Read This Time Online

Authors: Ingrid Monique

This Time (3 page)

“Wha'?” Jack asked, snapping Sean back to reality.
“Wha'?”
“Who is she?”
“Who?”
“The woman yu' was thinkin' of?” Jack gave him a knowing look. They had known each other all their lives and were close friends; actually they were more like brothers. They could read each other like a book, which worked well with their partner- friendship.
“Someone from my past.”
“She must be som'ting.” A slow grin curled Jack's lips.
“She is,” he admitted, smiling. The way she had looked at him told him she found him attractive. He couldn't wait to get his hands on her.
“If she have yu' smilin' like that, I can't wait to meet her,” Jack said, intrigued.
Sean suddenly remembered an invitation he had gotten about a fund-raiser tomorrow night. Lori and Allan would be there and so would Kelee.
“Call me on the mobile if yu' need me. I have to pick up a suit for tomorrow night.” Sean jumped out of his chair and headed for the door.
“I thought yu' weren't goin'.”
“Change of plans . . .” He paused with a silly grin on his face.
“She's goin' to be there? I wonder if Mavis up for a party tomorrow night?” Jack laughed. Mavis was Jack's wife of ten years. They had gotten married right out of high school and had four kids, whom Sean was godfather to.
Sean simply smiled and ran out the door. He could hear Jack's laughter booming behind him. He hadn't planned on attending the fund-raiser but now her being there was incentive enough for him to go to the fund-raiser.
It was almost six
P.M.
and most of the businesses and shops were already closed for the day, except for the restaurants and a few small shops and supermarkets. Sean raced uptown with his siren blasting, making it to his favorite men's shop just in time before they closed their doors. The manager knew him and let him in immediately. He told the sales lady exactly what he wanted and she found his size and style in a few minutes. Sean checked in with Jack before he headed home. His house was a located on a hill, overlooking the city. It was farther up the hill than most homes, which he loved. Driving through his security gates he drove down a short path to his house. His home was a two-level luxury house, painted cream and pale blue. His father had built it ten years ago. It had six bedrooms, a living room, a dining room and an eat-in kitchen with a separate dining area. He had put in a pool and a Jacuzzi a couple of years ago. The main attraction of the house was the veranda. It surrounded the entire house, offering a spectacular view of the city below and the mountains as a backdrop. The servant's apartment was just off the garage, where his housekeeper May lived. The house was far too big for him, of course, and his mother kept pestering him about filling it with a wife and children. Sean knew he would marry one day, but the right woman was key to all that. He thought of Kelee; she was definitely wife material. Any man would love to have her on his arm. She was spirited and fun when they had first met; he wondered if she was still the same.
Sean parked his jeep in the garage and got out, taking his suit with him. He walked to the end of the driveway and looked down at the house with the red slate roof. Kelee was under that roof and the knowledge of her being so close excited him. Sean wasn't a man who got excited over a woman often. They threw themselves at him. He had plenty to choose from. But seeing Kelee again had confirmed it: he hadn't gotten over her. How the hell didn't she recognize him? He stood there staring at the house. A wicked smile touched his lips. He wondered how she'd react when she found out who he really was. He couldn't wait to find out, but for now he would simply play along.
Sean headed inside, the scent of freshly cut flowers in the foyer welcoming him. At first, he had reservations about moving in after his parents moved to Florida. They wanted to be near their five grandchildren. Sean had lived at home since he was nineteen when he joined the intelligence force. He made his way into the kitchen to find May humming and washing dishes. May Brown was an older woman, in her late fifties. She had been working for him for the past five years. She was very motherly to him, which he didn't mind with his own mother now living in Florida. May was a widow and her children were living in Brooklyn, New York. She only visited them once a year, because of her fear of flying. She was short and round with salt and pepper hair, which she wore in braids under her headscarf. Her skin was leathery and brown from being in the sun too much. May had worked on a cocoa plantation most of her life and it showed in her sun-wrinkled skin.
