Playboy in Paradise: The Complete Set

by S. L. Scott

  “Are you alright?” Sunny asks, dropping the newspaper to her lap.

  “Um…” I pat the couch, still trying to come to terms with where I am. “Yes, I’m fine. I think.”

  Sunny looks at me funny then turns the paper around and says, “Look, Southern Shores is today. Johnny called and asked if I’d help him at this t-shirt booth he’s working. I think you should come. It’s a major surf contest and they’re usually a blast.”

  She sits forward, lowering her feet to the ground, and asks, “I know that you and Zach talked last night. Have you given any thought to what he said about time?”

  “I tried, but I was exhausted and fell asleep. It was almost three in the morning, but I do agree that if we decide to give us another chance, we should do it knowing that stuff like this can’t happen again. We need to be built on trust and honesty.”

  “Are you ready to make that kind of commitment?”

  “Yes,” I readily answer. “But I want to make sure I’m with him for the right reasons. The chemistry is there and I never question that. I think his commitment to me is there. I love him, but I don’t want to end up hurting him either. I can’t be with him because I think I can save him. I don’t want to be his savior. Everyone else seems to want that from me. I want to be his partner. I want him to heal because he finds it within himself to want to heal. I want him to move forward, because he sees a better tomorrow for himself.”

  “I think that’s a good way to look at it and you’re definitely not a replacement for Lani. It’s pretty damn obvious how much he cares about you.”

  “But you know what I went through when Will cheated on me. That was tough to handle and I’m already in deeper with Evan, so I need to know about that text. I know this sounds silly and contradictory, but at the same time, I really want to trust him, so I might have to take his word on this one. I’m not sure what to do. And if you say ‘give it time,’ I’m going to smack you, Sunny.”

  She stands up and walks to the opening of the hallway. “Mallory, don’t rush things. You have a lot going on in your head that needs sorting. I really do think you need to give yourself some…time,” she says with a chuckle as she suddenly runs down the hallway into Zach’s room, avoiding the pillow I throw at her.

  “I hate you, Sunny!” I yell, partly joking…okay, fully joking, but damn it, I need someone to tell me something different.

  I shower and get dressed in some of Sunny’s clothes. After searching frantically for my phone and still not finding it, I concede and tell Sunny I’ll go with her to the surf contest.

  As she’s driving, I look down on the floorboard and see my purse, relieved to find it. I pull out my phone and then drop my head back while closing my eyes in frustration. It’s dead.

  I’m supposed to be giving the whole ‘us’ thing serious consideration, but I can’t stop the ache in my chest over the pain he must be feeling about how things went down last night. I sit back in the seat and start thinking about all that I know about Evan. There’s so much more to him than most give him credit for, but I see him, the real him under the arrogance and privilege, and how much he has to offer the world. I will never forget how he’s shown me happiness and made me feel desired and alive. Glancing to Sunny, I ask, “Can I use your phone?”

  Her expression reassures me that I’ve made the right decision. She doesn’t give me a hard time or make any faces or jokes about not being able to stay away from him. She hands me the phone. “I don’t have Evan’s number, but he’s with Zach.”

  I scroll until I find Zach’s name and push the button. Four rings and then I’m sent to voicemail. Unsure of what to say, I waver and sigh. “Hey Zach, it’s Mallory. Um…” Looking to Sunny, her smile is sympathetic. She sees my struggle. “Will you let Evan know I called? Thanks.” I was disappointed I didn’t say more, but with my emotions still swirling, it was hard to get that much out.

  On the drive to the beach, Sunny doesn’t pressure me for a conversation she knows I’m not ready to have. She gives me time.

  When we arrive at the beach, we both squeal when Johnny greets us with a tight, squeezy hug. He seems happy, which makes me smile. I wonder for a split second if it’s because he’s seeing Sunny, but then he introduces us to Lorelei, and that thought is instantly replaced. Johnny rests his hand on her lower back as she stands to shake our hands. She’s pretty—Hawaiian in heritage with long hair and beautiful, dark gleaming eyes. When Johnny talks to her, his face lights up, and my heart melts seeing him so smitten. He seems to be getting over Sunny just fine.

