by Mimi Barbour
“What would I do without you, my friend? Did you need me for anything tomorrow? Kale has invited Mano and me to visit his beach house. He’s thinking it might be a good break for the boy.”
“He’s right. I think it’s a perfect idea. You must go, Leilani. You can organize the house and all the hundreds of other chores soon enough. Having a day’s rest is a Godsend.”
Leilani heard a funny sound, as if the man had chuckled. Then he coughed, and she shook off the wondering.
A few minutes later, she walked Kale to the door, opened it, and stood waiting. He seemed to be unsure of something, but then he shrugged, moved in, and hovered over her.
With her neck arched, the weight of her hair pulled some of the pins loose and strands tickled the sides of her face. Not thinking, she blew them away from her cheek and watched as a smile broke up the seriousness of Kale’s expression.
His hands moved slow but sure, smoothing the loose curls toward her back. Then they cuddled her face, his thumbs caressing her cheeks and finally straying to her lips.
As his eyes roved her face, she watched him inspect each of her features. He took his time. Seismic waves of hunger flooded her body, leaving her shaken and moist. Never before had she experienced a touch that filled her so full of emotion her next breath was threatened. If he didn’t kiss her soon, she’d whimper like a lovesick puppy.
He slid his body closer, to fit hers perfectly, and he lowered his mouth only… to hesitate an inch above hers. The warmth of his breath drove her senses crazy and she had to clutch at his arms to stop from reaching up and forcing the connection. Her heavy eyelids closed, and she silently begged him to do whatever he wished, just do it now!
As if he read her mind, he growled like in pain and placed his warm lips over hers. Then he proceeded to kiss her stupid, while greedily sucking the life right out of her heart, making it his captive. One kiss and Leilani knew she’d never be the same.
Without hesitation, she opened her mouth to allow him entry and at that moment became his forever. Never before had any man made such an impact. Never again would she give another the opportunity to try. This was the man she’d been made for, and the sensory beauty that streamed between their two mouths couldn’t ever be replicated.
His arms wrapped around her as he deepened their contact to where she felt positively tiny and completely mesmerized by his charisma. ‘Don’t ever stop’ was the mantra in her head.
An opening door and laughing voices forced them back to earth. He stepped away first, and with one last kiss on her forehead, he whispered he’d call, gently nudged her inside, and then closed the door between them. Oh my God! Leilani began to shake, her whole body affected. What have I done?
Chapter Eleven
Kale stood outside of Leilani’s closed door and didn’t move. To keep from falling, he braced his shoulder against the frame and clung to the doorknob. Once some revelers passed by, he leaned against the wall, not trusting his weak legs to carry his weight.
Never before had a kiss caused him to lose control. His senses were a mishmash of crazy alerts and warnings, the urge to go back to her the strongest of them all. Her mouth had driven him insane. The soft whimpers she’d made, and the thrust of her plump breasts mashed against his chest had all but brought him to his knees. How the hell could a man be expected to think clearly after that?
Vacillating along the hallway, he emerged at the entrance to the elevators. Once inside, he rode to the bottom before he realized he’d forgotten to push the button that would have brought him to the penthouse. I need a drink!
He hid his shaking hands in his slack’s pockets and nonchalantly leaned against the mirrored wall on the back of the car. Carefully, he kept his eyes averted. Thank goodness, the crowd ignored him, and he was able to stay incognito.
Once inside his study, he hurried to the mini bar and grabbed a cold beer, drinking half on the first guzzle. Then he plopped down on the edge of his favorite chair, elbows balanced on top of his knees with his hands holding the frosty bottle in between. He reached up to drive the fingers of his right hand through his hair, and then he swore—long and loud.
For the first time in his life, he felt weak with wanting. Wanting to pick Leilani up and never let her down, to keep her hidden away from the rest of the world, to keep her for his own.
Her luscious body had tempted even before he’d kissed her, but no more so than any other female. He’d even admit to setting her up in the suite, organizing a special Christmas tree, and ordering fruit baskets and flowers to be delivered. All the things he knew women expected. Just so he could have a fling with the girl. It was the way of the world—his world.
