Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One

by Kimberly Readnour

  “Well it’s nice to meet my hero,” Kayla says smugly.

  “I like this girl,” Kamp says. “She’s witty.”

  A soft blush forms on Kayla’s cheeks as she shakes her head. There’s that shy girl from the tour, but Kamp’s right. Kayla has sass. I like that.

  “So where are you from?” Kamp asks.

  “Monticello, Illinois. The good ole Midwest.” The condescending tone is hard to miss, but the way her eyes dance, she must like living there.

  “Illinois, that’s like what? Two or three thousand miles away?” Kamp asks.

  “Four, actually.” Kayla shifts in her seat, squeezing the purse handles.

  “Four thousand miles. Wow. That’s far,” Kamp says, looking directly at me. I know what he’s doing. His subtle reminder about the distance is unwarranted. It’s not like I’m going to fall deeply in love and pine for her the rest of my life.

  “Okay, enough geography. My guy here has a thing for our waitress.” Kayla’s eyebrows rise as I continue, “I think he’s in love.”

  “Shut it, man. I don’t do love, but she is mighty fine.” Kamp strains his neck trying to find her. “And I do need a refill.”

  A tiny laugh escapes as Kayla’s shoulders relax. One hand lets go of the handle and reaches for the Mai Tai. She takes a sip and makes a face before swallowing.

  “Not good?” I ask.

  “Not quite what I expected. I thought it’d be sweeter, like a strawberry daiquiri. Plus, it has coconut in it.”

  “You don’t like coconut?” I place my palm on my heart, acting as if I’m hurt. “That’s a cardinal sin around here.”

  “It’s not my favorite. I’ll put it that way.”

  Kayla grins and the purse handles fall forward. I’m not sure why, but knowing she’s more relaxed around me than that dickweed makes me feel good.

  “You’ll have to try the drink somewhere else. Not everyone uses Coconut Rum to make them.” I give her a wink. The mood stays light after that, and Kayla’s uptight posture unwinds the deeper the conversation grows. I try to steer topics away that involve her personal life since she seems to be uncomfortable talking about herself. Which is a switch. Most girls I pick-up talk nonstop about themselves. That gets old, especially when I’m only interested in one thing. But Kayla intrigues me. I want to know more about her. Just not at the expense of making her distressed.

  “What are you studying?” Kamp leans forward and grins. “Whatcha want to be when you grow up?”

  Kamp finally asks a legit question. One of which I’m interested in finding the answer. I turn my head toward Kayla and wait. Instead of her shifting uncomfortably in her seat as I expected, she breaks into a huge smile.

  “This May I’ll be graduating from Purdue with my Bachelor of Science degree. Then I’ll take my boards to become a Registered Nurse.”

  “Ooh, a nurse. I think I have pain in my lower—”

  “Okay, that’s enough.” I shoot Kamp a frown and shake my head. He’s such a pervert.

  “I’m sure that cute waitress could help you with that,” Kayla blurts out. She rises in the seat, acting like she’s summoning her over. “I’ll get her attention.”

  I chuckle as Kamp’s face turns red. Damn, I’m impressed. I don’t think anyone has ever accomplished that feat. I glance at Kayla, and the impish gleam in her eyes stirs my insides. My gaze drops to her lips. The memory of her wrapped in my arms comes racing back, and I want to close the gap between us and devour that mouth. Before the night ends, those lips will be mine.

  **~~**~~**

  Kayla~

  The couples’ laughter fades around the corner as I exit the bar. The shopping complex is otherwise deserted and with the storefronts closed for the evening, minimal lighting cast shadows, giving the place an entirely different feel.

  “Where did you park?” Kai asks.

  “Over there.” I point in the general vicinity of the parking lot. It isn’t visible from here, and I have a distance to walk. Kai looks at the dark shadowed areas and frowns.

  “I’ll walk with you.” Kai tosses keys to Kamp, who’s quick to catch them. “Get the car and meet me in the north parking lot.”

  I bit my lip to keep from smiling at the intense stare Kai gives Kamp. A secret meaning passes between them, and I can only guess he wants Kamp to stall. Kamp nods once then turns toward me.