  “Lorelei has this cool vintage looking t-shirt line. We have a booth set up and get swarmed between each heat.”

  “I really appreciate you coming here to help me out today,” Lorelei says, smiling at us.

  It’s good to be busy and will hopefully take my mind off of my own problems, but I know deep down that it won’t take my mind off Evan. Nothing could right now.I put on a smile for them, and ask, “No problem. Glad we can help. Where do you need me?”

  Sorting the folded t-shirts by size and color makes me feel useful. I thought I wanted things off of my mind, but I should have known that was impossible. I do the assigned task and let my mind ‘go there.’ Reliving the events of last night isn’t fun, but I find chinks in the flow of the evening that lead me to the only conclusion I can live with: it doesn’t matter what the text said. Ultimately, I do trust Evan. He doesn’t need to lie to me because he doesn’t have a reason to. He loves me. I know because I feel it in my own heart. Plus, when he professed his love publicly the other night, I was sure half of Hawaii heard him.

  Watching the surfers out in the water, I hear Noah’s name announced in the heat as the lead in the contest.

  Noah!

  It was Noah who wronged me, us. Noah spied on us and then used that information against Evan which also ended up embarrassing me in front of everyone including Evans’ parents. He sacrificed my reputation for his own emotional gain. And all for what? Because he wanted to tear Evan down again? My anger rises to the surface. What seemed cloudy and convoluted now seems so clear. Suddenly it’s as if the world has shifted back to a time where Evan and I belonged together. And damn it, I want Evan. He’s my sexy surfer and I love him. It’s time I fight for him.

  ‘Noah Kalei wins the final heat and the Southern Shores champion title,’ the announcer blares through the speakers scattered on the beach.

  I look up, focused on the main stage thirty yards away. “Perfect timing.” I consider rubbing my hands together in an evil fashion and releasing a crazed cackle, but I save the dramatics for another time. I don’t want to seem deranged when I see Noah or he won’t trust me enough to listen. And boy is he about to get an earful! I start walking, a newfound confidence surging through my veins.

  37

  Mallory

  I track Noah down behind the winner’s stage where he just had beer dumped on him.

  He’s doing an interview, but as soon as he’s done, I call, “Hey Noah.” I keep my eyes on his, not looking at the large trophy in his hands, purposely not acknowledging his win.

  “Mallory!” He hurries over and hugs me, lifting me up off the ground, spinning around, and planting a kiss on my cheek. I won’t give in and wait for him to put me down. His brow furrows, but he recovers quickly and smiles. “I won! I really won.”

  He holds out the shiny trophy for my appraisal. I keep my tone flat. “Yeah, so you did. I wanted to see if we could talk for a minute. I mean, I hate to interrupt…” That’s not true at all. “…your celebration back here, but—”

  “I’m glad you’re here. Yeah, let’s celebrate. Have you been to a luau? You told me before you want to go to one before you leave. My family is having one tonight. I want you to come with me.”

  “Oh, um, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’d like to talk now,” I say, knowing there are a few choice words I want to say to him, but unlike him, I’d prefer to say them in private.

  Looking over his shoulder at hi
s dad, who is beaming and shaking hands with other spectators, he turns back and says, “Well, I kind of have to go now. Come with me. We can talk there.”

  I’m too angry inside and need to right this wrong that has gone on too long. I can’t let this slide any longer, so I agree. “I guess I’ll come for a bit, but we need to talk—”

  “Great! Meet me over in the parking lot in ten, okay?”

  “Fine,” I say, my chipper tone to most would render me untrustworthy, but he takes it at face value. I need to get this over and done with, location is irrelevant to me. I turn on my heel and walk back to the t-shirt booth. This is right. This is what I should’ve done over a month ago. Evan was right. I can see the lies behind Noah’s eyes so clearly now and I can’t wait to call him out. His victory party just might turn out to be my own personal celebration.

