“You will not. You’re just feeling rejected. Well, we know you’re not broken—you’re capable of being turned on.”
A small laugh escapes. Staci always knows how to lighten the mood.
“So when are you seeing him next?” she asks.
“I don’t know. I went to a luau with Mom last night. He was supposed to call, but didn’t.” I let out a sigh and stare at the ocean again.
“He’ll call. I’m sure. And if he doesn’t, then, at least, you didn’t screw him first.”
The bitterness in her tone throws me off guard, but I let it go. It’s hard telling which guys she’s mad at. That’s a whole different conversation I’m steering clear of.
“So what’d ya do today? Knit by the beach?”
“Ha ha. You wish you had my talent. But no, Mom took me to see a lighthouse, and then we went shopping. We’re getting ready to go out for supper. It’s strange being away from home on Christmas.”
“Speaking of, my dad is coming to visit us for Christmas tomorrow.” She lets out a tiny groan. “Kill. Me. Now.”
I force a laugh. Staci has never said why she dislikes her father. And even though she wants nothing to do with him, he keeps trying. Shitty parent or not, at least he’s trying to be there.
After saying goodbye, I remain seated and take a sip of my now cold coffee. The bitterness matches my mood. I need to snap out of this funk. What does it matter if he calls or not? I’ll be gone in less than two weeks. But knowing all of this doesn’t help the pit of despair in my stomach.
“Such a gorgeous day,” Mom says, walking through the sliding glass door. I straighten in my seat and half smile. She pulls out the chair to my left and sits, eyeing the mountain range. “So beautiful,” she mutters again.
“I don’t know which view I appreciate more, the mountains or the ocean. I’m glad we have both.”
“So why are you outside here all mopey like?”
My body tenses. “I’m not moping.”
“You’ve been sitting outside staring at the ocean ever since we returned. You want to talk about it?”
I turn to face her. The back of her perfectly styled blonde hair greets me. I don’t know if she thinks that hiding her face will be truth serum or what. It won’t work. In no way am I confessing about pining over a boy. Not to my mom. I face forward again.
“I’m just out here thinking.”
“You know, when I visited Kauai the first time, I fell in love.”
My head snaps back to her as she turns to face me, her expression grim.
“What happened?” I ask.
She draws out a lengthy breath and sighs. “Reality. His life was here, and mine was back in Illinois. He lived here for five years before meeting me and wasn’t going to leave. The island calls to certain people and becomes part of their blood.” Her voice quivers as she stares down at her hands. I want to hug her, but I’m afraid to interrupt. “Anyway, that was around the time when Mom became ill, and I went home to help her.”
“You never stayed in touch?”
Sadness passes through her eyes. “No. We made a clean break. That was before the heavy use of cell phones and the Internet. We would’ve exchanged emails, but the Internet wasn’t the same back in the day. We felt no communication would be the best.”
I study Mom for a moment and then ask, “Why are you telling me this?”
“You’re a smart girl.” Mom’s face grows serious as she stares at me intently. “When the time comes to make tough decisions, choose what’s best for you and your heart. Not what you think others want you to do.”
My eyes narrow, and I stare at Mom’s serious expression. What the heck has gotten into her?
“Mom, is everything okay?”
Mom opens her mouth to speak, but the quick pulsating buzz of my phone interrupts. I can’t stop the grin that my lips form. Kai texted.
A knowing smile crosses Mom’s face. “Remember what I said.” She stands and scoots toward the sliding glass doors. “We’ll talk later.” She points to the phone. “You better answer that.”
Mom slips inside, leaving me to wonder what that was all about. She dumped a lot of information at me with little time to process it. I shake my head and snatch the phone off the table. My stomach flutters from one single word, “hey.” But as much as I can’t wait to talk to him, I’m in no hurry to respond.
Chapter Twenty-One
Kai~
After placing the dry bags and lunch totes on the picnic tables to dry, I spray the bottoms of my KEEN’s off. I failed at staying clean today—evident by the mud-caked shoes. The midnight rain showers last night proved too much for the trail.
