Harmony (Part 9 Of 16)
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“Charlie.” A smile spread wide on Eduardo’s lips as he strode toward the older woman.
Lips Stacy had tasted. Once. And she wanted to taste again. It was wrong, so wrong. How can she be about to commit herself to one man and crave the taste, the touch, the proximity of another?
Eduardo and Javier exchanged greetings with Charlie. They laughed at some inside joke Stacy didn’t understand.
“Charlie, this is Stacy Walker. She is a teacher from America. Charlie is a teacher also and a dear friend.”
“Stacy.” The woman leaned forward. Stacy did too. There was an awkward kissing of cheeks.
It was a very Central American thing, the kissing, the touching. There was no dishonor in kissing, Eduardo said. It was expected. Some of the tension eased from Stacy’s shoulders. She was not a bad person.
“You are a teacher, honey?” Charlie said in English softened by a rolling Southern accent. “Are you on sabbatical?”
Something like that. “Summer break. I go back in September.”
“Stacy will be staying in the village.” Eduardo’s arm circled her waist. “Do you know of someone wishing a boarder?”
The woman’s eyes lit up. “You could stay with me.” Stacy’s hand was covered. “I’ll cook for you. We could have pizza and burgers and…,” Charlie’s face softened as though she hadn’t had those foods in a while. “That is, if you want, honey.”
Stacy glanced up at Eduardo. He nodded, looking pleased. “I’d love that,” she murmured.
“We’ll move you in right…,”
“We have to go. The Boss, he waits for you, Eduardo.” Javier interrupted, his expression anxious. “Very bad mood. He threatens to,” He made a slicing movement with his hand across his throat. “everyone.”
A chill fell over Stacy. Had she put Eduardo at risk with his boss, this crime boss they were both so loyal to? “Eduardo…”
“I will see him. Explain,” Eduardo reassured her. “He would never hurt you. Don’t worry.” He hugged her.
He misunderstood. “It is not me I’m worried about. It is you.”
Their bodies touching, Stacy felt him tremble. “You worry… about me?” he asked, eyes wide with disbelief.
Had no one ever worried about him before? “Of course.”
“Of course, you worry… about me,” he repeated, his normally strong voice weak.
“I got you into trouble.” That was why she was worried, because she was responsible, and because Eduardo was a nice person and… that was it.
He stepped away, shaking himself. “No, no trouble.” Javier’s raised eyebrow said the opposite. “The Boss will not hurt me. I promise. You stay here. I will be back in an hour or two for our big breakfast.”
“You haven’t eaten?” Charlie chirped happily. “I could make bacon and eggs and pancakes.”
It was not exactly the Belizean meal Stacy had been anticipating. “That would be nice,” Eduardo agreed to it anyway. “I will text you, Charlie, when I am done.”
“Eduardo, the Boss.” Javier shifted impatiently.
Eduardo didn’t acknowledge him. “You will be okay? Here with Charlie?” He looked concerned, about her.
She was concerned about him. “I’ll be okay. Will you…,”
He squeezed her waist. “I’ll be okay. You don’t worry… about me.”
“Eduardo,” Javier cautioned.
“You go.” Charlie shooed him away.
“Yes, yes, I go.” Eduardo raised his hands. He paused. Then he surged forward. His big hand on her hip, the heat of his palm felt through her clothes, he kissed her on the lips quickly.
By the time, Stacy recovered from the contact, he was gone. Charlie eyed her, a slight smile illuminating her face. “Your man will be hours, Stacy. I’ll make us a snack.”
He was not her man. She should correct Charlie. She didn’t. She followed the woman into the house.
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