Just a Number (Downtown #1) (10 page)

“Yes.” I remembered what I had been doing and closed my tablet. “Or at least, it will be, if people let me do my job.”

“Someone overstepping their bounds with you?” He continued to eat.

“Maybe upper management, which puzzles me. Never have I been questioned on a proposal. Actually, more than a proposal—it was a done deal; contracts signed. I could lose the client if I tried to make such a…”

“A what?” He looked at me over the rim of his coffee cup.

“Sorry. I forgot; no details. Besides, I’m on vacation—no shop talk.” I took a sip from my own coffee cup. “I think I need another coconut milk latte.” I stood up.

“Changing the subject?” He grabbed my wrist and I looked down into his denim eyes. “I don’t mind listening.”

“Rules,” I mumbled.

“Your rules,” he reminded me and added, “I find that the old saying holds true; rules are meant to be broken.” He arched an eyebrow, grinning. I had to remind myself that he was
not mine.
That, in a few days, he would be just a very, very, very pleasant memory.

“I’ll be back.” I broke free of his touch… his spell, making the quest for caffeine my main focus. Back at the table with a to-go cup, I suggested we take off for the day.

Casually—no hand holding—like a couple of friends, we walked to a waiting convertible jeep in the parking lot. Dropping our light daypacks in the back of the vehicle, we climbed in, buckled up, and headed out of the resort compound.

Out on the open road, we moved away from any civilization. We drove through rolling, grassy hills where there were cows roaming below big, puffy clouds that floated around the mountain tops, threatening possible rain showers. As we continued on, there were hundreds of palm trees swaying in the breeze. From the main highway, dirt roads trailed off and roadside fruits stands were popped up here and there. We stopped at one along the way for some pineapple and mango spears. Juicy! Fresh! Delicious!

Reaching our destination, we parked in the middle of nowhere. Only a jungle faced our vehicle. I was feeling a bit apprehensive even though there were other cars parked in the area, as well. It had to be a known spot. Even so, all I thought about was the variety of creatures that could possibly crawl or slither up my legs, and others that might fly or jump into my hair. Nature was wonderful. Hiking wasn’t something I was unfamiliar with, but an overgrown wild jungle was all new to me.

Out of the car, we grabbed our gear and began our adventure. I felt better as we entered a cleared opening to worn paths through high, pale-green grass. Dash must’ve clued in to my breathing in an attempt to release the tension my body was storing for the last few minutes. “Don’t worry. I will protect you,” he reassured me, taking my hand and kissing my knuckles.

“Lead the way, Tarzan.” I released my hand from his, pointing ahead. “I hope you have a machete or a large knife.”

He chuckled. “Follow me, Jane.” I smiled slightly, still a little leery of my first trip wandering into the jungle. Needless to say, I was hot on his trail. If he stopped quickly, I was sure to crash into him.

Despite my fear of the unknown around every lush green corner, it was beautiful. There were brightly colored tropical flowers in shades of red, orange, and hot pink. Fragrant floral scents assaulted my nose so deliciously that I found myself stopping briefly to take in a deep inhale. Nature’s perfume counter. Not only did the flowers smell lovely, but so did some of the greenery. There were also plants in various degrees of green, some variegated with vibrant streaks of reds and pinks. Vines for
my
Tarzan. A giggle escaped my lips at the thought of him in just a loin cloth, swinging from tree to tree.

Sounds of chirping and singing birds filled the moist air. Not a bird watcher, so I had no idea as to what species they were. I would simply describe them as small sparrow-looking in a variety of different colors: red, yellow, blue, and brown. Some were painted with all of those colors at once. Some had curved beaks while others were straight.

Wandering through the rainforest, (or jungle—not knowledgeable about the difference—my sincerest apologies to the tropical gods for labeling their majestic land incorrectly) we hiked upward. Reaching the top of the hill, a large waterfall cascaded down into a small body of water. To one side, a little, straw mat roof bar was populated with tourists and hikers. A portable grill was set up to the side of that. The smells coming from it and the dampness of the surroundings were an incredible mixture.
Paradise!

