by Mimi Barbour
Thinking of Mano, Kale smiled. The little tyke was a bullet. Earlier that day he’d shown off his knowledge of the flora around his own yard and could name off every plant. Made Kale feel like a little upgrading on his part could be in order. He’d have to keep up with the kid and not look too dense. His grandmother hadn’t been a part of his life, so there hadn’t been anyone to teach him. But there were lots of books to read and videos to watch on the subject so he’d put in a little extra effort.
He knew from the beginning that Mano would have to be part of the parcel, and since the child had won a place in his heart, that would be just fine with him. Anyone could see the love Leilani couldn’t hide. She adored the child even with his prickly armor forcing her to keep her space. It would be only a matter of time. The boy couldn’t hold out forever, not when faced with such tenderness.
If only he could share in the tenderness also. What a wonderful life they could all have together.
Where the hell was she? Pi had left some time ago. Kale stopped gripping the coffee cup, took the last sip, and pushed it away. Then he stood to follow her into the other room. He stopped with his hands on his hips, hesitating. Maybe she was waiting for him to leave? He moved forward then hesitated.
Should he take the forms with him? Did she expect him to leave? I’ll call her to come back so we can talk. What if she won’t? What if she’s so upset with what’s happening, she isn’t even thinking about anything but the dilemma with Mano’s mother? Folding his arms, he noticed how tight they’d become and so he gave his hands a shake and wiped them on the sides of his jeans. Then he straightened the golf shirt he’d chosen, thinking like a fool that the green heightened the same tone in his eyes. Like she’d care! Stupid bastard!
Taking another step forward, his mind kept up the litany. What made him think she felt anything out of the ordinary about him? After all, the woman’s friendly to everyone, not in a flirty way, but so nice people gravitate in her direction. Heck, look at the way she treats Pi, her old friend. A person would think he’d always been a part of her life, like a grandfather or something. This girl cut through boundaries, straight into a person’s heart.
A groan escaped and frustration built. Enough! What are you—a man or a pimply-faced teenager on his first date? For God’s sake, go and get the woman and use those talents that have always worked. His heels dug in once again. He wouldn’t behave with her the way he had with other women. Cherished people needed to be treated differently. With care and love, handled preciously and never, ever lost. Staying here and hiding in the kitchen, wouldn’t accomplish anything.
That’s it! He stomped into the other room and came up short. Leilani stood with her head in her hands and an abject look about her that all but ripped apart his heartstrings to leave that foolish organ floundering in agony.
Poor sweetheart!
Not another thought had time to enter his mind before he moved over to her and wrapped his body around hers, his arms encircled, his chin on top of her bent head and his hands caressing her back.
“Leilani…darling, I’m so sorry. If I’d known you needed my help, I would have offered sooner.”
She pulled away and her harsh words were so low that he had a hard time hearing them. “How could I tell you? You meant what you said at the hotel, and I would never presume—”
“What are you talking about? Of course I meant what I said.” What is this about? His mind screamed a warning for him to slow down and dig. Something wasn’t right. “Leilani,” he held her arms to keep her from moving away again. “I’m talking about the Kaimi situation. Is this what you’re talking about?”
This time she looked him straight in the eye and her manner took on a hardness he’d never seen before. “Kai, I overheard you speaking to your manager the night I left the hotel. You don’t have to pretend with me any longer. I desperately need your help right now, or you’d be rid of me for good. But I promise that the money will be repaid—with any interest you deem fit. Other than that, we really don’t have to even see each other anymore.”
Stunned, he felt his mouth hanging open and the most distinct word he could think at the moment was …whaaa?? Finally he gathered enough brain cells together to answer her, since she seemed to have run out of steam.
“Leilani, my own true love, I have no idea what you’re saying. In my defense, I can’t remember ever discussing you with my manager other than to tell him you were to have direct access to me at any time…no matter what.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
My own true love? Did Kale really say those words? Good Lord, what was happening here?
“You told him, and I quote—keep the woman away from me. She’s a nuisance I won’t tolerate it any longer.” Leilani had to stop Kale from interrupting. “Let me finish. You said I was needy and took advantage…you used my name, Kale. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, it just happened that I was about to knock when this conversation took place.”
“I will say this once and only once. Those words were in reference to a woman called Ramona Haui. We had been dating for a short while until I felt like Jonah being swallowed by a whale. I broke if off before you even arrived. Needless to say, she didn’t agree with our breakup. The day we spent at my home, she’d given an excuse of having renovations taking place at her house, and rented a suite at the Jordan. All day, she bothered the staff, wanting them to share my whereabouts.”
He had to stop to catch a breath, and lower his voice which had risen with each sentence. “I’m disappointed you could think me so heartless…showing you how delighted you made me one moment and then treating you with so little respect the next.”
Leilani felt about as small as the crumbs that quite often decorated her clothes. “Oh Kale, I’m so, so sorry. It’s all been about me lately, hasn’t it? I recognize it so clearly now. So much has happened that I let my brain get taken over by my insecurities. I don’t know how to make it up to you.”
