“The best. I know he’s my brother, but I like the person he is.”
“That’s a nice thing to say.”
He walked her to the door, hating to see her leave, but knowing duty called in other places. He saw how the mere mention of Darrius lit her face and was actually jealous of his brother for the first time. “Here, take my business card. I work the family tea business in Los Alamos. It was in Taos, but I moved it closer to the family.”
“I’ll enjoy these tea bags, and thanks. It was nice to meet you. Sorry for thinking you were Darrius.”
“How would you have known? We’re identical.”
Walking out, her only thought was, Wow! Two of them.
* * *
Municipal Golf Course was beautiful with its rolling hills of green grass like carpet and finely detailed designs. After a search, she saw the true wonder of the area—Darrius. He was playing a round of golf with two other men. He hadn’t seen her, so she took a few shots of him swinging the club.
His stance was perfect. He twisted his body to make the shot, exposing every sinewy muscle through his stark white polo shirt; rippling, taut, smooth. She took as many shots as she could while he was still unaware of her presence. But she was acutely aware of his as she zoomed in for some headshots, admiring how his black hair shone so brightly in the sun, making it look wet, but with such luster. He wore a single feather in it—his style, his tradition. Suddenly, she felt a compulsion to run her fingers through it—feel it in her hands, feel him in her arms.
* * *
After teeing off on the eighteenth hole, Darrius looked up and saw Justine photographing him from the closest hill. He waved at her, and then quickly hit the ball to the hole. She had been the only thing on his mind that day, and was the reason he was about to lose the game to his friends. After having the breakfast delivered, he began wondering if she even liked Native American food; if not, what had she thought of him being forward enough to send it? But mostly, he wondered how she would take to having a stranger buy her an expensive piece of jewelry. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her off. Normally, he didn’t buy gifts for women right off the bat, but there was something about Justine that took him to places he had never been; had made him do things that were uncharacteristic for him—like worrying. He didn’t have to worry long, because before he knew it, his golf ball had rolled right over the hole. Game over. As expected, he lost, but hoped he would be the winner of a certain lady’s attention for a little while.
He returned his club to the golf bag and walked up the small hill, going right up to her, perhaps closer than he should have. She smelled so good, like a fresh rain shower on an early summer morning. And she looked incredible in a pair of gaucho jeans and a mint green lace blouse. Her dark hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail with ringlets framing her face. Her caramel brown face was simply dazzling. He knew and had even dated African American women, but Justine was different, special. She could be Native American, although her features were predominantly African American: sumptuous, almost thick lips, big, dark eyes and a small nose. Simply beautiful. She was wearing the bracelet that he had boldly paid for, and in the light of day, it made her shine and sparkle more—and his mouth water. She was the first woman to make the powerful Darrius Red Sky shake, rattle his nerves, cause the tenting erection in his jeans to actually hurt him. She was a natural beauty, and he had to try to steal a part of her day.
“You didn’t actually see me miss that shot, did you?”
“Saw it all, and photographed it to add insult to injury. I hope you don’t mind. I forgot what you said about having your picture taken.”
“I don’t mind—this one time. You play golf?”
“Badly. I’m better at bowling.”
“We should play sometime. There are lots of bowling alleys here.”
“If there’s time. There is so much to do today, with the activities at Red Rock and the day parade in an hour. Lots to get ready for. But I’m here to thank you for the breakfast and this gorgeous bracelet.”
“You’re very welcome, Miss Justine. I’m glad I made your day better.”
“Brighter. No one has ever bought me anything this expensive, aside from my newspaper, that is. One of these cameras costs eight hundred dollars.”
“You’re worth that and more. I was happy to buy it. It looks incredible on you, especially with the mint green of your blouse. That’s beautiful, too.” Before he caught himself, his eyes lingered on her breasts. “I just hope I wasn’t being too forward with my gifts—and the kiss. I hope I didn’t embarrass you last night.”
“It was wonderful—a perfect end to an enchanted evening. You’re treating me like a queen, and you don’t even know me. There aren’t a lot of men around who would have done that.”
“You mean there’s no man in your life showering you with praise and gifts?”
“Can’t say there is.” She looked down at her sandals. “Well, not anymore.”
Instinct told him not to pursue the subject. Instead, he took her heavy backpack from her shoulders and started down the hill. “Why don’t we go to the day parade together, and then get lunch. I know of a great place—”
“I’d love to. I mean, I’m hungry again.” Damn! She hated sounding so eager, and tried to tone down her too-obvious elation. “Oh, I’m sorry to cut you off, but I’m just so glad you’ll come to the parade with me. Be a kind of tour guide.”
“Love to. It was interesting last night watching you photograph the dancers. You were crouching on your knees almost in the middle of the street taking your pictures. You looked fabulous…sexy, if you don’t mind me saying.”
Mind? Get real! You could say that to me all day long, Mr. Red Sky.
Justine could feel herself blushing, her heart pounding, her mouth becoming dry from wanting to kiss this incredible man.
He led her down the hill. “We can talk at the Eagle Café. They have wonderful food there. By the way, did you like the blue corn crepes?”
“Ate them all up and looked around for more.”
“Good, because I made them, put them in a food warmer and had my cousin Wendy bring them over.”
“You should have brought them yourself and had some with me.” Good idea, stupid, being in a hotel room with him…and a bed. How long would you have stayed out of his pants?
His voice returned her to reality. “No, you had things to do. Besides, I would have caught up with you later. After all, I know where you’re staying.”
“And thanks to you I’m not staying on the street.”
He took her hand and led her to his truck, saying, “Seriously, do you think I’d let a visitor to my land sleep in the elements?”
“You have been quite the host, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve helped me with. Also grateful for the kiss. I know it was a simple gesture of friendship, but it was something a lonely woman needed after such a hectic trip.”
“I’m glad to be of service anytime, Justine. Anytime.”
She caught the hint, but still, she and men were finished—at least for a while. Another thing she had to remember was that Darrius was a host, not a lover. Too soon for that anyway, she thought.
She looked back at her car. “Shouldn’t I trail you? I could get ticketed or towed away.”
