“You know when someone makes your heart race from a simple look? Or when they brush against you and butterflies take flight inside your stomach?”
“Yeah”—she turns to stare at the ocean—“I remember.”
“None of that happens with Brian.” That happens with Kai. Kai comes near me, and I practically melt into a puddle of lustful need. I’ve never wanted to be with someone so badly in my life. Staci would be proud of my wanton thoughts. Because if Kai Hale made moves on me, I’m not too sure I’d say no.
A tender smile crosses her face. “I understand.” She clears her throat. “There’s a few things I’d like to take care of today. Do you mind if I drop you off at the beach and meet up with you later?”
“Sure, Mom. I’ve been dying to squish my toes in the sand.” I grin, trying to lighten the mood.
***
Sunscreen applied, the citrus-striped beach ground mat in place, and my toes burrowed in the sand, I’m all set. Bring on the sun.
My muscles unwind as I’m chillin’ with a good book in my hand. I flip to the bookmarked page and read the first line. “His hands slip between her thighs as he whispers…”
Ugh. I snap the book shut and toss the half-naked lady to the side, puffing out a frustrated sigh. Smut is definitely not on the agenda today. And the reason behind my sudden intolerance for the written word? Kai.
Why can’t I get him out of my mind?
Every touch, every soft caress, every wanton thought, I picture Kai. I huff out a frustrated breath. I wish he hadn’t canceled tonight.
Male grunts pique my curiosity, and I turn to find the source. Perhaps seeing other guys will clear Kai from my mind. Spying a mean game of volleyball, I suppress a moan. I so want to play. But there’s no way I’d waltz over there myself. I’m not that bold.
Shrill laughter draws my attention back to the ocean just as a large wave crashes upon the shore, knocking down a young girl in its path. A lady laughs and helps the girl to her feet just as another rush of water topples over her again. Their playful manner brings a smile to my face. My gaze spans farther out. A few teens grip their boogie boards and ride the waves to shore. Now that looks fun.
And what am I doing? Torturing myself with smut while thinking about a guy that in two weeks, I’ll never see again. I’m such an idiot.
Frustrated beyond belief, I open my bag in search of the water container. Perhaps I’ll find my brain in here.
“Looky there. It’s Kayla from Purdue,” a voice hollers from a short distance.
My eyebrows knit together as I glance up. To my surprise, the guy from the airplane ride is jogging over to me, carrying a volleyball.
“Well, well. Ohio State Ray,” I say with a grin. My gaze wanders to the net, and everyone is standing around eyeing us. “I think they’re waiting for the ball.”
“They can wait. Or better yet, join us.” He stops in front of me and spins the ball in his hands. “You like to play, right?”
Impressed that he remembered our conversation about my old high school activities, I nod. He must’ve paid attention to my nervous babble.
“Yeah, I still like playing.”
“All right then.”
“Let me grab my water.” I reopen the bag, and the half-naked girl falls out, face up, fully exposed. Embarrassment engulfs my face as his eyebrow rises.
“Uh, what kind of book are you reading?”
“Required. Classic literature.” I shrug.
Ray chuckles. “Yeah, right.”
I shove the book back inside then grab the drink. Ray extends a hand to help me to my feet. His skin is soft, but when we touch, there are no sparks. No wanton thoughts. Just a simple gesture like every time Brian touches me. I sigh. The one guy I like lives freaking four-thousand miles away from me. And I’m stuck wondering if he’ll call to arrange another date. How pathetic.
**~~**~~**
Kai~
After placing the totes and dry bags in a pile, I walk over to McKenna.
“I’ll take care of the equipment after this last tour.” I unscrew my thermos lid and fill it up with water.
“Don’t worry, hun, I’ll get those clean for you,” McKenna says. “It’s the least I can do.”
“Thanks, I appreciate that.”
Raised voices permeate through the walls, and I tilt my head to listen. “Who’s John arguing with?”
