deepundergroundpoetry.com
Softly Melt
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
One Week Later
Darla adjusted her posture on the lounge chair. She looked around at the private beach and home she rented for a month. She heard a dog barking in the distance. She sat up and pivoted her head; she shielded her eyes against the blazing sun.
“Do folks know the definition of privacy, ooh.”
A dog ran up to her and wagged its tail.
“Hello there.”
Darla rubbed the back of the dog’s ear.
The dog licked her hand. Someone whistled.
The dog turned and ran from where he traveled.
Darla swung her legs over the lounge chair. She could not make out the figure walking toward her.
“Dammit, I did not pass up a trip to Venice with Trina, to be invaded by a....” Her eyes traveled the length of muscled hairy legs, up to the front of a groin obscured in a pair of black swim trucks. Chest hairs sprung from every square inch. Robust muscles oozed from every region of his body.
Darla stood. She did not have time to grab her sarong.
“May, I help you.”
“Yes, first of all. You can tell me, what are you doing here on my beach, and I assume that is your belongings in my beach front home.”
“I beg your pardon. I rented this private beachfront and the beach house for a month.”
Travis palmed his angular cheeks.
“Isn’t it a law trespassing on private property?”
“Yes, which you are.”
“We can let the authorities handle this.”
“Yes we can.”
Darla lifted her sarong and beach bag from off the sand and stormed away.
Travis arched his eyebrows and followed.
Darla rushed over to her cell phone on the glass table, lifted it, and flipped it open. She pressed in several numbers and placed the cell phone up to her ear.
Travis ran over to his cell phone and lifted it from off the glass table.
“Yes, there seems to be a mistake. I rented out this beachfront and beach property for a month, and I even paid a quite handsome amount.”
“Dr. Cabaña, there is no record for a rental reservation at that location. I do apologize; however, you are on private property.”
“Yes, there is a woman at my residence who states my property was leased to her. I would like to speak to someone in charge.”
“I apologize Mr. Slay; however, you know fans will say or do anything to gain entrance into your world. As a precaution, do not provoke the intruder, she may be dangerous.”
Travis’ eyes meandered up the back of Darla’s legs, he gritted down on his teeth, when he settled on her derrière clothed in a black bikini bottom.
“Would you like for me to alert the authorities.”
Travis looked at Darla’s smooth skin, and then back down at her derrière. He liked her perfectly aligned toes.
“I think I can address this personally.”
“Well can you send a Ferry to come and pick me up?”
Travis knew the Ferry was not available until next week.
A desperate fan he thought. A gorgeous fan at that.
Darla flipped her cell phone down. She turned around.
“I’m sorry; there has been a huge mistake. This island was listed on a website, for a private get-a-away.”
Travis crossed his arms over his chest.
“Let me guess, you booked it.”
“Yes, however, it was not for this private beachfront. The time capsule was for another location in Prague. I will reimburse you for the food, and drinks I’ve consumed.”
“I don’t know who you are, all I ask is you stay on the other side of my home, and do not disturb me when I’m writing, or eating at the table.”
“Mr....”
“It’s Mr. Slay.”
“Mr. Slay, I have no intentions of interfering with your world. This is all a misunderstanding.”
“Yes, they always are.” Travis walked to the steps, he turned to face her. “Please respect my privacy, my space, and my home, or the authorities will be called.”
Travis mounted the glass spiral stairwell.
“Talk about being rude.”
Darla walked into the kitchen. The dog followed her.
Travis walked into his bedroom. He entered and locked the door. He grabbed his sweatpants and sweatshirt from off the chair and threw them on the bed.
“Dammit.” He did not want to face anyone. Let anyone impress anyone.
Travis walked over to the floor-to-ceiling patio window and looked out at the sun setting on the horizon. He will have to hire a personal bodyguard. Fans should not be allowed to get this fucking close to him. He turned around, walked to his bed, and snatched the clothing items up.
Travis walked to the bathroom.
Darla fixed herself a salad. She lifted the salad bowl and bottle of lite salad dressing from off the cooking island. She placed the items on the table, pulled a chair back, and sat.
The man’s dog sat at her feet.
She looked down and lifted a chuck of chicken from out her bowl. She dropped it at her feet.
The dog’s mouth smothered it.
“That is why dog food was invented.”
Darla pivoted her head. Her eyes clashed into a pair of dark-brown brooding eyes.
“I thought he may need a little encouragement for being such an obedience creature.”
“Is that your answer to everything?”
“If you stay obedience, then I guess you’ll find out what I will throw at you.”
Travis smiled at the back of the woman’s head. He walked around the table.
“I have never been interested in scraps.”
Darla looked up from her salad bowl.
“Excuse me.”
“I advised you not to invade my space, and this kitchen is my space.”
“And where do you suppose I eat?”
“There is a microwave and a small dorm-style refrigerator in one of the guest’s bedrooms.”
“You have got to be kidding.”
“No, I am not. The next time, you may want to....to stalk someone, or pick another person, and dammit, stay out of my bedroom, or I will call the authorities on you.”
Travis walked out the kitchen.
Darla rose from her seat and stormed after Travis. She heard him talking on his cell phone.
“I would love to see you again. How about I fly out for the weekend,” the caller said.
Travis turned around when he heard Darla enter the living room. He looked over her partial nudity from head to toe. He cleared his throat when his vision centered on her cleavage over-spilling the bikini top. He looked down at her flat midriff, his eyes rolled over her thighs and smooth legs. Totally provocative he thought.
Darla walked to the chair and lifted her sandals from off the carpet. She turned around and walked back into the kitchen. She placed her sandals near her chair, and then lifted her bowl from off the table; she walked over to the sink, turned on the garbage dispenser, and watched the food contents get mouthed up. She washed her bowl and placed it on the counter-top to dry. She walked out the kitchen. She walked to the chair, lifted her sandals, and exited the kitchen.
Travis watched Darla walk up the first flight of steps. He cranked his neck to get a better posterior view.
“Something has come up. I will call you once I return to the states.”
Travis flipped his cell phone down.
Darla closed the door to one of the guest’s bedrooms.
“Arrogant bastard. Just because he’s handsome, does not mean shit.”
She walked over to a drawer and snatched it back. She looked down at the clothes. She itched to take her clothes out, throw them in her luggage, and leave. She walked over to the window and looked out.
The roar of the ocean was the only reminder; she was not in the United States.
“Why should I let him scare me away, he is the one intruding on my time.”
Darla walked back over to the bed. She lifted her luggage and placed it near her closet. She opened the door and looked over the new wardrobe to declare her independence in such a beautiful country.
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Darla stood back. She pivoted in all directions.
The white silk thigh-high mini-dress complimented her light-brown skin tone complexion. She palmed the gold necklace at her neck. She placed her solid gold bracelet on her arm and slid it up her upper arm.
The White Party the island is hosting tonight will be her first attempt to have some fun. Thank goodness, the man who residence she is sharing, does not have a hidden physical agenda.
“Not to worry, when this shit gets back to Hunter, the males in our family will have nothing more to worry about in regard to a... a whore joining the family.”
From here on out, she will guard her heart.
Darla heard voices and music downstairs. She grabbed her white purse and walked to door. She turned off her bedroom light, opened the door, and walked down the hall. She looked over the third-floor railing. Several people were huddled in corners talking to each other.
“This guy must really do not like me; he could at least tell me about his gathering.” Darla made it to the second landing.
“You said a fan penetrated your security system and is staying here.”
“Yes,” Travis answered his friend.
“I would call the proper authorities, this female, could be a murderer, or insane.”
Darla looked around as she made her way down the stairwell.
Shamir took a sip of his drink and looked around. His eyes fell upon Darla.
“Travis, who the fuck is that?” He turned fully around. “Damn, what an African American goddess, damn.”
Travis turned around and looked across the room.
Darla’s foot hit the last step.
Travis’ mouth dropped.
The woman looked lovely from every angle.
“Come on man, you have to introduce me to her.”
“Shamir, I will not let you bump up on a guest in my home.”
Shamir turned to face Travis.
“She’s your fucking houseguest.”
“Yes.”
“I swore you just advised me she may be crazy, so no love lost.” Shamir walked in the direction where Darla was making her way through the guests.
Travis followed. His eyes did not miss the long golden coated legs, and derrière. Her skin-tone was blemish free.
“Are you leaving so fast?”
Darla turned around.
Two set of eyes were trained on her.
“Yes.” She looked over Shamir’s shoulder. “I never stay, where I’m not wanted.”
“Hi, I’m Shamir Effresh.” Shamir extended his hand.
Darla shook it.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Darla Cabaña, however, you may call me Darla.” She smiled at the man.
Travis arched his eyebrows at the newfound information.
“Dr. Cabaña, as in the scientist, whose breakthrough cardiac medication, recently hit the market for clinical trials?”
“Yes.”
Shamir turned toward Travis.
“Travis, you did not advise me your houseguest was beautiful, highly intelligent, and...” Shamir looked down at her left ringless hand. “Available.”
Darla blushed.
“Well, I would let you men get back to entertaining.”
“You’re not staying.”
“No, there is a White Party being held at the estate down the road.”
“I would suggest an escort. This island is not suitable for a beautiful woman to roam around unescorted,” Travis added. He took a sip of his drink.
“I’ll be all right, thank you for your concern; just maybe, I can get a decent meal.” She cut her eyes in Travis’ direction. “Microwavable food is very bland to the stomach.” Darla threw at him.
Darla turned and walked to the door. She opened it and walked out. She pulled the door close.
“Could I trade places with you. My beachfront home is available, and I would love to do that houseguest under the covers anytime.”
“Hang on.” Travis took a gulp of his Whiskey Sour and placed the glass on the circular silver tray the hired help held in front of him.
“Wait, where you are going?”
“I will be right back. I need you to hold the fort down for me, and don’t let the guests creep down to my wine cellar and fuck with my bottles of vintage Scotch like the last time.”
Travis excused himself through his guests.
“Your last movie was very good, Travis,” one of his guests patted him on the back.
“Thank you.”
Travis made it to the door, opened it, and walked out his residence. He pulled the door close.
He saw Darla’s shadowy figure walking down the paved driveway. He ran to catch up with her.
“Darla,” Travis called out.
Darla stopped walking and turned around.
“I will walk you to your destination. Beautiful as this island is, I would not trust the welfare of venturing unattended.”
“Mr. Slay, I do not need a personal guide. Please go back to your party. Now, who is responsible for invading someone else’s space?”
Darla walked away. Travis followed behind.
“Nice perfume.”
“Thank you,” Darla tossed over her shoulder. She came to the end of Travis’ driveway.
She looked both ways.
The only lighting was from the walkway lights. She turned around and took a step forward. She bumped into Travis’ chest wall.
“I’m sorry. I forgot which way. In the morning there is plenty of light.”
Travis removed his car remote from out his front pants pocket and pointed it out in the darkness. Lights surrounding a three-car garage instantly came on. He pressed in another button. The first garage door lifted.
“How about I drive you.”
“No thank you, I can find my own way.”
“Darla...”
“And it is Dr. Cabaña to you.”
Travis placed both hands inside his front pants pockets.
“You gave my Executive Producer the go ahead to call you by your first name. Is there any reason, why I’m being singled out?”
“No particular reason. I just do not care for you.”
“Likewise.”
“Good, then you can get back to your gathering.”
Travis grabbed a hold of Darla’s hand. “And you can let me drive you to the Bellman’s estate.”
“After that, I declare my privacy.”
Travis escorted Darla to the garage. He walked around a two seat Jaguar convertible.
