“No, I'll come with yu'. I'd like to see yu' house,” she told him and got a smile that took her breath away.
“Thought yu' might.” He grinned and helped her into his jeep.
At the top of the road Kelee noted that he headed farther uphill. She took note of the luxury homes on their way up. She was surprised when a few minutes later he pulled up to the gate of a massive house.
“Yu' live here?” she asked when he pressed a control that opened the gate.
“Yes. Yu' like it?” he asked.
“Are yu' joking?” Kelee asked as he drove down the path towards an open garage.
Kelee got out of the jeep following Sean, marveling at the beauty of his two-level house. She loved the endless veranda and the soft cream and blue. She paused and turned to look out from the house and was met with the spectacular view of homes cascading down the hill. She spotted Lori's house and immediately turned to find Sean grinning at her.
“Great view.” She studied him as he casually leaned against the railing.
“It is.” His eyes were focused on her, making her blush.
“Come in.” He gestured towards the richly detailed front door of mahogany and stained glass. She followed him into the foyer; cream decorative tile gleamed under the lights. End tables held fresh flowers. A curved wooden stairwell led to the upstairs. The man had a great sense of style. He definitely knew how to decorate. She followed him into the living room, and instantly fell in love with his Caribbean colonial styled furniture.
“Did yu' have yu' furniture custom made?” she asked, taking a closer look at the intricate carvings on the wall unit that held delicate mini statues. She admired a crystal market vendor woman, sitting over her basket of fruits.
“These are exquisite, yu' have really good taste,” she said, impressed. She touched the cool crystal of the statue.
“Thanks,” he replied in a sarcastic tone. Kelee turned to look at him.
“I didn't mean it like that.” She pursed her lips. He had a playful smile on his face.
“Did yu' use a decorator?”
“No,” he told her.
“Yu' have good taste,” she complimented him.
“Thanks.” He smiled. “Let me go shower and change. Feel free to look around.”
“OK,” she said, excited about seeing what he had done to the rest of the house.
Kelee explored the rest of the downstairs. There was a sitting/TV room that housed a huge TV, plush couches, and a bar. There was also a small library, with a computer set up in one corner. She loved his spacious kitchen. The dining room sat just off the kitchen. The one thing she noted was how spotless his house was; he definitely had a housekeeper. She turned to leave the kitchen and gasped when she saw a very serious-looking middle-aged woman, arms crossed, glaring at her.
“Hi,” she greeted the woman with a smile. The woman glared even harder at her. Kelee suddenly wondered if she should make a run for it. The woman was blocking the doorway, so that exit was out.
“Who yu'?” the woman asked in a gentle voice. Kelee relaxed a bit.
“Kelee, a friend of Sean's,” she told her. The woman's face relaxed a bit and she nodded. Kelee felt a little better. The woman was truly intimidating, with her hard leathery face and mean scowl. “Oh. Where is he?”
“Showering. He told me I could look around.”
“Yu' want some'ting to drink?” the woman offered, moving to a cupboard and opening the door, pulling out a glass.
“Thank yu'. What's yu' name, if I may ask?” Kelee asked carefully, wondering who she was.
The woman paused and studied her for a moment before responding. “May Brown, housekeeper.”
Kelee smiled and moved towards her with her hand out. “Nice to meet yu',” Kelee told her. May simply looked at her hand. Kelee dropped her hand.
“Wha' yu' want to drink?”
“Juice is good.” Kelee watched her. Apparently May wasn't all that friendly, but she was nice enough to offer her a drink. So, she couldn't be all that bad.
Kelee watched her as she poured her some juice from a jug. She offered it to Kelee, who took it, thanking her with a smile and taking a sip. The juice was different, but delicious.
“Mmmm, this is good, what is it?” Kelee smiled at her.
“Passion fruit, pineapple and ginger, Sean's favorite,” May said with a slight smile.
Kelee drank some more. “Delicious. Thank yu'.”
“Which island yu' from?”
Kelee stopped drinking and told her, “Jamaica.”
“Knew a Jamaican man once,” May mused with a reflective look in her eyes. “Nice man.” She shrugged. Kelee couldn't help but smile. She found May's subtle expressions amusing.