The earnest look on her dear face let him know just how badly she felt, about not having trusted him. And it did quite a lot toward restoring his pride.
“I suppose you could kiss it and make it better.” His joking tone caught her attention quickly.
Playing along, she answered. “Poor baby, where does it hurt the worst?”
“In my heart,” he said, utterly serious.
Leilani’s own heart took a bit of a beating as soon as she heard his words. Without another thought, she launched herself into his waiting arms and kissed his mouth with an intensity that left them both trembling. Fragrant after-shave tickled her nose and ramped up her heightened awareness to an even greater level. His lips were warm and took their time in learning hers. His tongue joined in the discovery and soon thoughts stopped and only sensation existed.
Heat and tenderness, desire and ecstasy battled inside until her knees gave way and he lifted her in his arms. “Where’s your room?” His whispered words gave her the time to make a decision—as if it hadn’t been made already. She craved this man, wanted the chance to assuage all the pain she’d put him through.
“At the end of the hall.” She hid her face in his neck and held on as he carried her effortlessly. “Stop!”
She felt his body stiffen before he lowered her to her feet. “I want to check on Mano.” She rubbed his chest and watched the fear fade. “I’ll be with you in a minute.”
He stepped in behind her, and upon seeing the youngster curled into a fetal position, a stuffed whale clutched to his chest, she glanced to watch his reaction.
Mano, such a little man in public, had the same babyish tendencies of most small boys. He had a favorite toy, probably given him by his beloved Tutu, and he needed its security to be able to sleep. How endearing? Each night as she snuck into his room and watched over him, more of her spirit wrapped around his small frame and her increasing love scooped him into a prominent position in her life. She’d never let anything come between them. Not even Kale. Now where had that come from? Fear took little bites and she
sought to assuage the instant anxiety.
Tippy-toeing from the room, she closed the door. Kale’s next words gladdened her heart and made her hesitate. “He’s everything a man could want in a son, isn’t he? A little tiger with a big heart.”
“He’s mine, and I’ll never give him up.”
“I’m hoping one day he’ll be ours and I’ll never give him up either.”
Aware that all misunderstanding had ended, they moved simultaneously for a kiss to confirm their vows. With arms around each other, they started again for Leilani’s bedroom, and once there, closed and locked the door.
She stood perfectly still while he flipped back the bedclothes and turned on the lamp. When he moved toward her she held up her hand. He stopped and watched as she undid the buttons on her blouse and let it hang open to reveal the pink lacy bra enclosing her ample breasts.
Loving his hungry eyes, she undid her hair and walked over to sit on the bench in front of her aunt’s old fashioned vanity. Without a word, she picked up the brush and held it out.
He moved quickly to accept her offering, and as he slid the brush through her waist-long mass, he watched her reaction in the mirror. Nothing turned her on more than to have someone’s hands stroking her hair. From the earliest of her childhood memories, she remembered the loving hands of her mother doing the same thing before her accident had made her bitter. If one believed in Freud’s psychoanalysis, her mother’s care represented the ultimate in desired touches.
Truthfully, she accepted tonight that Kale’s loving gentleness had broken through any barriers that might have been in place, and now his was the desired touch. First the brush slowly crawled over the strands and then his hand would follow to add a sensual joy. He’d take a second to pat the waves into place before he started the next journey.
All the while, the mirror captured their awareness. Finally, he gave one final sweep thought the softness and set the brush down. Large hands worked their way over her shoulder. His eyes questioned as he slowly inched his fingers down the front of her nakedness and passed over the lacy material.
Her smile gave him all the encouragement he needed. On his second voyage, his fingers slowed to creep inside her bra and tenderly cup both of her swollen breasts. He bent over and kissed Leilani’s neck, as she arched her head to give him access to more of the skin that craved his touch. A sigh she couldn’t hold back, turned into a moan as he slipped the blouse from her shoulders, undid the bra, and used his mouth to pleasure her further.
Never had she dreamed a man could inspire her into being so full of desire. If he didn’t want her to expire with lust in front of his eyes, he’d better take her to the bed and let her get involved.
“Kale, I need…”
“I know sweetheart. Me, too.”
His lips were sucking her nipples and her hands were threaded into his hair. She finally grabbed a handful to pull his face back from her body so he could see the wanting in her eyes.
Reading her wishes, he scooped her up in his arms and trod over to the bed. He released her and let her slide over his body. On the way down, her hip got right up close to his lusting bulge and she blatantly lifted a leg to wrap around him, and then ground her own pulsating wetness against his excessive hardness.
Couldn’t make it much clearer than this! She was right. Impassioned, he took the hint and stepped away to start undressing, while not taking his eyes off her disrobing close by.
Quicker by seconds, he ran his hands over her uncovered places and of course, this caused her to slow down substantially. Darn it, Leilani bit her lip. They’d never get into bed at this rate. Finally, she ducked under his arm and fell backwards onto the soft mattress. Then she peeked at the handsome body of a male in his prime who took pride in his health. Tanned and full of muscles, his body looked like that of an imagined warrior, including his male pride which by the size promised her a night of intimate pleasure. Her arms rose and she wiggled her fingers, which made him grin.
