Chief Distraction

by Kelly, Stella

  Why did he have to be so hot?

  His strong jaw line and rugged features were softened by plump, inviting lips. His come-hither chocolate eyes and those eyelashes, well, she could look at them for days. Although overtly muscular, his taut physique suggested he spent as much time on cardio as pumping iron at the firehall gym. He clearly had an athlete’s build, but there was so much more depth to him than just a body. The way he’d been with his nephews, his take-charge actions at the sugar cane field, even the warmth of his smile invited her in. Thoughts of Chief Kalani came to a screeching halt as the phone in the living room rang. Blythe shook her head, clearing the images of The Chief riding his surfboard.

  <><><>

  “Hello?”

  “Aloha, Miss Davenport?” Mak took a deep breath, shoving down his nerves.

  “Yes.”

  “It’s Chief Kalani.”

  Silence. “Oh, aloha.”

  “I’m calling to arrange another interview. I realize the other day didn’t work out as planned, but you still need an interview, right?”

  “Um,” she paused, probably considering it. Mak got the impression she was racking her brain for an excuse.

  “Listen,” he interjected, sensing the tension, “I understand if you’re not interested. I think you and I got off on the wrong foot. I’m trying to make up for that. Will you give me a chance?”

  “Sure,” she said with a reluctance Mak couldn’t overlook.

  “Why don’t we meet at the Hali’imaile General Store for lunch tomorrow. I have a proposition for you.”

  “A proposition?” Her voice sounded laced with alarm.

  “I have the perfect location for our next interview. I’ll let you know at the restaurant. And of course Big Lou is invited too. Sound good?”

  “Okay then, I’ll call him and ask. How about noon?”

  “I’ll meet you then.”

  Chapter Seven

  Sitting on the porch of the Hali’imaile General Store Restaurant, Blythe felt the cool breeze coming off the nearby pineapple field across her face. In the heat of the blazing mid-day sun, it was much appreciated. Easing back in the wicker chair, she crossed her legs one way then another, unable to get comfortable in light of the circumstances. The suspense behind the meeting was killing her and on more than one occasion she considered darting for home – as in her Chicago home.

  “Come on, Lou, where are you?” she said under her breath. She was relying on him to be her buffer. As if on cue, her phone beeped and she checked the incoming text.

  ‘Unable to make it, City Girl. Say hi to The Chief for me!’

  Internally cursing Lou for abandoning her, the realization that she and Chief Kalani would be completely alone for a good hour – with nowhere to hide and no foreseeable excuses to leave – forced her anxiety to spike.

  A moment later, her stomach jolted at the sight of the oncoming yellow Fire Chief’s SUV, right on time. He pulled into the lot, parked and hopped out. Unaware of her stare from a safe distance, she enjoyed an eyeful without feeling overt. His shirt pulled snuggly at his wide firm shoulders, the rest of the material tapering down his tight torso in a natural athletic ‘v’. It wasn’t wise to get distracted by his killer body, especially since he was riding the coattails of a powerful curse. She’d done her homework on one said Fire Chief. Age forty-one, six years in the Air Force after graduating high school, promoted to Fire Chief two years ago – one of the youngest to make the cut. Well respected, all around likeable guy – with the worst track record ever in the dating department. The curse was alive and kicking, though she was convinced it was a self-fulfilling prophecy if ever there was one.

  “Hi!” he waved, finally seeing her.

  Rising, Blythe brushed down the creases in her cotton skirt before smiling brightly in his direction. For some reason, she wanted to give him her full exuberance. As if her smile might take a bit of the edge off the tension that resided between them, even if it was one-sided. She knew the reason it was there, even if he was thankfully none the wiser.

  “You found it okay?” he asked, putting out a hand.

  She shook it, feeling sparks. “Yes, I’ve been here before. Wonderful food.”

  “Where’s Lou?”

  “He won’t be joining us. Didn’t give a reason. Looks like it’s just you and me.”

