Soul Mates

Soul Mates

The Author’s Cut Edition

by

Bridget Anderson

Originally published by Kensington Books, 1997

Copyright © 2012 Bridget Anderson

Smashwords Edition

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All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the copyright owner. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locals is entirely coincidental.

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Cover by The Killion Group, Inc.

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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

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

About The Author

Chapter One

Cheryl loved the feeling of Jamal's hands gently sliding over her hips, and between her legs. When he brought his hands up to caress her breasts, she arched her back, loving the feel of them. She pressed her lips together to hold back the moan ready to escape from her lips. Her skin was sensitive to his touch. He eased on top of her and kissed her face, gently trailing kisses down her neck. She could feel his breath on her breast as he circled her nipple with his tongue. A strong yearning built up in the pit of her stomach. He moved from one breast to the other, enhancing her pleasure.

He moaned with each passionate kiss he gave. When he moved down to her navel, she almost screamed, not wanting him to stop. Slowly he moved back up to her lips. He played with them for a moment, sucking first her bottom lip then her top. When he opened his mouth to place it over hers, she felt his heat against her skin. The erotic sounds coming from him turned her on even more than his naked body.

He rolled over on his back, and she buried her face in his chest. She loved to play with his chest hairs and suck his sensitive nipples. She knew he couldn't take it much longer. His legs circled hers, holding her closer to him. His body was on fire. She blew on his chest to cool him off.

It was his turn. Jamal liked to be the aggressor. Relax baby—we've got all night. He moved on top of her, pressing his body against hers so she could feel his desire.

Cheryl wanted him more than anything right now. Jamal, please don't torture me. I need to feel you inside me. This was what she'd wanted and needed, slow and passionate love making. Tonight they weren't just having sex; they were making the most beautiful love. Together, they'd learned pleasure points neither knew existed before.

Jamal was about to fulfill Cheryl's desires, and she knew it. Nothing on this earth could be better than to have the man you love love you back. Cheryl reached for Jamal. Tonight, she wanted him to give her that baby they'd been trying to have for six months. She slid her arm across his side of the bed, but felt nothing. She opened her eyes. Jamal wasn't there. Sitting up, she looked around the cabin. He wasn't in the room. His side of the bed felt cold. He hadn't even come to bed.

Cheryl lay back on her pillow and counted the ceiling tiles in the cabin. The whole thing had been a dream. He wasn't making passionate love to her. But it had felt so real, she thought. She needed Jamal to hold her and let her know how much he loved her. She'd felt his hands on her body, causing thrilling sensations to run from her breasts to her toes.

Dammit, where is he? she wondered. She sat up, reached for her pink satin robe and got out of bed. She tied the robe close to her, trying to rid her naked body of the chill. She put on her slippers and went to open the curtains, squinting from the bright early morning sun. She'd never seen water so blue before. It looked like something from a postcard. She couldn't take her eyes from the water. She also couldn't wait to lie on the beach. St. Thomas was the first stop on their seven day cruise. This cruise was Jamal's idea, she said to herself. His first anniversary gift to her, and she wouldn't forget it. Jamal called it The Ship of Conception, during this trip she would get pregnant.

Our first night on board and he doesn't even wake up with me, she thought. She walked over and sat on the bed again. She'd left him in the casino last night and didn't recall his coming to bed.

She walked over to the mirror and looked at herself. Her workouts kept her slender and in good shape. She rubbed her hand across her honey brown body. The facial she’d had before the trip made her look younger than twenty-eight. Her eyebrows were arched just the way she liked them, high on the end. After only a day on the ship, the bags under her wide-set black eyes were gone. She needed this cruise as much as Jamal. Working two part-time jobs had taken its toll on her. First there was Compact Source, the job that paid the bills. Then her desktop publishing company, Houston Publications was slow going. She spent most of her time advertising and trying to drum up business. It was becoming a full-time job, taking up all her spare time. While they were saving for their house, the business had seemed perfect for extra money. Now that the house was built, she saw no reason why she had to continue working like she did. She wasn't sure how much longer she could keep it up.

She brushed back black strands of hair. Her French braid would be easier to care for while on the cruise. She walked over to the closet and began laying out her clothes for the day. She had to get dressed and find her husband. I hope he's okay, she said.