 
 
“Yu' dinner is ready,” May told him and pointed to the plate covered by a red mesh dome on the counter. He moved over to the plate and lifted the cover. She had made him his favorite—yellow yam and steamed snapper with okra. His mouth watered at the scent of the food. He placed it in the microwave for two minutes. He had barely eaten lunch, distracted from seeing Kelee earlier.
“Yu' OK?” May asked. He looked up at her and swallowed. “Yu' kinda quiet. Some'ting wrong?” May was good at picking up when something wasn't right with him or he wasn't himself.
“No, no, every'ting fine.” He grinned.
May gave him a scrutinizing look before going back to the dishes. Sean went back to his food, thinking of Kelee. He couldn't wait for tomorrow night. It still tickled him that she didn't remember him.
Chapter 3
Kelee couldn't stop thinking of Sean St. John. She was excited over the fact that he might be at the party tonight. All day she had dreamed of seeing him again. She didn't know what it was about him that had her so interested. Maybe it was his eyes—they were so familiar to her. She had gone to bed thinking of him and woke up thinking of him. It was crazy, but she couldn't wait to see him again. She couldn't even remember the last time a man had captured her attention from such a brief meeting.
The dress Kelee had decided to wear to the fund-raiser was a sexy strapless peach number made of chiffon. The dress had an empire waist that hugged and lifted her breasts before falling into an A-line skirt to her ankles. She chose high-heeled black sling-back pumps with a matching black clutch. Around her neck she wore a single string of amber and in her ears she wore the matching stud earrings. She had pinned her hair back behind her ears with crystal clips. She checked herself one last time in the mirror before leaving her room.
Allan and Lori were ready and waiting in the sitting room. Allan was massaging Lori's belly, his favorite thing to do, she had noticed since arriving. He was connected to his unborn child, which was a beautiful thing. They made a beautiful couple.
“Lookin' good,” Allan commented, looking her over with admiration.
“Thank yu'.” She smiled at the six-foot giant of a man. Allan was West Indian/white with black hair, bronze coloring, and blue eyes. Kelee wondered whom her niece would take after.
They got into Allan's BMW and headed down the hill, then crosstown to Jove Hall—a grand house used mainly for entertaining and a tourist attraction. It was the first main governor's house built on the island. It was a grand sight surrounded by endless gardens and lawns. It was also the most popular spot for wedding receptions. The grounds and the fountain were well lit, welcoming its guests. The hall was buzzing with well dressed dignitaries, politicians, and the elite of St. Pala.
Champagne was ever flowing with some delectable Caribbean infused hors d'oeuvres. Kelee got herself a glass of champagne, while Allan went to the bar to get Lori some juice. Kelee scanned the room but she didn't see Sean.
“Yu' think Sean will be here?” Kelee looked at Lori. Lori gave her a mischievous look before responding. “He's not one for parties.”
“Oh.” Kelee sipped her drink, disappointed. She had hoped to see him tonight.
Allan returned with juice for Lori. He had barely handed her her drink, when some of his friends whisked him off.
“How do yu' even find quality time with him?” Kelee asked.
“Trust me, we do, or I wouldn't be in this state.” Lori grinned and rubbed her stomach. Kelee touched her sister's stomach and smiled. Lori was extremely patient. She knew what it was like being a politician's wife and she handled it all so well. Kelee commended her for her patience.
“Hello, ladies,” a deep voice said behind them. Kelee instantly recognized Sean's voice and excitement raced through her. She turned to look at him. The sight of him was a pleasure. Kelee allowed a gentle smile to reach her lips. She had to keep her excitement in check; she didn't want him to see the effect he had on her. He was striking in a gray suit that hung just right on his muscular frame. Damn, he was fine!
His eyes met and held hers as he dropped a kiss on Lori's cheek. His eyes were so familiar to her. Anxiety coupled with curiosity filled her stomach, making it quiver. She got the feeling of knowing him, which was strange, seeing that she didn't know him. She was looking forward to knowing him, if he was available.
