Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One (11 page)

We walk along the semi-crowded shore. It’s after four in the afternoon and by this time, most of the people are packing up ready to leave. This is my favorite time of the day to walk the beach. There’s a sense of serenity that descends upon the shore. The thrills of the day lower to hushed tones as the sun begins its descent. It’s peaceful.

“So, you’re studying to be a nurse. At Purdue?” I ask, breaking the silence.

“Yep,” she says with pride.

“I take it you like the school. But isn’t that in Indiana?”

She smiles coyly. Almost as if she’s embarrassed. “Yeah, and I know the U of I is where my loyalties should lie being I live so close to Champaign, but I love Purdue. I’ve always wanted to be a Boilermaker.”

“What the heck is a Boilermaker?”

She laughs. “It’s a long story, but the nickname dates back to the late eighteen hundreds. Between Purdue’s rich engineering habits and football team, the mascot developed.”

Okay, that didn’t help explain anything, but I let it drop. I’ll Google it later. “And you graduate in May, right?”

“Yes.” Kayla sighs. “But I plan on attending graduate school. I’d like to obtain my Nurse Practitioner license in Family Medicine.”

“Oh, that’s ambitious.” I’m not sure why that surprises me. Kayla’s disposition has always been on the serious side. No wonder she isn’t like any of the girls I’ve been with.

“Yeah, I set my goal high, but not too high. I didn’t want the commitment it takes to become an actual physician. Believe me; their courses are tough. One of my best friends, Brian, is on track to become a doctor. I wouldn’t want his regime. Mine’s worse enough.”

My jaw ticks. Brian? Her best friend is a male, and he’s studying to become a doctor? Why the hell is she messing around with me?
Shit.
I clear my throat.

“That’s good.” I scramble to switch topics. I need to steer the conversation away from the golden boy M.D. “Did you and your mom go sightseeing today?”

A huge smile crosses her face, and I know she’ll go into another monolog about the island’s beauty. I can’t help smiling in return. I love her ramblings.

“Yes. We went to Allerton Gardens.”

“I love that place. I’m sure you saw the Moreton Bay fig trees?”

“Heck, yeah. That’s one of the first things I wanted to see. I loved
Jurassic Park
growing up. I can’t believe how tall and wide those trees are in real life. Robert Allerton was a unique character. Such a visionary.” She smiles as if recollecting a memory and then glances at me. “Did you know where he moved here from?”

“Somewhere in the Midwest, I believe.”

“Yeah, my hometown. Monticello. His massive house still stands along with the grounds. It’s called Allerton Park. He donated the land to the University of Illinois…”

We walk hand in hand along the stretch of beach as she rambles‌—‌every once in a while I smile, not so much at what she says, but at the passion in her voice. I could listen to her for hours on end.

A large rocky cliff stands in our path, marking the end of our shoreline. Not wanting to play mountain climber, we turn around to head back.

The beach is more deserted than earlier. The cries and screams of children have died down. We pass a volleyball game that’s still going strong, and Kayla’s stare lingers as it had earlier when we walked past.

“Do you like playing volleyball?” I ask.

Kayla nods and squeezes my hand. “I played in high school.” She faces back forward, and we resume walking. “I do miss it.”

“Not me. I hated playing the sport—”

“Hey, Kayla,” a male voice interrupts from behind us.

We turn around, and Kayla breaks into a huge grin. “Ray, back at playing the game I see.”

Who the fuck is Ray? And how does she know him well enough to warrant that smile?

Ray’s gaze drops to our joined hands, and a hint of confusion crosses his face. He averts his eyes back to Kayla. Not liking the way he’s eyeing her, I drop her hand and place my arm around her shoulders.

“Yeah, did you two want to join? There’s always room for more players.”

Am I a dick if I want her to say no?

Kayla glances over at the volleyball net. The longing in her eyes makes it apparent how badly she wants to play. But considering I just said I hated it, I’m not surprised when she shakes her head instead. And I feel relieved. Yeah, I’m a dick.

“No, I’ll pass this time.”

“Ah, come on. We could use your spiking skills.”

How well does this asshole know her? I try maintaining a neutral expression but the blush sweeping across her face makes it impossible. Maybe they go to school together.

“I still have to pass.” Kayla’s eyes flicker toward me then widen. “I’m so sorry. Kai, this is Ray from Ohio State.”

