by Lea Hart
***
They drove along a narrow street next to the ocean. The homes were beautiful and right on the sand. “Are we staying here?” Rachel asked.
“Apparently.” Chris checked his phone for the address and pointed to a house on the corner. “That’s us.”
“Holy Hawaii. The place is amazing.”
They pulled into the driveway and got out. The trade winds blew, carrying the scent of plumeria. Rachel looked over at Chris and gave him a dazzling smile. “This is the best present ever. Forget the Schwinn bike when I was ten.”
He grabbed her hand and walked up to the front door. “Apparently, a couple takes care of the place, and they are supposed to meet us here and give us a tour and the keys.” Chris knocked on the door, and they were soon greeted by an older gentleman.
“Welcome to paradise.” The man held out his hand and introduced himself. “I’m Ken, and my wife and I take care of the house. Come in and let me give you a tour.” They moved into a large entryway that gave them a direct view of the ocean. It was a perfect island home. The floors were dark, polished wood, and the furniture was casual and welcoming. The back wall of the house was glass, and it afforded the most spectacular view of Mother Nature. It felt like they were inside the ocean. “Do you like what you see?” Ken asked.
“It’s the prettiest place I’ve ever seen,” Rachel answered.
“That’s what we like to hear.” He turned and watched a woman come out of the back. “Here comes my wife, Kelani. Honey, these are the Ellises, and they are going to be staying here for the next two weeks.”
Chris squeezed her hand when he heard them referred to as the Ellises. He had a plan to make that a reality while they were here on the island. “Nice to meet you, Kelani. Rachel and I are looking forward to our stay.”
“I think you are all set for the evening. You have a full refrigerator and bar, and the house is ready. I left some local fish in the fridge, and it’s marinating in my secret sauce. Grill it for four minutes on each side, and you’ll have a great meal. I’m off to pick up my grandchildren from school. Ken will leave you our numbers, so call if you need anything.”
“Let me finish giving you the tour, and I will get out of your way. I’m sure you would like to relax after your long day of travel.”
***
Rachel stood under the water in the indoor/outdoor shower. She’d never seen anything like it. Her head was back under the spray, and she yelped when Chris wrapped his arms around her waist. “You scared me.”
“I’m sorry. I thought you heard me come in.”
“You have to make some noise when you walk. For a large man, you sure move quietly. Make a ruckus so I know you’re coming.”
“I will.”
“Mr. Ellis, where are your hands going?”
“My hands are going to paradise. I thought we could spend the next two weeks buried in one another. We can take small breaks for swimming and eating, but that’s it. The rest of the time, we are going to be doing a variation of this.” He lifted her in his arms as he ran his mouth across hers. Cupping her behind, he leaned her against the wall and entered her in one big thrust. “Now, this is paradise.”
“Holy mother of Hawaii, it sure is.”
He laughed when he heard her expression. “I think we should forget the half-naked Hawaii and go with the full-naked Hawaii.” He moved his hips against hers and buried his face in her neck. Moving his mouth against her ear, he said, “That’s it, honey. Show me how I make you feel.” Her grasp on his shoulders tightened as she stilled against him. “Come now.”
He felt her muscles tighten around him, and she came loudly, calling his name as her release flew through her body. He followed her with a shout and rocked his hips as he emptied himself inside her. “‘Holy mother of Hawaii’ is right.”
“Luau. I want to go to a luau.”
“What? Where did that come from? Honey, I have no blood left in my brain. So you’ll have to explain that to me.”
“We can get at each other as much as we’re able, but I want to go to a luau for my birthday. The tackier the better.”
“Whatever you want, honey.”
“When I recover, I’ll probably have a few more things.”
“Whatever you want, honey.”
“You just said that.”
“I’ll probably keep saying it. You just promised me unlimited sex. I can pretty much guarantee that’s going to be my only answer for you.”
“I love you, Chris.”
“I love you more.”
“Can I have my tropical drink now?”
“Absolutely.”
***
They sat on the lanai, looked out over Poipu Beach, and enjoyed nature’s show. “Why are sunsets in Hawaii so gorgeous?” Rachel asked.
“I think because we are actually taking the time to see them. How did I do on the tropical drink?”
“You’re hired. This is delicious. What is it?”
“I have no idea. Kelani left a pitcher in the fridge with a note to serve it over ice and add pineapple and an umbrella. And that’s what I did.”
“I could have three more of these.”
“I don’t want you to pass out. We have plans for the evening.”
“Oh yeah, I should probably stay awake for them.”
Chris took her hand and smiled into her eyes. “I’ve never seen you this relaxed and happy. I always thought you were beautiful, but seeing you now blows my mind.”
“Chris, you’re going to get lucky. You don’t have to say that.”
“It’s the truth.”
“I guess Hawaii agrees with me. A little sun, a little sex, and a lot of you seem to be the things I’ve needed.”