John’s the most laid back person I know. I can’t imagine him raising his voice unless it’s at an employee. Damn, I was going to ask about borrowing his boat to take Kayla out, but I’d prefer him to be in a good mood when I ask.
“Some lady. I think she was part of last Saturday’s morning tour.”
Body stiffening, I swallow hard. “From my group?”
“Yeah, the lady with the short blonde hair.”
The blood drains from my face as my body turns cold.
Shit.
Are they in there arguing about me? Did she find out about last night?
John and I go way back. I’ve been working for him in some capacity since I was ten years old. He was good friends with my dad. And when Dad passed away, John filled the father role. Having no kids himself, John’s always been there for me.
But John Cox would fire my ass in a heartbeat if he knew I messed around with a customer.
“What’s wrong?” McKenna asks.
“Nothing,” I say. “I was going to ask a favor for Thursday, but I’ll ask later.”
People for the last tour begin to filter in. I tighten the lid on my thermos and snatch the clipboard to glance at the itinerary. I sidestep an approaching couple, and as soon as I step forward, John’s office door swings open, and Cara slams into me.
She jumps back and quickly apologizes.
“Kai, I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”
Her eyes are red-rimmed as if she’d been crying. Her politeness toward me made my nerves calm somewhat. Surely she wouldn’t be demanding my termination, and then treat me nice afterward.
“Yeah, I’m fine, Ms. Cannon.”
She looks nervously at me. “I need to get going. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon.”
She turns to leave and wobbles. My hands reach for her, afraid she’d fall.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask.
The door flies open again, and John stands there brooding. “Cara, are you all right to drive?”
“Of course. Just spun too fast. That’s all.”
Cara stalks away, leaving John frowning after her. When she reaches the car, John turns to me. My gut clenches from his ashen face.
“We need to talk.”
Chapter Sixteen
Kayla~
The Purdue bell tower stands behind Staci and me as we embrace in a side hug with our outer arms raised high as if in a victory cheer. Every time I grab my phone to check messages, the picture displays proudly as my screensaver.
I love that picture and remember the day vividly. It was freshman year, and Staci and I were getting to know each other better. We had our lunch in the quad. Staci was in a good mood because she’d spent most of the previous evening with some guy. One she thought she could become serious with.
The knitting needles pause in my hands as my eyes narrow at the cell phone screen. I wonder what happened to them, because I never did meet that guy. Strange.
I shake off the memory as the screen goes black. Despite the fact that one of my favorite pictures is my screensaver, I’d still rather have a message stating missed call or text. Anything but the clear photo.
This is stupid.
I need to quit stewing over whether he’ll call or not. Why let him ruin my evening?
Knit one, purl two, I work a row of stitches across the knitting needles, repeating the rhythm at record speed. At this pace, I’d win the fastest knitter award if one existed.
But I can’t relax. My phone still sits silently beside me no matter how hard I will it to ring. I check the time. Nine p.m. Kai’s obviously not calling.
<
br /> Disappointment floods my insides. I set my needles and yarn down and grab the phone. I’ll see what Mom is doing on the lanai. She’s been quiet ever since picking me up from the beach.
“Mom…” My words fall silent when I see the wary look on her face. Mom’s phone is raised to her ear, and she takes a deep breath.
“Yes, that’s fine.” Mom pauses, and then says, “No, it’ll be fine.” Another pause. “Of course.”
Mom lets out a small laugh. “Give me five minutes…okay…goodbye.”
Mom ends the call and turns to me with a suspicious smile.
I scrutinize that expression. Why would she need five minutes?
“Are we expecting company?”
Mom remains silent for a moment and then asks, “Are you having a good time on the island so far?”
“Of course.”
“And hanging with your mom is exciting enough?”
“Uh, where are you going with this?” I ask suspiciously.
“Hmm, I don’t know. I just wondered because the island’s not shy of hot men.”
