She nodded. “They decided to spend their fiftieth anniversary closer to home.”
“That’s their prerogative,” he muttered resignedly.
“I’ll be headed off now,” Dayna said.
“Okay. Thanks for everything. Have a good day.”
“You, too.”
A few minutes later, Gene went downstairs and mingled with some of his guests. He hated to see them leave, as they were almost like family now that he was all alone as a man and host. Though it wasn’t his choice, he accepted it. But that didn’t mean he had no interest in having someone special in his life. Sloane was a good choice, were it to turn out that way. She definitely seemed to have herself together as a business lady and was a lovely, sensually appealing woman.
He’d enjoyed having lunch with Sloane, gazing into those eyes with their depths of intriguing darkness. Even watching the way her lips moved while eating or drinking drove Gene crazy with desire. What he wouldn’t give to see that mouth in action on him.
Gene suppressed his libido, turning his attention to the luau that was sure to put on a show for Sloane and give him an opportunity to see her when they were both out of their element.
Sloane marveled at the sights as she sat in the passenger seat of Gene’s Subaru Outback. They had just passed through Kihei with its multitude of small shops and stores and were now in Lahaina, an nineteenth-century whaling port, with swaying coconut palm trees, timber-frame buildings and breathtaking views of the West Maui Mountains as the setting sun cast an enchanting glow on them.
She turned to Gene’s handsome profile as he spoke about Maui and its districts as if he’d grown up there. His head was freshly shaven and his dimpled cheek was pronounced.
“We actually thought about buying a house in Lahaina to convert into the bed-and-breakfast,” he was saying, “but in the end, we got a better deal and location in Wailea.”
“I think you made the right choice.” Sloane couldn’t imagine him being anywhere else in Maui.
He faced her with a sexy smile. “I think so, too.”
Sloane felt a tingling sensation at the carnal tone of his words. She suspected that had been his intent and she fell for it, unable to help herself. “How long did it take you to get a handle on the island and its many areas and activities?” she asked, switching her thoughts to a safer topic.
“Not very long. You can get a feel for everything pretty quickly once you settle in. Besides, with the B&B I had little choice but to get to know the surroundings as quickly as possible so I’d be equipped to respond to visitors and would-be guests and their range of questions about Maui.”
“Makes sense,” Sloane said. “I’m still trying to get to know the island and all of its secrets and treasures.”
“You’ll know it backward and forward in no time flat,” Gene told her encouragingly.
“How can you be so sure?” she asked curiously.
He smiled. “You didn’t get to be director of guest relations at a major resort hotel in Hawaii without having the intrinsic tools to make it work.”
“Good answer.” He was also good for her ego. Not that she had low self-esteem, but it was nice to get such positive feedback.
“It’s also the truth,” Gene assured her. “But if you ever need a little help getting around or discovering interesting little places or hideaways that you can impart to your guests, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Sloane said appreciatively. “I’m sure I will take you up on that sooner or later.”
“I hope so.”
Soon they arrived in Kaanapali, formerly part of a sugar plantation that was now transformed into a world-class luxury resort area lined with high-end hotels and condominiums, meandering golf courses, sandy white beaches and stunning sunset views of the island of Lanai. Kaanapali Beach, along a stretch of rugged lava coastline, was divided by a 300-foot extinct volcano called Black Rock.
Sloane and Gene were greeted at the Kaanapali Beach luau with a shell lei before being served mai tais and touring the luau grounds. There were local artisans and their crafts on display and traditional Hawaiian music in the air. But what really piqued Sloane’s interest was checking out the imu pit, an underground barbecue pit where a whole pig was being roasted.
“That’s fascinating,” she said a little squeamishly. “I feel sorry for the pig, though.”
Gene chuckled. “Don’t worry. It has no idea of the spectacle it’s making. Not to mention how tasty it will be when served.”
Sloane tried not to think about the process so much as the end result. They watched as the luau emcee announced the uncovering of the imu pit, indicating that dinner was nearly ready to be served.