“I’ve got to say that I like to hear that. All I ever wanted from you was to be needed. I want you to rely on me. You are my heart, and I am your armor.” Glancing over, he noticed that tears were starting to form in her eyes. “Honey, what’s wrong?” She shook her head and wiped her eyes. He stood up, scooped her into his arms, and carried her over to the chaise. She buried her face in his chest as he stroked her back. “I guess I shouldn’t try to say romantic things to you. They don’t have the effect that I’m looking for.”
“You’d better not stop saying those things to me. It’s just that I want to be worthy of you, and I feel like I’m not whole yet.”
“I don’t want to hear you say things like that anymore. Would you leave me if I was injured? What if I’m on an op and I get hurt and lose my leg or something? Are you going to leave me? What happens when I get old and I can’t remember things? What happens when I can’t get it up anymore when I’m ninety-five? Do you love me only when I’ve got my shit together?”
She sat up quickly and appeared furious. “How dare you suggest such a thing? I don’t care what happens to you. I will love you for the rest of my life. It’s not something that’s conditional. You don’t have to be perfect for me to feel this way about you. That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. My love is absolute and forever. Even when you are an old man with a saggy behind and a willy that doesn’t work, I will love you.”
“Why do you think that I would feel any differently about you?” He watched her stare at him as she processed what he said.
“Oh.”
“Exactly. Why are you referring to my penis as a willy?”
“I don’t care for the word penis. It’s so clinical. It’s like the word vagina or labia. It brings to mind my annual exam and my feet up in stirrups. I could call it your manhood or your sword of happiness or your throbbing member or…”
“Stop. I don’t care what you call it.”
“I have a few more names…can I…”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.”
“Fine.”
“Sword of happiness. Where does that even come from?”
“I’ve read a lot of romance novels. I really liked the historical ones when I was in high school and college. Are
you sure that you don’t want me to list more names…because …”
“I’m good. I think I’ve heard enough.”
Shrugging, she moved out of his lap and walked into the house. “Suit yourself.”
He got up and followed her in. “Should we go out to dinner?”
“I was thinking of making the fish. Let me see what else there is.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to cook on vacation.”
“This doesn’t feel like cooking. You are going to be barbequing it anyway. I know it’s only eight, but I’m still on California time. So I don’t know how long I’m going to last.”
“Good point. We have two weeks here, so we have plenty of time to see the sights.”
“I didn’t think you were going to let me see any sights. You said you wanted to take only short breaks for eating and swimming. I’m glad to know that I’ll actually get to see the island.”
“You are funny, Ms. Miller. I believe that you are paraphrasing what I said.”
“Mr. Ellis, I believe that I’m quoting you exactly. I may have a few things that I would like to add to our agenda. Thoughts…as it were.”
“Ms. Miller, I’m more than happy to hear your…thoughts. Please enlighten me on your additions to our agenda.”
“Reverse cowgirl.” She watched him spit out the beer he was about to swallow as he tried to take a breath. “You were not expecting that?”
He wiped his mouth and took the paper towel that she handed him so he could mop up the floor. “I can with all confidence say that I never expected to hear those words leave your mouth.”
“It’s not that crazy. I’m not asking to tie you up.”
“I’m not saying it’s crazy. It’s just surprising.”
“Are you saying that I don’t seem like a sexual adventuress? Because if you are, then you are dead wrong. I have all kinds of ideas, so get yourself ready. You may have to start doing yoga. I want you to be in good shape for things I have in mind. Don’t I look like someone who wants to try new things?”
He studied her to determine what the best response would be. “I’ll try anything you want. Except pain. I’m not into that, and I never will be. Also, I don’t share. It’s just you and me.”
“I was just thinking that maybe we could do it in an elevator sometime. Of course it would have to be one without cameras. And it couldn’t be dirty. It would have to be really nice inside. Also, I wouldn’t want people to know what we were up to. Other than that…I’m very adventurous.” A smile twitched on his lips. “That had better be a smile of happiness and not one of mockery.”
He took a step toward her, hauled her against him, and hugged her tight. “It’s pure happiness. I’m the luckiest man in the whole world.”
“I didn’t know the reverse cowgirl would make you so happy. I’m not completely sure what it is, but it sounds exciting.”
“You’re exciting.”
“Do I have to stretch out before we try it?”
“I don’t think so, honey.”
“Okay. I just want to be prepared.”
“Always a good idea.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
They stood in line, and Chris noticed that Rachel was really happy. He smiled down at her and tried to pretend that he wasn’t in pain. She turned, patted his chest, and leaned into him, which surprisingly made his discomfort less noticeable. “Honey, are you sure we need a picture?” Chris asked.
“Yes, of course. It’s part of the package. It comes with the luau.” She flattened the front of her dress and grinned up at him.
“Where are you planning on putting the picture when we get home?”
“I’ll get a copy for my desk and then one for home. I think everybody will enjoy seeing us on our vacation.” Smoothing her hair down, she tried to keep a straight face.
“I think one for home will be good enough.”
“Are you ashamed to have a picture taken with me?”
“Of course not. It’s probably a good idea to have pictures of us together. People won’t be able to believe that I was lucky enough to talk a woman like you into hanging out with me.”
