Aloha in Love

by Watts, Jennifer

“See right across there? There you have one of the best views of the West Maui mountains.” She gives me a quick squeeze before jogging off with her surfboard.

  I knew she was beautiful in the car, but her body is actually insane—a serious athlete with tone, a compact chest, strong arms, and the loveliest long torso I’ve ever seen. Glancing down at my own curves, which Dale used to refer to as lush, I can’t help but feel a little intimidated. Kayla would look incredible wearing just about anything. I find Adele down the beach, grateful to see that she’s chosen a spot with shade. I set my towel down on the soft sand and self-consciously tug off my cover-up. Underneath I’m wearing a sea-green string-bikini which suddenly feels way too small for the expanse of white skin on display.

  Adele unearths a little radio from her enormous straw bag, tuning into a station playing one of my favorite Bob Marley songs, “Time Will Tell.” I recline back on the towel and let the late morning wind wash over me, planning to spend my time watching the sun climb higher in the sky. When I hear Adele rustling around, I crack open one eye, only to witness her pull out a legit flask and proceed to spike her travel mug.

  “Baileys?” She asks, thrusting the silver canister towards me.

  “Isn’t it a bit early for Baileys?”

  She snorts. “I’m seventy-eight years old, remember? For me, it’s never too early for anything, Baileys included. I could die anytime!”

  I give her a sidelong glance. Between her fit physique and weathered but healthy looking skin, I highly doubt she’s in danger of keeling over, but I let it slide. “I’m good, thanks.”

  Listening to my own words, I realize that I am actually good. For the first time in years, I don’t feel anxious, angry, or empty. With the hot sun on my legs, the gentle breeze blowing through my hair, and my hangover rapidly subsiding, it’s the first time I’ve felt peaceful in months. I cast my eyes upwards to count the clouds, as a large shadow appears above my head, altogether blocking my view of the sun.

  “You need to put on some sunscreen,” grumbles the deep low voice of shadow-man. I groan internally, squinting my eyes to see Kane hovering over my towel. He’s shirtless with a deep olive tan continuing all the way down his body before disappearing beneath his board shorts. There’s a smattering of dark hair on his extremely wide chest, but I think it suits him. In the light of day, his calf tattoo actually looks even blacker, wrapping all the way around his leg. I take a moment to study the intricate geometric design of interlocking squares, circles, and diamond shapes.

  “I put some sunscreen on already,” I contest, wondering why I’m having this conversation in the first place.

  “Put on some more.” He barks the order before turning to go. “And get yourself a hat while you’re at it. Might as well attempt to cover up at least one part of yourself.”

  I brace myself on my elbows, leaning backwards to stare at him with my jaw hanging open. “What the hell was that?” I ask Adele, who’s watching him go with a smirk on her face.

  “I have no idea, dear. That’s the most I’ve heard him speak in a long time.”

  “It’s really none of his business. Is he drunk or something?”

  Adele shakes her head. “I doubt it. I’ve never seen him touch the stuff—he just doles it out.”

  “What’s he even doing here?” I huff out. “Shouldn’t he be at the bar?”

  She shrugs. “It’s Sunday.”

  “So?”

  “So the bar is closed on Sunday.”

  “Oh.”

  Kayla catches our attention, shouting from the water’s edge. I shield my eyes to get a better look, and what I initially thought was a surfboard now appears to be a boogie board. She’s waving her arms like a madwoman and screaming for me to join her. I’m not the strongest of swimmers, but I’m here at the beach, so why not?

  “When in Rome…” I hustle to my feet, walking towards Kayla and doing my best to ignore Kane, who seems to have planted himself in the sand just a few feet away.

  “Sure you know what you’re doing?” He cautions as I walk past him, his voice low and menacing.

  “I think I can handle a boogie board,” I drone, proceeding to join Kayla in the shallow waves. She shows me how to position the board before handing it over. I run full tilt into the waves, laughing hysterically as they crash and knead my body into dough. It feels so free and far more invigorating than spin class. Kayla and I take turns while Adele snaps photos from the beach.

  A big one rolls in and Kayla tosses me the board. “I think you’re ready, mate.”