Then she had to go and kiss him. Now what the hell was he going to do? A sizzling but pleasant awareness unexpectedly flared into raging fire of need. The ache travelled from his hardened body, from his besotted head, and from the heart, he’d up until now, managed to protect behind an iron will. Bloody hell!
Kale always planned his future around being a bachelor. Having occasional flings, sure, but he’d never wanted to make a commitment to one female. Give a woman the right to control him? Not in this lifetime! He’d had enough of that bullshit with his mother. She’d planned his whole future for him, and then tricked him into going along, making him care enough, that he couldn’t refuse her demands. Then dying and leaving him with her dream, her responsibilities, and her blasted hotels!
All his life, he’d been the good boy, agreeable, even malleable. Truly, when it came down to it, he hadn’t been suicidal over his loss of choices. Rather, he’d made do. Eventually, he’d realized he had a gift as a manager. It came as natural as breathing for him to run things, make decisions and get the most out of the employees and what man didn’t like power? It had been bred into him from the first day she’d made him learn the business from the ground up. No doubt, he’d inherited his abilities from her, which pleased them both.
There was another thing he did well, that no one ever had to force him into doing. A passion had seeded in him as a young man and he had to feed it every so often or lose his mind. Thank goodness, tomorrow he could spend some time finishing his finest work yet in the studio, where he did his best thinking. It was a good thing, because he needed to make some decisions. What the hell was he going to do about Leilani…and the boy? Most important, he needed to figure out a way to control his wayward heart.
Chapter Twelve
A helicopter ride coaxed the first smile from Mano since Leilani had forced him from his bed and tried to talk him into at least washing his face and hands, and brushing his teeth. A new set of clothes, that she’d ordered from the hotel gift shop, arrived and still lay crumpled on the floor where he’d thrown the bag in disgust, shouting, “No!”
Kale’s presence had settled him instantly, and he’d obediently taken his hand as they made their way to the roof where the aircraft awaited.
All the while, Kale dealt kindly with Mano, Leilani was able to eat the man up with her many glances. Had it meant anything to him last night that he’d stolen her heart? That she’d stayed awake most of the night reliving the tender moments repeatedly. Until her mind screamed Enough! Even then, the fantasies wouldn’t stop. Frustrated and wanting, she’d tossed and turned…and remembered.
After he’d shut the door on her the night before, she’d slid to the floor and remained there for who knows how long. Desire had assaulted her body to where she’d hugged herself and begged the feelings to stop torturing her.
Then this morning, she’d spent way too long getting ready for a day that promised to be casual. Her hair shone from the double shampooing and the vicious brushing she’d inflicted. Most of her clothes had been inspected and found wanting, until in desperation she’d grabbed her most expensive shorts and a shimmery red silky blouse that was her favorite top. She’d chosen her most provocative bikini, which truth be known, had twice as much material as most. The pure white showed off her tan and made her legs look longer, so it went on under her
clothes.
After a breakfast of fruit and cereal, which she’d practically had to beg Mano to eat, they were ready and waiting. Now she sat behind Kale as he flew them over the islands while he pointed out different attractions to an excited boy full of questions.
“Is that Diamond Head, Kale?” Mano’s voice came through loud and clear in the earphones.
“Yes. See where the tourists are climbing the trails.” Kale pointed to the mountainside in the distance. “It’s a long trip, but the view is breathtaking.”
“The people look so little.” Mano said.
“Because we’re far above them. It’s just an illusion. Have you ever flown in a plane before?”
“No but I wanted to.”
“Then you’re a brave kid. I know grown men who are nervous to be in a helicopter. You seem to like it.”
“One day, I will buy my own,” Mano asserted. Leilani smiled at the absolute surety in the boy’s voice. She had no doubt he would.