“What—” My phone buzzes and Kai’s name displays across the bell tower. Finally.
Mom breaks into a huge grin. “Kai, huh?”
“How did you—”
“You better answer that.” Mom points to my phone, and I shake my head.
“You knew all along,” I accuse. Mom grins as I swipe my phone and hit the answer button. “Hello.”
**~~**~~**
Kai~
I utter a silent “Thank God” when Kayla picks up. It’s late, but by the time I got home and showered, I had to call Cara first. After everything my boss told me today, I don’t want the worry of pissing him off hanging over my head. And by the way things sound, John may need someone responsible for leaning on. The simplest solution would be to get Cara’s permission to date her daughter. The phone call to Cara was hard to make, but hearing Kayla’s sweet hello makes it worth it.
“Hey,” I say. “I’m so sorry I had to cancel today. Roy called in sick last minute, leaving us hanging.”
“I understand.”
My muscles relax further at her forgiving tone. I frown, not realizing how worried I was, which is disturbing. I quickly dismiss those thoughts.
“With another double tour tomorrow, I’ll be beat, but Wednesday and Thursday I only have morning runs. Can we get together those two days? I can pick you up Wednesday afternoon, but I have a surprise for Thursday.”
I chew my lip, waiting for her response. I threw a bunch of information at her and tried curbing my enthusiasm, but I’m afraid it seeped in my voice. Whatever. I’m excited for Thursday evening. It’s been a long time since I went through the trouble of setting up a date.
“That sounds great.” There’s caution in her tone, and I hate knowing I put that there. But Kayla doesn’t have to worry about me canceling any more dates. “It will work out better. Mom and I are going to a luau Friday night.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up around three Wednesday, and we’ll head to the beach.” I yawn before continuing, “Just text me the address to where you’re staying.”
I already know the address, but that detail is better left unsaid.
“That sounds good.” There’s a beat of silence, and then her tone changes to concern. “You sound worn out. Maybe you should get some sleep.”
“Care for my well-being, huh?” I tease.
“I’m five months out from being a nurse. It’s in my nature.”
I chuckle. “Okay, Nurse Kayla. I’ll get to bed.” Only if you’re in it, I want to say, but I stifle another yawn instead. “Don’t forget to text me your address.”
“Goodnight, Kai.”
“Night.”
I turn off the phone and lean back on the couch. I still don’t know what to think about John. When he called me to his office, I thought for sure he would yell at me for meeting Kayla last night. His stoic face left little doubt…
As I sat in the black guest chair in front of his desk, he ran his hands down his face and grunted. My heart raced, and a twinge of guilt seeped through. The last thing I wanted to do was disappoint him.
I remained quiet and waited for him to work through whatever emotion was eating him alive. After a few excruciatingly long moments, he sighed.
“I need a favor from you,” he asked in a flat tone.
My eyebrows shot upwards. That wasn’t what I expected. Still, I remained quiet because he obviously had more to say.
“I’ve been delivered some shocking and rather disturbing news. I…” He paused and shifted his gaze to the tiny window of his office.
I’d known John my entire life. He’d always been carefree and relaxed. Never got married. In fact, he hardly ever dates, claiming a mainlander stole his heart and never gave it back. But through all these years, I’d never seen one tear fall from that man’s eyes. So the wetness swelling in his eyes had me squirming in my seat. That moment, I realized, whatever upset him had nothing to do with me and everything to do with Cara. I just didn’t know what it could be…
I blow out a breath and push myself off the couch. Bed. I need my bed. I’ll deal with my boss and Cara’s involvement later.
For now, I’ll focus on Wednesday’s date with Kayla, even with my mind screaming at me to not get anything started with her. It’s stupid to date someone I’ll never see again, and especially now with the demands my boss may make of my time. But my body speaks a totally different language. All sensibility disappears when it comes to that girl. No, instead, I’ll make the most of my time with her. But whatever I tell myself, I’m looking forward to Thursday night’s date the most. And that’s the first time I remember being excited about a date.