  I release a battle-cry before charging straight for the wave. It rocks me hard as I crash into the breaking surf. The force lifts me backwards and rips the board from my fingers, but when I come up sputtering, I have a smile on my face. Kayla wades closer to the shoreline, shouting my name and gesturing like a wild woman. Confused, I look back towards the sand and notice that Adele is doubled over laughing. Only when I look down do I realize why—I’ve completely lost my bikini top! My chest is totally bare.

  I scream and grapple to cover my sizeable chest. I’m at least a D-cup and my breasts are more than a handful. Instead, I mash my forearms against my nipples and hope for the best, trying to wave towards Kayla, but this is difficult with crossed arms and the baby waves breaking against my legs. Kayla is hunting around for my triangle top, but she cannot stop laughing long enough to really focus on the task. I look around myself, but the top is nowhere to be found.

  I head for the shore with as much dignity as I can muster. To my shock, Kane meets me at the shoreline and wraps a button-down garment around my shoulders. The thing completely swallows me. I figure he’s got to be a foot taller than me at five foot six, but I’m surprised by his gentleness nonetheless. The shirt is white, and damp enough to be see-through, but it’s the thought that counts.

  “Thank you,” I meet his eyes, sliding my arms through the short sleeves.

  His face is unreadable again, but I see the hint of a smile tugging at his lips—or maybe I’m just imagining it. “You ok?”

  “Embarrassed, but I’ll live.”

  Kayla runs to join us, hooting and hollering as if she just won the lottery. She whips my sea-green bikini top in circles above her head, and I understand.

  “Oh, thank God,” I let out a big breath. She slingshots the offending bikini my way, and I feel my face redden. It’s extra embarrassing with Kane standing there, especially in that I barely know him, but anyways.

  “I’ll give you your shirt back,” I mumble, bending down to retrieve my bikini from the sand. His eyes lock with mine as he runs a hand through his sun-streaked hair.

  “Keep it.” His eyes skim my face, seeming to linger a moment on my lips. “I’d prefer if you cover up anyway.” With that, he shakes his head and jogs down the beach.

  “What in the holy fuck does that mean?” Kayla says.

  His words sting a bit. Is he worried about my sunburn, or is the sight of me in a bathing suit so offensive that he’d rather donate his clothes?

  “That is one weird bloke,” Kayla whispers, and together we watch him go.

  “I can’t figure him out—one minute he’s snapping at me, and the next he’s acting all gentlemanly.”

  “Forget about him. They’re all fuckwits in my book.” Kayla’s lips curl into a sneer. I can only assume that she means men, and I figure that there must be a story there, but now is not the time to ask.

  “It’s getting too hot. I think we should head into town for some food, ok? I’ll go tell Adele to pack up.”

  Back at the car, Kayla graciously holds a towel around me, allowing me to redress in my bikini top and cover-up. I fold Kane’s shirt before inhaling deeply into fabric, but only after checking that no one is looking. It smells musky—tinged with salt, earth, and the tangiest bit of sweat; the scent of pure, raw man—causing a tingling sensation between my legs. I shake it off and quickly stuff the shirt into my bag. The last thing I want is for Adele and Kayla to catch me in the act, but the sce
nt of him lingers all the way into town. We grab a late lunch and down a few beers at Mama’s Fish House, where I’m treated to the most delicious shrimp ceviche I’ve ever tasted. I wonder aloud if living here always feels like a vacation, and Adele is the first to answer.

  “I’ve been here for six months now, but it feels longer than that—in a good way, of course.”

  “It’s been two years for me, and I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” Kayla adds.

  “Do you miss Australia?” I ask.

  “Sometimes,” she says, wistfully.

  “Your family?”

  “Most definitely not.” She shakes her head and I notice how her face transforms.

  I add “family” to my list of off-limit topics for Kayla, stuffing the last beautiful bite of shrimp into my mouth. “Well, I know that I should be doing something with my life. Figuring out my next move, looking for a job…” I sigh, leaning back in my chair. “I’m still waiting for my share of our townhouse sale, but that cushion won’t last long, not with rent and student loans. Still, it’s hard to get motivated, especially with blue skies and company like yours.”