  He smiled at the observation and held the door for her. She nodded a thanks as she entered, noticing how strong his hand looked as it gripped the door handle on the way by. She took a few deep breaths, calming the anxious fire of unease that crept up her body. Pure tension. She felt exposed, like an imposter on the brink of being revealed.

  They stood for a moment, waiting at the entryway until Chief Kalani took charge and made pleasantries with the hostess who showed them to a discrete two-seater by the window where he pulled out her chair for her. A gesture Blythe noticed and appreciated. If he knew who she was, she was certain he’d be far less gentlemanly.

  Chief Kalani stretched out his long legs and inadvertently brushed one against Blythe’s calf making her acutely aware of their intimate proximity.

  “So, I know you’re interested in a local story about Maui fires and the MCFD,” he said, pausing.

  “Yes,” Blythe opened her menu but was too distracted to browse it just yet. He’d peaked her curiosity. “We’ve decided to feature local heroes this month.”

  “How about doing a story on Maui wildfires and how we handle them.”

  Blythe pondered the suggestion, wondering why he was so eager to help her out. “I suppose we could. What did you have in mind?”

  “Well, if you want to see the real damage and ecological impact of fire, you should come out to…”

  Chief Kalani held that thought as the waitress approached their table. They sat back as she told them about the scrumptious specials, their eyes playing a sort of cat and mouse game with each other as they listened. When the waitress left, he leaned forward.

  “Would you like to come to Kahoolawe with me next Saturday and see the wildfire’s aftermath with your own eyes?”

  “Wait, you mean that island in the middle of nowhere? Isn’t it deserted?”

  “Yes and no. It’s uninhabited and off limits to visitors.”

  “But not firemen?” Blythe sounded hopeful. This could be a potential angle for a story, but being together on a deserted island might be too close for comfort. She took a deep breath before meeting his gaze. He’d put her on the spot and he seemed to notice.

  “Big Lou could come too,” he added.

  “Seriously?” Blythe asked with relief. Unless the big guy’s missing in action again.

  “Of course. We’ll need his camera skills.”

  “Right,” Blythe bit her bottom lip. “Wait, isn’t there a Fireman’s Convention next Saturday? The advertisements are posted everywhere. Shouldn’t you be going?”

  “Yep, but I could blow it off. I’ve gone every year since I started this career. It doesn’t change much.”

  “But you’re the Fire Chief.”

  “Do you want to go or not?” he laughed.

  She watched him watch her think it over. “I’d like that.”

  “Good. I’ll arrange a boat and meet you after lunch this Saturday. I just have a few things to sort out in the morning.”

  “On the peer?”

  “The one and only. There’s just one thing, and I hope it doesn’t frighten you off.”

  Blythe’s heart raced. What was he about to say? Had he found out who she was and what she’d done? “Yes?”

  “The Kahoolawe Island used to serve as a target range for ships and aircraft during and after World War II. It also served as a prison back in the day.”

  Blythe stared in silence, gaping.

  “Even though the Navy has spent tons of cash to clean up the bombs, there will always be an explosive threat on the island. Target Island can be a very dangerous and unpredictable place to visit.”

  She swallowed. “Target Island?”
>
  “Do you still want to come with me? We’ll stick to the designated paths.”

  “If you think it’s a good idea. The last thing I’d want to do is endanger our lives.”

  “Come on, live a little. Besides, I owe you one after your last piece was cut short at the cane burn.”

  “Okay. Sounds like a great scoop. So what kind of damage are we talking about,” Blythe sat back.

  “The wildfire raged and the island ecosystem suffered for it. Unlike the mainland, the ecosystem can’t adapt and some of the rare species were destroyed and won’t return. It’s terrible devastation, but you’ll see what I mean. The minute we step onto that island you’ll see.”

  “That’s awful,” Blythe pulled out her notepad and jotted a few lines down.

  “You’re thorough.”

  “I am. I want to make sure I have…”

  “All the facts, I know.” He winked, surprising her. Was he flirting or was it her imagination?

