Morgan went through the same routine as the night before; quick shower and bed. She felt a sense of home when she turned on the television and heard American voices. She hadn't realized she could have missed something so little. The thought made her laugh and it was her last thought before falling asleep.
*****
“Okay, are you ready?” Kole asked Morgan for the third time.
She laughed and playfully pushed his arm, “yes! And in five minutes, I'll still be ready.”
“Sure?”
“Kole!”
“I'm just making sure!” He laughed and gently pushed her back. “They can be a little...crazy.”
Morgan rolled her eyes and smiled out the window of his car. “I'm sure they're all wonderful people.”
“Yeah, they are, but I think my mom is going to be the one to worry about. In her mind, if I bring a girl around, it must mean I'm going to marry her and have eighteen children!” He said the last part in a high-pitched, womanly voice that Morgan assumed was to mock his mother.
“Wait, you mean...were not getting married?” Morgan laughed and Kole shook his head. Having to worry about his mom liking her too much was a lot different than the week prior. Sean's mother's voice still rang in her head, “ugly hoor!” Morgan giggled under her breath. Kole's mom was a challenge she looked forward to.
“See! That's what everyone thinks!” He shook his head again and reached over to rough up Morgan's hair, but she swatted his hand away. It was a thing he was used to doing with his sisters and normally Morgan wouldn't have minded it, but she had spent more than an hour straightening it. It was the first place in weeks that hadn't had hellacious wind, and she was going to take the opportunity to wear it straight.
Kole had picked her up right after work, as promised, and after a thirty minute drive, they were almost to their destination.
When they pulled up, Morgan was overjoyed at the sight before her. It was more heart warming and beautiful than any ocean or statue she had seen in the last month. A family. The biggest family she had ever laid eyes on. A tinge of sadness touched the young girl as she thought of her family; which consisted of her mother who she hadn't seen in ages. Never had she had a family gathering like the one in front of her, let alone every week. There were at least twenty people scattered about the lawn, of all ages, and more people were running in and out of the old house.
It looked more like a family reunion than a casual gathering. “All of these people are your family?” Morgan finally asked.
They were still sitting in the car as Kole began to point the people out, “yep. They're all family. Hard to believe, huh?”
Kole climbed out and went to Morgan's side of the car to let her out. “Oh, and I guess I should tell you, nobody knows about you, I mean, why you're here. Except him,” the handsome Hawaiian pointed at one of his brothers. “That's Kala, the one who set this up,” he finished, wrapping his arm around Morgan's shoulder as they walked toward the gathering.
Morgan recognized Kala as the taller of the three brothers; the one who had decked Kole in the arm near the restaurant. “Kala?”
“Yeah,” Kole laughed. “Don't say it! He hates his name. My mom gave us all K names. I think she ran out when she got to him.” They both giggled and continued walking.
“Oh, well, well, well!” The tall brother got up from one of the plastic white chairs and got to Morgan and Kole in four large strides. He was gorgeous, just like his brother. Same smile, same strong jaw, same dark, playful eyes. Only difference, instead of short hair, like Kole, Kala had long curly hair that teased his shoulders.
“You must be...the beautiful Morgan? Damn bro, you got hooked up,” Kala took Morgan's hand in his and gently pressed his lips to the top. She could feel his smile against her skin. Kala leaned in closer to her and at a whisper level, to where Kole could hear but the family couldn't, he continued, “hey, if you want to ditch him,” he pointed his thumb beside him, “and spend the week with me instead, I just want you to know, I'd be cool with that.”
“Oh, you'd be cool with that? Well, that's very nice of you, but you know, I think I'll stick with Kole.” Morgan put her hand on Kole's shoulder and leaned in toward the taller brother, “but thanks for helping me find him.”
When she looked back at her client, she couldn't help the laughter that followed. He stood at his brother's side with his arms crossed and rolled his eyes at Kala's cock-blocking effort.
