by Nia Arthurs
Thankfully her phone rang before she could embarrass herself again. In the stillness, Jada clutched her cell and flicked the screen.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Jada. This is Mrs. Lopez.”
Jada straightened and sat at the edge of her seat. Why was her Journalism teacher calling her on a Saturday night?
“Yes, Ms. Lopez? Is something wrong?”
Adam rose from the bed and walked over to her. Placing his hand on the back of her chair, he mouthed. “Is everything okay?”
She shrugged and pointed to the phone, focusing all her attention on the conversation.
“No,” Mrs. Lopez said, “I just finished grading all the essays and I had to let you know that I was deeply moved by your piece.”
Jada’s heart beat double time and she clutched her chest. “You were?”
“I’m going to send your article to the National Belizean Newspaper right this minute, so look out for the article on Monday morning!”
“Wow!” Jada covered her mouth as tears burst to her eyes. “Wow, thank you so much!”
“No, thank you, Jada. I’ve been doing this class for many years and I’ve become discouraged with the caliber of writers that are pursuing this line of work. You… you moved me and I am grateful to you.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Enjoy your Saturday, Jada.”
They hung up and Jada lowered the hand holding the cell phone slowly. Though she had hoped her piece would be chosen, she was afraid that her teacher wouldn’t understand the tone and heart behind the piece.
“What happened?” Adam asked, his voice filled with concern. “Is it Chelsea? Or your grandfather?”
She shook her head. Adam lowered himself so that he was eye-to-eye. He reached out and brushed her hair away from her face.
“Jada, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. Was it good news?”
She nodded. “Remember that article I told you about? The one I had to write for school?” Jada had mentioned the assignment in passing while they’d been on the boat.
“Yeah…”
“I got it! My teacher chose my article!”
“That’s great!” Adam opened his arms to her and she fell into them, squeezing him tight. As a little girl who lost her parents, as a teenager growing up in the village, and finally as a young adult heading to Belize City to live on her own, Jada had nurtured only one desire.
To become a reporter like Tina Lang.
Most of the time, when she shared her dream, people looked at her with pity. Surely someone like her could never rise to the heights of a decorated celebrity. Jada wasn’t in it for the fame, but for the purpose of seeking truth and exposing darkness.
It was just one article. One piece. But to her it was a tiny step toward a goal that everyone in the village had thought impossible.
Adam soothed circles over her back and held her tightly. She felt safe with him and comfortable enough to cry. He eased her back and gently wiped the tears with the pads of his thumbs.
“These are happy tears?” he rumbled.
“Yes. Very happy tears.” The dreams she had tucked into the pockets of her heart finally got to see the light of day. How could she not be ecstatic?
Adam kissed her forehead and in the moment, it was the most natural thing. She buried her head in his shoulder and enclosed her arms around his waist. Time slipped away, nestled in his arms as she was, and Jada didn’t want to move.
When Adam shifted beneath her, however, Jada came to herself and dropped her hands.
Glancing at the clock on the dresser, she wiped her eyes. “I’m so sorry! We’re going to be late for the party.”
“It’s okay,” Adam said, but Jada would have none of it. They’d come here specifically for Adam’s soiree. She finished her preparations in record time and straightened her shoulders. Jada was ready to have a great night.
After all, she’d earned it.
***
As Adam took his turn around the brightly decorated hall, he felt inestimable pride in the woman at his side. Jada was stunning in her black dress, but beyond the gown and make-up, the glow from the good news she’d received just before heading down here feathered her skin.
“She’s beautiful,” Jacob—the AINSTAIN liaison—said, nodding his head at Jada who was surrounded by two women a few feet away. “Where did you find her?”
He smiled in her direction and when Jada glanced up and found him looking at her, she gave him a cute little wave in response.
“She kind of found me.”
“That’s not helpful,” Jacob teased and then he grew serious. “I really appreciate your help on the software, man. It’ll be a great addition to our banking systems security.”
“Of course,” Adam said.
“And about your father…”
He stiffened. “I apologize for his behavior.”
“It’s no problem, man.”
“You could have accepted his proposal. I appreciate your loyalty, Jacob.”
“We’ve been working quite well with you for years, Adam. As substantial a sum as he was offering, I hope we make much more than that in the future.”
“I do too.”
Adam gritted his teeth. He would have to talk to his father as soon as possible. His underhanded attempt at sabotaging his relationship with AINSTAIN had crossed the line. Adam knew it wouldn’t easy to take him to task and exhaustion pricked him in the side.
At that moment, Jada bounced up to their group and the discouragement faded. When he opened his arms to her, she easily sidled to his side. Since their moment on the beach, Jada seemed much more open to him touching her and Adam wasn’t complaining.
“What are you two talking about?” she asked.
“Just business,” Jacob said. “Ms. Jada, may I say you look stunning in that dress.”
“Thank you. This is a lovely party.”
“If there’s one thing the boss likes, it’s a show,” Jacob said before walking off. “You two enjoy your night.”
