“I’ll be in the way. I can’t take advantage of you like that. A hotel will be fine.”
“No. You’re not spending five hundred a night for a hotel. I’ll sleep on the couch.”
John works his jaw back and forth, but he doesn’t say anything. I find it strange that he would be so concerned about Cara’s daughter. I know he loved Cara, probably still does by the way he’s acting, but Kayla’s twenty-one, for chrissakes.
“Just give me a few minutes to get the equipment cleaned, and then we’ll leave.”
Kayla nods, and for the first time upon seeing her, my body relaxes.
“I’ll clean up. You can go ahead and go,” John says with a sigh.
I throw a quizzical look at him. In all the years I’ve worked for the man, he’s not once offered to take over my duties. His sudden generosity raises my suspicion more, but I don’t ask why. Instead, I grab hold of Kayla’s suitcase to get the hell out of here.
I turn to a wide-eyed McKenna and tell her bye. She slowly waves her hand, her gaze bouncing between John and me. Kayla and I march to the car, not saying a word. I place her suitcase in the trunk as Kayla slips inside the front seat.
“Okay, can you please explain what that was all about, and why you’re refusing to stay with your mom?” I ask as soon as I pop the driver’s door open.
She lets out a sigh and rests her head against the headrest. “You’re never going to believe this. First of all, Mom came to Kauai twenty-two years ago.”
I didn’t want to let on that I already knew that information, so I just gave an encouraging nod as I slipped on the seat belt.
“To make a long story short, she fell in love with your boss, John. At least, I think they were in love, but she needed to go back home. Obviously, because that’s where she lived, but my grandma also became sick. So they decided to make a clean break.” She draws in a shaky breath and exhales slowly. “About two weeks after returning home, she found out she was pregnant.”
My heart skips a beat as my mouth falls open. John’s her father? It all makes sense now. His moodiness. His accusations and assumptions. Son of a bitch! He doesn’t want me with her.
“So I guess I found my dad,” she chokes out with a small shrug. “You’ve had him.”
My face blanches, and I think I’m going to be ill.
“Shit, I don’t even know what to say.” I throw the gearshift into drive feeling like a complete ass on the short drive home. I’m not sure how to console her.
“God, I’ve never cried so much before in my life as I have the last two days. I’m so sick of crying. My eyes sting. I look a mess,” she says as I pull into the driveway.
She turns to me, and that genuine smile returns. It doesn’t matter what blemishes her face, this girl is beautiful.
“How can you stand to be around me?” Kayla asks.
“You need some time to rest and absorb it. You just got dumped a shitload of information. Plus, you just learned John was your father. You have every right to cry.”
She lets out a laugh and gives me a wary smile. “Thank you.”
I place the car in park and blow out a breath, staring at my front door. Once again, I’m breaking my no-girls-stay-over rule. But the slight adrenaline rush outweighs any apprehensive that would typically be present. And that confirms what I already knew…her leaving is going to sting like a motherfucker.
Chapter Thirty
Kayla~
I find myself at Kai’s house again, looking less than stellar. I’m not sure what he sees in me, but there’s obviously something about me he likes. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be standing in his driveway.
Kai removes my suitcase from his car, and I discreetly wipe my sweaty palms against my shorts. What have I agreed to?
My feet stay planted, but my mind keeps telling me to flee. The thing is, though, I don’t want to leave. And I’m not sure how we got to this point. Me, staying at his house. Kai’s so easy to talk to, but we don’t know each other that well. Not enough to warrant crashing at his crib. But yet I’ve made love to him, twice. This idea is crazy.
Kai assured John he wouldn’t touch me, and I think he plans on keeping that promise. But is that going to be possible after what we did less than eight hours ago?
The caw from a chicken makes me jump. “Stupid chickens,” I mumble.
Kai chuckles. “Afraid of chickens, are you?” he asks, a gleam in his eyes.
“I don’t understand why there’s so many.”
