Second Time Around

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

EPILOGUE

A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR

Second Time Around

by

Nailah

Copyright 2011 Charmaine A Gill

Smashwords Edition

Discover other titles by Nailah at: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/nailah

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Second Time Around

CHAPTER ONE

Bingo! I've got her right where I want her. Everything’s going according to plan.

Daniel Morris whispered to himself as he glanced at his watch then turned to eye his companion with an interest that was obviously more than casual. He was intrigued by the lovely view Layne Ellison's slinky, low-cut blouse afforded him. He put an arm around her, drawing her closer to him as they entered the busy nightclub, in an effort to protect her from the bustle of the crowd.

This was their first date and they'd decided to spend it, wisely or not, in The SoundYard, one of Barbados' most popular West Coast nightspots.

Although the club’s main area, which included three well-stocked bars, the DJ’s booth and a large dance floor, was covered by a large roof, the lack of walls gave patrons the impression of being in a large garden. The palm trees and water fountain, combined with cooling tropical breezes added greatly to the effect

Layne relaxed against Daniel's body. She liked what she felt. He had a strong, lean, athletic frame.

As if sensing her thoughts, Daniel murmured, mouth close to her ear: I could take you back to my place now and show you my swimming trophies. That's how I got this body.

I'd like to think about that, Layne replied with a tight smile. She broke away from him and headed for a vacant table while he went to get their drinks. He returned quickly, handing her the rum and coke she'd requested. She sipped her drink, watching him through her lashes, totally unaware of how seductive she looked.

She was glad that Daniel was the exact opposite of Zach, the man whom, after eight years of separation, she’d finally come to think of as her ex. Daniel was boyish, sweet and seemed uncomplicated. They'd met through work. Layne ran her own photography business and did freelance work for the advertising agency where Daniel worked. Daniel had joined the company, Real Promotion, two weeks before and had asked her out several times so you can show me around town he’d said each time with an inviting smile. Layne had been very surprised by the invitation and even more surprised when she heard herself accept it.

It had been a long time since she'd had a real date. More than eight years.

Loser! she heard the voice of her best friend, Vicki Roberts, teasing her. It’s about time you got back into the ocean. There’re plenty more fish out there, you know?

But, after Zach, she wasn't interested in getting involved with anyone. He had burned her too badly. The emotional scar tissue left her feeling stiff and unyielding when it came to matters of the heart. And, apart from that, she’d had responsibilities that kept her off the battlefield of dating.

She shook her head as if to dispel the too-serious thoughts that were surfacing.

Now that I'm here, though, she thought, I should just relax, go with this flow, see what happens.

She glanced at the good-looking, caramel-coloured man sitting across from her at the small, round table, and, far from calm, realised she suddenly felt nervous. Downing her drink quickly, she smiled brightly at him.

I think I'd like to see your trophies, after all, but let's have another drink before we go.

As if sensing some inner conflict in Layne, Daniel tilted her head and kissed her on the cheek. It wasn't a sexual act. Watching her closely, he said; I was just kidding. I'm not going to rush you into anything. I want you to relax, have fun. Trust me, okay? We're just friends.

Without waiting for her reply, he left her sitting at one of the small tables near the dance floor and went off to the bar to get their drinks.

Layne watched him go. His words had reassured her. She now felt totally relaxed.

And that's the problem, the little voice in her head told her. There's no tension crackling between you and Danny. Danny isn't Zach.

She looked down at her hands and found herself subconsciously playing with the simple gold band that encircled the third finger of her right hand.

She looked for Daniel and lost sight of him in the growing crowd around the bar. She turned her attention to the rest of the club. She wasn't fond of nightclubs; found them too loud, too dark and too crowded. Being in a crowded club always reminded her of strange dreams. She found herself easily disoriented by the flashing lights, the pounding bass lines and shoving bodies. This club was different, the airy ambience added to her relaxed mood.

Despite the crowd at the door, The SoundYard was nowhere near full. The night was yet young. The dance floor, between the bar and the table-for-two at which Layne sat, was filling rapidly.

Layne watched a number of youngsters hip hop their way onto the dance floor and laughed out loud as her gaze focused next on six youngsters doing their arhythmic thing on the colorfully-lit tiles. They were shuffling their feet and clapping almost as if running to catch the music's beat.

She noticed Daniel returning to their table. He was watching her intently as he approached. There was a strange quality in his gaze.