“Nice car.”
“Thanks.”
He opened the door for her.
Darla held her dress, and got in.
Travis pushed the door close. He walked around to the driver side and opened the door. He got behind the steering wheel and pulled the door close. He pivoted to look at her.
“Can we start over?”
“I prefer not. I came to this island, for peace, and tranquility, not for a love connection.”
“Then we should get along quite well.”
Darla pivoted to face Travis.
“Very well then.”
He looked at her lips, and then down at her breasts.
“You look very nice this evening.”
“Thank you.”
Travis plugged his key inside the ignition and started his vehicle. He pulled out his garage and turned onto the main road.
He rested his arm on the back of the passenger seat.
“You are a doctor.”
“Actually, an Epidemiologist and a Scientist.”
“You are very young for such a precarious role in society.”
“I beg your pardon.”
Travis pulled up to a red light. He pivoted to face Darla.
“How old are you.”
“That is none of your business.”
“Thirty.”
“No, I am twenty-five.”
Travis smiled at the revelation. “Like I said, too young.”
“Thank goodness my achievements speak for themselves.”
Travis pressed his foot on the gas pedal and moved the vehicle forward.
He pulled in a private driveway and maneuvered his vehicle the stretch of a mile.
BELLMAN ESTATES
A three-story limestone mansion came into full view.
“Oh my, this place is simply lovely.”
Travis pivoted his head. He caught the excitement in her eyes. Nice eyes and nice body, he thought.
People were gathered on the lawn. Everyone was dressed in white. Several people had a glass of beverage in his or her hand.
Travis shifted his gears in reverse and backed up. He shifted it in drive, and then parked.
Darla turned toward Travis.
“I have to thank you for providing my chariot, however, Cinderella, can handle everything from here.”
Travis looked down at Darla’s lips. He withdrew his key from out the ignition, unsnapped his seatbelt, and opened the door. He got out and pushed the door close.
Travis walked around his vehicle and opened the door for Darla. He held his hand down.
Darla grasped it and stepped out.
Travis pushed the door close. He grabbed a hold of Darla’s hand.
She unclasped her hand.
“Just what do you think you’re doing?”
“I would like to go in and say hello to Burt.”
“Please do not take any personal offense to my remark; nonetheless, I would like to attend this gathering, alone.”
“You will, after I’ve said my hellos to the host.”
“You are very stubborn Mr. Slay.”
“My name is Travis.”
“It does not change the fact that you are still stubborn.”
“Travis, I thought that was you.”
Darla and Travis turned to face the man who had a glass of wine in his hand.
“Burt.” Travis looked around. “I see you are still showing much love to the islanders.”
Burt looked at Darla. “I am. Who is this vision of perfection?”
“Burt, this is Dr. Cabaña.”
Burt held his arm out.
“Join me Dr. Cabaña.”
“I would be honored, Burt.” She looped her arm around his and walked away. She pivoted to face Travis. “Thank you,” she mouthed to him, turned, and strolled away.
Travis looked at the back of Darla’s legs. He turned and walked away.
“Would you like a glass of wine Mr. Slay?”
Travis stopped and removed a glass of wine from off the tray. His took a sip; his footsteps took him in the direction of the entrance.
“Would you like something to drink Dr. Cabaña?”
“Yes, and please call me Darla.”
Burt strolled away.
Darla ventured further into the Ballroom. She walked over to a wall and admired the mounted expensive oil-paintings.
“That is my favorite,” someone whispered from behind.
Darla turned around.
“Here is your drink.”
“I see you like my Monet.”
Darla turned back around.
“To be truthful.”
“Yes, by all means.”
“I like Van Goo.”
“You have an excellent eye for details, if I must say.”
“You have a lovely home.”
“Would you like to see the rest?”
“If it’s not a bother.”
Burt looked down at the swollen mounds of Darla’s breasts.
“It would be my pleasure. But first, I would like to introduce you to someone.”
“Yes, please.”
Burt palmed Darla’s lower back. He escorted her from one group of guests to another.
“Dr. Cabaña, I’ve heard of your scientific work. I never imagined the woman behind the patent is beautiful.”
“What a nice thing to say, thank you Burt.”
“We must sit down and confer, I am working on a documentary, and I could really use someone on my writing team with a vast of knowledge.”
“What is the documentary based upon?”
“Biological and Chemical Warfare.”
“Interesting. I will give you the number to my Publicist for a sit-down meeting.”
Travis looked across the Ballroom. He lifted his head, and made out Burt introducing Darla, to some of the elite prominent figures in Hollywood. So why was he gripping his glass tighter, after seeing her openly flirt.
“Travis, so good to see you again.”
Travis turned around.
“Hey man, good to see you.”
Both men shook each other’s hand, and then dropped them simultaneously.
“What brings you to the island?”
“A little rest and relaxation.”
Travis’ eyes followed Burt’s and Darla’s movements.
“Your last movie was a box office success.”
“Thanks for the acknowledgement.”
Steven followed Travis’ line of vision.
“Burt sure knows how to pick his Starlets I must say.”
“Excuse me.”
Travis walked away from Steven.
“Darla, tomorrow I am flying to Martha Vineyard. I would be honored if you could be my guest.”
“Sorry Burt, but the lady’s company is already invested.”
Travis palmed Darla’s lower back and escorted her away.
“How dare you,” she hissed through her teeth.
“Smile now; we do want the host to know you are not enjoying yourself.”
“I thought, I made myself clear. I do not need a chaperone,” she whispered.
“You are swimming in shark infested waters here. These people are way out of your league.”
Darla stopped and turned to face Travis.
“What does that mean?”
“I have something, I need to show you.”
Her question was totally ignored.
Travis grabbed Darla’s hand and walked to the door.
“I never stated I wanted to leave yet.”
“And you probably never will.”
Travis escorted Darla out the door. Her grabbed her hand and walked back to his vehicle.
“Travis, what is your line of work.”
“I am a Director in Hollywood.”
“You look too old for such a precarious role in society. How old are you... sixty?”
“Not even close.”
“Seventy.”
“Too old.”
She stopped and turned around. She palmed his chest. “Okay, I give up.”
“I never knew I was playing this game.”
“You do not play fair.”
“I guess you found out another one of my other character flaws.”
“What was the first?”
“Stubborn.” He winked at her.
He opened the door for her.
“Thank you.”
Darla got inside his vehicle.
Travis pushed the door close. He walked around his vehicle.
What a handsome African American male.
Travis opened the door and climbed behind the steering wheel. He pulled the door close.
“Are you hungry?”
“Someone has locked me away, and even had the audacity to demand I eat microwavable food.”
“That is one mean dude.”
“Yes, I agree. Say, maybe, you can defend my honor, and take me out to eat.”
“I think I can rescue the beautiful Nubian sista from this bad dude.”
Both laughed.
Travis started his vehicle.
“Do you get down to the island very often?”
“After a preview of a movie, and then listening to the critics’ babbling. I’m on my jet.”
“What a beautiful tropical paradise to escape too.” Darla snuggled her head against the soft leather headrest.
“What were you and Burt discussing?”
“He has solicited my expertise for a film he is working on.”
Travis stopped at a red light.
“Darla, this life is not all that meets the eye.”
“Can you be more specific?”
“Hollywood, or anything related to such would destroy your soul, if you sell it to the highest bidder.”
“Did you have to sell yours?”
Travis stepped on the gas pedal.
The car proceeded through traffic.
“I do not live and breathe this lifestyle, therefore, no.”
“You could’ve fooled me.”
“Success does come with its rewards and benefits.”
“I can believe that concept.”
“And on that note, we are here.”
Darla turned to look out the window.
MANGO’S RESTAURANT
“A restaurant named after a sweet piece of fruit, how nice.”
“The Lobster and Steaks here are very tempting to the palate.”
“I don’t know about that entree. Usually when a man buys a woman a lobster or steak, the majority of the time, she has to lessen her morals on her back.”
“Who said I’m buying. And to put it mildly, I do not find you attractive to lessen my decency.”
Darla pivoted her head in Travis’ direction.
“Excuse me.”
Travis withdrew the key from out the ignition and unsnapped his seatbelt. He got out the car and pushed the door close.
No, he didn’t just say that to me.
Remember, no love connections, and after tonight keep your distance.
Travis opened the door for Darla. He held his hand out. She ignored it, and stepped out the vehicle.
Travis closed the door. He grabbed a hold of Darla’s hand.
“I’m fine.”
She disengaged her hand.
Travis and Darla walked to the front entrance of the restaurant. He opened the door for her.
Travis palmed Darla’s lower bare back.
His favorite place he thought.
“Welcome to Mango’s Restaurant Mr. Slay. Would you and your lovely companion, like a table that overlooks the ocean?”
“Yes.”
“This way sir.”
Travis circled Darla’s waist with one hand, he found another excuse to touch her skin. He noticed her skin was soft, and tender to the touch.
“Here you are Mr. Slay.”
The maître d’ pulled a chair out for Darla.
“Thank you.”
“Your beauty already has.”
Darla blushed.
The maître d’ walked away from the table.
Travis pulled his chair out and sat.
“Everyone here has been nothing but corrigible.”
“Prague does have a way of growing on you. The beauty of the island and the beautiful native women does tend to leave a lasting impression on you.”
“I’m sure they all do.”
A waiter appeared at the table.
“Mr. Slay would you like your best bottle of the usual.”
“Yes.”
The waiter placed a menu in front of Darla, and one in front of Travis. He turned and walked away.
Another waiter walked over to their table. He lifted a wicker basket of hot cheese biscuits, and two bowls of house salads. He placed one bowl in front of Darla, and then the other bowl in front of Travis. He centered the wicker basket.
“The beverages would be here momentarily, sir.”
The waiter bowed, turned, and walked away from the table.
Darla looked around.
“Is that...what is his name?”
Travis turned around in his seat.
“Mr. Cannon.”
“Yes.”
“I love all his movies.”
Travis added nothing.
Darla extended her neck.
The twinkling lights of the city alerted her of the elevation of the restaurant.
“What a magnificent view.”
“I’m used to it.
Darla lifted her menu, and opened it. She squirmed in her seat at the expensive listed food items.
Travis looked over at Darla. He witnessed her biting down on her lip.
The candlelight illuminated her sexy and rare classical features.
“Anything on the menu meets your approval.”
“Aah, I will have the potato soup.”
Travis looked down at his menu. He smiled, because it was the cheapest item listed.
“I thought a Scientist earn enough money for a decent living.”
“Yes, we do. I usually do not squander my money unnecessarily. And since I was invited to go to Martha’s Vineyard, I heard the shops down there are spectacular.”
Travis looked over at Darla.
“Tomorrow, I would really like to show you something.”
“Can you show me the following day. I heard about this lovely boutique in Martha’s Vineyard, a boutique, I can only read about, and to be given a chance to shop there, therefore, I think your little something will have to wait.”
Travis flipped aside his suit jacket, and reached down for his cell phone on his hip clip. He removed it and flipped it open. He looked down and pressed a button.
“Excuse me.”
Travis rose, and walked away from the table.
“That man is as strange as day and night.”
“This is Burt, can I help you.”
“Burt this is Travis. Darla would not be joining you tomorrow, or any day after that.”
“I think I got the message when you whizzed her company away from me. Although, I have to admit, I do not blame you.”
“Well since we know where each other stand. My Executive Producer will contact you next week, in regards to the revision of a script you produced.”
“That bad.”
“No, actually it’s good. Nevertheless, I would let my Producer look it over.”