I pull my phone out to check if Kayla’s responded yet. The blank screen mocks me—a stark reminder that I should’ve texted her last night.
Last night.
I bite back the threatening growl and shove the phone back into my shorts pocket. I’d rather forget the stupidity that clouded my judgment last night.
“Kai, can I have a word?”
My head rises to my boss’s gruff voice, and I frown at his grave expression. “Sure, just a sec.” I turn the faucet off and slip the extra set of sandals on while my shoes dry. My phone buzzes against my leg. Finally.
I pull the phone out and frown at the message.
Bethany: We need to talk.
Me: I’m busy tonight.
Placing the phone back in my pocket, I enter John’s office. “What’s up, boss?”
I waltz to the front of the metal desk and plop in the chair. Swallowing hard, I try to decide if his scrutinizing stare is from something I did. Damn. He’s been moody lately.
“Did your date enjoy the boat ride?” John leans forward, placing his elbows on the desktop and leaning his chin on his knotted fist.
“Uh…yeah, she did. Thanks again for allowing me to take your baby out.” To lighten the mood, I flash him a grin which he doesn’t return. My phone vibrates again, and I suppress my moan. Why did I go home with her last night?
“Are you going to be seeing her again?”
“Who?” flies out of my mouth before I could stop it.
“The girl on the boat,” John says through gritted teeth.
John’s stoic tone unnerves me, and my grin disappears. Why the hell would he care? I thought I’d gotten around the no-dating customer policy.
“I plan to,” I say carefully.
Sweat beads on my forehead while the longest moment in history passes. John finally shifts in his seat and straightens his stance. The hardened expression softens as a faraway look develops.
“You remember the story about a mainlander who stole my heart?”
“Yeah.”
“Cara, your date’s mom, is that lady.”
My head tilts back, eyeing John. Cara’s reason for being upset makes sense now. Her visit had nothing to do with Kayla or me. As the knowledge sinks in, a pang of relief settles in my stomach.
“Wow, Boss. I don’t know what to say. Did Cara come back to the island to see you then?”
“Never mind that.” John waves his hands dismissively and shakes his head as if he’s irritated. Did I anger him? Perhaps, I’ve overstepped my boundaries. “I want to know what your intentions are with her daughter.”
“I…” Pausing, I try to gather my thoughts. My intentions? Hell, I don’t even know my intentions. I’m attracted to Kayla and like hanging out with her. Honestly, though, what could my intentions be since she’s leaving? My stomach churns, and I push the thought of her being gone away.
“I don’t want your actions upsetting her mother. The woman means a lot to me.”
John’s stare grows cold. What the fuck?
“John, you know me,” I say irritated. Because, yeah, I am mad. This guy has practically raised me. He knows me better than anyone. “I’d never do anything to hurt Kayla.” My less than stellar actions from last night flood my brain, but I tamp them down.
“I’m familiar with your in
discretions.”
My what? Where the hell is this coming from? Sure, I like to sleep around, but only with girls who are willing and know exactly the score.
“My relationship with Kayla is purely platonic, if that’s what you’re worried about.” I stand, officially shutting this conversation down. “I have no intentions of hurting either one of them.”
“Fair enough.” John’s shoulders unwind from their tight knot, and his gaze drops to the Formica desktop. My anger lessens somewhat from his exhausted expression. “Sorry, if I’m coming across strong. It’s just…Cara is someone special.”
“We’re all good, boss.”
I step to the door and grab hold of the handle. I turn, but my parting words die on my lips. My chest squeezes from John’s broken expression. I don’t believe you’re over her yet, John. My phone buzzes again, and panic sweeps through me. Is this going to be me in twenty-some years? As soon as the thought flits through my mind, I dismiss it. There’s a vast difference between me and John’s situation. I’m infatuated with Kayla, not in love, I think as I pull my phone out. I need to set Bethany straight. Except, it’s not Bethany’s text.