Kai carries my luggage to his door and fumbles for his keys. “The hurricane of ninety-two was a category four. Chickens were tossed everywhere. There aren’t any natural predators, so they’ve thrived.”
“Why don’t people catch and eat them?”
“Not these chickens. They’ve bred with wild game, and their meat is rubber-like. Too tough.” He gives me a crooked grin. “They’re harmless.”
He opens the door and sets my suitcase inside. Turning around to face me, he raises an eyebrow. “You coming?”
The flutter in my stomach awakens, but my feet still haven’t moved. I glance at his neighbors’ houses.
“Look, if you’re more comfortable staying at a hotel, I can still take you to one.”
“No.” I’m quick to reply, my voice cracking. I clear my throat. “I’m fine.”
I barge forward and slip past Kai, continuing onward until reaching his bedroom door. Kai stops in his tracks.
“You made the bed?” Kai asks.
“Didn’t feel right leaving it.” I shrug.
He bends down and plants a kiss on my cheek. “Thanks, babe. That bed hasn’t been made in well…ever.”
I laugh, but the jitters start again from his appreciative stare. I’m not sure if he’s aware that the sentiment, babe, came out so natural, but it did. And my insides are reacting as if it’s the best word in the dictionary. My gaze flicks to his, and my breath stills. His playful smile fades, the planes of his face fading to one of pure lust. Of need. My nipples tighten and push against the thin material of my bra. Kai’s gaze dips to the region as if sensing my body’s response. My heart races, and I’m suddenly aware of the thick, warm air. I blink and turn my head, severing the contact. How are we supposed to survive staying together when all I can think about is ripping his clothes off?
“I’ll just put this over here, and we’ll figure out what to fix for supper,” Kai says, his voice throaty.
“Okay.” I bite my lip and wait. He grabs my hand as we turn to walk toward the kitchen. In all honesty, food is the last thing on my mind.
Kai opens the refrigerator door, and I pull my phone out to turn it on. It’s been off since yesterday morning. He pops his head inside the refrigerator and growls.
I suppress a smirk. “Problem?”
Running his fingers through his hair, they land on his neck and rest. “I don’t have any food.”
I laugh and peek at all the missed texts and voicemails. Some are from Mom worrying where I was last night, but the majority are from Staci. I never explained to her what happened on our date.
“Let me call my friend Staci, and we’ll go out to eat.”
“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting company.”
“It’s okay, really.”
I press Staci’s number and get relaxed on Kai’s couch. Or I try to. It’s rather lumpy. I shoot an apologetic glance at Kai because I know this conversation will be a long one.
“So what the hell has been going on?” Staci’s voice greets me.
I sigh. There is so much to tell her. My gaze meets Kai’s. He’s leaning against the kitchen counter, staring at me. My sex clenches from the lustful gleam in his eyes. Tonight will be one long night.
Chapter Thirty-One
Kai~
The next morning, I’m standing at the kitchen sink and stretching my back to work out the crick in my neck. Damn, that couch is uncomfortable. But as much as I hate laying on it, I’m rather proud of myself for keeping my hands off Kayla. It wasn’t easy.
And although she never said anything, I have a feeling it wasn’t easy for her either. But I can go to work today and look John in the eye without feeling guilty. I respected his wishes last night.
I swallow the last swig of orange juice and rinse out my glass. My now fully-stocked kitchen has a different feel to it. A more fulfilled purpose. I’m still trying to decide if I like having her here or not. I know the time is temporary, but my confidence is wavering this morning.
After brushing my teeth, I shuffle across the hallway and peek on Kayla. She’s splayed across my bed still asleep. Oh yeah, I definitely like her being here.
I’m like a creeper watching her, but she looks so damn good in my bed. I want to go over to her, but I don’t dare wake her. She needs her rest. And as much as I hate to leave, I don’t want Kamp’s loud mouth waking her up. I turn and then slip out the front door just as he pulls up to the driveway.
The disdained expression Kamp greets me with makes me groan internally as I get in the car. I’m in no mood for his interrogation.
“What’s going on?”