“Thanks.” Adam glanced down, staring at the top of Jada’s head. She looked up at him and scrunched her nose. He was beginning to see that the move was her reaction to excessive perusal.
“What?”
“That was the third man to tell me how beautiful you look tonight. I’m starting to wonder if I should stick to your side so no one tries to steal you away.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” Jada glanced around. “This isn’t my world. To be honest, I feel like I barely belong here.”
Upset by her words, Adam walked in front of her. “What are you talking about? Of course you belong here.”
She pointed to the men in thousand-dollar suits and the woman dressed to the nines. The air was filled with the light, tinkling sound of knocking champagne glasses and laughter.
“Forget it,” Jada said.
“No, I won’t. If someone’s said something to you—”
“It’s not that. I just… I don’t know how to describe it. I feel like an imposter. People ask me who I am, and they just look so disappointed when they realize I don’t have an important name.”
“You are not an imposter,” he said. “You are Jada Penner, the most passionate, intelligent, charming woman I know. Beautiful on the inside and the outside. In here, it’s all about the look, but the truth isn’t as pretty. A ton of these people don’t have it together.”
“Yeah, right.”
“I’m serious,” he said and nodded his head to the left. “See that woman?”
“The one in the fur coat?”
“Yes. She’s gambled away most of her family’s estate. The only reason she’s here tonight is because she’s good friends with the owner’s grandmother.”
“Really?”
“And that man drinking next to the balcony?”
She craned her neck. “I see him.”
“He acquired his money through hedge funds and illegal off-shore banking. He doesn’t live in peace because at any m
oment the authorities could take away his wealth and liquidate his assets.”
“Wow, I had no idea.”
“This world is glamorous and shiny, but most of it is to distract you from how grimy it is beneath it all. Don’t allow the smoke to make you feel inadequate.”
She leaned her head against his chest and closed her eyes. His heart squeezed in response and he curved his fingers more securely around her shoulder. He wanted nothing more than to protect this woman from harm, both physically and emotionally. The strength of his feelings took even him by surprise.
“Should we get out of here?” he whispered.
“Really?” Jada’s head popped up and she looked at him with her big, brown eyes. “Can you leave?”
“I’ve already made the rounds. I don’t see why not.”
“Alright, let’s go.” Jada beamed at him and it occurred to Adam that his heart was no longer his own. It was beating in her pretty little hands and there was no hope of getting it back.
Chapter Eighteen
Adam led her through the exits to the beach where they took off their socks and shoes and strolled through the sand. The Caribbean Sea licked at their toes and the moonlight bathed them in a silvery glow
Her earlier insecurity had melted beneath Adam’s patient explanations, and she wondered now why she had ever allowed a few comments and disdainful sneers to get to her. Jada was proud of where she came from and though she didn’t have as much money as Adam’s associates, she was still a human being full of potential.
“It’s a beautiful night,” Adam said, pulling her out of her thoughts. His grey pants were soaked to the ankles, but he seemed content to stroll, their feet pushing through the squishy sand.
“It is,” she said and inhaled a deep breath. “I kind of want to swim.”
“Right now?” he asked. “In that dress?”
“You’re right. Chelsea will kill me if I ruin this dress.” Jada looked forlornly at the dark waters. “This sucks. I really wanted to swim.”
Adam tugged her hand. “You know what? Let’s just go.”
“Huh?”
“Let’s swim.”
“I can’t,” Jada said, leaning back and digging her feet into the sand. “My dress—”
“I’ll just buy you another one,” he said dismissively.
Jada froze and stared at him. Adam’s smile wilted when he saw her expression. He dropped his hand and stepped closer to her.
“Jada, are you okay?”
She stepped back.
“Jada?” He grabbed her hand and turned her toward him. His green eyes zoomed in on her face and he dipped his head so they were nose to nose. “What’s going on? What did I say?”
She shook his hold and hissed. “I understand, okay? I understand that you have a lot of money and you can spend it on whatever you like, but I’d appreciate it if you didn’t do that with me.”
“Do what?”
“Just blurt out that you’re going to buy me another dress. You didn’t even ask how much this one costs.”
“Why is that a big deal? What matters is you want to swim. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
She sighed and rubbed her forehead. Jada couldn’t even be angry with him. Adam’s generosity was a part of his makeup, but with her feelings for him and given the way they met, she hated feeling like she was always taking.
“I don’t need you to buy a dress for me.”
“I understand that.” He drew near. “But if I want to buy one for you, I will.”
“But I don’t expect that.”
He reached out and cupped her chin. “What’s this about?”
Jada watched the horizon, the way the sea and the sky seamlessly blended together so that she couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began.
“You don’t always have to pay my way. I already feel weird about coming on this trip for free…”
“You’re not on this trip for free,” Adam said. “In fact, I’m not paying you enough for what you’ve done for me. Your company, your friendship, your warmth and cheer… they’ve made something very dull and routine into something exciting.”
“See,” she shook her head, “that right there. I don’t count companionship as a proper exchange. It makes me feel… like I’m still posing as an escort.”
