Wash

I glanced around. “It is the ultimate dream vacation.”

He clanked my glass, his face beaming. “To us.”

I didn’t know what to say to that comment. Part of me wanted to say something sarcastic and spiteful, but I refrained. I promised myself I’d be on my best behavior. So I just smiled.

A woman came over and took our empty glasses, then offered us Dawas she had on a serving tray.

“What’s in it?” I asked curiously.

“It’s a popular Kenyan cocktail made with vodka, honey, lime juice and crushed ice,” she said. “It’s very good.”

I reached for a glass. “Sure, I’d love to try one.”

Jake gulped his right down.

I took a tentative drink and gagged. “It’s very strong.”

“You’re more of a wine girl,” he teased.

I chuckled. “I think so, but I’m always up to trying a new experience.”

“Dinner is ready,” a man announced.

Jake grinned. “Shall we?”

I smiled. “Yes, I’m famished.”

Delicious aromas filled the air all around us. “Everything smells so divine.”

“Our chef is truly amazing,” a woman said as she motioned us to the buffet.

Our meal included salad, some local dishes and I wasn’t sure what they were, breads, goat stew, ugali, steak, ostrich, chicken, lamb, corn on the cob, tilapia, and boerewors, which was a South African sausage that I’d been dying to try.

I filled my plate with all kinds of goodies. Jake pul

led out my chair for me to sit down and I thanked him with a smile.

“What’s for dessert?” Jake asked our hostess as she walked by.

“Pineapple surprise. Afolabi just has to decide how much rum to flambé it with.”

“Tell him lots,” the blonde woman in a glitzy silver dress said.

We all laughed.

Every time I looked up, I caught Jake staring into my eyes. He was basking in the silver-white glow, his eyes sparking in the flickering candlelight. His jet-black hair hung in waves to his shoulders. Old memories flooded my mind as I stared at his beautiful face and soft lips. I imagined my lips pressed against his. Oh, how I wanted to taste those lips, that mouth, his kiss. I remembered his hair sweeping across my skin as he left trails of kisses down my body. I could still remember the feel of his lips. I could remember every single detail, how good it felt to have him hold me. I wanted nothing more than to embrace him in my arms.

“This is amazing,” he said, taking my hand.

I felt the electricity from his touch, and I was stumbling for words. I pulled away and sipped my wine. “This dinner is so elegant,” I said.

“I can’t believe I’m getting the chance to dine under the African sky with lions, zebras, and giraffes, drinking wine with a gorgeous woman, and listening to a beautiful symphony of insects. I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

“You’re being so sweet, but yes, this is a little slice of heaven.”

“How about another toast?” he asked. “To making it to Africa.”

“Cheers!” I said, clinking his glass.