“I will follow-up with you, and the woman is a sexy selection for a great pair of legs.”
“I agree, later man.”
Travis flipped his cell phone close and placed it back on his hip clip. He headed back into the dining area.
Darla looked around the restaurant. A man across the restaurant, lifted his glass of wine to her, and took a sip.
“Where is he...?”
She looked around in all directions. She dropped her mouth. Travis was across the room, and taking to a very beautiful woman.
‘And to put it mildly, I do not find you all that attractive to lessen my decency.’
“Hi, I could not help it, but you are...”
Darla looked up.
The man snapped his fingers. “Zia, the actress.”
“I’m sorry, you are mistaken. My name is Dr. Darla Cabaña.”
“You are very photogenic; I must do a photo shoot of you.”
“I am not a model.”
“Oh, you are very wrong. I am working on a film, and you would make the grade for a part.”
“Out of curiosity, what is the part?”
“The part I would like you to audition for is a beautiful African American female private investigator. I think you would fit her character very nicely.”
“Thank you, but I have to decline.”
“Traveling expenses and hotel accommodations to Hollywood will be paid.”
“Do you have a business card? I am presently on vacation until the end of the month, maybe, I will fly to California, the beginning of next month.”
“Yes.”
The man dipped inside his breast pocket, and removed his business card.
“Here you are, Darla.”
She removed the business card, and looked down at it.
Darla looked up.
“Are you a Producer?”
“Yes and a Director.”
“Then you must know Travis Slay.”
“You can say he is my number one nemesis at the box office.”
Darla smiled.
“Very nice.”
“Thank you.”
“Travis, I have not seen you in ages. We must do lunch together. I have an upcoming project I think would benefit you.”
“With all due respect, Virginia. Your movies have not broken even at the box office.”
“Sturgis is the Producer.”
Travis palmed his cheeks.
“Oh. When are you planning to begin production?”
“Sometime next year. I feel this movie would launch my sagging career.”
“Call me.”
Virginia looked around the restaurant.
“I think you may have some competition.”
Travis turned and looked across the restaurant. He witnessed Peter standing at his table.
“She’s stunning, wherever did you find her?”
“She is a houseguest.”
“And not an actress.”
“No.”
“You may want to plaster that face on the screen.”
“Excuse me Virginia.”
“It was very nice to have met you, Darla; I hope to see you sometime next week.”
“Are you trying to steal my best asset from under my nose, Peter?”
Darla looked up, Peter turned around.
“Travis.” Peter held his hand out.
Travis looked down, he did not extend his.
“Where have you been hiding this loveliness?”
“In my bed.”
Darla arched her eyebrows.
“Even a snail comes out of its shell some point in time.”
“Peter, I would like a quiet dinner, with my.”
“Houseguest. I will call you sometime next week Peter.”
“I shall look forward to it.”
Peter turned and walked away from the table.
Travis sat down.
The waiter walked over to the table.
“Would you like to order now Mr. Slay?”
“In a minute.”
“Very well sir.”
The waiter turned and walked away.
Travis looked down at the business card on the table.
“Was your conversation with Peter beneficial?”
“It was.”
Darla never lifted her eyes from reading the menu.
“I’m sure the choices have not changed.”
Darla laid the menu down and lifted her head.
“What were you and Peter discussing.”
“If you must know.”
“I prefer too.”
“I have been asked to audition for a part in one of his movies, isn’t that fabulous.”
Travis looked over at Peter. He turned back around to face Darla.
“Did you accept?”
“I’m still undecided.”
“Let me offer you some advice.”
Darla linked her fingers under her chin and leaned forward.
“That advice is.”
“Stick to science.”
Darla sat back in her chair.
“Why do you always have something unethical to say about my actions? If I can recall, I suppose to have been at a White Party. You patronage my time. And now I have great news to tell you, yet, you belittle me to even consider I can’t make the right decision.”
Travis sat back in his chair.
“If it means that much to you, then no matter what I say. You will do as you please.”
“You are right.”
The waiter returned to the table.
“Would you like to order now Mr. Slay?”
Travis angrily lifted his menu and opened it.
“You can bring me the Lobster and Steak dinner.”
“Excellent choice Mr. Slay.” Travis handed the waiter back his menu. “And what would the beautiful lady like.”
“I will take the Lobster dinner, no steak, and a bowl of potato soup.” Darla handed her menu back to the waiter. “And can I get a glass of water please.”
“Yes.”
The waiter walked away from the table.
Travis looked over at Darla.
“I take it; a scientist does make a great deal of money.”
She leaned over the table. Travis looked down; he got an eyeful of her breasts.
“I’m splurging.”
“Yes I see.” He looked up. “Would you like to dance?”
“Let me see here.” Darla’s eyes journeyed the width of the restaurant. “All these lovely damsels in distress, no thank you. I would leave you to your adoring fans. I do not want you to lessen your morals by dancing with me.”
Travis cleared his throat.
“Is that the real reason why you agreed to Peter’s proposal?”
“Travis, I have traveled all over the world to give several lectures. And I have never been to California.”
“I could arrange that.”
“Now why would you want to do that? You take me as a man who is accustomed to the finer things in life, yachts, attractive women, imported Caviar, and I would not be held accountable for interfering with your destiny.”
“I made a terr...”
“Mr. Slay, your order has arrived sir.”
Travis’ eyes never left Darla’s eyes.
“Thank you.”
Darla turned away.
The waiter placed a covered dish in front of Travis, and then a covered dish in front of Darla. He lifted both silver tops.
“This looks scrumptious.”
The waiter laid two Lobster bibs on the table.
Another waiter positioned an ice buckle in the center of the table with a bottle of 1965 Chablis inside.
He uncorked the bottle and lifted it. He poured the contents inside Darla’s glass; he then poured the contents into Travis’ glass. He placed the bottle back down in the icy depths and draped the opening with a white dinner napkin.
“Please enjoy your meal.”
Both waiters walked away.
Darla looked over at Travis’ plate. The T-bone steak overfilled his plate.
“Blessings.”
“Of course.”
Both bowed their head. Darla recited a small prayer.
Darla lifted her shell cracker. She lifted her head. Travis was watching her.
“Do I have something on my mouth?”
Travis looked down at her lips.
“I do not want you to get caught up in the web of Hollywood bureaucratic bullshit.”
“That is a loaded request.”
Darla forked a small serving of the Lobster fillet into her mouth.
“If you want to see Hollywood. We can fly out tomorrow.”
“No thank you. I really do not want to invade your space, and truthfully, I have been engaged, which I called off, I have slept with my ex-fiancé’s cousin, oh, then there was a handsome gentleman, who I had a sexual relationship with, not to forget, I had a stalker. The only thing left for me, is peace, and the possibility of me starring in a movie.”
Travis’ mouth hung open.
Darla looked over at Travis. His eyes remained trained on her.
“Are you still engaged?”
“At the moment, no.”
“Any possibility of a reconciliation.”
Darla thought about it.
“I can’t answer that right now.”
Darla lifted her glass of Chablis and took a sip. She repositioned her glass, lifted her fork, and forked out the succulent contents.
“You are correct, this Lobster is very delicious.”
Travis forked into his Steak.
“You had a stalker.”
“Yes, I was kidnapped….”
“Is everything satisfactory Mr. Slay.”
“Yes.”
The waiter walked away.
A man walked up carrying a bouquet of roses.
Darla’s eyes lit up.
“How beautiful.”
“Would you like to purchase one for this beautiful woman?”
Travis looked over at Darla.
“No thank you.”
The man looked down at Darla. He removed a long-stem rose, and held it out to her.
She took it. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He looked down at Travis. “I guess some brothas do not know how lucky they are.”
Darla looked over at Travis. “I guess not.”
“Enjoy your dinner pretty lady.”
“Thank you.”
Darla lifted the rose and smelled it. She laid it near her plate.
“Are you a sex addict?”
“What kind of question is that?”
“A question that requires an answer.”
“I do not know the definition of such. Now if you mean if I enjoy the opposite sex, than the answer to your question, is yes. Now that I have come to rest my lustful carnal ways. Sex is such a small make-up of someone’s characteristics. Now can we change the subject?”
“For now.”
“What type of movies do you produce?”
“Thriller, Drama, and Comedy.”
“That is fascinating.”
“You know you talk with your eyes.”
“I do not know what you mean.”
“If you are trying to seduce me, I must warn you, I am not buying.”
“What…seduce you? I do not find you worth taking my clothes off for.”
“Then I have nothing to worry about with keeping mine on.”
Travis scooted his chair back and stood. He walked around the table.
“Would you dance with me?”
“Since we know where each other stand.” and you were too cheap and stubborn to buy me a rose. “I would be honored.”
Darla placed her hand in Travis’ hand and stood. He palmed her back, and propelled her to the center of the restaurant.
Travis circled Darla’s waist and slowly pulled her into his embrace.
Darla placed her arms around his neck.
Oh he smells so good she thought.
Travis inched back and looked down into Darla’s eyes. She turned her head to avoid his eyes.
“Darla look at me.”
She pivoted to face him.
“Don’t worry, I can’t seduce you here, loosen up.”
“I agree.”
Darla relaxed her body; she inched closer, and laid her head on Travis’ chest.
The two swayed to the music hip-to-hip, thigh-to-thigh.
Travis’ hands inched up Darla’s back. He suspected her skin was soft. He took a deep breath, and gently squeezed her frame tighter.
“You remind me of someone.”
“That is certainly a turn off line to a woman.”
“Remember, I am not attracted to you, so it does not matter.”
He hugged her even closer. That is not want your family jewels are saying she thought.
Travis inched his face back. He looked down. Darla looked up.
Their eyes met.
Travis rubbed over Darla’s lower back. He rested the side of his face against the top of her head and slightly kissed her temple. Travis’ fingers roamed up and down Darla’s back.
“Uum,” she moaned. She inched closer.
Travis smiled to himself.
“I mean...” Darla stepped back. “Ah, thank you for the dance.” She walked away.
Travis turned and watched Darla walked back to her seat.
Don't blow it, you are doing so well. Learn to love yourself first, before, you can love others. Her self-help book logo, danced across her eyes.
Travis scooted the chair back and sat.
“Would you like dessert?”
“No, I’m ready to call it a day.”
Travis looked down at his watch.
“It’s still early.”
“I do not want to put a damper on your evening plans.”
“Are you retiring to bed?”
“No, a carpet late night picnic is calling my name.”
Darla smiled. Travis looked down at her lips.
“You have a nice smile.”
“Thank you.”
Darla reached for her purse, opened it, and took out her wallet. She took out her credit card.
“Excuse me.”
Darla stood.
“Wait, I have this.”
“I know, but, I do not want to have to feel obligated for that Lobster.” She winked at him, and walked away.
Travis looked around the restaurant. He saw a string of women sitting in a corner, beaconing for his attention, somehow, his dick just was not into the chase. He glimpsed Darla talking to Peter.
He placed his dinner napkin down, and walked over in the direction of Peter’s table.
“I would like to bid you a goodnight.”
“This is Prague; there are so many places to see.”
“Which, I would make absolutely sure she does.”
“Has Travis told you, he has one Oscar more than me?”
“No, I’m sure he will.”
“Darla, are you ready to leave.”
“Yes. I will call you tomorrow Peter.”
A waiter walked past Travis.
“Excuse me.”
The waiter stopped.
“What can I do for you Mr. Slay?”
Travis dug inside his back pants pockets, and pulled out his wallet. He opened it and removed his Platinum credit card. He handed it to the waiter.
“Thank you sir.”