“For the love of—” Adam ran a hand through his hair, “Jada, I don’t know what to say. I can’t change the fact that I have wealth. I grew up in it. It’s all I know.”
“That’s great,” she said, her gaze dipping. This conversation was awkward enough without him rubbing her face in his grandiose past.
“Hey,” he lifted her chin, “I said I grew up in that world.” Adam pointed to the hotel where strains of the music from the hall carried on the wind. “So I know what a treasure I’ve found in someone as kind and genuine as you.”
Jada melted on the inside. As Adam took a step closer to her, she felt the air charging as if the very particles of life were gearing up for an important moment.
“Y-you’re just saying that.”
“I am not.”
Jada licked her lips. “Still, this is about you buying me things. I’d appreciate if you didn’t. I can take care of myself.”
“But you don’t have to,” he said.
“But I want to.”
Adam sighed. “Alright, I won’t buy you a dress.”
“Good.”
“And I won’t take you on anymore trips.”
“A-alright.”
“Not unless you want me to.”
“Exactly.”
By this time, Adam’s nose was basically on top of hers, and Jada put all of her willpower into keeping her eyes open. She wouldn’t be fooled like the last time. Not again… not… was Adam coming closer or was it just her?
Adam ran the pad of his thumb down the curve of her cheek and Jada shivered. He touched her softly, reverently as if he was touching some rare piece of art. It amazed her, the look in his eyes, the fact that it was aimed at her.
“I’m not going to do any of those things,” Adam whispered, “but I am going to kiss you.”
“Wha—”
The rest of the word was smothered by his lips. It was a gentle pressing of his mouth to hers, but it rocked her completely.
The sea seemed to applaud as it rushed their feet like an excited pet nipping at their heels. The wind gave its own congratulations, whipping its strength through the coconut tree leaves like tambourines at a festival.
Jada’s fist came to rest against his chest and when Adam pulled back, she kept her eyes closed, savoring the moment. Her heart thumped an erratic rhythm and she briefly wondered if he would kiss her again.
Jada peeked an eye open to see what the chances were and found Adam smiling at her.
“What?”
“You are… very tempting, Ms. Jada.”
“Tempting?”
He pressed a quick kiss to her lips again and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Come on, let’s finish this walk and then turn in.”
Jada sighed contentedly as they continued their stroll. Yup, they had definitely solved the are-we-aren’t-we question. With those words and that kiss, Adam Lockwood had confidently declared her his.
***
Adam saw Jada to her room and placed another chaste kiss on her forehead. She smiled when she looked up at him and it was all he could do to pull back and keep his hands to himself.
She was so beautiful and her skin was soft to the touch. If he didn’t keep a close eye on his self-control, he’d do something stupid. Like throw her against the wall and kiss her the way he desperately wanted to.
Instead, he cleared his throat. “You should lock the door before you sleep.”
“I already do,” she said and then tilted her head. “Why?”
“Cause I might come back.”
Jada laughed, but the woman had no idea. He was completely serious. “Alright,” she said. “I’ll lock it nice and tight.”
Adam nod
ded and stepped back. “Good night.”
She wiggled her fingers and disappeared from sight. Adam walked to his room and fell into a deep, contented sleep.
The next day, he and Jada checked out of the hotel and returned to Belize City. Their boat ride to the city was a lot different than their boat ride to San Pedro. Though he had made a commitment to himself to try to keep their touching at a minimum, Jada had made no such promises.
She touched him freely, pulling their hands together while they boarded the yacht. Laying her head on his shoulder as they bounced with the swell of a wave. Tracing her fingers down his cheek to clear a spot of mayonnaise from his sandwich.
Adam loved every stroke, but it grew exceedingly hard to not return in kind.
“Oh, look!” Jada yelled as the Belize City pier came into sight. The colorful buildings on the strip rose into view like orange and yellow beacons. Adam found himself sad to see the end of their journey.
Jada stood and stretched, her arms high in the air. Adam averted his eyes from the roundness of her bum and gathered their suitcases. When Jada bent down to clutch her own bag, he wrenched it away, realizing too late that the move was more aggressive than it needed to be.
She was tripping him up and sending alert signals through his entire body. It had been a while since he’d been so distracted by a woman and he wasn’t used to the vulnerability.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his gaze down. “Let me.”
“Sure,” Jada eyed him warily, but when she got to shore and spotted Chelsea in the crowd of loved ones pooling the dock, she forgot him completely.
“Hey, you!” Chelsea screamed.
“Hey, you!” Jada returned.
The two collided and made quite a spectacle amidst the tourists who watched them curiously. Adam gave those who caught his eye polite smiles and caught up to the reunited cousins.
“Adam, how was San Pedro? Did you have fun?” Chelsea winked and wiggled her eyebrows in Jada’s direction.
“I did,” Adam said, ignoring her double entendre.
“Chels, guess what?”
“What?”
“I got the article!”
The two squealed and hopped around again. Adam waited until they had gotten the giddiness out of their system before suggesting they leave the dock. Fully expecting Jada to forget about him and focus on her cousin, Adam was surprised when she stayed by his side.