Soon they had landed on a helipad in a wide area by the back of a large hanger. Kale took a few moments to lock down the aircraft and then led them to a side garage where a modern golf cart waited. Within a few minutes, they approached one of the most stunning homes Leilani had ever seen. Many terraces surrounded the sleek lines of the building, and brilliant flowering plants in pinks, corals, reds and purples wove between lush greenery adorned the gleaming white walls.
The ocean, seen in the distance, embraced the villa making the setting rather mystical in its beauty. Leilani fell instantly in love.
“I like your house.” Mano words were simple, but effective.
“Me, too,” was all she said. There were no words that wouldn’t seem overly effusive and well…ingratiating.
“Me, too,” echoed Kale with a grin. He pulled up to the back door and they piled out and followed him into a large kitchen where he introduced them to his housekeeper.
Kale put his arm around the shoulders of a middle-aged lady whose expression of happiness from the moment she saw him made Leilani take to her instantly. “Leilani, Mano this lady looks after my house…and me. She’s a wonder, and her name is Mia. She’ll be here all day, so if you need anything, she’ll help you.
Mia, these are my friends and they’ll be spending the day with me here. While I work, they’ll be at the beach. If you don’t mind, can you make up a lunch basket for later and I’ll take it to them?”
Mia smiled at Mano and shook hands with Leilani. “How nice to meet you? Yes, go and enjoy the beach, I’ll make a nice picnic meal for you but in the meantime, I have a few snacks you might want to take along for now.” She bustled around the room, and gathered up enough food for twice as many people. Then she passed the fancy woven sack to Mano who stood tall as he put it over his shoulder. “Boys need food to grow big and strong, like Kale.”
Kale grinned and beckoned. “I’ll take you on a bit of a tour and then show you the trail to the beach.”
Chapter Thirteen
As Kale took them from room to room, Mano was very talkative, asking question about all kinds of things that surprised Leilani. For a small boy, he had a lot of knowledge and seemed interested in many things. For instance, in the games room, he’d asked about video games Leilani had never heard of. Thankfully, Kale knew and could answer him intelligently.
Guess she’d have to study about the toys and other important items necessary for today’s youth. She’d be coming across as a real dunce if she didn’t do something, and soon.
Later, sitting on the large beach mat that Kale had set up before leaving them, she looked over at the small boy who sat with his back turned toward her. “Mano, did you want to play in the water? I can go with you if you like.”
“Babies play.” He made it sound as if she’d insulted him.
“I meant, we could swim. Do you know how?”
Instantly, she understood that she’d gone too far. He stood up, glared at her, and then ran to the water. On the way he’d stripped off his t-shirt and shoes and once close to the waves, he arced his body and with a running leap, dove into the surf.
She followed with her heart in her mouth. Heavens, he was a prickly little guy. Seems she couldn’t say anything right. For the next while, she swam in circles, staying within arm’s reach but not crowding Mano. He swam like a fish, and as she watched, she realized he was showing off for her. She rather enjoyed his performance and kept her eye on him until he headed back for shore to sit on the sand.
She tagged along and sat near him. “You swim wonderfully.”
“I’m almost six. I could swim since I was little.” His haughty announcement drew a smile, which she hid. Instead, she nodded.
“Yes. I see. Did your grandmother teach you?” Instantly, she again realized the error of her ways.
He glared at her with tear-filled eyes, and ran back to the blanket. Then he lay facing the opposite direction.
She moved to sit next to him, her heart aching for his pain. “I’m sorry about your grandmother, Mano. I wished I could have had more time with her. She seemed like such a lovely lady.”
“Don’t talk!” Stiff and unyielding, he spat the words over his shoulder.
Leilani put on her short beach cover up and lay down next to the boy. Once she sensed he slept, she rolled over onto her stomach and wept inside for the hurt that the boy suffered. If only he’d let her help him, talk with him—hold him.
The heat of the sun warmed her as she drifted off. Afterwards, she supposed it was her sleepless night that lefthe her so tired. The hideous barking of a large and angry dog close by woke her.
