Romance in Color

by Synithia Williams

  As Adrian drove away, his mind was telling him to just leave it for what it was, a mere chance encounter, but an incongruous, exciting feeling was coursing through him. Strange, because it felt like an entire lifetime ago since he was this much excited by the opposite sex. Adrian had only spent a short time with Cory and already she evoked in him all these things, excitement, sensuality, lust.

  Clearly, something about her had captivated him. Was it the hair, her beautiful eyes, her scent? Maybe it was the way her brain worked? Or maybe it was that damn feistiness in her today. Those sexy legs sure would do the trick, too. But this woman most definitely had issues. But too bad, he was already hooked. And he needed to see her again.

  • • •

  It was already after six in the evening when Adrian finally finished his training session for the day. He was getting ready to leave but first made a stop by his good friend’s office before heading out. Forget about Franklin, he was starting at the top. Adrian knew Jonesie was one of the few policemen he could trust at this particular station. And one who would help him with anything.

  “Aye, Jonesie, what’s going on, man?”

  “Mendez, I heard you were looking for me,” bellowed Sergeant Jones in his lovely island accent. Jones was a friendly looking police officer in his early forties. He and Adrian got along very well and they had been friends ever since he started training the guys here.

  Adrian entered Jonesie’s office and said, “Yes. I wanted to find out something and you’re the only man here who can help me.”

  “And what’s that exactly?”

  Adrian wasted no time. “Early New Year’s morning, a young lady came in here to report her car stolen.”

  “You have to do better than that, Mendez. There were about three stolen cars that night. So tell me which one exactly.”

  Adrian told him. “The woman’s name is Cory Phillips.”

  Jones flipped through some papers on his desk and then answered, “Yes. Why didn’t you just say that? Miss Head Turner. Getting every man in here confused in that dress she was wearing. Even you, Mendez,” Jonesie added, laughing.

  “Me?”

  “Yeah. I saw you looking. You couldn’t take your eyes off her.”

  Adrian grinned. He didn’t think anyone would have noticed him staring. “But could you really blame me?” Not only was Cory a naturally stunning woman, she exuded immense sexuality. Add in intelligence and confidence and these characteristics alone made women appear even sexier in Adrian’s book. “Anyway, I had to intervene on her behalf with Stewart today.”

  “Yeah, I heard about that.”

  “And you know that I’d never question your men in the line of carrying out their duties, right?”

  “Yes, I know that, Mendez.”

  “Not that I really give a shit about Stewart anyway but the guy was completely way out of line today. You need to talk to him, Jonesie.”

  “Mendez, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spoken to Stewart about his behavior. I get a lot of complaints from the public about him.”

  “No wonder.”

  “Yeah. Don’t worry over it. I’ll take care of him. So why and what do you need to find out?”

  “Well, I sort of had an interesting conversation with her today and I sort of promised her that I’d try to see what I could find out about her car.” Adrian smiled.

  “Mendez boy, why did you have to go and promise that woman the impossible? Haven’t I taught you nothin’ my friend?” Jones erupted but both men laughed heartily.

  “So Jonesie, you know you have to find that car, right?”

  “Oh. I see where this is going now,” Jonesie laughed. “You’re trying to get lucky, my friend.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, man,” Adrian said. “I’m merely trying to help a young lady in distress. And on top of which, she really hates policemen.”

  “And she likes soldiers I presume?” Jones asked dryly.

  “Negative. She dislikes us all in uniform. Look, she really needs her car back, man.”

  “Yeah, Mendez, you just keep telling yourself that,” Jonesie said knowingly.

  “So what’s the status on it, anyway?”

  “There’s an All-Points-Bulletin in all the divisions but so far, no sightings of it anywhere.”

  “Well, please try to push this one through for me.”

  “I’ll try.”

  “Thanks, man. I knew I could count on you. And Jonesie, please make everything as quick and comfortable for her the next time she comes back here.”

  “Will do, Mendez. But if we find it, the rest is up to you, son,” he chuckled. Heading out the door now, Adrian stopped, “Oh yeah, one more thing, Jonesie. Please keep Stewart the hell away from her.”

  This time, Adrian was very serious.

  “No problem. So you’ll let me know if you get through, right?” Jones continued chuckling in his office.

  It had been another long and grueling day for Adrian but it wasn’t over yet. Back in his vehicle, Adrian was now headed for base to finish up some paperwork there. It would be another all-nighter behind his desk because he wasn’t getting off till eight the next morning. Yet, he still had to love his job.

  Adrian really hoped Jonesie would pull through on this favor for him though. He definitely needed to see Cory again. Although he was pretty confident he knew exactly where he could find her.

  Chapter 6

  By the time an infuriated and completely drenched Cory had reached her office, she knew she hated the police more than ever. She hated the rain more than ever. And she couldn’t stop thinking about second lieutenant Adrian Mendez.

  She was exhausted. She felt like she had just fought a war with her near fracas at the station. She felt battered and abused. Not physically, but her ego had taken a brutal beat down today. The only good thing that probably came out from all this was the lift she was offered by Adrian. Or was that such a good thing?

