Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One

by Kimberly Readnour

  The beach is more deserted than earlier. The cries and screams of children have died down. We pass a volleyball game that’s still going strong, and Kayla’s stare lingers as it had earlier when we walked past.

  “Do you like playing volleyball?” I ask.

  Kayla nods and squeezes my hand. “I played in high school.” She faces back forward, and we resume walking. “I do miss it.”

  “Not me. I hated playing the sport—”

  “Hey, Kayla,” a male voice interrupts from behind us.

  We turn around, and Kayla breaks into a huge grin. “Ray, back at playing the game I see.”

  Who the fuck is Ray? And how does she know him well enough to warrant that smile?

  Ray’s gaze drops to our joined hands, and a hint of confusion crosses his face. He averts his eyes back to Kayla. Not liking the way he’s eyeing her, I drop her hand and place my arm around her shoulders.

  “Yeah, did you two want to join? There’s always room for more players.”

  Am I a dick if I want her to say no?

  Kayla glances over at the volleyball net. The longing in her eyes makes it apparent how badly she wants to play. But considering I just said I hated it, I’m not surprised when she shakes her head instead. And I feel relieved. Yeah, I’m a dick.

  “No, I’ll pass this time.”

  “Ah, come on. We could use your spiking skills.”

  How well does this asshole know her? I try maintaining a neutral expression but the blush sweeping across her face makes it impossible. Maybe they go to school together.

  “I still have to pass.” Kayla’s eyes flicker toward me then widen. “I’m so sorry. Kai, this is Ray from Ohio State.”

  Okay, scratch going to school together. I remove my arm from Kayla and shake his hand. It’s a firm handshake, not cocky in the least. Damn. Ray seems like a decent guy.

  “I better rejoin my team before they lose.” Ray grins at Kayla and then nods at me. “It was nice meeting you.”

  “Likewise.” I nod and reclaim Kayla’s hand as we step in the opposite direction. We’re a good distance away before either one of us speaks.

  “I met Ray on the plane coming here. He sat beside me.” Kayla lets out a laugh. “He probably thinks I’m neurotic. We ran into some turbulence and, of course, I freaked out. He kept talking, which kept me from panicking.”

  Jealousy courses through my body, and I frown at not being the one to console her.

  “Not keen on flying?” I glance down at her.

  “Not really, but I’ll do it.” Kayla smiles that genuine smile at me. “It’s worth it to come here. Otherwise, I never would’ve met you.”

  **~~**~~**

  Kayla~

  Two things occur simultaneously after my admission. The air surrounding us thickens to where I can hardly breathe, and Kai’s eyes darken with desire. There’s no wondering this time whether he’ll kiss me or not. He doesn’t allow enough time to formulate a single thought. One moment, I’m smiling at him, and then the next, a low growl escapes from deep within him as his lips crash upon mine. Our fingers untangle, and Kai places his hand on my lower jaw, guiding it toward him.

  My lips part from the gasp that escapes and Kai doesn’t miss the created opportunity. His tongue slips inside while his fingers grasp the nape of my neck. The hint of cinnamon tantalizes my taste buds, and my tongue greedily accepts his.

  A strange tingling sensation of heat overcomes me, beginning at my neck and surging through my body straight south. Every nerve ending seems heightened with need‌—‌a need that only Kai can fulfill.

  Kai pulls me closer, my arms slipping under his. My core clenches as if pleading for more. I grasp the back of Kai’s shirt in my hands, knowing I do want more. More of his mouth. More of his hands. More of his body. Oh God, I’m actually turned on.

  His fingers press into my skin, and I let out a tiny moan. Kai breaks away, still holding me against him and rests his chin against my head.

  “Sorry, I envisioned our first kiss a little differently,” Kai says, his chest rising and falling, his panting amplified against my ear. “I didn’t mean to rush this.”

  “No, it was perfect.”

  Kai squeezes me closer. “We can take this somewhere more private.”

  My body stiffens at his suggestion, and he quickly backs away to look me in the eyes.

  “I didn’t mean how that sounded.” Kai scans the deserted beach area. “I just meant somewhere where we wouldn’t be on display. I didn’t mean we would‌…‌uh, never mind.”

