Rum Punch And Island Love (Drunken Summer Nights #4)

Chapter 1

Damn, I wished I had my sunglasses. The sun was so bright here. It was as if God had pulled it closer to this island to give it a little extra love. I wasn't complaining. I just needed some sunblock for my skin and some shades for my big brown eyes.

"Welcome to Port Isle!"

The greetings poured out from employees of the resort I chose to stay at—the Maroon at Port Isle. From my research, the resort was called The Maroon to honor the maroon colonies all over North America by runaways.

My squinted eyes bounced around, trying to take everything in.

I was just off the coast of Florida, which also happened to be my home state.

Jacksonville, Florida, to be exact. I grew up on the west side in The Fountains Projects.

As soon as I turned eighteen, I got the hell up out of there.

I went to school and got my degree in law.

Being a lawyer was no easy work. In fact, my career was the reason for this impromptu vacation.

To put it lightly, a bitch was burnt the hell out.

I woke up one day last week and realized I didn't recognize myself.

It brought tears to my eyes, and panic rose.

In a frenzy, I booked this trip. I hoped to relax and let my hair down. It had been so long since I'd done so.

As I entered the lobby of the resort with my suitcase rolling behind me, I thought about my college days with a smile on my glossy lips. I used to be able to have fun. There were times I wanted to blame my dullness on my fear of failing and going back to the projects, but that wasn't really true.

My best friend, Ashley, could testify to that. We used to smoke, drink, stay up all night, and don't get me started on the men. It had been so damn long since I had fun with a man...

My thoughts trailed off as I spotted the front desk and headed toward it.

I smiled at the beautiful employee behind the desk.

The people here were so beautiful with their glowing melanin skin and unique accents.

This woman's hair was full and long, hanging in tight curls down her back.

When I approached, she smiled, showcasing her pearly white teeth.

"Good afternoon. Are you checking in?"

"I am." My smile widened. Being here made me feel like I could actually breathe.

It made me sad that I didn't even realize how long overdue this vacation was.

Why had I gotten so used to depriving myself?

Of pouring into myself and practicing self-love?

Those were things I needed to figure out while on this vacation.

"Welcome to Port Isle. Is it your first time?"

"It is, but I don't think it'll be my last."

"What's your first and last name so I can look up your reservation? I'll need your ID and credit card as well."

"Indira Jones," I replied as I dug around in my oversized purse for my wallet before I handed the items over. We made small talk about the resort before she handed my cards back and gave me a room key.

The elevator was right down the hall to the left. As soon as I was on it, I sank against the wall and sighed. I was more than ready to get situated in my room so I could put on a cute bikini and some booty shorts and explore the resort. A drink was for sure calling my name, too.

The elevator dinged, letting me know we'd made it to my floor. After following the signs, I found my room and let myself in. I gasped. "Damn, this shit is nice."

The pristine white walls and bedspread gave the room a sterile look, but the pops of orange from the rugs and paintings on the wall, as well as the throw pillows, made it feel more tropical. It was the perfect balance and looked just like the pictures on the website when I booked the trip.

I made quick work of opening my suitcase and grabbing out my bikini of the day, a turquoise number that would look so good on these curves, before I walked into the bathroom.

The waterfall shower was everything I needed.

"I should get one of these showers at home," I muttered as I rinsed off the shea butter-smelling body wash. Lord knew I could afford a shower like this. I would just need to call a contractor…

My mind wandered as I finished up in the shower, feeling more relaxed than I had in a long time.

I slipped my bikini on along with my shorts and smiled in the full mirror. I looked the fuck good. I was so used to wearing form-fitting pantsuits and professional clothing that I forgot how I could rock the hell out of some revealing shit.

My smile turned into a smirk as I nodded slowly. "I still got it."

I winked at myself, and that was when I knew I was in a good ass mood. After grabbing my phone, room key, and the small clutch I'd packed with my ID and money, I walked out of my room, ready to explore.

I took the elevator back down to the lobby and headed to the right, out the doors, and found myself back in paradise.

The hot air hit me, and I smiled at the people walking around.

Everyone was in such a good mood and looked so kind.

All the guests looked relaxed, and like they'd rather not ever leave here. I didn't blame them.

It didn't take me long to spot a bar. A drink was exactly what I needed before I headed to the beach and caught some sun. I walked toward it and noticed the name above the outdoor bar. Noir. That was such a unique name for the bar.

As soon as I sat on a stool next to a fine-ass man with a low cut and skin darker than mine, a bartender appeared. My gaze tore from the fine man, and I peered at the female bartender with long locs and toffee colored skin that was sun-kissed by the sun.

"What can I get for you, pretty lady?"

“Hi… uh… I actually don't know. What do you recommend?"

"Have ya ever had Sex on a Beach?" she asked.

The man next to me chuckled. My cheeks warmed. "Excuse me?"

"It's a drink." The bartender's eyes sparkled.

I shook my head. "No."

The bartender hummed. "I suppose not. I don't think that's the right call." She appraised me, and I squirmed before she beamed at me. "I think I have just the drink for you."

I watched as she mixed and shook a drink before pouring it into a clear glass and topping it with some fruit. When she slid it over to me, I eyed it. "What is it?"

"Rum punch. So fruity, you won't even know it got rum in it, but it packs a punch. Be careful with those, girl. They'll knock you on your ass."

I grinned as I slid a tip toward her. This resort was all-inclusive, but I planned to tip everyone beautifully. I could already tell they worked hard and loved their jobs.

"Thank you," I said. "I'll be back, for sure."

I slid off the stool and headed for the beach as I took my first sip of the drink.

I stopped in my tracks and moaned in appreciation.

She was right. This drink tasted like straight juice.

I knew it was dangerous, but I'd also decided that this right here was my drink of choice for the entirety of the trip.

Rum punch and island vibes sounded like a good ass time to me.