Mano! He’s gone! Panic forced her to her feet, and the sound of a boy’s screams made her run faster than she’d ever thought possible. Rounding the corner to a fenced-in area, she saw her terrified little cousin on the ground, and a huge, vicious animal standing over him.
Without thinking, she jumped the fence, ran past the Doberman and straight to Mano, scooping him into her arms. A whistle and shout forced the dog to back away and go to his master. And in the meantime, Leilani rocked the shaken child, all the while whispering murmurs of endearments and calming noises.
Kale came at a run, and his large hand reached to tenderly brush through Mano’s curls. “You’re okay, boy. Don’t be afraid. Cesar thought you were an intruder. He would never bite you, but he would have kept you pinned until someone called him away.”
As soon as Mano realized Kale had approached and heard his voice, he swung away from Leilani and arched toward him—his desires obvious. Once safely held by Kale, he turned tear-filled eyes and watched to see what Leilani would do. As if daring her to force him back into her arms. Her hands dropped and she smiled. “You were very smart, Mano. You didn’t try to run away.”
With a noticeable tremor in his voice, Mano said. “I saw his big teeth, but he didn’t bite me.”
“Cesar’s a good dog. He’s been trained not to bite. Would you like me to introduce you to him? I promise, once he knows you’re his friend, he’ll never attack again.”
Leilani started to refuse, and when Kale shot her a frown, she stopped and watched the boy carefully. Mano first looked at her to see her reaction. Then he looked at Kale, who smiled encouragingly. Then he glared at the dog who sat at a distance with a watchful grin on his face, panting, with his sharp teeth visible. A shudder gripped him at the same time as his shoulders stiffened. “Will you stay with me?”
“Of course!” Kale carried Mano, and they all walked up to the waiting canine, which began whining his greeting and wriggling his rear end that seemed glued to the ground. With a hand motion, Kale released him from his hold, and the dog sprinted toward them, friendly and looking for pats.
Close up, Leilani could see the dog was very young, though not a puppy and his delight in the small boy caught at her heartstrings. He licked his face, which made Mano laugh and want to be lowered. When the dog rushed him, he bravely pushed him away and ruffled the fur around his ears—exactly the same way as Kale.
When Cesar ran to Leilani, she bent over to pat him and had her face washed too. “Why Kale, he’s a big beautiful baby.”
“But trained to guard. It was brave of you to run past him to get to Mano. Cesar can be frightening.” Kale took Mano’s hand and held his other out to her. “Mia has our lunch ready. What say we go and have a picnic?”
“Can Cesar come?” Mano still had an arm around the dog’s neck, while the animal gazed back at him with adoration.
“Leilani, would this be okay with you?” Kale watched her reaction closely.
“He’s more than welcome, as long as he doesn’t try and steal my food. Don’t know about you guys but when I get the…um poop scared out of me, it makes me kinda hungry.”
Kale roared, even Mano giggled, and Leilani felt as if she’d made headway with both these prickly males. Her heart sang.
Chapter Fourteen
“Are you sure he’s okay with Mia? She’s trying to bake, and Mano has a thousand questions,” Leilani’s nervousness showed.
That afternoon, Kale discovered that Leilani’s new ward had a voracious appetite for knowledge. Not only did the half-pint ask questions, he demanded explanations and wasn’t at all satisfied with one-word answers.
“Mia is in her glory, trust me. She loved it when I would bake with her as a boy and I only did so because I knew I’d get to eat all the misshaped cookies.” He grinned evilly, and she knew his secret.
“And you made very sure there would be a number of those, right?”
“Who, me? Are you accusing me of being naughty?”
“Yep.”
“Poor Mano. He hasn’t a hope in hell of getting anything past you, does he?”
“Nope.” She laughed at his disgust, and then followed when he beckoned her to come. “Where are you taking me?”
“I haven’t shown you the entire house. There’s a private studio off-limits to most of my guests. Somehow, I feel as if you would appreciate it, and for the life of me, I don’t know why, but I want to share it with you.”