Jamal sat on top deck looking around, and thinking about the night before. Unable to sleep at six o'clock that morning, he’d put his sweat suit on and gone out for a jog around the deck. He'd been careful not to disturb Cheryl when he left the cabin. Last night had been important, and not only to Cheryl, but he’d had too much on his mind to concentrate, even when she lay next to him in her birthday suit. With the swaying of the ship, he watched Cheryl fall asleep like a baby in its cradle. Staring up at the ceiling, he wondered what type of father he would make. He never admitted it to Cheryl, but not having a father growing up had bothered him. He wanted to know his father, even if he couldn't be with him. After his father left, he never returned—and not even one phone call. That hurt most.

He had no doubt Cheryl would make a good mother. Occasionally, at family functions, he'd witnessed her maternal instincts. She was so gentle and patient with children. She loved them. She'd read books to prepare for motherhood during the last year.

Jamal was still on top deck when the ship pulled into St. Thomas. After it docked, he still wasn't ready to face Cheryl. He went into the Boiler Room Grill for a glass of orange juice. Instead of returning to his seat, he walked over to the side of the boat and looked out at St. Thomas.

He thought about his family plans, and how far they'd come in relation to them. They had been married one year, and built a new home. He wanted his children no more than two years apart. He'd already started a college fund, purchasing bonds from the bank. He wanted to be organized and ready when this baby came along. If Cheryl didn't conceive this month, she'd mess up his plans.

When he looked around and saw people getting off the boat he decided to wake Cheryl. Then they'd tour St. Thomas. He didn't want his feelings of apprehension to spoil any of her fun.

The cabin door opened before he put his key in.

She jumped, seeing Jamal standing outside the door. Oh! You scared me.

He smiled at how beautiful she looked this morning. She had on a slim-cut peach tank dress that reached mid-calf, with a split up the side. Gold hoop earring’s with gold sandals. She’d touched up her braid. The dress fit her like a glove. It wasn't so tight that he would disapprove. It was perfect. She looked sexy in just about anything she wore, and he loved that. He wasn't a slave to fashion, but appearances were important to him.

I'm sorry. I was about to put my key in when you opened the door. He walked in, shutting the door behind him. Where were you going?

Out to look for you. Where have you been? Did you come to bed last night?

Of course I came to bed. You were asleep and I didn't want to disturb you. He took off his Atlanta Braves cap, then his Atlanta Hawks sweat suit.

Jamal, I didn't hear you get up this morning, either. She put her purse and sweater on the dresser and sat down.

I couldn't sleep, so I got up before we pulled into St. Thomas and went for an early jog.

I worried about you. I had no idea whether you came to bed or not. Please don't do that again. Cheryl took both hands and smoothed them back over her hair. She let out a long sigh.

I'm sorry. I won't. Look, give me a few minutes and I'll be ready for breakfast. Let me jump in the shower. He walked into the bathroom and closed the door.

***

Cheryl sat there wondering what had really kept him away from her most of the night and this morning. Maybe something was bothering him, something he didn't want to discuss with her. The lack of communication was something she didn't like about their relationship. They'd become too busy to discuss their problems.

She hoped he didn't worry about having a baby. She stood up and looked at herself in the mirror. Maybe he wasn't attracted to her anymore. She hadn't thought of it until now, but when he came to bed last night he would have had to see she had nothing on. If her naked body didn't turn him on, then she was in trouble. Tonight she'd have to pull out her secret weapon. If that didn't work, nothing would. Oh, why couldn't my dream have been true, she asked herself.

When Jamal had undressed and stood before her only a few moments ago, she had wanted to undress and crawl back into bed. She loved his body, every rippling muscle, and pec. He was so meticulous about his personal appearance. He was also into good health and kept his body in tip-top shape. She wanted to give him a son, and she wanted to keep working on it tonight. Cheryl moved away from the mirror and finished putting away her things before Jamal stepped out of the bathroom.

***

Jamal walked around the cabin with a towel around his waist. I hate that bathroom. It feels like I'm stepping into a closet. How do they expect a man to shower in that little thing?

She looked up at Jamal and her mouth fell open. She didn't hear a word he said. She was too busy watching him dry off. He was a perfect specimen of a black man, all five feet eleven inches of him. His firm muscular body had been the first thing that attracted her to him years ago. He looked as good today as he had then. She loved his hair cut close, but not too close. His mustache and beard were trimmed close to his face, which she thought made him look incredibly sexy. His luscious full lips added tremendously to his sex appeal. She didn't know where he'd gotten his gray eyes, but they were a nice contrast to his dark brown skin. She had confirmation of how good he looked every time they went out. Women always did a double take when they saw Jamal, and she loved knowing that he was hers.