  I try to suppress my smile, but he’s too dang cute.

  “You hungry?” he asks randomly.

  “For food?” I challenge and then laugh. His mouth drops open and eyes bulge at my half-attempt at a joke. I bump his shoulder with mine and turn, so we’re side by side. “Yeah, I’m a little hungry.”

  He shakes his head and laces our fingers together. Leaning close to my ear, he murmurs, “Sweetheart, you can’t say that to a guy. I’m so turned on right now; it’s all I can do to stop myself from throwing you on the sand and fucking the hell out of you.”

  Now, my mouth drops open, but Kai isn’t laughing. The heat is still present in his eyes, and my body is doing strange things. I glance at his swoon-worthy abs. Even with them covered, that doesn’t help. I’m now picturing them naked.

  Why the heck does Kai’s words affect me so much? I should be offended. Not be turned on even more.

  I flick my gaze back to him, and Kai takes a deep breath. A strange understanding passes between us, and we resume walking to Kai’s car as he slowly releases a breath.

  I’m attracted to this guy‌—‌an actual real attraction. And the worst part is, I know nothing about him. Like at all.

  “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” I ask.

  “I have an older sister, Lauren. She’s twenty-seven. Married with two kids.” The corner of his mouth rises. “My niece is all girl. She’s four and wants to be a princess. But my two-year-old nephew is crazy wild. My sister has her hands full with that one. I assume you’re an only child, right?”

  “Yeah, Mom never married. She doesn’t even date.” I grow quiet, wishing I never steered this conversation toward family. But I can’t get to know Kai without my full disclosure.

  “What about your dad? Does he come around much?” he asks.

  “No. Not at all.” I squeeze my eyes shut momentarily to let the hurt pass. I hate that I still care. “I’ve never met him.”

  An awkward moment passes before Kai raises my hand to kiss it.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to jar bad memories.”

  “That’s all right. My memories aren’t bad, just lacking.” I smile appreciatively to him. “Your parents still together?”

  “They were until my father passed away when I was fifteen.”

  “Now, I’m sorry.”

  “Nah, I’m used to it. I miss him like crazy because he was a great guy, but I’ve had plenty of time to get used to it.” We reach the edge of the beach and step on the parking lot. “My boss, John, took on the father-figure role. He tries his best to keep me in check.”

  Kai winks, and I melt a little from that look. I’m not sure which is worse; having a father you loved die or never meeting him at all. I’m glad Kai had someone to step in and be a role model. It’s important.

  “So how old are you? When’s your birthday?” I ask while we trudge across the black asphalt. A topic change is definitely due.

  “I just had a birthday on the second. I turned twenty-four. I’m guessing you’re twenty-one?”

  “Happy belated birthday. But yeah, I’m twenty-one. I’ll be twenty-two on April seventeenth.”

  “Big plans?”

  We reach his car, and he opens the passenger door for me.

  “Hardly,” I answer in an amused tone. I settle upon the seat and raise my chin to him. “Speaking of plans, you still haven’t told me what we’re doing tomorrow.”

  “Ah, that’s becaus
e it’s a surprise.”

  My forehead wrinkles. “I don’t like surprises.”

  “Everyone likes surprises. You just don’t like waiting for it.”

  I laugh. “Maybe.”

  Kai shuts the door and walks to the driver’s seat.

  “Can’t you give me a hint? I need to know what to wear,” I ask as soon as he gets situated.

  “Wear something casual and bring a jacket.” A wily grin crosses his face. “Those are the only hints I’m giving.”

  I shift back into my seat and stare out the windshield as Kai backs the car up. When we press forward, I don’t say anything else while he drives to the restaurant. I don’t know what’s in store for our date tomorrow, but one thing’s for sure, I can’t wait to find out.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Kai~

  Quaint, one-story buildings line the main road as Kayla and I drive into town. There are a few older, two-story structures in the mix, but all the storefronts have a rustic appeal. The scene is colorful and unique with each store sporting a specific color. I’m hoping Kayla finds this place interesting.

