Tropical Balm

by Franny Armstrong

  ***

  When Brock opened the door Cam stood silent for a moment in surprise. Those eyes! They were exactly like hers. Brock had brown curly hair, stood over six feet tall, and was in fair shape. He was obviously younger than Teal by at least five years, and a handsome man.

  Brock answered the door, crossing his arms over his chest and frowning.

  “Can I help you? We don’t accept door-to-door sales in this building,” he asked, acting like he was going to slam the door in Cam’s face any minute.

  “Door to do—,” he said, biting back his anger. “I’m looking for Teal Greenwood.”

  “Why?” Brock blocked the doorway.

  “Why? Well, because I want to see her. That’s why!” Cam’s Scottish back went up. He was ready to knock the man over to find Teal if he had to.

  Brock stared at him for a moment, and then shook his head. “Not good enough.” The door slammed in Cam’s face.

  Staring at the door as if it was a portal to another world, Cam was stunned. He banged his fist on the wood, his face flaming red with anger now.

  ***

  Behind Brock, Teal held her hand over her mouth to keep from snickering. Her heart lost another chunk of ice. Cam had come for her, and in record time too!

  Teal giggled and then shoved Brock out of the way, hissing at him to go back to the living room, and let her take care of Cam.

  When she opened the door, Cam had his fist up, ready to break the door down. Seeing her instead of Brock, he froze.

  “Hello, Cam,” she said softly.

  Still he stared at her, disbelief in his eyes that she stood there.

  “Would you like to come in Cam?” Hiding her grin, when he stood there staring at her, she put her hand on his arm, and pulled him inside, closing the door behind him.

  Since she hadn’t seen him in weeks, Teal noted the strain around his eyes and mouth. He seemed to have forgotten why he’d come until his eyes change, anger sparked then built into flame.

  “Get your things, you’re coming with me back to Jamaica, back home. You have to stop running from life Teal. Hearts break, hearts heal. You can’t just stick them under a glass dome to protect them from life. I love you, and I want you to come home with me. Now!”

  Teal was about to tell him she would go anywhere with him, but as soon as she opened her mouth, his lips were there, taking all thought away. His arms pulled her close, and she was putty in his hands, kissing him back with abandon.

  They were interrupted when Brock cleared his throat. “I realize you two would like to be alone, but Cam, Teal has a gift for you.

  Lifting his head, he stared at Brock as thought he didn’t know where he’d come from. Brock grinned, and crooked his finger for Cam to follow him.

  Looking down at Teal for a moment, he saw the joy in her eyes, and she nodded, taking his hand to lead him into the living room.

  Cam’s eyes were on Teal when they first walked in. Silence had him lifting his gaze to see two young red-headed women staring at him with tears in their eyes.

  His jaw dropped, his voice choked as he said, incredulous, “Moira? Maggie? Is that you?”

  “Da,” Maggie cried, running to him, engulfed in his arms. Tears fell down his cheeks. This strong man, who never cried, began to cry.

  Moira stood back, unsure of her welcome.

  Holding Maggie in one arm, he held out his hand to her. Soon she too was held close in his arms, and the three of them shed tears, all talking at once.

  Teal’s eyes were full as she stood beside Brock, her arm around his waist. She looked up at him. “Thank you Brock. You did good!”

  He grinned and kissed her forehead. “It was my pleasure Sis. My pleasure indeed.”

  ***

  “Da, we didn’t know you wanted to see us. Mom told us that you told her you didn’t want to see any of us. At that point we weren’t sure you’d even walk again. We moved to Vancouver with her.” Moira said, tears pouring down her cheeks.

  “We waited for you to call us, but you never did. We thought you didn’t love us anymore.” Maggie accused, her expression mutinous.

  “Girls, I never for a moment stopped loving you. Not for one moment. When I said those things, I was in a great deal of pain, both mental and physical. I don’t remember much from that time. It doesn’t justify what I said, but I was in no shape to be making decisions. I’m not saying your mother was wrong to take you away like she did, but it was my own damn pride that wasted four years of our lives. I don’t know if I can ever make it up to you, but I’d like to try.” Cam’s earnest eyes beseeched them.

  “Why don’t we forget the past four years, and take up where we left off before the accident. We love you Da, and we want you back in our lives.” Moira said, her lip trembling.

  A wide grin split on his face. “Now that sounds like a plan Baby Girl—So, tell me about your lives. What have you been doing for the past four years that we are forgetting about?”

  Giggling, Maggie held up her hand, showing off an engagement ring.

  “No! You are getting married? When?” Cam was stunned. His little girl was grown up.

  “In the spring.” She lowered her eyes a moment. “You know Da, I’m going to need someone to give me away. Are you interested in the job?”

  His joyful smile nearly blinded them, it was so bright. “You bet I am. Just name the day. I’ll even set you up in Jamaica for your honeymoon!”

  “Hey, now there’s a plan! Jamaica. I can’t believe you live there now. It’s so far away. And Teal seems really nice. Do you plan on marrying her?” Maggie asked.

