Chief Distraction

by Kelly, Stella

  The mid-afternoon breeze hinted at rain as it sent the ends of Blythe’s fiery auburn hair teasing around her face. Everything about her exuded poise and confidence and Mak felt his eyes draw uncontrollably in her direction. Trying not to stare, she caught him looking and he broke into an uncontrollable smile. She looked away quickly, as if she didn’t want him knowing she was staring. But he knew she was. This girl had his senses in overdrive, only he was positive she was avoiding him at all cost. He knew the reason, but it didn’t stop him from indulging his fantasies. So maybe the curse would keep her physically at bay, but his mind was right on top of her – spinning with the possibilities. In another time and place, he would definitely consider her the perfect match.

  <><><>

  Blythe noticed she wasn’t the only woman in the lookout center with her eyes on Chief Kalani. Two young women were checking him out from a distance, clearly ogling him like some piece of succulent meat. Blythe admired their style, conservative and posh. They were clearly tourists, on holiday from the mainland’s winter chill. She watched as Chief Kalani nodded at the women and smiled back, aware of their blatant stares, yet he remained discrete – the perfect gentleman.

  Drawn in by his ease, Blythe felt her heart skip at the flirtatious grin that pulled at the corners of his mouth. He obviously enjoyed the women’s attention, but didn’t let it go to his head. As he turned away, the women looked at each other knowingly, gathering courage before venturing forward to strike up a conversation. As they did, envy crept into Blythe before she knew what hit her. The women had nerve to come onto a man with two children by his side, but then again, he wasn’t wearing a wedding ring; a huge advertisement for most females on the prowl.

  Chief Kalani spoke to them briefly before politely dismissing their attempts. He steered the boys toward the exit. At the last minute, he glanced over his shoulder and waved at her, catching her staring – again. She flushed and waved back. Realizing she dreaded seeing him leave, the knot in her stomach tightened.

  After another hour of playing tourist on the volcano, Blythe brought Rachel and Jarrod to a restaurant that specialized in local delicacies of mahi mahi and ahi tuna. They enjoyed plenty of wine and laughter, sharing stories of the past and present. Blythe ached for her sister’s company and already mourned their departure even though they’d just arrived. Her year in Maui had been an exciting adventure so far, but lonely at times without those she loved around her. Sure, she’d met a few friends, but work kept her running full-steam ahead most days of the week. Finding downtime was difficult, and when she did find some time alone she felt restless and unsettled. Something was missing, she just couldn’t put her finger on what it was.

  Arriving back at the house, Jarrod led the charge up the porch stairs. “What’s this?” he said, picking something up.

  Rachel and Blythe reached the porch just as he turned to face them. In the glow of the porch light, Blythe spotted the object and couldn’t suppress her smile.

  “A fire extinguisher?” Rachel looked perplexed.

  “One of your neighbors must be giving you a hint – ‘Don’t cook!’” Jarrod chuckled as he handed her the unexpected gift adorned with a giant yellow bow.

  “It wasn’t a neighbor. I know exactly who it’s from.”

  Chapter Five

  The hot blazing sun beat down on Rachel’s unprotected head, making drips of sweat trickled down her temples.

  “Here, put this on,” Blythe instructed as she handed her a wide-brimmed sunhat. “You’re skin’s not used to this kind of heat yet. Don’t want you to burn.”

  “Thanks,” Rachel said, shoving it on. They trudged through the scorching sand that led from the already full parking lot to Makena Beach – one of Maui’s best beaches, hands down. Blythe loved to come here with a book and sit in the shade to people watch. Those days were few and far between, but even so, this beach was the place to be if you wanted to hang with the locals. They rounded a corner and faced an endless expanse of golden sand.

  “Welcome to Big Beach.”

  “Wow,” Jarrod stood in awe.

  “I know, right? Beautiful. Come on,” Rachel grabbed his t-shirt and pulled him along.

  “How’s this?” Blythe asked.

  “It’ll do.” Rachel tossed her towel down. Blythe did the same, wedging it close so they could chat as they lounged.

  Jarrod bent to pick up a random black lava rock. He inspected it in the sunlight before slipping it into his pocket.

  “Jarrod, I’d put that back if I were you.” Rachel’s voice was direct.

