Holiday Hookup

by Jamie K. Schmidt

  “I call that my chickpea of the sea mix.”

  He groaned.

  She nibbled on her southwestern-flavored tofu salad. He drew the line at that.

  “What’s wrong with egg salad?”

  “Nothing. Eggs are very nutritious. This is just a different sandwich filling. It doesn’t always have to be the same three things.”

  “What three things?” Blaine was missing her homemade potato chips. But he settled for a granola bar instead.

  “Deli meat,” Selena ticked off the list on her fingers. “Egg salad, chicken salad.”

  She had a point.

  He stared out into the rolling blue waves, impressed by the huge crash of white foam that the waves made up on the beach—not that you could really call it a beach. There was some black sand, but mostly it was made up of rocks.

  “Mother Nature is a scary bitch, isn’t she?” he said.

  “I wouldn’t want to piss her off.” She folded the cloth sacks that she had stuck the sandwiches in to avoid using plastic baggies. Even their water bottles were the refillable kind.

  It was a different mindset over here. He’d have thought nothing of getting his to-go lunch wrapped in foil or in a foam container. Blaine would have finished his lunch and tossed it in the garbage without a second thought. Except there weren’t any trash cans around here and he was glad for that.

  Leaning back against the cliff wall, he closed his eyes briefly. He hadn’t wanted to admit it, but the climb had taken a lot out of him. He wasn’t as in shape as he thought he was, company gym membership aside. He rubbed at an aching pain in his calf.

  “Come here,” he said once they were done with lunch. Selena scooted over and sat between his legs, leaning her back against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and breathed in the sweet scent of her hair. It smelled like the spearmint-and-eucalyptus shampoo that Mikelina bought for him. Selena smelled like him and he liked that on a primitive level. These past few days had passed so quickly, it felt like an erotic dream. He didn’t want it to end and as much as he wanted to get back to the Pilot Project and that damned stupid camera sensor, Blaine needed to cram as much fun into the next week and a half before he’d have to give her up forever.

  That caused another pang. This time in his chest. Even the lure of Christmas didn’t soothe the unease he felt about leaving her and Maui. He wondered if a long-distance relationship would work. Would it bother him that she was cooking for billionaires in Tahiti, Milan or anywhere that didn’t have a foot of snow? Would she even be interested in trying to continue whatever this was? Or did this even exist because they were on vacation time instead of reality time? He’d like to find out.

  Maybe the past few days were catching up to him, but he felt like he could drift off to sleep right here. As it was, he didn’t think he was up to climbing down the rock anytime soon. But the good news was he didn’t have anywhere else to be. Except that didn’t feel like good news. He had to stop from berating himself for not checking in to work for a few minutes before they left. He wondered if they figured out the blind spots in the cameras yet.

  “You’re quiet,” he said, when he realized he was brooding for a while.

  “Just thinking about something else Titus said.”

  “Ugh, don’t let that asshole take up any more of your time.”

  Giving a half laugh, she said, “Yeah, well speaking of assholes, guess who’s coming to the wellness center this weekend?”

  “My brother?”

  She turned her head back to look at him. “You’re expecting your brother to visit?”

  “No, but you said asshole and my mind immediately went to him.”

  “Your brother is an amateur compared to Anton Koslov.”

  “He’s coming here?” Blaine said. “Want me to punch him for you?”

  “Yes. No. I thought you were working on that?”

  Shrugging, Blaine said, “Some people deserve it.”

  “I’m not arguing that. I’m arguing that you think you’re the designated hitter.”

  “The offer is out there. That’s all I’m saying. I know a great way of avoiding him. You can hang out in my room. Naked.”

  “That’s altruistic of you,” Selena said. “But Titus wants me to cook him dinner.”

  “I think I have a recipe that involves chocolate Ex-lax.”

  “Don’t even joke about that.”

  “So are you going to do it?”

  “It’s five hundred bucks.”

  “I’ll give you five hundred bucks not to,” he countered. And he would too. There was no reason she had to risk her old boss ripping into her. She didn’t work for him or for Titus.

  “That’s very generous, but I said I’d do it.”

  “Why?”

  “I thought the money was the deciding factor, and the irony of using it for Cordon Bleu. But now that I’m thinking about it, I want to do this for me. If I’m ever going to stop letting him rent space in my head, I’ve got to face him down with my best dish—something I know has thrilled and delighted countless clients.”

  “Have you made it for me?”

  “Guess what you’re having for dinner tonight? You’re going to be my guinea pig.”

  “What is it?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  “Normally when people say that, I know I’m not going to like it. But you haven’t made me a bad meal yet, so I’ll let you get away with the secrecy.” He hugged her in close and kissed her cheek, which was the only part of her face he could reach at this angle. “I’m sure I’m going to love it.”

  “Just a little hint, is there any fish you don’t like?” she asked. She knew Anton was deathly allergic to shellfish, but luckily, she knew from experience that he didn’t have a problem with tuna. It was hard not to tweak the recipe in her head. She didn’t want to mess with a well-tested recipe, but on the other hand, could she make it better?

  “I’m not a fan of tuna fish.”

