by Sieni A. M.
Flushed from embarrassment, she swiped the hair out of her face and avoided looking at the top of the waterfall. She began to swim towards the water’s edge, her ankle throbbing and preventing her from kicking hard, but refusing to show it. Before her feet touched the cool rocks below, she heard a large splash from behind and turned to see a lithe body swimming under the water towards her. Before she could react, Chase surfaced, water glistening off his face and chiseled jaw line. His lush hair was pulled back from dampness to reveal a masculine forehead, and his eyes sparkled a darker shade of blue. Alana wanted to die. Did he really have to come see her glowing red face up close and personal?
“Are you okay?” he asked, his eyes shining with concern. His eyebrows were drawn closely together, and Alana wanted to reach out and smooth those worry lines away. She was touched that he was concerned for her, but she was also feeling the shame from her little circus act just minutes earlier. She feigned anger to cover it up.
“I’m fine,” she snapped.
“That was quite a tumble you took—”
“I know, but I’m okay. There’s no damsel in distress here.” To prove her point she half turned and swam to the rocks, her foot aching even more now from kicking to stay suspended in the water. Damn, it hurt!
“Ah, the infamous Samoan woman’s pride.” She heard the smile in his voice. “You know, you really have to learn to be more honest,” he added with amusement.
Alana stopped and turned, her arms circling in the water to keep her afloat. Chase’s eyes had a teasing glint, and his mouth was turned up into a half grin. She pursed her lips and swam closer to avoid the likelihood of eavesdroppers.
“And you know, you have to learn to shut off that ability of yours,” she whispered furiously.
“All I’m saying is that what you feel and how you portray it are at odds with each other,” Chase said, holding her gaze. “You are a walking emotional roller coaster, or in this case—” his eyes dipped briefly to her submerged body “—a swimming one.”
Alana’s heart raced. “Well…welcome to the world of the female psyche,” she almost stammered.
Chase laughed quietly and this infuriated her some more. “Do I amuse you, Chase?” she asked, cocking an eyebrow.
“Oh, Alana, you do more than amuse.” He smiled before his face turned serious. “You sprained your ankle,” he said, nodding once in the direction of her submerged legs. “I can help relieve the pain.”
Alana’s mouth dropped opened. “How? Oh, of course, let me guess. Is this another one of your superhuman abilities?”
“Yes,” he answered without hesitation.
His eyes were a piercing blue and penetrated hers, leaving her to shiver in the cold water. Could this man be any more mysterious? He was reluctant to divulge information about himself before, but now he was willing to help her? The thought of him touching her both thrilled and scared her. If it was anything like the voodoo blue lights she witnessed, she was not prepared for that.
Sucking in a stubborn breath, she responded tightly. “No thanks. I’m a nurse and I can tell it’s not that serious. It’ll be fine.”
Chase raised his eyebrows and studied her for a moment, the silence increasing her anxiety. His skeptical look told her he didn’t believe her.
“Alright,” he finally said. “If you say so.”
Turning, he dived under the water swimming away from her. Alana frowned before she resumed kicking her way towards the shore. When her feet touched uneven earth, she winced from the pain. Straightening to disguise the ache, she tried not to hobble noticeably to the nearest rock. Alana rested on the smooth surface warmed from the sun and exhaled a deep breath.
“Come on, Lana, let’s go again!” Sera called and waved from the far side of the pool. She was waiting to climb back up to slide down again.
“You go ahead!” Alana called over the roar of the water. “I’ll be there soon.”
She had no idea how she was going to climb up to the top, but she was determined to try. While the nurse in her told her to sit and rest her foot, unyielding Alana wanted to keep going and not miss out on the fun. And if she was really being honest with herself, it was to prove a point to Chase. Standing, Alana walked over the uneven rocks, hissing from the ache, until she reached the steps. You are being stupid. Don’t let this guy get under your skin. Ignoring her internal chastisement, she climbed slowly until she reached the landing at the top.
“Come on, Lana!” Malia waved her over to where she was standing with Kane, their feet submerged in water. Alana gave a strained smile and waved back.
“Are you alright?” Sera asked coming to stand beside her.
Alana averted her gaze. “I’m fine.”
When she peered down the waterfall she met Chase’s hard glare—one that warned her not to do what she was thinking of doing. Fueled by pride, Alana defiantly made her way to the edge of the waterfall and sat down allowing the flowing stream to surround her legs and thighs. Using her hands to push herself forward, she launched down the rocky smooth slide. Her heart sped up from the velocity, water spraying around her, and then she was airborne. The feeling was elating, but it was over in a moment as she hit the deep pool feet first. The impact exploded shards of pain in her foot, and she blanched underwater, salty tears springing in her eyes and mixing with the fresh water. She gasped for air when she emerged, scolding herself for her stupidity. The pain was excruciating as she swam to the rocky shore. Bracing onto a smooth rock, she climbed out and whimpered quietly as she settled down to sit. Inspecting her foot, she knew there was no way she could walk down the aisle without a noticeable limp. Stupid, stubborn idiot, stupid, stupid, she chided. Well, I definitely deserved that. A cool breeze chilled her body, causing goose bumps along her arms and neck. She sighed heavily and closed her eyes, willing the sun to dry her soaked clothes quickly.