“Help yourself,” Gene said a few minutes later as they moved along the buffet line, loaded with a variety of dishes.
“I’m not sure where to start,” Sloane told him, her eyes darting to the many foods and desserts. She wished she had starved herself for a day to be able to eat more than she intended to without putting on any pounds.
“My advice is to try a little bit of everything that captures your fancy. And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try something new.”
Sloane laughed. “Easy for you to say, but I have to use some restraint and watch my figure.”
Gene gave her the once-over. “I wouldn’t worry about that. From what I can see, your figure is perfect. Whatever you eat tonight isn’t likely to tarnish that one bit for someone who works out regularly like you do.”
“You’re probably right,” she acquiesced. Does he really think my figure is perfect?
She decided to go for it and try the lomi lomi salmon, Polynesian banana, sea-bean duck salad, mango-sauce poi, and a couple of slices of kalua pork. Finding everything utterly delicious but feeling guilty nonetheless, Sloane promised herself she would put in a couple of extra running miles tomorrow to make up for it.
She watched, amused, as Gene devoured fishcake with mussels, steamed jasmine rice, Kula greens salad and a generous portion of the kalua pork. They both had the chocolate macadamia-nut cream pie for dessert.
Afterward, they focused their attention on the spectacular Maui luau show, which featured pulsating music and synchronized drumbeats. Beautiful, curvy island girls moved their hips gracefully in sensual dancing with Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan and other Tahitian influences, while hunky male hula dancers performed choreographed, athletic dance moves without missing a beat.
After that came the Samoan fire knife dance. Sloane was thoroughly captivated as daring young men twirled knives of fire, passing them skillfully among one another. One member actually flawlessly performed a double fire knife dance, causing the audience to gasp from time to time.
“Hope he knows what he’s doing,” Gene whispered in her ear as the fire came perilously close to burning the dancer.
“So do I,” seconded Sloane, holding her breath till the routine came to a successful conclusion.
All the dancers came back onstage for a final body-shaking, feet-moving, dazzling display with high-octane music matching them every step of the way before the luau ended.
“Wow,” Sloane said with a chuckle as she eyed Gene. “That was amazing.”
“Yes, it was,” he agreed. “They really know their stuff.”
“It certainly kept my attention. Thanks for inviting me.”
Gene put his hand across hers on the table. “I’m glad you came. I wanted you to see what a true luau was all about—taking nothing away from the one at the Island Shores, of course.”
“We could definitely learn a thing or two,” Sloane admitted. “I’ll have to talk to my boss about that.”
“We can all learn something new,” Gene said, peering at her deeply. “The real question is whether or not that knowledge is put to good use.”
Sloane felt the heat of their skin still touching. She could only imagine just how high the temperature would rise if those sure hands were all over her body. She met Gene’s gaze, which was just as searing.
“I guess only time will tell,” she told him, reading ardently between the lines.
Gene drove Sloane back to the hotel, wishing instead that they were going to his place, where things could be taken in a different direction. Making love to Sloane had been practically all that occupied his mind from the time the female hula dancers were strutting their stuff till now. Gene envisioned Sloane on stage giving him a very sexy, sensual private hula dance, until neither of them could hold back any longer and had to have each other. But he didn’t want to jump the gun on what seemed to be strong vibes between them, even if they weren’t quite ready to get into anything that suggested a committed relationship. Besides, something told him that waiting for the right time for nature to take its course would more than pay off in the long run. He would see to that.
“Have you visited the other islands?” Sloane broke the brief silence.
“Every one of them except Molokai and Niihau,” Gene replied. “And I expect to get to those sooner or later.”
“So you’re really into this island thing, huh?”
He grinned crookedly. “You could say that. Ever since my first visit to Hawaii—Honolulu—with my mother and stepfather back in the day, I’ve always had a fascination with the islands. Now one of the islands is home for me.”
