Beach Happens (Hawaii Heat, #2)

by Jamie K. Schmidt

  Walking back with him to his hammock, Michaela said, “Thanks for coming to get me."

  "Not a problem. Want that beer now?"

  Shaking her head, she gathered her things. "No, I'm going to see if I can catch some waves on the North Shore once I dry off enough."

  She’d go back to Ho’okipa and damn anyone who tried to intimidate her off the waves.

  "With Marcus?" He raised an eyebrow.

  Michaela gave him a grim smile. "Nope. Haven't heard from him today."

  He gave her a shaka. "Pretty girl like you shouldn't be alone."

  "Preach." She winked at him and wandered until she found an abandoned beach chair.

  Laying back, Michaela closed her eyes and thought it probably would have been a good idea to have brought sun block and a book. Well, she wouldn't be here that long. Just enough to dry off. As she was flipping through Facebook, Marcus called.

  "Hey," she answered. "How's your head this morning?"

  "Better. How was your night?"

  "I slept like a baby.” Today’s going rather shitty, though. But she took in a cleansing breath before she said that to him.

  “I'm tied up with work. I’ve got conference calls all day with our lawyer.” Marcus said lawyer like most people say traffic.

  “I know how much you enjoy that,” she smiled sadly.

  “It looks like we finally have something to nail Tetsuo to the wall with.”

  “Yeah, Dude mentioned that. Good for you.”

  “When did you talk to my brother?”

  “About five minutes ago. I went snorkeling by Black Rock this morning.”

  “There were five tiger sharks sighted on the beach. You were in the water? They closed the beach." His voice was sharp with alarm.

  “All I saw was an eel and some pretty fish.” Michaela tried to sound light hearted. Five sharks? She blew out a breath. “Dude came and got me before I got into trouble.”

  “Are you here now?”

  “Yup, sunning myself in a lounge chair. Want to come down and take a break with me?” Michaela wouldn’t keep him long, but it would be nice share a kiss or two. She could really use a hug.

  “I wish I could.”

  “Yeah, I understand. Meetings.”

  A part of her knew she was being unfair. She was on vacation. He was working.

  “But I was wondering if you would be interested in an early dinner?"

  Her heart lightened a little bit at that. "Yeah, I’d like that.” Then, because she couldn’t help twisting the knife a bit, she said, “I was heading out to do some surfing today. I'm not sure where I'll be. What time are you going to be free?"

  "Why don't I pick you up at your hotel? Call me when you get back."

  Michaela winced. She didn't want to admit to him she was staying at Tetsuo's hotel, not when tomorrow she’d be checking in here. Maybe she could go to Lahaina instead and meet him at a local restaurant. "It's not a problem. There's no sense in making you come all that way. I can hang around here. Lahaina might be open."

  "How about five at Leilani's then?"

  "Sounds good," she said. Maybe she could get in a few waves after all.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Michaela pounded on Joely’s door, shampoo stinging her eyes. She was going to be late for her date. Of course, she had spent too much time at Lahaina Harbor this afternoon. She had rented a board and rode waves with a bunch of nice people. No signs of sharks or any other weird activity, so she spent a calming and exhilarating day in the ocean.

  “My water shut off mid shower,” she said when Joely let her in. It had been easier to go back to her room here than to make the trek to Wailea. Besides, tomorrow was Sunday and she could move into her room once somebody checked out. She'd grab her bags in Wailea tomorrow morning, tell Tetsuo to shove his offer, and start her vacation for real.

  Joely opened the bathroom door. “I can’t believe your luck.”

  “Yeah, you and me both. I've got a hot date tonight with Marcus at Leilani's, and I don't want to meet him looking like this.”

  "A towel is a little casual for Leilani's. My bathroom is your bathroom," she said.

  "Thanks." Michaela hopped into the shower and rinsed off her hair. After she got off the phone with Marcus, she had headed over to Whaler’s Village and spent way too much money on a sexy, Louis Vuitton dress and some strappy sandals that were more for show than walking. She dumped the bags in her room at Palekaiko before taking a cab to Lahaina to surf.