Kala was leaning in for another attempt when a woman's voice caught everyone's attention.
“Kala Vaki! You stop that! Leave that poor woman alone!” Morgan looked to where the voice rang out and saw a beautiful Hawaiian woman. She guessed the woman to be in her late forties, but like Julianne, the woman kept herself looking incredibly youthful. She was slender and her olive skin contrasted sharply against the bright red sundress she wore. The woman's hair hung in soft strands past her waist, and at her ear was a matching red flower.
When she got closer, Morgan saw that her eyes were lighter than her children. An almost green, but with flickers of light brown. The most tantalizing hazel Morgan had ever seen.
“Hi, darling, I'm 'Ele,” she took both of Morgan's hands in her own. “I'm Kole's mother. Unfortunately, I'm Kala's mother too.” She shot her son a narrow-eyed look. Everyone laughed and Morgan introduced herself back to 'Ele, telling her that she was on vacation for the week and had met Kole the night prior.
For the next hour, Morgan was dragged around the yard and got to meet the whole Vaki clan. She met each of Kole's brothers and sisters, along with their children and spouses, where applicable. She also met aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins; each of them welcomed her as if she was one of them. Kole's dad had been ill and she didn't get to meet him, but hoped that she would sometime during the week.
Morgan had instantly fallen in love with the whole family, especially 'Ele. The woman was so sweet and Morgan envied the relationship she had with each of her children. Sitting at the table, surrounded by the scent of a delicious roast, and the company of good people, it hit Morgan hard as she took it all in. I want this. Not right now, but this is what I want.
Chapter Three
“Sorry we kept you so late, but it's hard to argue with the whole clan.” Kole laughed as Morgan leaned back and yawned loudly. It was nearly midnight as he drove her back to her hotel.
“Don't apologize, I had a great time.” She turned in her seat and faced him with her head still on the back of the car's seat, “your family is wonderful, I hope I'll get to see them again while I'm here.” She knew that she probably would, and Kole's dramatic nodding was enough to tell her that she was right.
“They loved you! Are you kidding me? I'll have to hide you away just so I can spend some time with you alone.” He looked back at the road quickly, and Morgan again saw the hint of shyness that she had seen on the beach.
God, he's sexy Morgan ran her eyes down the side of his muscular body, taking in the tribal tattoo that begged to be traced with her finger, or tongue. He wore a black tank that showed just enough to tease her, and the few cocktails that she had during their visit with his family had only added to her desire.
As they started to pull in front of the hotel, Morgan asked, “do you have time to see me to my room?” Her smile was sweet, and he didn't see the intent in her features at all. He nodded, and drove past the building to the parking lot.
Morgan looked around the lobby for any signs of Angela, but the restaurant had been closed for a few hours so her new friend had probably already left. Hopefully, she thought, she could introduce the young girl to Kole in the hopes that his family might welcome her into the fold. She couldn't help but feel bad for Angela, since the girl didn't have anyone in all of Hawaii.
“I was hoping Ange would be here, I can't wait for you to meet her.” Kole politely nodded, but he was beginning to worry that his family and her friend might end up taking up much of their time together. He pushed the though
ts out of his mind as they made their way to her room.
Morgan pulled the room card from her bag, “well, this is me. Do you want to come in for a drink?” She turned back to the door and opened it before he could answer, then he slowly followed her.
Once inside, Morgan draped her bag over the back of a chair then walked back to stand in front of Kole. She reached around his body and pushed the door shut.
“What do you want?” She leaned in, nearly touching his lips with hers. When he just stared at her in return, she smiled and asked, “to drink? What would you like?” The sex that she radiated within a simple question was unlike anything that he had ever seen. With nothing more than an awkward throat clearing, he continued to look at her, not knowing how to answer.