  “I never thought that far ahead.” He went silent, thinking it over. Life with Teal would definitely be an adventure. He grinned as he thought about the monster under the tub. “Sounds like a good idea though, don’t you think?”

  Both girls grinned, nodding their approval.

  Maggie nudged Moira. “Moira has a crush on Brock too.”

  “Hey, knock it off will you,” Moira protested, blushing.

  Cam’s eyebrow rose. “Just how long have you known him?”

  “We’ve been chatting online for months, since he tracked us down for Teal. We…ah…we’ve been sort of dating from a distance.” Moira’s face flushed red.

  “Moira, isn’t he a lot older than you?” Cam’s frown had Moira defending Brock.

  “He’s thirty-nine years old and I’m twenty-seven. That’s only twelve years difference Da. There’s nothing wrong with that, and besides, I’m a grown woman now. I make my own decisions.” Her chin moved up a notch, daring him to argue with her.

  Surprising both his daughters, he sat back, and said, “Well…I guess as long as he doesn’t call me Da, I’m okay with him.” Since he was Teal’s brother, and she loved him, there couldn’t be much wrong with the man.

  Moira looked at Maggie with her jaw dropped open, and then back at her father. Screaming with excitement, she threw herself into his arms, kissing his cheek, and wrapping her arms around his neck in a vice grip.

  Brock and Teal came running from the kitchen.

  “What’s wrong?” Teal asked.

  Cam looked over Moira’s shoulder, and said, “Thanks to you two, not a blessed thing.” He went back to hugging his daughter.

  Hours later, Cam took his daughters to their hotel room, and returned for Teal, his step lighter as he walked down the hallway whistling a Scottish tune. All was right with his world.

  Cam and Teal spent two days with Brock and the girls, getting to know each other. The men became fast friends, even after Cam pull the; ‘I’m her father so you better tow the line or else’ speech.

  Brock took it like a trooper, replying, “I’m not sure you remember your daughter, Cam, but she’s a force of nature in herself. No one messes with her when she gets her back up.”

  After that, the laughter didn’t stop, and they all enjoyed their visit. Cam promised to get online in Jamaica so that he and Teal could chat with Brock and the girls on a regular basis.


  Before Brock drove them all to the airport to catch their flights, Cam took him aside.

  “When Teal asked you a favour, you came through with flying colours, now I’m asking one of you. Would you mind helping me?”

  “Sure Cam. What do you need?” Brock asked, intrigued.

  “Well, first of all, it’s a secret, so no telling Teal and the girls, but here’s what I want you to do...”

  Cam outlined his plan and Brock laughed, eager to get started on it. The men shook hands, and Brock ushered them all to the airport.

  ***

  When Cam and Teal arrived at the house, Poppy, Delon and a very pregnant Zola were waiting, wearing wide grins. They were welcomed back with hugs, and fed a splendid meal with a bottle of wine.

  After dinner, Teal shooed Poppy out of the kitchen, and did the dishes. She was humming when Delon came into the room.

  “So, did you tell him you were going to come back anyway?” Delon asked Teal.

  Turning to him with a stunned expression on her face, she said, “Now why on Earth would I do that?” Teal winked. Delon was still laughing when she went outside to enjoy the evening with Cam.

  Walking over to her swinging bench, Teal sat down to play her flute, chuckling at the laughter she heard behind her. It was good to be home.

  ***

  Checking over the new addition to make sure everything had been done the way he wanted it, Cam grinned. It was a beautiful piece of architecture.

  The lilting sounds of Teal’s flute floated over the trees, filling ears and hearts with contentment. The song was about coming home, and pulled on the heartstrings. The ice around her heart was losing the battle as it began melting again. She was content, happy, and in love.

  She nearly stopped playing when the thought went through her mind. Love had caused her a great deal of pain. Could she truly give him her heart? Even though she’d told him that she loved him, she was still unsure, and afraid.

  She scanned her home and the area around it, while she played. As her eyes found the shower curtain, she nearly lost the melody, smiling. The first time she’d met Cam, he’d infuriated her. That was the first time since…since losing her family, that she’d felt alive. Thinking back, she found her heart warming. It felt good to love again.

  The only problem now, was Tyrell. His threat to hurt Delon or the children was very real. She still had to tell Cam about it. She was afraid because if he got involved, he could be hurt…or killed. She couldn’t go through that again. She couldn’t stand to lose him, or her new family. The song ended just as Cam approached the bench, and she smiled up at him.

  Warm sky-blue eyes met hers, and she felt tingles move up her spine. Bedroom eyes. That’s what she called them. The kind of eyes a girl could melt into. They were filled with love, and desire. Biting her lip, she bent to place her flute in its case, and then stood up.

  “You play like an angel, love,” he said, kissing her gently.

  “Why thank you, kind sir. Compliments like that will get you more than dessert.” Her wicked smile told him exactly what he would get.

  “In that case, your eyes are as beautiful as the Caribbean sea. Your lips are like luscious peaches, delectable, delicious. You’re—.”

  “Full of Irish blarney!” she laughed.

  “Excuse me! I’ll have you know that I’m a born and bred Scotsman, with nary a bit of Irish in me. Now, what I’d like to know, is if you have a bit of Scottish in you?” His words were serious, yet his eyes held mirth.