  Tonight was going to be her first real date in longer than she could remember. Gerald’s idea of date night was takeout Chinese and Netflix. There was nothing wrong with that, but it would have been nice to go out once in a while. Normally, they were too tired to even make it to the movie.

  Was that where it all went wrong?

  As she was putting on the last touches of makeup, she heard raised voices from the other room.

  “What’s up?” she asked, poking her head out.

  Joely was standing in her living room with her arms akimbo. Holt was looming over her.

  “I was just telling Holt, here, that you and I were going out tonight, and it was easier for you to shower here.” Joely turned to look at me and made exaggerated facial expressions.

  Yeah, I get it. Cheez it, it’s the cops.

  “Is there a problem?” Michaela asked, stopping herself before she added “officer” after it.

  “No problem. Where are you heading?” he asked politely.

  “Why?" Michaela asked.

  "Just curious."

  "We're going to take a walk and see who has the best entertainment tonight. Do you know who's playing at the Hula Grill?" Joely asked.

  Holt shook his head, still giving Michaela the fishy eyeball.

  She shrugged at him and went back to finish her makeup. Joely and Holt talked for a few minutes, but she couldn't hear what they were saying. After the door closed, Joely came in the bathroom, madder than a hornet.

  "I swear, he's part blood hound. He wanted to know who was in my shower."

  "Sounds like he's jealous," Michaela said, hiding a smile.

  "More like he think he's the Hawaiian Sherlock Holmes." She crossed her arms over her chest. "Now, I've got to get all gussied up and try not to crash your date or he'll get suspicious."

  "I'm sorry," Michaela said.

  Joely sighed. "No, it's all right. I'm not mad at you. I'm just aggravated at him. Give me a few minutes to get ready. I'll walk you over to Leilani's and then I'll fade away into the crowd."

  "You're the best," Michaela said, and meant it.

  "I want to hear all the juicy details about the Kahuna. And if you can get the stick out of his ass, we'll all be grateful."

  Michaela laughed. "It's just dinner." But she hoped for a little more.

  "Uh huh." Joely left to get dressed.

  "It's not like I can take him back to my room," Michaela said, shouting over the blow dryer.

  "He's got plenty of places to take you to."

  Michaela hoped so. She really did.

  Joely was ready by the time Michaela declared her hair was good enough. Being so thick and long, it would take forever to dry so she just put it into a French braid.

  "That's a cute dress," Michaela said. Joely wore a white halter dress that showed lots of cleavage and was split up the sides.

  "I figured, if I was going out, I was going to do it right. Here," she slipped a pretty ceramic flower on a hair clip over her right ear. "Makoa’s sister makes these. This means you're looking for love."

  "I'm not sure it's love I'm looking for."

  She put one over her own right ear. "If not love, then maybe just a good time."

  "I like how you think," Michaela said. Love didn't seem to be in the cards for her anyway. Hot sex, on the other hand, could be on the menu tonight—if Marcus' got the okay from his doctor to return to normal activities.

  When they stepped outside, Holt was leaning up against a palm tree, waiting for them. He ha
d changed into khakis and a polo shirt that showed off his massive chest and arms.

  "I was heading over to Hula Grill, myself. Georgie and the Mangos are playing. Mind if I walk with you?" His gaze focused on Joely's flower, but he didn't mention it.

  "Sure." Joely shrugged, and together they walked along the stone path by the beach.

  "I'm Holt," he said, holding his hand out. “I don’t think we were properly introduced the other night when you were in the dumpster."

  "Michaela," she said, taking it.

  He turned her hand over. “You’re not wearing your ring?”

  Michaela snatched her hand back. “My fingers swell in the heat.”

  "How do you know Joely?" he asked.

  "We met a few days ago while surfing," Michaela said.

  Holt shot Joely a look. "You didn't go to the Dumps, did you?"

  She blew out a long, aggravated sigh. "No, we were at Honolua Bay."

  "The waves were great, but then the beach got a little crowded." Michaela shrugged. "I'm looking forward to going back again."

