Kayla’s moan vibrates in my mouth, which pushes me closer to the edge. Against my better judgment, my hand slides along her soft curves then glide between us. Gently palming the side of her left breast, my thumb grazes over her nipple. Her body tenses beneath my touch, and I immediately pull back to gauge her response.
Her gaze sweeps to mine with the most curious, innocent look I’ve ever seen. I study her for a moment as I wonder how innocent she could be. I’ve been with plenty of girls. From the promiscuous ones to the nesters, I’ve seen them all. Most of the girls who come to the island are relationship seekers who are stepping out from their normal realm, letting go to have fun—at least once in their life. I stay away from the nesters—less drama that way, but Kayla doesn’t seem to fit anywhere in there. And she’s definitely not promiscuous. She seems innocent. But how can that be? She’s gorgeous as fuck. Surely she’s been in an intimate relationship before.
She bats those heavy-lidded eyes and takes a deep breath. Well, at least, I’m not the only one affected by this. The bulge in my pants strains to a throbbing pain. But it will have to wait. I’m not rushing this—whatever this is—like I did our first kiss. Besides, we are on display in the open waters.
Splash.
Kayla shrieks as we get sprayed with droplets of water. A humpback whale crashes our party by slapping his tale next to the boat. I laugh at her as she turns around and grabs hold of the railing.
“Oh my gosh, did you see that?”
Just as the words are spoken, another whale breaches the water. She laughs and grabs her phone out of her purse to take pictures.
“This is great. We saw whales back at the condo, but they were so far away.”
“They migrate here every winter, usually leaving around April.”
“Awesome,” she whispers.
We turn to a motoring sound behind us. A tour boat slowly passes by, and everyone on deck waves to us before turning their attention to the whales. Kayla smiles and waves back, leaning against me. I wrap my arms around her, and we stay like this until the whales decide they’d had enough.
I glance at the sky and smile—almost time.
“I’m going to guide the boat over to a cove so we can drop anchor for a while.”
“Sounds great.”
By the time we reach the cove, it’s deserted. I let out a breath, relieved for the privacy. After shutting the motor off, I join Kayla on deck. The sun is starting its descent, so I meander over to grab the blanket. With a quick flick of my wrist, the blanket pops open and falls to the floor. Using the spare pillows, I prop myself against the cabin wall and glance at Kayla still standing by the railing staring at me. My fingers ache to run them through her long wind-tousled hair. But her thick lashes framing those big round eyes ground me to my spot. Even Kayla’s white sundress, hitting mid-thigh, highlights her angelic vibe. I’d say my efforts were futile if it wasn’t for her sultry stare that shoots tingles straight south. Damn, my body craves her touch.
“Join me,” I say, patting the space beside me.
My gaze remains fixed on hers. Heat flashes through her eyes as she saunters over to me. I pour her a glass of wine and hand it to her.
“You’re not having any?” Kayla asks before taking a sip. She sets the glass away from her and nestles beside me.
“No, I don’t want to be drinking when I’m in charge of John’s catamaran.”
“Understandable.”
Kayla leans into me and sighs as she looks out at the horizon. I slip my arm around her shoulders, and the strangest feeling bubbles in my chest. We sit there while the purple and golden hues of the sun sink into the waves.
“Thanks,” Kayla whispers. She turns to me with an appreciative glance.
I stare at her, mesmerized. I’m lost in the depths of blue circling her eyes. I feel at home, a sense of coziness wrapping around me as if I’m staring into the tide pools at Queen’s Bath. I draw my mouth to hers and engage in another kiss. My dick springs to life once again, and I want her so badly, I can’t even think. Her lips synch with mine, demanding, perfect. My fingers press into her sides, and taking her is all I can think of. My body screams for release. The way her body responds to my touch, she seems more than ready. I drop my hand to her thigh and slip underneath her dress. Without hesitating, I pull her leg onto mine and slide my fingers across her sweet ass.
A small moan escapes her mouth, and she gasps in surprise or embarrassment. The silent alarm in my head rings loud and clear, alerting me to halt. I break away. Her scared, innocent look returns. Shit.