Okay, scratch going to school together. I remove my arm from Kayla and shake his hand. It’s a firm handshake, not cocky in the least. Damn. Ray seems like a decent guy.

“I better rejoin my team before they lose.” Ray grins at Kayla and then nods at me. “It was nice meeting you.”

“Likewise.” I nod and reclaim Kayla’s hand as we step in the opposite direction. We’re a good distance away before either one of us speaks.

“I met Ray on the plane coming here. He sat beside me.” Kayla lets out a laugh. “He probably thinks I’m neurotic. We ran into some turbulence and, of course, I freaked out. He kept talking, which kept me from panicking.”

Jealousy courses through my body, and I frown at not being the one to console her.

“Not keen on flying?” I glance down at her.

“Not really, but I’ll do it.” Kayla smiles that genuine smile at me. “It’s worth it to come here. Otherwise, I never would’ve met you.”

**~~**~~**

Kayla~

Two things occur simultaneously after my admission. The air surrounding us thickens to where I can hardly breathe, and Kai’s eyes darken with desire. There’s no wondering this time whether he’ll kiss me or not. He doesn’t allow enough time to formulate a single thought. One moment, I’m smiling at him, and then the next, a low growl escapes from deep within him as his lips crash upon mine. Our fingers untangle, and Kai places his hand on my lower jaw, guiding it toward him.

My lips part from the gasp that escapes and Kai doesn’t miss the created opportunity. His tongue slips inside while his fingers grasp the nape of my neck. The hint of cinnamon tantalizes my taste buds, and my tongue greedily accepts his.

A strange tingling sensation of heat overcomes me, beginning at my neck and surging through my body straight south. Every nerve ending seems heightened with need‌—‌a need that only Kai can fulfill.

Kai pulls me closer, my arms slipping under his. My core clenches as if pleading for more. I grasp the back of Kai’s shirt in my hands, knowing I do want more. More of his mouth. More of his hands. More of his body. Oh God, I’m actually turned on.

His fingers press into my skin, and I let out a tiny moan. Kai breaks away, still holding me against him and rests his chin against my head.

“Sorry, I envisioned our first kiss a little differently,” Kai says, his chest rising and falling, his panting amplified against my ear. “I didn’t mean to rush this.”

“No, it was perfect.”

Kai squeezes me closer. “We can take this somewhere more private.”

My body stiffens at his suggestion, and he quickly backs away to look me in the eyes.

“I didn’t mean how that sounded.” Kai scans the deserted beach area. “I just meant somewhere where we wouldn’t be on display. I didn’t mean we would‌…‌uh, never mind.”

I try to suppress my smile, but he’s too dang cute.

“You hungry?” he asks randomly.

“For food?” I challenge and then laugh. His mouth drops open and eyes bulge at my half-attempt at a joke. I bump his shoulder with mine and turn, so we’re side by side. “Yeah, I’m a little hungry.”

He shakes his head and laces our fingers together. Leaning close to my ear, he murmurs, “Sweetheart, you can’t say that to a guy. I’m so turned on right now; it’s all I can do to stop myself from throwing you on the sand and fucking the hell out of you.”

Now, my mouth drops open, but Kai isn’t laughing. The heat is still present in his eyes, and my body is doing strange things. I glance at his swoon-worthy abs. Even with them covered, that doesn’t help. I’m now picturing them naked.

Why the heck does Kai’s words affect me so much? I should be offended. Not be turned on even more.

I flick my gaze back to him, and Kai takes a deep breath. A strange understanding passes between us, and we resume walking to Kai’s car as he slowly releases a breath.

I’m attracted to this guy‌—‌an actual real attraction. And the worst part is, I know nothing about him. Like at all.

“Do you have any brothers or sisters?” I ask.

“I have an older sister, Lauren. She’s twenty-seven. Married with two kids.” The corner of his mouth rises. “My niece is all girl. She’s four and wants to be a princess. But my two-year-old nephew is crazy wild. My sister has her hands full with that one. I assume you’re an only child, right?”

“Yeah, Mom never married. She doesn’t even date.” I grow quiet, wishing I never steered this conversation toward family. But I can’t get to know Kai without my full disclosure.

“What about your dad? Does he come around much?” he asks.

