“Now what were we saying about other women?” he asked her with amusement.
Sloane caught her breath. “Forget I asked the question.”
“Consider it forgotten. And, just for the record, I don’t make a habit of taking women on romantic cruises any more than you make a habit of accepting such invitations.”
“I get it,” she said, feeling a little foolish that she’d asked him about other women. Especially when they weren’t committed to one another enough to start dictating whom one could and could not see. Then why was she beginning to feel like she wanted things to be exclusive between them? Maybe because she had a feeling he shared those same sentiments.
“When the ship docks, let’s continue this at your place,” Gene said, peering down at her.
Sloane met his eyes and felt as though she were reading his mind. He wanted her in bed. Or the next closest thing. They were definitely on the same page.
“I’m game if you are.” The words came out of her mouth longingly.
He grinned seductively. “Oh, yes, very game.”
When they arrived at Sloane’s condo, they couldn’t get their clothes off fast enough, each ripping away at the other’s till both were naked. In bed, Sloane and Gene kissed passionately, peppering each other’s mouths, cheeks, chins, ears and necks with hot and lustful kisses and nibbles as they warmed up for what was to come.
Gene was eager to put his face between Sloane’s legs, wanting to take in her intoxicating scent, feel her crown jewel between his lips and drive her wild with desire for him. He pried his mouth from hers and trailed hot kisses down her body until he reached her most sensitive area. She wrapped her thighs around his neck and implored him through her soft murmurs to give her an orgasm. He was happy to comply, and it turned him on madly when she was aroused.
Gene flicked his tongue across her clitoris and Sloane cried out each time he touched her, making him want to do so time and time again. She got very wet for him, letting herself go without holding back.
“You taste better each time,” he uttered lasciviously.
“It’s because you make me come when you do that…so masterfully,” Sloane murmured.
Gene continued to stimulate her with his mouth, gratified with her feverish reaction, even as his erection ached to be inside of her. He knew she was tight and more than ready for him.
Though she kept his head wedged between her legs, Sloane managed to contort her body so that she was able to take Gene’s penis into her mouth. He exhaled a deep breath as her tongue rolled across the tip, making him barely able to contain himself. He enjoyed the exquisite agony while continuing to orally satisfy Sloane. Their pleasure was intense, leaving both shuddering as their orgasms came simultaneously.
Gene extricated himself from between Sloane’s thighs. He wanted to be deep inside her body. He watched her mouth come up off his penis and saw the raw need for him in her lustful eyes.
“Please make love to me and don’t hold back!” Her voice was demanding.
Watching Sloane lying there with her legs spread tantalizingly and a fingertip placed sexily in her mouth drove Gene mad with craving. “I couldn’t hold back even if I wanted to,” he told her zealously.
He stretched his arm down to his pants on the floor and pulled out the foil packet, tearing it open and removing the condom. After sliding it onto his erection, Gene mounted Sloane’s waiting body and propelled himself inside her. He drove into her hard and hungry as her legs wrapped high around his back.
“Go deeper,” Sloane shouted, arching her body and bringing it up to slam into his with each powerful thrust. “Don’t stop!”
“Let’s both not stop,” Gene said heavily. “Not till we get there…”
His eyes shut when Sloane’s measured contractions brought Gene a new level of pleasure while his erection went as deep as it could go. He licked her tautened nipples back and forth as she cried out and then grabbed his cheeks and covered his mouth with her breathy kiss.
They had sex for another half hour, changing positions and untangling arms and legs while seizing each and every moment of passion as though there were no more tomorrow. Their bodies dripped with moisture and the sounds of lovemaking filled the room.
Sloane was on top as her climax arrived. She fell onto Gene, quivering wildly and seeking out his mouth in a torrent of kisses. He held her waist firmly, guiding Sloane deeper onto his penis while his surge came thunderously. Gene buried his face in the valley of Sloane’s slick breasts, feeling her heart pounding as the climax worked its way through every part of his body.
When they were done, Gene sucked in a deep breath, wanting only to hold Sloane and come back down to earth. He was sure that sex had never been this good before. And he couldn’t imagine it ever being this good with anyone again.
Could Sloane say the same?
Sloane breathed in the sexual scent in the air as she lay beside Gene, their arms and legs wrapped around each other after another night of passion and pleasure. She couldn’t get enough of him and clearly he felt the same way about her based on his actions. But as much as she wanted to think this was all about sex, sex and more sex, Sloane knew there was more going on than that. Certainly on her part. She hadn’t been looking for anything serious. Not at this time in her life with the challenges of her new job.
Gene Malloy was causing her to seriously rethink her position. She wasn’t in this alone, though. She had to know where his mind was. Sloane already knew where his body was, having gotten to know every intimate detail of it. She just wasn’t sure that was enough any longer, even as the thought of making love to Gene set her soul and body on fire.
Sloane tilted her head to look at Gene’s striking face. He too seemed quietly contemplative now that the sighs and moans they had emitted earlier had subsided. “So where are we going with this?” she asked.
Gene lowered his eyes to connect with hers. “You mean our relationship?”