  “I’ll see you soon.” A sly grin overtakes Kamp’s mouth. “I’m sort of hard to resist.”

  I laugh. This guy is too much. “Yes, Kamp. I’m sure you are. I guess I’ll be seeing ya then.”

  “Get going,” Kai says in an irritated tone.

  Kamp laughs as he walks to a parking lot that’s a lot closer than where I parked.

  “Sorry about him. He’s an idiot,” Kai says, turning to me.

  “Nah, he’s okay. Funny.” I shrug and step forward. “My roommate is outspoken, so I’m used to it.”

  Kai grows quiet and slips his hands inside his short pockets. He steps beside me and keeps pace, but his back is rigid‌—‌the carefree guy from the bar, gone. I don’t understand why he’s here with me. Besides the obvious that he doesn’t want me walking alone after dark. What brought him to Princeville on a Sunday evening? It couldn’t have been the nachos. I’m sure there’s a restaurant that serves them closer to where he lives.

  Silence swells between us the farther we walk. I’d talk, but I don’t know what to say. It had been easier at the bar, but without Kamp as a buffer, I’m feeling a little self-conscious. What if I say something stupid? I steal a glance at Kai. His sky-blue T-shirt stretches across his chest, and my insides stir, picturing his swoon-worthy abs. This whole attraction scene is awkward to me, but I have a feeling Kai Hale is well versed in the field.

  My pace slows to a stop when the open gazebo-like platform comes to view. When I passed the first time, a four-member band was performing a ballad. The vibe is much different now since the crowd dispersed. There’s not even a trace that anything had taken place.

  “Earlier, there was a small band playing here,” I say, breaking the silence. “They were pretty good.”

  “Yeah?” Kai looks at me and then at the raised platform. “I think they have local bands play nightly. But don’t take my word. I haven’t been to this part of the island in a long while.”

  My gaze cuts to Kai’s face right as he grimaces. He shoots me a sideways glance then averts his eyes. My heart begins to race at the possibility that I’m the reason he’s here. No, that’s absurd.

  Clearing his throat, Kai resumes walking. “Did you have fun today? It looked like you were on a tour.”

  “Yeah!” I say a little too enthusiastic. “We went to the Waimea Canyon. God, it was so awesome. And Kalalau Lookout? I’ve never seen anything so beautiful before. I…” Warmth floods my cheeks as I pause. My passion for the outdoors sometimes turns me into a spokesperson for the National Geography. “Sorry, I’m a bit obsessive when it comes to nature.”

  “No, don’t stop.” A half-grin tugs his lips. “I love when people share the same enthusiasm as I do for the island.”

  “Okay, but I warned you.”

  After describing everything I loved about the canyon and the private beach, I then tell him about the old sugar mill and the coffee fields we visited. I don’t even notice when we reach the parking lot.

  The rental sedan is the sole occupant tucked away in the far corner. Kai chuckles. “Let me guess; you’re parked over there?”

  “Yeah,” I say softly.

  Silence spreads between us again, but unlike earlier, it’s not as awkward. I’m not sure what I expect Kai to say or do, but I hate that our night’s ending.

  When we reach the car, I pull the keys out, press the unlock button, and then toss the purse on the passenger seat. I turn around, and Kai’s proximity surprises me. A few inches apart, the air between us crackles. Kai’s eyes glaze over, and our earlier interlude replays through my mind. Tingles shoot across my nerves, and I wonder if he’s
going to kiss me this time. My breath hitches as he leans closer.

  “I want to see you again. Can I pick you up tomorrow?”

  My mouth goes dry, and I nod, unable to speak.

  “I’ll call you tomorrow after I get through work. We’ll go over the details then. I can’t stay out late because I have a double tour the next day, but I’m sure we’ll come up with something to do.” He grins, and my stomach flutters.

  “O-o-okay,” I stammer, staring into his eyes that seem to be studying my face. I glance down momentarily at the cell phone peeking from his front pocket. Impulsively, I reach across to his shorts and suppress my smirk at his surprised expression. I snatch his phone and quickly unlock the non-password protected screen to open his messages. I send myself a text and smile at him before replacing the phone in his pocket. His body relaxes.