  Selena winced. “What about ahi?” She held out her hands about a two feet part. “The big tunas.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever had it. Is it like salmon?”

  “Salmon has a stronger flavor and a different texture and mouthfeel. How about sushi?”

  “I try to avoid gas-station sushi, but when it’s catered, I like it.”

  “Gas. Station. Sushi? It’s like you’re speaking English, but I don’t understand. Why would you purchase sushi from a gas station in Detroit?” Selena heard the shrill note in her voice and tried to dial it down a notch.

  “Exactly.”

  “The sushi you’re going to get from me, or pretty much anywhere else on this island, was happily swimming a few hours ago.”

  Blaine shrugged. “I’ll try it. What does Chef Dickhead like?”

  “He’s picky about his fish, but I know a place that has the freshest around. Plus my homemade furikake seasoning will blow his mind.”

  “Did you just say you have furry khaki seasoning?” He snort-laughed.

  “Yes,” she sighed. “It tastes like chipmunks in resort wear.”

  “Now I can’t wait to try it.”

  Banging her head against his chest, she said, “That’s all you’re going to remember about this dish, isn’t it?”

  “Maybe,” he said, tucking her hair over her shoulder so he could put nibbling kisses on her neck. The quick intake of her breath made him slide his hand up her shirt. Holding her breasts in his hands, he flipped up her bra and rubbed his palms over her nipples. Selena arched into him, giving him better access. “Do you like that?”

  “Yes,” she said shakily, her hands on his knees. “Let me touch you.”

  He lifted his mouth from that sweet spot on her neck. “Not just yet. Unbutton your shorts.”

  She did and shimmied her shorts down a bit. Pulling her up
his body a bit, he stroked his hand down into her panties.

  “Blaine,” she said.

  “No one can see up here.” He kissed up to her ear. “I can’t keep my hands off you. I want you to come while we watch the waves.”

  She was hot and wet when his fingers reached between her legs. He tickled them through her folds before circling on her tight bud. Jerking against him, she tilted her head so he could plunder the other side of her neck.

  Reaching back, Selena tugged on his hair and squirmed against him. He moaned and rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger, while his other hand stroked her into coming. Her hips raised and twitched and she moaned filthy words under her breath. Painfully hard, Blaine kissed up to her ear again.

  “I dare you,” he said, and she drenched his hand as her orgasm shook through her.

  He released her and eased his shorts down. Selena turned over and bent her head over his cock. She took him in her mouth, licking around him. Now it was his turn to grip her hair and gasp out at the ocean. As she bobbed her head up and down his shaft, he fought not to come instantly. He wanted to enjoy her sweet attention and the way she sucked on him hard and slow.

  “Fuck,” he groaned out. The rhythm of her mouth on him made it impossible for him to keep it together. It felt too good. Too exciting. Too much. He bit his lip from roaring out his pleasure. “Oh, sweetheart. Oh, baby. You’re incredible.”

  She chuckled and his eyes slammed shut. He licked his fingers, tasting her and that was it. He came in great shudders. Selena took all of it and kissed the tip of his cock when she was done. Handing him his water bottle, she smiled at him. “You all right?”

  “Huh?” he said dazedly and let her button him back up.

  After fixing her clothes, she took a long drink from her water bottle and cuddled up next to him. “I like the view, but I’ve got to say your bed’s a lot more comfortable.”

  “You’re the one who wanted to get me out of my comfort zone,” he said, stroking her hair.

  “I didn’t think I’d wind up with road rash from it.” She showed him a scrape on her hand.

  Blaine kissed it. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. Are you ready to head back? My back will be sore if we sit up here any longer.”

  “Sure,” he said. “Let me go down first?”

  “Why? So you can catch me when I fall?”

  “No, so I don’t land on you when I do.” He was only half joking. Standing up, he made a show of bending to pick up the backpack, but he was really testing his knees. So far, so good. Down had to be easier than up, right? Keeping the rope that some kind soul had tied off to one of the rocks in ready reach, Blaine began the careful trek down.

  Up had been easier because he could see where he was going. But through hugging the wall and ignoring the shooting pain in his leg, he managed to get his feet back on the ground. He stood close to help Selena, but wound up being distracted by her ass as she came down. She had no problem. They held hands and took it slow back up the path to the motorbikes, but by the time they reached the top, Blaine felt dizzy. He sat on his bike and finished the water bottle while Selena called for Uncle Rollo so he’d be waiting for them.

  The feeling hadn’t quite passed when they started up, but he kept it slow and steady. By the time they got to Uncle Rollo, he had a blinding headache. He had never been so happy to slide into the backseat of an air-conditioned car.

  “You don’t happen to have any ibuprofen in that magic backpack do you?”

  “Never leave home without it,” she said, digging into it. She handed him two tablets and the rest of his water. “You okay?”

  “Headache,” he said, closing his eyes. Leg ache. His back wasn’t too happy with him and all of a sudden, he was exhausted. The next thing he knew they were back at the Maui Wellness Resort and Selena was shaking him awake.

