then slid her down his body until her feet hit the ground. Her knees were wobbly, so she held on to his massive arm.
She rotated away from him, Vanessa stood watching them from the other side of the pool closer to the fall. Esi leaned in to him. What she wouldn’t give for a repeat of the kiss. This is the last time the opportunity will present itself. Use it.
She grabbed his hand. He didn’t question her as she led him to a more secluded area and clasped her hands around his neck. “Don’t turn around, but Vanessa is watching us.”
Without a word, he bent over and kissed her. She gripped him tighter, mewling with pleasure as she molded to his body. His hands cupped her behind, and she all but jumped up to wrap her legs around him. Her mind told her they were amongst people, but her body didn’t care. The feel of his tongue teasing the inside of her mouth and his hands roving over her back made the world recede.
Wrenching her lips from his, she sought the spot on his neck where his collar began—the smooth patch of skin that had captivated her since she’d gotten in the car that morning. She sucked. He groaned then captured her mouth.
The man knew his way around a set of lips. She returned his kiss, holding nothing back.
His breath came out in ragged puffs when he pulled away.
She had difficulty catching her own breath as the reality of what they were doing crashed down on her. She looked around him as her passion-filled vision cleared. The tree he leaned against shielded them from most of tourists, but Vanessa stood in the one area where they weren’t protected by bush. A chill ran down Esi’s spine at the other woman’s sneer.
Esi put her head on his shoulder and held on. She would enjoy their last embrace. “Our little show didn’t make Vanessa happy.”
“Show?”
She pulled away, but he brought her back into his arms. She didn’t fight it. She wouldn’t allow herself to be driven by the need to touch the man holding her. Anchoring her hands on his broad, muscular chest, s
he pushed herself back and looked into his eyes.
“Yes. This was all for Vanessa’s benefit.”
Adam refused to believe Esi’s kisses had anything to do with Vanessa’s presence. Nobody was that good an actress. The woman had almost made him burst into flames. He stood rooted to the spot where he’d had the most intense kiss of his life while she strolled to the waterfall.
His gaze glided over her body as she removed her short-heeled sandals and dipped her toe into the water. He took a deep inhale and turned his head to stop from thinking about how she’d melted in to him. He’d been playing around to lighten the mood when he’d picked her up. Their attraction had taken it to a whole other level.
His gaze shifted to the right and collided with Vanessa’s. She took it as an invitation to walk over to him. Perhaps he should have a chat with her to clear the air. Ghana was too small to keep them apart. The next time he saw her he’d want to be more comfortable and may not have Esi as a buffer.
Vanessa stood in front of him, blocking his view of Esi. He stepped to the right to place her back in his sight.
“I can’t believe you’re getting married.” She clasped her hands together as she hitched her shoulders to her ears.
He forced the corners of his lips to arch upward. “Believe it.”
“Congratulations.” The tone of her voice didn’t match her smile.
“To you, too. Who is your husband?”
“He works for the Ministry of Agriculture.” She glanced over her shoulder at his supposed fiancée. “Um, I want to apologize for my behavior all those years ago.”
Esi’s movement towards them caught his attention. “I’ve forgiven you, Vanessa.”
“Thank you.”
When Esi reached them, his smile became genuine.
“How do you like the falls, Vanessa? Your cousin hasn’t stopped snapping pictures. Her enthusiasm extended to taking some of me,” Esi said.
“It’s beautiful.” Vanessa scanned the crowd and waved at Evelyn. “Yes, she loves taking pictures.” He grabbed Esi’s camera. “Do you mind taking one of us, please, Vanessa?”
The woman grabbed the camera with a weak smile. He positioned Esi in front of him with the falls to their back and held her around the waist. Pleased that she leaned in to him instead of elbowing him in the gut, he smiled.
Vanessa snapped a couple of pictures then returned the camera.
“Thank you.” Esi touched his arm. “Are you ready to go, baby?”
His ears perked up. Damn. He enjoyed hearing the lips that had done such wonderful things to his call him baby. “Yes. See you around, Vanessa, and good luck with life.”
His ex took a step backwards. “You, too. Both of you.”
They watched her turn and walk towards Evelyn. He snaked his arm around Esi’s waist. “Should we give her one more display, to make sure she gets the message?”
“No need to torment the poor girl.”
What had happened to her warm, receptive mood? He enjoyed females, but they were a conundrum. He’d find out what had ruffled her feathers after their trip to Höhle Likpe Todome Caves.
Inflecting more enthusiasm into his voice than he felt, he said, “Off to the caves we go.”
***
Adam thought he might have a chance to hold Esi when they went through the caves. One reason was because he wanted her lush body against his, the other that anxiety gnawed at him. Descending twenty meters underground to explore a cave made him uncomfortable. He’d rather die than admit to anyone he had a tiny fear of the dark.
What had possessed him to agree to this? Ah yes, it was his new favorite feature. Her eyes. They had been so full of anticipation, he couldn’t refuse her.
He reached out to hold her hand, but she shied away. “Aren’t you scared?”
“No. I think it’s peaceful.”
“And creepy,” he mumbled.
“You don’t like it?”