“For both of us,” Sloane added.
Gene liked the sound of that. “So you’re planning on sticking around for a while then?”
“Yes, at this point. It’s still early in my move to Maui, but I expect the job to keep me here for some time. I’d love to acclimate myself to Maui like you have. Besides, I hate to move if I can help it.”
“I hear you. Packing up and unpacking can be a drag.”
Sloane faced him. “Does that mean you’d never consider moving back to the mainland?”
Gene paused contemplatively. “Not at all,” he said. “If there is a good enough reason for me to return to the mainland, I’d be happy to.”
“Maybe there will be someday,” she hinted. “You just never know.”
Gene could well imagine moving back to the continental United States for someone as compelling and beautiful as Sloane. Even if marrying again seemed like a long shot—and he was pretty sure Sloane was just as opposed to it at this time in her life—it didn’t mean there couldn’t be a compromise in building a steady relationship if both parties were on the same wavelength.
“I agree,” he told her. “Keeping an open mind makes anything possible.”
She sighed. “I’m afraid that some things in life are set in stone.”
Gene cocked a brow over the steering wheel. “You mean death and taxes,” he half joked.
“Yes, that and keeping an eye on one’s priorities in life,” Sloane said.
He forced a chuckle. “Spoken like a true businesswoman.”
“I’m not all business,” Sloane said defensively.
Gene considered that they had just cozied up together at a luau. Then there was that sweet kiss. “I can see that.”
“All right. Just wanted to be sure.”
He met her eyes. “I am sure. You’re willing to let your hair down for a good time. I commend you there.”
“I guess I should commend you back for being willing to step outside of your box too from time to time,” she told him.
Gene couldn’t deny the obvious symmetry. “Looks as though we have something in common.”
Sloane laughed. “Just one thing?”
Gene cracked a smile. “How about a few things?”
“That sounds better.”
It did to him as well, giving them something to build upon.
He pulled up to the Island Shores, wondering if Sloane would invite him up for a nightcap.
“Thank you for a nice evening,” she told him.
“It was only nice because you were there,” he said truthfully.
“I’m not sure about that.”
“I am. Those hula dancers can’t hold a candle to you,” Gene assured her.
“I could say the same thing about the male dancers,” Sloane said.
Gene took that as his cue to make a move. He leaned over and moved toward Sloane’s alluring mouth, staring into her delicious dark eyes. When she showed no desire to stop him, he kissed those luscious lips. Sloane opened her mouth, allowing him to slip his tongue inside. His tongue danced with hers as they circled one another’s desirously. He could taste the remnants of Sloane’s mai tai, turning him on even more and heightening his desire.
Sloane sucked greedily on his lower lip as Gene sucked her upper lip appetizingly while the sexual sounds reverberated in his ears. Gene loved kissing and being kissed by Sloane. His erection pounded against his trousers, begging to come out and make its way deep inside her. Fighting the urge, Gene kept his focus and enjoyment on the moment at hand as their kissing picked up in its intensity.
Sloane’s tongue whipped in and out of his mouth, teasing and tasting him while Gene pressed his lips to hers tightly in a feverish kiss that left him breathless yet wanting so much more. Sloane wrapped her hands around his head, opening her mouth wider and drawing him in with utter abandon.
They were both panting and the temperature rose to a dangerously high level in the car as Gene nibbled on the inside of Sloane’s lip, wanting to experience every piece of her kiss. He put his tongue between her lips again, enjoying more of what she offered to him as a man hungry for passion with a lovely and immensely sexual woman.
He brought one hand up to her breast, reveling in the fullness and feel of it. His finger fell across her hard nipple and Sloane jerked. Gene gripped her entire breast through her blouse, caressing joyously before stroking Sloane’s nipple up, down and sideways. Her breathing quickened and she bit into his lip, causing Gene to wince.
The kiss continued unabated for several minutes, and Gene became lost in Sloane and her swollen lips. After she gave him a final powerful smooch, she pulled back, releasing his head from her firm grip.
