The Christmas Promise Read online

  Jennifer dropped her empty cup and can into the trash as the crew came around, put away her reading material and made sure that her tray table was locked in position. She was disappointed that there were no direct flights to Anguilla, but after some research, she found that flying into Princess Juliana International Airport was her best option.

  From there, she could either take a ferry across or take a seven-minute flight, so she chose the latter.

  Jennifer pulled the bright orange cotton bolero jacket she wore over her maxi sun-dress closed and crossed her arms under her breasts as she stared out of the airplane window during their approach to the airport. The brilliant turquoise-colored water seemed to go on for miles and miles, an amazing sight.

  Once they landed and came to a stop, Jennifer gathered her belongings and followed the woman in front of her off the plane through the terminal as they headed toward customs. She heard a couple walking with the crowd talking about not having to go to customs by asking for VIP services.

  Jennifer tuned in a little closer and found out that she only needed to go to the transfer desk in order to take the flight to Anguilla. The Passenger Service Department would meet those travelers who asked for VIP services and assist with immigration, baggage claim and escort them to the gate. Jennifer was all too happy that she had paid the extra money for that amenity. At the checkpoint she only had to be scanned with an electronic wand then she was on her way. She didn’t even have to take off her shoes like she had at O’Hare in Chicago.

  As she waited in line to board the nine-passenger aircraft, Jennifer inhaled the ocean’s air and took in the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful palm trees and flowers mixed with the warm breeze.

  The plane landed in good time at the small airport in Anguilla and Jennifer was elated about getting off the small plane, even though it didn’t go above 1,000 feet. She pushed her floppy hat down on her head to block the beaming sun as she followed the others out of the aircraft.

  Once she picked up her luggage, she walked out and noticed a man holding a sign that read Shoal Bay Villas and headed toward him. She gave him her name and they waited another five minutes to see if there were others that would be joining them. Packing all the bags in the back of the van, they were off to Shoal Bay Villas.

  The online photos Jennifer saw of the small but charming twenty-three-villa hotel, located on more than two miles of the amazing Shoal Bay beach, were nothing compared to what she saw in person. The hotel was surrounded by lush green coconut palm trees, a bright blue swimming pool and tumbling waterfalls. Shoal Bay Villas was a popular vacation resort that was located directly on the beach. Jennifer had chosen a second floor poolside room.

  Stepping forward to the entrance, the automatic doors slid open and she walked inside, then had to stop. The view of the beach was amazing from there and the décor inside was just as tropical. Jennifer continued to the reception desk where she was greeted warmly by a young gentleman with bright eyes and a cheerful disposition. Jennifer couldn’t wait to get to her room because she was beyond tired.

  An employee from guest services showed up a moment later, directing her to the suite. Jennifer walked past him inside and marveled at the high vaulted ceilings and breath-taking view of the white sandy beach from the living room area. The entire back wall had sliding glass doors that had been opened all the way and she could feel a light breeze making the heat bearable. She thanked the escort, gave him a generous tip and toured her new place.

  The kitchen was huge, painted a light teal color with modern stainless steel appliances, a tiled backsplash and granite countertops. Even though she didn’t plan on doing any cooking, it was nice. She wanted to eat light and drink as many tropical, fruity drinks as possible. She went into the master suite, which had been sprinkled with rose petals—a little touch that Jennifer was sure Roderick had planned. It had sea-blue walls, soaring cypress ceilings painted white and teak floors. She turned up her nose and swirled on her heels to continue her tour of the oversized marble-lined jetted tub with stand-in shower for two.

  Jennifer leaned against the wall. “I could get used to this,” she said with a smile, admiring all the amenities that were fit for a queen. Placing her suitcase on the bed, she unzipped it so that she could change into something more comfortable. She’d packed several swimsuits, flip-flops, a floppy sunhat with a wide brim, sundresses, shorts, sarongs and slip dresses for the nightlife.

  She started putting her things away in the huge chest of drawers in the bedroom. It was so quiet in the room that her mind wondered as to what she would be doing now if Roderick had come with her. Would they be making love, sharing their feelings for one another? Jennifer quickly shut down that line of thinking and her suitcase, making herself a promise not to mention or think about Roderick for the rest of the trip. From that moment on, she would wipe away all negative thoughts and feelings.

  Reaching over on the nightstand, she picked up a map of the island next to the telephone. Leaning back on the bed, the brochure gave information on everything going on at the resort. Jennifer wanted to familiarize herself with it, but her eyes kept closing. She kicked off her sparkly sandals and stretched out across the bed, deciding to rest her eyes only for a minute, but before she knew it she was sound asleep.

  The next morning, somewhat rested, Jennifer stepped out onto her balcony. With her shoulder-length hair piled on top of her head, she enjoyed the fresh warm air hitting her neck, as she looked out at the beach and up at the blue sky. It was a tranquil paradise.

  Holding her coffee cup, she inhaled the rich hazelnut aroma and took a seat at the small round white table. After taking a sip, she exhaled, feeling satisfied and content. She hadn’t realized how much she needed this vacation, but choosing this place, even though romantic, was still the best choice.