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Let’s start with the girl sleeping in your bed?” His eyes widen at the unstoppable smile that spreads across my face. “What the fuck, bro? You never bring girls to your house, let alone have them stay. And if that’s not bad enough, you’re giving Kayla your car.”
“She can’t stay there all day without transportation.”
“She shouldn’t be there at all.”
“Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.” I try to calm him down, but he’s pissing me off.
“Do you? Because in a week and a half, she’ll be gone.”
I wince as Kamp lets out a frustrated huff.
“I understand why you like her. She’s a great girl, but you need to watch it, or…”
“Or what?” I challenge.
“Jesus, I’ve never seen you like this. And I’ve known you my whole life.” His voice takes on a warning tone. “You’ll end up hurt.”
“You don’t get it,” I say through gritted teeth, turning to look at him. “I don’t care if I have a lifetime, a week, a day, or an hour left. I will not miss any moment she’s willing to give me because I’m afraid of getting hurt. She’s worth it.”
“Fair enough,” he says, his eyes returning to the road. “I never thought I’d see the day when Kai Hale becomes pussy-whipped.”
“Fuck you. I’m not whipped,” I mumble, even though it doesn’t sound too convincing.
“Whatever, bro. But I don’t understand why she’s staying at your house. She doesn’t seem like that type of girl.”
I let out a long sigh and lean my head back. Kamp creeps through my workplace’s gate, but I make no attempt to exit.
“She’s not, but she’s been handed a shitload of bad news.”
Kamp’s face scrunches in confusion. “Like what?”
“Her mom’s been diagnosed with terminal cancer.”
“Shit. That’s rough.”
“And apparently my boss is her dad.”
“What?” His eyes bulge as he openly stares. “I thought he never had kids.”
“So did he. Kayla’s mom kept it a secret. Kayla needs some time to adjust. That’s why she’s staying at my house.”
“Damn. I don’t even know what to say.”
“Neither do I.” I punch his arm. “Thanks for the ride. I’ll have Kayla pick me up.”
“You sure?”
“Yep.” I exit the car and slam the door shut.
“Let me know if you need a ride tomorrow morning,” Kamp yells through the rolled-down window. He throws the car into reverse.
“Will do.” I salute him as he takes off.
For the first time in a long time, work is going to suck. I don’t want to be here. I’d rather spend the day with Kayla. The idea of her lying in my bed makes my inner caveman come out. I respected John’s wishes last night, but I’m not going to restrain myself for much longer. Kayla hasn’t said when she’ll go back to her condo. But I’m in no hurry to see her leave.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Kayla~
The beefy aroma assaults our senses as soon as Kai and I walk through the front door. Kai’s head whips toward me.
“You cooked?” A sense of awe quickly masks his surprise.
“Yeah. Sort of a thanks for letting me stay last night.” I shrug. “It’s no biggie.”
“No biggie.” The words are spoken as a question. Kai shakes his head, and his eyes widen further. “It smells incredible. Whatcha cooking?”
“Roast, carrots, and potatoes.”
“Mmm.” Kai strolls into the kitchen and peers through the oven glass. “I don’t remember buying a roast last night.”
“We didn’t.” I stand next to the kitchen table as Kai’s back straightens. His gaze darts to each new kitchen accessory, not missing a single item. “I went shopping again.”
“I see that.”
The even tone of Kai’s voice gives nothing away. My pulse races when he crosses his arms and leans against the countertops. Did I upset him? God, what was I thinking? This kitchen isn’t mine to decorate. Shit. He probably thinks I’m an obsessive control freak.
“I hope you don’t mind. The kitchen was so bland and in desperate need of color.” My gaze lands on the red kitchen towel next to the sink. Great. Now, I’ve insulted him. “I-I couldn’t help myself.”
Kai’s deep throaty chuckle sends waves of ripples through my body. Damn that voice. Can a person be in love with a voice alone?
Kai drops his arms and saunters over toward me. I brace against the kitchen table, my fingers gripping the edge, the smoldering gleam in Kai’s eyes causing me to still.