“Is that what it is?” Her lashes fluttered. Neither had really defined what it was they were engaged in.
“What do you want it to be?”
She glared at him. “Come on now, that’s not fair. I’m asking you the question. Please don’t turn it around on me.”
His jaw tightened. “All right. We’re obviously involved in more than a one-night stand. I suppose we are seeing each other or dating.” He met her gaze. “Is that what you wanted to hear?”
Sloane pursed her lips, happy to know he saw things as she did to an extent, but feeling unsatisfied for some reason. “I only want to know how you really feel about us,” she responded. “Not what you think I want to hear.”
He chuckled. “Well, I’m not sure what you want me to say.”
She drew in a deep breath. “Do you see a future between us?”
“I thought you were only looking for fun and sexual frolic, nothing serious?”
“Maybe I was—then.”
His gaze remained focused on her face. “And now…?”
Sloane considered this carefully. She didn’t want to give him the wrong signal. Or seem wishy-washy. At the same time, it was a woman’s prerogative to change her position midstream. And a man’s, too.
“I think I want to build something steady between us and see where it goes from there.” Okay, I’ve put it out there. Now the rest is up to you.
“I’d like that, too,” Gene said equably.
“Seriously…?”
“Yeah, but…”
“Always a but,” she cut in with irritation. “But what?”
He lifted his leg off hers. “I can’t promise you anything like an official commitment.”
“That’s not what I’m asking for,” she said tartly.
“You’re sure about that?” Doubt rang in his voice.
“Yes. I just wanted to know that our heads were in the same place in wanting to be together.”
“I definitely want to be with you,” Gene said honestly. “You’re everything I could ask for in a woman. But, p
utting my cards on the table, I’ve already been through a marriage and I’m not really looking to go down that road again. I just want things to continue as they are.”
“Who said anything about marriage?” Sloane rolled her eyes. “No one’s asking you to sign away your bachelorhood in blood. I didn’t come to Maui to get married, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“I’m not worried,” he insisted. “I only wanted to put it out there so we understand each other.”
“I think I’m beginning to understand all too well.” She untangled herself from his body, suddenly feeling unsettled about the limitations of this arrangement. “You want all the goodies of a hot and passionate sexual relationship, but only on your terms.”
“Seems to me that we entered into this with the same terms. Or am I mistaken?”
“Maybe we did,” she conceded. “It doesn’t mean I’m forever locked into that position. I was hoping you felt the same. If not, then I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry, too, if I’ve offended you,” he said sincerely. “That was never my intention. To be clear, I’m not locked into anything, except for wanting to be with you. I simply think that there’s no reason to rock the cart by looking too far ahead. Let’s just take it a day at a time.”
Sloane suddenly realized that she might have been expecting too much, too soon from him. They hadn’t been involved for that long and they both needed time to see if this was truly headed in the right direction or if it would burn itself out before either could end up hurt and disillusioned.
“Sure, why not?” Sloane told him, knowing she had her job to fall back on in case things with Gene stalled. “I wouldn’t want any apples to fall out of that cart.”
Gene grinned seductively. “You’re the apple of my eye.”
She felt his awareness of her. “You would say that while we’re naked in bed.”
“That can’t be helped, now can it?”
Sloane blinked. “If you say so.”
“I think we both say so.”
Gene ran his hand across her breast and nipple. Sloane couldn’t ignore how good it felt. When he put his hand between her legs, her ire with him began to melt like hot butter. No matter her misgivings, she couldn’t resist Gene when he put her in the mood. Perhaps he was playing on that in keeping what they had alive and well while shying away from something more substantive. And she was totally falling for it, just as she was falling for the man himself.
Gene spent the night at Sloane’s place, though they did little sleeping. She was the one woman with whom he could make love for hours on end and still be left wanting more. What he didn’t know was if this meant what they had constituted the basis for a long-term relationship. Sloane had caught him off guard in wondering where things were headed. He probably hadn’t handled it as well as he should have.
The truth was, he liked being with her. Apart from the sex, she was good company, something that had been sorely lacking in his life for a while now. But he wasn’t quite sure what it meant. Could what they had developed in bed lead to a much deeper commitment down the line?
Was marriage a possibility in the future, in spite of what he had suggested to Sloane? Or was that a road she had no interest in herself as an independent businesswoman who obviously had chosen not to settle down with anyone?
Gene didn’t care to speculate at the moment, hoping that they had sufficiently smoothed the waters while making the most of their time together. He was holding Sloane’s naked body, her alluring scent and taste lingering on his lips. Though they had practically worn each other out making love, he suspected they might still have one more round in them before it was time to go back to the bed-and-breakfast and cater to his guests and their needs.
Chapter 8
Sloane made her rounds the following day, welcoming new guests and greeting current ones. In both instances, she wanted to show them the hospitality of Island Shores. It was why she’d been brought there, to uphold a tradition established ever since the resort hotel opened for business. Still fresh on Sloane’s mind was her conversation with Gene last night, before, during and after their lovemaking. It was still a mystery to her as to how far he wanted their relationship to go in the future. Clearly, he was not interested in marrying again, soured by his past experience. Indeed, Sloane had seen her fair share of marriages turned into divorce, affairs and unhappiness. Yes, she knew there were others who were successful in maintaining a long marriage and managed to keep the fires of bliss burning. But they seemed to be the exception rather than the rule these days.
