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Bakari raised his eyes to meet mine. “I don’t believe anything happens by chance. You weren’t even supposed to be at this resort. I wouldn't have met you if you had gone to the right site at the beginning of your trip. Even if I had seen you at the conference, I would’ve thought you were attractive, but I doubt I would’ve stepped to you. And then you walk into the very stall I’m in with another woman.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “Hearing your story, seeing you cry, and being vulnerable sealed it for me. Even if it is for a short time, I want to make you happy.”
“Why?”
He pushed back from me. “I thought coming to the island away from the hustle and bustle would take away the loneliness, not magnify it. Maybe I want to be happy too, even if it’s for a short time.” Bakari abruptly turned and got out of the pool. “I’ll be at the buffet. Join me whenever you finish your work that you’re so insistent you finish.”
I watched him go into the bathroom, realizing he’d just been vulnerable with me. Knowing he may be just as lonely as I only endeared me to him more. I got out of the pool, stripped, and joined him in the shower. We were silent as I washed him gently from head to toe. He then slowly did the same for me. Once he finished, I kissed his full lips. “I’m all yours until we leave this island.”
Bakari brushed back my wet hair with a slight smile and nodded.
***
IWAS GIDDY WITH DELIGHT. “Yes! I found something you’re not great at.”
“Why are you so excited? There are plenty of things I’m not great at. Cleanliness being number one.”
“I can see that. Don’t understand how you can mess up a room in a few minutes.” I giggled while pulling him reluctantly toward the two horses waiting for us on the beach. “I’m talking about other things. I imagine you were popular. Bet you played sports, top student, had all the girls. Probably class president.”
“Didn’t play sports, though I was one of the top students in my class. I didn’t really date girls like that. Girls liked me. I was just too focused on getting the best grades because it was expected by my high-achieving parents and older brother. I tolerated high school,” his tone was somber. “Not always good with people. More of a loner.”
“Really? You’ve been good with me. From the very start.”
He dimpled. “I might have ninety-nine problems, but a beautiful woman is not one of them.”
“You’re making me blush,” I commented as we approached the two black stallions. They were absolutely breathtaking animals. Both are the color of midnight with the softest and fullest manes. “This is beauty.”
“And scary.” He folded his arms, his biceps straining his white Henley shirt. “I don’t trust animals.”
“No pets?”
“Nope. Too busy to care for a pet. Don’t tell me you’re a dog lover?”
I placed my hands on my hips and pushed out my chest proudly. “Pretend there’s a D on my shirt. That’s how much I love dogs. Have a lovable mutt named Drake I found at the dog pound. He’s kept me company over the past two years.”
“Thinking that D means something else the way you rode me last night.”
The young trainer, who stood nearby grooming the horses, grinned wide.
I punched Bakari in his upper arm hard and hurt myself in the process. “Ouch. Shh...stop letting people know our business.”
Bakari smirked. “He’s heard and seen worse than what I’m saying.”
The trainer nodded emphatically. “Miss, he’s telling the truth. We’re in Montego Bay. No worries.”
Nursing my hand, I glared at Bakari, who only chuckled. I then addressed the trainer with the perfectly coiffed fro. “He’s deathly afraid of horses, so can you be gentle.”
“Hey...just wary, not afraid,” Bakari corrected, and he stood straighter.
“Mister, it’s like riding a bicycle.” The young guy rubbed one of the horses. “Majestic will be your horse. I’ll walk alongside you both if you would like. My horses are trained to walk a certain path and return. They move as fast as you want them to go.”
“I’m operating on slow.”
I laughed again. “I think I like this timid side of you.”
“Just be glad I don’t curse women.” He grumbled and awkwardly climbed the horse while I smoothly climbed mine. “How did you do that?”
“I’m from Oklahoma, remember?”
“Oh, that’s right. You and your family were the first black family to settle there.”