  “No, I don’t have any Scottish in me Cam.”

  “Ah…then come with me,” he said, taking her hand and walking toward the house.

  “What are you doing?” she asked, thinking he was serious.

  “Oh, well. You don’t have any Scottish in you, so I’m going to remedy that. You’ll have some in a few minutes.” Grinning, he threw her over his shoulder, ignoring her laughter.

  “Put me down you big goof! You’re going to hurt yourself.” Giggling, she smacked his buttocks. He ignored her and started whistling as he continued to the house. “Put me down!”

  When his hand swatted her butt, she shrieked with laughter.

  Opening the door, he made his way to the bedroom, grinning, and winking at his audience. Teal’s shriek of laughter had everyone grinning. He shut the door behind him.

  ***

  After Cam dumped Teal gently on the bed, he stood staring down at her, his hands on his hips. His expression said he was pondering something.

  “What are you doing now, you crazy Scotsman?” When he paused a moment, she giggled.

  “Well now love, I was wondering how we can get a bit of old Scotland in ya, but I can only think of one way.” Shaking his head, he started undoing the buttons on his tropical shirt.

  “Oh, really! Then tell me, my brawny Scotsman. How will you accomplish this mystical feat of yours?” Teal watched him peel off his shirt, his hands moving to his shorts.

  “Hmmm…well let’s see. I think we need to remove that lovely dress you’re wearing. Come now, stand up,” he said, holding out his hand, his shorts undone and ready to drop to the floor.

  “Standing, eh? Seems like an awful lot of work to me. What if it isn’t worth the effort?” she asked, wearing an impish grin, while still sprawled on the bed.

  “Oh, I’m sure it will be worth every minute, my love. Come along, up you get.”

  Sighing dramatically, she rolled her eyes, and slowly got to her feet, standing in front of him like a sacrificial lamb. She had to bit her lip to hide her grin.

  “That’s better, love. Now, how do we get you out of that lovely frock?” he said, cupping his chin with his finger and thumb.

  Shrugging, she pretended she didn’t know how, and waited for him to figure it out.

  “Well, I think this tie at your side might offer a wee bit of a solution.” Cam pulled at the tie, and the dress unwrapped, baring her to his eyes. His eyebrows went up when he saw that she wore no underwear.

  “My, oh, my lassie. You might just give a man a heart attack when you do things like that.”

  Laughing aloud she teased, “Oh, well if I’m too much for you, what with all my warrior marks and all, then maybe I should just tie the dress back up!” She began pulling the ties together, but he stopped her with his hands.

  “Wait! Now, I’m a brave man, I think, and I am willing to take the chance. I mean, I wouldn’t want to disappoint you now. Would I?”

  Spreading her arms in supplication, she let him have his way. A snicker escaped when he had a hard time removing the dress past her outspread arms.

  Once she was naked, she raised a brow. “How are you going to finish your quest with those shorts on mister?”

  In seconds, the shorts were on the floor, and he pulled her body close to his. Lips met lips as passion ignited, and they soon were entwined together on the bed, kissing each other with abandon.

  Cam moved his lips to trail a hot path down her neck, moaning when her hand cupped his sack.

  Gasping, Teal whispered, “Hey you! You promised to put some Scottish in me. Let’s get a move on. I’m damned hungry for a bit of the highlands.”

  Chuckling, Cam said, “Your wish is my delight.” Moving back up her body, he entered her in one smooth thrust of his hips, making them both cry out.

  “There you go, love,” he said breathlessly, “now you have some Scots in ya.” He growled, his hot lips burning her sensitive neck.

  “Well halleluiah!” she shouted. Her voice cracked as he pushed again, building a rhythm.

  Teal kept her eyes open and focused on his, as he moved over her. She loved watching the way his eyes changed when he neared completion. The blue deepened and warmed, showing her how he felt about her. Love shone bright.

  “I love you, Teal,” he said, climbing now, seeking the peak.

  “And I love you, my crazy Scot. I really do.” She cried out as she began to peak. Her sheath pulsed around him, bringing a shout of joy as Cam joined her in sweet rel
ease, their climax crashing over them like the waves on the beach.

  Finally, they lay side-by-side, trying to catch their breaths.

  “Wow. I think it was worth the risk,” Cam said, his breath hot against her neck.

  “What risk?” she murmured, holding him close.

  “Why, the heart-attack of course!”

  Their laughter filled the house.

  ***

  Standing at the entrance to the school, Teal watched as the shiny black car slowly drove past. She stayed out of site. Chills went up her spine as she remembered Tyrell’s threat that she had better come when he called, or someone would get hurt, someone she cared about.

  Once the car was gone, she went back to finish the English lessons. There were so many children in the school now that they had to teach some inside, and some out. Teal’s eyes warmed with affection as she listened to a nine year-old boy reading aloud from an English book. They were eager to learn, and she felt good about taking on the task of building the school up.

  “I’m proud of you,” came Cam’s voice close to her ear, and she jumped in surprise, barely holding back a scream.