  Adele reaches across the table to touch my hand. “You’re being too hard on yourself. It has literally only been two days! Relax, dear, you’re on island time now.”

  After lunch, they show me around Paia, stopping at their favorite little boutiques and forcing me to buy a few cute sundresses that I can’t actually afford right now. I also pick up some groceries for the cottage, and we all agree to meet in town tomorrow evening at Salty’s. It’s such a beautiful afternoon, so I take my time walking back to my suite, appreciating the lush vegetation bordering the road. After a hot shower, I change into a tank top and my pajama shorts, getting ready to prepare dinner. The kitchen might be small but it’s fully stocked, and I’m totally in my element.

  I decide to grill the white fish in a sesame oil, garlic, and ginger marinade, pairing my concoction with fresh diced mango salsa and a side of jasmine rice. In the living room, I connect my phone to the music dock and hum along with some beachy music as I work. I always feel happy cooking, but as the space fills with the rich aromas of garlic and sesame, it somehow feels more like home. Once it’s ready, I take my time eating and savor every bite.

  Afterwards, I pour myself a glass of white wine and enjoy the sunset on the lanai. I know better than to try and chase the waves again, coming face-to-face with the wrath of Kane, but luckily the view is stunning from here. I get cozy in one of the patio chairs and close my eyes, basking in the warm evening sun. After a few minutes though, I find myself craning my neck around at Kane’s own lanai. Surprisingly, he’s there leaning against the railing of his own deck. The sun has dipped low enough in the sky that it bathes him in an orange glow, and his t-shirt is molded to his body like a second skin.

  He doesn’t even look in my direction, not even once, but it’s hard to deny how handsome he is, even from a distance. His posture holds great tragedy, his expression contemplating both sadness and beauty. He appears completely in his own world, where people like me do not exist at all. The thought tugs at my heart as the sun dips behind the horizon. I finish my glass of wine and head back inside, sun-toasted and belly full, drifting to sleep with a big ol’ smile on my face.

  Chapter 6

  Life is literally a beach. I spend the next morning at Baldwin, this time without a boogie board. Despite Kane’s highhandedness, I slather myself in sunscreen and even don a big hat. He’s not wrong about my skin, though he was a jerk about it. I dig my toes into the fine grain sand, lulled by the waves and low hum of bass music playing just a few towels over. It’s a perfect morning to clear my head, and I’m surprised by how the hours fly faster than the rising sun.

  Back at the cottage, I take my time prepping for Salty’s. Part of me still smarts from Kane’s comment about covering up, so I intend to show him just how good I look dressed up. Even if he couldn’t care less, I want to look nice tonight for myself. I select my white bandage-style mini skirt, along with a tight raspberry tank top that really makes my emerald eyes pop. The skirt does a nice job of showing off my round hips, and while it’s a bit of a pain, I straighten my titan red hair into a silky curtain.

  At last, I add some subtle makeup, trying to be delicate with my sweeps of eye shadow, bronzer, and mascara. My ensemble is complete with a touch of raspberry lip gloss—and damn if I don’t look good. The slight burn on my nose has faded, while my peachy cream skin gives off a nice glow. Still, the sun has darkened the freckles scattered across my nose, with which I’ve always had a love-hate relationship. I select a pair of white flip-flops and set out for the village. On my way, I hear the sound of a horn and turn to find Pancho in his taxi.

  “Hey, Red. Howzit?”

  I smile and assume he’s asking how I am. “Good, thanks.”

  “Hop in.”

  “But I don’t have any cash,” I protest.

  “No need, Red, it’s a lift between friends. Besides, I can’t let you go all the way wearing only slippahs.” He looks pointedly at my footwear. “Where you headed?”

  “Salty’s.”

  “What a coincidence, so am I.”

  I climb into the passenger seat and we make small talk on the way. He parks and comes around to offer his arm. I take him up on the sweet gesture, and we walk into the bar together arm-in-arm, where Pancho is greeted by a round of cheers.

  “You’re popular,” I say, laughing out loud.

  “You know it, Red.”