So, is this what I'm wearing today? Jamal pointed to the clothes lying on the bed.

Cheryl was at the foot of the bed, raised up on one elbow. Yes, I think you look good in walking shorts. It shows off those beautiful legs of yours.

Jamal sat on the bed putting his socks on. I don't mind you picking out my clothes. In fact, I like you shopping for me. I just don't like you telling me what to wear each day. It makes me feel like a little boy. Then you reminded me of my mother.

Well, I'll tell you what. I'll keep picking them out, but I'll let you pull them together. I didn't know it made you feel that way.

Yeah, whatever. Once dressed, he reached for his baseball cap. He had his favorites, and once he liked something, he wore it to death. He looked at Cheryl, a question in his eyes.

Go ahead, put it on. I couldn't stop you if I wanted to, she admitted.

Yes, you could.

How? She sat up and scooted to the edge of the bed.

Buy me another one.

How about not wearing one at all?

Maybe later today. It's too sunny out there right now. I can't find my shades. Have you seen them? He looked in the dresser drawers, then in his jacket pocket, for his shades.

No, but we can buy you a pair today. This time I'm tying a string around your neck so you don't lose them.

I swear, I'd lose my head if it wasn't connected to my neck. He sat on the bed and checked his watch. Come on, Baby, let's grab something to eat and get off this boat. He put his arms around Cheryl's neck. What would I do without you? He kissed her forehead.

You won't ever have to worry about that. Now come on, let's go. I'm hungry. She grabbed his hand and they left the room.

***

They caught a taxi and went on their own private tour of St. Thomas. It was Sunday, so many of the shops hadn't opened yet. The shops opened after church around one.

When they reached the cliffs of Bluebeard's Castle, Cheryl wanted to get out and take pictures of the castle turned into a quaint hotel. When they reached Magens Bay, Cheryl asked Jamal to cancel the rest of the tour and spend the remaining time right there on the beach.

Baby, did you know that this is one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world? she asked.

Yes, I did. But we hadn't planned on stopping here. What do you want to do?

We can just walk along the beach and enjoy the beauty of it. What happened to your sense of spontaneity? Everything doesn't have to be in the plan. She took off her shoes and headed for the beach.

He called after her, Everything's not in the plan. I know how to be spontaneous. I just hadn't planned on this, like I said.

Jamal let the taxi driver know their plans, then followed Cheryl to the beach.

Jamal, you know what I want to do some time?

No, what's that?

I want to come out here with a blanket one night, find the perfect secluded spot in the moonlight, and make love with you, hearing the sound of the waves in the background. I think that's romantic.

I don't know about that. Maybe a pleasant beach house. I'll buy you some tapes with the sound of the ocean, if that's what turns you on.

No, it has to be on the beach.

I can be just as sexy in a bedroom, or at least inside the house.

Prove it to me. She moved next to him.

I will, and in that matchbox they call a cabin. He put his arm around Cheryl, pulled her close, and kissed her.

They spent the rest of the afternoon walking along the beach. Cheryl had Jamal help her dig for shells. Once she had several perfect shells, she was ready to go.

Jamal caught a taxi, which took them back to Main Street, a block or two from the ship. Cheryl suggested they take a few minutes to pick up some souvenirs in the duty-free shops.

They were walking along the street looking in shop windows when Cheryl suddenly had an eerie feeling. She looked back over her shoulder and all around her, but she didn't know what she was looking for. Something just didn't feel right.

***

He stood there and watched her walk toward him. He couldn't move. His eyes were fixed on hers. It was as if he'd been transported back to West Africa, back to his village. As she got closer, he knew it was her. Princess Chayanka Bopela stood right before his eyes. As she walked past, he looked away, not wanting her to see his face, but also out of respect. The gods had resurrected her for him. She was his bride.

***

Cheryl and Jamal returned to the ship in time to get dressed for dinner. Cheryl walked to the window and closed the curtains. She couldn't shake the eerie feeling she'd had all afternoon. In an hour, they'd showered, dressed and left for dinner.

After dinner, Cheryl took Jamal's arm and practically dragged him down the corridor for a game of bingo. Oh, come on, Jamal, it'll be fun. You'll see. They play for money sometimes. She knew the mention of money would change his mind.

The casino is more my style, he stated. I hate bingo! There's going to be a lot of little old ladies in there. You know they get cut throat when it comes to bingo.

Okay, I'll tell you what . . . sit through one game with me, and if you're not having fun we can leave for the casino, Cheryl cajoled until he smiled.

