“Looks like everyone showed up and then some,” Sylvia told Sloane as guests mingled and a local band played nostalgic music.
Sloane smiled at the petite blonde in her early forties. “Not too surprising. How often does one get to reunite with old friends in Hawaii?”
“True. Except that some old friends would rather relive memories in their heads and not in person.”
“I suppose some memories are best left alone,” Sloane agreed. She had mostly positive memories from high school and had kept herself in great shape since then. That obviously wasn’t the case for everyone and was a perfect excuse to avoid such occasions like the plague.
Sloane found herself wondering what Gene’s high school years had been like. Given his physical specimen of a body, she imagined he’d been a jock while maintaining an active lifestyle.
“Oh, there’s my high school beau, Victor Hamilton,” gushed Sylvia. Sloane eyed a gray-haired man of medium build wearing a Beaubien High jersey. “I can’t believe how little he’s changed.”
Sloane smiled. “Better go catch up on old times…and maybe make some new memories,” she told her, knowing that Sylvia was recently divorced and on the prowl.
Sylvia sighed heavily. “At this point, I’m open for anything—so long as he’s not married and hoping to get lucky.”
Sloane watched her amble across the room toward the one who apparently got away. Or was it the other way around?
She certainly wasn’t interested in being with a married man. She preferred a man like Gene, who was happily single as a successful professional and very interested in spending his spare time with her. Much of that time lately had been spent in bed, where they continued to find new ways to make love. Sloane didn’t want to look beyond what they had going for them at the moment for fear of jinxing a good thing. She assumed Gene felt the same way in not pushing things.
“Are you daydreaming about the good old days?” Sloane heard the deep whisper in her ear.
She looked over her shoulder and saw Gene’s handsome face, catching her by surprise. “What are you doing here?”
“Thought I’d crash the party after learning that you might be here,” he responded evenly. “Looks like I hit pay dirt.”
Sloane warmed as she caught the glint of his penetrating eyes on her. “That you did,” she said. “I was just checking in to make sure everything was going according to plan.”
“And is it?”
“Yes, so far so good.”
“Except that you look like a fish out of water trying to fit in,” Gene said with amusement.
Self-consciousness swept over her face. “Is it that obvious?”
“Probably only to someone who feels exactly the same way,” Gene said with a chuckle. “Crashing parties is not usually my thing. But I felt it was worth it to see if I could track down the hotel’s director of guest relations.”
Sloane’s cheeks rose. “So you’re here for official business?”
“Actually, very personal,” he responded sensually.
She reacted to the words and man. “Now is not the time…”
He angled his head. “Don’t worry. I’m not here to jump your bones or take you away from your duties.” Gene grinned seductively. “I was wondering if you had dinner plans for tomorrow night.”
“Just some leftover spaghetti and meatballs,” Sloane said. “Why?”
“Oh, I was hoping you might like to have dinner with me on a supper cruise.”
“Sounds interesting.” Not to mention incredibly romantic. “Tell me more…”
“A friend of mine runs the cruise, and the views are out of this world,” Gene told her. “The actual dinner is pretty damned good, too.”
Sloane met his eyes curiously. “So you’ve been on the cruise before?”
He gave her a straight look. “It’ll feel like the first time with you.”
“Good response,” she said with a smile. He certainly knew how to make her seem special to him. It also sounded like another way to explore Maui and the man. “Okay, I’m in.”
A half grin played on Gene’s lips. “Cool.”
“Are you always so full of surprises?” Sloane asked.
“Not always. Let’s just say that I like spending time with you and taking advantage of some of the wonders and treats of the island at the same time.”
Sloane smiled. “It works for me.” How could it not, when he was so sexy and romantic in his overtures?
Gene raised a brow as the band began playing a slow number. “I love that song,” he said, taking her hands. “Looks like there’s an open spot for us on the dance floor. Can I get a dance before I leave you alone?”
Sloane glanced at the area where a few couples were slow dancing. She cast her eyes at Gene and felt a tingling sensation from his large hands covering hers. Though she was still on duty and Gene wasn’t on the guest list, one quick dance with the best-looking, sexiest man in the room wouldn’t hurt.
“One dance should be fine,” she told him.
“Then let’s get out there and show them how it’s done.”
Sloane had her arms around Gene’s neck while he held her waist as they moved in slow, sensual circles. She liked the way he smelled, always a manly mixture of his scent and expensive cologne. Moreover, she felt comfortable in his sturdy arms. They were as in sync on the dance floor as in bed. With her eyes closed and their bodies aligned, Sloane almost felt like they were all by themselves, dancing to their own heartbeats.
“You’re good,” Gene said, seemingly echoing her sentiments.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” she uttered.
“That’s because I’m dancing with by far the most attractive woman at the class reunion.”
Sloane blushed. “Such sweet words.”
“And an even sweeter dance partner,” he murmured.
Her eyes rose to meet his. Sloane really wanted to kiss him, tossing away any qualms about the setting where neither of them belonged. She opened her lips and brought them to Gene’s waiting mouth.