The waiter turned and walked away.
“Could you gentlemen please excuse me?”
“Yes,” Travis said.
Darla walked away.
Peter’s eyes dropped down to Darla’s derrière.
“Simply lovely.” He turned toward Travis. “You know she looks like a younger version of Zia.”
“Well, she isn’t.”
Darla reapplied her lipstick. She stood back and looked at her reflection. “Who said I’m buying. And to put it mildly, I do not find you attractive to lessen my decency.”
“So much for my Spa treatment, pedicure, manicure, and Brazilian wax.”
Darla removed the concealed hairpins in her hair. Mass curls blanketed her back. She opened her purse, and removed her brush. She brushed her hair, and then fluffed the curls. She placed the brush down on the vanity, took out her eye shadow mini-compact, and skillfully redressed her eyelids. She lifted the brush, the eye shadow mini-compact, recapped the lipstick, and placed them, along with ten hairpins inside her purse.
The sun bathing on her deck coated her skin to a deep golden bronze, which emphasized her light-brown eyes, and white teeth. Who said I’m buying. And to put it mildly, I do not find you attractive to lessen my decency.”
“I will make you come to eat those words Mr. Slay.”
She blew a kiss at the mirror, and closed her purse. She lifted it from off the vanity, and walked to the door.
Travis looked around the restaurant. He did not see a sign of Darla. “I do not know the definition of such. Now if you mean if I enjoy the opposite sex, than the answer to your question, is yes. Now that I have come to rest my lustful carnal ways. Sex is such a small make-up of someone’s characteristics. Now can we change the subject?”
“Are you ready?”
Travis turned around.
“Oh yes...” He shook his head. “I mean I’m ready for you.” He looked down at her lips. “You look totally different.”
“Better, I hope.”
“The same as before.”
“Yes, someone who you are not attracted too. Hopefully, I’m attractive enough to snap a handsome islander while vacationing here.”
“Bullshit.”
Darla arched her eyebrows in surprise.
“Excuse me.”
“I meant to say n…”
“It doesn’t matter, I’m ready.” Darla walked away. She wanted to laugh after witnessing his terse expression.
Travis looked at the dark mane hanging down Darla’s back. He looked around, and then looked down at the front of his pants. He had a hard on, something that has been missing from his life in a while. He scurried out the restaurant.
Travis walked over to where Darla stood.
“It feels so lovely out here. And you can see the stars so vividly.”
Travis looked at Darla’s side profile.
“It is lovely.”
“Wow.” She turned to face him. “I know you get a natural high when you’re here.”
Travis added nothing.
Darla turned to face him. “I’m sorry; I’m boring you with my babbling.”
“Can I kiss you?”
“What...I’m sorry.”
“I wonder how soft your lips are.”
“Tell me you’re joking.” Darla blushed.
“Of course, I was interested to see if you believed me.”
“No, I did not, you stated you are not attracted to me, so why waste the time.”
“Exactly.”
“I’m ready when you are.”
Travis looked down at her lips again.
“Don’t tell me I have food particles on my lips or something.”
“Ah, yes, you do have something near your lips.” Travis outlined Darla’s lips. He softly thumbed over her button lip. He declined his head.
Darla inched back.
“I’m assuming it’s gone.”
Travis inched back and dropped his hand.
“Yes it is.”
Travis wrapped one arm around Darla’s waist.
“Thank you for dinner.”
“You are welcome.”
“I’m kind of peeved I didn’t buy you a Lobster.”
“Sure you are. Too bad, you will never see me in my sexy lacy camisole, and matching thong. Oh, I forgot, you are not interested.”
“Are you still trying to seduce me?”
“Not a remote chance
“I’m just checking. I would not want to have to turn you down.”
“No need to check, I do have pride.”
Travis pointed his key remote at his car door.
Both doors unlocked.
Travis opened the door for Darla.
“Thank you.”
Had I paid for the damn Lobster, I’m sure you would have, he thought.
“You’re welcome.”
Travis pushed the door close. He walked around to the driver side of his vehicle.
He opened the door, got inside, and pulled the door close. He looked over at Darla.
“You look nice this evening.”
“Nice enough, but not to sleep with me.”
“Ahh.”
“Different question, the same results huh.”
“Uh yeah.” He looked down at her breasts. “You will not hear me in the middle of the night trying to creep in your bedroom, even if you begged me too.”
“Good, then there is no need for me to lock my door, and I do sleep in the nude.”
“No need to close your door at all. You can lay there naked, and I will keep passing by your door.”
“I get the point.”
How in the fuck did he enter this shit he thought.
Travis plugged the key inside the ignition and pulled off.
“How old are you.”
“Forty-eight.”
The ride home was silent.
Darla unsnapped her seatbelt, opened the door, and got out. She pushed the door close.
Both walked hand-in-hand.
Neither spoke.
Travis dropped Darla’s hand. He slid the key inside the lock and turned the doorknob. He opened the door and stepped aside for Darla to enter.
The cleaning crew was cleaning up.
Darla headed toward the stairwell.
“Darla, can we talk.” She turned around. “About what, it appears, you are narrow-minded, and opinionated in the least.”
Shamir heard voices. He closed the refrigerator door and walked out the kitchen.
“I apologized to you.”
“It does not soften the blow. You are…”
“Good evening you two.” Shamir had a bottle of Moet and glass in his hand.
Both turned toward the intrusion.
“Man, you still here.”
“I didn’t want to leave your house unattended.”
“Goodnight Shamir.”
“Goodnight Darla.”
Both men watched her disappear up the stairwell.
“Did I interrupt a love connection, or War World III?”
“Both.”
“You are a fool, if you don’t get under that dress.”
“I think it’s too late. Me and my fucking disregard of a beautiful woman’s presence.”
“Maybe a bottle of Moet and myself would help out.”
Shamir took a step.
Travis palmed Shamir’s shoulder.
“Goodnight Shamir, and thanks man.”
“You got it.”
“Oh, I might be able to use this.”
He took the bottle of Moet and glass from out his hands.
“You not right man.”
Shamir walked to the door, opened it, and walked out. He pulled the door close.
Travis hurried to the kitchen.
Darla slipped her red camisole up her body. She fluffed her slightly dampen curls. She puckered her lips together.
The clear gloss magnified her lips. She lifted the bottle of perfume from of the dresser and sprayed the fine mist to her cleavage.
She repositioned the bottle and surveyed her appearance.
“Sexy, if I must say so.”
She turned around and walked over to the comforter she spread out on the carpet.
Darla sat down and positioned the Styrofoam bowl of strawberries next to the bottle of Cristal. She removed the lid from off the cool whip, sat the top aside, and then poured herself a glass of wine. She placed the bottle upright and rested her back against the bed railing.
Darla lifted a novel and opened it.
Travis quickly changed out his attire. He reached down for his robe, slipped into it, and then knotted the belt. He lifted the tray from off the bed and walked out his bedroom. He climbed the third stairwell.
He stopped in front of one of his many guests’ bedrooms. He reached down for the doorknob and twisted it.
The door was locked.
Travis knocked on the door.
“Darla, can you come to the door; I have something to show you.”
Darla stood and walked to the door. She pulled it open.
“I advised you I prefer to be alone for the remainder of the week.”
“Can I come in? What I have to say will not take very long.” His eyes never wavered from her breast nipples.
“As long as it’s quick.”
Not with the view in front of me.
Travis cleared his throat.
Darla stepped back. Travis looked around the bedroom.
Candles dominated the fireplace mantel board. He never had usage for his pole candles.
“Are you going to stand there gapping, or come in.”
Travis entered the bedroom.
“I brought a peace offering.”
“No thank you, I have Cristal.”
“I have Caviar.”
“I’m not interested. Travis what do you really want. You made it a known fact you do not find me attractive; women throw themselves at you, and I come a dime a dozen. What, you think because; we share a roof, that most likely, we will share a bed.”
“That wasn’t my immediate intentions, that is, until I got to know the woman within.”
“It still does not constitute, sleeping together. I liked the space you put up between us, therefore, no pretenses. You made your stance perfectly clear about how you feel about me, so do me a favor and please do not insult my intelligence with a cheap imitation of an apology.”
Travis took a step forward. Darla stepped backwards.
“Please leave, I was enjoying....”
Her cell phone rang.
“Excuse me.”
Travis closed the door; he looked at her thong backside. He walked over to the comforter. He placed the silver tray down on the carpet. He looked back over at her thong backside. He palmed his semi-erection.
“Hi Trina.”
“How is the island?”
She looked over at Travis.
“Blissful.”
“Have you found Mr. Right?”
“I’m searching. Trina let me call you back.” Darla flipped her cell phone down and placed it back on the dresser. “Just what do you think you’re doing?”
“About to consume this meal, if I’m allowed too.”
Darla looked down at the heaps of meat, and cheese neatly lined on a serving tray.
“After you are fed, you are to leave, immediately.”
“Does this mean I’m forgiven?”
“The white flag has not been waved yet.”
Travis lifted the novel she was reading.
“Romance novels, a woman’s cure to everything.”
Darla looked over at Travis’ hairy chest wall, and down at his big feet.
“For some.”
She knelt down and sat on the comforter.
Travis pushed the novel under the bed.
“Would you like me to fix you a plate, or feed you grapes?”
“I get that kind of treatment.”
“Only in your dreams.” She winked at him.
“Then why did you ask.”
“To see if you would bite the bait.”
Travis leaned over and gently nipped at her lips, he then tenderly kissed them. He inched back and stroked her cheek.
“I love biting my bait.”
“That was very smooth.”
“Just a line in one of my movies.”
“Which one is that?”
“The one you and I are starring in.”
“So should I cancel out on Peter?”
“Most definitely.”
Darla held some grapes over Travis’ mouth. He held her wrist and brought the bunch down to his mouth. He bit into three of them.
Some of the juices slid down his chin.
Darla reached over and licked the juices away. She inched back.
“You are still trying to seduce me.”
“I am not.”
“Not to worry, I might go willingly.”
“You would not place a notch in your bed from me lying on my back. Remember now, I come a dime a dozen.”
“You’re good with that tongue of yours Dr. Cabaña.”
“And how would you know that.”
“It’s quick, and straight to the point.”
She looked down. His erection spoke unspeakable volumes.
“I see a point I would love to test that theory on.”
Travis looked down at his boxer shorts.
“Darn it, I forgot you are not attracted to me. Would you like some Moet, or Cristal?”
Darla pivoted to lift the corkscrew.
“You are going to make this hard for me, aren’t you?”
“It seems like you are already there, too bad, you do not have a willing participant.”
“Does that mean I can’t taste your lips again?”
“That is exactly wh....”
Travis leaned over, and palmed Darla’s chin. He kissed her lips.
Darla’s lips instantly relaxed against his.
Travis scooted closer. He kissed the side of her neck.
“And you are no...”
Travis stuck his tongue inside Darla’s ear canal.
“Umm.”
Travis gradually eased down the spaghetti strap to Darla’s camisole. He kissed her shoulder blade.
“Is this the part of.....? Of me auditioning for this role?”
“I do not sleep with my actresses,” he whispered in her ear.
Travis leaned down and kissed a breast nipple.
Darla’s braced her head against the side of the bed.
Travis palmed her other shoulder and eased the other strap down.
“You are very beautiful Darla.”
He kissed her other breast, and then teased the nipple.
Darla arched her back.
Travis’ tongue made a path down her cleavage.
One Week Later
Darla adjusted her posture on the lounge chair. She looked around at the private beach and home she rented for a month. She heard a dog barking in the distance. She sat up and pivoted her head; she shielded her eyes against the blazing sun.