Morgan wasn't going to give up, she would have at least a preview of what was to come. She ran her finger from the middle of his chest, all the way down to the top of his shorts, then playfully snapped the waist band. “If you're not interested in a drink, what are you interested in?” She slowly ran her hand down the front of his black and white Bermuda's, and only then did he react.
“Morgan, we can't. You said that you're not done yet with your...you know...besides...,” he looked around the room, then continued, “we aren't ready. It's late and there isn't time to do anything that needs done.” His brows came together in frustration, and Morgan's came together in confusion.
“Ready? What do we need to do be ready? I just thought we would have a little fun, nothing too heavy. But, I should be done tomorrow, then we'll have more than just a little fun.” She started to move her hand again, but he put his over hers, and stopped her.
“We can't just jump right into it.” He ran his hand over his face, and stepped back closer to the door. “It should be special. If we just...do it...then there's nothing special about it at all. You deserve more than that, Morgan.”
Morgan's face changed as she finally understood Kole's issue. Now I know why other woman think you're in love with them. She didn't know exactly what he would do to be ready, but he clearly wasn't one to let loose and just allow himself to live in the moment, at least not with sex.
She had to know, had to hear from him what his idea of a night together meant. “Kole, if this was our first time together, what would it be like?” She turned around and walked to the bed, making sure that he would know that she wasn't going to try to play touch-the-penis anymore that night.
He searched her face, looking for any signs of amusement, but her sincerity forced him to answer. “Well..,” he walked across the room and stood in front of the large window, “I would take you to dinner, then dancing or a walk on the beach. Afterward, we would come back here and I'd light candles or draw you a bath.” He looked at her to see her reaction. She just smiled and nodded for him to continue. “Then, we would spend the rest of the night together, making love.” He looked down as he wondered if he had said too much.
Morgan thought he was the sweetest man she had ever met. She could almost feel herself getting angry at any woman who would take advantage of him. It was hard to stay seated on the bed when she wanted to go to him, but she kept herself in place. “So, you like for the making love part to begin as soon as the date does, right?” He didn't look up, but he nodded slightly. “Flirting over dinner, then holding one another close on a dance floor, followed by a beautiful walk in the dark to prolong the anticipation of the rest of the night to come. It all sounds beautiful, Kole, but that isn't what every woman wants.” His head snapped up, and he looked at her as if she were crazy.
“It is! I have sisters and they always say that guys use them, and never treat them like they're special. And my ex, well...that's just the way we always did things and she loved it.” He kept looking at her, knowing that she would come to her senses. When Morgan laughed, it just confused him even more.
“Oh Kole, there are some serious jerks out there, trust me on that one! But if you go through all of that effort on a first or second date, any woman is going to think that you're absolutely crazy about her. You need to save those special nights for women who are just that, special.” She knew that it would take more explaining, because the last thing that she wanted to teach him was to be another jerk out in the world. There was a fine line that he had to find, one that would allow him to show a woman how sweet he is, without going overboard.
“So that's it? I've been too nice?” He looked out the window as he tried to make sense of it all. “How? How do I spend time with....shit....have sex...with a woman without making her feel cheap or hurting her?”
“Kole..,” she finally got the nerve to go to him, remembering to keep her hands safely at her sides, “I'll show you, and by the end of the week, you'll be a pro.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “But for now, I'm going to get some sleep and I'll talk to you tomorrow morning, okay?”
*****
“Woo!” The next morning, Morgan was pleased to find that she was free of all womanly obligations. “I can have sex now. Lots and lots of sex!” The happy girl ran from the bathroom, back to the bed and jumped feet first on top of the fluffy comforter. Her 'I can have sex' chant continued until a jazz tune from her phone caught her attention.
“Okay, okay!” She realized she hadn't even checked her phone in nearly two days, so it came as no surprise that there were six messages awaiting her.
First was Julianne. Morgan read the message aloud. “Glad to hear you're safe. Have fun dear.” She smiled at the simple message. Julianne was always one for short and sweet.
