Blue Diamond Love: Book One

By L Rita St. Claire

His kisses are hypnotic. His blue eyes haunt her dreams. But he hides an incredible secret...

Five years after her divorce, Pamela Brandon wasn't looking for love. When she meets a mysterious stranger, Hunter Reese, she's entranced by his blue eyes. His eye color is rare for an African-American and identical to her own. While he is cold to her at first, Hunter opens up, and the two fall madly in love.

As their whirlwind romance spins into a marriage proposal, Pamela can't believe her luck. But there's more to Hunter than meets the eye, and she has no idea just how far he's traveled to bring their lives together.

Blue Diamond Love is the first book in a science fiction romance series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L Rita St. Claire
• Release date: Oct 4, 2015
• ISBN: 9781393541288

Book preview

To my mother: Edna Lee Wright

Thank you for believing in me

Copyright© 2015 by L Rita St. Claire

All rights reserved

Formatting by Wyrding Ways Press

Cover by Sweet 'N Spicy Designs

An ordinary day can change into extraordinary when you least expect it. My life changed forever on just such a day. My alarm went off at seven, and as usual, I hit the snooze button for ten more minutes of sleep and snuggled under my comforter. I had just drifted off when the alarm screamed again. I sighed and reached over to turn it off for good this time. Rising to a sitting position, I planted my feet on the rug. Time for a pedicure: a quick fix. If only it was as easy to get rid of those fifteen pounds that had taken up residence and refused to be evicted. Good morning, Dough Lady, I sighed. Stop it, Pamela! Concentrate on the good things. Good morning, Goddess, I amended, and turned my sigh into a smile.

I always woke up in a beautiful place. I threw away my marital bed after my divorce: another quick fix that turned out to be just a symbolic gesture. I had hoped the memories associated with it would vanish, but they still lingered despite my new bed.

I showered, toweled off, slathered my favorite lavender-scented lotion over my body, and then selected black, lacy underwear to coordinate with my black jeans and sweater. Beautiful lingerie was my way to compensate for my less-than-perfect body. When people looked at me, I would smile back and think of my sexy, exquisite undergarments. I might’ve have been overweight, but underneath my ordinary clothes, I was indeed a goddess.

I stopped by McDonalds’ for a large hazelnut coffee on my way to work and pulled into the parking lot of Eleanor Roosevelt High School thirty minutes early to prepare for my teaching day. I always planned a light lesson for my high school freshmen on Fridays. They worked hard all week and deserved a little break. Ancient Egypt, my favorite subject, would be a nice change of pace from American history. Perhaps I would have them design their own mummy case. I listed my learning objectives on the board and added a warm-up exercise. With that done, I could relax for a few more minutes.

I checked my agenda while I sipped my coffee. It was a good thing; I’d forgotten a carpenter was coming by that afternoon for a consultation on installing new bookcases in my study at home, something I had wanted to do for years. I also had a standing date with my friends, Jill and Sherry, for dinner.

Ta-da! It’s Jill! My best friend, a language arts teacher, stepped into my class room. She threw her arms in a wide expanse and twirled around like a model on a fashion runway. She struck a pose, displaying her skinny jeans and electric blue shirt, and putting my casual Friday outfit to shame. She looked fabulous as always. Ready to have fun tonight, Pam?

I smiled. More than ready. It’s been a long week.

You got that right. Hope I’m not interrupting your morning meditation.

No, just planning my lesson for today. Jill knew me very well and how I enjoyed these few minutes of quiet before the students arrived. Something must’ve been on her mind, because she didn’t often disturb me.

Do you still have an appointment with the carpenter today? She perched on my desk.

Yes, you said he’s the best. Is there something wrong?

Well, his work is excellent. You saw the dynamite entertainment center he built for me, but I don’t know. She frowned. There’s something peculiar about him.

I tilted my head, studying her. How so?

I don’t know how to put this into words. I guess he’s just strange. Whenever I was in the room with him, I felt him watching me. It gave me an uneasy feeling.

Wait a minute. Since when have you objected to a man’s eyes on you? You spend half of your time trying to get their attention. You’re the biggest flirt I know. Didn’t you feel that testosterone pull from him you always feel when you’re close to a man?

I expected her to laugh at my comments; instead she pressed her lips together in a straight line, and her frown deepened. No, I didn’t. That in itself is rare.