It doesn’t mean I’d have to go down the same path if I met the man of my dreams who happened to be the marrying type.
Gene came the closest to marriage material Sloane had ever been involved with for a woman for whom marriage had never been a priority. She’d always been too busy to want to think in those terms. And now that the idea of being a wife had entered her mind, the timing and man were off. Maybe something was telling her to keep that genie in the bottle and be happy that she had her career and a great lover. Not to mention living in as picturesque a setting as she could have ever dreamed.
“Aloha,” a woman said, getting Sloane’s attention.
She saw a thirtysomething couple standing there dressed casually and greeted them.
“Can you recommend a great place to have dinner outside the hotel?” asked the man.
Sloane smiled. “I sure can,” she responded, as two such places came to mind. “I think the Kaanapali Beach luau is a terrific choice for a fabulous dinner and great show. Or if you prefer a more romantic setting, you might want to try the Maui Seas supper cruise. The food is excellent and the views are incredible.” Aware that some visitors were more budget-conscious, she also recommended a couple of less expensive restaurants.
A few minutes later, Sloane ran into Sally Weincroft, the seventy-five-year-old Australian who had asked the hotel to set up her itinerary.
“G’day,” Sally said in a sprightly tone.
“Good day.” Sloane flashed her teeth at the woman, who was slender with fine white hair and seemingly the picture of health. It was her third day in Maui. “How are things going?”
“Marvelous. I’m having the time of my life, thanks to you and your staff.”
Sloane blushed. “We’re just doing our jobs.”
“You’re doing it well. I will tell my family and friends back in Sydney when I go home that they must visit Maui and stay at the Island Shores Resort.”
“Any recommendations are always appreciated,” Sloane told her.
Sally took a digital camera out of her purse. “Do you mind if I take a picture of you with me?”
Sloane’s mouth curved upward. “Of course you can.”
She hugged Sally and posed for the picture as Sally stretched her arm out and snapped the shot.
“Thanks so much,” Sally said. “It will add to my memories of this wonderful island.”
“Happy to do whatever I can to help,” Sloane said, and waved as Sally moved away.
A moment later Sloane was joined by Alan Komoda. “Based on her outfit, I’d say Sally has easily fit right in with us Hawaiians,” he said.
“I think you’re right,” Sloane said, noting Sally’s colorful Maui T-shirt and print shorts.
“Hopefully she’ll be influential in getting more people from Down Under to come here.”
Sloane gave him a knowing look. “I think there’s a very good chance of that.”
Alan nodded and then frowned. “It looks like some kids trashed a suite before they checked out.”
“My goodness,” Sloane uttered. “How bad is it?”
“Bad enough. All I can say is they must have had some wild party in there.”
“Do you want me to—?”
“I’ve taken care of it,” Alan said. “The damages and extra cleanup are being billed to the party who reserved the room.”
Sloane sighed. “That’s good.”
“Unfortunately, we get a few of t
hose every year. Seems like a tropical paradise mixed with drinking leads to rowdy behavior for some people.”
“Those types don’t need a tropical setting to act crazy,” Sloane said. Still, she wondered if Gene ever had these problems at his bed-and-breakfast. If so, how did he deal with them? Was he able to spot potential troublemakers in advance?
The next day, Sloane had tea with Kendra in one of the Island Shore’s three restaurants, The Leaf Garden.
“Edy and I went out again last night,” Kendra gushed. “Then I spent the night at his place. That man must have invented the word stamina.”
“Didn’t waste any time, I see,” Sloane teased as she thought about Gene’s incredible stamina in bed, which she matched step for step.
“And it’s a good thing,” Kendra said with a smile. “The band is doing a gig in Kauai next weekend, so it will have to carry us till he gets back.”
Sloane smiled. “Sounds like you really have the hots for him. Or is it the other way around?”
“It’s both. We like hanging out—just like someone else I know.”
Sloane’s cheeks flushed. “Wonder who that might be?”
“You tell me.” Kendra batted her lashes. “Or have things cooled off between you and Mr. Bed-and-Breakfast hunk?”
“No, things have not cooled off between us.” Sloane put the teacup to her lips. “Quite the contrary, it seems to be getting better all the time in the bedroom.”
“What about outside the bedroom?” Kendra asked.
“Things are good there, too.” Sloane envisioned being in Gene’s arms on the dance floor.
“So the sex is great, the friendship is fantastic, the man walks on water—sounds like someone you’ll want to hang on to for a long time. Or am I reading you wrong?”
“I didn’t say he walked on water,” Sloane said, chuckling. “Well, maybe close to it. That doesn’t mean we’re in this for the long haul.”
“Doesn’t he feel the same way about you?” Kendra asked.
Pleasure in Hawaii (Kimani Romance) Page 9