Protected by the HERO (73 page)

He takes me by the arms and pauses as if deciding what to do with me.

“Mom! Mom! Mooooommmm!” I hear Gunner yelling, diverting the stranger’s attention. That’s my chance. I gather all my energy and punch him in the stomach, push myself off him, and swim towards the boat, as fast as I can.

Gunner and the local must’ve heard all the commotion as they head towards me. But then I felt him grab my leg. I knew I couldn’t outswim him! He pulls me towards him.

I can feel his entire body on mine as he holds me. If I weren’t afraid for my life, I would be enjoying this. After all, it’s the first time in a long time since I had my body so close to another man. The stranger pulls off his mask revealing a strong jawline. He is clean-cut, with beautiful blue eyes and dark brown hair.

“Ssshhh, do as I say or you’ll regret it.” He’s American?

“You there! What are you doing with this woman!” Adon says, pointing to the man with a fishing pole. That is almost comical. I can’t imagine what he would do with a fishing pole.

“Do you mind, Sir? My girlfriend and I were just enjoying a little private moment,” the stranger says as he nudges me to play along.

“Uh, of course. I forgot to mention that my boyfriend is in town as well.” The stranger looks at me. I stare at his blue eyes as he grabs my hips towards his and gives me a deep passionate kiss. I feel an aching between my legs as I feel his tongue swirl in my mouth. It’s been so long.

“We’ll leave the rest for the bedroom baby,” he whispers loud enough for the local to hear as he winks at me.

Gunner doesn’t say anything.  Somehow he knows to keep quiet.

“Well, let’s get in the boat baby and find something to eat. I’m famished,” the stranger says. The ride back to shore is awkward. The stranger talks my ears off with stories of our past vacations together. He seems to be going out of his way to ensure that Adon believes we are a couple. 

Once on shore, the stranger thanks Adon for taking such good care of his “two babies.” He pushes all his scuba equipment in my rental car, and we drive off together. 

“Well, where do you want me to go?” I ask.

“Back to our room of course,” the stranger replies. I’m afraid of what he would do if I argue. Gunner is still quiet.

“Hi there Buddy.” The stranger turns around finally acknowledging Gunner. “What’s your name?”

“What’s yours?” Gunner replies.

“Norman.”

“Casper,” Gunner quickly stated.

“And I suppose your Mom is Kat?” says Norman.

Gunner nods.

“You’re alright kid.” The stranger laughs.

“Well Kat, let’s stop by the store so I can pick up something to wear.” The stranger now has his suit pulled down to his waist exposing his chiseled chest and abs. I find myself starting at his muscular body and dreaming about his body against mine.

I don’t know what he has planned, but I’m secretly hoping this stranger stays. My mind returns to our kiss just a short time earlier, and I remember the feel of his hands on my hips.

*****

“So what do you think, Casper?” Norman says as he poses in the outfit he just bought.

“You look ridiculous,” Gunner replies, not showing an ounce of fear.

“Well, when in Rome do as the Romans. I think I’m pretty handsome don’t you think Kat?” Norman and Gunner are both looking at me now.

“You’re so full of yourself,” I told him trying to be as brave as Gunner. But before Norman can reply, his phone rings.

“Sorry baby, gotta take this.” He walks into the bathroom. I motion for Gunner to stay still and quiet as I walk towards the bathroom door. The dresser was conveniently placed in a way that I could pretend I was looking for clothes.

What I hear is muffled, but I was able to hear something about the mission and being compromised. Then I hear the phone click. I quickly turn away from the door and pretend like I am busy digging through the drawers.

Norman walks out and looks at me suspiciously.

“How about we get something to eat?” I ignore his suspicious look as I pull out a top and a skirt.

“Excellent idea,” I reply. Norman’s suspicion seems to vanish.

Norman and Gunner chat as we walk towards the restaurant the concierge recommended for dinner. Norman tells Gunner stories of his travel and his childhood. Whether any of it is true of not, Gunner is hooked onto his stories. By the time dinner is over, Norman has promised to take Gunner sightseeing all over the island.

