Free Jamaica Dreaming (Caribbean Heat) by Eugenia O'Neal Page B

girl, but it was when DJ played the slower love songs came on that Sebastian got to pull her to him.
    At first, he kept a couple inches of air between them but, to his surprise, when Gregory Isaacs’s Night Nurse came on, she pressed herself against him and turned her face into his chest so that her forehead was just below his chin. The scent of her filled his nostrils and the feel of her body against his inflamed his senses.
    Buju Banton’s One to One followed the Isaacs tune. Sebastian inclined his head slightly so he could look into her face. Her eyes were closed. Before Sebastian realized what he was about to do he’d dipped his head and pressed his mouth against hers. Her lips were as soft as he’d imagined. He sighed deep in his throat as his desire for her flared. And then, wonder of wonders, her mouth opened under his and she kissed him back hungrily, her mouth warm and moist. He cupped her head with one hand as, with his other arm, he kept her pressed against him. There was nothing Sebastian would have liked more right at that minute than to have a one to one with the woman in his arms. His arousal hardened. He wanted to take her right there. Instead, he tore himself away from her, his breathing ragged. She looked up at him, her lips puffy, her eyes bright with desire. Around them, dancers continued to groove to the music.
    “Wow,” she laughed uncertainly, her fingers rising to her mouth.
    “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t––.” She wasn’t ready for this, for him.
    “I liked it. I like being kissed by you.”
    He went to kiss her again but she reared back. “I like it, but it’s not a good idea.”
    “Of course,” he said, trying to dampen his desire and to ignore all the other feelings roiling in him. “Because of your fiancé.” He steered her off the floor and back to the VIP section.
    “Yes.” Her voice grew stronger. “It’s not a good idea because of Earle. I’m very sorry. I like you and I like spending time with you.” Her expression grew hunted. “If I wasn’t already taken…”
    “Right.” Sebastian felt so miserable he couldn’t even look her in the eyes.
    “Perhaps you should take me back to Strawberry Hill,” she said gently.
    “Of course.” He didn’t feel capable of saying anything else. Everything had been going so well and then he’d spoilt it.
    In the SUV, the silence between them was as thick as a solid presence. He put on the radio but a Beres Hammond love song came on so he switched to his iPod and allowed his favorite Mavado tunes to fill the air.
    At Strawberry Hill, he got out to walk her to her villa.
    “Would you…” She seemed to steel herself to continue. “I mean, do you think you still want me to come to the horseraces?”
    “Yes, I do.” He’d had time while he drove to reflect and now he realized that what he’d seen as a defeat in his determination to win her was merely a setback. She said she liked him and she’d kissed him back. Yes, she’d put the brakes on, more than once, too, but so what? She’d only known him a few days. He’d waited so long to be near her, he could wait some more. The Bob Marley line came to mind but it wasn’t even three years yet, like in the song. He would wait some more. He wouldn’t give up.
    “Nothing about tonight has changed the fact that I’d like to spend more time with you,” he told her. She might have qualms, but Sebastian wanted it to be clear he had none and he planned to continue his pursuit.
    “Even though I can’t…we won’t….” She pushed the key in the lock and opened the door to her villa unable to complete the sentence.
    “Even though,” he said, firmly. He leaned in and kissed her quickly on the lips before spinning on his heels and walking back down the path. “See you Saturday,” he called out over his shoulder.

Chapter Five
    The hotel phone began ringing just as Julissa stepped out of the shower the next morning. She picked it up, wondering who it could be.
    “Hello,