Free StealingThe Bride by Yvette Hines Page A

ten-course meal. “I
could eat.”
    A
few people passed them on the path and thanked Kolby for the scuba lessons and
trip. He replied graciously. Once the last person moved further along the
walkway, he asked, “What are your plans today?”
    The
sun made his eyes appear more blue than gray.
    “I
wanted to tour the city and find a local spot to eat.” Her hand fiddled with
the straps of her bag.
    “Well,
I know of a great place where the people are friendly and the food is really
good. If you don’t mind spending more time with me, I’d love for you to join
me.”
    “I’d
like that.” The words tumbled out before her mind could decide if it was a good
idea or not.
    His
mouth stretched wide in a smile and surprise lit up his eyes, as if he hadn’t
expected her to agree.
    Hell,
she was shocked herself.
    He
led the way up the path around the side of the resort to the employee parking
lot to a dark green moped. “Hop on.” Kolby patted the back of the seat behind
him.
    “One
second.” She opened her bag and removed a sky blue cotton scarf that matched
her dress. She was sure the salt water had done a number on her hair and riding
on the back of a scooter would really make it unruly. Tying it under her braid,
she removed a pair of hoop earrings, slipping them in her earlobes and added
lip gloss to her lips. Last she took out a small travel bottle of lotion and
quickly slapped a thin coat on her face, arms and legs.
    Hooking
the bag on her shoulder, she moved to the bike.
    “You
sure you’re ready now?”
    Climbing
on, she said, “Trust me. You didn’t want some ashy, wild-looking black woman
going places with you in public.”
    Glancing
over his shoulder, his gaze traveled up and down her body, heat flared in his
eyes as if he were recalling what she looked like beneath her clothing. She
shivered in response.
    “I
think I like you wild.”
    Heat
rose from her belly to her face.
    He
winked. “Hold on.”
    She
slipped her arms around his waist, feeling the taunt muscles of his abs against
her palms. Leaning in she could smell his scent of sea water and a unique musk
that was all Kolby. She pressed her chest against his back then held on tight as
he pulled out of the lot and onto the main road.
    As
long minutes passed them by, the touristy part of Sanur began to fade away.
Soon the hotels and fancy stores and businesses became dirt roads and vibrant
green foliage that gave way to small rundown homes and children playing
alongside of the road. She wondered where they were headed and what kind of
restaurant would be located so far from the city.
    Soon,
he guided the moped up a dirt path between large bushes, they past a bright
yellow and white sign with words on it that she couldn’t understand. A quarter
mile in the trees broke and there was a large area before them displaying three
buildings in a U-shape, one long in the middle and two shorter buildings. Two
were painted sky blue with mint green trim, but one of the buildings had a roof
held up by columns with no walls. Stopping the moped and shutting off the
engine Kolby patted her leg.
    “We’re
here.”
    Before
she could ask where a light brown-skinned older woman came rushing out from the
smaller painted building wearing a button down tan shirt, long flowing skirt
and a large smile. “Ah, Mr. Kolby, so good you can make it, today.”
    “I
would not miss it, Citra.” He got off the bike then took Leya’s hand. “This is
Leya, a friend.”
    Stepping
closer to her, Citra clasped her hands and gave a small bow of her head. “It is
nice to meet a friend to Mr. Kolby. His heart is very big.”
    Leya
didn’t know what to respond to the woman’s words about Kolby. She had only
known him a couple of days and this situation was unexpected. She smiled and
said, “ It’s nice meet you as well.”
    “Are
we in time for makan siang ?” Kolby asked rubbing his stomach
and giving the woman a big grin.
    Releasing
Leya’s hand, the older woman patted Kolby’s