  “Why? Who’s going to know?”

  Rachel and Blythe looked at each other, their lips pursed.

  “Pele, that’s who,” Blythe warned.

  “The soccer player?”

  “Um, no honey, not the soccer player, Pele the volcano demigod. She’ll protect her lava rocks.”

  Jarrod shot Rachel a look of half belief, half skepticism.

  “It’s true, Jarrod. Our parents told us all about her when we were young and foolish and filling our pockets with lava rocks, just like you,” Blythe winked. “You don’t want to upset Pele…or Rachel.”

  “But your parents are the most logical, practical people I’ve ever met! Blythe, you don’t believe this mumbo-jumbo too, do you?”

  “Not really, but Rachel sure does. According to myth, Pele’s got a quick temper and since she’s the demigod who creates and destroys with fire, I’d be careful.”

  Jarrod pulled the lava rock from his pocket and held it up, as if debating what to do before letting it tumble to the sand. “Fine then, crazy girls, have it your way. Wouldn’t want to upset the demigods.”

  “Good idea, honey,” Rachel threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. “Lets avoid deliberately attracting bad luck, shall we?”

  “They sure are superstitious here.”

  “That’s an understatement,” Blythe sighed.

  “We ‘white haeloes’ aren’t as receptive to the traditions, but the native Hawaiians live and breathe by their superstitions. It’s not just myth to them,” said Rachel.

  Blythe nodded. “There are tons of beliefs that would blow your mind. Choking ghosts who attack you while you sleep if you’ve upset a demigod, night marchers who tromp through the walls of your house to torment you. The list goes on and on.”

  “Hmm, sounds pleasant,” Jarrod sneered.

  “Seriously, they believe it all. They bless everything too. They even have blessing ceremonies for inanimate objects like new cars and bicycles.”

  Jarrod stretched back on his towel looking lost in thought while Rachel and Blythe slathered sunscreen on their legs. Sitting here on Makena Beach with the breeze blowing and not a care in the world, life was good…and superstition free.

  Jarrod propped himself up on an elbow. “Wow, check out the windsurfers. They’re flying over those massive waves!” Blythe followed his gaze as he watched, transfixed. “You’ve gotta have a big set of…you know… to do that sport.” He grabbed his crotch for dramatic effect.

  “Jarrod!” Rachel scoffed.

  “What? I’m serious. Could be agony if you land wrong.”

  “Why don’t you try it then?” Blythe said sarcastically, knowing that unless the sport was golf or fly-fishing, Jarrod would rather watch than play.

  “Ha, ha,” Jarrod smirked. “You’d like me in a full body cast? Would you scratch my feet for me?”

  “Um, no. That’s Rachel’s job.” Blythe looked out toward the water, laughing. She raised a hand to shade her eyes and then pulled her sunglasses down from her head. Looking intently at one windsurfer in particular, her breath caught when she realized it was none other than Chief Mak Kalani. Her jaw dropped. She couldn’t pull her eyes off him. Although she sat stationary in the sand, internally she experienced a surge of unexpected adrenaline.

  “I forgot the cooler in the car. Be back soon,” Jarrod announced.

  “Okay. Can you bring my sunglasses too?” Rachel asked. “Forgot t
hem.”

  Blythe heard their muffled conversation as background noise since every fiber of her attention was glued to the sight ahead. Gliding onto shore, Chief Kalani hopped off his board and pulled it up past the break. Blythe watched him like a hawk and Rachel noticed.

  “Speaking of demigods, are you enjoying the view?”

  “Uh huh,” Blythe practically grunted, her focus intense.

  Turning to watch his fellow windsurfers, Chief Kalani unknowingly gave Blythe and Rachel a nice view of his back. He unzipped his wetsuit and stripped it to his waist, giving them an eyeful of the taut muscles that ran down his spine. He turned fluidly, revealing a well-built chest that would make any woman drool and swoon with delight. Blythe heard Rachel gasp. The feeling was mutual. He ran a strong hand through his wet hair, slicking it back as he sauntered up onto the beach.

  “Wow, he’s like a full-fledged Hawaiian God or something,” Rachel commented without reservation. “Screw the demigod title.”

  “That’s him.”

  “Who?” Rachel sat up taller.