“Do folks know the definition of privacy, ooh.”
A dog ran up to her and wagged its tail.
“Hello there.”
Darla rubbed the back of the dog’s ear.
The dog licked her hand. Someone whistled.
The dog turned and ran from where he traveled.
Darla swung her legs over the lounge chair. She could not make out the figure walking toward her.
“Dammit, I did not pass up a trip to Venice with Trina, to be invaded by a....” Her eyes traveled the length of muscled hairy legs, up to the front of a groin obscured in a pair of black swim trucks. Chest hairs sprung from every square inch. Robust muscles oozed from every region of his body.
Darla stood. She did not have time to grab her sarong.
“May, I help you.”
“Yes, first of all. You can tell me, what are you doing here on my beach, and I assume that is your belongings in my beach front home.”
“I beg your pardon. I rented this private beachfront and the beach house for a month.”
Travis palmed his angular cheeks.
“Isn’t it a law trespassing on private property?”
“Yes, which you are.”
“We can let the authorities handle this.”
“Yes we can.”
Darla lifted her sarong and beach bag from off the sand and stormed away.
Travis arched his eyebrows and followed.
Darla rushed over to her cell phone on the glass table, lifted it, and flipped it open. She pressed in several numbers and placed the cell phone up to her ear.
Travis ran over to his cell phone and lifted it from off the glass table.
“Yes, there seems to be a mistake. I rented out this beachfront and beach property for a month, and I even paid a quite handsome amount.”
“Dr. Cabaña, there is no record for a rental reservation at that location. I do apologize; however, you are on private property.”
“Yes, there is a woman at my residence who states my property was leased to her. I would like to speak to someone in charge.”
“I apologize Mr. Slay; however, you know fans will say or do anything to gain entrance into your world. As a precaution, do not provoke the intruder, she may be dangerous.”
Travis’ eyes meandered up the back of Darla’s legs, he gritted down on his teeth, when he settled on her derrière clothed in a black bikini bottom.
“Would you like for me to alert the authorities.”
Travis looked at Darla’s smooth skin, and then back down at her derrière. He liked her perfectly aligned toes.
“I think I can address this personally.”
“Well can you send a Ferry to come and pick me up?”
Travis knew the Ferry was not available until next week.
A desperate fan he thought. A gorgeous fan at that.
Darla flipped her cell phone down. She turned around.
“I’m sorry; there has been a huge mistake. This island was listed on a website, for a private get-a-away.”
Travis crossed his arms over his chest.
“Let me guess, you booked it.”
“Yes, however, it was not for this private beachfront. The time capsule was for another location in Prague. I will reimburse you for the food, and drinks I’ve consumed.”
“I don’t know who you are, all I ask is you stay on the other side of my home, and do not disturb me when I’m writing, or eating at the table.”
“Mr....”
“It’s Mr. Slay.”
“Mr. Slay, I have no intentions of interfering with your world. This is all a misunderstanding.”
“Yes, they always are.” Travis walked to the steps, he turned to face her. “Please respect my privacy, my space, and my home, or the authorities will be called.”
Travis mounted the glass spiral stairwell.
“Talk about being rude.”
Darla walked into the kitchen. The dog followed her.
Travis walked into his bedroom. He entered and locked the door. He grabbed his sweatpants and sweatshirt from off the chair and threw them on the bed.
“Dammit.” He did not want to face anyone. Let anyone impress anyone.
Travis walked over to the floor-to-ceiling patio window and looked out at the sun setting on the horizon. He will have to hire a personal bodyguard. Fans should not be allowed to get this fucking close to him. He turned around, walked to his bed, and snatched the clothing items up.
Travis walked to the bathroom.
Darla fixed herself a salad. She lifted the salad bowl and bottle of lite salad dressing from off the cooking island. She placed the items on the table, pulled a chair back, and sat.
The man’s dog sat at her feet.
She looked down and lifted a chuck of chicken from out her bowl. She dropped it at her feet.
The dog’s mouth smothered it.
“That is why dog food was invented.”
Darla pivoted her head. Her eyes clashed into a pair of dark-brown brooding eyes.
“I thought he may need a little encouragement for being such an obedience creature.”
“Is that your answer to everything?”
“If you stay obedience, then I guess you’ll find out what I will throw at you.”
Travis smiled at the back of the woman’s head. He walked around the table.
“I have never been interested in scraps.”
Darla looked up from her salad bowl.
“Excuse me.”
“I advised you not to invade my space, and this kitchen is my space.”
“And where do you suppose I eat?”
“There is a microwave and a small dorm-style refrigerator in one of the guest’s bedrooms.”
“You have got to be kidding.”
“No, I am not. The next time, you may want to....to stalk someone, or pick another person, and dammit, stay out of my bedroom, or I will call the authorities on you.”
Travis walked out the kitchen.
Darla rose from her seat and stormed after Travis. She heard him talking on his cell phone.
“I would love to see you again. How about I fly out for the weekend,” the caller said.
Travis turned around when he heard Darla enter the living room. He looked over her partial nudity from head to toe. He cleared his throat when his vision centered on her cleavage over-spilling the bikini top. He looked down at her flat midriff, his eyes rolled over her thighs and smooth legs. Totally provocative he thought.
Darla walked to the chair and lifted her sandals from off the carpet. She turned around and walked back into the kitchen. She placed her sandals near her chair, and then lifted her bowl from off the table; she walked over to the sink, turned on the garbage dispenser, and watched the food contents get mouthed up. She washed her bowl and placed it on the counter-top to dry. She walked out the kitchen. She walked to the chair, lifted her sandals, and exited the kitchen.
Travis watched Darla walk up the first flight of steps. He cranked his neck to get a better posterior view.
“Something has come up. I will call you once I return to the states.”
Travis flipped his cell phone down.
Darla closed the door to one of the guest’s bedrooms.
“Arrogant bastard. Just because he’s handsome, does not mean shit.”
She walked over to a drawer and snatched it back. She looked down at the clothes. She itched to take her clothes out, throw them in her luggage, and leave. She walked over to the window and looked out.
The roar of the ocean was the only reminder; she was not in the United States.
“Why should I let him scare me away, he is the one intruding on my time.”
Darla walked back over to the bed. She lifted her luggage and placed it near her closet. She opened the door and looked over the new wardrobe to declare her independence in such a beautiful country.
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Darla stood back. She pivoted in all directions.
The white silk thigh-high mini-dress complimented her light-brown skin tone complexion. She palmed the gold necklace at her neck. She placed her solid gold bracelet on her arm and slid it up her upper arm.
The White Party the island is hosting tonight will be her first attempt to have some fun. Thank goodness, the man who residence she is sharing, does not have a hidden physical agenda.
“Not to worry, when this shit gets back to Hunter, the males in our family will have nothing more to worry about in regard to a... a whore joining the family.”
From here on out, she will guard her heart.
Darla heard voices and music downstairs. She grabbed her white purse and walked to door. She turned off her bedroom light, opened the door, and walked down the hall. She looked over the third-floor railing. Several people were huddled in corners talking to each other.
“This guy must really do not like me; he could at least tell me about his gathering.” Darla made it to the second landing.
“You said a fan penetrated your security system and is staying here.”
“Yes,” Travis answered his friend.
“I would call the proper authorities, this female, could be a murderer, or insane.”
Darla looked around as she made her way down the stairwell.
Shamir took a sip of his drink and looked around. His eyes fell upon Darla.
“Travis, who the fuck is that?” He turned fully around. “Damn, what an African American goddess, damn.”
Travis turned around and looked across the room.
Darla’s foot hit the last step.
Travis’ mouth dropped.
The woman looked lovely from every angle.
“Come on man, you have to introduce me to her.”
“Shamir, I will not let you bump up on a guest in my home.”
Shamir turned to face Travis.
“She’s your fucking houseguest.”
“Yes.”
“I swore you just advised me she may be crazy, so no love lost.” Shamir walked in the direction where Darla was making her way through the guests.
Travis followed. His eyes did not miss the long golden coated legs, and derrière. Her skin-tone was blemish free.
“Are you leaving so fast?”
Darla turned around.
Two set of eyes were trained on her.
“Yes.” She looked over Shamir’s shoulder. “I never stay, where I’m not wanted.”
“Hi, I’m Shamir Effresh.” Shamir extended his hand.
Darla shook it.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Darla Cabaña, however, you may call me Darla.” She smiled at the man.
Travis arched his eyebrows at the newfound information.
“Dr. Cabaña, as in the scientist, whose breakthrough cardiac medication, recently hit the market for clinical trials?”
“Yes.”
Shamir turned toward Travis.
“Travis, you did not advise me your houseguest was beautiful, highly intelligent, and...” Shamir looked down at her left ringless hand. “Available.”
Darla blushed.
“Well, I would let you men get back to entertaining.”
“You’re not staying.”
“No, there is a White Party being held at the estate down the road.”
“I would suggest an escort. This island is not suitable for a beautiful woman to roam around unescorted,” Travis added. He took a sip of his drink.
“I’ll be all right, thank you for your concern; just maybe, I can get a decent meal.” She cut her eyes in Travis’ direction. “Microwavable food is very bland to the stomach.” Darla threw at him.
Darla turned and walked to the door. She opened it and walked out. She pulled the door close.
“Could I trade places with you. My beachfront home is available, and I would love to do that houseguest under the covers anytime.”
“Hang on.” Travis took a gulp of his Whiskey Sour and placed the glass on the circular silver tray the hired help held in front of him.
“Wait, where you are going?”
“I will be right back. I need you to hold the fort down for me, and don’t let the guests creep down to my wine cellar and fuck with my bottles of vintage Scotch like the last time.”
Travis excused himself through his guests.
“Your last movie was very good, Travis,” one of his guests patted him on the back.
“Thank you.”
Travis made it to the door, opened it, and walked out his residence. He pulled the door close.
He saw Darla’s shadowy figure walking down the paved driveway. He ran to catch up with her.
“Darla,” Travis called out.
Darla stopped walking and turned around.
“I will walk you to your destination. Beautiful as this island is, I would not trust the welfare of venturing unattended.”
“Mr. Slay, I do not need a personal guide. Please go back to your party. Now, who is responsible for invading someone else’s space?”
Darla walked away. Travis followed behind.
“Nice perfume.”
“Thank you,” Darla tossed over her shoulder. She came to the end of Travis’ driveway.
She looked both ways.
The only lighting was from the walkway lights. She turned around and took a step forward. She bumped into Travis’ chest wall.
“I’m sorry. I forgot which way. In the morning there is plenty of light.”
Travis removed his car remote from out his front pants pocket and pointed it out in the darkness. Lights surrounding a three-car garage instantly came on. He pressed in another button. The first garage door lifted.
“How about I drive you.”
“No thank you, I can find my own way.”
“Darla...”
“And it is Dr. Cabaña to you.”
Travis placed both hands inside his front pants pockets.
“You gave my Executive Producer the go ahead to call you by your first name. Is there any reason, why I’m being singled out?”
“No particular reason. I just do not care for you.”
“Likewise.”
“Good, then you can get back to your gathering.”
Travis grabbed a hold of Darla’s hand. “And you can let me drive you to the Bellman’s estate.”
“After that, I declare my privacy.”
Travis escorted Darla to the garage. He walked around a two seat Jaguar convertible.
“Nice car.”
“Thanks.”
He opened the door for her.
Darla held her dress, and got in.
