Page 29 of Winner Takes All

“Mom taught me. She told me from the time I was young that any man worth keeping better impress his woman with moves.”

“Your mom was incredible.”

“She’s most likely teaching dance lessons in heaven right now,” he says.

“I agree with you on that.” It’s bittersweet to talk about the ones we’ve lost. The last thing I want to do is be sad in this beautiful place among incredible people.

Victor must feel the same, because he suddenly twirls me again before pulling me close and holding me tight, our faces mere inches apart. For a moment everyone else disappears.

“I think you might be in love with the Bahamas,” he says.

I might be falling in love with more than the Bahamas. I don’t say this though. “Don’t tell Sia, but I might like the Bahamas better than Seaville.”

“Oh, that will certainly get you into trouble. Your bestie might never forgive you.”

“She will if I bring her some spices then whisk her here for the next trip,” I tell him.

“We’re coming back?” he asks.

“Anytime you want,” I quickly reply.

“I’ll take you anywhere you want to go,” he says with such intensity I know he means it. We might travel the world together. That doesn’t sound too bad at all.

Victor spins me again, making me laugh, and I’m having the time of my life. I’m in a beautiful place, already having cooked incredible food, met a beautiful man who’s shown me more about Victor’s character, and now I’m dancing with the person I’m quickly falling in love with. I’m more alive than I’ve ever been.

The night continues with more dancing and conversation before we finally sit to enjoy the feast we helped prepare for the buffet. There’s grilled snapper with jerk seasoning, coconut rice, plantains, and a papaya salad with a tangy lime dressing among many other items. There’s no shortage of food for us and everyone else.

“Amazing,” I say with a deep sigh as I continue stuffing more bites than I need into my mouth.

Kofi grins. “Dat’s how we do it in de islands. Good food, good vibes, and all of it topped wit love.”

“We don’t need to ever leave,” Victor says with a wink.

I gaze at him, warmth settling in my chest. “Maybe we shouldn’t.” I might mean this in the moment, but eventually Seaville will call me home. It always does. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to enjoy every minute of my time here.

Right now, surrounded by laughter, music, and the delicious taste of adventure I’m pretty damn content. I’m ready to leap off the cliff with Victor, not holding anything back. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best things in life truly do come when we least expect them. Victor Fortier might be the best of all.

Chapter Fifteen

Nikki

The sun dips low over the horizon, casting a glow across the ocean as Victor and I weave our way through the bustling Jamaican market. This is why I want to travel the world. We get locked into our own little bubbles and forget to realize how different places add so much perspective to our lives.

The market is alive with colors, sounds, and the smells of freshly ground spices, ripe mangoes, roasted peanuts, and the heady scent of fresh herbs. We aren’t moving too quickly, because I want to see it all. Victor, who’s clearly been here before, navigates the area like he’s lived here his entire life. He’s good at bartering with the vendors, joking with them in a mix of Patois and English which makes everyone laugh. I love that he’s the one I’m with on this trip.

He grins at me after his latest purchase, holding up a bag of scotch bonnet peppers. “Think you can handle these, Nik?”

I’m not so sure about eating them, but I refuse to show weakness. “I can handle some heat. A few peppers aren’t enough to scare me.” They are, but he doesn’t have to know this.

He gives me a knowing look. “We’ll see.” He tosses the peppers into our bag that’s already brimming with vibrant fruits and veggies, and a few mysterious spices I can’t wait to try out.

We’re gathering ingredients for a special dinner at Kofi’s mother’s house — Mama Lorna, as everyone here calls her. I’ve been told she’s the queen of jerk chicken, and I’m truly excited to learn from her.

We mosey on before we make our way out of the market. I dance along the streets filled with excitement. “I’m truly falling in love with the Bahamas,” I tell him.

He gives me a teasing grin. “I was hoping you might be falling for me.”

I give him a playful nudge. “Maybe I’m falling for both.”

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