Are you saying I should cancel the appointment? After all, I’ll be meeting him at my house alone today. Wait a minute; you did say there was something unusual about him and refused to elaborate, saying I would have to see for myself.

Right, I almost forgot. Well, I never had any trouble with him, but most of the time Guy was with me. Why don’t I come over when you meet with him? I want to see your reaction when you notice the thing I’m talking about; then we can go together to meet Sherry.

What thing, Jill?

She smiled and relaxed a little. You’ll see.

Okay, come on over if makes you feel better.

Believe me, it does. Now, I’ve got to go and prepare for my kids. She glanced at my objectives written on the board. See you later.

I shook my head and watched her leave. Jill adored men, and they adored her. She seemed to have some type of siren song she loved to sing, and men loved to listen. I bet the carpenter found her captivating, but why would that bother her? It never did before.

The morning bell rang, interrupting my thoughts. I rose from my desk and took my customary position at the door, greeting my students by name when they trickled in. After they were seated, I explained we were going to have a fun lesson today.

The morning lesson went over well with the kids; their designs were quite good. I enjoyed myself, but in the back of my mind, I couldn’t help dwelling on Jill’s odd comments. Maybe I should cancel the appointment; after all, I lived alone now. Single ladies must be careful these days. But I did want the work done with the same type of craftsmanship displayed in her entertainment center. It wouldn’t hurt to at least meet with the carpenter, and besides, she would be there with me.

Hoping to continue the discussion about the carpenter with Jill, I headed to the lounge at lunch time. I looked around for a seat when I entered and spotted an empty table in the back. I took a seat and Aaron joined me. He also taught history and was forever asking me out, though I liked him as a friend only. He was fun to be around at school and handsome in a rugged sort of way. With his muscular frame and six-foot-plus height, one would assume he was the football coach, not a history teacher. He had been one of Jill’s conquests a couple years ago, but true to her modus operandi, the relationship had ended after a few months. They had parted amicably and remained friends.

Hi, Aaron, how’s it going? I asked.

Hey, Pam with the pretty eyes. He smiled and placed his iPad on the table. I’m glad it’s Friday and the teenage terrorists will be terrorizing someone else this weekend, hopefully their parents. I passed by your room and heard their laughter. I know it was not the result of today’s history lesson.

I returned his smile. You’re so right. I’m a little ahead of the curriculum and decided to have some fun with ancient Egypt today by having them create their own mummy cases.

Good idea. Wish I could mummify some of them. At least tape their mouths shut. You always come up with such good ideas. Big plans for the weekend?

Before I could answer, Samantha Lake, one of the assistant principals, stood up at the table next to us and gave me her Godzilla glare. "What’s this I hear? Are we having problems with the state mandated curriculum, Ms. Brandon?"

I sighed. No, not at all. Samantha was a thorn in my side. She often criticized my teaching methods, though I was a veteran teacher with a master’s degree and national certification.

Then why are you teaching ancient Egyptian history when the curriculum clearly states you’re to teach United States history?

I’m ahead of the curriculum and the students deserved to have a breather today. Ancient Egypt influenced our present-day culture, and our students should be aware of it. You only have to look at the Washington Monument or the back of the dollar bill to see that. It was unfortunate she had overheard our conversation. Samantha was one of those administrators who believed in ‘teaching to the test.’ All she cared about were high test scores on the standardized tests, and she felt students should only be taught how to pass them. She didn’t understand or appreciate creativity in teaching.

I don’t need a history lesson from you. Let me suggest… No, suggest is the wrong word. Follow the curriculum, Ms. Brandon. She inclined her head towards Aaron and smiled, Mr. Avery doesn’t seem to have a problem with it.

It’s because I don’t have a creative mind like Ms. Brandon’s, Aaron said, his jaw tight.

You’re paid to teach according to the curriculum. I trust I won’t hear anything more about this, Ms. Brandon. Enjoy the rest of your day, Mr. Avery. Turning up her nose, she left the lounge.

What a bitch, Aaron whispered. It’s people like her who give public education a bad name.

Thanks for defending me. She seems to like you at any rate.

The feeling is not mutual. I’m not the least bit interested. As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted, big plans for the weekend?

No, just dinner with the girls tonight.