What am I getting myself into this time? She wondered. And how come he doesn’t move in slow motion when I watch him? She vaguely remembered that anytime she’d watched Zach from a distance, he seemed to move in slow motion. The special effects of true love. Do you see the world in rose pink too? He’d teased when she mentioned it to him once.

She shook her head again, trying to stay focused on the moment.

Part of the reason she had come to The SoundYard with Daniel was to try to forget about Zach. At least for a little while. You'd have thought 8 years away from him would solve that, girl, she silently chided herself. Her plan didn't seem to be working. All night she'd been mentally comparing the two men and she was beginning to think she'd made a terrible mistake in accepting this date.

Of course there are advantages to an evening like this, Layne thought as she watched Daniel. Layne was a leg woman and took the opportunity to admire Daniel's, long and muscular, and the perfect fit of his faded blue jeans.

As Daniel walked towards her, Layne's gaze swept the length of his body until it reached his eyes. They were the second physical feature Layne found attractive in a man. Daniel's grey-green eyes (the kind her Momma used to call pretty-eyes) were intelligent and friendly. They issued an open invitation to fun. Layne liked what she saw.

And Daniel liked what he saw. Five feet, eight inches of African splendour. Layne's skin, the colour of copper, was smooth and radiated good health. Her brown eyes, flecked with gold-coloured highlights, were set in an oval-shaped face above her high cheekbones. Her nose, long and slim and slightly flared at the tip, told of her mixed-race ancestry.

Layne was a voluptuous woman; not fat but big. She worked hard to keep her figure - particularly her abs - in shape. Like most women her hair - waist length dreadlocks which she often wore in elaborate head-ties - was her pride and joy. Also, like most women, she knew her every physical flaw in detail and couldn't see her true beauty because of them.

Daniel could hardly believe Layne had finally accepted his invitation. After asking her out every day for two weeks, he was shocked by her simple, quiet ‘yes’ of the day before. He knew, instinctively, he was not her type. That didn't matter. She wasn't his either. It was not her curvaceous body that attracted him, but the aura - a mixture of independence and vulnerability - that she projected. Daniel definitely wanted to get to know her; to get to know if he was right about the hidden strengths he suspected she possessed; to find out more about this woman his male colleagues at Real Promotions called the Ice Princess, because she never mixed her business with their pleasure.

Why is she still alone in life? He wondered. A woman with her looks, her build (his eyes rested briefly on her generous cleavage) her intelligence and talent should have a bevy of men ready to take her wherever she wants to go. What happened to her eight years ago? If all goes according to plan, a certain gentleman is going to be very lucky tonight and find out.

Daniel handed Layne her drink.

How're you feeling? he asked.

I.... Layne cleared her throat nervously. Her second thoughts had returned. Danny, I.... she began again but couldn't finish. Didn't know what to say.

I think I understand. Daniel looked at her with friendly eyes. I'm betting you've had a rough time in the past and right now you're still trying to mend that broken heart of yours. Am I right? I must be, he said with a laugh. It can’t be me!

Layne laughed too but had no answer. Daniel's diagnosis was, basically, correct. She was surprised by his perception. Or maybe he'd just heard the story many times before. Or, damn it!, been the story many times before, she thought.

Daniel smiled. Let's just finish our drinks and then I'll see you home. Are you cool with that? Maybe you can see my stamp collection some other time.

I thought you were going to show me your swimming trophies.

Oh, I was...am...will. I was just testing you. Wanted to see if you were paying attention.

They laughed. With grace and humour, Daniel had managed to diffuse a potentially uncomfortable situation and the couple talked companionably until their drinks were gone and they decided to call it a night.

It was minutes to midnight and the club party was just starting to rock. The DJ was deep into his Reggae hour and, as he put it, flinging down nuff lyrics and nuff chat on The Friday night SoundYard track. He followed his spiel by playing the latest Beres Hammond hit.

As the couple made their way through the throng of gyrating bodies that stood between them and the door, Daniel placed an arm around Layne's waist; simultaneously protecting her from, and gently guiding her through, the crowd.

His touch made her feel warm inside but she didn't feel as if she'd won the sexual jackpot, instead she'd spent a few pleasant hours with a new friend.

They emerged from the sweaty heat of the club into the cool air of the island night. Lost in her thoughts, Layne did not notice the man who suddenly stepped into her path until she had bumped into him. She didn't look up right away. She didn't need to. She knew immediately, instinctively, who it was. She felt faint. To run into him after all this time. On tonight of all nights.