“How long have yu' worked for Sean?”
“Five years,” May told her.
“What's he like as a boss? He doesn't overwork yu', does he?” Kelee smiled at her with curiosity. May smiled, flashing perfect white dentures. Her smile lessened the harshness in her face.
“He's a good boss.” May regarded her with a curious expression. “Yu' mus' be special.”
Kelee was surprised by May's words.
“Why do yu' say that?” Kelee was curious about the meaning behind her statement.
“He never brings anyone home.”
May's answer stunned Kelee; for a moment she wasn't sure if she should be flattered or cautious.
She was about to press May for more information when she heard footsteps. She turned to see Sean entering the kitchen. He was dressed in jeans and a cream polo shirt. His hair was still wet but he looked so good, Kelee couldn't help but stare at him. He smiled at them.
“Talkin' 'bout me?”
“Maybe,” Kelee teased.
“It better be good,” he said with a sexy smirk. He looked at the glass in her hand and said, “Good, my favorite.”
May moved to get him a glass and poured him some juice. Kelee watched him as he drank the entire contents. May flashed a knowing grin.
“Ready?” Sean moved to put his glass in the sink.
“Yes,” she told him.
May took her glass from her. “Thank yu'.”
May nodded at her.
“Let's go,” Sean said, putting an arm about her waist.
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“How come yu' never bought anyone home?” Kelee asked Sean as they headed down the hill.
“Wha'?” Sean asked, stunned.
“May said yu' never bring anyone home.”
His rich laugh filled the jeep, making her smile.
“She mus' have taken a like-in' to yu',” Sean said.
“Is that good or bad?” Kelee was curious.
“It's good.” He smiled at her. Kelee was flattered.
Chapter 7
“Where are we going?” Kelee asked. They were heading into the district area uptown.
“A friend of mine is having a birthday bash at the Swan,” he said, maneuvering through traffic around Kings Circle.
“Isn't the Swan one of the hottest nightclubs in St. Pala?”
“Yeah.”
“Am I dressed OK?” she asked, gazing at him.
“Yu' always dressed jus' right.” He smiled, reaching over to caress her thigh. She blushed.
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The Swan's parking lot was almost packed when they arrived. Sean found a tight spot and pulled into it. He took her hand as they walked across the lot to the club. The club's exterior was a replica of an Oriental temple. The bouncer, a large mass of a man, greeted Sean warmly before letting them inside. Music bounced off the walls of the red and gold room. The dance floor was packed with birthday wishers having a great time. Sean led her through a sea of peopleâsome he stopped to shake hands with. Finally they made it over to the DJ booth where four men were. The thickest one in the bunch came forward to hug Sean.
“Happy birthday, an' don't look for a present,” Sean told him.
“Yu' sure?” the man asked, looking right at her. Kelee smiled at him.
“Hell, no!” Sean pulled her close.
“We always share.” The man winked at her.
“Happy birthday,” Kelee told him.
“Thank yu', sweetness, what's yu' name?”
“Kelee, and yu'?”
“Jay.” Jay looked at Sean. “Yu' betta' hold on to her tight,” he warned, looking back at her.
“Trust me, I intend to,” Sean responded, tightening his hold on her. Kelee smiled at him.
Just then a pretty pint-size woman with natural short hair moved up to Jay. Jay smiled down at her.
“Sean, how yu' doin', long time no see.” She smiled. Sean released her to hug and kiss the woman's cheek.
“I know,” Sean said before pulling her back against him. The woman looked at her.
“Penny, Kelee. Kelee, Penny, Jay's wife.” Sean introduced them. Penny smiled at Kelee, who returned the smile.
Jay smiled down at Penny, pulling her close to him.
“Was he flirtin' again?” Penny asked, gazing up at Jay.
“He always is,” Sean said. Jay rolled his eyes, laughing. Penny poked Jay in the side with her elbow.
“Not because it's yu' birthday. Yu' goin' to behave,” Penny warned.
“Why yu' killin' my joy, woman?” Jay asked in a serious tone, but his eyes sparkled with mischief.
“Yu' want to lose a limb tonight?” Penny asked with a smile. Jay laughed and pulled his wife close, kissing the top of her head.
Kelee looked at Sean.