  Kane glances at me from behind the bar, and his eyes flash with something immediately—heat, or perhaps even anger; I can’t seem to tell the difference anymore.

  “Fire pit, or bar?” Pancho asks.

  My lips curve into what I imagine is a calculating smirk. The girls haven’t arrived yet, and I want to test the waters with Kane. The thought of antagonizing him excites me.

  “Bar please.”

  He deposits me on a stool made of KOA wood. One stool over sits a handsome blond guy with surfer hair and a sloppy smile.

  “Who’s your friend, Pancho?” The surfer guy asks. His hair is shaggy and unkempt, but the rest of him looks well put together. He wears dark slim jeans and a fitted Billabong t-shirt.

  “Lance, this is Red. Red, meet Lance…” He takes our hands and clasps them together, forcing us to shake. “Ok’den, I’ll leave you be.” Pancho moves on to greet a table of fans.

  “Are you new in town, Red?” Lance asks, inching his stool even closer.

  Before I can answer, Kane appears. “Her name is Ashley, not Red.” I was barely aware that he knew my name, but I guess that makes sense, since I’m renting his place. He has all of my information, social security number included.

  “What do you want, Ashley?” Kane acts as if taking my order is an inconvenience.

  “I’ll have a glass of white wine.” I level him with my own far less intimidating stare.

  “Put it on my tab, Kane,” Lance says.

  Kane gives Lance a death stare. “No.”

  “Come on, Keo.”

  His eyes could drill holes in Lance’s forehead. “You deaf? I said no. She’s my tenant, and it’s not happening.”

  I clear my throat to butt in. “If it’s all the same to you, I believe I’m renting the room, not your babysitting services.” He winces ever-so-slightly at the word babysitting.

  “You’re my tenant,” he barks. “Drinks on the house.”

  “That wasn’t true last night.”

  He cocks one eyebrow. “Do you remember paying last night?”

  Shoot, I think. I literally dined-and-dashed. “Uh, I’m sorry. I totally forgot.”

  “Like I said, on the house.”

  “Good to know.” It’s my turn to cock an eyebrow this time, throwing back an entire glass of wine in the process, just to test the theory.

  “Another please,” I say, oh-so-sweetly.

  Lance whistles bad-ass through his teeth while Kane pours me another glass. I do my best to
make small talk with Lance about Paia. I laugh at his jokes, even the bad ones, grazing his arm at every opportunity. I might be laying it on thick, but it’s been awhile since I’ve flirted and I’m a little out of practice. Besides, I’m only half-listening to Lance; the bulk of my attention watches Kane’s reaction from the corner of my eye. He sets a new glass of wine down before me, slamming it a bit too hard against the counter. He’s been prowling around like a caged animal back there, making me wonder why he even bothers bartending in the first place. I mean, he could probably hire someone to do it for him.

  “Ashley?” Lance’s voice interrupts my train of thought.

  “Hmm?”

  “I was asking if you’ve been to Hana yet—just up the road.”

  “Not yet, but I’m hoping to check it out soon.”

  “I’d be happy to show you,” Lance offers, flashing me an easy grin. He’s cute and comfortable to be around, so why not? I’m about to say yes when Kane reappears with another glass of wine, despite that I’ve barely made a dent in the last one.

  “I’m taking her,” he growls.

  I gawk at him. “You are?”

  His eyes travel down my neck, resting on my cleavage before flicking up to my face. I feel my skin getting hot under the intensity of his gaze. “I’m heading there tomorrow to pick something up anyway. It makes the most sense.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal.

  Lance releases a throaty laugh. “Pity for me.”

  Kane’s eyes cut into him like knives. Before I can read too much into the situation, I hear Adele’s voice echoing from the front doorway. I hop off the stool and flash Lance the sultriest smile possible, satisfied to see his eyes widen.

  “Bye, Lance,” I say.

  “Bye, Ashley. Hope to see you around.” I graze his arm before walking away, hearing him mutter the sooner the better under his breath.

  I rush over to Kayla and Adele, scolding them. “You’re late.”

  “Her fault.” Kayla points at Adele. “She changed her outfit three times.”

  “I had to get it right,” Adele sniffs proudly.