Two experienced bodyguards met us at the airport on the Hawaiian island of Oahu and transported us to Ewa Beach where Josh's beach house was. During the half-hour car ride, Josh was going over all of the different things we could do, and as the list grew and grew I was getting more excited by the minute. I was actually in Hawaii! I never thought I would end up visiting the number one place I have always wanted to travel to. This was truly a dream come true.
“We’re here.” The bodyguard who had been driving spoke, the muscular man pulling up to a beautiful white beach house.
My eyes widened at the sight when the car parked in the driveway, prompting me to open the door and step out as the heat licked my skin like flames. The front of the house had a wraparound porch with a couple of tan colored rocking chairs. The house itself with sky blue window shutters was only one level, but it was huge. I walked up the small set of wooden stairs and pulled out my phone to take a quick picture of it. When I snapped a good photo I realized I had forgotten all about my suitcases, the bodyguards grabbing them. I quickly apologized and hurried down the stairs.
“Don't worry about it.” One of the bodyguards smiled.
“Are you sure you don't want me to carry them?” I asked.
“I like her. She's not a snob.” The other commented. “We got it.” I smiled back and nodded, turning back around and following Josh inside.
To my left there was a large living room that had caught my eye first. There was a large flat-screen television hanging on the wall with two large black leather couches and a glass coffee table in the middle of the room.
“Where would you like your suitcases?” The bodyguards asked.
“By the door is just fine. Thank you.” They nodded before leaving, checking out the property to make sure nothing was out of the ordinary.
I left the living room and walked into the kitchen, the dark hardwood flooring shining with matching counters and a large dining table. When I opened the cabinets above the sink it was already filled with endless plates, bowls, and cups. I made my way across the kitchen to the other cabinet above the counter and opened it, finding that it was fully stocked with food. Curiosity got the better of me as I walked towards the refrigerator.
“Did he really find a way to stock the whole kitchen?” I opened the refrigerator, seeing that it was indeed stocked with all of my favorite foods and drinks. I opened the freezer, seeing it was packed as well. I pulled out an ice cream bar and opened the wrapper, taking a bite as I explored the rest of the house.
Central air had been installed with a touchpad on the kitchen wall. I saw another touchpad near the front and back doors, knowing those two were connected to the security system.
As I walked towards the bathroom I saw a set of glass doors leading to the wraparound porch, my focus shifting towards that direction as I opened the door and stepped outside. Down the steps led to the beautiful Hawaiian beach, chairs and tables being set up on the porch as well as a snowy white hammock strapped to two nearby palm trees.
“If you guys need help with anything then feel free to ask me.” I said to our bodyguards who were walking in the backyard in their shorts and white T-shirts.
“You just enjoy yourself while you're here.”
I smiled with a nod, turning back around and heading inside as they followed. When they made their way to the kitchen I went in the opposite direction towards the large bathroom, my eyes widening in amazement.
The walls and flooring were made out of expensive white tile, a large sink and mirror on the left next to a metal rack filled with endless towels. On top of the sink had beauty products, perfumes, body lotions, and other creams. My eyes shifted over to the shower that was on the other side of the toilet, the doors being made of tinted gray glass with a pink shower mat on the floor. I slid the glass to the other side to poke my head in, taking note that the shower was already stocked. Different kinds of expensive shampoos, conditioners, body gels, soaps, bath salts, bubble baths, and razors were already there and ready for use.
“How did he stock the house already?” I muttered to myself. I felt guilty from the fact that Josh went through all of this trouble just for me.
I walked back over to the sink and opened the large bottom cabinet, seeing that more supplies were there. I sighed, walking out of the bathroom where a small laundry room could be seen on the left.
“If Josh went through all of this trouble then what did he do for my room?” I walked down the hallway where a pink and purple sign hung on the door reading, ‘Guest Room’. I took a deep breath and opened the door, my feet sinking into the blue carpet as I closed the door behind me.
The master bedroom completely took my breath away as I scanned it from where I stood. Along the right wall were a couple of closets already stocked with clothes my size and so many pairs of shoes.
Bolted to the wall opposite from the bed was yet another flat-screen television as well as an entertainment center containing a bunch of DVDs and a DVD player. The king-sized bed had a blue blanket with snowy white sheets underneath, accompanied by countless pillows. I finally shifted my gaze to a large writing desk with a desktop computer and Wi-Fi already set up.
“This is just amazing.” I breathed, finally moving further into the room. The bedroom door opened as Josh walked in, a cheerful smile on his face.
“What do you think?”
“What do I think?” I laughed. “This entire house is so beautiful. You really own it?”
“I do,” Josh pointed over to the closet. “Do you like the clothes in there?”
“I do, but you didn't have to buy me anything.”
“I knew you would say that, which was exactly why I didn't tell you.” Josh chuckled. “It's already seven. Do you want me to order something for dinner? I'm starving.”
“Okay.”
The two of us walked out of the room and ventured into the kitchen. We would be staying here for an entire week; a whole week here in Hawaii and this incredible house! By the time we would have to head home I knew I wouldn't want to leave, so as the next few days passed by I was going to enjoy every second of it.