“What’s to like? Stone surface to the left, right, bottom, and top. All cloaked in darkness.”
Her giggle caught him off guard. “How about we make this the first and last cave we go through today?”
“I don’t mind. I’m hungry anyway,” she said.
“Great.” His response may have been a little too eager. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Can I hold your hand?”
Her smile had never been more mischievous. “If you admit you’re scared.”
“I’m not scared.” He puffed out his chest. “I’m experiencing a slight state of discomfort.”
Esi’s laughter echoed through the cave as she slipped her hand into his. He adjusted them so their fingers interlaced. At that moment, he would have walked the other five caves in order to continue holding her hand.
Snap out of it. One sexual encounter is all you need from her. No more of this romantic crap.
Esi enjoyed the feel of her hand cradled in his too much. She found it endearing that he was afraid of the cave, but had been willing to go through it with her. Thinking of him in any good way would get her heart squashed. She had to always remember his true identity as non-marriage material. This was a game to him. A challenge. The moment she gave in, he’d be out the door. She had to stay strong. All of a sudden, the pleasure of their closeness choked her with trepidation. Time to end this little encounter before she got ensnared any further.
When they reached the sunlit ground, she released his hand. He didn’t resist.
“I don’t feel well, Quarshie. Can we head back to Accra?” She had to get away from him. There was no other way to save her heart.
His face crumpled in concern. He reached out to touch her cheek, but she stepped back. “Are you all right?”
Not one to lie outright, she waved a hand in a small arc. “It’s been a long day, and I must be tired.”
“How about we get some food? You said you were hungry. It might make you feel better.”
He knew how to use logic to trap a person. “Okay. But let’s make it quick so we can get back to Accra by nightfall.” She had to avoid being anywhere near him when the sun went down.
He smirked. “I have no problems driving when it’s late. In fact, I do my best work in the dark.”
“I’m sure you do,” she said dryly. Her brisk forward motion prevented her from letting it slip that she wouldn’t mind experiencing how good his work was. Not that she liked to gossip, but the rumors roared throughout the hospital about his skills in bed.
As they walked, she looked straight ahead. “What were you and Vanessa talking about?”
“She apologized about what she put me through. I told her I’d forgiven her.” Her peripheral vision caught him tapping a finger on his chin. “Oh yes, we were also trying to figure out whether you slept with Kwesi or not.”
She stopped walking and rounded on him. His tenacity shouldn’t impress her. “And what was the verdict.”
“After the kiss we shared—”
“Which was for Vanessa’s benefit only.”
“If you say so, Esi.” He even made rolling his eyes look endearing.
Stop seeing him as what you want him to be. To be bound to a man who refused to trust, much less love her, wasn’t on her list of fun things to do.
“I’ve deduced that you did not sleep with Kwesi.” The statement was punctuated with a single nod.
“How in the world did you come to that conclusion?”
He stepped forward, but she stood her ground. “Because I want it to be true.”
She shivered in the scorching sunshine as the back of his hand caressed her cheek. Her voice came out husky when she said, “Do you always get what you want?”
He leaned down and grazed his lips across hers. She leaned forward to deepen the kiss, but he moved back out of reach. She tried again, and he retreated. “If you want to kiss me, you’ll have to give me an answer.”
His deep, sultry voice had a hypnotizing effect, but two could play this game. She reached out her right hand to catch his left and drew
slow circles on his palm with her thumb. His gasped inhale brought a smirk to her lips. Releasing his hand, she stepped back to decrease the effect the contact had on her, too. She’d maintain control of this relationship no matter how much energy it took. “No comment, Quarshie.”
Chapter Twelve
“I give in, Alice.” Esi paused in writing the labor ward’s supply request list. “Set me up with your cousin if you think he’s so right for me.”
Alice blinked a few times, turning to Martha with her mouth agape.
Martha laughed. “You heard right, Alice. She said you could set her up.”
Adam’s impeccable timing reared its ugly head as he chose that moment to come around the corner. “Good morning ladies. Who’s getting set up?”
Alice recovered her voice. “Esi said I could introduce her to my cousin. I’ve been trying for the past year. They would be perfect for each other.”
Adam stared at Esi while speaking to Alice. “Is that so? What makes him so perfect for her?”
Putting the supply list aside, Esi scurried to collect the patients’ folders. “We’re ready for ward rounds. Mrs. Sarpong looks like she might be ready to deliver within the hour. She’s been progressing nicely.” The return ride to Accra three days ago had been quiet. They’d stayed in their own mental worlds. She was sure his thoughts consisted of removing her panties and having his way with her.
Wait...that had been her fantasy.
But, in her mind, she would leave the encounter unscathed. In his…he’d use her up, make her fall in love with him, and laugh while telling all his friends it had taken months but he’d had Esi.
She refused to let that happen. She had to prevent it at any and all costs, so she’d decided to go on a date with a stranger. Having worked with Alice for about five years, the woman knew her well enough to choose someone appropriate.
Was that all she looked for in a man these days? Appropriate? She’d settle for nothing less than someone who would steal her breath away, trusted, and loved her, flaws and all. Her list wasn’t long. Why couldn’t she find a man?