He can please me with just a glance, she thought, as the sultry look in his eyes washed over her. Not being able to stand the foreplay for a minute longer, she sat up and put her arms around his hips and her lips on a place where she knew would threaten his cool. And it did. With a growl, he swooped over her. Harsh breathing and dizzying penetration secured them a place in heaven, while their lips and hands worked to keep them there.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The next morning, Leilani lay alone in bed remembering that, before he’d left, Kai had woken her with another round of intoxicating lovemaking. Thoughtful as ever, he’d decided he should leave because it might be best not to let Mano see them being intimate. The child needed to accept her first, before worrying about their relationship upsetting his life even more.
She stretched languorously. Her smiling countenance probably spoke a thousand words, if anyone were to see her catlike, slumberous behaviour.
Astonished at their compatibility, she lolled and remembered her earlier climaxes, then thanked the gods that this wonderful man could give her such pleasure. With each of the other two, very short relationships she’d managed, she’d always been left wanting and frustrated. Guess that when you pick duds, what can a girl expect?
She grinned and desultorily made her way to the shower. After a quick perusal in the mirror and time spent daydreaming about the most intoxicating night in her life, she searched the closet for her suitcase and chose a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.
While doing so, a gorgeous muumuu of her aunt’s caught her attention. The flounces at the neckline and on the hem of the long skirt were soft and pretty while the intricately designed colors of bright reds and whites worked their magic. It was one of the loveliest creations Leilani had ever seen, and in fact, it reminded her of one that her mother had worn many years ago. Probably why her heart leapt when she caressed the material and sighed with pleasure at the thought of how it would enhance any female body.
Her watch told her there wasn’t time to try it on now, but she’d certainly check it out later. After all, they had a Christmas celebration at the Jordan to attend, and she’d want to look her best.
Sure enough, as soon as she entered the livingroom, she found her little ward perched in front of the television while chomping a bowl of cereal—his favorite breakfast food. Dressed in the clothes that no doubt would be falling apart soon, he ignored her entry and continued his meal.
“Good morning, Mano,” she said, as she did every morning. “I thought to make some macadamia nut and banana pancakes for breakfast. Can you save a little room in your tummy for some?” Knowing the child had an endless appetite, she had no doubt he would have jumped for joy if it had been Pi making the request. As it was, she was pleased to note that he didn’t immediately refuse her offer. Instead he looked at her, his eyes blinking, while he fought an inner battle.
“Okay. I like pancakes.” Four of the most beautiful words she’d ever heard.
Delighted, but careful not to show it, she said. “They’ll be ready soon. We can eat on the terrace if you like.”
“I’m watching cartoons.”
“Okay, then I’ll watch with you. Be back in a jiffy.” She went into the kitchen and threw a high-five into the air, skipped a few steps, and then bustled around to get all the ingredients. In no time at all, with the room smelling delightfully homey, she had a platter full of fluffy pancakes, some crispy bacon and two glasses of orange juice laid out.
When she went to call Mano, he stood and turned off the TV before following her into the other room. “Guess we can eat outside. Tutu always ate there so we could feed the little critters.” His voice changed to sound just like her aunt’s, and she had no doubt Mano mimicked her words.
Laughing, she passed him a plate, waved at the array, and suggested he help himself. Having been scolded before that he could get his own food, she didn’t dare step wrong on what promised to be a breakthrough day.
They both took a placemat and slid open the patio doors so they could s
tep onto the terrace. Potted planters that had returned to life with Leilani’s constant care, and Pi’s magic touch, were bountiful with petunias and geraniums embraced by ivy and other tropical vines. Some hung from the rafters and others were placed strategically around the parameters of the wooden floor and steps, but all added to the beauty of the shaded area.
“So, today you’ll be showing me where to find the Christmas decorations, and we’ll be making the place ready for Pi’s inspection, aye?”
“I guess.” He ate with a healthy appetite. Nonetheless, his manners were impeccable and unconscious. Leilani had no doubt they were the teachings of his grandma and firmly embedded, even though to date he’d only shown them whenever Pi had been around. It was wonderful to see that he had relaxed enough with her that he didn’t bother to be naughty.
“How come you say “aye” all the time?”
“I don’t!” She stopped to think. “Do I?”
He nodded and looked down with a definite smile intermingling with his adorable dimples.
“It’s a Canadian custom, I suppose. Many people tease us that we say it all the time, but I never noticed that I have the habit.”
“You do. But it’s okay. It’s not a swear word or nothin’. “ He shyly took a few small pieces of his pancake and crumbled them into tiny pieces and then threw them toward a shelf. The one where a number of times Leilani had placed a plant only to find it taken down and put somewhere else.
She sat without speaking and watched the boy’s activities. Within a few seconds, two colorful birds flew from a nearby tree and swooped down to peck at the tidbits. Their heads were red and they had a kind of a topknot of feathers, while their bodies were dark gray on top and whitish underneath. Their beady dark eyes watched her warily but ignored Mano as if he’d earned their trust.