My tummy growled, requesting to be fed. Along with food, they served tropical juice with and without a kick along with icy cold island beers. Sitting at one of the few foldable chairs and tables, we ate shrimp with a spicy cream sauce, poki ahi drizzled with wasabi sesame seed oil, and grilled flatbread with hummus. A local food truck provided food to this remote location. Yum!

Stomachs appeased, it was time to move on to another waterfall. A more secluded one for skinny dipping, Dash informed me. I laughed. He didn’t.
Was he serious?
Trekking farther back to a more remote watering hole, out came the deadly looking blade. He cleared our way as we ventured through more dense vegetation. I was relieved when the sound of rushing water got louder and louder; my adventurous side was starting to dwindle.

Setting down his pack, he smiled and stripped.
Oh! He wasn’t joking.
“What are you waiting for?” He stood beautifully nude before me. Reluctant to get naked, I just gawked at him.
If we found this location, wouldn’t others?
I wasn’t an exhibitionist. “Bashful?”

“Not hardly. Adverse to arrest.”

“Fear of handcuffs?” He stepped closer to me. Stroking my arms, he caused chills to run up and down my spine and my nipples to pebble.

“No.”
Not at all. Bring them on, officer Dash.
Oh, the thoughts running around in my head. “Jail cells.”

“I promise. We are alone. We will remain alone.” His fingers swiftly worked their magic, removing my clothing piece by piece until I stood bare in front of him. “Let’s swim.” Holding my hand, he led me to the inviting natural lagoon. Uncertain of the water’s depth, we jumped in feet first.

The temperature was perfect, not too cold and not too warm. It felt so good. The nakedness added an extra element. We swam around each other, touching and kissing. Tingling sensations ignited an overwhelming desire that settled between my thighs. In his arms, I pushed into him, squirming.

Treading backwards, we moved toward the waterfall and through it, finding a ledge of rocks—our own private grotto. Without warning, he lifted me up and opened my legs, and pulled them over his shoulders until my throbbing mound was against his lush lips. Raised up on my elbows, I tilted my head back, I arched my back, pushed my breasts up and delighted in the vibrations… the sucking… the nibbling as he quickly took me over the edge. Removing my legs, he climbed up and his chest met mine. Face to face, I tasted my essence on his mouth, and moaned.

His lips worked my earlobe, my neck, my shoulder. I shuttered with every breath that whispered along my skin. It was the slowest he had ever moved. My chest heaved. I wanted more. I remained silent, watching him intently. He was in charge. As he began to skim my skin with his hands, I matched his every move. Mimicking movements, we explored each other.

I caressed and licked his stomach and watched how it caused a rippling of his abdominal muscles. They even contracted. I was enjoying the rise and fall of his chest. Oh, his lips. I loved to look at them as much as I adored feeling them. Feeling. His hands felt amazing touching me everywhere. His denim-blue eyes held mine with such intensity. I could never imagine sex in the dark with him. I would miss too much. His body was gorgeous. I was going in and out of an out-of-body experience. I felt sensations I never had before. They were all fantastic. He knew how to work my body. He knew how to take me to the brink, moving me through a series of dynamic movements. He charged my soul, increased my breathing, and set me free.

Satisfied and relaxed, behind a curtain of flowing water, we swam back out to the edge of the lagoon. Feeling lazy, we spread a couple towels together and let the sun bathe our skin with its warm rays. The soothing sounds of nature lulled us to sleep. Foreign voices stirred us from our slumber. No longer alone, we dressed quickly and made our way back to civilization. No more playing Tarzan and Jane.