He followed her lead, pulling their bodies closer and giving Sloane the type of kiss she sought from him. She loved the hard persuasion of his lips and was sure he got as much satisfaction from the kiss she laid on him. Sloane grew light-headed as the kiss made her feel like she was walking on air. She’d become lost in the moment when Gene pulled back. Only then had Sloane realized the band had stopped playing.
“That was very enjoyable,” Gene said, and licked his lips.
“Seems like we can’t get enough of that these days,” she admitted, tasting him on her mouth as well, still feeling the sensations of the kiss.
Gene smiled. “Guess some things are just meant to be.”
“You think so, do you?” She batted her eyes at him, even if she was starting to agree where they were concerned.
“Yeah. But right now, I’m taking you away from your duties.” He held her cheeks and kissed the top of Sloane’s head. “I’ll let you get back to it and talk to you tomorrow.”
Sloane was reluctant to let him go. But she also knew he was the type of distraction that could cause her to lose track of time and space. This was still her workplace, and she wasn’t off the clock.
“Thanks for dropping by and inviting me on the supper cruise,” she told him, her voice high.
“Anytime,” Gene said earnestly.
Sloane watched him walk away, his tight buns enviable. She liked them even better when they weren’t covered by trousers and briefs, conjuring up naughty thoughts brought on by the man himself and their passionate kiss.
“That was some kiss,” Sylvia said, approaching Sloane.
Sloane was embarrassed. “I hope everyone wasn’t watching.”
“They would have to be blind to miss it,” Sylvia said with a grin.
“I didn’t mean to upstage your class reunion—”
“You didn’t.” Sylvia laughed. “I’m just teasing. It’s perfectly all right if you had a little romance with your man.
That’s what this reunion is all about, if one is fortunate enough to have that kind of chemistry with someone from yesteryear or the present.”
“Thanks for saying that,” Sloane said, knowing the chemistry between her and Gene was abundant and dripping with sexuality. “But what about your reunion with your high school beau?”
Sylvia frowned. “Not happening. It was great to see Victor again, but he’s about to get married to his longtime girlfriend, who happens to be here too.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
“Don’t be. We had our moment back in the day. It wasn’t meant to be this time around.” Sylvia tasted the drink in her hand. “On a more positive note, I am talking with another former classmate who I had the biggest crush on in high school. He’s single and we seem to be clicking, so we’ll see what happens.”
Sloane offered her a nice smile. “Wonderful. Hope it works out.”
“Same to you and that devilishly handsome man who commanded your attention,” said Sylvia. “Though, from the looks of that lip lock, I’d say you’re well on your way.”
Sloane let that sink in, while wondering where this very hot romance with Gene was leading. Was she ready to move into a full-fledged relationship? Was he? Or should she not think too much about the future and simply enjoy the moment and the man?
Chapter 7
Sloane and Gene climbed aboard the 118-foot luxury touring yacht for the Maui Seas supper cruise. Sloane was excited, as she had always wanted to go on a cruise, though this was a much shorter one than she had envisioned. But it was a start. The fact that her date was Gene made it even more romantic being out on the water. He seemed very comfortable introducing her to different aspects of Maui, and she welcomed the attention from someone who had become a part of the community and seemed to relish it.
They walked along with other guests onto the roomy observation deck as the captain spoke about the ship.
“Power comes from four GM 12V71TI engines, allowing for a cruising speed of twenty knots,” he explained, tugging at his gray beard. “A Naiad gyroscopically controlled stabilizing system allows for a smooth, relaxing ride. We have room for one hundred and forty-nine passengers. The yacht is perfectly suited for sightseeing and inter-island cruising on the Pacific. You’ll find a snack bar and a first-rate cocktail lounge for your pleasure as we head out.”
A few minutes later the yacht pulled out of Lahaina Harbor, slip number three.
“Well, this should be fun,” Gene said, gazing down at Sloane. His cheeks dimpled as he smiled. “And romantic, too.”
She relished the thought, smiling back. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“So am I.”
Sloane nearly melted from the intensity of his gaze. She sighed, determined to enjoy the experience without reading too much into the way Gene took her breath away, even though she didn’t think it was intentional on his part. Or was every facial gesture, lilt of his voice and move he made totally calculating?
They sat at a table on the open-air upper dining deck. They had been served Hawaiian pineapple-glazed prime rib, fresh green salad, mixed vegetables and dinner rolls, along with white wine.
“See what you’ve been missing all this time?” Gene said while slicing into the prime rib.
“You mean you in my life?” Sloane asked, half joking.
“That, too!” He flashed a serious look. “But I meant the many wonders of Maui.”
You’re one of those wonders. She smiled at him over her wineglass. “I’ve missed a lot,” she conceded. Sloane put down her glass and gazed out at the water. Her eyes moved up to the sky where numerous stars twinkled overhead, as if they were winking at her. “It’s gorgeous.”
“So are you,” Gene said. “But I think I’ve probably told you that enough already.”
She chuckled. “A girl can never be told too many times that she’s gorgeous,” Sloane said. “Thank you for the compliment.”
“It’s no effort at all on my part, since I’m only saying what my eyes can plainly see.”