“Not going to lie, it’s a little strange. But it’s just a kitchen.” In one fluid movement, Kai’s arms wrap around my waist and his lips graze the tip of my forehead. “As long as you’re here, that’s all I need.” His warm breath tickles my skin.
“Yeah?” I tip my chin to look him in the eye at the same time his mouth pecks the tip of my nose.
“Yeah, but I think you’d look better”—his fingers sneak underneath my shirt strap—“if this was removed.”
The strap slides loosely down my arm. The rough skin of Kai’s thumb skims across my bare shoulder, and then his lips connect where his fingers traced.
“You think?” Apparently, my vocabulary has been reduced to a toddler’s level as my maximum two word-count comes out choppy and throaty.
“Mmm, yeah.”
Kai’s mouth nibbles its way to the tender spot behind my ear. My white knuckles release the table edge to grab hold of his hips. Kai has reinstated his hands-off policy, but perhaps that only applied to last night. The way he brushes my hair aside to expose my flesh further suggests he’s planning a more interesting evening. Thank God!
A soft growl-like moan escapes Kai’s mouth. His hands wander everywhere; his lips follow suit. More daring than last night, I move my hand over his groin, my touch eliciting a deeper guttural sound than before as Kai leans into my touch.
“I. Want. You. Now,” Kai says in between kisses. His hands slip to the top of my shorts, and I jump with a start as the deafening buzzer rings through the air. Kai’s shoulders drop and shake with laughter.
“Supper’s ready,” I breathe out, half disappointed.
Kai backs away and plants a quick kiss on my mouth. “Let’s get that roast out. We are not letting that go to waste.”
“Hmm, food before sex. Very interesting.”
“Only tonight, because I’m starving.” He pivots and turns off the oven. I chuckle as he grabs the new red oven mitts with the dancing green and red jalapeños. His nose crinkles as he holds them up to inspect. “Cute.”
“It’s the only red mitts I could find.” I shrug.
Kai quirks an eyebrow. “Let’s put them to good use, shall we?”
I open the oven door and the delicious scent wafts through the air.
“Mmm, that smells so good.” Eyes shining, Kai inhales deeply and bends to remove the roaster pan. Placing the container on the countertop, he lifts the lid and says, “God, I love…” He freezes; the roaster lid still in his grasp. He clears his throat and then proceeds like nothing happened. “I love the fact that you can cook.”
A stupid grin the size of Waimea Canyon crosses my face as I stare at his backside. He’s so fricken’ cute. I dismiss his flub and proceed to the overhead cabinets.
“Plates are…”
“There.” He points to the cabinet by my head.
I open the door and sigh. Two plates? A quick scan only shows one bowl. “You have the fewest place settings known to man.”
“Well, grab them and get over here. I’m ready.”
“Okay, jeez.” I hand Kai a plate, and he grabs hold of it, bending down to kiss me. His mouth distracts me momentarily, and then he breaks away and spins toward the countertop. Dazed for a moment, I watch him pile on the food.
“Did you just kiss me so you’d get your plate first?”
“It worked, didn’t it?” Kai chuckles and swats my butt on his way to the table.
I scoop a spoonful of carrots onto my plate, and notice Kai’s food is half-gone.
“Hungry?” I ask bewilderedly.
“Mm-hmm…you…no…idea,” Kai mumbles between bites.
I shake my head, laughing, and then join Kai at the table. He finally slows down long enough to take a drink of water.
“After we eat, I’ll take a shower, and we’ll go for a walk. That’s if you’re up for it.”
My eyes gloss over as I lean toward Kai. “I’d love that.”
Besides Kai’s appreciative moans, we eat in silence until Kai takes his last bite.
“Thanks, babe.” Kai leans back and pats his flat abs. “It’s been a while since I had a home-cooked meal.”
“You’re, welcome.” I shove a forkful of potatoes in my mouth. He finishes way before me, but I’m taking my time.
Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One Page 16