Page 5 of Sun Kissed Moments

And why did it seem like he was expecting me? Onyx Cove Resort was touted for its exclusivity, privacy, protection, and discretion. Hell, I had to sign an NDA to book a stay here. With round-the-clock security, chauffeured travel, an in-house five-star-ranked chef, and a ton of other amenities, Onyx Cove Resort was at the top of the list for luxurious resorts. This was my first time here, but I trusted the word of other patrons who swore by this place.

“Make ya’self at home. If you need anything, just call the front desk. They’ll take care of you,” Dane said.

“Wait… Is this your place?”

He nodded. “Silently so,” he whispered.

I chuckled and pulled myself together. “So far, it looks amazing. I’ll let you know how my suite suits me.”

“Please do,” he replied. “Should I refrain from holding my breath, or you gon’ keep ya word?”

I giggled like a fool, and I never giggled. “I’ll keep my word, Dane.”

His eyes scanned my body so smoothly that I nearly missed it. “Aight, bet.” He motioned a bellhop over who wordlessly went straight to unpacking my luggage from the trunk.

“Thank you,” I said sweetly. “See you around, Dane.”

His lopsided grin was everything chocolate ice cream and chocolate cake were made of. Only this chocolate was poisonous and likely more addictive than anything known to a woman. Therefore, standing here ogling Mr. Richards wasn’t a bright idea. So, I twiddled my fingers at him and followed the bellhop inside the resort.

As we entered the lobby, I removed my shades, and my mouth dropped open. I’d been in beautiful, extravagant, exotic places before. I’d traveled the world and walked through caves that were surely carved by a majestic hand. But this… This was unlike anything I’d ever seen.

From the outside, it looked as though the inside would lean towards a tropical feel. However, tall columns with intricate painted details framed a double, grand staircase that connected to the second level. Rich shades of brown, deep hues of orange, and bold tones of green dominated the color scheme. Cream furniture that had to be plucked right out of the king’s palace created nice seating areas in two separate areas of the lobby. The walls were cream, and as clean as a whistle. Not a speck, ding, or spot of dirt blemished the place.

As I approached the reception area, I caught sight of a couple of birds who spent their entire lives with me on their brain. Immediately, I wanted to turn around and cancel this trip. I’d go back home and hole myself up inside until the coast was clear, and I was no longer the talk of social media town.

Esian and Oney, sisters from Atlanta, Georgia, ran their wildly popular podcast, Tea Me Up. If I wasn’t the trending topic on their messy ass podcast, then they would pick the day to dig on another woman. While they claimed to be an uplifting and positive platform for Black women, I was convinced their brand was all about tearing down other Black women. Whatever brought us to the same location at the same time really wanted to ruin my time alone. Then again, I thought about the NDA. They couldn’t speak on anyone they saw, or anything they witnessed. Putting a pep back in my step, I ignored their shady waves and went to the receptionist’s desk.

“Majesty!” the young lady spoke. I could tell she was starstruck, but she kept it professional when she said, “I apologize, Ms. Knight. It’s so good to meet you. I have your room key ready right here.”

Smiling, I accepted the key card and replied, “Thank you.”

She grinned. “The elevators are to your right, and the bellhop will help you up. If there’s absolutely anything you need, don’t hesitate to contact us. Staff is on duty ‘round the clock, the lounge and bar are open ‘round the clock, Rose’s is open ‘round the clock, and housekeeping is available at the drop of a hat.” She beamed brightly. “I hope you enjoy your stay at Onyx Cove Resort.”

“I’m sure I will,” I replied. The bellhop led me to the elevators and up to my floor. When the doors opened, security politely nodded as I exited the elevator and made my way to my suite. Using the keycard, I let myself into the suite, which encompassed one full corner of the building. This suite was a full-on condo, one I could easily fall in love with, I thought as I eased towards the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the sparkling white sands of Pensacola Beach. This was my first time here, and I could tell this place would be a yearly visit. Not only was the view stunning, but the silent owner wasn’t so bad either.

Greatest rapper of all time.

Phenomenal writer.

Amazing storyteller.

Philanthropist.

Elusive heart throb.

Those were all things people said about me. They could add scary ass nigga to the list. Well, not technically. On no day could a nigga play with me. In that case, I wasn’t a scary ass nigga. However, when it came to Justina, I was a scary ass muhfucka.

As I walked into my suite, which was next door to Justina, my phone rang. I answered Angelo’s call, prepared to hear him cackling in my ear like a hyena.

“Well?” he asked.

“I clammed up like a bitch, bruh,” I confessed.

He died laughing on the other end of the phone.

“Nooo, mane. What you mean?” he questioned.

“I mean I fuckin’ choked. Bruh… She’s different, A.” I stalked into the bedroom, fell across the bed, and threw my hand over my face. “Fuck!” I swore.