Travis pushed the door close. He walked around to the driver side and opened the door. He got behind the steering wheel and pulled the door close. He pivoted to look at her.
“Can we start over?”
“I prefer not. I came to this island, for peace, and tranquility, not for a love connection.”
“Then we should get along quite well.”
Darla pivoted to face Travis.
“Very well then.”
He looked at her lips, and then down at her breasts.
“You look very nice this evening.”
“Thank you.”
Travis plugged his key inside the ignition and started his vehicle. He pulled out his garage and turned onto the main road.
He rested his arm on the back of the passenger seat.
“You are a doctor.”
“Actually, an Epidemiologist and a Scientist.”
“You are very young for such a precarious role in society.”
“I beg your pardon.”
Travis pulled up to a red light. He pivoted to face Darla.
“How old are you.”
“That is none of your business.”
“Thirty.”
“No, I am twenty-five.”
Travis smiled at the revelation. “Like I said, too young.”
“Thank goodness my achievements speak for themselves.”
Travis pressed his foot on the gas pedal and moved the vehicle forward.
He pulled in a private driveway and maneuvered his vehicle the stretch of a mile.
BELLMAN ESTATES
A three-story limestone mansion came into full view.
“Oh my, this place is simply lovely.”
Travis pivoted his head. He caught the excitement in her eyes. Nice eyes and nice body, he thought.
People were gathered on the lawn. Everyone was dressed in white. Several people had a glass of beverage in his or her hand.
Travis shifted his gears in reverse and backed up. He shifted it in drive, and then parked.
Darla turned toward Travis.
“I have to thank you for providing my chariot, however, Cinderella, can handle everything from here.”
Travis looked down at Darla’s lips. He withdrew his key from out the ignition, unsnapped his seatbelt, and opened the door. He got out and pushed the door close.
Travis walked around his vehicle and opened the door for Darla. He held his hand down.
Darla grasped it and stepped out.
Travis pushed the door close. He grabbed a hold of Darla’s hand.
She unclasped her hand.
“Just what do you think you’re doing?”
“I would like to go in and say hello to Burt.”
“Please do not take any personal offense to my remark; nonetheless, I would like to attend this gathering, alone.”
“You will, after I’ve said my hellos to the host.”
“You are very stubborn Mr. Slay.”
“My name is Travis.”
“It does not change the fact that you are still stubborn.”
“Travis, I thought that was you.”
Darla and Travis turned to face the man who had a glass of wine in his hand.
“Burt.” Travis looked around. “I see you are still showing much love to the islanders.”
Burt looked at Darla. “I am. Who is this vision of perfection?”
“Burt, this is Dr. Cabaña.”
Burt held his arm out.
“Join me Dr. Cabaña.”
“I would be honored, Burt.” She looped her arm around his and walked away. She pivoted to face Travis. “Thank you,” she mouthed to him, turned, and strolled away.
Travis looked at the back of Darla’s legs. He turned and walked away.
“Would you like a glass of wine Mr. Slay?”
Travis stopped and removed a glass of wine from off the tray. His took a sip; his footsteps took him in the direction of the entrance.
“Would you like something to drink Dr. Cabaña?”
“Yes, and please call me Darla.”
Burt strolled away.
Darla ventured further into the Ballroom. She walked over to a wall and admired the mounted expensive oil-paintings.
“That is my favorite,” someone whispered from behind.
Darla turned around.
“Here is your drink.”
“I see you like my Monet.”
Darla turned back around.
“To be truthful.”
“Yes, by all means.”
“I like Van Goo.”
“You have an excellent eye for details, if I must say.”
“You have a lovely home.”
“Would you like to see the rest?”
“If it’s not a bother.”
Burt looked down at the swollen mounds of Darla’s breasts.
“It would be my pleasure. But first, I would like to introduce you to someone.”
“Yes, please.”
Burt palmed Darla’s lower back. He escorted her from one group of guests to another.
“Dr. Cabaña, I’ve heard of your scientific work. I never imagined the woman behind the patent is beautiful.”
“What a nice thing to say, thank you Burt.”
“We must sit down and confer, I am working on a documentary, and I could really use someone on my writing team with a vast of knowledge.”
“What is the documentary based upon?”
“Biological and Chemical Warfare.”
“Interesting. I will give you the number to my Publicist for a sit-down meeting.”
Travis looked across the Ballroom. He lifted his head, and made out Burt introducing Darla, to some of the elite prominent figures in Hollywood. So why was he gripping his glass tighter, after seeing her openly flirt.
“Travis, so good to see you again.”
Travis turned around.
“Hey man, good to see you.”
Both men shook each other’s hand, and then dropped them simultaneously.
“What brings you to the island?”
“A little rest and relaxation.”
Travis’ eyes followed Burt’s and Darla’s movements.
“Your last movie was a box office success.”
“Thanks for the acknowledgement.”
Steven followed Travis’ line of vision.
“Burt sure knows how to pick his Starlets I must say.”
“Excuse me.”
Travis walked away from Steven.
“Darla, tomorrow I am flying to Martha Vineyard. I would be honored if you could be my guest.”
“Sorry Burt, but the lady’s company is already invested.”
Travis palmed Darla’s lower back and escorted her away.
“How dare you,” she hissed through her teeth.
“Smile now; we do want the host to know you are not enjoying yourself.”
“I thought, I made myself clear. I do not need a chaperone,” she whispered.
“You are swimming in shark infested waters here. These people are way out of your league.”
Darla stopped and turned to face Travis.
“What does that mean?”
“I have something, I need to show you.”
Her question was totally ignored.
Travis grabbed Darla’s hand and walked to the door.
“I never stated I wanted to leave yet.”
“And you probably never will.”
Travis escorted Darla out the door. Her grabbed her hand and walked back to his vehicle.
“Travis, what is your line of work.”
“I am a Director in Hollywood.”
“You look too old for such a precarious role in society. How old are you... sixty?”
“Not even close.”
“Seventy.”
“Too old.”
She stopped and turned around. She palmed his chest. “Okay, I give up.”
“I never knew I was playing this game.”
“You do not play fair.”
“I guess you found out another one of my other character flaws.”
“What was the first?”
“Stubborn.” He winked at her.
He opened the door for her.
“Thank you.”
Darla got inside his vehicle.
Travis pushed the door close. He walked around his vehicle.
What a handsome African American male.
Travis opened the door and climbed behind the steering wheel. He pulled the door close.
“Are you hungry?”
“Someone has locked me away, and even had the audacity to demand I eat microwavable food.”
“That is one mean dude.”
“Yes, I agree. Say, maybe, you can defend my honor, and take me out to eat.”
“I think I can rescue the beautiful Nubian sista from this bad dude.”
Both laughed.
Travis started his vehicle.
“Do you get down to the island very often?”
“After a preview of a movie, and then listening to the critics’ babbling. I’m on my jet.”
“What a beautiful tropical paradise to escape too.” Darla snuggled her head against the soft leather headrest.
“What were you and Burt discussing?”
“He has solicited my expertise for a film he is working on.”
Travis stopped at a red light.
“Darla, this life is not all that meets the eye.”
“Can you be more specific?”
“Hollywood, or anything related to such would destroy your soul, if you sell it to the highest bidder.”
“Did you have to sell yours?”
Travis stepped on the gas pedal.
The car proceeded through traffic.
“I do not live and breathe this lifestyle, therefore, no.”
“You could’ve fooled me.”
“Success does come with its rewards and benefits.”
“I can believe that concept.”
“And on that note, we are here.”
Darla turned to look out the window.
MANGO’S RESTAURANT
“A restaurant named after a sweet piece of fruit, how nice.”
“The Lobster and Steaks here are very tempting to the palate.”
“I don’t know about that entree. Usually when a man buys a woman a lobster or steak, the majority of the time, she has to lessen her morals on her back.”
“Who said I’m buying. And to put it mildly, I do not find you attractive to lessen my decency.”
Darla pivoted her head in Travis’ direction.
“Excuse me.”
Travis withdrew the key from out the ignition and unsnapped his seatbelt. He got out the car and pushed the door close.
No, he didn’t just say that to me.
Remember, no love connections, and after tonight keep your distance.
Travis opened the door for Darla. He held his hand out. She ignored it, and stepped out the vehicle.
Travis closed the door. He grabbed a hold of Darla’s hand.
“I’m fine.”
She disengaged her hand.
Travis and Darla walked to the front entrance of the restaurant. He opened the door for her.
Travis palmed Darla’s lower bare back.
His favorite place he thought.
“Welcome to Mango’s Restaurant Mr. Slay. Would you and your lovely companion, like a table that overlooks the ocean?”
“Yes.”
“This way sir.”
Travis circled Darla’s waist with one hand, he found another excuse to touch her skin. He noticed her skin was soft, and tender to the touch.
“Here you are Mr. Slay.”
The maître d’ pulled a chair out for Darla.
“Thank you.”
“Your beauty already has.”
Darla blushed.
The maître d’ walked away from the table.
Travis pulled his chair out and sat.
“Everyone here has been nothing but corrigible.”
“Prague does have a way of growing on you. The beauty of the island and the beautiful native women does tend to leave a lasting impression on you.”
“I’m sure they all do.”
A waiter appeared at the table.
“Mr. Slay would you like your best bottle of the usual.”
“Yes.”
The waiter placed a menu in front of Darla, and one in front of Travis. He turned and walked away.
Another waiter walked over to their table. He lifted a wicker basket of hot cheese biscuits, and two bowls of house salads. He placed one bowl in front of Darla, and then the other bowl in front of Travis. He centered the wicker basket.
“The beverages would be here momentarily, sir.”
The waiter bowed, turned, and walked away from the table.
Darla looked around.
“Is that...what is his name?”
Travis turned around in his seat.
“Mr. Cannon.”
“Yes.”
“I love all his movies.”
Travis added nothing.
Darla extended her neck.
The twinkling lights of the city alerted her of the elevation of the restaurant.
“What a magnificent view.”
“I’m used to it.
Darla lifted her menu, and opened it. She squirmed in her seat at the expensive listed food items.
Travis looked over at Darla. He witnessed her biting down on her lip.
The candlelight illuminated her sexy and rare classical features.
“Anything on the menu meets your approval.”
“Aah, I will have the potato soup.”
Travis looked down at his menu. He smiled, because it was the cheapest item listed.
“I thought a Scientist earn enough money for a decent living.”
“Yes, we do. I usually do not squander my money unnecessarily. And since I was invited to go to Martha’s Vineyard, I heard the shops down there are spectacular.”
Travis looked over at Darla.
“Tomorrow, I would really like to show you something.”
“Can you show me the following day. I heard about this lovely boutique in Martha’s Vineyard, a boutique, I can only read about, and to be given a chance to shop there, therefore, I think your little something will have to wait.”
Travis flipped aside his suit jacket, and reached down for his cell phone on his hip clip. He removed it and flipped it open. He looked down and pressed a button.
“Excuse me.”
Travis rose, and walked away from the table.
“That man is as strange as day and night.”
“This is Burt, can I help you.”
“Burt this is Travis. Darla would not be joining you tomorrow, or any day after that.”
“I think I got the message when you whizzed her company away from me. Although, I have to admit, I do not blame you.”
“Well since we know where each other stand. My Executive Producer will contact you next week, in regards to the revision of a script you produced.”
“That bad.”
“No, actually it’s good. Nevertheless, I would let my Producer look it over.”
“I will follow-up with you, and the woman is a sexy selection for a great pair of legs.”
“I agree, later man.”
Travis flipped his cell phone close and placed it back on his hip clip. He headed back into the dining area.