  “Chief Kalani, the one I told you about.”

  Rachel shot her a look of disbelief. “The God? No way! What an absolute tragedy!”

  “I know. It’s such a waste,” Blythe confessed candidly.

  “If I were single, I’d be taking my chances on that curse. Being struck down after the act wouldn’t matter.”

  “Trust me, I’ve considered risking painful consequence or slow death for a brief encounter. But if he ever found out who I am, that would definitely be the end of me – curse or no curse.”

  “It’s such a shame you had to ruin his life. Oh Blythe, if only you’d had foresight,” Rachel pushed her gently. “You don’t actually believe in that curse stuff, do you?”

  “No. Do you?”

  “Maybe. Every jilted woman needs a grandmother with the ability to spin a convenient curse,” Rachel giggled.

  “It would certainly keep boyfriend’s on their toes.”

  “One thing’s for sure, the demigod’s keep throwing you two together. Must be a sign,” Rachel grinned. “A sign that you’re meant to clear the air and put things right with him perhaps? It’s going to be very unpleasant when he learns the truth. Do I need to remind you that you don’t fair well with conflict? Unless, of course, you’re into self-inflicted pain.”

  “Um, no. Absolutely not,” she said as Rachel placed a hand on her forearm.

  “Hold on, hold on.”

  “What?”

  “Brace yourself. He sees you.”

  Chief Kalani sauntered through the sand in their direction. Perhaps her mind was playing tricks on her, but Blythe was certain he grew better looking with each approaching step. Her nerves mounted with her rising attraction. Damn, he was fine.

  “Aloha, Miss Davenport.”

  “Aloha. Chief Kalani, this is my sister, Rachel.”

  “Charmed,” Rachel said flirtatiously.

  “Aloha,” he nodded. He straightened and ran a hand through his hair again, the gesture making Blythe melt into her towel.

  Rachel nodded toward his board at the shoreline, “You’re pretty good at that.”

  “You think so?”

  “I agree, totally,” Blythe held a hand over her eyes to block the glaring sun – and to get a better look at The Chief’s chiseled chest. His caramel-colored sun bronzed skin accentuated every curve of his muscular abdominals, the sinewy veins in his arms popping out like a masterly carved Italian statue. She wanted to reach out and run a hand along his taut bicep.

  “Maybe you should do a story on us Kamikaze windsurfers then,” he leaned back, facing the sun and closing his eyes. Blythe noticed how at ease he seemed on the beach, as if in his element. A true native Hawaiian.

  “So, do you know Josh Stone then?”

  His eyes shot open and he turned his full attention her way. “You’ve heard of Josh Stone?”

  “Hey, I know a great windsurfer when I see one,” she smiled, amused with his boyish energy.

  The mere mention of Maui’s talented windsurfer had him as giddy as a kid. “I can’t believe you know who he is. Do you windsurf?”

  Blythe shook her head. “Nope. I’m a treadmill kind of girl. Sweating in an air-conditioned indoor environment for me, preferably followed by a spa treatment.”

  Rachel giggled. “And she has to look good while sweating. Has to have the right outfit.”

  “Yep, color-coordinated,” Blythe and Rachel laughed.

  “Give it time. You’ll convert to the Maui way of life soon enough. We’ll have you on a surfboard before you know it.”

  “Is that an invitation for a private lesson?” Rachel asked.

  Blythe squirmed on her towel, her sister’s phrase a little too suggestive for her liking.

  He politely smiled at Rachel before facing her square on. “I could do that, if you’re interested. Just name the time and place.” His eyes conveyed so much more than simple small talk. Blythe felt the magnetism way down to her toes.

  “Thanks for the offer. But like I said, I’m a dry land, indoor kind of girl. Your talents would be wasted on teaching me.”

  “Suit yourself. Offer’s always there, though. It’s a tricky sport and I wouldn’t suggest learning on this beach. The undertow’s too strong and the surf pounds pretty hard here, but Makena’s still tame compared to Jaws.”

  “Jaws?” Rachel looked confused.

  “Peahi Beach,” Blythe answered. “For hardcore surfers. It’s affectionately referred to as Jaws…for obvious reasons.”

  “Hey, you know more about surfing than you’re letting on. I’ll convert you yet.”