  “There, you have my number.”

  Kai shakes his head and chuckles. “You’re not quite what I expected.”

  “No? What did you expect?” I challenge, raising an eyebrow.

  “Uh‌…‌I better not say. You may back out from our date.” He rubs the back of his neck and laughs nervously.

  My face relaxes, letting him off the hook. Without him saying anything, I can pretty much guess what he’s thinking‌—‌an uptight prude. I get that a lot.

  Kai grows silent again. His hand reaches forward and tucks a stray hair behind my ear. I shudder, willing him to plant his lips on mine. His gaze drops to my mouth, and his eyes darken further. He closes the tiny gap between us, presses his chest against mine, and leans his head down. My heart races from the anticipation, and my eyes automatically close. But the pressure doesn’t appear on my lips. Why isn’t his mouth on my lips? Soft, warm flesh grazes the top of my forehead, and I swallow my disappointment. My eyes flutter open, and my sigh stays lodged deep inside my chest as I lean into his hug. Damn, I wanted that kiss.

  A honking horn causes me to flinch. Kai drops his arms and backs away. But he’s still eyeing me. And my heart’s still hammering. I only wish I understood the intensity of his stare. A moment later a blue Chevrolet Cruze barrels around the corner, heading for us.

  Kai sighs. “I’ll call you tomorrow. Get inside. I want to make sure the car starts before I leave.”

  “Okay, Dad.” I cringe as soon as the word slips from my mouth. My father, or lack thereof, is a sore subject, and I rather not spoil the moment.

  I slide into the driver’s seat and start the car. Turning to Kai, I smile, which he returns, but it’s followed by that damn serious expression‌—‌the one where he looks like he’s glaring. I wave and place the car in drive. As I pull forward, I tell myself not to look back. Do not look back.

  I look.

  From the rearview mirror, Kai stands beside his car watching me drive away. I inhale a deep breath and slowly exhale. Tomorrow should be interesting because yeah, he wants to see me again. And I want that kiss.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kai~

  “Good morning, McKenna. Looks like our tour is full today,” I say a little more upbeat than usual.

  “Well, somebody’s in a good mood,” McKenna says with a laugh.

  My smile widens as I glance over the guest list.

  “I hope your good mood lasts, because Roy called into work today. Can you cover the last tour?”

  My smile drops immediately. I look at McKenna and wince. Her expression says it all‌—‌I’m her only choice. Under normal circumstances, working a double doesn’t bother me. I usually jump at the chance to do it‌—‌the money outweighs the exhaustion‌—‌but not today. I’ll have to cancel my date with Kayla.

  “What’s so important that you have to think about it? You always jump at the chance to work a double.”

  “Uh, I had plans, but I’ll cancel. We can’t let the tourists down.” The trickle effect of canceling a tour would take place: tourists get upset, negative feedback left, and the company suffers. Positive reviews on the website are vital since our job depends on people booking future tours.

  “Plans, huh?” McKenna looks at me questionably.

  Not liking being under the scrutiny of her stare, I grab the clipboard and walk away. Well, rent is taken care of for the month. Savings left intact.

  “If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear there was a girl involved,” McKenna yells in a teasing tone.

  My back straightens as her words hit home more than I like. Without responding, I continue to gather everyone around and start my instructions. I’ll have to call Kayla as soon as I get a chance.

  “Please gather all your belongings and head over to the van. I’ll be there in a second,” I say as soon as the instructions are given. I walk the opposite direction to dial Kayla’s number.

  “Hello,” Kayla answers with a hint of skepticism.

  Despite Kayla’s apprehension, my heart skips from the sound of her voice. I close my eyes and shake my head. I don’t know what it is about this girl that makes my body respond so stupidly, but damn, she causes a reaction.

  “Kayla, hey this is Kai. I can’t talk long, but I have to cancel for tonight. A co-worker called in, which leaves me covering the last tour. And since I have a double tomorrow, there’s no way I can go out tonight. I’m so sorry.”

  Silence greets me, and for a slight second, I fear she’s hung up. I should explain how exhausting it is to do back-to-back doubles, but I don’t want to sound like a wimp.