“Don't worry, they do this all the time,” Sean whispered to her.
“But I can misbehave with yu' later, right?” Jay asked with a twinkle in his eyes.
“Yu' got that right.” Penny grinned.
“My kinda' woman.” Jay beamed.
“Are yu' two done?” Sean asked.
“We jus' startin',” Jay sang and dragged his wife out onto the dance floor.
“They seem fun,” Kelee said.
“They're good friends,” he told her. “Come, let me get yu' some'ting to drink.
Sean found them a small table in the VIP section, then went to get some drinks.
Kelee was checking out the crowd and bobbing her head to the music when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She looked up to see Tyce.
“Hi.” She smiled at him. He sat down across from her.
“Good to see yu',” he said with a smile. “How yu' doin'?”
“Good, thanks.”
“Yu' not here alone are yu'?”
“No,” she told him with a smile.
“Lucky man. Well, enjoy, hope to see yu' again.”
“OK,” she told him and watched him disappear into the crowd.
Moments later Sean returned with their drinks. “Who was that?” he asked as he sat down.
“Tyce, the man who came to my rescue,” she told him, sipping her drink.
“Oh,” Sean said, looking out into the crowd.
“Yu' know him?” Kelee asked, curious.
“No.” He focused on her. “Yu' lookin' forward to the weekend?”
“Definitely, as long as yu' there.” She smiled. Two nights of music, good food and some of the best drinks; she was looking forward to the weekend. Plus, the beaches of the west coast were spectacular; she couldn't wait to get into the water.
“I'll be there,” he said with a knowing smirk that promised a lot. She couldn't help but wonder what he had planned. Whatever it was, she was looking forward to it.
A popular dance hall tune came on and the entire place erupted in a cheer. Sean dragged her out onto the crowed dance floor where everyone was grinding on each other. Sean pulled her close and they started to grind to the music, like everyone else. Kelee pressed her body into Sean, wrapping her arms around his neck, their faces inches from each other.
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Tyce took note of the way Sean was looking at Kelee. He stood on the upper level of the club looking down at them dancing. They made a very beautiful couple, he had to admit. They really liked each other. He could see it in the way they looked at each other. She was the perfect weapon of choice. He watched as Sean's hand moved down to Kelee's behind. She had such a great body. He envied Sean at that moment because he was able to touch her, but he also knew the boss had other plans for her. His time would come.
Kelee felt the vibration against her hip and pulled back, looking at Sean.
“Sorry,” he said and reached for his phone. He looked at the caller ID and his face went serious. “I have to step outside for a minute,” he told her. “Yu' wanna' wait at the table for me?”
“I could use some fresh air, it is warm in here,” she said. Dancing with him had her sweating.
“OK.” He smiled at her. He took her hand and led her through the sea of people. The cool night air was welcoming as she stepped outside.
He was on his phone the instant they were outside.
“Where are yu'?” he asked the person on the line. “Swan's . . . I'll wait,” he said and ended his call, looking at her.
“Duty calls?” she asked, a bit disappointed.
He gave her an apologetic look. “The night isn't over yet,” he said. She hoped he was right because it was starting to seem like every time they were together he had to run off to do something.
“This shouldn't take too long,” he started but stopped as a jeep pulled into the lot and up to them. A striking man with the most amazing green eyes stepped out. He was intimidating in both stature and looks.
“Lex called,” the man told Sean. “He wouldn't talk to me.”
“Now?” Sean asked, frustrated.
“He wouldn't tell me any'ting,” the man responded, looking at her.
“Jack, this is Kelee. Kelee, Jack, my partner,” Sean introduced them.
“Nice to finally meet yu.” Jack's smile widened.
“Nice to meet yu', too,” Kelee told him.
“Where's Lex now?” Sean asked.
“At his old water hole,” Jack told him.
“I need yu' to take Kelee to my apartment,” Sean said and Kelee looked at him, alarmed. “I promise I won't be long.” He smiled at her, squeezing her hand. “Jack will keep yu' company,” he reassured her and she relaxed somewhat. This wasn't exactly how she wanted to spend her night. She was sure that Jack was a nice man, but he wasn't whom she wanted to spend her evening with. But she would make the best of it; Sean had promised her that the night wasn't over; she would hold on to that.
