Touch of a Rose

Sharing a car with Him

Eventually I got my tears under control, just as Mel gave out a long sigh. By then, Paul stood quiet awkwardly nearby, he looked unsure as to what he should do. His confused face would have been quite comical if it were not for the current situation. Giving my hand one last squeeze, Mel slowly loosened her hold, as she gave out another large sigh.

"I guess a day or 2 won't be too bad." She rubbed her brow as she spoke "But I want the name of this Hotel…"

"Resort." It was the first time Paul had spoken since the outburst,

"Yes, well I'll need the name and address of the resort, as well as the exact flight plans that you'll be having."

"But what about mom and dad?"

"Let me worry about that, you just take it easy and try to stay out of trouble please." Excitedly I hugged Mel,

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mel I'll pay you back I promise..."

"Don't think your off the hook, I'm going to be cashing in on all these favors one day and you'll be wishing you never owed me in the first place, so you might as well save it." Remembering Paul's dilemma Mel took control and had the tickets changed smoothly. Paul gave all the information she asked for and even let her take a photo and voice recording, though I didn't understand why she needed that. In the end it was arranged for the resort to send a car to pick me up and most of my baggage was sent ahead with Mel. Before going through security, Paul thanked Mel and I once again and swore he would repay us, despite us telling him it was OK. Before departing Mel gave me one more hug. "When you're ready to talk, I'll be there to listen, no matter when or where, I'll be waiting." With that she walked off to go through security as well. I hadn't fooled her at all, she knew there was more to it than just not getting into school, but she was going to wait for me to tell her, instead of trying to press me for answers now. As she disappeared heading towards her gate, I couldn't help but think, I truly am the worst type of sister. As I weaved my way back to the front for pick up, I bumped into a man.

"Excuse me, I'm so sor…" As the man bent down to pick up my bag that had fallen, my words became lodged in my throat. His long-built frame and golden bronze skin made him a picture of beauty. As he stood, I looked up, only to be met by the deepest hazel-jade eyes I had ever seen. As people went by the sweet scent of his cologne all but paralyzed me to the spot. Closing my eyes, I breathed in deeply, it was as if time stood still.

"Miss, your bag." His deep modulating voice rushed across me like a calming wave. I could only nod a thank you as I took my bag from his outstretched hand. With a slight grin he nodded and walked away. Leaving me to stare after his broad back and wide shoulders; for a moment his hand raised as he ran them through his thick black array of perfectly curled hair. I want to be that hand…

"Wait, what was I just thinking?" Pulling myself together, I continued walking towards the pick-up location. According to Paul, the Resort wasn't that far away so the transportation should be here in no time. As I approached the people holding up pick-up signs, I searched for my name. Though it took me some time I was finally able to find the sign with the Waikiki Resort posted on it. Walking over to him the man asked if I was Miss Moore, nodding he directed me over to a nice black vehicle that waited in the parking lot. He explained how there had been an early arrival, of one of the guest and due to that he would be driving us both to the resort together. I stated I had no problem with that and gave him my bag to load into the trunk, as I slide into the back seat.

"It would have been nice to have had the car all to myself." Unknowingly I whispered my thoughts out loud.

"That's too bad, I was actually quite pleased when I realized you would be my traveling partner." My heart skipped a beat as that familiar scent rose from the seat across from me. Looking up, I once again found myself staring into this man's hypnotizing eyes. I sat transfixed as if listening to a masterpiece of music for the very first time. Who is this man and why does he make me feel this way? "It seems an introduction is at hand." Stretching his legs out and crossing one over the other, he grinned as the car pulled away from the airport. "I am Carlito Eduardo Machado, and who might you be minha querida?" Minha querida? I wonder what that means, it sounds so sensual the way he says it, this man was utterly mesmerizing, as I sat transfixed and unable to escape from his piercing stare.

"Well my name is Roselyn Moore." I'm so nervous, I feel as if I'm being put under a spell.

"Muito bonita" That language again I wonder what it is. He seemed to have noticed the confused look on my face at his words because a light smirk played across his lips. "In my language muito bonita means very beautiful."

"Thank you, I was named after my mom."

"Yes, your name is very beautiful too." As his eyes bore into me, I felt naked under his stare. Laughing it off I tried to think of something to change the subject.

"So, where are you from? What brings you here?" I beamed a smile at him as if what he said hadn't affected me.

***Change POV***

Despite her efforts to appear unfazed, the flush in her cheeks betrayed her inner thoughts. She was so much like an open book. Never had I met a woman who bared her emotions so transparently.

"I'm here on business from Brazil, among other things."

"Brazil! I've always wanted to go there!" She suddenly perked up, but just as fast realizing how close she had moved forward, flew back into her seat in embarrassment. Leaning forward I reached out as if to touch her face. Shocked she shrunk back even more, as I picked the piece of debris that was stuck in her hair, she gave out a slight sigh of relief; though I could see tell she was momentarily disappointed. I couldn't help but laugh, every new face she made only caused me to want to tease her more. Once again, her cheeks flushed under her tanned skin, she truly was a peculiar woman, turning from her I wondered at how long it had been since last I laughed like this, a peculiar woman indeed.

***Change POV***

Though Mr. Machado continued to tease me, our conversation was very pleasant, as we talked until, we reached the resort. When we got out of the car, I turned to him,

"Thank you for telling me about Brazil, now I want to go there more than ever."

"The pleasure was all mine minha querida." Some men, probably business associates, immediately met Mr. Machado at the door

"It seems as if I am needed Miss. Moore, if fate shall have it, I believe this will not be our last meeting." taking my hand he placed a light kiss on it before turning to leave. I looked on after him as he disappeared inside of the resort. Grabbing my bag, I turned to walk into the resort to check in, though it was early in the afternoon, I had already begun to feel the jet lag. Checking to make sure I didn't forget anything I entered the large hall that marked the entry way of the resort. To my disappointment Mr. Machado was nowhere to be seen, but there was nothing to be done, we were strangers after all. Besides I'm in love with another man, that one fact remains the same. Just as Eric came to mind, I realized something, even if it was just for a moment, not once had I thought about Eric, or Mel or anything, not while with that man, how strange. After checking in, I was led to my room. This resort was by far the best I had ever been able to stay in. It was as exotic, as it was beautiful.

Laying in bed I replayed the conversations I had with the receptionist earlier…

"You know, there's actually going to be a luau tonight and tomorrow night if you're interested. It'll be free food and drinks for VIP guests, so if you just show them this wrist band, they'll be happy to take care of you." I'm VIP? I didn't know that. "Here's your room, just call room service if you need anything." Placing my bag down in the living room the young man turned to me. It took me a while to realize he was waiting for a tip, so I gave $5, since I wasn't sure what VIP gave for tips. When he left the room, I went around amazed at how big the it was. Paul must be a pretty wealthy businessman to get a room like this. Going over to the bed I jumped on it,

"This is like heaven." Rolling over I looked at the clock, "It's only a quarter till 2" rolling back, I decided to take a slight nap, I wanted to rest a bit before going to check out the Luau. Maybe I'll meet Mr. Machado again if I go, that was my last thought before slipping into a silent sleep.