“Kayla”—I pant, trying to catch my breath—“you’ve had sex before, right?” God, please say yes.
She remains quiet for a beat, and then in a voice barely above a whisper, the word “No” echoes as if she’d shouted it.
My entire body clams up, and a pained expression crosses her face. I swallow down the explicit I want to yell and mentally tell my dick, “Not tonight, buddy.” There’s no way I’m taking her virginity. I’m a dick, but not that big of a dick.
“It’s okay. I-I’m ready.”
My heart squeezes inside my chest. I totally fucked this up. Dammit, why did I move so fast?
“Baby, no.” I wrap my arms around her and pull her in close. “I’m not going to be that guy. We’ll keep things PG-rated.”
Kayla sighs against my chest in what sounds like disappointment. But it doesn’t matter. Kayla Cannon deserves better treatment than that. She won’t lose her virginity to someone like me. Someone, she’ll never see again.
Chapter Nineteen
Kai~
What’s the plan for tonight? I purse my lips and stare at Kamp’s text. I’m not sure how to respond. Being with Kayla tonight is out since she’s tied up with the luau. By the time the festivities end, it’ll be too late to meet her, especially since I have an early tour.
I tap my fingers on the phone and stare at the blank television. The last thing I want to do is sit around here on a Friday night. I puff out a large breath—going out doesn’t feel right either. What I want is to crash the luau and drag my girl out so we could be together. My Girl? Why do I keep becoming a possessive jackass and staking a claim? I shake my head while my fingers fly across the keypad.
Me: IDK what do you have in mind?
While waiting for a response, I stand, and then beeline toward the kitchen. I place the phone on the countertop and swing the refrigerator door open to grab the orange juice container. My stomach growls a reminder that I haven’t eaten yet. I scan the shelves in search of something edible and wince at my diminished food supply. Man, I’m in desperate need of groceries.
The buzz of my phone draws my attention from my desperate state. I slam the door and meander to the counter. Pouring a glass of juice, I glance at my phone.
Kamp: Let’s grab Saimin and head to Rick’s.
Ah, off to Lihue then.
Me: K, pick you up in an hour.
I could go for some Saimin—a local favorite. I refer to the dish as glorified ramen noodles. It’s similar, but a hundred times better. The noodles are made fresh and cooked in a to-die-for broth. The regular restaurant Kamp and I visit adds different ingredients to the broth which gives it more substance. But they also serve Kamaboko (fish cakes). My stomach growls again.
I down the orange juice and then rush to the bathroom. After turning the shower faucet on, thoughts of Kayla infiltrate my mind. Yeah, it’s good that Kamp called tonight. Otherwise, those thoughts would drive me insane. I undress in a flash and grab a washcloth before stepping into the shower stall. The water sprays my chest, and an image of Kayla’s naked body flashes before me. My right hand clenches the washrag as my dick hardens. God, what is this power she holds over me? But dammit, Kayla’s body pressed against mine feels right, and getting her naked takes precedence over all intelligence.
Shit.
I switch the hot water to cold. Perhaps a cold shower would tame my serious case
of blue balls. It’s been a week, and I’ve never gone this long without sex before, but there’s no way I’m taking advantage of her. Kayla’s too innocent.
I place my hands against the wall and lean into the shower spray. The cold water trickles down my chest, but my cock refuses to shrink.
A virgin?
How the hell is she still a virgin?
Even though I’m thrown off by that admission, I still can’t stop the twinge of happiness that jolts through me. The fact that no one has staked a claim shouldn’t make me happy. Hell, I shouldn’t care. And it’s not like I’ll be the asshole that takes advantage of her and then never sees her again.
My hands curl into fists, and I punch the wall, letting out a grunt. Shivers rift through me from the coolness of the water, but I don’t care. My mind needs to clear. I need to quit thinking about her. Plenty of girls have come and gone from my life, but no one has ever penetrated my thoughts as her. I’m not sure I like it.