Darla looked around the restaurant. A man across the restaurant, lifted his glass of wine to her, and took a sip.
“Where is he...?”
She looked around in all directions. She dropped her mouth. Travis was across the room, and taking to a very beautiful woman.
‘And to put it mildly, I do not find you all that attractive to lessen my decency.’
“Hi, I could not help it, but you are...”
Darla looked up.
The man snapped his fingers. “Zia, the actress.”
“I’m sorry, you are mistaken. My name is Dr. Darla Cabaña.”
“You are very photogenic; I must do a photo shoot of you.”
“I am not a model.”
“Oh, you are very wrong. I am working on a film, and you would make the grade for a part.”
“Out of curiosity, what is the part?”
“The part I would like you to audition for is a beautiful African American female private investigator. I think you would fit her character very nicely.”
“Thank you, but I have to decline.”
“Traveling expenses and hotel accommodations to Hollywood will be paid.”
“Do you have a business card? I am presently on vacation until the end of the month, maybe, I will fly to California, the beginning of next month.”
“Yes.”
The man dipped inside his breast pocket, and removed his business card.
“Here you are, Darla.”
She removed the business card, and looked down at it.
Darla looked up.
“Are you a Producer?”
“Yes and a Director.”
“Then you must know Travis Slay.”
“You can say he is my number one nemesis at the box office.”
Darla smiled.
“Very nice.”
“Thank you.”
“Travis, I have not seen you in ages. We must do lunch together. I have an upcoming project I think would benefit you.”
“With all due respect, Virginia. Your movies have not broken even at the box office.”
“Sturgis is the Producer.”
Travis palmed his cheeks.
“Oh. When are you planning to begin production?”
“Sometime next year. I feel this movie would launch my sagging career.”
“Call me.”
Virginia looked around the restaurant.
“I think you may have some competition.”
Travis turned and looked across the restaurant. He witnessed Peter standing at his table.
“She’s stunning, wherever did you find her?”
“She is a houseguest.”
“And not an actress.”
“No.”
“You may want to plaster that face on the screen.”
“Excuse me Virginia.”
“It was very nice to have met you, Darla; I hope to see you sometime next week.”
“Are you trying to steal my best asset from under my nose, Peter?”
Darla looked up, Peter turned around.
“Travis.” Peter held his hand out.
Travis looked down, he did not extend his.
“Where have you been hiding this loveliness?”
“In my bed.”
Darla arched her eyebrows.
“Even a snail comes out of its shell some point in time.”
“Peter, I would like a quiet dinner, with my.”
“Houseguest. I will call you sometime next week Peter.”
“I shall look forward to it.”
Peter turned and walked away from the table.
Travis sat down.
The waiter walked over to the table.
“Would you like to order now Mr. Slay?”
“In a minute.”
“Very well sir.”
The waiter turned and walked away.
Travis looked down at the business card on the table.
“Was your conversation with Peter beneficial?”
“It was.”
Darla never lifted her eyes from reading the menu.
“I’m sure the choices have not changed.”
Darla laid the menu down and lifted her head.
“What were you and Peter discussing.”
“If you must know.”
“I prefer too.”
“I have been asked to audition for a part in one of his movies, isn’t that fabulous.”
Travis looked over at Peter. He turned back around to face Darla.
“Did you accept?”
“I’m still undecided.”
“Let me offer you some advice.”
Darla linked her fingers under her chin and leaned forward.
“That advice is.”
“Stick to science.”
Darla sat back in her chair.
“Why do you always have something unethical to say about my actions? If I can recall, I suppose to have been at a White Party. You patronage my time. And now I have great news to tell you, yet, you belittle me to even consider I can’t make the right decision.”
Travis sat back in his chair.
“If it means that much to you, then no matter what I say. You will do as you please.”
“You are right.”
The waiter returned to the table.
“Would you like to order now Mr. Slay?”
Travis angrily lifted his menu and opened it.
“You can bring me the Lobster and Steak dinner.”
“Excellent choice Mr. Slay.” Travis handed the waiter back his menu. “And what would the beautiful lady like.”
“I will take the Lobster dinner, no steak, and a bowl of potato soup.” Darla handed her menu back to the waiter. “And can I get a glass of water please.”
“Yes.”
The waiter walked away from the table.
Travis looked over at Darla.
“I take it; a scientist does make a great deal of money.”
She leaned over the table. Travis looked down; he got an eyeful of her breasts.
“I’m splurging.”
“Yes I see.” He looked up. “Would you like to dance?”
“Let me see here.” Darla’s eyes journeyed the width of the restaurant. “All these lovely damsels in distress, no thank you. I would leave you to your adoring fans. I do not want you to lessen your morals by dancing with me.”
Travis cleared his throat.
“Is that the real reason why you agreed to Peter’s proposal?”
“Travis, I have traveled all over the world to give several lectures. And I have never been to California.”
“I could arrange that.”
“Now why would you want to do that? You take me as a man who is accustomed to the finer things in life, yachts, attractive women, imported Caviar, and I would not be held accountable for interfering with your destiny.”
“I made a terr...”
“Mr. Slay, your order has arrived sir.”
Travis’ eyes never left Darla’s eyes.
“Thank you.”
Darla turned away.
The waiter placed a covered dish in front of Travis, and then a covered dish in front of Darla. He lifted both silver tops.
“This looks scrumptious.”
The waiter laid two Lobster bibs on the table.
Another waiter positioned an ice buckle in the center of the table with a bottle of 1965 Chablis inside.
He uncorked the bottle and lifted it. He poured the contents inside Darla’s glass; he then poured the contents into Travis’ glass. He placed the bottle back down in the icy depths and draped the opening with a white dinner napkin.
“Please enjoy your meal.”
Both waiters walked away.
Darla looked over at Travis’ plate. The T-bone steak overfilled his plate.
“Blessings.”
“Of course.”
Both bowed their head. Darla recited a small prayer.
Darla lifted her shell cracker. She lifted her head. Travis was watching her.
“Do I have something on my mouth?”
Travis looked down at her lips.
“I do not want you to get caught up in the web of Hollywood bureaucratic bullshit.”
“That is a loaded request.”
Darla forked a small serving of the Lobster fillet into her mouth.
“If you want to see Hollywood. We can fly out tomorrow.”
“No thank you. I really do not want to invade your space, and truthfully, I have been engaged, which I called off, I have slept with my ex-fiancé’s cousin, oh, then there was a handsome gentleman, who I had a sexual relationship with, not to forget, I had a stalker. The only thing left for me, is peace, and the possibility of me starring in a movie.”
Travis’ mouth hung open.
Darla looked over at Travis. His eyes remained trained on her.
“Are you still engaged?”
“At the moment, no.”
“Any possibility of a reconciliation.”
Darla thought about it.
“I can’t answer that right now.”
Darla lifted her glass of Chablis and took a sip. She repositioned her glass, lifted her fork, and forked out the succulent contents.
“You are correct, this Lobster is very delicious.”
Travis forked into his Steak.
“You had a stalker.”
“Yes, I was kidnapped….”
“Is everything satisfactory Mr. Slay.”
“Yes.”
The waiter walked away.
A man walked up carrying a bouquet of roses.
Darla’s eyes lit up.
“How beautiful.”
“Would you like to purchase one for this beautiful woman?”
Travis looked over at Darla.
“No thank you.”
The man looked down at Darla. He removed a long-stem rose, and held it out to her.
She took it. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He looked down at Travis. “I guess some brothas do not know how lucky they are.”
Darla looked over at Travis. “I guess not.”
“Enjoy your dinner pretty lady.”
“Thank you.”
Darla lifted the rose and smelled it. She laid it near her plate.
“Are you a sex addict?”
“What kind of question is that?”
“A question that requires an answer.”
“I do not know the definition of such. Now if you mean if I enjoy the opposite sex, than the answer to your question, is yes. Now that I have come to rest my lustful carnal ways. Sex is such a small make-up of someone’s characteristics. Now can we change the subject?”
“For now.”
“What type of movies do you produce?”
“Thriller, Drama, and Comedy.”
“That is fascinating.”
“You know you talk with your eyes.”
“I do not know what you mean.”
“If you are trying to seduce me, I must warn you, I am not buying.”
“What…seduce you? I do not find you worth taking my clothes off for.”
“Then I have nothing to worry about with keeping mine on.”
Travis scooted his chair back and stood. He walked around the table.
“Would you dance with me?”
“Since we know where each other stand.” and you were too cheap and stubborn to buy me a rose. “I would be honored.”
Darla placed her hand in Travis’ hand and stood. He palmed her back, and propelled her to the center of the restaurant.
Travis circled Darla’s waist and slowly pulled her into his embrace.
Darla placed her arms around his neck.
Oh he smells so good she thought.
Travis inched back and looked down into Darla’s eyes. She turned her head to avoid his eyes.
“Darla look at me.”
She pivoted to face him.
“Don’t worry, I can’t seduce you here, loosen up.”
“I agree.”
Darla relaxed her body; she inched closer, and laid her head on Travis’ chest.
The two swayed to the music hip-to-hip, thigh-to-thigh.
Travis’ hands inched up Darla’s back. He suspected her skin was soft. He took a deep breath, and gently squeezed her frame tighter.
“You remind me of someone.”
“That is certainly a turn off line to a woman.”
“Remember, I am not attracted to you, so it does not matter.”
He hugged her even closer. That is not want your family jewels are saying she thought.
Travis inched his face back. He looked down. Darla looked up.
Their eyes met.
Travis rubbed over Darla’s lower back. He rested the side of his face against the top of her head and slightly kissed her temple. Travis’ fingers roamed up and down Darla’s back.
“Uum,” she moaned. She inched closer.
Travis smiled to himself.
“I mean...” Darla stepped back. “Ah, thank you for the dance.” She walked away.
Travis turned and watched Darla walked back to her seat.
Don't blow it, you are doing so well. Learn to love yourself first, before, you can love others. Her self-help book logo, danced across her eyes.
Travis scooted the chair back and sat.
“Would you like dessert?”
“No, I’m ready to call it a day.”
Travis looked down at his watch.
“It’s still early.”
“I do not want to put a damper on your evening plans.”
“Are you retiring to bed?”
“No, a carpet late night picnic is calling my name.”
Darla smiled. Travis looked down at her lips.
“You have a nice smile.”
“Thank you.”
Darla reached for her purse, opened it, and took out her wallet. She took out her credit card.
“Excuse me.”
Darla stood.
“Wait, I have this.”
“I know, but, I do not want to have to feel obligated for that Lobster.” She winked at him, and walked away.
Travis looked around the restaurant. He saw a string of women sitting in a corner, beaconing for his attention, somehow, his dick just was not into the chase. He glimpsed Darla talking to Peter.
He placed his dinner napkin down, and walked over in the direction of Peter’s table.
“I would like to bid you a goodnight.”
“This is Prague; there are so many places to see.”
“Which, I would make absolutely sure she does.”
“Has Travis told you, he has one Oscar more than me?”
“No, I’m sure he will.”
“Darla, are you ready to leave.”
“Yes. I will call you tomorrow Peter.”
A waiter walked past Travis.
“Excuse me.”
The waiter stopped.
“What can I do for you Mr. Slay?”
Travis dug inside his back pants pockets, and pulled out his wallet. He opened it and removed his Platinum credit card. He handed it to the waiter.
“Thank you sir.”
The waiter turned and walked away.
“Could you gentlemen please excuse me?”
“Yes,” Travis said.
Darla walked away.
Peter’s eyes dropped down to Darla’s derrière.