Chapter Nine
“This is hopeless!” I coughed up seawater out from my lungs while pushing back my wet hair from my face as Josh sat on his surfboard laughing hysterically. It was the first official day here in Hawaii and he was trying to teach me how to surf, but his teaching tactics were failing miserably.
“It’s easy.” Josh chuckled as the small waves bobbled his surfboard. The ocean’s water came up to my chest as I struggled to get back on the board, but when I finally did I paddled back over towards Josh. “It’s like riding a skateboard.”
“It is not like riding a skateboard.” I growled, but I couldn’t stop myself from laughing when he stuck out his tongue.
“Sure it is,” Josh responded playfully. I sat up on the board and almost tipped it over. “Let me show you how the master does it.” I shook my head as Josh got flat on his stomach and paddled further out into the ocean, catching a wave only moments later. He stood up on the red and orange surfboard and rode the wave flawlessly. I turned my head and saw paparazzi taking photographs of the two of us, but our two bodyguards were telling them to leave the area.
“Show-off.” I snickered when Josh made his way back over to me. I reached up and splashed water in his face.
“Oh really?” Josh ripped the strap off his ankle that bound him to the board and dove underwater.
I looked around frantically when I couldn't see him in the clear water, unaware that he was already underneath my surfboard. I screamed when the board suddenly tipped over and I plunged into the water. I swam up to the surface and gasped desperately for air, undoing my ankle strap. Josh stood in the water a few feet away from me with a playful grin spread across his face, bringing me to lunge at him. We both crashed in the ocean's depths as I opened my eyes. The water stung for only a minute as I saw a blurred image of Josh. He must’ve had his eyes opene
d as well since he waved at me. I waved back before swimming back up to the surface.
“You're mean.”
“But you love me.” Josh smirked.
“Debatable.” I grinned and got back on my surfboard. “Surfing isn't like riding a skateboard.”
“Okay, maybe not exactly, but it's close. You have to find a certain place on the board where you have a sturdy balance and keep your feet grounded there.” Josh glanced towards the beach distractedly and saw more paparazzi with their cameras. I followed his gaze. Stan and Bruce, who were the two bodyguards, continued to chase them away.
“They're like vultures or something,” I commented. “Is it always like this?”
“It can get a lot worse,” replied Josh grimly. “Since no one knows where my parents really live then I don't have to worry about all of the cameras too much. Buying my beach house a few months ago got leaked somehow, so now everyone knows about it. It's one of the reasons why I don't visit it often, but I wanted to try and give you a vacation you deserve.”
“What about when fans come up to you?” I asked.
“I don't mind that at all.” Josh smiled. “They're the reason why I'm able to live my dream as an actor. If it wasn't for them then I wouldn't be here. I get so happy when they ask for an autograph or a picture.” Josh sighed. “Since a lot of the paparazzi were able to snap some pictures then don't be surprised if you end up online in a few hours. There's going to be all sorts of rumors floating around now.”
“Great,” I sighed. “Just what I need.”
“I'm sorry.”
“It's not your fault.”
“Yes, it is. I should’ve thought this through better.”
I looked over at Josh and splashed him again.
“Do you realize how happy I am that I'm here with you?” I laughed. “No amount of online rumors is going to change that.”
Josh smiled. “I already have an idea of what kind of rumors are going to be out there now.”
“What kind?”
“That you and I are dating.”
“Really?” I snickered. “The horror.”
“Tell me about it.” We glanced back at the beach. “Soon enough we'll be engaged or something.”
“Can you imagine? Those rumors are going to make my dad freak. It's gonna be great.”
“Just wait until the rumors lead in the direction where I knocked you up.”
“Oh my god!” I shook my head. “People can be so crazy. I guess our shippers will get disappointed when they find out you love me like a sister.”
“They'll be crushed.”
There it was. It was the confirmation that Josh only loved me like a sister and nothing more. There weren't any romantic feelings that came from my best friend for me, and it hurt. I was hoping that my suspicions had been wrong this whole time, but my instincts and theories had been right. It stung like a thousand bee stings just thinking about it. One day Josh would finally fall in love with a girl, get married, and have beautiful children; that girl would never be me.
“Maybe the rumors won't be that bad.” I cleared my throat. “In a couple of weeks they'll probably focus on something else.”
“Yeah,” Josh agreed and looked back over towards me. “Want me to show you how surfing is done again?”
“Sure.” I smiled, but on the inside it felt like knives were carving away at my heart. I thought I accepted the fact that Josh only loved me like a sister, but hearing him actually say it was a different story.
We spent the next hour or so in the ocean until I began to feel my energy drain. At first, I tried to hide it. I didn't want to ruin this trip for Josh. He eventually caught on and had the two of us call it quits for now. I tried to convince him that I was fine but when he threatened to call my parents I gave up.
Hazel eyes were locked on me as I sat on the couch. Josh was in the kitchen cutting a pineapple into small squares. When I caught his stare I smiled faintly. “I would rather you pay attention to the knife than having you go to the hospital for cutting yourself.”