  “Oh, that’s all right,” a soft-spoken voice says.

  My head drops, and I bang my palm against my forehead. God, she thinks I’m ditching her. That’s not what I want her to think.

  “Hey, I’ll call you tonight when I’m through, and we’ll make new plans. Okay?” I hold my breath as I wait for her answer.

  “Sure. That sounds good.”

  Kayla’s voice is still off, but I have to get back to work. I glance over at the van and cringe. Everyone’s already seated, waiting for me.

  “I really need to go. I’ll talk to you later.”

  I hang up and sprint to the van. Paul throws me a questionable look when I pop the door open, no doubt wondering why I was on the phone. I’ve never held up a tour before. Twisting in the passenger seat, I start asking the routine questions while Paul shifts the van into drive. As soon as the last tourist stops talking, I face forward and stare straight ahead. God, I hope I didn’t fuck up my chance with her.

  **~~**~~**

  Kayla~

  I stare at the phone in my hand. Did I just get ditched? Or does Kai really have to work? Uneasiness filters its way in my subconscious, planting seeds of doubt. Maybe I imagined the spark between us. Kai did, after all, kiss my forehead. Nah, the feeling was too intense between us. He wanted me.

  I push off the bed and tromp down the stairs that lead to the kitchen. There isn’t any reason not to believe him. And Kai said he’ll call. I’ll just wait and see if that holds true.

  As soon as my feet hit the tile, I dash to the refrigerator for some cold water. I twist the lid off and lean against the green quartz countertop. My gaze strays to the ocean. God, I love these windows. You can see miles of water.

  A splash followed by something gray springs out of the water, catching my attention.

  “Mom, come quickly. I think I see some whales.” I race to the lanai and peer into the vast space.

  “Really?” Mom rushes from her bedroom and joins me by the railing with the camera in hand. We stand in awe, watching the whales splash along the ocean break. Mom laughs while snapping pictures, and I take a few with my phone. Mine won’t turn out, but still. It makes me feel better. We keep watching until the glorious creatures disappear.

  My phone buzzes a text alert displaying Brian’s name. I waltz to the patio table to grab a chair.

  “I’m getting a cup of coffee. Ya want anything?” Mom asks.

  “Yeah, I’ll have my water. There’s an open bottle on the countertop.”

  “Okay, I’ll be right back.”

  I o
pen my messages to see what Brian wants. Other than him texting to see if I landed okay, I haven’t talked to him.

  Brian: How’s it going?

  Me: Good. Been kayaking and sightseeing. R U staying warm?

  A winter advisory alert flashed on my phone last night. Five to seven inches of snow with temps dropping below zero is expected across Illinois to Ohio. Four days ago, the weather was in the fifties. Crazy Midwest.

  Brian: I’d be warmer if you were here with me.

  Me: Grab a blanket ;)

  Brian: Will you be wrapped in it?

  I stare at my phone, and Staci’s words replay in my mind, “It’s so obvious he wants in your pants.” Brian and I have always bantered back and forth. It’s how we are together. And he’s always been a flirt. That’s his personality. He’s been on several dates, none of which he’s asked me on. Our friendship is completely platonic. There’s no way he likes me beyond friendship. Staci’s wrong. She has to be. I stare at his suggestive words, but don’t reply.

  “Talking to Staci?” Mom asks, setting my water bottle in front of me.

  “No, Brian.”

  Mom smiles. I sigh, knowing what’s coming.

  “I don’t understand why you two don’t date.”

  “Puh-leez, can we not start this again,” I moan. “Brian’s like a brother. Nothing will ever happen between us.”

  “Still, you two get along so well. And he’s a great catch. I just don’t see—”

  “I know Mom. But I’m not attracted to him.” I squeeze the phone tighter. “Not like‌…‌not in that way.”

  Kai’s name almost slips from my mouth. But there’s no way I’m disclosing that to Mom. Not until I know if he’s serious about picking me up.

  “What’s not to like? He’s so cute, sweet, and has a good career path ahead of him.”

  I turn to face Mom ready to yell but bite the inside of my cheek instead. She’s looking at me with genuine curiosity, not criticism. I soften my tone.