“Alana.” Chase approached from behind. She stilled, but her heart sped up at the sound of his baritone voice.
She heard his firm footsteps shift over the pebbles, and she looked up into his face as he moved to the side of her. The sun was behind him, and his body was illuminated by the way the rays bounced off his back and masked his facial expression from the shadow.
“I want to show you something. Will you come with me?” he asked, stretching his arm to help her up from her rocky perch.
She frowned. “Now? Where?” she asked suspiciously.
“It’s a surprise,” he offered as explanation. “I promise I’ll switch off my ability,” he added to mock her earlier statement.
Alana squinted up at him and huffed. Then she looked around and noted Malia and Kane were talking on the far side of the pool. Sera was laughing with her cousins who were at the top of the waterfall and were preparing to teach her to slide down on her feet. The rest of the group was either swimming or lazing out in the sun and completely oblivious to the conversation that was going on between her and Chase. She pondered his request seriously. As much as she was intimidated by his presence and his ability to read her emotions, curiosity won out. She was ready to get to the bottom of his secrets once and for all, and she saw this as an opportunity to finally get some answers.
“Okay,” she said. She rose up on her feet, wincing slightly from the pressure.
“This way,” he said, tilting his head in the direction the stream of water was flowing. Alana stepped gingerly on the uneven stones, making every effort not to draw attention to her foot as she attempted to keep up with Chase’s long strides. He slowed his pace to match her own, and she silently thanked him for his thoughtfulness.
They shifted over dry pebbles until the stream widened, and they were forced to wade in water. When the water dipped low into miniature cascades, Alana and Chase moved along the side of the bank. The noise of chattering and laughing from their group slowly faded away, replaced by the river’s gurgling and soft trickling of water over rocks and fallen branches. Alana began to wonder where they were going. The ache in her foot was building in
intensity, and she shuffled one in front of the other to make the journey as comfortable as possible. She stifled a pained moan when it came in contact with a concealed rock.
“How much further?” she asked, breathless.
“About half a mile.”
Her face fell. There was no way she could last that much longer. Biting her lip, she straightened her spine and kept up the pretense. She was sorely regretting her decision to follow him, and after they trailed in silence for ten minutes, she couldn’t take it anymore. She gasped and doubled over. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes, threatening to spill over, and she ducked her head so her hair covered her face.
Without a word, Chase lifted her gently, as if she weighed nothing, encircling his arms to support her back and legs.
“I’ve got you,” he spoke softly.
Alana shrilled. “What are you doing?” She was horrified and embarrassed that he was right there, holding her against his chest, leaving little space between them. She also knew her weight didn’t equivalent that of a feather, and she panicked. “Put me down, Chase, right now!” She struggled against his arms which only made him tighten his stronghold.
“Your little stubborn tantrum has gone on long enough,” he quietly scolded as he stood firmly and started walking along the stream. “Your pride is big enough to fill that entire pool. You don’t have to prove your strength by going on hurting yourself over and over again. I got the message loud and clear.”
“I can walk just fine!” she protested.
“There you go again with your honesty,” he deadpanned, his strides never faltering.
“I don’t need you or anyone else to rescue me,” she whined. “I’m a strong and independent woman.” Alana ignored the fact that she sounded more like a petulant child at the moment.
Chase exhaled on a chuckle, his breath warming her forehead. “I have no doubt that you are, Alana. But the fact is, your ankle is sprained and being the kind-hearted friend that I am, I’m simply helping you out.”
She furrowed her brows and pinched her lips. She didn’t know what to say to that. She became all too aware again that she was cradled against his exposed torso, and his skin warmed her through her damp swimsuit and shorts. She was so close to him that if she leaned into his firm chest, she could probably hear his strong heartbeat. Alana cut off that train of thought immediately.
“Besides—” his mouth turned into a grin “—I’m flattered you fell head over heels for me. This is the least I can do since I was the cause of your injury.”
Alana gasped and smacked his chest. Chase threw his head back and laughed freely. She stared up into his exposed neck and observed how handsome he looked when he was jovial. His laugh was a deep rumble, carefree and contagious, and she couldn’t help the first stirrings of a smile. When she giggled, Chase stopped and looked down at her, his joyful blue eyes piercing through her. Alana sucked in a breath, and his smile softened.
“That’s better. You know, it’s okay to laugh at yourself now and again.”
Her smile developed into a groan, and she swatted him again in the arm as humor danced in his eyes.
“Oh God that was so embarrassing,” she mumbled into her hands when she took them to cover her face.
“I thought you fell with grace,” he teased.
She groaned again.
“We’re here,” he said, nodding ahead.
Chapter 15
Alana dropped her hands and looked around. A quaint little cove greeted her. A small pool of water was surrounded by wild shrubbery with tropical vines dangling over the water’s stream. A cascade of water fell softly and formed a small waterfall that wrapped around the edge of the pool. Alana inhaled sharply. It was one of the most breathtaking places she had ever laid her eyes on, and she was puzzled that Chase knew of its existence.