Okay, one game and that's it.

When they reached the Tropicana Lounge, the room was almost full with people. To her surprise there were waiters serving drinks. The buzz in the lounge was the same as it had been all over the ship. People were laughing and having fun. The only thing she didn't like was the cigarette smoke that filled the room. They took a seat and Jamal ordered himself a drink, and a soda for her. She flagged someone down for a bingo card.

Cheryl slid close to Jamal so he could see her card while she played. The announcer said this was the last game for the evening and the cover all was for five hundred dollars. Cheryl leaned over to give Jamal a kiss for luck. See we almost missed it.

Oh, that's too bad, he said sarcastically. He settled back into his seat and stretched out his legs.

Cheryl knew how Jamal hated to throw away money. If he were going to gamble, it would be in the casino. She knew he'd try to win enough money to invest in a CD or something. Because she hadn't grown up in poverty the way he had, he didn't think she understood the real value of a dollar, but she did. She crossed her fingers as she pulled back the tabs on her bingo card.

Cheryl had a sweater over her shoulders, but still felt cold. Every room on the ship was freezing to her. They spared no expense with the air-conditioning, she thought. She suddenly had the same eerie feeling she had when they were in St. Thomas. Someone was watching her, and it was giving her the creeps. Looking around the room, she saw several men smiling at her. She couldn't explain it, but she knew their innocent smirks weren't the cause of her creepy feelings. Nudging Jamal, she showed him her card. She needed one more number before having bingo.

B-twenty-one. The announcer called out.

Before Jamal could glance down at the card, Cheryl yanked it back and jumped from her seat. Bingo, Bingo! she yelled. Over here—I've got bingo. Cheryl threw her sweater from her shoulders. She bounced up and down several times before Jamal grabbed her arms.

You've got bingo? Let me see it. He stood up to see her card, since she wouldn't sit down. The announcer went over the numbers again and Jamal smiled.

The crowd applauded her good fortune.

A hostess came over and counted out Cheryl's money—five one hundred dollar bills. Cheryl rubbed her hands together while slowly bouncing up and down in her seat. Several people sitting near her reached over to shake her hand in congratulation.

See, Jamal—the next time I want to play bingo I bet you'll come with me, no questions asked.

Cheryl, you must be the luckiest woman I've ever met. And boy, am I glad you're my wife. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Congratulations, Baby.

Thank you. She counted her money again and handed it to Jamal. Keep this for me. I don't like carrying that much money around in my purse.

Sure.

As they were leaving, the announcer came on. Get your tickets now for the Rhum Runner Cruise tomorrow morning. You'll be greeted in St. George's harbor by a flat-decked twin powered catamaran, with red and white striped roof. A Steel Band plays calypso on board, while frosty rum punches and fresh fruit are served continuously. We'll stop along a secluded beach, where passengers can swim, snorkel, beach comb, shell hunt, or lie back and enjoy the beach.

Cheryl stopped Jamal, and they eyed each other with interest. How about it? Let's get our tickets now. We can wear our swim suits and comb the beach.

It sounds great to me. How much did he say it cost?

It's only twenty-five dollars.

That's not bad. Let's get our tickets.

Since I've come into a little money, it can be my treat. Cheryl grinned from ear to ear.

Baby that's sweet of you. I knew I was marrying you for more than your looks.

Cheryl smiled. She knew that was his way of saying thank you.

He held her hand and led her out of the lounge. Just as he reached the door a man cut in front of him, almost knocking him down.

Hey! They'd bumped shoulders, jarring Cheryl's hand out of Jamal's.

Excuse me.

Ouch! Cheryl ran into Jamal, landing her nose in his back. She looked up and caught a glimpse of a man standing next to her. He touched her arm. She felt a shiver move through her body. It felt like an electric shock.

Give me your hand. Jamal grabbed Cheryl's hand and started moving through the crowd again. Did you see that jerk? He almost knocked me down.

No, I didn't see him. Cheryl said. I felt him, she thought.

Chapter Two

Cheryl let Jamal stand in line for tickets while she went back to the cabin. Out came her secret weapon, a red and black silk teddy she'd purchased especially for the trip. She slipped into the teddy leaving the front laces untied. She pulled out the portable tape player she had brought along, and some scented candles. Then, she placed a Do Not Disturb sign on the door. She turned the lights out, lit the candles, and lay across the bed waiting for her husband. Tonight she wanted her dream to come true.

***

When Jamal reached their cabin, he noticed the Do Not Disturb sign on the door. Cheryl