Zach looked down at Layne and Daniel with piercing dark brown eyes that seemed to shoot icicles.

What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this? he growled softly. His emphasis on the word 'nice' indicated he thought her anything but.

Daniel, noticing Layne's discomfort, slipped an arm around her shoulders. She leaned against him, grateful for the offered support and protection. She was, however, defenceless against the contempt that flowed from Zach's eyes and threatened to drown her.

Looking from one to the other, Daniel motioned to Zach and asked: I presume this is him?

Uh, yes. Um, Danny, I'd like you to meet Zach. Zach, Daniel. Daniel's a friend of mine from work.

This last comment was directed at Zach. Zach raised an eyebrow and said with ill-disguised anger: A very intimate friend, evidently.

He looked pointedly at the arm draped across Layne's shoulders.

Layne shifted uneasily.

Daniel tightened his grip on her.

Relax, love, he said. You can't let an ex affect you like this.

Ex? Zach asked, his tone sarcastic. Oh, Layne, what have you been telling him about us?

The question was coldly mocking.

He didn't wait for her to attempt a reply but turned to Daniel and said coolly: Ex-anything doesn't quite cut it, Danny. Try husband!

CHAPTER TWO

Zach was tall, dark-skinned and good looking. He wasn't classically handsome, his facial features were too angular to be considered that, but he was a prime specimen of African manhood. His dark brown eyes, large and seemingly all-seeing, combined with his long nose and well-defined lips gave him an air of control and mystery. That aura, more than his looks, made him irresistible to women.

Even now, Layne noticed, Zach was receiving quite a few second glances from some of the women in the club.

Of course she didn't notice she was the recipient of more than a fair share of attention from the club's male patrons.

Zach, unaware of the stir he was creating, continued to look coolly from Layne to Daniel.

Daniel, to his merit, hid the shock he might have felt well, Layne thought. The slight biting of his fingernails into her shoulder was the only indication that he had even heard Zach. Slowly, he loosened his hold on Layne who stood motionless beside him and felt, if possible, weaker than ever.

He looked at Layne. Do you want to go with him? he asked gently.

She nodded slowly. Not really, but I think I should. The last thing I want is to create a scene.

I'm sorry, Danny, she added. She couldn't look him in the eye. She felt cheap; like a cheat. Although she hadn't done anything wrong. I'm sorry, she muttered again.

Hey, don't worry about it, Daniel replied as cheerfully as possible. This was meant to be. Layne noticed that he looked at Zach pointedly as he said the words. The emphasis he placed on the statement seemed to contain some special meaning to Zach, who, Layne noticed, nodded slightly. Daniel managed a smile which didn't quite reach his eyes. He looked more concerned than happy.

As Zach reached for her, Layne offered no resistance and Daniel released her completely.

Zach's hold on her wrist was like a vice.

Come on, darling. It's way past your bedtime.

Layne flinched from the look on her husband's face. It was a look of pure, cold fury. He pushed his way through the crowd, pulling Layne behind him. Layne looked back to see that Daniel had already turned away and was talking to a petite, dark-skinned young woman with a silky bob of straight black hair and a little silky black dress to match.

Don't look back, my love. Danny boy's served his purpose. He's already gone looking for another conquest.

Zach had stopped, his gaze following hers. He looked down at her.

And I've already got mine, he declared.

She looked at him. His face was unreadable.

Outside, Zach deposited Layne in the front passenger seat of his Porsche, before striding to the other side and slipping into the driver's seat. He sat for a moment, staring straight ahead, evidently trying to gain control of some unrecognisable emotion.

I'm taking you home, Zach said, and then you're going to tell me where the hell you've been for the last eight years!

The roar of the car engine cut off the protesting reply Layne was about to make as Zach turned the key.

As Zach drove, Layne pretended to fall asleep. She didn't want to talk to him. She wished herself anywhere but here. Anywhere but in this car. Anywhere but with this man.

Zach skillfully manoeuvred the car through the rain-slicked streets of Bridgetown. It was February and the rainy season was lingering, manifesting itself as early-morning showers. The SoundYard was in Sunset Crest on the west coast of the island. Layne lived in the south, about an hour's drive away.

Where are you taking me? she asked.

Zach didn’t answer for such a long time that when he finally spoke, the sound of his voice startled Layne.

I’m taking you home, Layne. Where else would I be taking you at this time of the morning? So, Layne, what have you been up to for the last eight years, seven months, three weeks and four days?

Layne raised an eyebrow