Despite the fact that I know nothing about this man, he’s already making an impact on Gunner’s life. And right now, Gunner needs just that.

“I’m pretty tired,” Gunner says.

“Climb on my back Buddy. I’ll carry you back to the guesthouse.” Gunner obliges and instantly falls asleep.

“Poor kid. He’s had a long day didn’t he?” says Norman.

“Yeah, the most excitement he’s had in years. The most ever.”

When we get into the room, Norman lays Gunner in his bed. He brings out two beers from the bag he bought at the store.

“Want a drink?” he says, ushering me out towards the patio. It doesn’t seem like I have a choice.

It’s a beautiful night. The full moon’s reflection bounces off the ocean giving off a beautiful glow. The sound of the waves give off an almost harmonic trance. There’s no pollutant in the air, making all the stars clearly visible.

I take a sip of beer and turn towards Norman.

He smiles, not saying a word. I can feel the sexual tension between us, but neither of us make a move. Instead, we both look out towards the ocean.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” Norman finally breaks the silence.  I somehow get the feeling he doesn’t like long silences.

“Uh huh,” is the only reply I managed to let out while my mind wonders about this man’s life.

He turns his body towards me now. I can feel his eyes staring.

“You look sexy in that outfit,” he says and tips his head to the side. I instantly blush as I feel my body temperature rise. Without turning to face him, I make eye contact. I feel an aching between my legs. I want so badly to kiss him.

As if reading my mind, Norman leans in for a kiss. I happily oblige. As the passion intensifies, he wraps one arm around my waist pulling me in towards him. I can feel how hard he is. We place our bottles of beer on the railing as our hands search each other’s body.

He pulls up my skirt, exposing my butt cheeks as he forcefully caresses them with one hand. His other hand makes its way up my top and unhooks my bra.  He brings his hand around and cups my breast. Norman forces his tongue deep in my mouth as he eagerly kisses me. I felt moisture between my legs.

“Ohhh…” A small groan escapes me.

“Sshhhh. Don’t want to wake your son,” Norman whispers in between kisses. Both his hands are on my butt now. I wrap my legs around his strong waist as he sits back towards the recliner on the patio deck.

I’m now straddling him as I grind my hips. I can feel his hard-on in between my thighs. Norman gently kisses my neck with both hands on my hips, guiding me. He pulls off my top and bra, exposing my breasts, his finger gently squeezing and teasing one nipple as his mouth finds the other. I’m dripping wet by now. I need to feel him inside of me. It’s exactly what I need.

“Take off your pants,” I command as I get off him and pull off my skirt and underwear. He happily pulls off all his clothes and lies back on the recliner.

I hop onto of him and I guide him inside me. I sit there without moving, just taking in the moment, and look long and hard into his eyes. My fingers trace his jawline and over his Adam’s apple without breaking contact.  I place my hands on his chest feeling his heartbeat and chiseled abs.

He buckles his hips as if urging me to move. He settles his hands on my buttocks, pulling me towards him, guiding me back and forth. My hips grind in unison with his movement as I ride him.

“Ooohhh Norman,” I moan as we both reach climax. This is exactly what I need.

*****

"Mom, where’s Norman?” Gunner asks me.

It’s early morning now.  The sunlight peeks through the curtains, which sway back and forth in response to the gentle breeze from outside. 

“I don’t know honey,” I reply. I can’t believe what happened last night. I feel ashamed.  I needed that release so bad, but can’t believe it was with a man I barely even knew.

Gunner’s happy demeanor changes instantly as he realizes that Norman is nowhere to be seen. Let down again. Norman promised to take Gunner sightseeing today. Are all men made the same? Or perhaps I’m just terrible at picking them.

Gunner sadly walks into the bathroom. I get up and follow suit.

“Gunner, it’s ok. I can still take you,” I say. But before I get the chance to say any more, Norman walks through the door.