  I let Sunny know I’m going with Noah. She’s shocked by this revelation and warns against it, but I can’t let this opportunity slip away. “What am I supposed to tell Zach if he asks about you? You know he’s with Evan today.”

  “I don’t want you to lie, but I need to settle things. I can’t let this drag out any longer.”

  “Like settling a score?” she asks, eyebrows raised.

  “Don’t be so dramatic!” I laugh. “I’ve got to resolve this, not for Noah, but for me…and Evan. It’s time I set things straight with both of them and since I’m not with Evan, I’m starting with Noah.”

  I meet Noah in the parking lot at his Jeep. He has the engine already going and the trophy loaded in the back with his board strapped on top. He’s excited and the sheer happiness on his face is kind of contagious. The friendship we’ve shared is starting to override the memories of the tug-of-war he made me play against Evan. When he takes off down the road, his tires leave a trail of rubber on the cement behind and I hold on to the side for safety.

  “Mallory,” he starts, raising his voice above the wind blowing through the open-air Jeep. “I wanted to tell you that I’m sorry about last night at the party. I shouldn’t have said those things in front everyone. My temper took over. I’m sorry.”

  “You humiliated me, Noah,” I say, anger coating my tone. “Why would you do that? Why would you hurt me like that?”

  “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was trying to show everyone that Ashford treats you like every other girl he’s ever had sex with. You’re not special to him like you are to me. You were blinded by the money. I get that, but he’s all surface and show, Mallory.”

  A gasp escapes me at his insult and I feel disappointment color my expression. “You think so little of me. I guess this is good to find out now.” Feeling betrayed, I want to leave, hiding how his words, his true feelings, hurt me, but I don’t. I have to be strong and finish what I started by coming here with him. I take a deep breath. “Listen Noah. I’m gonna say this once, so pay attention. Evan means a lot to me. I’m not gonna lie or downplay how important he is. What I share with him is real and he treats me well, better than you think. He treats me like he loves me and that’s all I want from someone I’m with.”

  He pulls into a lot and parks, killing the engine and hopping out. I get out and meet him at the front of the car, trying to keep him focused. Clearly he’s not focused on me at the moment. I can’t blame him for that, though. I do feel a lot of other blame can be placed squarely on his shoulders. “We need to talk about this now.”

  “We’ll talk, but my family is waiting. Let’s go over and say hi, and then we can take a walk on the beach and talk.” He turns and walks ahead, across the short green grass of the park toward the beach picnic area.

  I trudge behind him and watch over the next hour as his family grows in numbers and he has to spend time with each arriving member. I swim in my own irritation, unfriendly, and unwavering in my anger waiting on him.

  The sky turns dark and I’m tired, extra pissed, and ready to talk, so I call him over.

  He jogs toward me, apologetic. “I’m sorry, but winning today is my dream come true. I kind of got caught up in the party. You want a beer or something?”

  “No. Can we finish talking, please?”

  He rolls his eyes, shaking his head as if he’s been waiting for this confrontation all along. The way he’s playing this off fuels my irritation. “Why are you so mad?” he asks. “I was honest with you, which was more than Ashford was and you’re throwing it in my face. So go ahead and shoot, Mallory. I can take it. Just know before you get pissier, I actually like you.”

  “You’re being so self-centered.” I mimic his eye-roll. “This… this expectation you seem to be holding onto between us, it’s got to stop.”

  “So Ashford finally got to you. I knew he would.” His cocky side starts to come out. “I kind of expected it sooner. He must be losing his touch.”

  My hands fly to the air, representing my temper that I lose control of. “Evan didn’t work on me or turn me against you, Noah. You did a fine job all on your own. Last night proved that to me.”

  “He’s got you fooled,” he says, shaking his head in disappointment. “You leave in a month. Do you really think he’s going to be faithful once you leave? Hell, he wasn’t faithful with you here. You heard that girl at the party. He’s been talking to her all along—”

  “No, he hasn’t. I know it’s a lie. I know it.”

  “How? How can you tell? I’ve seen him lie with a confident smile on his face, believing his own bullshit.”