  “How big an area are we talking?”

  “Five acres, enough to make a huge impact.”

  “Hmm,” Blythe kept her face on the page, writing.

  “You know, that fire was one of the highlights of my career, though it was devastating to watch the island go through that.”

  “It was a big one I understand.”

  “Absolutely. There’s no fire station there so we had to use helicopters, rescue boats, and our bush attacker hummer.”

  Glancing up, Blythe watched his face light up as he mentioned the oversized vehicle. “Big toys for big boys.”

  “I do love our hummer,” he said, grinning boyishly again. A deep dimple she hadn’t noticed before emerged front and center.

  Blythe wanted to know more about the hulking man sitting across the table; wanted to know what made him tick. On the other hand, she didn’t want him knowing too much about her. She would have to stick to small talk.

  “Tell me about yourself. How long have you been a fireman?”

  Chief Kalani pulled his chair in closer. “Is this line of questioning for your article?” He smirked and in that moment, Blythe spotted the relaxed version of the Fire Chief. The playful side she’d witnessed up on the volcano. It was refreshing and drew her in deeper.

  “Strictly business,” she said flirtatiously, surprising herself. “So, how long?”

  “Sixteen years. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do…to help people. I can’t imagine any other line of work.”

  “That’s commendable. Knowing what you want I mean.”

  “Yeah, I think so too. I know what I want.”

  Blythe couldn’t help but view the comment as suggestive. His confidence was infectiously alluring. If only she knew what she wanted. There’d always been something missing, a longing for more balance. Being a workaholic will do that to a girl. “So how does it feel to be one of the youngest Fire Chiefs?”

  “It’s an honor. I’m humbled every day by the opportunity. I’m proud to walk in my ancestors footsteps.”

  “Wow, tell me how you really feel,” Blythe smiled warmly.

  He chuckled, “Prior to joining the county fire department, I was in the U.S. Air Force crash and structural crew. That’s helped me out in all sorts of areas of my life. After high school, I was in a car crash. It really changed things. I joined the Air Force to help get through the pain. I was numb for the first two years after the crash, going through the motions.”

  “That’s terrible.” She studied his face, wondering if the crash happened before or after he’d dumped and humiliated his girlfriend into cursing him publically. “Life can be extremely unpredictable.”

  “True,” he said, still lost in the past.

  “The Air Force, huh? That’s a tough road.”

  “You’re not kidding. Training to become a firefighter was similar to my military training though. They break you down, level you out, then build you back up better than before. Physically, mentally, all of that. It was a tremendous accomplishment.”

  “Hmm,” she smiled, holding his intense gaze. He looked lost in thoughts of the past. “So tell me a little about the Maui County Fire Department.”

  “Well, we protect four islands in total. Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and the uninhabited Kahoolawe.”

  “Hold on,” she said, “let me get this down.”

  <><><>

  It was Mak’s turn to study her while she wrote. He decided he liked the way she tilted her head, the way her long silky hair cascaded over her shoulders. She was stunning, yet natural, with an elegant simplicity about her, not to mention sexy curves and killer legs. He glanced down the side of their small table, eyeing her calves and her stylish heels.

  “So how many are you?” she asked, interrupting his nagging fantasy.

  “How many?” he asked, puzzled.

  “Men. Sorry.”

  “Oh, we have 270 fire fighters, fifteen fire stations across the three islands, ten fire stations in Maui alone.”

  “That’s a lot of muscle and testosterone. Any female fire fighters?”

  “Two at other stations. Wanna join? I’m sure we’d love having you around.”

  Blythe’s face flushed. He could tell she enjoyed his flirtations. “Tell me about your equipment,” she blurted before realizing how it sounded.

  Mak coughed a little and laughed. “My equipment or the station’s?”

  Blythe’s cheeks flushed even more if it were possible and she grimaced. “The station’s of course.”