“Good morning buddy! I got breakfast for everybody!”

“Norman!” Gunner exclaims, running towards him and giving him a hug. “I thought you left.”

“Why would I leave Buddy? I promised to take you sightseeing today. I hope you’re prepared for the time of your life!”

I can’t help but admire this man—this man that I barely even know.

After everyone got ready and ate the breakfast Norman graciously got us, we climb into my rental and head out to see the flamingo reserves. Greater Inagua has the largest concentration of flamingos in the western hemisphere, or so I am told by Norman. 

Gunner and Norman happily chat all the way there.  When we get there, Gunner is the first to get out of the car. He runs out happily to explore the area as Norman and I walk behind him.

“I enjoyed last night,” Norman says, breaking the silence between us.

“Yeah,” I murmur.

“Look, Kat,” he begins.

“It’s not Kat,” I interrupt. “It’s Lexi.” I don’t know what makes me give him my real name. But, something deep inside me makes me feel like he can be trusted.

“Lexi? Hmmm, that’s such a sexy name,” Norman says, smiling at me with that look on his face again. The look where he wants to grab me and just have his way with me.

He shakes his head as if to knock himself back to reality. “Lexi, I can’t stay. I have a few friends who will be picking me up tonight. I want to thank you for playing along.” With that he wraps his hand around mine and kisses my forehead.

This is the most love from a man I’ve felt in years. I fight back tears wondering why I’m going to cry for a man I just met yesterday.

“You’re son’s a good kid. I’ll miss him,” he says.

“Will I see you again?” I ask, interrupting him. That’s all I wanted to know. I finally found him. The man I needed for my son. The man I needed for ME. Someone who I felt completely safe and at ease with—and now HE’S LEAVING?

“I can’t stay.”

“You can’t stay? So you’re using me? You just wanted to sleep with me then leave?” I’m furious now. How can I be so stupid?! And, to think I thought he was the one for me.

“Lexi, you don’t understand. I shouldn’t have stayed this long. Every second with me will put the both of you in jeopardy. I can’t risk that. My job, my job is dangerous.” He’s right. I don’t understand. I don’t know what he means. All I can think about is Gunner, and, about how devastated he will be once Norman leaves.

“Just leave,” I say. “Leave right now. It’ll be better that way. The longer you stay the harder it will be on Gunner.”

“Gunner? Awesome name for a kid!”

“Don’t change the subject!” I snap, forgetting that his name was supposed to be Casper.

“What’s wrong?” Gunner runs back when he hears his name.

“Well Buddy, your Mom let slipped that your real name is Gunner. See, she can’t keep a secret.” Norman squats down making sure he’s at eye level with Gunner.

“Uh, well, I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you Norman.” Gunner apologizes.

“It’s ok, seems we’re all keeping some kind of secret.” It seems as though Norman is speaking to me instead.

“Call me Ryan for now on,” he says. Gunner nods.  “Now, I want you to listen closely. I know I promised to take you around the island today—and—I will. I won’t break that promise. Being a man is all about keeping promises.” Gunner listens intensely.

“But later tonight, some of my friends are coming to get me and I probably won’t see you anymore after this. You’re probably wondering why I have to go, but it’s because I have a job I promised to finish.  Remember, I said being a man is all about keeping promises.”

“Ok, Ryan. I wished you would stay with us a little while longer, but I understand.” Surprisingly, Gunner seems to have soaked it all in, and takes it better than I did.

“Ok, Buddy. Let’s enjoy the day shall we?” And with that, Ryan runs off with Gunner. I stand here, just watching. I’m filled with mixed emotions.

I want him to stay, yet I want him to leave. I’m sad, yet I’m mad. My emotions change in seconds as I try to come to grips with what just transpired. He managed, in a day or so, to be such an influence on Gunner.  Something that Michael has lacked for years! And, he managed to….to…make me fall in love?

Is this it? Am I falling for him? What is this job he has to finish?