With clear visions of the casket being lowered into the dark moist soil, I held my head at a rather awkward angle trying to catch a glimpse out the puddle jumpers' window. I was hoping for a possible sneak peak at the new land that was to be my new refuge. Being employed, as a housekeeper on a private Caribbean island, was never a goal of mine until life screeched, then slammed into its current state. Losing the love of my life was enough to send me reeling, but then miscarrying our, never to be, first born ...sent me plummeting. So, here I am, readying myself for landing. New soil, new beginnings.
Never being one to carry a small frame, I easily slung all my belongings over my shoulder and descended the steps into the moist, warm air.
A Tall, mocha colored Island man was greeting all the guests, as I nonchalantly walked passed him, making my way toward the large estate in the distance. I figured I could find the "Senora. Esperanza" who had so graciously hired me for exchange of room and board. There was enough in my savings that I would never want for much, I just needed a place to attempt to heal, refocus, and be.
Lost in thought I nearly slipped out of my skin when a hand landed on my shoulder.
"May I help you find something, someone?"
I turned slightly, and was faced with the smoothest; lightly shimmering from sweat, naturally tanned chest of a man. Tall I thought since I could see no face. I lifted my eyes to meet his and there I stood. Did those eyes even have a color? I thought I could see directly through them. Perfectly placed below a set of thick, arched ,sandy colored brows, now practically touching as he looked at me with forehead wrinkled, and confusion on his face,
" I said. Is there anything I can help you find?"
I turned to him suddenly extended my hand and said, " My name is Tiana, and I have been hired By Senora Esperanza to look after the Main house." Not that I was embarrassed about being a housekeeper, but it just came off that way. I can't believe I managed to form any words, actually. Not a hair on his head, it was a perfect start to the incredible silhouette that was this man. I followed the natural curve of his head down until it slowly rounded upwards to form 2 massive shoulders that just bled down into his 2 impressive arms. Arms that he had neatly folded across his broad chest, resting directly above his taut, powerful looking abdomen...never before had I thought about an abdomen looking powerful. This man just oozed strength, not in the body builder clad in a bikini type way, but in a damn look at those faultless thighs and calves holding this...
Just then, I again realized he was waiting for an answer. To what I have no idea. I hadn't heard him say a word.
So, all the while smirking, he apparently repeated, " I f I have your attention, my name is Travis, and I am in charge of security on this island, would you like me to take you to meet her?"
As I was slightly still in awe, I nodded my head and proceeded to follow him back in the direction of the estate. Catching myself this time, I watched his broad back rock back and forth as his forward gait was more like deliberate strides. Damn I hadn't been this mesmerized since...
Senora Esperanza insisted I call her Carmen as she gave me a quick tour of the estate, rambled about it being such a waste that it was only used a few times a year, showed me my quarters (more like a suite I thought to myself), told me how she could be reached and then in an instant was out the door, shutting it behind her. Just then, the exhaustion hit me. I dropped my bag on the chair by the bed, took my toiletry bag with me, and was on my way into the shower when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My waist length, normally silky black hair looked disheveled, my honey colored eyes looked rather sunk in. Never one to be model thin, I was thinner than my usual voluptuous self, which in turn made my 36DDD chest look massive in the tank I had on. I was still rather shapely in my cargo shorts, but was in desperate need of a tan. A few weeks and that should be better, my Spanish/Italian heritage would see to that. I was naturally caramel colored, but a tan gave me that healthy, bronze look I preferred. In the reflection I could see the pain in my face was definitely affecting my look. I needed to be here.
A scalding shower and generous application of body lotion helped me relax enough to crawl into the queen size, down covered bed. I snuggled in and with the Patio doors open and sun setting in the distance, I was instantly in dreamland.
Startled, I sat up crying. I no longer remembered the dreams, but after 6 months, they were still haunting me. It was sometime in the morning now, so, disoriented; I got up and threw water on my face. Being it was Tuesday and I didn't have to start my official duties until Friday, I figured I would go out and get acquainted with my new home. I slipped on my favorite bikini. It was a custom made flesh colored one that was held together by crystals (regular suits never even covered my nipples). I threw a white sundress over it and off I was exploring. Maybe I would even bump into Travis again. Yeah right, the demi-god and pathetic widow. I chuckle to myself as I walk out the door.