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Only In Paradise (March '09, Kimani Romance) is one of the twin's story (Ladies of Distinction series) - Athena. She heads off to teach in a small school on a tropical island. Immediately she's attracted to the reclusive school principal - Collin. All he wants to do is hire a teacher, run his school, and make a difference with his people, but in addition to those goals, he now has to keep his attraction to Athena undercover, fend off the gangsters on the island who don't care for his noble plans for the youth, and keep his staff focused and on point.
Excerpt: Athena followed the winding trail that paralleled the coastline. On one side, the ocean rolled onto the sandy beach. On the other side of the road, the rocky landscape rose sharply. Finally she saw signs to the destination and took the turn as directed.
No one else appeared to be visiting the area. No cars had passed her for the last mile. The trees grew long and straight, towering over her with lush, verdant foliage. She looked up through the windshield, feeling comfortable that at least she could view the sky.
She approached the edge of a large opening, a parting of the thick forest very much like a biblical parting. The waterfall, the centerpiece of natural wonder, crashed over layers of rocks until it emptied into a lake. Athena stopped the car, not waiting one more minute to enjoy the beauty. The beauty had to be admired close and without the obstruction of a window pane.
The terrain roughened with large boulders jutting up from the ground and tree roots that curled from their base. Athena walked ahead, turning in a complete circle to take in the panoramic view. Ahead was the fresh water lake.
“This is so damned beautiful!” She threw up her hands to the sky too overcome with what a small part she played in nature’s garden.
The water glistened under the sunlight as if diamonds floated on its surface. She pulled out her brochure to read about this body of water. The locals considered the water to have healing powers, a place for rejuvenation, a place to renew the spirit. Scientists had carried out various tests on the waters not sure how the quality remained pure.
Athena was game to find out if the findings were true. She surveyed the area, already deciding that she’d take a dip in the water. Not that she had anything physically wrong to be healed. Well, if she counted that her thoughts couldn’t stop circling around one man. But she needed more than sparkling water to assist with that problem. She needed the chutzpah to go after what she wanted. Nothing could convince her that Collin wasn’t interested. She was sure that’s why he went out of his way to stay away from her.
She wound her way along the edge of the lake. Following the creek to a quieter spot away from the strong current near the waterfall, she discovered a cove where the water gently rolled toward a small sandy beach.
A deafening clap of thunder ripped through the air. A rain shower in the middle of the day wasn’t unusual. The downpour came without warning. The shower felt as if someone took a bucket and emptied its contents until everything was drenched. She was used to the unpredictable nature of the rain showers and didn’t mind the soaking. In a few minutes, she planned to be shoulder deep in the water.
Without debating the action, she peeled off her clothes, spreading them on a nearby rock. After the rain, she expected that the strong sun would emerge and dry her clothing in no time. If not, she’d have to squish her way back to the house, happy nonetheless.
Another crack of thunder announced another deluge of warm rain. After the stickiness of the heat, she welcomed the water’s cleansing power. Her hair pasted against her scalp and along her back where it hung below her shoulders. The rain drops coming in fast succession massaged her skin, raising her level of sensitivity. She cupped her hands gathering as much of the water as she could, before bathing her face. Repeating this ritual was her small token of appreciation for entering this surreal existence.
Blocking out the world beyond this jungle and the rat race that she escaped from, Athena centered her spirit to be in tuned with her surroundings. Rain drops ran over her body. Like long tantalizing fingers, they tickled her nipples through the swimsuit top.
The pool of water beckoned her. She willingly answered its bidding while the rain continued to lavish her with attention. She waded in, sucking in her breath from the water’s cool temperature. In one move, she dived into the water to keep from retreating into the warm air. After a few seconds, her body acclimated and she emerged from the depths for fresh air.
The rain had ceased and the sun did indeed breakthrough the clouds. The rays beamed down through the large opening and turned the surface of the lake into a shimmering cover.
Athena floated on her back, enjoying the heat on the full length of her body. She fluttered her legs, pushing her body toward the middle of the lake. Water had always relaxed her. And now she could understand why others thought the water had special powers.
In this state, close to nature, she had no choice but to reflect inwardly. And the person who came to mind was a tall, dark man who had a smile that brightened her day, a body that made hers perk up, and a sexy charm that stirred a craving in her that wanted satiation.
As she drifting on her back in this tropical Eden, her thoughts also drifted to where she was a year ago and how far she’d come. Her thankless job as a loan officer carried long hours. From the banking industry to teaching, she had large classes, poorly funded programs, and demanding administrators who had to be concerned with politicians’ agendas.
A blur of movement interrupted her thoughts. She stayed quiet, waiting. Then a blur of color that didn’t blend showed through surrounding bush. Her heart pumped. She was scared.
Athena shifted position, treading the water. She turned to examine what caught her eye. Not getting any resolution, she swam toward the edge. The solitude of her oasis provided a false sense of security. Now that a possible intruder threatened her space, her solitary trek didn’t seem like a good idea.
Finally regained footing in the shallow water. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary. Yet, she sensed that someone remained hidden. Regardless, she didn’t feel comfortable and made her way to the shore. Her body tensed for an emergency flight, if necessary. A deeper feeling of unease ran through her upon noticing that the birds had quieted.
Gingerly, she headed toward her towel.
“What are you thinking? Coming here by yourself. And then swimming in next to nothing.”
Athena screamed and ran. Her heart pounded, as sheer terror rushed through her veins. She got to the car, but then fumbled with the handle. Looking up to see where the intruder was, she suddenly stopped.
Collin stood where she was only moments ago. His hands were shoved casually in the shorts he wore. His mouth drew tight in its familiar irritable line. Once again, he was about to lecture her.
She wrapped the towel around her body, took a deep breath and walked toward him. “Why are you sneaking up on me? Do you have a habit of stalking?”
“Don’t be presumptuous. I have a habit of looking for you when you go traipsing off without letting anyone know.”
“Then how did you find me, Sherlock?” Her heart still hadn’t gone to a normal pace. She lashed out to keep the jitters away. If she let him see her frazzled, she suspected he would use it to drive home some silly point.
“You’re not exactly looking native, especially in the school van. What if someone had followed you up here? And why are you here? There are better beaches and lakes than this place.”
Athena had no intention of telling him about Luisa’s advice. No way. She’d never seen him so angry. Even his nostrils flared as he blew out his frustration.
“If you’re going to keep yelling at me, I’m heading back.”
“Do you accept that what you did was stupid and careless?”
This man was a pain. She couldn’t stand the cocky way he tilted his head, looking down at her. Always ready with his superior attitude, he looked the part even in his ridiculous khaki shorts.
“The only thing I’m planning to accept is the fact that you can’t go one day without thinking about me.” When he recoiled, she took a step closer. “Not only do you think about me, but you have to see me.” She continued walking toward him. “But it’s okay because I want to see you too.” She dropped the towel. “I want you to touch me.”
“You are a brazen woman.”
“And I’m waiting for a man who doesn’t hide behind a lot of useless insights.”
“Don’t start something—”
“Oh, I can finish. The real question is whether you’ve got what it takes to stay the course until I’m done . . . with you?”
Well-written characters, a perfectly paced story and an exotic locale blend together in this entertaining book.~RT Bookclub: 4 stars