  "You should see if you can get to Oahu if you're looking for hot action," he said.

  "Maybe I will."

  "Where are you staying? They might be able to hook you up with a tour."

  He was smooth. Michaela had to give him that. Joely shot her an alarmed look, but Michaela faced down worse prosecutors in court. "That's a great idea," she said, not answering his question.

  Holt smiled, but she wasn't fooled. He knew she was on to him. "So how long are you here for?"

  "Another week," she said. "Any suggestions on where to go?"

  "If you want to do some body surfing, D.T. Fleming Beach is a good place," he said.

  "Watch out for the rip currents," Joely said.

  "You're a good swimmer," Holt said. "I heard you saved that boy that was snorkeling the other day."

  Michaela shook her head. "That was Marcus. I just tried to get him on my surf board."

  "Still, it was a good thing."

  His frank words embarrassed her, and she looked away. He seemed a nice guy. She couldn't wait until tomorrow when she didn't have to pretend where she was living anymore. They walked on in silence for a few minutes. It was a beautiful night, but her feet were starting to hurt her in the sandals. She had only a vague idea where Leilani's was, but she could hear guitar music from up ahead.

  "That's the Hula Grill," Joely said. "Leilani's is the next restaurant over."

  "Who has the best malasadas?" Michaela asked the important question.

  Joely and Holt looked at each other in confusion. "They don't have malasadas," Joely said. "But don't miss the Hula pie. It's got macadamia nut ice cream, cookies and hot fudge."

  That didn't sound like it sucked.

  "Or the pono pie if you want to try breadfruit and coconut."

  "I'm on a mission," Michaela said. "I want to try all the malasadas in Maui. Who makes the best?"

  Holt smiled. "My auntie," he said at the same time as Joely said, "Zippy's."

  He looked at her askance. They bickered for a few minutes, throwing out restaurant names like they were in a duel. Michaela mentally made notes of some of the places they mentioned.

  "I'll get my auntie to make a batch and you'll see," he said.

  They came up on the Hula Grill. "What are you drinking, ladies?" Holt asked.

  "Gosling and diet coke," Joely said.

  Holt raised his eyebrow at Michaela. "Me too," she said.

  When he shouldered his way to the bar, Joely pulled her through the crowd and pointed. "Go down that way and you should see Leilani's on your left."

  "What about Holt and the drinks?"

  "I'll drink both and keep him busy. Now, go before he looks over here."

  "Are you sure you'll be all right with him?"

  Joely smiled a little sadly. "Yeah, I'll keep him entertained until your trail is cold. At least I got some free booze out of it, right?"

  Michaela hugged her. "You're the best."

  Joely blushed. "You owe me details."

  "Deal."

  Michaela made sure Holt still had his back to them, and then she darted through the crowds. She found Leilani's easily. She’d actually passed it this afternoon when she was dress shopping. Marcus was sitting at an outside table at the front of the restaurant. Michaela had a moment to study him. He was staring out at the ocean, his green eyes faraway and his expression solemn. The wound on his forehead looked a little better.

  He was dressed in a crisp linen suit. Michaela was glad she put the extra effort in her new outfit, even if her feet were killing her now. Marcus held a glass of white wine in his hand, and when he took a sip, he noticed her standing there. Standing up, he came to the edge of the railing.

  "You can walk around there to get out here. Just tell him you're with me."

  "Okay," she said and hurried inside, suddenly eager to sit down and have a glass of wine.

  He held out the seat next to him, so they could both look out at the water. Of course, that meant her leg was pressed up next to him and his arm draped over the back of her chair.

  "Do you like pinot grigio?" He trailed his fingers over her upper arm. Her nipples hardened in reaction.

  "Yeah," Michaela said, a little breathless from being so near him. He smelled like coconut and spice.

  Filling up her wine glass, he said, "I took the liberty of ordering for us. I ordered a bunch of tapas so we could have a taste of everything, but if you're really hungry we can order dinners."

  "No, that sounds good." Michaela was surprised she was so nervous. After all, they had practically slept together. This was just dinner.