  The informality of last night’s date was perfect. And I learned more about Kayla. Like, she’s a damn good kisser. I definitely want those lips back on mine before the night ends. But right now, the goal is to show Kayla around town before revealing my surprise for the evening.

  “I’ve been here before.” Kayla’s eyes brighten, looking at the stores. “What’s the name of the town?”

  “Hanapepe.” I pull into a parking spot along the road and throw the gearshift into park. “You’ve been here already?” I keep my tone even, trying to mask my disappointment.

  “Yes, on our Waimea Canyon tour. The tour guide took us on the swinging bridge.”

  “I guess there’s no need to show you the town then.” I half-grin and give her a sideways glance. She looks a little sheepish.

  “Not unless you want to.” Kayla half-shrugs and peers at the vendor signs cluttering the sidewalk. Souvenir T-shirts starting at five dollars is advertised everywhere. Keyword‌—‌starting. “It is a quaint town.”

  “Nah, it’s not a big deal. But yeah, the town’s historic. Used to be popular back before Lihue shopping center took over.” I throw the car in reverse but remain stationary. “What I really want to show you is the sunset. Hanapepe Bay isn’t too far from here.”

  A huge smile breaks across her face. “We’re going to see the sunset?”

  I double blink at her, surprised that a sunset could make her this excited. And watching the sun dip into the water isn’t what I’m anxious about.

  “Even better, we’ll see the sunset along the Na Pali Coastline.”

  Kayla snaps her head toward me, surprise flickering in her eyes.

  “I thought you could only reach the Na Pali coast by boat,” she says cautiously.

  “Yep.”

  Kayla’s eyes widen further, and her mouth drops open. “Are we going by boat?”

  The cautioning tone in which she asks makes me half-afraid to answer. If she has a fear of boats, I’m screwed.

  “Yep,” I say.

  “Oh my God. I can’t wait.” Kayla lets out a tiny squeal. “Where we’re staying, the mountain blocks the sun setting, so I haven’t seen it yet. Thank you. You have no idea how badly I wanted to see this, especially along the Na Pali Coastline.”

  “I’m getting an idea.” I laugh. God, she’s cute. “Let’s get a lemon ice from the parlor first. We’ll get it to go.”

  I place the gearshift back in park and dart out of the car. If I’m not fast enough, she’ll open her door first. How am I supposed to be a gentleman if she doesn’t let me? As soon as Kayla steps onto the sidewalk, I join our hands and bump the door close.

  “You’ll love these. They make the best.” We walk beside each other as Kayla points out the lava-dyed T-shirts.

  “Those are cool. I’m so getting one before leaving the island.”

  “You’re such a tourist,” I say playfully, trying to ignore the twinge of pain that statement caused.

  She scrunches her nose at me. “Okay, homeboy. Show me this fabulous lemon ice.”

  ***

  We pull up to ’Ele’ele’s Port Allen Marina Center, and I park the car. “I didn’t lie, now did I?”

  “Mmm, no. This lemon ice is really good.”

  Kayla brings the spoon to her mouth, and I watch her tongue slowly lick the last of the ice. My cock twitches. If I don’t do something soon, I’m going to explode in my damn pants. The girl drives me crazy. My gaze sweeps along her body, past the side of her breast down to her long, toned legs. The dress she’s wearing rides mid-thigh as she sits. That exposure doesn’t help tame me either.

  “Are we taking a tour?”

  Kayla’s gaze drifts over to the large charter boats. At one hundred and fifty dollars a pop, I don’t think so, but I don’t tell her that.

  “No, my boss is letting me borrow his catamaran this evening.” I raise an eyebrow and half-grin. “Just the two of us.”

  Heat passes through her eyes, along with something else I can’t quite read. I jolt out of my seat and rush to open the passenger door. I assist her out and then grab the basket I’ve prepared. John is meeting us by the catamaran to give me the keys along with a few instructions. He acted nervous after he’d agreed to let me have his baby for the night.

  We approach the boat, and John’s standing by the mast, inspecting it.

  “John,” I call his name. I have Kayla follow me on board.

  He greets me with a huge smile. “Kai.”

  We place the picnic basket down as John makes his way to us. “I think she’s ready to go,” he says still grinning. He turns to Kayla, and his smile falters as his face pales.