  Scanning the area, she saw a couple of people sitting out by the pool that separated the rooms on either side. Looking across to the other side, she noticed a man step out on his balcony then lean over the rail. Though she couldn’t see his features really well, he didn’t have on a shirt, and his hands were pushed down in his pockets.

  Peeping over the top of her round white sunglasses, Jennifer wondered if he’d just gotten there. There were a lot of people coming and going yesterday when she arrived.

  Suddenly, he waved and Jennifer leaned forward to see if there was anyone else out on their balcony, but she didn’t see anyone. When she looked back at him, he was still waving, so she waved back. She wondered if he had been watching her the whole time and had come out to say hello. Is he here alone or is he with someone? Her life was already complicated enough, so she didn’t want to add to that. But she figured there was nothing wrong with waving.

  The rumble of her stomach brought her attention back to the fact that she needed to get something to eat. There was a restaurant inside the hotel that she was going to try out and then venture a little farther later. She got up and gave her neighbor one more glance before disappearing inside.

  Chapter Two

  Simeon Baker was up for a little rest and relaxation before he did another stint out of the country for his job. Being a software engineer for one of the biggest Fortune 500 companies in the world had always been an adventure since he had the privilege of traveling the world, as he took care of the company’s business. Simeon had also been working with a colleague on a new software program they hoped would make them both very wealthy men. Negotiations on the project were still in the works, so he had to continue to work hard, causing his social life to be practically nonexistent. He was looking forward to no phone, laptop, email, reviewing software bug reports, or any other kind of contact for fourteen whole days.

  He started to forgo the trip to Anguilla because he was working on an assignment, but his second in command assured him that he could handle it. And Simeon admitted that he desperately needed some time away.

  Checking into his room very late, all Si
meon wanted to do was sleep. But this morning he could feel the rays of the sun beaming into his room, so he got up so that he could experience the warmth and the brilliant sunshine over the gorgeous sandy beach.

  Simeon stepped out on the balcony and gazed at the beautiful surroundings of flowers and the ducks swimming in the nearby pond. It was such a serene place. As he scanned the area he noticed a woman sitting on her balcony on the other side of the courtyard. He couldn’t make out her features, but he did notice that she was wearing a pink tank top and some shorts. He couldn’t tell if she was looking in his direction, so he waved at her. He smiled when she returned his greeting in kind. It had been a couple months since he’d had a date or even talked to a woman in a social setting. Yes, he had met many women on his journeys. But most of the time he was consumed with work, so once the projects were finished he was more than ready to go back home, never establishing a connection or relationship with any of the women he’d met.

  He intended to have a good time on his vacation and maybe even have some female companionship to share his experience. Right now, he needed to get into the shower and change his clothes. If he was lucky, maybe he would get a chance to meet his neighbor up close.

  Simeon dressed for lunch in a pair of khaki-colored linen walking shorts, a shirt and brown closed-toe sandals. He reached for his watch and cell phone, then decided to leave the phone. Grabbing the plastic keycard, he took the elevator down to the lobby and walked the short distance to the restaurant.

  As he waited for the hostess to finish her conversation with the guests in front of him, Simeon scanned the area. He saw her from the door, or at least he thought it was her. He wasn’t one hundred percent sure that it was the woman he saw earlier. She was sitting alone, scanning the menu, the chairs at the table on both sides of her empty. To be sure she wasn’t waiting on anyone he waited and watched. When the hostess asked how many in his party, he told her that he was meeting a friend. The young woman nodded and smiled, but Simeon still debated how he would approach his neighbor. His feet started moving in her direction, his mind going back and forth on a plan of what he’d say once he was in front of her.

  As soon as she looked up at him, his words died on his tongue. Her eyes were sparkling brown, skin seemingly kissed by the sun. He thought she was breathtakingly beautiful with her upswept hairstyle.

  “Hi, there,” she said.

  Well, she’s not shy.

  “Hello, yourself,” he said, standing next to her. “My name is Simeon.” He extended his hand to her.

  When she reached out to shake his hand, he noticed the softness of her skin.

  “Pleased to meet you, Simeon. My name is Jennifer, but most people call me Jenn.”

  Simeon had to remind himself to let go of her hand. “Are you waiting for someone?” he asked, admiring the way the pendant she wore rested between the swell of her breasts.

  Jennifer smiled. “No, it’s just me.” She extended her hand to the empty seat across from her. “Why don’t you join me?”

  Simeon pulled out the chair and sat down. Picking up the linen napkin from the plate in front of him, he threw it across his lap. “I saw you this morning on your balcony,” Simeon said.

  Jennifer smiled. “Yes, I saw you too. At first I thought you were waving at someone else.”

  “No, I was waving at you,” Simeon replied.

  Jennifer grinned. “I really enjoyed sitting out on the balcony, sipping coffee in the quiet. I hardly ever have an opportunity to do something like that at home.”

  Simeon nodded. “Most cities are never this quiet. People are out and about at all times of the day and night.”

  “Is this your first day here?” she asked.

  “Yes, I just got in last night.”