Aaron’s eyes lit up. Perhaps we could have dinner Saturday night?

Sorry, I promised my mother I would help her with a speech she’s giving to her ladies club. It was a lie, but I could never come right out and tell him I wasn’t interested. Whenever he asked me out, I always had some excuse about why I couldn’t accept. He should have taken the hint by now, but he was persistent.

I glanced at his tablet. Working on anything exciting?

He sighed. Yes, but an evening with you would be better. I watched this show on TV where this scholar traced his ancestors back to Africa through his DNA. It was really something. He not only discovered what tribe he was from, he also found out he had European and Asian roots. I’m thinking of getting it done myself.

Should be fascinating.

You’ll regret it when it shows you’re a descendent of Jack the Ripper, and the gene for insanity runs in your family. Paula Bailey, a biology teacher, laughed and took a seat at our table. Paula always dressed outlandishly, and on casual days she pulled out all the stops. Today she wore gold leggings under a purple mini skirt, topped with an orange t-shirt that proclaimed: Bacteria, the Unsung Hero. I couldn’t help but smile at her outfit and breathed a sigh of relief for her presence, hoping it would take Aaron’s mind off me. But I couldn’t focus on their words, and kept my eyes on the door, waiting for Jill to come in.

A few minutes later, she came in but only stayed for a moment. Got to run, Pam, I’m going to have a quick lunch with Guy. I’ll be at your house later. Jill was in a relationship with a man fifteen years younger. The age difference made no difference to either of them. What was amazing was that Jill’s conquests only lasted a few months before she became bored and ready to move on; however, she and Guy had been together for over a year now. Nevertheless, Jill still loved to flirt whenever Guy was not around. I always warned her one day she would get caught, though she never took it too far. She seemed to be genuinely in love with Guy.

Okay. I nodded, disappointed I would have to wait for the school day to end to meet this mysterious man who had so rattled my friend.

I ignored Samantha’s instructions and continued with my lesson on ancient Egypt when I returned to my classroom. I knew what I was doing, and she would just have to write me up if she were so inclined. Still, the day dragged by. When the final bell rang, my students sped out of the classroom with me close behind them. The school and my home were both in Prince George’s County, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. Even so, it was a thirty-minute commute from the school in Greenbelt to my home in Upper Marlboro. But, today, I made in twenty-five minutes.

Jill arrived a few minutes after me. Hi, how much time do we have before the carpenter gets here? she asked when I let her in.

About a half hour. Why?

I could use a drink.

I arched an eyebrow. It’s still pretty early, Jill.

Don’t worry; you’re driving to the restaurant. I just need to settle my nerves. On second thought, you better make that chamomile tea.

I led her to the family room, where she took a seat on the sofa and kicked off her shoes. I went over to the adjoining kitchen and filled a glass measuring-cup with water, set it in the microwave, and pressed the button for four minutes. I got her favorite cup with the butterfly- shaped handle from the cabinet, and added a tea bag along with two teaspoons of sugar.

Her behavior was so odd today. Could she be trying to set me up with the carpenter, and nervous because she knew I would be angry? My friends were in relationships and were always trying to convince me that I should be in one also. If only they would lighten up a bit and let me proceed at my own pace.

The microwave pinged. I made the cup of tea and carried it over to her. You’re not trying to make a match for me again, are you, Jill?

She took the cup. No, I wouldn’t do that again. Not after that last disaster, though Phillip still asks about you. I told him to call you after he gets his divorce. I’ll let you pick your own dates from now on. But it’ll never happen until you see yourself as the beautiful woman you are, and stop worrying about those few extra pounds.

He better not call me even if he is divorced. I rolled my eyes, ignoring Ms. Size-Four’s remark about my weight. I wouldn’t go out with such a low life who cheats on his wife. I’m sorry I brought up the topic. I really don’t want to discuss my love life or the lack of it tonight.

Philip was initially smitten with Jill, as usual, but she was seeing Guy and thought we would hit it off. We did; I enjoyed his amusing company until the day his wife showed up on my doorstep and demanded I leave her husband alone. I never would have gone out with him had I known he was married. I dumped him at once and told him to take his married butt back to his wife.

Pushing that unpleasant memory out of my mind, I asked, How was Guy today?