“Hey yourself” is flashed across the screen, and an idiotic smile breaks across my face despite the rash of emotions swirling through my veins. I immediately suppress the smile and exhale. There’s nothing cute about that phrase. I switch the phone off silent and type, “you busy tonight?”
I meander over to the picnic table to grab the kayaking gear as I wait for her response. Tonight’s Christmas Eve, but I don’t care. I want to see her. Or at least, try. And since Mom’s expecting me tomorrow, I’m free.
It isn’t until the last dry bag is placed in the storage bin when Kayla’s response pings through. I run my hand through my hair while I lean against the table to relax my restless legs. I don’t think I’ve ever been so eager to read a text.
Kayla: Mom and I are heading out to eat.
Hmmm. Too vague. I’m not letting you off that easily.
Me: Text me when done, I’ll pick you up.
I rub the back of my neck and wonder if my words are too bold. But after last night’s fiasco, there’s no doubt who I want to be with. Long, excruciating seconds tick by while I wait.
Ping.
Reading her reply, I blow out a breath. I grab my shoes and push off the table. As I strut to my car, the sweetest words I’ve read play through my mind, “sure thing.” The date is on.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Kayla~
Standing in front of the full-length mirror in the loft, I smooth the non-existent wrinkles in front of my strappy T-back Cami dress. I’m not sure where these nerves are coming from, but after our cruise date, I want to be irresistible. Or the very least, somewhat desirable. If Kai Hale is going to uphold his hands-off policy, then I’m not making it easy for him—no matter if he’s right or not. Sex would complicate things more than they already are. I let out a frustrated sigh. Who knows, I may not be ready.
A knocking sound interrupts my thoughts, and I jerk my head to the stairs, taking a deep breath. Mom yells she’ll get the door as I slip on my matching black ankle-strapped dress-sandals. Thank God Kai’s tall, so I can sport these four-inch heels.
I round the corner of the stairs the same time Kai emerges from the entryway. We both stop in our tracks at the sight of each other. Kai’s brown eyes darken with lust as his gaze travels along the length of my body, lingering a beat too long on my thighs. How can a stare alone produce an arousal deep inside that makes me feel so desired?
“You’re beautiful,” he says, gravelly. He clears his throat as Mom slips behind him, exiting to her bedroom.
“Thank you.”
I glance at my shoes, subconsciously tugging the hemline of my dress. My eyes sweep back to Kai. He isn’t so bad-looking himself. The black button-down, collared shirt accentuates his light caramel skin. The bare chest peeking through the top unbuttoned area taunts me, along with that sultry look. I have to be near him. Now.
I progress forward until I’m standing practically against him. Kai’s breath hitches, and I watch his Adam’s apple slide up and down as he forces a swallow. Empowerment rushes through me. Desirability, check.
“You ready?” I ask, my voice throaty.
Kai nods, the intensity refusing to lessen in his gaze. I shift to the door and yell goodbye to Mom. As soon as we’re both outside, Kai pulls me into his arms and presses his lips to mine in a tantalizing, slow embrace. My lips part in response as the kiss deepens, my tongue matching his thrust by thrust. Kai’s right hand traces down my curves until coming to rest on the small of my back. If I thought my body was heated earlier, it’s nothing compared to now. Fire burns deep inside, starting at my neck and working its way to my core. A moan emits from my throat, and I retract my earlier thought. I am so ready to have sex with Kai Hale.
Our lips part, his chest heaving as a need fills his eyes. “You’re too damn irresistible,” Kai pants.
A smile crosses my lips. Irresistibility, check.
***
The crunch of gravel stirs me from my daze as Kai pulls into the parking lot. The building is quaint and tiny. By the lack of cars, the bar doesn’t appear to be too busy.
“Is Kamp going to be here tonight?” I ask, breaking the silence.