“I'm worried about you.”
“Don't be.” I stood up and walked towards the kitchen. When we came inside the only clothing I had put on was a pair of gray denim shorts, leaving my pink and black bikini top exposed. “I'll be fine.”
“Here.” Josh pulled out a water bottle and handed it to me after loosening the cap. “Drink.” I took a sip and stole a piece of pineapple. When I bit into it my mouth was suddenly overwhelmed by explosions of sweet juices. The stringy texture took me a few moments to chew before I swallowed the delicious fruit.
“I love pineapples.”
“Just wait until you drink fresh coconut milk. It's the best.”
Droplets of the fruit's cold juices dripped on my bikini top and stomach. I sighed and wiped away the juices, unknowing of Josh’s stare. His jaw clenched, forcing himself to turn around and grab a large bowl from one of the cabinets.
“If you're up to it later then do you want to go out and get something to eat for dinner?” Josh asked. “There are a few places to choose from.”
“That sounds great,” I looked up once I got myself cleaned up. “I'm sure by then I'll feel better.”
Hours of relaxing for the rest of the day paid off with good results. I felt a lot better from watching a few movies with Josh on the couch and not pushing myself against the limitations. By dinner time I was up to going out to a restaurant. I didn't want to go anywhere that was too expensive since Josh had already spent so much money, so the two of us decided on a beach shack that served amazing Hawaiian cuisines for cheap prices.
I showered and washed my hair since it felt pretty gross from swimming in the ocean that morning, the warm water loosening up all of the knots in my muscles. When I forced myself to finally leave the tub I smelled strongly of roses.
“I'm almost ready!” I shouted from my bedroom. My hair was dried and styled in beach waves, a pink flower also clipped in as a final touch. I wore a light pink sundress to match the flower and white sandals.
“There's no rush,” Josh replied from the kitchen. “Take your time.”
I opened the door and stepped out of the bedroom, my attention shifting to Josh as I smiled. He smiled back while walking over to me, and my breath caught when he reached up and gently pushed a lock of hair behind my left ear.
“You look very beautiful.”
“Thanks.” I replied nervously. I wish my heart would stop fluttering whenever he was around. Soon we left the house, Stan tagging along while Bruce watched over the house.
The sound of the ocean's waves felt soothing as Josh and I walked up to a large shack that was right in the middle of the beach near his house. The shack was single leveled made out of hard brick, the bricks having bamboo plastered everywhere for decoration. The shack was built on top of a platform so that it wouldn't sink into the sand, the platform also being plastered with bamboo. Dried seagrass dangled from the roof, and since I was on the shorter side it just barely grazed the top of my head.
Tables and chairs were set up both inside and outside of the shack for guests to choose where they wanted to eat. Josh and I decided to claim a small table outside while Stan stood silently only a couple tables away. Josh asked if he wanted to join us but Stan politely declined.
“I love this place.” Josh commented. There was a blue sign on the shack's roof reading Makai's, and I wondered what it meant. “It means 'towards the sea' or 'by the sea.'”
“How do you do that?” I raised my eyebrow.
“Do what?”
“Answer the questions I'm thinking. You always somehow do that.”
“I can read your mind,” Josh teased. “I'm a vampire.”
“Very funny.” I shook my head and gazed towards the ocean. By now the sand underneath my feet cooled down, much to my relief.
A tanned girl looking to be in her young teens with long dark hair walked over with a notepad in hand. “Josh?”
“You too!” She was so cheerful and bubbly. “I didn't know you were here in Hawaii! Are you visiting your house?”
“I am,” Josh nodded and turned to me. “Ali, this is Leilani. She played one of the extras in a movie I shot here.” I stood up and hugged the other girl. Leilani had to be the happiest person I’ve ever met.
“It's so nice to meet you.” Leilani turned back to Josh after we released each other. “Is this your girlfriend? She's really pretty.”
I couldn't hide the blush from my face. “We're just friends.” I chuckled.
“Oh,” Leilani's face fell a little. “Sorry about that.”
“Don't worry about it.” Josh grinned and took the two menus Leilani offered.
“Can I start the two of you off with something to drink? A pitcher of fresh peach iced tea was just made.”
“I'll take a glass.” Josh nodded.
“Me too.” I added.
“Okay,” Leilani beamed happily. “I'll be right back.” The young girl took off then as we sat back down.
“Leilani seems really nice.”
“She is,” Josh nodded. “Back when we were shooting the movie here one of the scenes went horribly wrong and Leilani ended up getting hurt pretty badly. She was rushed to the hospital but I was forced to stay on set. Once filming was finished that day I went to the hospital right away.”
“What went wrong?”
“That day we were shooting in the water,” Josh explained. “All of us were in the ocean and she was the surfer that would get screen time for a few seconds. The wave that Leilani was riding ended up being too powerful and she fell. The cord that connected to the surfboard and the strap around her ankle got caught on a coral reef. She wasn't able to get free and ended up swallowing a bunch of water. By the time Leilani finally got rescued and pulled to shore she was unconscious and pale.”
“Oh my god.” I gasped.
Untimely Love Page 12