“I didn’t know this was here.”
“Not many people do.” He walked along the edge of the pool until they were beside the trickling water where he ducked through, soaking them both.
They emerged inside a cave nestled in darkness, accompanied by the echo of dripping water. The cave’s roof was tall enough that Chase could stand upright without hunching over. He lowered Alana onto a smooth rock and went to stand on the opposite side of the wall.
“This place is beautiful. How did you find it?” she asked.
He shrugged. “A few years back. It used to be a popular water hole for the locals until the sliding rocks were discovered.”
Alana eyed him speculatively. “How many times have you been to Samoa?”
“I've made quite a few trips,” he answered vaguely, looking beyond the cascade.
Chase settled himself on a rock with his legs bent and elbows resting on his knees. They were sheltered in a cavern that was illuminated softly by the light that came through the waterfall. Darkness loomed in a hollow tunnel to Alana's left that stretched further than she could see. She was curious where it led but didn’t have the energy to get up and find out. Nor did she want to come face to face with any black mammals with wings she was sure would flutter out if they got spooked by intruders. The cave was significantly cooler than the outside, and Alana visibly relaxed in its cozy atmosphere.
“It’s peaceful here. Exactly the kind of place I would come for solace. Except next time I’d probably pack a few books, some snacks, maybe a mat to sleep on,” she said smiling.
She was already in love with this little slice of heaven and could see herself visiting again. Her pleasure showed on her face as she drank in their surroundings.
“I thought you might like it,” Chase said watching her. “After all, I was starting to get a buzz kill from your vibes back there,” he added. “Thought you might need a change in scenery before you killed yourself.” He nodded towards her foot and Alana snorted.
She had forgotten all about the dull ache in her ankle that now stretched lazily in front of her. She looked away uncomfortably and contemplated his story. Chase was a puzzle, and she was slowly putting together the pieces by what he had revealed to her, but it wasn’t enough. She had so many questions and now was the perfect time to get down to the answers.
“What types of books do you read?” His question was unexpected, startling her out of her thoughts.
She smiled. Nice try, attempting to deflect me, she thought. Chase grinned slowly at her realization. Alana paused and decided to humor him for a little moment. If only to gain his trust, she silently concluded.
“I read everything. From the classics to mystery, chick lit to paranormal,” she answered. When he nodded, she was encouraged to continue. “I’m going to sound like such a girl, but I suppose my favorite books are ones with a love story.”
Chase shrugged at her confession. “Some of the world’s greatest stories are born from love—between a parent and a child, a couple, two best friends. It’s an emotion guaranteed to be there at the beginning and at the very end of life.”
Alana eyed him curiously. “And the rest?”
Chase shrugged. “Well, that’s up to us to fill that void. Through our choices and decisions.” She was quiet, contemplating his statement.
“What’s your favorite quote?” he pressed on.
Alana sighed. “Where do I begin? There’s too many that have impressed me to this day. But I guess if I were to go with one relevant to my life right now, it would have to be ‘The world owes you nothing. It was here first,’” she said dryly.
“Mark Twain,” Chase acknowledged.
Alana gave him a tight smile. “Life sure isn’t a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers,” she said tonelessly. “It churns you around and spits you out when you’re at the most vulnerable. Then it steps back and asks, ‘Did you learn something from that? No? Then let’s do it again.’”
Chase examined her silently. “Is that how you view your life?”
Alana shrugged nonchalantly. “I'm sure you’ve heard the cliché ‘Life’s a struggle, life’s a climb.’ Well, my hike has been more like a sli
ppery muddy slide where I accomplish more face plants than anything.”
He regarded her with a thoughtful expression. “Nothing that’s dished out to you goes beyond your capacity.”
Alana snorted.
“What? You don’t believe me?” he asked with a grin. “You’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”
She was quiet before her mouth twitched into a smile. “Did you just quote Winnie the Pooh?”
Chase returned her grin. “Christopher Robin in fact.”
She laughed out loud, sending an echo throughout the cave. “Okay, enough with the cheesy quotes already!” she exclaimed. “I’m not even going to ask how you know Pooh Bear stories. I have little cousins so that’s my excuse.”
“Okay then.” He smirked. “What’s the one thing you want to do but fear you won’t ever achieve?”
Alana eyed him with bewilderment. “What is it with these deep questions?”
Chase extended his arms effectively puffing out his chest in the process. “Call it curiosity. You interest me, Alana, and I want to know what gets to you.”
Alana sat back and contemplated his question. She couldn’t remember a time when she had a conversation like this. When someone asked her questions, it rarely went beyond the usual “What did you have for lunch?” or “Did you watch Star Search last night? Wasn’t that girl’s voice pa’ulua?” Plus it wasn’t in her nature to talk about herself in this manner. It was always something she kept inside; her dreams and aspirations were never topics she would openly talk about with people beyond her immediate family. This didn’t mean she lacked hopes and goals or that she never thought about them. She thought about them all the time, being the dreamer that she was. But to share them aloud with someone she barely knew? Never.