The entire ride here has been quiet, each lost in our thoughts. I’m not sure what went through Kai’s mind, but mine has been nothing but lust-filled fantasies. Especially after he stopped at his house. Hope had swelled within me, thinking it may be a ploy to get me inside, but when he practically ordered me to stay in the car, my assumptions were crushed. Every time I stole a glance at Kai, he seemed to be in deep thought or brooding.
“Nah, he’ll probably be at Rick’s.”
“Is Rick’s your normal hangout?” I bite my lip and wait for his answer. Insecurity plagues my mind all of a sudden, and I can’t help but wonder if Kai doesn’t want me meeting his other friends.
“Yeah, but I was there last night.” Kai shrugs, throwing the car in park. Kai turns my way and gives me a sideways grin. “We only have two weeks; I’d rather keep you to myself a little longer.”
The knots in my stomach transform to butterflies. Ever since his searing gaze landed on me at the condo, this electric current flowing through my veins has my body on edge, charged. The softest touch or sweetest gesture liquefies me into a lustful pile of want. I so need him tonight.
He half-smiles, opening my car door. I step out, and he intertwines our fingers—a move he’s perfected—and I melt as he helps me across the gravel in my spiked heels.
The elevated noise level assaults my ears as we step through the entrance. The rhythmic beats vibrate against my chest, but I’m too distracted to care. The bar is decked in holiday cheer. Red and green tinsel line the counter, and Santa Claus is tending bar. Not the real Santa, but the wide smile the guy greets his customers with seems jolly, and he’s sporting the red hat.
Kai’s hand drops to the small of my back, completely erasing Santa from my thoughts. I shiver from the earlier memory of his lips on mine. God, I love how his touch makes me feel complete.
The place is more crowded than I expected given that it’s Christmas Eve. A few eyes turn our way, and I’m well aware that our coordinating attire makes it appear as if we’re a couple. But I don’t care. I rather like that thought.
Kai guides me to a table tucked toward the back, and I slide across the seat as his hand glides along my hip. Hot searing tingles shoot everywhere his fingertips graze. My gaze sweeps to meet his, and my inner thighs clench from the depth of his stare. The want in his eyes returns. No brooding, just pure lust.
The music stops emitting from the speakers only to be followed by a deep voice.
“All right, ladies and gents, let’s have Sarah come up and sing Love Shack. A Sarah to sing Love Shack.”
A pained expression crosses Kai’s face as he groans beside me. “Sorry, I didn’t realize t
his was karaoke night.”
A smile forms on my lips “Let’s hope Sarah can sing,” I rasp out.
Kai’s expression grows serious again, and his gaze drops to my mouth. A lump forms in my throat, making it impossible to swallow. He takes a deep breath and leans forward barely grazing my lips. He plants small kisses along the curve of my neck, trekking to my ear.
“I’ll get us some drinks.”
I nod, still too dazed to think.
Sarah killed Love Shack. And by killing it, I don’t mean she nailed it. I mean she took a steel-bladed knife and stabbed until it no longer bled. If the B-52s knew their lyrics were being tortured and strangled, they would sue for their karaoke rights back.
Kai looks at me and laughs. “I’m really sorry.”
“It’s okay, honestly.” I try not to laugh. “I can’t sing either.”
“Well, at least you know it.” Kai turns to the stage where the blonde-haired girl is singing her heart out. “That poor thing doesn’t have a clue.”
Sarah finally exits off stage only to be followed by another wannabe superstar. But this gentleman can carry a tune. A few more people take turns, some of them proving to be good. Their loud voices carry through the small bar which makes it difficult to carry a conversation.
“Do you want to leave?” Kai asks when there’s a lull in the singing. He looks hard at me as if he’s struggling with an inner conflict. “We…can go back to my place. It’d be quieter.”
My eyes widen at the premise of his suggestion. I nod, my mouth suddenly dry. It’s one thing to fantasize, quite another to follow through. I need to talk to Staci. Stat.
“Okay, but I need to use the restroom first.”
Kai stands to let me pass.
I pull my phone out and call my friend. Shit! It’s like three in the morning there. She’ll never answer.
Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One Page 11