“Is that we’re doing…hanging out?”
“Is this payback for this afternoon? I was trying to be adventurous.”
“It might be. It’s hard to say.”
“It’s not hard at all. I respect your approach to the situation. I’m not enjoying it, but I respect it.”
“Good answer.” She turned, smiled at the people in front of them in line, and started chatting with them about the dog they left at home in Phoenix. Yes, this was definitely payback.
He leaned down when there was a break in the conversation. “I promise you that the camera was not working when we were in the elevator.”
“Is that why you made a phone call to Laird to make sure that he erased anything that might’ve been caught on film?”
“I like to take precautions. That’s all.”
“It wasn’t your bare behind possibly caught on film. It was mine. So smile, sailor, and suck it up. You have your pictures, and I will soon have mine.”
“Trust me when I say that I will be the only person who will ever see you naked.”
“Having these pictures will make me feel better.” She turned back to the couple in front of them and resumed her conversation about Phoenix.
He knew that a conversation about Phoenix took ten, maybe fifteen, minutes tops. She was making him pay, and he understood her need for revenge. He just didn’t enjoy it.
“We’re next.” She turned, fixed his collar, and smiled up at him. “Don’t forget to smile. This is going to be one for the memory books.”
He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “No one is going to see your naked behind.”
She smiled sweetly up at him. “Honey, this is just insurance.”
They stood in front of the ocean at the luau and smiled for the camera in their matching outfits. Rachel made sure that she’d chosen the loudest Hawaiian print that was available. She hated the dress she was wearing, and her only consolation was that her big, bad spec op boyfriend was wearing a matching shirt. As far as she was concerned, these pictures were never going to see the light of day. But he didn’t need to know that. She wanted him to remember that she wasn’t to be taken lightly.
After they were finished, they walked over to the bar. “I’m ready for my tropical birthday drink.”
He glanced down and laughed at her. “You’re having the time of your life. We are in matching outfits at a hotel luau, and you couldn’t be happier.”
“I know. Isn’t it fantastic? I plan on speaking with everyone at our table and asking them about their family and pets. I’m so looking forward to this.”
“Happy birthday. I love you, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
“Thanks for giving me an amazing birthday. Turning thirty isn’t so bad after all. I’ve had sex in an elevator, and later, we’re going to do the other thing. All in all, not a bad way to turn thirty.”
“I like how your happiness is directly tied to being naked with me. I think it speaks well of our future.”
“They say a woman peaks sexually between the ages of twenty-eight and thirty-four. I’m pretty much ripe for the picking. You came along just in time.”
“Thank God.”
“You, however, have long passed your peak.” Shrugging, she gave him a sweet smile. “I guess I’ll just have to make do.” She laughed at the horrified look on his face. “Honey, I promise to be gentle.”
He finally realized what she was doing and had all kinds of respect for her creativity when it came to payback. She was mad about the elevator, and she was letting him know in the most creative way that she could figure out. “I appreciate that, honey. I need a gentle touch. After all, I’m in my decline.”
Patting his shoulder, she turned toward the buffet line. “Let’s go stand in line. There are lots of interesting people to talk to.”
Four hours and three mai
tais later, they left the luau. “I loved the show. I think they undersold the dancers. I thought the fire dancing was exciting. Did you like it?”
“I liked seeing you enjoy it. I’ve never seen someone so excited about a show at a hotel.”
“I enjoy things like this because I grew up in a home with two college professors. All my parents’ friends were just like them. There were lots of culturally appropriate outings, political discussions, and PBS shows to see during my childhood. There wasn’t a moment that wasn’t filled with things that would make my sister and me better people. It was exhausting. Lisle and I would escape whenever we could. We were both starved for popular culture. I think we made friends based on how much crap TV they were allowed to watch and how much junk food their moms let them have.
“I made myself sick my first year in college because I ate too much junk food. I also pursued anything trashy and entertaining. I’ve maintained a subscription to People magazine for the longest time. In a way, what my parents offered my sister and me backfired. I’ve read many important books, I know most of the best works of Chopin, and I can quote most of Shakespeare’s plays. However, given the choice, I would probably watch baseball and listen to pop music. I happen to love macaroni and cheese from the box, and I hold a special place in my heart for Cool Whip. So to answer your question…I love this tacky hotel luau. It’s the best thing ever. I also like to talk to people about their animals and children and what their plans are for their gardens. I love all of the silly mundane things of life. So now is your chance to run. I’ve admitted it all to you. There you have it.”
He hauled her up so that they were face-to-face. “I didn’t think it was possible, but I just fell in love with you a little bit more. I thought you had all of my heart, but I was wrong. You just took more of it. I like you, Rachel Miller, and I will make sure that we get to see as many of these types of things as we can. Now I understand why you were looking at People online when you were researching the players from my brother’s team.”
“I told you that’s where all the good info comes from.”
“I get it now. Let’s go home and celebrate your birthday. I believe that we have something new to try.”