Kelee watched disappointed as Sean got into his jeep and drove off. Jack assisted her into his jeep and they drove out of the parking lot.
“Does Sean have any'ting to eat at his apartment?” she asked.
“Don't know,” Jack told her.
“Can I pick up some'ting to eat?”
“Sure, wha' yu' feel like?” Jack said, stopping at a light.
“Any good jerk pork around here?” she asked; she hadn't had any since she'd been here last.
“Yeah, I know a lady who makes the best jerk in New Pala,” Jack told her, making a U-turn.
“How long have yu' and Sean been partners?” she asked, gazing at Jack.
“Since we entered the academy together.”
“That long?” She was impressed.
“Yeah, he's like family,” Jack said as he came to a stop outside a small shack/shop painted a bright orange and red, with pictures of all different type of steaming pots. Reggae boomed from large speakers outside the shop. Just outside the doors, small plastic tables and chairs were set up. Hungry patrons enjoyed jerk and drinks at the tables. The patrons, mostly men, paused to gaze at her as Jack led her inside the shack. Inside, a couple waited to be served. The aroma was wonderful, filled with the scent of fish, meat, and spice. The serving counter was wood and held a display case with fried fish, dumplings, and bamiâa flat cake made of cassava, and sugar logs, deep fried. A short swinging door separated the kitchen area. Kelee could see a woman and two men with caps working in the back. The woman came out with a Styrofoam container. She bagged it and handed it to the couple waiting. The woman looked at Jack and smiled.
“Hey, Jack, how yu' doin'?” she asked with a gap-toothed smile. She then looked at Kelee with curiosity.
“She's Sean's, so don't start,” Jack warned and the woman laughed.
“So, what can I get yu'?” the woman asked.
“Pork, and wheat bread if yu' have any,” Kelee told her.
“One servin' or two?” she asked, looking at Jack.
“One pork for her, and chicken for me,” Jack said.
The woman smiled and went into the back. A few minutes later she came out with their order.
“Wha' yu' want to drink?” Jack asked her.
Kelee looked at the shelf of drinks that they offered. “I'll take the large coconut water, no pulp,” she told the woman. Jack paid for their meal and they left. Kelee couldn't wait to get to her food.
“Yu' can start eatin' if yu' want,” Jack told her.
“No, I'll wait until I get to Sean's place,” she said, as she cradled the food on her lap. Jack drove them to a gated apartment complex. The security guard recognized Jack and let them in. Kelee gazed up at the ten-level apartment complex. She could tell from the gated security and the expensive cars on the lot that it was costly to live here. She wondered why Sean would have an apartment here when he had such a big house. Then again, in his line of work and the time it took to get up the hill to his house, he probably needed a place closer to the city. The lobby of the building was bright and painted a cool yellow. They took the elevator to the sixth floor. Jack led her down the hall towards apartment 6D. Jack opened the door and she followed him in. The apartment was spacious with a large room, serving as both living room and dining area. It was sparsely decorated with a large sofa and matching recliner, an end table and a coffee table. The dining area, which was right off the kitchen, held a simple oak table with four chairs. Kelee noted the bare walls. French doors led out onto a small deck. The place was clean, she noted.
“He doesn't spend much time here, does he?” Kelee asked, pulling their food out of the bag. Jack took his marked container.
“Yu' can tell?” Jack pulled off a couple of paper towel sheets from the dispenser on the counter and handed one to her. They moved over to the dining table.
“No plants, no paintings on the wall, nothing special, unlike his house.” She opened her container; the scent of the food was welcoming, and it looked so good.
“So yu've been to his house.” Jack smiled. Kelee gazed at him, curious.
“Sean doesn't take anyone he doesn't like to his house. Yu' must be special.”
“Why yu' say that?”
“Sean doesn't get too close to people. Don't get me wrong, he's friendly, but he's also very private.”
“So yu' never met any of his females?”
Jack looked at her and grinned. “Yu' know it wouldn't be right for me to put his business out there like that,” he said.
Kelee knew he was right. She was butting into Sean's business far too early. She buried the many questions she had about him and ate a piece of the pork. It was really good.