“Getting a bit toasty in here,” she murmured with a long sigh.
“No complaints here,” Gene said, coming back down to earth.
“Or here. You’re a terrific kisser, which I believe was already established a couple of days ago.”
“Takes one to know one,” he uttered, licking his lips and tasting hers.
“I’m glad you feel that way.” Sloane ran two fingers across her mouth. “As much as I’d love to go further, I think we’d better leave it here tonight.”
A slice of disappointment crossed Gene’s face, but he quickly overcame it, exercising patience. “Probably a good idea.”
She smiled. “I’ll see you later.”
“When?” Gene pressed, hating to think that later could be longer than he could manage to stay away from her.
Sloane paused and took out her cell phone. “What’s your number?”
He gave it to her, taking the opportunity to add Sloane’s number to his cell phone.
“We’ll be speaking soon,” she said.
“That a promise?”
She grinned. “Yes, it’s definitely a promise, especially now that we’re both just a phone call away.”
“Do you want me to walk you up?” Gene thought to ask. And maybe stay for a while.
“That won’t be necessary, but thanks for the offer.” Before getting out of the car, Sloane gave him another stirring kiss that Gene felt all over.
“Good night, Gene.”
“Good night.”
He watched briefly as she approached the well-lit hotel before driving off, the kiss very much on his mind, as well as the lady herself.
Chapter 4
The next morning, Sloane was awakened by her cell phone chiming. After dreaming about Gene and the potent kiss that left her nerve endings tingling, she thought it might be him telling her he’d had the same dream.
When she dragged herself out of bed and grabbed the phone, Sloane saw from the caller ID that it was Gail Littleton, her good friend from Ra
leigh.
“Hey, girl,” Gail spoke spiritedly. “Hope I didn’t wake you up?”
“You didn’t,” Sloane lied. She needed to get up anyhow.
“I wanted to check in with you to see how things are going in gorgeous Maui.”
“Just fabulous so far,” Sloane said.
“Darn, I was afraid you’d say that.” Gail chuckled. “Please tell me you miss Raleigh at least a little bit.”
“I do—a little,” Sloane didn’t mind saying. “I miss my friends like you and the sense of familiarity. But…”
“But Hawaii is…well, Hawaii.”
Sloane smiled. “You took the words right out of my mouth. With the perfect weather and beautiful setting, what more could a person ask for?”
“How about a man?” Gail spoke bluntly. “Of course, I’m sure there is no shortage of fine-looking, fit men roaming the beaches in skimpy swimsuits.”
“You know I’m here to work,” Sloane said as if to convince herself.
“So work. That doesn’t mean there’s no time for play with the right playmate. Or have you sworn off men for good these days?”
Sloane mused about Gene’s kiss, which had seared her soul. And when he’d stimulated her nipple, she’d nearly screamed, it felt so good.
“No, I haven’t sworn off men,” she told her. “As a matter of fact, I am talking to one guy…” And maybe a bit more than talking.
“Mmm—” hummed Gail.
“Nothing serious. We’re both busy individuals, but found time to spend together. It’s still early though.”
“What does he do for a living?”
“He owns a bed-and-breakfast,” Sloane answered.
“Interesting.” Gail took a breath. “Maybe I’ll stay there whenever I can save up enough money to fly to Hawaii.”
“Great. I’m sure he’ll be happy to have you as a guest.”
They spoke for a few more minutes before Sloane gracefully cut short the conversation. “I have to do my daily run,” she told her. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Count on it,” Gail said.
Sloane washed her face and threw on running attire. She was out the door and on the beach in no time flat. When she passed by Malloy’s Bed and Breakfast, Sloane wondered if Gene was a runner. He was obviously in tiptop shape, but maybe he got that way through lifting weights or swimming. Or did his conditioning come naturally?
Pleasure in Hawaii (Kimani Romance) Page 4