Chapter Seventeen
Kai~
There was this one girl, Jennie James, back when I was seventeen. She was beautiful. Jennie’s blonde hair cascaded in waves down her back. She emerged from the water, walking toward the shore, and I fell deeply in love. Well, as deep as a horny seventeen-year-old could. We had an instant connection—meaning as soon as we saw each other; we made out. No lie. I said hi to her, and she returned the greeting with a sultry smile. We snuck off behind a cliff, and I discovered my love for girls. Every chance she stole away from her parents, we were together.
Then Jennie left for home, never to be heard from again.
I think about her from time to time and wonder if she remembers me. I sure remember her, but as I grab hold of Kayla’s hand, I’m struck by the vast difference between actually liking someone versus lusting after them.
The light breeze kicks up, blowing her dark brunette hair back, and I can’t help recognizing Kayla’s beauty. But there’s so much more to this girl than good looks. She’s witty but displays a compassionate side as well. I want to know more about her. Who is Kayla Cannon exactly?
We walk along the semi-crowded shore. It’s after four in the afternoon and by this time, most of the people are packing up ready to leave. This is my favorite time of the day to walk the beach. There’s a sense of serenity that descends upon the shore. The thrills of the day lower to hushed tones as the sun begins its descent. It’s peaceful.
“So, you’re studying to be a nurse. At Purdue?” I ask, breaking the silence.
“Yep,” she says with pride.
“I take it you like the school. But isn’t that in Indiana?”
She smiles coyly. Almost as if she’s embarrassed. “Yeah, and I know the U of I is where my loyalties should lie being I live so close to Champaign, but I love Purdue. I’ve always wanted to be a Boilermaker.”
“What the heck is a Boilermaker?”
She laughs. “It’s a long story, but the nickname dates back to the late eighteen hundreds. Between Purdue’s rich engineering habits and football team, the mascot developed.”
Okay, that didn’t help explain anything, but I let it drop. I’ll Google it later. “And you graduate in May, right?”
“Yes.” Kayla sigh
s. “But I plan on attending graduate school. I’d like to obtain my Nurse Practitioner license in Family Medicine.”
“Oh, that’s ambitious.” I’m not sure why that surprises me. Kayla’s disposition has always been on the serious side. No wonder she isn’t like any of the girls I’ve been with.
“Yeah, I set my goal high, but not too high. I didn’t want the commitment it takes to become an actual physician. Believe me; their courses are tough. One of my best friends, Brian, is on track to become a doctor. I wouldn’t want his regime. Mine’s worse enough.”
My jaw ticks. Brian? Her best friend is a male, and he’s studying to become a doctor? Why the hell is she messing around with me? Shit. I clear my throat.
“That’s good.” I scramble to switch topics. I need to steer the conversation away from the golden boy M.D. “Did you and your mom go sightseeing today?”
A huge smile crosses her face, and I know she’ll go into another monolog about the island’s beauty. I can’t help smiling in return. I love her ramblings.
“Yes. We went to Allerton Gardens.”
“I love that place. I’m sure you saw the Moreton Bay fig trees?”
“Heck, yeah. That’s one of the first things I wanted to see. I loved Jurassic Park growing up. I can’t believe how tall and wide those trees are in real life. Robert Allerton was a unique character. Such a visionary.” She smiles as if recollecting a memory and then glances at me. “Did you know where he moved here from?”
“Somewhere in the Midwest, I believe.”
“Yeah, my hometown. Monticello. His massive house still stands along with the grounds. It’s called Allerton Park. He donated the land to the University of Illinois…”
We walk hand in hand along the stretch of beach as she rambles—every once in a while I smile, not so much at what she says, but at the passion in her voice. I could listen to her for hours on end.
A large rocky cliff stands in our path, marking the end of our shoreline. Not wanting to play mountain climber, we turn around to head back.
Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One Page 8