I push off the wall and reach down to shut the water off. A break. I need a break. Tonight will be good. Tonight, I’ll surround myself with familiar friends and let loose. It’s been a week since I’ve hung around them. And they’re the distraction I’m seeking. Kayla’s only temporary. My jaw clenches and chest compresses at that thought. The mere idea of her going back home leaves a sour taste in my throat. I shake away my distress.
Not out to impress anyone, I slip on athletic shorts and grab a black T-shirt before heading to my car.
As the car turns into Kamp’s driveway, I heave a sigh. Yeah, going out tonight is good. Just wish I could be more enthused about going.
“Let’s go, bro. I’m starving,” Kamp says as he opens the passenger door.
A small “yeah” is all I offer. I can’t even force myself to smile. Kamp’s eyes narrow.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I focus my concentration on backing out of the driveway.
I grip the steering wheel tighter as the entrance to the luau comes into view. The urge to pull in there and search for Kayla hits me strong. I blow out a breath. Temporary? Who the hell am I kidding? That girl has wormed her way into my brain and my soul. Kayla’s no more temporary than scar tissue left over from surgery. Her days may be limited on this island, but I’m afraid she’s already embedded in my memory.
I squirm in my seat as my stomach flips. There isn’t a damn thing I can do to prevent her from leaving. Her life is in the Midwest. I have to deal with it and get over this infatuation. Whether I like it or not, she will leave.
“What the hell’s wrong with you?” Kamp asks. “You look like you’re in pain. Ah…I see.”
With a sideways glance, I follow Kamp’s stare. He’s eyeing the road that leads to the luau. Kamp shakes his head and laughs.
“Didn’t you hit that yet on your ‘date’ last night? I figured once you got a taste of her, she’d be out of your system.”
Kamp says “date” like it’s a disease. My jaw ticks at his callous thinking, and I shoot him a glare.
“No, and I’m not going to, either.”
“What?” Kamp shrieks. “Since when have you gone all noble?”
“Drop it,” I say through gritted teeth.
“You’ve got it bad, bro. I told you this could only end badly.” Kamp chuckles.
I don’t respond and turn the radio volume up. Thank God, the drive is short to the restaurant. Any conversation at this point is moot. Kamp reminds me how much of a wuss I’m being. That fact, I already know. But dammit, he doesn’t need to know the reasoning behind my sudden abstinence, and Kayla deserves nothing but respect.
We head to Rick’s after we fill our stomachs. The live music featured until ten usually packs the place on Friday nights, and I hope that’s the case tonight. A crowd will provide a good enough distraction to end my self-inflicted pity party.
“Hey, Tabby,” I say as we walk inside.
Tabby and Kamp exchange their childhood handshake, and I secure a few barstools at the end of the counter by Rocko, our lifelong friend. I scan the length of the bar for Laney and order a Corona.
“Where’ve you been hiding?” Rocko asks.
“I’ve been around,” I say evasively. The last thing I want to disclose is the fact I’ve been hanging with a vacationer.
Laney distracts me with my beer, and I pay her. Guilt consumes me. I’m not ashamed to be with Kayla. In fact, I’d rather show her off, but I’m not ready for the merciless teasing that would ensue if the guys found out. And I’d rather keep her to myself a while longer.
Kamp rejoins us, and Rocko delves into a story about this tourist who fell.
“Yeah, it was hilarious. Her husband turned to ask her a question, and as soon as she looked up to answer, splat, face-first into the mud. She was covered from head to toe. The look on her face was priceless.”
I laugh and then tense from hands rubbing across my back. They work their way toward my waist before landing on my ass. The suggestive move, aimed at tempting me, usually works, but these hands are all wrong. They’re too small. As the girl leans against me, a familiar whiff of vanilla laced with coconut evades my senses. I cringe. This so isn’t the distraction I was aiming for. The body presses against me and whispers my name.
“Hey, Bethany,” I say.
I try backing away, but her talons are dug too deep into my skin. I fight the urge to shake her loose. Bethany’s a nice girl, and the last thing I want to do is hurt her feelings, especially given our history. But I’m not in the mood to play games tonight. Even if what she’s wearing barely covers anything. She’s undeniably good looking, heck, she’s hot. Luscious curves that every man drools over, but tonight I’m not feeling it. Or feeling her.