Fabulous as always. And how come it’s okay to discuss my love life and not yours?

The obvious fact is I don’t have one to discuss, and even if I did, yours is always so much more fascinating.

You could have the same if you wanted. Jill took a sip of tea. Aaron is practically begging you to go out with him. He’s cute, obviously educated, and crazy about you. Samantha is just itching to get her hands on him. That’s why she’s always finding fault with you. Anyone can see how attracted he is to you. She’s just jealous."

I frowned. Me? I doubt it. It was hard to believe someone like Samantha could be jealous of me. She was pretty, educated with a PhD, and came from a prominent family.

Believe me, I know jealousy when I see it. She acted the same way towards me when I dated that new assistant principal, Scott, last year. She thinks she has dibs on any available man in the school.

Well, at any rate, I’m not interested in Aaron. And if he’s so great, why did you dump him after only two months?

Jill laughed and ran her fingers through her black, spiky hair. You know me, Pam. Very few men can hold my attention for any length of time. I’m lucky to have found Guy, but just because Aaron wasn’t right for me doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be good for you. It’s time you got back into the dating game. After all, it’s been a while since you divorced Lawrence.

She was right. I hadn’t been in a meaningful relationship since my divorce almost five years ago. I had a few dates; some of them real disasters like Phillip. Nothing had developed from them. To be honest, I wasn’t looking for love, just the special companionship only a man could provide.

I glanced at my watch. It was five o’clock and time for my appointment with the carpenter. At that precise moment, the door-bell rang. We both jumped up and walked down the hall to the front door; me, eager to meet the mystery man, and Jill, eager to see my reaction.

When I opened the door, the most gorgeous man I had ever seen in my life stood before me. But that was not what took my breath away. My blue eyes with the silver flecks stared back at me. I had never encountered another black person with the same eyes outside my family. His were a mirror reflection of mine, with the same almond shape and framed with the same thick, black lashes.

Unbelievable.

I gulped, trying to regain my composure. He seemed amazed also and took a step back, stumbling but recovering in an instant.

Hello, I’m Hunter Reese, the carpenter, he said, his voice deep and harmonious. You must be Ms. Brandon. We have an appointment to discuss bookcases, if I’m not mistaken. Oh, hello, Ms. Daniels: didn’t see you there at first.

Hey Hunter, Jill said while I stared at him, amazed he didn’t comment on the similarity in our eyes. Or did he choose to ignore it? Jill nudged me and whispered, Say something.

I swallowed hard. Eh, hello, yes, I’m Pamela Brandon. I couldn’t contain myself a second longer and blurted out, Your eyes are exactly like mine.

He grimaced as if this were a problem. So it seems. May I see the room where you want the bookcases?

Surely he couldn’t dismiss the similarity in our eyes as an everyday occurrence. I glanced back at Jill, who nodded her head as if to say: See what I mean? I swallowed again and stood aside for him to come in. I want to build them in my study. Right this way.

I led him down the hall with Jill trailing behind us, glad she was with me because I could feel a strange vibe coming from him. He stepped inside the room, sweeping it with his amazing eyes, taking in the proportions and the lay-out.

What do you want? he asked, his tone brusque and devoid of the previous harmony.

I followed him into my messy study, embarrassed by its appearance. I had meant to tidy it up before he arrived, but had forgotten the appointment was today. My desk overflowed with school papers to grade, and books and journals to read. I sat there last night flossing my teeth while I read my e-mail and had left a used dental floss pick next to the papers. I hoped he wouldn’t notice it. I didn’t have enough space for all my books in the two small bookcases and had stacked them in piles around the room. The whole point of having custom bookcases installed was to bring some order to the room.

Well, I thought I would have you build them on those two walls. I pointed. Sort of an L shape design. I spoke a little above a whisper, shaken by that intense vibe radiating from him. I had never encountered anything like it in my life. Jill was right; there was something strange about him.

Humph, he said in that same brusque tone. It would be better if I measure the space, take some pictures, and come up with a design. It’ll be better than anything you would suggest. He laid the back-pack he carried on the desk chair, the only available space in the room, and took out a measuring tape and notebook. Leave the room so I can get some pictures and measurements. It’ll be easier if you two aren’t in my way. A blue fire flashed in his eyes. I blinked, startled by its brilliance. I took a deep breath. What on earth was that?

