Hawaiian Sunset, Dream Proposal

by Joanna Neil

  ‘Either way,’ Amber said softly, ‘we’ll find a way to keep in touch on a regular basis and we’ll meet up after a few months.’

  Ethan’s attitude didn’t surprise her. He was the one person who was still not reconciled to the situation in any way, and Amber was uncertain how she was going to deal with him. He had said he would meet them at the airport, and already she was bracing herself to cope with that.

  Martyn stirred in the seat beside her. ‘Caitlin asked me to ring her as soon as we arrived. We’re running late, though, aren’t we, with the delay at the airport? I expect she’ll be working herself up into a state, wondering what’s happened.’

  ‘I’m sure she’ll be fine. She strikes me as a fairly level-headed young woman.’ She glanced at him. ‘Are you all right? You look a little pale. Are you worried because you’ve left Caitlin behind?’

  ‘Not really,’ Martyn said. ‘I just don’t want her to be anxious, that’s all. She was apprehensive about my leaving, and a little concerned about not coming with me, but I knew she wanted to stay on in the U.K. for a few weeks more, and I gave her my blessing.’ He smiled and patted her hand. ‘I’m just a little tired, that’s all…nothing to worry about. I shall be fine once I’m home. I’m really looking forward to it.’

  Amber sat back in her seat and tried to relax. Caitlin had stayed behind to finish off her last few weeks at university, although in truth her exams were behind her, and there was no real need for her to remain. James was the reason she had decided not to come home. She didn’t want to tear herself away from him, and he was only too happy to have her around for as long as possible.

  ‘I’m so sorry, Amber,’ he had said. ‘I don’t know how it happened. I think the world of you, you know I do. I was in love with you, and then Caitlin came into my life and all at once everything was topsy-turvy.’

  Amber wasn’t sure any longer how she felt about the situation. She had thought she loved him, but now that it was over, her heart was still in one piece and there was just a numb feeling where once she used to care.

  She looked out of the window at the landscape below. Right now, they were flying over beautiful coral reefs on the approach to the island of Oahu. The sea was a startling, vivid blue, the surf lapped at the edges of Oahu’s golden Waikiki beach, and looming up ahead of them was Diamond Head, the crater of an extinct volcano, magnificent with its ridges and steep rock faces. Calcite crystals glimmered in the sunshine, sparkling like the jewels that gave the crater its name, and the sun overhead gave the rim of the crater a golden glow.

  ‘That mountain range is the Koolau Range,’ Martyn said, pointing out the peaks in the far distance. ‘Soon we’ll be coming into Honolulu airport.’

  Amber felt her heartbeat quicken. Would Ethan be there to meet them, as he had promised?

  Martyn was using a wheelchair, so they were last to get off the plane, but everything about the disembarkation procedure was made smooth for them, and it was only a short time later that they found themselves in the passenger greeting area.

  Amber thought she might have trouble picking out Ethan among the crowd, but he was the one who found them, and he came towards them, his stride long and brisk. He was much taller than she had expected, and altogether he made an impressive figure. His skin was lightly bronzed, his hair midnight black, and he was wearing cool, casual clothes, light-coloured trousers and a blue shirt, worn loosely so that it skimmed his hips. He had with him a straw-coloured canvas holdall.

  ‘It’s good to see you again, Martyn,’ he said, placing the bag over the backrest of the wheelchair and reaching out to clasp his uncle’s arms in greeting. ‘You look much better than I had expected. Did you manage to get plenty of rest on the journey?’

  ‘I did.’ Martyn smiled. ‘It all went very well…but, then, I had Amber to look after me.’ He glanced in Amber’s direction, and Ethan turned and took a step towards her.

  ‘Amber…Aloha,’ he said. He reached for her, his large hands closing around her arms in a firm but gentle grip. ‘Welcome to my homeland. I must thank you for taking such good care of my uncle.’ He released her, adding, ‘I have something for you.’ Then he turned for a moment and took a small package from the canvas bag. Opening it, he drew out a perfect white orchid, before dropping the packaging back into the bag. ‘A beautiful flower for a lovely young woman,’ he said, slipping it into her hair just behind her right ear.