  "Great." He clicked glasses with her. "I'm glad you're here."

  "Me too."

  The waitress jumped in the awkward silence with the first set of dishes. A beet salad with goat cheese and macadamia nuts was placed in front of them, as well as a small tray of shrimp in lemon butter.

  Michaela tried to eat daintily, but that was never her gig. Soon she was leaning back in her chair, sipping wine while Marcus finished his first course. She started to relax, really relax for the first time since she got to Maui.

  After the second glass of wine, she was lulled by the beauty of the ocean. As she watched the waves roll in, she realized she didn’t give a shit about Tetsuo Hojo’s nonsense, Gerald’s continuing douche baggery, or that she didn't have a hotel room that either came with huge strings or could get her friends in trouble.

  "Aside from surfing and dodging sharks, what else are you planning on doing in Maui?”

  You.

  Kicking off her shoes under the table, Michaela stretched and said instead, "I suppose I should do some more sightseeing, but all I want to do is surf."

  “Me too.”

  "It's weird. I used to surf all the time in California, but I stopped. Too many grown up things to do. Now, that I've found the waves again. I'm afraid that when I go back, I won't get back out on the board."

  "Because of the sharks?" he frowned.

  "No." She shook her head. "I've got a healthy fear of sharks, but they're a part of the ocean. It's like I'm different here. I don't know if that sounds silly, but it's more than being on vacation."

  "No, I get it. Maui has a way of getting in your blood. There's no place like it."

  "You said before that you owned a chain of hotels in New York, right?"

  He nodded.

  "Are you ever going back?" Michaela knew she didn't want to work with Tetsuo, but was she crazy to think she could start her own firm here?

  "Trying to get rid of me?" Marcus said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

  She shook her head. "No, you know what I mean. You said it yourself the night we met. It's hard being so far away. Would it be easier if you were on the East Coast? What's keeping you in Maui?"

  He gave a half laugh. "I ask myself that almost daily. The answer is mainly the obvious. It's January in New York. I'll wait out the winter here, and then go bac
k in the spring. I stayed last year because of the trouble we were having with Tetsuo."

  "He’s a piece of work.” She held out her glass for another refill. “How did everything go today with your lawyer?”

  "Another bottle?" he asked. His phone rang. He glanced at it and ignored it.

  "I'm not driving," she said.

  Flagging the waitress down, he ordered another bottle of the pinot grigio.

  "You can see my sailboat a little better here." He pointed out in the water. She could barely see the outline of it last night in the dark, but it had looked big.

  “Holy crap, that’s huge. No wonder you call it a yacht.”

  "If you'd like, we can have a night cap there."

  Michaela smiled. She liked how he thought. "How would we get there?"

  "We'd take a Zodiac."

  "In shark infested waters?" she arched an eyebrow at him. "Last time I checked the caution signs were still up."

  "They very rarely attack the boats." His phone beeped a few times. He was either getting a text or voicemail. She could see the effort it was taking him not to answer it. He got points for that. Gerald would have taken the calls and texts.

  "I saw the movie, Jaws. You're going to need a bigger boat. No thanks."

  "If you're chicken..." Marcus trailed off.

  Michaela refused to rise to the bait, no matter how much her competitive nature wanted her to. "Bawk Bawk," she said mildly.

  The next course was crispy wontons and fried spring rolls with a variety of sauces. Since they were sharing this plate, Michaela reined herself in. The food was the best she had tasted in a long while, although that could be the setting and the company.

  "What do you do when you're not surfing?" he asked.

  Michaela chewed while she thought up of an answer. Now that she knew how deep his hatred of lawyers went, she certainly wasn't going to own up to being one. Unfortunately, that left her with lying and she didn't want to do that.

  "I'm trying to find myself." She winced. "I hate how new-agey that sounds. What I mean is I want to start enjoying my life instead of just waking up, going to work, and going to bed. Wash, rinse, repeat. I think that might be what went wrong with Gerald. It got boring."

  She hadn't realized her hand was on his thigh until he tensed.