He smiled at Kelee and his face came alive with his million-dollar smile. His teeth were even and perfect—and those lips! She blinked and rescued her thoughts from just how much she wanted Sean St. John. She hadn't felt this kind of attraction since she was a teenager. He moved to sit beside her and she caught the scent of his cologne. His cool scent invaded her senses, stimulating her in ways that surprised her.
Stay cool.
She really had to get some control. Maybe her stay in St. Pala wasn't going to be so boring. She smiled inwardly, looking into his handsome face. Not that being here for her niece's birth was boring. All she knew was that Sean was definitely the kind of man she would love to occupy her free time with.
“Thought yu' didn't do social events?” Lori gave Sean a questioning look.
“This one is different,” he commented, never taking his eyes off Kelee. She blushed under his piercing eyes. “Kelee,” he greeted her with that infectious smile of his.
“Nice to see yu' again,” she said coolly.
“Yu' too,” he said. “Can I borrow Kelee for a second?” he asked Lori, but kept his eyes solely fixed on her.
“Sure, my husband looks like he needs rescuin'.” Lori looked at Allan. Sean assisted her out of her chair. Lori thanked him and headed towards Allan. He held a hand out to her. Kelee placed her hand in his strong warm hand. He gently helped her up, placing a hand around her waist, and led her from the hall. He grabbed fresh drinks before leading her out into the gardens.
“Is this yu' first time in St. Pala?” He directed her towards a bench. He sat beside her.
“No, it's my third trip.” She took a sip of her drink, loving how the light of the garden made his hair shine.
“And we've never met until now?” he asked, intrigued.
Kelee smirked. “Guess not.”
“How long yu' stayin'?” His eyes held hers with such intensity, she felt like baring her soul to him. That was not good; she didn't even know the man.
“Until Lori has her baby.”
“Then yu' go back to New York?” He sounded disappointed. She studied him and he seemed genuinely disappointed.
“Yes.” She looked at him, curious. “How did yu' know I was from New York?”
“Lori.”
Kelee couldn't help but grin. “So yu' know about me?”
“Not enough.” His eyes searched hers with such earnestness, she had to take a breath and focus her thoughts. “I want to know more,” he continued.
“Like what?” She smiled, enjoying his inquiry.
“Wha' exactly yu' do in New York.”
“I'm a decorator and stylist. Lori told me that yu' the minister of security. Do yu' like what yu' do?” She came back with a question of her own.
“I used to be an undercover cop, so it was an easy transition,” he told her with a confident ease.
“So yu' like what yu' do?”
“I wouldn't do it if I didn't; an' yu'?”
She smiled. “I love what I do. I get to meet new and interesting people.” She loved her career mainly because of the different people she interacted with on a daily basis.
“So can I see yu' while yu' here?” Kelee was a little thrown by his bold request. The man wasted no time, not that she minded.
“I don't know.” She eyed him with caution.
“Yu' don't know?” He raised a surprised brow at her.
“I just met yu'.”
“Then have lunch with me tomorrow, so yu' can get to know me.” He smiled and she knew she couldn't say no.
“Yu' waste no time, do yu'?”
“Why should I, when I know wha' I want?” he said with such sexy confidence, it excited and intrigued her at the same time; Kelee had forgotten how bold Caribbean men could be; especially when it came to a woman they wanted.
“And what exactly do yu' want?” She had to challenge him.
A sensuous smile crossed his lips and his eyes darkened with desire. “The same 'ting yu' want.”
Kelee's mind went wild with that possibility. There was a lot she wanted from him, starting with his body. She hadn't had sex in months and he was an intoxicating man. Kelee couldn't help the smile that touched her lips. He knew she was attracted to him and he wasn't about to play coy.
“What about yu' woman?”
“Don't have one,” he responded smoothly. She glared at him in disbelief. No man as fine as he was would be without a woman. St. Pala was known for its beautiful women, so she didn't buy the fact that he wasn't attached.