  “Well, we have fifteen fire engines, five tankers, three rescue boats, eleven utility vehicles, three personal water crafts, three mini-trucks, two helicopters, and my personal fave, the hummer as mentioned.”

  “So lots of machine to back up the muscle. And don’t tell me, each and every vehicle has been blessed.”

  “In a special ceremony, yep.”

  Blythe wrote feverishly until the waitress arrived to take their order.

  “So how may calls do you get a year, on average?”

  “About eight thousand, give or take a thousand depending on the year.”

  Blythe’s face flashed with obvious worry, “So you endanger yourself that often?”

  “Not exactly, but thanks for your concern. That number includes major and minor fires, medical calls, technical rescues, car accidents, and natural disasters.”

  “Like floods, hurricanes, high surf, stuff like that?”

  “Yep. And mudslides.”

  Blythe flipped the page and kept writing. Again, Mak took advantage of her absent gaze to stare her down and devour her beauty as he inhaled the scent of her luscious perfume. She intoxicated him to no end. Did she have any clue what she was doing to him?

  <><><>

  Over the course of the meal, the conversation veered away from Chief Kalani’s career into new territory, as directed deliberately by Blythe.

  “How about your family. Are you married? Kids?” she pried, trying to get a reaction.

  “Um, no.”

  “Why not? A good looking guy like you?”

  She noticed him stall as he rubbed his clean-shaven chin, thinking. “It’s complicated.”

  “Oh, how so?”

  “Man, you really are a reporter. Can’t you turn that skill off for a minute? We’re here to talk about wildfires, not my wild personal life.”

  His use of the word ‘wild’ made her sit up straighter. “Sorry, I get carried away. And you’re right, your wild personal life is none of my business, although I’m tempted to ask what your definition of wild is.”

  Chief Kalani laughed. “Very tame, I can assure you. I’m a pretty simple guy. Just fighting fires and big wave windsurfing, that’s it.”

  “I can one-up you in simplicity,” Blythe said as their eyes locked. “I only have a career, nothing more. No hobbies.”

  “Nothing?”

  “Nothing.”

  “What about sports?”

  “Nope. I’m a city girl, remember?”

  “A haloe, I forgot. No cooking or sh
opping addictions?”

  “Cooking? Are you seriously asking me that question after the ham incident?”

  “Right, forgot about that too,” he shook his head and smiled. “Your sister was right. You should come out to Big Beach with me sometime. Get on a board. I’ll show you a few things.”

  Blythe fought a grin. From what she knew about his reputation, he probably could teach her a few things. But she wasn’t that type of girl. She suspected she wasn’t wild enough even though he claimed to be tame. Besides, his supposed curse was like an invisible force field keeping her at bay – that and her secret. Her practical side fought his intriguing lure, but it took a lot of energy not to succumb. Especially after seeing him half naked at Makena Beach yesterday. Those images of his taut, tanned physique were burned into her brain forever.

  After they ate, they chatted lightly about the island and some of the harrowing rescues he’d been a part of until he paid the bill and they stood to leave. Again he pulled out her chair, a gentlemanly gesture she couldn’t overlook. Perhaps the curse had changed his wicked ways? Mellowed him over the years. But then again, wasn’t that the natural progression of maturation? Judging him on his actions from twenty years ago was down right petty. Still, once a player, always a player as they say.

  As he walked through the restaurant, Blythe noticed women at other tables checking him out. Again, she was struck by how attractive he was, how physically dominant compared to other men around him. Realistically, if one followed Darwin’s theory, this guy was the very definition of ‘survival of the fittest’. If anything, she expected he would be beating women off with a stick, or at least married to a supermodel with a couple of perfect kids by now – if it weren’t for the curse. Local women, especially native Hawaiian women, take superstition with great seriousness. He didn’t stand a chance.

  The Chief shook her hand, holding it a little longer than she expected as they said their goodbyes. She agreed to meet him on Saturday at the peer, knowing full well she could always back out at the last minute if Lou bailed on her again. If he did, she’d kill him.