  “Sounds like a plan. You’d be just the right person to show her the ropes,” Rachel piped in again.

  Blythe’s head swam with silent profanity toward her sister. “No, no. I’m hopeless. I just read about Jaws in a travel brochure.”

  Chief Kalani looked out toward the water as if reminiscing. “I’ve had the pleasure of Peahi on more than one occasion. It’s a totally vivid experience.”

  “Spoken like a true surfer. Thank you for the extinguisher, by the way,” Blythe swerved the conversation to something other than future plans with the cursed hunk. “I hope I never have to use it. That was very kind of you.”

  He stared her down. “No problem. I felt it was my duty to protect your stove,” he grinned boyishly and placed his hands on his ripped hips.

  “Funny!” Blythe pointed at him and smiled.

  “Well, I’d better get back. Don’t want my board to float away in the break. Nice to meet you, Rachel. Goodbye, Miss Davenport.”

  “Bye.”

  They greedily stared as he walked away until he was out of earshot.

  “He likes you, Blythe.”

  “No he doesn’t,” she said a little too quickly, but she knew Rachel had a radar for these things. “Doesn’t matter if he does or not. Nothing’s going to happen. I’ll probably never see the guy again.”

  Rachel leaned in to inspect Blythe’s face, getting really close. Blythe didn’t engage her, only stared out toward the waves until Rachel finally got the better of her. “Okay, what is it?”

  “And you like him. Am I right?” Rachel bumped into her shoulder. “Come on, spill it. This is me you’re talking to.”

  “Maybe a little. But he’s cursed. Enough said.”

  Jarrod returned and set the cooler down before flopping onto the outstretched towel beside Rachel. “What I miss?”

  Rachel and Blythe stayed quiet, their shared secret locked in the sisterly vault.

  “Nothing. Nothing at all,” Blythe said, silently watching Chief Kalani mount his board and sail away, the action sending a ripple of giddy desire to every cell in her body.

  Chapter Six

  Mak realized Blythe Davenport was being thrown in his path whether he liked it or not. For reasons unknown, images of her beautiful face kept overpowering all other thoughts. The problem was, he could do nothing about it. She’d obvi
ously written him off thanks to the curse and there was no getting around it. “Unless…”

  He picked up the phone and called the television station to request her number. He’d keep things professional, distant. That way, he could be close without any risk of offending her. It was a bold move, uncharacteristic. Then again it was business…or so he convinced himself.

  <><><>

  Blythe closed her laptop and shoved it back on the outdoor table. Feeling satisfied, her latest story was now complete, the looming deadline no longer a stressful issue.

  With Rachel and Jarrod out for a romantic dinner date, she sat on the back porch that faced the ocean with the salty breeze blowing wisps of hair around her face. She mentally pinched herself, feeling fortune-full for this breathtaking view of paradise on earth. It was calming, tranquil. And now, it was her permanent home. Sure, Chicago would always be there if she wanted to go back. But there was something special about Maui, something beyond words or fact. It was like a Jules Verne novel here. The place seemed to exist beyond the day to day, beyond the mundane acts of life. Maui was more intangibly exotic – even for those who lived here fulltime. The island held endless possibilities of hope and renewal and…dare she say it? Magic.

  The view was only one of the reasons why she loved it here. She loved the way the sun set all pink and orange on the horizon, and the hint of orchid flower drifting in the breeze. Mornings when the ocean was a turquoise mirror and the air so pure it tasted like saltwater taffy on her tongue. On most nights, the stars were as thick as the seashells on Makena Beach. With her tight work schedule and early wake-ups, Blythe had little time for going out and socializing. Her evenings were spent doing research or sitting on the porch, wondering where her life would take her.

  Gazing out over the reef, Blythe knew letting down her guard and allowing Maui’s magic in was asking the impossible. Her workaholic mainland tendencies prevented any flights of fancy. And now, with Fire Chief Kalani a living, breathing person instead of some newsworthy headline, her defenses were up with a vengeance. A yearning to jump on a plane and fly back to Chicago overpowered all logic. She wanted to flee Maui with her figurative tail between her legs. But leaving wasn’t an option. It would mean taking a step back on the career ladder. She had so much more independence with her topic choices here, so much more control of her days.