  Although she didn’t really bank on his promise to look into the matter for her, nevertheless Cory still hoped. She needed to deal with the insurance company and bank next. This was going to be an all-out war but she wasn’t scared. She never backed down from a battle. Her sharp tongue and quick wit always got her out of tough situations.

  Thoughts of Adrian filled her head all afternoon. She still didn’t know why she acted like such a fool and darted out of the man’s vehicle. He was only trying for her to see his point, after all. Cory felt like something had really clicked between them though. She blushed as she remembered her body being completed turned on by him. She was curious to find out what else he was capable of doing to her.

  Maybe she needed a man like Adrian to help her relieve some of life’s stresses, she pondered. She hadn’t noticed a ring on his finger. Then again, the military men on this island always secretly or otherwise wore more than one woman on their arms at any given time.

  Still, Cory couldn’t remember the last time any man had her this much flustered.

  Precisely three days after her encounter with Adrian, Cory received a telephone call from a Sergeant Jones while finishing a quick lunch in her office.

  “Ma’am, I have some good news for you.”

  “And what’s that exactly?” Cory started to feel hopeful.

  “We found your car.”

  “Really? Where?” asked a now-excited Cory.

  “In Guanapo.”

  Guanapo? From Cory’s quick geographic recollection of the island, Guanapo was a tiny but heavily forested village in the east. “Is it still in one piece?” she asked just to make sure.

  “Yes, ma’am, it is.”

  “Excellent! So when can I come for my car?” she asked. Cory was wasting no more time with this. Not having her car for almost a week now was killing her physically
and mentally.

  “Well, it has to go to forensics to get checked out.”

  “Forensics? Why?”

  “That’s just standard procedure to see if anything was tampered with in the vehicle.”

  “Okay.”

  “Well, how about I give you a call by Thursday, then.”

  “Sounds great. Thanks, Sergeant,” and Cory ended the call.

  “Yessss!” she screamed ecstatically in the confines of her office and swiveled merrily in her chair. It was only when she got up to do a little erotic gyration of her hips did Cory notice her boss standing in the doorway.

  “Is everything okay in here?” Javier enquired in his sexy Spanish accent–the only thing he had going for him, apparently.

  “Everything is fine,” a caught off-guard Cory quickly responded.

  “Good. I need this back by three.” Javier proceeded to drop a stack of visibility reports on her desk before making a quick exit.

  “Idiot,” Cory muttered under her breath once he was safely out of earshot. But not even Javier could spoil her mood right now. She couldn’t believe it. The police had finally done their jobs after all. And all it took were a little melodrama, her acting all gangsta, screaming her head off, and shedding a few tears in the process. But that was beside the point now, she was thankful to be getting her car back.

  Cory couldn’t help but wonder if Adrian had anything to do with this. He had promised that he’d look into it for her. Not that she was really expecting him to do anything. Why would he, anyway? Certainly not after the way she had acted and rudely bolted the other day. She had wanted to ask Sergeant Jones this but held her tongue after thinking that it might seem inappropriate. Cory immediately called Jay to tell him the good news.

  • • •

  Sure enough, when Thursday finally came around Sergeant Jones called and insisted she ask for him directly when she arrived. After what had transpired the last time, Cory wasn’t taking any chances. She didn’t want a repeat, so she asked Jay to remain with her.

  They walked into the station a little after noon and she was in a really good mood — up until she spotted Stewart intently staring her down. This time, he didn’t say a word to her. Cory was thankful he didn’t because she would have definitely gotten arrested today. Instead, she walked up to a female officer and asked for Sergeant Jones.

  She couldn’t believe the swiftness with which they were all moving today. It was like a totally new police force altogether. Right away she and Jay were led to Sergeant Jones’s office. When she entered, she was met by a very jovial man.

  “Ah, Miss Phillips. Come in, come in,” he said with a smile, ushering her in with a handshake and giving Jay a pleasant nod. Cory couldn’t believe she was receiving all this royal treatment.

  Her wardrobe was carefully chosen as was her norm, but for today, it was extra-special, just in case she ran into a particular second lieutenant again. She had looked a bit of a frazzled disaster when Adrian had given her a lift last time. She didn’t want a repeat of that fiasco, either.

  She was wearing a burnt orange blouse with a plunging neckline. This was neatly tucked into her slim brown pencil skirt ending above her knees. Her outfit was complemented by four-inch brown pumps. Her attention-grabbing ensemble definitely accentuated her vivacious curves, from her full bosom to her tiny waist, wide hips, and shapely calves.

  Sergeant Jones spoke to her briefly before leading her and Jay outside. They headed over to where her car was. Cory breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that it really was in a good condition still. When she was told that she was free to go with it, only then did Jay leave.

  This went well, Cory breathed. She had only spent about fifteen minutes in total here. A world record, perhaps? As she started her car, Cory mustered enough courage to ask Jones, “By the way, is Second Lieutenant Mendez around?”

  “No, my dear,” Jones replied. “Mendez isn’t based here.”