“Yu' mean not at the moment, right?” She studied him to see if he'd lie. He laughed, flashing perfect white teeth. Kelee had grown up in Jamaica, against experts when it came to sweet-talking a woman into believing anything. She was sure Sean St. John wasn't any different. Men like him would say and do anything to get a woman they wanted. Yes, she wanted him, too, but she had to know what he was about first. He was the sexy, confident, strong type, which she found extremely attractive. She wondered about his flaws; he had to have a few.
“Wha' 'bout yu'?” Sean looked her over with renewed interest. The heat from his eyes made her tingle.
“Single,” she said and watched as his eyes gleamed with approval.
“Good; so we shouldn't have a problem.”
“I guess not.” She smiled at him and finished her drink. They heard the sound of a microphone check.
“The ceremony is startin',” Sean said and offered her a hand, which he gently gripped as he pulled her to her feet. He dropped a hand around her waist and pulled her close to him, smiling down at her. Her body reacted to his closeness by sending tingles rippling beneath her skin. The cool scent of his cologne was soothing. She leaned against him as he led her inside, but she didn't want to go back inside, she wanted to stay where they were and get to know him better. He kept her close to his side as he guided her to where Lori was seated. He helped her into her chair and pulled his right up next to hers. Kelee smiled, enjoying the attention. Lori looked at them, grinning.
Kelee barely heard what the speakers said, all because Sean was by her side. He draped his arm across the back of her chair. As the speakers changed, Sean would whisper to her who they were. The warmth of his breath against her ear and neck was seriously starting to turn her on. A break came and Sean went to get them drinks. Allan rejoined them. He pulled his chair closer to Lori, caressing her belly. Lori gazed at him lovingly.
Sean returned with her drink. She smiled at him, thanking him.
“Thought yu' didn't do parties?” Allan said, shaking Sean's hand.
Sean simply gazed at Kelee. His look said it all; he was definitely here because of her. Kelee blushed and took a sip of her drink.
“I see.” Allan chuckled.
“I couldn't pass up such an . . .” Sean started to speak, but stopped suddenly. Kelee gazed at him to see a cold hard look on his face. His eyes were focused across the room. The coldness in his eyes was a bit jarring.
“Wha' the hell is he doin' here?” Sean's harsh tone sent alarming chills down Kelee's spine.
Allan looked in the direction that Sean was referring to. Kelee followed his gaze. The man they were focused on was a tall, strikingly handsome man. The man stared back at them with a conceited smirk. Kelee looked at Sean and saw intense hate in his eyes. She couldn't help wondering what the man had done to him to garner such hate. Kelee looked back at the man to find him staring at her with alarming interest. The man's gaze set off her caution light. She looked back at Sean to find him still focused on the man. He then looked at her with regret.
“Good night,” Sean announced, got up, and walked off without looking back. Kelee stared at Sean's back, stunned. She couldn't fathom what had just happened.
“What the hell was that about?” Kelee asked, upset. What was his problem? If he was going to act like that, she wasn't sure she really wanted to know him. No matter how fine he was.
Allan shrugged but Kelee got the feeling he knew more. The look of contemplation on his face said it all. The man across the room had something to do with Sean leaving so abruptly. But what?
“Excuse me,” Allan said and hurried off after Sean.
“What am I missing here?” Kelee inquired.
“Beats me,” Lori said, looking just as confused.
 
 
“Hey, man, wait up,” Allan called out. Sean stopped and turned to see Allan running up to him.
“Who was dat?” Allan asked, catching his breath.
“Mike's brother, Kurt,” Sean said harshly.
Allan pulled back, surprised. “He's got some nerve showin' his face like that.”
“They're tauntin' me.”
“How yu' know that?”
“My last bust failed, someone tipped them off.” Sean couldn't even disguise the frustration in his voice. He and Allan were on the same side, so he understood.
“Yu' know who?”
“No, but whoever it is, he's playin' both sides. It's the only way they could have gotten the heads-up on wha' we were doin'.”

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