  “John, this is Kayla Cannon,” I say.

  “Kayla‌…‌Cannon?” John stammers. “It’s uh‌…‌good to meet you.”

  Kayla’s eyes narrow at his extended hand. She reaches across and shakes it, saying, “Pleasure’s all mine.”

  John’s body stiffens as he refuses to drop her hand. He’s staring at her as if she’s a piranha. Kayla shifts her widened eyes to me, and I shrug. I have no clue what could be John’s problem. She tugs her hand, and he releases his hold as she clears her throat.

  “I can’t thank you enough for allowing Kai to take me out. I’m looking forward to it.”

  John blinks a few times and then snaps out of his funk. “Yes, of course. Not a problem.” He turns to me and narrows his eyes. “Remember what we discussed.”

  John’s voice is stern, laced with hidden meaning, but I’m not sure what he means. The only thing we discussed was his half-joke about not having sex on his boat. John laughed as if he knew that was my sole intention. It’s not, but I thought he was kidding. This seriousness masked in his eyes makes me heed the warning.

  “Wait by the cabin. John just has to go over a few details,” I instruct Kayla.

  She nods, still eyeing John warily. I turn to ask John a question but hold my thought as I walk over to him. John’s facing the parking lot with his cell phone to his ear. My usual carefree boss’s stance is anything but inviting.

  “You have until Sunday. I’m not wasting any more time‌…‌Monday then.” John ends the call abruptly and shoves the phone into his pocket.

  My eyebrows narrow at John standing there, shaking his head. I’m not sure what he’s contemplating, but his strange behavior is rather concerning.

  “Is everything all right?” I ask.

  Startled, John jumps as if he forgot I was there. “Yeah‌…‌everything’s fine.” He quickly exits the space with me watching his receding body. I guess I’m winging the last-minute instructions. Scratching my head, I return to the cabin.

  “He’s a bit‌…‌odd.”

  Kayla’s corners of her mouth turn down, forming a frown. She still eyes John skeptically. I can’t say I blame her, though. He didn’t leave much for her to go by. Long shaggy hair, typical button-down Hawaiia
n shirt with palm trees, baggy drawstring linen shorts, and Jesus sandals, his attire alone is odd, but his behavior‌…‌yeah, it’s way off.

  “He’s free-spirited.” I shrug with a half-grin. I’m not sure what else to say about him.

  She laughs. “Is that what you call it? I thought I flashed-back to the seventies and joined a hippie convention.”

  “If you got to know him, you’d understand.” I chuckle because she’s right. John’s in dire need of a makeover.

  Taking off to the Na Pali coastline, I watch Kayla as she looks out to the landscaping. The entire ride, I take in every gasp, her stilled breathing, and the seriousness of her expression. She’s completely different from any girl I’ve come across. I slow the boat to a halt, and she turns to me, smiling warmly. My gaze drops to those lips. Those lips that were every bit as wonderful as I thought they’d be. I need to kiss her again. And soon.

  I slide up behind her and trace my hand on her face. She shudders and leans into my palm. I want her body so badly. I lean closer to her and smell the lavender in her hair.

  “It’s beautiful,” she whispers.

  “So are you,” I murmur next to her ear. The line may be cheesier than hell, but it’s the God’s own truth. Kayla’s every bit as beautiful as the scenery. If I don’t have this girl soon, I’m going to combust. But I don’t make a move. Something about her keeps me from progressing forward. It’s weird. I’ve never gone to this much trouble with any other girl in my life. But for some reason, Kayla means more than a quick fuck.

  She tilts her head slightly, and my lips hover by the side of her forehead. I can feel the rapid beating of her heart against my palm, hear her breathing accelerate. Unable to withstand anymore, I spin her around and claim her luscious lips. This all-consuming want hits me with the same intensity that it did yesterday. Her mouth opens and our tongues collide, thrusting, penetrating. A citrusy flavor from the lemon ice assaults my senses. And I can’t get enough of her.

  I thread my fingers through her hair and press against her. Her breasts smash onto my chest, and the tightening of her nipples against my pecs hardens my cock instantly. But I can’t take her, not yet. Not here.