  His gaze travelled over her, taking in the soft lines of the dress she was wearing, a sleeveless, gently flowing affair that was designed to keep her cool. ‘You’re even more exotic than I could ever have imagined. It was one thing seeing you on a computer screen, day by day, but here, in the flesh, is something else entirely. You’re a knockout, an astonishingly beautiful young woman.’

  Then, before she could even draw breath, he reached for her once more, tugging her towards him, his arms gliding around her to hold her close, so that she was totally wrapped in his embrace. In that instant everything went out of her head. She forgot all about time and place, and all she was aware of was the feel of him, the strength of his arms around her and the warmth that emanated from his body.

  He kissed her lightly on each cheek, and Amber felt her pulse quicken and realised that her heart had begun to pump for all it was worth. A surge of heat ran through her from head to toe, and when he finally released her, she felt sure that her face must be filled with hot colour.

  ‘No wonder my uncle was reluctant to part company with you.’ He said the words in a soft undertone, and Amber felt the skin at the nape of her neck begin to prickle.

  He didn’t let her go entirely, though, even then. His hand remained, palm flat against the small of her back, and while she was glad at that moment of its steadying support, she was also conscious of the heat from those long fingers spreading like wildfire through her veins.

  Ethan was more than just a mere man, she discovered. He was a tower of strength and authority, his every look and gesture shot through with a thread of steel that left no one in any doubt as to who was in command. And through it all he exuded the smouldering charisma of a red-blooded male intent on stalking his prey.

  Amber had the distinct feeling that she was the one in his sights. She hadn’t expected him to welcome her in such a way, or even at all, and she couldn’t help wondering if this was a tactical manoeuvre. Perhaps he had decided that if there was no way of stopping her from coming here, he would watch her every move and bide his time.

  ‘Shall we go?’ he said, finally releasing her and taking hold of the wheelchair handles. Amber took the opportunity to gulp air into her lungs. ‘We have a thirtymile drive ahead of us, but I thought we might stop on the way for something to eat and drink.’ He glanced at his uncle for confirmation. ‘It’s up to you, Martyn. It depends whether or not you want to go straight home. I know you’ve had a very long flight, and you’ve probably eaten on the plane.’

  ‘We did,’ Martyn said, ‘though airline food is never completely satisfactory, is it?’

  ‘That’s true.’ Ethan handed him the canvas bag. ‘There are cool drinks in there. I thought you might need something to perk you up.’

  ‘Thanks. Actually, I think a short stop along the way might be a very good idea. I expect Amber might appreciate the chance to see something of our island, and maybe stretch her legs for a while.’ Martyn looked at her to see what she thought of that idea, and Amber nodded.

  ‘The island is beautiful,’ she said. ‘Just seeing it from the plane was enough to make me want to explore further.’

  ‘We’ll make a stop about halfway, then,’ Ethan said. ‘The road follows the coast for some distance, so you’ll be able to look out and see the beaches and harbours along the way. If you look to your right, as we set off along the road, you’ll see the mountains. The range stretches along almost the whole of the windward side of the island.’

  He led them to his car. It was a gleaming silver saloon, beautifully upholstered inside and air-conditioned, so that the
ride was wonderfully smooth and comfortable. Amber sat beside Ethan in the front of the car, giving Martyn more space in the back so that he could relax.

  Ethan glanced at her from time to time, making light conversation and telling her about various landmarks along the way, while Martyn was content to doze some more. The road hugged the coastline for a while and beyond the built-up areas Amber caught glimpses of curving bays and rocky shores. As they left the coast behind and travelled northwards through the interior of the island, Ethan pointed out the volcanic mountain ranges on either side.

  ‘That’s the Waianae Range to the west,’ he said. ‘Just now we’re passing through the central valley that divides those mountains from the Koolau Range.’

  The scenery was breathtaking. She saw lush, treecovered slopes, carpeted with ferns and decorated with the occasional outcrop of white blackberry flowers. Here and there she caught glimpses of water tumbling down a rock face or rivers winding their way through the valleys.

  Up ahead, as they passed through a small township, she saw lakes on either side. ‘In a few minutes we’ll be driving by the plantation,’ he said. ‘We won’t stop there today, because I think it might be too much for my uncle to cope with. I’ll take you to look around it another day, if you like, when you’re both rested and we have more time.’