Not wanting to get too full of herself, Sloane changed the subject. “So when you’re not playing host at a bedand-breakfast or showing a lady a good time, what do you do?”
“Lots of things,” Gene answered vaguely.
“Such as?”
“I like to swim, play tennis, drive, watch sports, listen to music…”
Sloane spooned some vegetables, her interest piqued. She realized that though she had come to know Gene intimately and as a businessman, she really knew painfully little about his makeup. And vice versa. “What type of music do you like?” she asked, figuring him for a Motown sound or maybe a blues man.
“Mostly standards and classical music,” he replied. “But I also enjoy some contemporary jazz, easy listening, soul and a little blues.”
Well, at least I was partially correct. “Interesting mix.”
“I like to mix it up.” Gene cracked a cute smile.
“What about Hawaiian music?”
“Actually, I do like Hawaiian music, especially island jazz, hula and traditional South Pacific.”
Sloane’s eyes grew with admiration. “Wow, you know your stuff.”
Gene laughed. “You get to the longer you live here.”
“I suppose.” She nibbled on a roll.
“What do you like to do outside of work, besides running?” Gene was curious.
“I enjoy photography, read literature and women’s fiction, watch public broadcasting and, guiltily, some reality TV. I also like to play on the computer.”
He gave a thoughtful nod. “Sounds like you have a number of ways to keep yourself occupied.”
“I guess everyone does these days,” she said, sipping some water.
“What type of photographs do you take?”
“Mostly landscapes and people. I hope to add some seascapes to my collection soon.”
Gene smiled. “I’d love to see some of your photographs.”
“Really?” Sloane was surprised he would be interested in that side of her.
“Yes, I’m into pictures, especially scenic ones. And since you’re the photographer, it should make them even more appealing.”
She soaked in the flattery. “Most of what I’ve taken is still back in Raleigh,” she told him regrettably. “But I have a few photographs that I can show you.”
“Wonderful.”
Sloane looked out at the water and the colorful lights of the other islands. “So is that view.”
Gene grinned. “Yeah, I thought you would find it mesmerizing.”
“I do,” she said, thinking that he was every bit as enchanting to her. Not to mention probably the sexiest man alive. Certainly in Hawaii. Getting to know Gene better made him all the more appealing. She faced him. “Have you lived anywhere other than Detroit or Maui?”
He tasted the drink. “As a matter of fact, I have. I spent a few years at Michigan State University in East Lansing, where I got my degree. And I also lived in Houston for a year and Cleveland for three months.”
“So you got around,” hummed Sloane.
“A little.”
“Why three months in Cleveland?” she asked curiously.
Gene sat back. “I was sent there for an assignment in my former life in marketing.”
Sloane cocked a brow. “That’s a big jump from marketing to bed-and-breakfast proprietor.”
“Not really. In both, you have to sell a product and be available to see it through, while hoping to make a profit.”
“Good point,” she said.
“Yeah, I think so.” He set his eyes upon her. “And where else have you set up shop besides Raleigh?”
“Well, let’s see…I got my degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, spent a year in Nairobi, Kenya, as an exchange student, and I lived in New York for a while.”
“Kenya, huh? Interesting.”
“I thought it was,” she said.
“Now you’re living the laid-back life in Maui,”
Gene said with a grin.
“Looks that way.” Sloane smiled.
“My good fortune.”
She held his gaze. “Who says it’s only yours?”
Gene’s eyes glimmered and he lifted his wineglass for a toast.
Sloane followed suit, feeling as though she’d made a real connection on the island and was in no hurry to see it fall by the wayside anytime soon.
After they finished dinner, they made their way to what was billed as the “largest floating dance floor.” Picking up right where they’d left off at the class reunion, Sloane fell into Gene’s arms and their bodies swayed to the sultry Hawaiian music. She was aware of every inch of him, certain the same was true in reverse.
“Where did you learn to dance like this?” Gene whispered in her ear.
Sloane felt his tepid breath on her cheek. “I could ask you the same thing.”
“So ask.”
“All right,” she took the bait. “Just how many women have you used your charms on while dancing in this romantic setting?” She could imagine that virtually any woman could be swept off her feet by Gene, particularly while caught up in the romantic atmosphere of Maui.
Gene pulled her a little closer. “None that can hold a candle to you.”
“Cute answer, but it didn’t really answer my question.”
“Do I detect a little jealousy?”
Sloane snickered. “In your dreams.”
“The only one in my dreams these days is you,” he said.
“Hmm,” she voiced with misgiving. “I’m not so sure about that.”
“Maybe this will help convince you…”
Gene suddenly tilted her in midsong and laid a solid kiss on Sloane’s mouth that left her knees buckling. She was sure that had Gene not held her firmly, she might well have taken a fall.
Sloane sucked on his lower lip, his upper lip, and back again, caught up in the soulful kiss and the man dispensing it. Gene’s tongue whipped in and out of her mouth, leaving behind the taste of his dinner wine. Just when Sloane began to feel her head spinning and body tingling with excitement, Gene pulled her back up.
Pleasure in Hawaii (Kimani Romance) Page 8