“What’s the matter, Kai? Not wanting to play with me tonight?”
Before I answer, Kamp belts out, “He’s chasing after a vacationer’s ass.”
I glare at Kamp and shake my head back and forth, hoping he receives my silent message to shut the fuck up. The guys burst out laughing. Bethany’s hands drop, and I twist around to her slacken face.
Shit. Her feelings are hurt.
What am I doing? Kayla is like the lost City of Atlantis, a utopian society holding treasures beyond belief. Totally unattainable. Bethany’s here. She’s not going anywhere. When my infatuation with Kayla ends, Bethany will be waiting like always.
“Hey,” I mumble. “Ignore Kamp, he’s spouting off.”
“You’re chasing after some piece of ass?” Bethany asks. Her body stiffens as she leans back, her fixed stare demanding an answer.
I sigh. I could easily lie and have Bethany in my bed so fast my head would spin. But that’s not what I want. Dammit, I want Kayla. Pipe dream or not.
“Yes,” I finally say, feeling like a total jerk.
“Well then…”
Bethany holds my stare and picks up a glass off the counter. Her eyes darken as she wraps her lips around the straw and sucks. She places the drink down, but my gaze never leaves her mouth. Her tongue licks those plump lips, slowly, seductively. Familiar with what those lips can perform, my breath shudders.
“I guess I need to up my game,” the sickening sweet voice purrs.
Fuck.
Chapter Twenty
Kayla~
The collapsing waves are mesmerizing, but the rhythmic sound doesn’t elude the queasiness in the pit of my stomach. I place the coffee cup on the tabletop and draw my legs into me. Mom and I returned late last night from the luau, but Kai neither called nor texted. That bothers me. He’s working the afternoon tour which should be through any moment, but I don’t know if he’ll call. Tonight’s Christmas Eve, and we certainly didn’t make plans.
The warm air blows gently across and I tilt my head, closing my eyes to welcome the breeze. Perhaps the wind will calm my nerves. I’m more mad than nervous, though. I’m mad at myself for allowing this distraction. This pining over a guy and wondering if he’ll call is precisely why I want nothing to do with dating. N
ot now anyway. And even though we can’t be together together, I still wonder what or who kept him so busy he couldn’t call as promised.
The vibration echoing against the glass tabletop jars me from my thoughts. The disappointed smile that crosses my mouth when Staci’s picture illuminates the screen is a good punch of reality. How’d I get to the point where I’m disappointed my best friend called instead of some guy? This ends now.
“What’s up?” I answer.
“Freezing my ass off. What are you doing? Picking which swimsuit to wear?”
“Jealous much?” I laugh.
“Hell, yeah. It’s freakin’ cold. So tell me. What happened on your date? What was the big surprise? His ten-inch cock?”
Heat flames my cheeks. I’m still embarrassed by what happened. Or should I say didn’t happen on the boat.
“I wish.”
“What? Is it tiny?”
“What, no—”
“Oh, do tell.”
“Stop.” I turn to glance at the screen door and relax somewhat. Mom is nowhere in sight. “Nothing happened.”
“Girl, you’re killing me. Why not? No, scratch that. First, where did he take you?”
“On a sunset cruise. He borrowed his boss’s boat, and we sailed to the Na Pali Coastline. It was freaking awesome. Until we started kissing, and”—I double-check to make sure Mom is still out of hearing range and lower my voice—“things got…kinda heated. But—”
“And you didn’t do it?”
“Believe me; it wasn’t my fault. Well, maybe it was…sort of. Anyway, he guessed I was a virgin and stopped.” I blow out a frustrated breath. “Everything became PG-rated after that.”
“A true gentleman,” Staci says with a sad undertone.
“The thing is…I was ready. God, Staci, I finally find someone who makes me feel—actual honest to God feelings—and he pulls the gentleman card. Criminy, it took four thousand miles of airspace to find a guy that turns me on, and he shoots me down. I’m going to remain a virgin my whole life.”
Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One Page 10