  “Oh.” Cory felt disappointed when she heard this. It probably showed all over her face because Jones said, with a hint of mischief in his voice, “He’s over at the base.”

  Cory didn’t know what the mischief was all about — all she wanted was to find Adrian and apologize. “So where exactly is this base located?”

  Chapter 7

  Sergeant Jones’s directions proved to be quite good. Cory was able to find the base in uptown Port of Spain without any trouble. She’d never realized it existed even though she had passed there numerous times before. She also couldn’t believe that it was within close proximity to her own office. As she pulled into the military compound, the young, good-looking soldier manning the gateway immediately stopped her vehicle. Cory automatically rolled down the passenger window so she could speak to him.

  “Good afternoon, ma’am,” the soldier said.

  “Good afternoon, I’m here to see Second Lieutenant Adrian Mendez,” Cory announced.

  “He isn’t here right now, ma’am.”

  “Will he be here soon?” she asked hopefully.

  “He usually is. If no emergencies come up.”

  “Okay, well, can I take the chance and wait for him, then?”

  “Sure, ma’am. You can wait over there if you like,” the soldier said, pointing with his hand to a parking area behind him.

  “Thanks.” Cory ended the conversation and sent the window up again. She drove toward the car park that gleamed like a magnificent black animal from the scorching midday sun overhead. Cory noticed Adrian’s pickup and her mind immediately flashed to his sexy smile and that was enough to send her temperature soaring.

  For now, she sat in the car and waited, amazed and thankful that all the car’s accessories were still in place — especially the AC. It kept her body cool. Cory knew one look at Adrian in the flesh and her body temperature might skyrocket to boiling point this time. It had happened to her twice. She nervously wondered if it would happen a third time.

  As the minutes ticked by, her anticipation to see him again built. She felt excited, like a young school girl.

  What if he didn’t want to see her? Well, it would serve her right. She hadn’t been exactly polite to the man after he was kind enough to offer her a lift in the first place. She’d practically bolted from him, as if he had attacked her or something, preferring to walk in the rain instead.

  If only she could turn back the hands of time, she would have been a lot more courteous and gracious. This was the main reason she was here now, Cory reminded herself. She wanted to say a personal thank you to Adrian for all his help. She also needed to apologize for her very rude behavior the other day. But she was becoming more nervous by the minute. Was she ready to do this now?

  “What the hell am I doing here?” Cory asked herself out aloud.

  • • •

  Adrian was sitting in the front passenger’s seat when he pulled into the base with the other soldiers and officers. The sentry on duty stopped them and came directly to him.

  “LT, there’s someone here waiting to see you, sir.”

  “Who?” Adrian asked, surprised.

  “A young lady, sir. She’s in the car park waiting,” the soldier told him.

  Strange. Adrian was wondering who his visitor could be amidst the snickering of the others. The only female he allowed to visit him here was his sister and usually she called him first.

  Just as the driver started moving again, out of nowhere a car swung directly onto their path, braking mere inches in front of them. His driver had to slam on his brakes to avoid a head-on collision.

  • • •

  “Oh my God,” Cory screamed, clutching her chest. She’d hit her breaks so hard just now she swore all her curls would bounce right off her head. That was when she saw him. Her heart nearly gave way. Butterflies did a dance in her stomach. Adrian alighted from his vehicle and
began walking toward her. Cory was breathing heavily. She didn’t know if it was from her near-death experience just now or from the sight of him approaching. She had to get it together. Fast.

  Cory stared, her foot still mashing down hard on the brakes. It was her first time seeing him in full military gear. He struck a striking picture, from the beret on his head to the boots on his feet. Tall, handsome, professional, authoritative, strong and powerful — dangerous, even. A black bullet-proof vest was strapped across his broad chest and dark-green camouflage fatigues, his strong veined hand nestled firmly on the huge gun in front him.

  Cory didn’t understand why at this particular moment she was so unbelievably happy to see him. Nor had she expected her reaction at seeing him again to be so lustful. And to think she had almost missed all this luscious manliness by choosing to leave in such a hurry. Maybe because she nearly died just now, Cory found him to be highly irresistible. What was it about this particular soldier that she found so damn sexy in that uniform?

  • • •

  As Adrian bent and tapped on the window of the nutcase who was driving the car, he saw crazy curls spilling everywhere. So she was his visitor? He couldn’t believe she was actually here in the flesh. No, he was more like shocked, but Adrian was so glad Cory Phillips almost crashed into him. What was she doing here? The last time he saw her, she all but ran away from him. And she had been on his mind since.

  After getting a more-than-generous glimpse of those gorgeous legs of hers, he’d had some dreams about her. Most of them, he had to admit, were of an erotic nature. Hey, if he couldn’t have her in real life, at least he could have her in his dreams. There weren’t any rules against that, right? Adrian smiled at his erotic thoughts as he tapped her window again and she slowly let it down.

  “Are you trying to get yourself killed, ma’am?” Adrian smiled down at her. The last time he’d seen her, she was so angry and sad. Well, this was no sad, crying woman but a rather happy one smiling back at him. He liked this new found cheerfulness in her. It suited her much better.