Next message, Finlay. Morgan, again, read the message aloud. This time speaking in a deep Scottish voice, “I'm sorry again a-boot,” Morgan giggled at her over-pronunciation and continued, “whit happened. Can I hear yer sweet voice soon? I miss ye, lass.” She held the phone to her chest and debated on calling him right then, but decided on a quick 'I'll call you later' message instead.
She scrolled to the next message. Sean. In her best, and horrible, Irish accent, she read it aloud as well. “Just thought ye would like ta know, me mum gathered up all her sheep and took them back ta her hoose. No more pasture on me sink.” Morgan shook her head and giggled. The next message was from him as well. “I returned home from work and I saw all the sheep were back. Plus more. She only took them to give them a wee cleaning. Bloody hell!” Morgan sent a message back, telling him that the sink method wasn't working and he was going to need a bigger pasture if she kept it up. She also added that she missed him very much.
The second most recent message was that of a sexy Australian. “Hawaii then? How's that? I've always wanted to go. Hope you're living like you mean it.” She shook her head again at Tanner's message. He knew how to keep her in check. And for the days ahead, if she was going to follow any of the men's advice, it was going to be his. She sent off a quick text to him as well. 'Hawaii is gorgeous, but not as gorgeous as you. I'm living like I mean it.'
The sixth and most recent message was none other than Kole. “Good morning, beautiful. I look forward to seeing you again. I hope you slept well.” Morgan smiled at her phone. He truly was the sweetest man she'd ever met, but he couldn't keep doing things like that. She wondered if he sent 'good morning' messages after every first date. It was sure to either, A, make any girl think he really dug her, or B, it would make them run. If he was looking for a relationship, then that would be okay. But for someone looking for some fun after an eight year relationship, he wasn't playing his cards right.
“Oh, Koley-Kole, we have some work to do,” Morgan set her phone on the bedside table and went to her suitcase to pack the few things she had taken out. She figured Kole would take her to his place for the week, so it would be a good idea to have things together for when he picked her up.
She placed her bags by the door, minus her outfit for the day and got herself ready. With a new mission in mind, she paid careful attention to every detail of her appearance. New light blue very short shorts and a low cut white spaghetti strap was sure to do
the trick. After applying a final coat of gloss, she put her pajamas and beauty items in her suitcase and found her place back on the bed, in her typical Indian-style seating.
Morgan grabbed her phone from the table and tapped Kole's text message, then pressed the green call button when prompted.
“Hello?” Kole's voice sounded through the phone.
“Hey, guess what? I'm done,” Morgan answered.
“Done with wh....oh! Great.” She caught a slight level of reluctance in his voice. She wondered if he knew that there was no way out his need to romance her. He had just lost a day from his plan. There wouldn't be time for bubble baths and candle lights with wine. Although, he definitely wanted every bit of her, so he was willing to go with any lesson she had for him.
“So, you want to officially start our week together?” Morgan broke through his defensive shield. “We can get breakfast together, or if you're busy we can ge...hold on, I have a knock at the door. Can I call you back?”
“I'll wait,” Kole responded. Morgan didn't notice the smile in his voice. She giggled at his stubbornness and carried him to the door with her. Without looking through the peep hole, she opened the door and was hit with a brief spell of confusion. She looked from her phone to the man standing in the doorway, back to her phone and she and Kole both broke out in laughter. He still had the phone up to his cheek and she brought the phone back up to her own.
“I'm going to have to call you back. Someone very sexy needs my attention right now,” she whispered into the speaker. Kole ended the call with his thumb and brought his phone back to his pocket. “Did you...have you been standing out...how long have...?” Morgan couldn't find the right question to ask.
“I've been at the hotel since we said goodnight. I've been outside of your door for, uh, thirty seconds,” he said, looking at a watch on his wrist that didn't exist.
Around the World in 80 Men Series Boxed Set 1-10 Page 37