We arrived back to the jeep as the sun was beginning to set. Not ready to end our day together or hide away in my room, we drove to the coast. Finding a little bar with a watery view, we sat out on the wood planked patio. Under a grass umbrella, we ordered drinks and a variety of appetizers. As the sun disappeared into the sea, a four piece woodwind band set up in a corner. We stayed to listen for a while and swayed in each other’s arms until we were ready to continue our rhythmic moves between the sheets.

Dash

S
lipping out way before my morning yoga class, I didn’t want to leave, but I knew we would see each later as I had our afternoon planned. I had to get some work done so we would have no interruptions. Apparently, I was in high demand as my phone was chiming constantly, alerting me to emails on mainland time. Back in my room, I fired up my laptop to attend to urgent messages that needed my attention.

New York being six hours ahead; I attacked those issues first. My clients were concerned about my upcoming departure. They didn’t want to lose the one-on-one attention I gave them. Some were afraid I would completely abandon them. I wasn’t sure I could take care of all of them, but I was making other arrangements for them. I found that I had to keep assuring them my replacement would be comparable to my practices. Some of my heavy hitters, I had no choice but fly in to meet up with them, but only when absolutely necessary.

Next up, on to LA matters. I had several upcoming events, including setting up some outdoor ones. I needed to explore new venues. Variety was my preference. I refused to have a regular location. I had gone that route before; never again. As with locations, having a vast array of clients was preferred, as well. Besides my old accounts, new ones swarmed my plate, wanting input about my methods. Some undesirable ones had been asking to mix a little business with pleasure.

One new celebrity, in particular, was relentless. She insisted on some private sessions, but I stood firm. “Not happening,” was my constant answer to her pushy requests. She wasn’t listening. She had a habit of finding my events. Ironic that she had complained about having no privacy and stalking. However, she was okay with it if she was the stalker. I didn’t want her. I would never want her. I only wanted one woman! Ending my emails with her, had me more annoyed. I hated being lured out of Willow’s bed earlier than need be.

I was hating the thought of going back to reality: packing, moving, problems, and office design approvals.
Not
my expertise. No home office was my only concern, my rule. I liked to go into a designated work space. Home was my escape from business. If possible, I tried to leave my laptop in my office. Most issues outside of my workplace that I had to deal with, I was able to handle with my cellphone. Unfortunately, on my current trip, my laptop had to come along with me.

I hadn’t even settled in yet, and I was busy beyond belief.
Was I taking on too much?
No. I could do it all. Thanks to an invigorating sunrise yoga session, along with taking a longer than usual time meditating at the end, I was feeling calm. I was filled with positive energy to take on anything coming my way.
I had this!

Feeling so upbeat and energetic, I headed for the gym in search of their indoor lap pool. It was practically empty. I enjoyed taking several laps down and back my lane, stroking through the refreshing water. Done with my swim, I sat in the sauna room before I went back to my room for a shower. Dressed, I sat on my patio just off the white sandy beach. I opened my newspaper, snacked on pastries, fruit, and drank a pot of specially brew organic coffee. Submersed in my relaxed demeanor, reading the
New York Times
, I lost all track of time, and had to rush down the beach to a bungalow where we were meeting up for a surprise couple’s massage.

Entering an open air room, I was hit with a strong floral fragrance, perfuming the air, and sheer beauty. Sitting on teak wood furniture with dark coral cushions, Willow’s bronzed skin glowed and her icy-blue eyes gleamed. Such a vision of loveliness, I stood staring for a few moments before I walked over and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. “You look so beautiful. Are you ready?”

“What are we doing here?” she asked, looking up at me with her red lips, begging to me captured.

Before I could answer, two ladies entered, carrying plush white robes. “Welcome, please follow me.” We were directed to separate changing rooms through teakwood, louvered doors. “Please remove your clothing; it’s safe to leave your belongings in here. Once you have your robes on, rejoin us in the waiting area.” Thanking them, we entered to disrobe. Inside, I stripped, folded my clothes, slipped into a robe, and went to join Willow.