  Ethan glanced in the mirror at his sleeping uncle. ‘He looks better than he did,’ he murmured with a slight nod towards the back seat, ‘but I suspect he’s going to struggle much more than he had bargained for. This illness has taken its toll on him, hasn’t it?’

  ‘I’m afraid so.’ She kept her voice low. ‘Whatever the infection was that cut him down, it left a legacy that has permanently damaged his heart. He’ll need to be very careful, whatever he does…and that means he should be shielded from any kind of stress. I think you should ask him to steer clear of getting involved with the plantation and any problems that crop up.’

  ‘That’s like asking a bubbling volcano to keep the pressure down,’ Ethan said with a smile. ‘You know what he’s like. Caution isn’t in his vocabulary.’

  ‘Yes, I know. But I’m serious about this. No matter what we do with medication, it will only ever be palliative. As a doctor yourself, you must know that. We can improve his quality of life, but there’s nothing more we can do to repair the damage, either surgically or with different drugs.’

  He shot her a quick look. ‘Knowing that, why did you choose to come with him? There isn’t much that you’ll be able to do to help him, is there?’

  Her gaze meshed with his. ‘I came because he asked me to, and because I’ve grown to care for him a lot over these last few weeks. He said he would feel better if he knew that I was with him. He trusts me, and he has confidence in me.’

  ‘Isn’t that misplaced confidence if you’ve admitted you can’t do any more for him?’

  ‘I don’t think so. I’ve been upfront with him, and he’s under no illusion about his limitations. It’s more to do with peace of mind than anything else. He said he wanted to have me close by. He felt that you had enough on your plate with your work and the plantation, and he didn’t want to be fussed over by strangers, by doctors he didn’t know.’

  ‘Hmm.’ His gaze flicked over her. ‘I can’t help feeling there’s more to it than that, but we’ll see. He always was one to play his cards close to his chest.’

  Amber frowned. She’d been as honest as she could, and yet she had the strong impression that he still suspected her motives…or maybe he thought his uncle was the one with a hidden agenda. Surely he knew his uncle better than that?

  ‘We’ll make a stop at a restaurant just up ahead,’ Ethan murmured, changing the subject. ‘Do you like chicken?’

  ‘I do.’

  ‘That’s good. Among other things, they serve mouth-watering chicken dishes with rice, and delicious pancakes topped with ice cream and fruit for dessert. And they make a great mai tai, as well.’

  ‘I’ve never had one of those.’ She sent him a quick glance. ‘What’s a mai tai?’

  His brows rose. ‘You don’t know? Oh, then you’re in for a treat.’ His smile lit up his features and watching the way his mouth curved in a crooked fashion caused Amber to catch her breath. There was no doubting that he was an extremely good-looking man. No wonder the girls didn’t want to leave him alone. He made Amber’s knees go weak, and she had thought she was immune.

  ‘They’re a mix of dark rum, light rum and orange curacao,’ he explained, ‘with a generous slosh of orange and lime juice, syrup and grenadine, all poured over shaved ice. There’s a dash of orgeat in there, as well, a type of syrup made from almonds, sugar and rosewater. If you’re lucky, it’ll be garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.’

  ‘That sounds like a drink and a half.’ She managed to stop herself from running her tongue over her lips in anticipation, but he must have guessed her impulse because he gave a soft laugh. ‘It looks as though I’ve tempted you,’ he murmured, a glimmer in his blue eyes.

  He had the ways of the devil, she decided. He had a hot-blooded, take-charge manner and she had the feeling he would do his utmost to work his fiendish magic on her so that before too long she wouldn’t know whether she was coming or going.

  ‘You’re right,’ she said. ‘I’m so thirsty I can almost taste it. It must be the mere thought of relaxing in the heat of the day that’s made me feel that way.’ She would never admit that thoughts of having him sweep her into his arms had stirred her blood and caused all manner of wild imaginings to jump inside her head. Simply being in the car with him was enough for her to handle right now.

  Martyn woke up as Ethan drew the car into the parking lot at the restaurant. ‘Excellent,’ he said. ‘This is the perfect place for Amber to get a taste of Hawaiian life. I couldn’t have chosen better myself.’

