“Girl, you either in love or terrified and sadly I can't tell, cuz bish, why you looking like that? And where the hell did your voice go while he was here?” she nagged.
“Leave her alone,” Stella chimed in. “It's clear she’s still messed up from what just happened. I mean y’all were right there in the middle of it all.”
She was right but that wasn’t where my feelings were placed. I was stuck on the sexy ass man who stepped up twice on my behalf without even knowing me for real. It didn't matter if he was already after the men or not. He stopped each fool from doing whatever they thought they could get out of me and I was grateful.
Though I had my taser, knife, and pepper spray, I truly didn't want to have to go there with any person while I was on vacation. My goal was to get away from the Jefferys of the world, not surround myself with more of them.
“I'm good. I didn't expect him to come by and look so damn calm,” I said. No point in lying about the shit. They could put their own narrative together and drive me crazy all night or I could just keep it buck and keep it moving.
“I mean, he does own the place and he was pretty calm when he killed those two guys.” Marsha shrugged.
Stella nodded her head in agreement then looked at me as she threw one arm over my shoulder. She didn't care that my hair was still dripping all over the place. She gave me a slight hug then walked me to my room. Marsha followed us.
“Let's get you ready for this date,” she said as we stopped in front of the closet.
I had my outfits hung up for the weekend and she took her time going through the selection. Marsha went into the bathroom and came out with another towel and tossed it onto my head. I couldn't help but giggle.
I plopped into the vanity chair and looked at myself in the mirror. I couldn't stand the redness of my eyes and how puffy they were. My time in the shower started the waterworks and once that first drop met my cheek, I couldn't contain what followed.
I was confused about my feelings, how attached I felt to Armond from three simple exchanges while seeing threedifferent sides of him. Each side furthered my intrigue. He was so kind yet so firm and commanding. He smiled only with me, everyone else got this stoic face that seemed trained instead of genuine.
That glint in his eyes when he was amused. That flare of his nostrils when he was pissed. How poised he was during the day around his customers versus how he was at night alone on his balcony smoking a blunt. Even that hint of an accent that I still couldn’t put my finger on. I was intrigued with every facet of him and I wanted to be around him more so I could figure out why.
After the abusive relationship I had with Jeffrey, I found myself not interested in men in any capacity. I didn't care about my friend's relationships, or even my sister’s, with their men. I mean, I heard them. I was engaged and cared, but after so long, I tuned them out. I didn't care about anyone's silly drama when I was running from real trauma.
Don't get me wrong, I was there for them no matter what, but I was distant when men became the topic of conversation.
It didn't matter how many men approached me, wanting to get to know me. I didn't want to get to know them. I swore them off and meant it. I hadn't even had sex with anyone in two years because I didn't want whatever came after it.
I'd gotten so bad that Marsha and Stella constantly asked if I was gonna go chase waterfalls instead of the lakes and rivers I was used to. I didn't even care to entertain them, and the jokes would continue all night, which in turn, made me feel better.
I had been like this until this trip so what did coming to Puerto Rico change? I was at this stellar resort to host a wellness retreat and met a man who swept me off my feet in a day? Who the hell was I? And honestly, who the hell was he?
“I'm gonna slay this hair while Stella puts your outfit together and does your makeup. You ain't backing out of thisdate, friend. I mean he’s scary but he seems to care so I’m with it,” Marsha said as she tousled the towel through my hair.
It was already in shrink mode, so I was thrilled for whatever style she'd put this mop in. I should've stuck to my initial plan of getting cornrows, but time wasn't on my side, so I did what I had to do.
“I'm nervous, y'all. Like what if we sit down for dinner and can't even hold a conversation cuz my nerves are in my ass?” I asked.
Stella chuckled as she pulled out a green dress then shook her head and placed it back. When she pulled out the next piece, a white silk wrap tank and white linen pants, I jolted up.
“That. I'm wearing that tonight,” I said excitedly.
“You wanna wear white to dinner? Okay, Ms. Thang, do yours,” Stella said as she laid it on the bed behind me. “I'm giving you a deep red lip and you can wear these Giuseppe Zanotti sandals to match.”
She pulled them out and placed them at the foot of my bed then started rummaging through my jewelry. Normally I would've shot up and slapped her hands away. I didn't like people in my things. But this time, I let her have it since I didn't have much time and they were willing to help a sister out.
After an hour of getting my hair laid and dressed to the nines, I headed down to the lobby to meet my mysterious man. I was a little early so I could take my time adjusting to these heels. Though I owned a lot of them, I didn't wear them often. I just knew I'd need them on this trip, just didn't think I'd need them right away.
I damn near stumbled out of the elevator and was so glad I didn't see anyone I knew. I didn't want to be further embarrassed.
The second I rounded the corner that led to the entrance, I saw Armond standing there in a red suit that nearly matched myshoes and clutch bag trimmed in black velvet. His black velvet shoes with a gold buckle stood out along with the single ring he wore on his right hand and single gold chain around his neck. Those gold cufflinks shone brightly against his black watch. His hair was pulled back into a bun and his lineup was crisp. He was turned away from, allowing me to take in every inch of him.
My posture instantly straightened and I put on my best catwalk. You wouldn't think I just busted my ass on the way out of my room the way I was drawing attention. And when Armond locked in on me, a smile crept up his face and he nodded with approval as his eyes trailed my body. They brightened and it felt good knowing it was because of me.
“Damn, you're exquisite tonight, Brandy.”
He took my hand and kissed it before twirling me around to take in every angle. I giggled like I was in a fairytale and blushed when he brought my body to his. My breasts brushed against him and I had to close my eyes. The feeling sent a surge through me that ignited something dangerous. Something I hadn't felt in so damn long. Arousal.