Now, you wait just a minute, Jill said. I reluctantly focused my attention away from him to her. Her hands were on her hips, indicating she was about to go into her I-don’t-take-no-stuff- from-anyone mode. I almost agreed with her; the man was arrogant if not downright rude. But that sudden flash of star fire intrigued me.

It’s okay, Jill. He’s right, let’s get out of his way. I took her by the elbow and pulled her from the room. The door clicked closed behind us.

Jill jerked her elbow from my arm, "Oh no he didn’t shut the door in your house! Has he lost his mind? Forget what I said about him being strange. It’s more than that, and you shouldn’t have him in your home."

I just want to see his designs. It was a poor excuse. Though repulsed by his rude behavior, I wanted to gaze into those eyes again. I couldn’t explain this to her since I didn’t understand it myself. After all, my eyes were the same color; I should be used to it. But did the flecks in my eyes flash the same way or was it unique to him?

Of course he was extraordinarily handsome. It wasn’t just the eyes, anchored by high cheek bones. He appeared to be in his early thirties, though his black hair was sprinkled with gray and cut close to his head, setting off his golden-bronze skin. Below his trimmed mustache, his full lips with a faint rosy tint looked so soft. I wondered how it would feel to have that sensuous mouth press against mine. I shook my head, alarmed by my thoughts. After all, this was a business consultation.

Jill sighed. Pam, I don’t like or understand his attitude. He was strange before, but never rude.

Maybe he’s just having a bad day. Let’s see what he suggests.

We returned to the family room where Jill picked up her cup of tea and sipped it, a thoughtful expression on her face. I’d feel better if you would find another carpenter.

Jill, you always read more into a situation than what it is, I told my impressionable friend, though there was a grain of truth in what she said. She wasn’t over-reacting this time. Didn’t you check out his credentials before you hired him?

Yes, I did, and he came highly recommended. Guy also checked him out, and he had no criminal record.

I should have known Guy would’ve done so. He and his father owned a detective agency and could easily investigate him. He would take no chances on her safety with someone working inside her home. Well, that’s good enough for me.

At that moment, the carpenter walked into the family room and interrupted our conversation. How much had he overheard? I couldn’t help but notice his tall, muscular frame showcased in a sweater and jeans that looked like they had been tailored to fit him. Didn’t carpenters wear those awful, oversized, overalls with all those pockets to hold tools? Even those would’ve looked good on him. Perhaps he would once he got started on the job, but maybe I shouldn’t hire him. Common sense told me to tell him to get the hell out of my house, but I couldn’t. What was happening to me?

Ms. Brandon, that’s a great room for a study. I think you’ll like my design. It takes me a few days to do it and write up a proposal. You can decide then if you want to proceed. Once again, the blue fire leaped from his eyes. He blinked as if he were trying to extinguish it. At any rate, he spoke politely. The arrogance and rudeness was gone.

I nodded. Okay, that’ll be fine. I’m anxious to see what you come up with.

I’ll call you in a couple of days. Nice to see you again, Ms. Daniels, I trust you are enjoying your entertainment center.

Yes, it’s great, Jill said, her tone clipped.

His eyes widened for a moment. Ladies. He turned and started down the hall.

I walked him to the door while suppressing the strangest desire to reach out and touch him. Biting my lip, I fumbled with the lock before letting him out, and then returned to the family room to face Jill.

Well, he was interesting, I said, making light of the encounter. I see now what you were talking about earlier. His eyes are exactly like mine.

Pam, what is wrong with you? Forget about the eyes. Are you still thinking of hiring him after his performance? I’ve never seen you like this before.

I just want to see what he comes up with. Come on, let’s go. Sherry is waiting, and I can use a glass of wine.

So can I, but you’re driving. I’m really concerned about your mental state, so no drinks for you.

We went to Phillip’s, one of the seafood restaurants on the southwest waterfront in DC. The place was always packed at that time on a Friday evening, but we were in luck. Sherry had arrived early and gotten us a table overlooking the Washington Channel. I had hoped to collect my thoughts during the drive over, but true to form, Jill kept up a running narrative on the carpenter and why I shouldn’t hire him.

Hey, ladies, the gang’s all here. Sherry smiled when we sat down. The vice president of a bank, she wore one of her corporate suits.