  He turned down the use of the wheelchair. ‘I can walk the short distance to the restaurant,’ he said. Ethan helped him from the car, steadying him as he set foot on firm ground.

  ‘Just smell that lovely fresh air.’ Martyn looked about him and gave a beaming smile. ‘Life is so good, isn’t it?’

  ‘It can be,’ Ethan answered, glancing towards Amber.

  She didn’t know what was going through his mind, but she decided to push any doubts into the background and concentrate instead on enjoying the spectacular surroundings. It seemed to Amber that there was colour in everything, beautiful bright splashes of green in the palms that decorated the forecourt and gardens of the restaurant, with brilliant sunspots of scarlet hibiscus and bright yellow bromeliads in the shrubbery.

  They ate at a table outside, and as Amber sipped her mai tai and gazed around at the vista of hills and valleys all around, she reflected that just a few weeks ago she would never have envisaged that she would be sitting here in paradise. It would have been truly perfect except for the one flaw that she found hard to push to the back of her mind…the fact that Ethan was there. She was conscious of his brooding gaze resting on her in quiet, unguarded moments, and she had no way of knowing what he was thinking.

  ‘If you’re both finished, perhaps we should move on,’ he said some time later. ‘I expect you would both like to get home and settle in. We’re coming to the end of a long day.’ He looked at Amber. ‘You probably want to unpack and get used to your new surroundings.’

  ‘Yes,’ Amber said, ‘That would be good.’

  ‘Originally I was going to suggest that you stay up at the house with me,’ Martyn said, ‘but it’s probably better this way. You’ll have some privacy.’

  ‘As I understand it, the bungalow is close by the house, so I’ll be able to drop in on you easily enough if you need me.’

  ‘That’s right,’ Martyn agreed. ‘Ethan pointed out to me that the bungalow was empty, and it’s still within the grounds of the main property, so it will be ideal.’

  ‘But you must let me know any time if there’s a problem, or you want help of any kind,’ Amber said. ‘That’s what I’m
here for, to take care of you.’

  ‘I’m sure it will all work out very well.’ He smiled. ‘Anyway, Caitlin will be in the house with me when she comes home, and in the meantime Molly will be on hand to help out if I’m stuck.’ He glanced at Amber. ‘Molly is my housekeeper,’ he added. ‘I didn’t want you to feel that you have to be at my beck and call all the time. It’s just reassuring for me to know that you will be around, and perhaps you’ll be able to keep me company some evenings.’

  ‘Of course.’ Amber sent Ethan a quick look. ‘I suggested that we set up a pager system so that I can go to him right away if he needs me,’ she said. ‘You should be on the link, too.’

  He nodded. ‘I’m with you on that one. I’ve already set the wheels in motion.’

  He helped his uncle back to the car and saw him settled comfortably. Watching them, Amber couldn’t help thinking that their relationship was more like that of father and son. She could see the affection in Martyn’s eyes when he looked at Ethan, and she knew from the gentle and considerate way that Ethan attended to his uncle that the feeling was mutual.

  The journey to Martyn’s house didn’t take more than half an hour. Dusk was closing in when Ethan finally pulled into the driveway, and Amber was immediately impressed by the beautiful villa that Martyn called home.

  It was a two-storey house, colour washed to a pale sand finish, with sloping roofs at different levels, while the veranda was made up of white-painted hardwood decking.

  ‘Now, this I recognise,’ Amber said with a smile, looking at Ethan. ‘It’s where you stood when you made the video link.’

  He nodded. ‘And if you go just around the corner you’ll see the bay in all its glory.’

  ‘I can already hear the sound of the sea,’ she murmured, tilting her head so that the faint breeze caught her hair and lifted the soft tendrils. ‘I can smell it on the air, too. It’s lovely.’

  ‘You have a beautiful home,’ she said, turning to Martyn. ‘Let me help you inside. You look weary.’

  ‘I am, but I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time.’ He glanced at Ethan. ‘It was good of you to take time out to come and fetch us. I know how busy you are. If you want to drop my cases off, I think I’ll go straight up to my room.’