  “How did you sleep?”

  He grinned. “Like a newborn baby,” he responded, thinking of how restful he felt when he got up this morning.

  “Me too. It felt so good. Once I lay across the bed, I was a goner,” Jennifer said, then chuckled.

  Simeon found himself fascinated by her every expression.

  She handed him the menu she’d laid aside. “Here, take a look at the menu or you can go up to the buffet,” Jennifer said, pointing to the three banquet tables covering the front filled with food.

  Accepting the folio, Simeon glanced down, then back up at her. “So, where are you from?” he asked before looking back at the menu offerings.

  “I’m from Chicago,” she said.

  His eyes widened, as he watched her carefully. “You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m from Chicago too.”

  “Really. I would have never imagined meeting someone from my hometown in the Caribbean.”

  “A beautiful Chicagoan vacationing at the same resort. I’m a lucky guy.” He had to come all the way across the water to find a gorgeous woman who was from the same city.

  He saw Jennifer blush at the compliment. He meant every word for she was an extremely attractive woman. “I know that you probably hear this all the time, but I must say you are incredibly beautiful.”

  Her face flushed under the heat of his scrutiny, Jennifer nodded. “Thank you.”

  Simeon was tempted to lean closer so that he could get a better hint of the faint floral scent she wore. Reminding himself that he was a grown man and not a teenager whose hormones were out of whack, he would have to keep his staring and sniffing to a minimum.

  “I’m only telling the truth,” he said, eyes roaming her delicate features.

  “How long will you be in Anguilla?”

  “I’ll be here for two weeks,” Simeon said as the server came to take their orders. “I think I’m going to go through the buffet instead of ordering. What about you?”

  “I don’t mind trying the buffet,” Jennifer said.

  They both got up from the table and Simeon waited for Jennifer to lead the way. The white, pristine tablecloth covered the long tables that were laden with all types of food. Tons of fresh berries and other fruits, chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, jerk chicken, smoked salmon, corn on the cob, crab legs, fried shrimp, baked chicken and more.

  Simeon picked up a plate and bent down to whisper to Jennifer. This time the fragrance floated right by him, causing him take a step further. “Wow, this is a lot of food.”

  Jennifer lifted the tongs from the platter of watermelon. “Yes, it is. I’m going to start with the items I’m familiar with.”

  They each filled their plates and went back to their table. They sat with not much conversation.

  “Simeon, I hope to see you around,” Jennifer said, standing.

  Simeon picked up his napkin, patted the corners of his mouth. “You leaving already?” he asked, setting the linen cloth next to his plate.

  “Yes, I’m going to go back to my room for a while and rest, but I’ll come out a bit later.”

  Simeon stood. “Well, it was great meeting you, Jennifer,” he said, reaching out to capture her hand.

  “See ya later,” she said before picking up her purse and leaving.

  Simeon watched her walk away from the table until she was out of his line of sight. He didn’t find out much about her, but because they were staying in such close proximity of each other, he was bound to see her again.

  Jennifer wondered if Simeon watched her walk away from the table. She didn’t dare turn around to see. What a coincidence that she ran into him after wondering what he looked like up close. She loved the deep brown color of his rich, smooth skin. He seemed to be a laid-back kind of fellow, but the most striking thing she noticed was his deep brown eyes. Each time she looked into them, she felt as if she were being drawn in. She also noticed that he had been watching her as they ate their food. She was surprised it hadn’t made her feel uncomfortable. As a matter of fact, he acted as if they were old friends. Maybe it was because they were both from Chicago.

&nb
sp; A flitting thought crossed her mind as she made her assessment of him. What kind of man was he really? Most people never show you who they are until you got to know them, then slowly their true colors start to show. Jennifer couldn’t explain where the thought came from, but she wondered just the same.

  She knew better than to eat and lie down, so she went back to her room to relax in front of the television while she decided what she wanted to do first.

  Several hours later, Jennifer awakened after falling asleep in the big comfy chair and looked at her watch—it was late in the evening. Sleeping all afternoon on a Caribbean island was not a vacation. At first she thought it was because of the heat and humidity draining her energy, but she had a feeling she knew the culprit. She was depressed.

  Seeing Roderick in the act did something to her heart, no matter how much her brain tried to tell her that it didn’t hurt.

  “Let me get up and get my behind out of here so I can have some fun.” She pulled herself forward in the recliner. She went into the bedroom and picked up the brochure then sat down on the side of the bed. She scanned it, noticing a couple things jumping out at her. The first was to go to the spa and later on to the little club down the road that had a live band playing.

  Pushing to her feet, she walked a short distance to the bathroom so she could change into something more comfortable for her massage.

  Chapter Three

  Jennifer could hear her flip-flops smacking the tiled floor as she wandered past the lobby shops and over to the spa. She loved going to the sauna and as often as she could, she visited the one her family owned, Good Scents Aroma Therapy and Day Spa.

  Jennifer’s mother, Myra, started the business in the kitchen of their home and it grew quickly. Now, twenty-plus years later, her sister, Patrice, who was the head aroma therapist, managed it, so the business stayed in the family.