  I look off toward the ocean and the reflection of the moon on the choppy waters before crossing my arms and looking back up at him, staring him in the eyes. “He didn’t cheat. I believe him. He loves me and he wouldn’t hurt me.”

  “He only declared his undying love for you because you were leaving with me, baby,” he says as he reaches for me, stroking my cheek.

  “Don’t call me that and don’t touch me! You only pursued me because Evan was interested. You covered your lies in the charade of a friendship. Were we ever real friends, Noah? Did you ever really like me? Because if these are your true colors than you win and I lose because I trusted you.”

  “You’re no loser and we met before I knew about Ashford being in the picture, but even I can man up, unlike him, and admit, it did make the chase more appealing.” He chuckles, looking away briefly. When his eyes target mine again, he says, “Then I wanted to fuck you to prove a point to Ashford. But I didn’t take that further because I actually care about you.” His hand touches my cheek again and his voice is softer as if that will take the sting from the words he confessed. “He’s a fuck-up, Mallory. I’m a winner. I got the trophy to prove it today.” He laughs. “I know you feel the chemistry between us. Give us a chance.”

  I turn from his touch, the contact prickling my skin as a warning. “I said don’t touch me.”

  Offense is written all over his face and his jaw hardens, all hope disappearing from his eyes. “I think you’re right. Let’s skip the foreplay and celebrate my win with a first place fuck.” His large hands reach around my body, grabbing me by my ass and pulling me roughly against him. Just as he leans in for a kiss, I start to struggle, but his hands hold me firmly in place, so I can’t back away or take a swing at him like I really want to do.

  I finally manage enough strength to shove back, which is like pushing off of a brick wall—unmoving, and intimidating.

  “Noah!” I scream, shocked by his abrasiveness and audacity, wondering how far he would have taken things if we weren’t surrounded by others.

  “C’mon, baby. How long are we gonna pretend we don’t want this?” he asks, signaling between us. “I’ve seen you check me out more than a few times.”

  I feel dirty, dumbfounded by what an asshole he’s become. But with his new found confidence, that I assume he got from winning the surf contest, I realize he’s serious. He actually believes I want him. My hand goes out to stop him. “So let me get this straight. You think I’ve been ‘pretending’ to not want to sleep with you? For real?”

  “Oh, there
’d be no sleeping involved, sexy,” he says smugly, grabbing me against him again.

  I don’t know if it’s his face, his gall, what he said about me at the Ashford’s party, his complete lack of respect for Evan being in my life, or maybe all of the above, but the emotions that have been simmering inside of me the last twenty-four hours boil over when he calls me baby again. Only Evan has earned that right. Feeling strong—mentally and physically—I slap his face, a knee-jerk reaction before logic catches up.

  When the palm of my hand makes contact across his cheek, the sting is immediate, like a bed of tiny needles piercing my skin. I stumble back, grabbing my hand and squeezing it into a fist to fight the searing pain. “Holy Hell!” My eyes begin to water as the pain holds steady.

  Noah’s laughing, but it’s the loud snarl from a few feet away that grabs my attention. There stands Evan and I lose all feeling of pain as my eyes connect with his, my heart soaring as everything becomes clear in that moment. Evan is everything that matters. He’s mine and I’m his and all of our good intentions are good enough.

  His eyes hold only love for me as he comes closer. Taking my hand in his, he brings it to his mouth and kisses it. The sense of relief I feel from his tenderness heals all wounds. I just want to leave with him, escape to our own world, wishing I could take away all the bad that’s ever been and love him forever.

  But Evan has different ideas about how the next few minutes are going to go. And just like how he’s passionate about me, the flip side to that passion is his hatred for Noah. When I see his expression, eyes glaring at his enemy, I know it’s too late. My heart is pounding in my chest, my head spinning as I try to figure out how I’m going to stop a war that’s already begun.

  38

  Evan

  “Evan, Stop!” I hear my dad yelling as I make a dash from the hospital to the car. I see red after what that hospital clerk told me and I’ve got to go and now!