“Simply lovely.” He turned toward Travis. “You know she looks like a younger version of Zia.”
“Well, she isn’t.”
Darla reapplied her lipstick. She stood back and looked at her reflection. “Who said I’m buying. And to put it mildly, I do not find you attractive to lessen my decency.”
“So much for my Spa treatment, pedicure, manicure, and Brazilian wax.”
Darla removed the concealed hairpins in her hair. Mass curls blanketed her back. She opened her purse, and removed her brush. She brushed her hair, and then fluffed the curls. She placed the brush down on the vanity, took out her eye shadow mini-compact, and skillfully redressed her eyelids. She lifted the brush, the eye shadow mini-compact, recapped the lipstick, and placed them, along with ten hairpins inside her purse.
The sun bathing on her deck coated her skin to a deep golden bronze, which emphasized her light-brown eyes, and white teeth. Who said I’m buying. And to put it mildly, I do not find you attractive to lessen my decency.”
“I will make you come to eat those words Mr. Slay.”
She blew a kiss at the mirror, and closed her purse. She lifted it from off the vanity, and walked to the door.
Travis looked around the restaurant. He did not see a sign of Darla. “I do not know the definition of such. Now if you mean if I enjoy the opposite sex, than the answer to your question, is yes. Now that I have come to rest my lustful carnal ways. Sex is such a small make-up of someone’s characteristics. Now can we change the subject?”
“Are you ready?”
Travis turned around.
“Oh yes...” He shook his head. “I mean I’m ready for you.” He looked down at her lips. “You look totally different.”
“Better, I hope.”
“The same as before.”
“Yes, someone who you are not attracted too. Hopefully, I’m attractive enough to snap a handsome islander while vacationing here.”
“Bullshit.”
Darla arched her eyebrows in surprise.
“Excuse me.”
“I meant to say n…”
“It doesn’t matter, I’m ready.” Darla walked away. She wanted to laugh after witnessing his terse expression.
Travis looked at the dark mane hanging down Darla’s back. He looked around, and then looked down at the front of his pants. He had a hard on, something that has been missing from his life in a while. He scurried out the restaurant.
Travis walked over to where Darla stood.
“It feels so lovely out here. And you can see the stars so vividly.”
Travis looked at Darla’s side profile.
“It is lovely.”
“Wow.” She turned to face him. “I know you get a natural high when you’re here.”
Travis added nothing.
Darla turned to face him. “I’m sorry; I’m boring you with my babbling.”
“Can I kiss you?”
“What...I’m sorry.”
“I wonder how soft your lips are.”
“Tell me you’re joking.” Darla blushed.
“Of course, I was interested to see if you believed me.”
“No, I did not, you stated you are not attracted to me, so why waste the time.”
“Exactly.”
“I’m ready when you are.”
Travis looked down at her lips again.
“Don’t tell me I have food particles on my lips or something.”
“Ah, yes, you do have something near your lips.” Travis outlined Darla’s lips. He softly thumbed over her button lip. He declined his head.
Darla inched back.
“I’m assuming it’s gone.”
Travis inched back and dropped his hand.
“Yes it is.”
Travis wrapped one arm around Darla’s waist.
“Thank you for dinner.”
“You are welcome.”
“I’m kind of peeved I didn’t buy you a Lobster.”
“Sure you are. Too bad, you will never see me in my sexy lacy camisole, and matching thong. Oh, I forgot, you are not interested.”
“Are you still trying to seduce me?”
“Not a remote chance
“I’m just checking. I would not want to have to turn you down.”
“No need to check, I do have pride.”
Travis pointed his key remote at his car door.
Both doors unlocked.
Travis opened the door for Darla.
“Thank you.”
Had I paid for the damn Lobster, I’m sure you would have, he thought.
“You’re welcome.”
Travis pushed the door close. He walked around to the driver side of his vehicle.
He opened the door, got inside, and pulled the door close. He looked over at Darla.
“You look nice this evening.”
“Nice enough, but not to sleep with me.”
“Ahh.”
“Different question, the same results huh.”
“Uh yeah.” He looked down at her breasts. “You will not hear me in the middle of the night trying to creep in your bedroom, even if you begged me too.”
“Good, then there is no need for me to lock my door, and I do sleep in the nude.”
“No need to close your door at all. You can lay there naked, and I will keep passing by your door.”
“I get the point.”
How in the fuck did he enter this shit he thought.
Travis plugged the key inside the ignition and pulled off.
“How old are you.”
“Forty-eight.”
The ride home was silent.
Darla unsnapped her seatbelt, opened the door, and got out. She pushed the door close.
Both walked hand-in-hand.
Neither spoke.
Travis dropped Darla’s hand. He slid the key inside the lock and turned the doorknob. He opened the door and stepped aside for Darla to enter.
The cleaning crew was cleaning up.
Darla headed toward the stairwell.
“Darla, can we talk.” She turned around. “About what, it appears, you are narrow-minded, and opinionated in the least.”
Shamir heard voices. He closed the refrigerator door and walked out the kitchen.
“I apologized to you.”
“It does not soften the blow. You are…”
“Good evening you two.” Shamir had a bottle of Moet and glass in his hand.
Both turned toward the intrusion.
“Man, you still here.”
“I didn’t want to leave your house unattended.”
“Goodnight Shamir.”
“Goodnight Darla.”
Both men watched her disappear up the stairwell.
“Did I interrupt a love connection, or War World III?”
“Both.”
“You are a fool, if you don’t get under that dress.”
“I think it’s too late. Me and my fucking disregard of a beautiful woman’s presence.”
“Maybe a bottle of Moet and myself would help out.”
Shamir took a step.
Travis palmed Shamir’s shoulder.
“Goodnight Shamir, and thanks man.”
“You got it.”
“Oh, I might be able to use this.”
He took the bottle of Moet and glass from out his hands.
“You not right man.”
Shamir walked to the door, opened it, and walked out. He pulled the door close.
Travis hurried to the kitchen.
Darla slipped her red camisole up her body. She fluffed her slightly dampen curls. She puckered her lips together.
The clear gloss magnified her lips. She lifted the bottle of perfume from of the dresser and sprayed the fine mist to her cleavage.
She repositioned the bottle and surveyed her appearance.
“Sexy, if I must say so.”
She turned around and walked over to the comforter she spread out on the carpet.
Darla sat down and positioned the Styrofoam bowl of strawberries next to the bottle of Cristal. She removed the lid from off the cool whip, sat the top aside, and then poured herself a glass of wine. She placed the bottle upright and rested her back against the bed railing.
Darla lifted a novel and opened it.
Travis quickly changed out his attire. He reached down for his robe, slipped into it, and then knotted the belt. He lifted the tray from off the bed and walked out his bedroom. He climbed the third stairwell.
He stopped in front of one of his many guests’ bedrooms. He reached down for the doorknob and twisted it.
The door was locked.
Travis knocked on the door.
“Darla, can you come to the door; I have something to show you.”
Darla stood and walked to the door. She pulled it open.
“I advised you I prefer to be alone for the remainder of the week.”
“Can I come in? What I have to say will not take very long.” His eyes never wavered from her breast nipples.
“As long as it’s quick.”
Not with the view in front of me.
Travis cleared his throat.
Darla stepped back. Travis looked around the bedroom.
Candles dominated the fireplace mantel board. He never had usage for his pole candles.
“Are you going to stand there gapping, or come in.”
Travis entered the bedroom.
“I brought a peace offering.”
“No thank you, I have Cristal.”
“I have Caviar.”
“I’m not interested. Travis what do you really want. You made it a known fact you do not find me attractive; women throw themselves at you, and I come a dime a dozen. What, you think because; we share a roof, that most likely, we will share a bed.”
“That wasn’t my immediate intentions, that is, until I got to know the woman within.”
“It still does not constitute, sleeping together. I liked the space you put up between us, therefore, no pretenses. You made your stance perfectly clear about how you feel about me, so do me a favor and please do not insult my intelligence with a cheap imitation of an apology.”
Travis took a step forward. Darla stepped backwards.
“Please leave, I was enjoying....”
Her cell phone rang.
“Excuse me.”
Travis closed the door; he looked at her thong backside. He walked over to the comforter. He placed the silver tray down on the carpet. He looked back over at her thong backside. He palmed his semi-erection.
“Hi Trina.”
“How is the island?”
She looked over at Travis.
“Blissful.”
“Have you found Mr. Right?”
“I’m searching. Trina let me call you back.” Darla flipped her cell phone down and placed it back on the dresser. “Just what do you think you’re doing?”
“About to consume this meal, if I’m allowed too.”
Darla looked down at the heaps of meat, and cheese neatly lined on a serving tray.
“After you are fed, you are to leave, immediately.”
“Does this mean I’m forgiven?”
“The white flag has not been waved yet.”
Travis lifted the novel she was reading.
“Romance novels, a woman’s cure to everything.”
Darla looked over at Travis’ hairy chest wall, and down at his big feet.
“For some.”
She knelt down and sat on the comforter.
Travis pushed the novel under the bed.
“Would you like me to fix you a plate, or feed you grapes?”
“I get that kind of treatment.”
“Only in your dreams.” She winked at him.
“Then why did you ask.”
“To see if you would bite the bait.”
Travis leaned over and gently nipped at her lips, he then tenderly kissed them. He inched back and stroked her cheek.
“I love biting my bait.”
“That was very smooth.”
“Just a line in one of my movies.”
“Which one is that?”
“The one you and I are starring in.”
“So should I cancel out on Peter?”
“Most definitely.”
Darla held some grapes over Travis’ mouth. He held her wrist and brought the bunch down to his mouth. He bit into three of them.
Some of the juices slid down his chin.
Darla reached over and licked the juices away. She inched back.
“You are still trying to seduce me.”
“I am not.”
“Not to worry, I might go willingly.”
“You would not place a notch in your bed from me lying on my back. Remember now, I come a dime a dozen.”
“You’re good with that tongue of yours Dr. Cabaña.”
“And how would you know that.”
“It’s quick, and straight to the point.”
She looked down. His erection spoke unspeakable volumes.
“I see a point I would love to test that theory on.”
Travis looked down at his boxer shorts.
“Darn it, I forgot you are not attracted to me. Would you like some Moet, or Cristal?”
Darla pivoted to lift the corkscrew.
“You are going to make this hard for me, aren’t you?”
“It seems like you are already there, too bad, you do not have a willing participant.”
“Does that mean I can’t taste your lips again?”
“That is exactly wh....”
Travis leaned over, and palmed Darla’s chin. He kissed her lips.
Darla’s lips instantly relaxed against his.
Travis scooted closer. He kissed the side of her neck.
“And you are no...”
Travis stuck his tongue inside Darla’s ear canal.
“Umm.”
Travis gradually eased down the spaghetti strap to Darla’s camisole. He kissed her shoulder blade.
“Is this the part of.....? Of me auditioning for this role?”
“I do not sleep with my actresses,” he whispered in her ear.
Travis leaned down and kissed a breast nipple.
Darla’s braced her head against the side of the bed.
Travis palmed her other shoulder and eased the other strap down.
“You are very beautiful Darla.”
He kissed her other breast, and then teased the nipple.
Darla arched her back.
Travis’ tongue made a path down her cleavage.
Published 26th Apr 2023
Author's Note
This is a chapter from one of my many published novels, enjoy.
SKC
SKC
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
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26th Apr 2023 2:29am
what a sweet spill my friend hot and steamy can not wait for the next chapter, my dear friend
26th Apr 2023 2:40am