“No. Not at all.” I squeeze my eyes shut momentarily to let the hurt pass. I hate that I still care. “I’ve never met him.”

An awkward moment passes before Kai raises my hand to kiss it.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to jar bad memories.”

“That’s all right. My memories aren’t bad, just lacking.” I smile appreciatively to him. “Your parents still together?”

“They were until my father passed away when I was fifteen.”

“Now, I’m sorry.”

“Nah, I’m used to it. I miss him like crazy because he was a great guy, but I’ve had plenty of time to get used to it.” We reach the edge of the beach and step on the parking lot. “My boss, John, took on the father-figure role. He tries his best to keep me in check.”

Kai winks, and I melt a little from that look. I’m not sure which is worse; having a father you loved die or never meeting him at all. I’m glad Kai had someone to step in and be a role model. It’s important.

“So how old are you? When’s your birthday?” I ask while we trudge across the black asphalt. A topic change is definitely due.

“I just had a birthday on the second. I turned twenty-four. I’m guessing you’re twenty-one?”

“Happy belated birthday. But yeah, I’m twenty-one. I’ll be twenty-two on April seventeenth.”

“Big plans?”

We reach his car, and he opens the passenger door for me.

“Hardly,” I answer in an amused tone. I settle upon the seat and raise my chin to him. “Speaking of plans, you still haven’t told me what we’re doing tomorrow.”

“Ah, that’s because it’s a surprise.”

My forehead wrinkles. “I don’t like surprises.”

“Everyone likes surprises. You just don’t like waiting for it.”

I laugh. “Maybe.”

Kai shuts the door and walks to the driver’s seat.

“Can’t you give me a hint? I need to know what to wear,” I ask as soon as he gets situated.

“Wear something casual and bring a jacket.” A wily grin crosses his face. “Those are the only hints I’m giving.”

I shift back into my seat and stare out the windshield as Kai backs the car up. When we press forward, I don’t say anything else while he drives to the restaurant. I don’t know what’s in store for our date tomorrow, but one thing’s for sure, I can’t wait to find out.

Chapter
Eighteen

Kai~

Quaint, one-story buildings line the main road as Kayla and I drive into town. There are a few older, two-story structures in the mix, but all the storefronts have a rustic appeal. The scene is colorful and unique with each store sporting a specific color. I’m hoping Kayla finds this place interesting.

The informality of last night’s date was perfect. And I learned more about Kayla. Like, she’s a damn good kisser. I definitely want those lips back on mine before the night ends. But right now, the goal is to show Kayla around town before revealing my surprise for the evening.

“I’ve been here before.” Kayla’s eyes brighten, looking at the stores. “What’s the name of the town?”

“Hanapepe.” I pull into a parking spot along the road and throw the gearshift into park. “You’ve been here already?” I keep my tone even, trying to mask my disappointment.

“Yes, on our Waimea Canyon tour. The tour guide took us on the swinging bridge.”

“I guess there’s no need to show you the town then.” I half-grin and give her a sideways glance. She looks a little sheepish.

“Not unless you want to.” Kayla half-shrugs and peers at the vendor signs cluttering the sidewalk. Souvenir T-shirts starting at five dollars is advertised everywhere. Keyword‌—‌starting. “It is a quaint town.”

“Nah, it’s not a big deal. But yeah, the town’s historic. Used to be popular back before Lihue shopping center took over.” I throw the car in reverse but remain stationary. “What I really want to show you is the sunset. Hanapepe Bay isn’t too far from here.”

A huge smile breaks across her face. “We’re going to see the sunset?”

I double blink at her, surprised that a sunset could make her this excited. And watching the sun dip into the water isn’t what I’m anxious about.

“Even better, we’ll see the sunset along the Na Pali Coastline.”

Kayla snaps her head toward me, surprise flickering in her eyes.

“I thought you could only reach the Na Pali coast by boat,” she says cautiously.

“Yep.”

Kayla’s eyes widen further, and her mouth drops open. “Are we going by boat?”

The cautioning tone in which she asks makes me half-afraid to answer. If she has a fear of boats, I’m screwed.

“Yep,” I say.

“Oh my God. I can’t wait.” Kayla lets out a tiny squeal. “Where we’re staying, the mountain blocks the sun setting, so I haven’t seen it yet. Thank you. You have no idea how badly I wanted to see this, especially along the Na Pali Coastline.”