  He blinked and sat up. “That was quick.” After reaching into his pocket, he tipped Uncle Rollo a hundred. “I appreciated the motorbikes. They were a lifesaver.”

  “No problem, brah. If you need me, just call.” He handed both of them his business cards.

  Selena was out of the car before Blaine could get out and open her door. He was moving slowly, but his aches and pains had eased slightly.

  “You need some help?” she asked him.

  “I think I need a day off. I’m going to have Mikelina cancel my activities tomorrow and just spend the day relaxing in bed. I might go in the hot tub if I’m feeling adventurous.”

  “I’ll let her know, Mr. Stephens,” she said with a fake bright smile. Then she nodded to him and walked away.

  What the hell? Why so formal?

  “Did you enjoy Pe’ahi, Mr. Stephens?” Titus Dukes said from his left.

  Shit. He hadn’t seen him standing there. How much had he seen? Blaine was pretty sure he hadn’t had his arm around Selena.

  “Good. Tiring. I might have pushed myself a bit.”

  “We can move your sunrise meditation to a sunset one tomorrow?”

  “Sure,” Blaine said moving toward the elevators. He couldn’t care less about his schedule tomorrow. He was having a hard time keeping his eyes open. Stifling a yawn, he was glad to see that Titus had faded back under whatever rock he crawled out from under. All he wanted to do was face-plant on his bed for a quick nap and then take a nice long shower to get all the kinks out of his muscles.

  Maybe he should see if Keoni and Malia did house calls.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  SELENA WALKED UP to the bedroom when Blaine didn’t answer her when she came in. He was sleeping deeply and peacefully. She covered him up with a light quilt and let him sleep. Since she had already bought all the ingredients, she made her furikake seasoning and set it aside. Then she prepared the ahi tuna in bite-size chunks and made the rice. By the time everything was done, Blaine was still out cold.

  He needed his sleep, so she put plastic wrap over the poke bowls and set them in the fridge. They’d make a nice light lunch. After shutting off all the lights, she smiled wistfully up the stairs and let herself out. She knew Blaine wouldn’t mind if she crawled into bed next to him, but she didn’t want to disturb his rest. His body had finally forced him into taking what it needed. Selena guessed it started with the good food and exercise and now sleep was the next thing Blaine required.

  Titus was waiting by the elevator and looked at his phone when she came out. Had he been waiting for her? Maybe it was a good thing Blaine was tuckered out.

  “Did Mr. Stephens like his Wagyu beef?” Titus made a face and shuddered.

  “Yes.” Selena figured the best lies were the shortest ones. And it wasn’t really a lie. He was going to enjoy it for tomorrow night’s dinner instead.

  “Did he seem sick to you?”

  She shook her head. “Tired, maybe.”

  “I hope that’s all it is. I wish he hadn’t ordered the steak tonight.”

  “I’m going to give him my ahi poke tomorrow for lunch.”

  Titus brightened. “That’s a good idea. A test drive for Friday night.”

  “When is Chef Koslov arriving?” So she could avoid him like the plague.

  “He’s arriving that morning and leaving Sunday. We’re hoping to hire him to do cooking classes for our guests who are interested in learning how to eat healthy.”

  Reason number one thousand and one that she would never work here.

  “Where were you today?”

  “Why?” she asked. It was none of his business. He saw her leave Blaine’s penthouse after breakfast. Blaine wasn’t on property for lunch, so she didn’t have any duties as far as Titus was concerned.

  “I was looking for you. I thought we could go paddleboarding.”

  Eek! “I went to see some friends Upcountry.” Another lie—sort of. Blaine was a friend. And they had been Upcountry.

&
nbsp; “Some other time,” he said.

  She should really shoot him down and tell him that there wasn’t a chance in hell of that happening, but she didn’t want him to get offended. And no matter how nicely she said it, she knew Titus didn’t take rejection well. Maybe she could drag Mikelina with her. “Sure,” she said and pretended to yawn. “I should get to bed early. Have a good night.”

  Her skin crawled as she felt his gaze on her as she walked away.

  * * *

  The next morning, she let herself in to make Blaine his breakfast. This time, she could hear him snoring from all the way downstairs. After heading right to the kitchen, she started the coffee. She was cubing pineapple and mangos when he stumbled in fresh out of the shower, wearing nothing but a towel.

  “I overslept,” he said groggily.

  “You needed it.”

  “What day is it?” Blaine stretched.

  She admired the view. He had a great body. “Thursday morning. You had a decent night’s sleep.”

  “No wonder I feel like Rip Van Winkle. Can you hook me up?” He tapped his vein.

  “Coffee or the internet?”

  “Both, but I can get my own coffee.”

  She let him pour his own cup while she set up her phone for a hot spot. “One hour.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said sitting at the table.

  She placed a bowl of yogurt topped with fruit and nuts in front of him.

  He eyed it. “That’s it?”

  “Well, you did miss dinner last night. What would you like?”

  “An omelet?” Blaine asked hopefully.

  “Just cheese?”

  “Can I have Spam in it?”

  “No.” Selena resisted the urge to hit him with the spatula.

  “It’s the national meat.”

  “Calling it meat is a stretch.”