Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One (22 page)

We pile into John’s black Land Rover, with Mom riding shotgun. After the way John eyed Mom, I wasn’t about to get in their way.

***

If the Polynesian vibe wasn’t impressive enough, the landscaping from the garden view would further entice. Somehow, I pictured John taking us to an open bar. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

After ordering a sampling of Island grilled seafood and Lobster Bisque, I notice John’s gaze wandering to Mom. His eyes soften as he watches her scan the menu. I hold back a smile. Mom always takes forever to choose her food.

When Mom finally places her order, John turns to me. “So, Cara tells me you’re about to graduate with your Nursing degree.”

“Yes, this May.”

I proceed to tell John my plans, and he seems thoroughly interested. The small talk continues until the waiter brings our starters.

John leans toward Mom and reaches across to touch her arm. “Did you tell Kayla how you won the National Photo Award?”

My gaze snaps to Mom. A warm blush invades her cheeks as she shakes her head jerkily.

“What award?” I ask.

John’s expression clouds to confusion. “You didn’t tell her?”

“Uh, no. I um, I didn’t want…” Mom tilts her chin to John. “How’d you even know?”

“You said you were going to win the award, so I kept tabs on it.” He shrugs.

The planes of Mom’s face slacken as she stares at John momentarily. “Hmm,” she murmurs, before blinking her eyes a few times and glancing down at her bisque. “To get the right shot, I had to lean over a bit—”

“A bit?” John interrupts. He turns to me and shakes his head. “I take your mother on a trail. It was supposed to be a nice leisurely walk. Well, you know your mom. She couldn’t leave her camera behind.”

That brings a smile to my lips. Mom never goes anywhere without her equipment. “You never know when you’ll be presented with an opportunity,” she’d always say.

Mom chuckles, but John keeps talking. “To get the right angle, she leans over the edge of the cliff and loses her balance, sliding all the way down. Scared the bejeezus out of me. I mean, that’s how people die. I thought for sure I had lost her or something would be broken.”

“Besides my pride, the only thing broken was my lens.” Mom chuckles. “That photo cost me a pretty penny.”

“But you won the award.”

“I did and with it, recognition. I suppose, in the long run, that shot made me money.”

“So what happened?” I ask.

“I had to scale down the ledge and rescue her.”

As Dad laughs, I sip my soup as they recall their memories. I’m having fun. Tonight has turned out much differently than I thought. What would be stuffy and awkward with me answering tons of questions has been intriguing instead. It turns out John’s a lot of fun. I can’t wait to tell Kai that he was right.

**~~**~~**

Kai~

The smell of fried Spam alerts me to Mom’s whereabouts as I let myself in through the front door.

“Hi, Mom,” I say, pulling out a kitchen chair to sit.

“So nice of you to stop by and see me.”

There’s a playfulness to her tone, but I know Mom. She’s a little peeved.

“Uh, sorry. I’ve been busy.”

“What’s been keeping you so busy that you can’t find time to visit?”

“Not much,” I say, clearing my throat to keep the threatening smile from forming. “Just work.”

“Work, huh?”

I press my lips together and study her. The twinkle in her eye suggests she knows a little more than she’s letting on. I proceed carefully, not knowing how much information she knows.

“I take it you’ve talked to John?” I ask.

“He’s a mess.”

“That he is. I’ve never seen him like this.”

“I have. One other time, a long time ago.” Her eyes sadden.

“When Cara left?” I guess.

Mom nods, but remains silent for a beat. “It’s a shame that he didn’t get to know his daughter as she grew up, but at least he can get to know her, now.”

“But she doesn’t live here. How do you suppose their relationship could work?” I ask and then avert her stare, suddenly finding the stove interesting.

“Who exactly are you asking for, Kai?”

My gaze flicks back to hers. Working my jaw, I try to formulate an answer. How much has John disclosed?

“Uh-huh. I know all about you two.” Mom chuckles. “I never thought I’d see the day when you’d fall head over heels in love.”

“I’m not in love.”

“Aren’t ya?”

Her challenging look makes me squirm. And I’m faced with the reality of the situation. One I can no longer deny.

“Yeah, I guess I am.”

“Now, what are you going to do about it?”

Chapter
Thirty-Four

Kai~

The twinkling lights tacked along the window frames shine brightly against the black siding. Rick’s has outdone themselves with the decorating. Not. I glance at Kayla ready to make a smart comment, but frown instead.

“You look nervous.” I reach across the console and grab her hand. On impulse, I bring her knuckles to my lips and plant a soft kiss. Now that I’ve admitted my feelings about Kayla to Mom, I have to keep from saying those three words out loud. Our relationship is complicated enough without my confession adding more confusion. But damn, not telling her is tearing me up inside.

Kayla drags her gaze to me and smiles timidly.

“Hey, no worries. We’ll have fun.”

“Says the guy who knows everyone.”

“Nah, you’ll be fine. They’re a bunch of good guys.” I shrug. “Maybe a little crazy.”

That brings a wider grin.

“I’m not worried about meeting them. Not really.”

“Something’s going on in that cute little mind of yours.”

She sighs and shakes her head.

“I’m just feeling guilty for leaving Mom. This will be the last New Year’s Eve with her, and I don’t know”‌—‌she takes her free hand and twist a lock of her hair‌—‌ “part of me thinks I should spend it with her.”

“Shit. I never thought about that.” And I didn’t. Guilt courses through my body at my selfishness. My grip tightens on her hand. “I’m sorry. We can head back and spend the evening with her if you’d like.”

“I appreciate the offer, but Mom would be mad if we canceled our plans. I tried to tell her that you’d be good with staying at the condo, but she was persistent that we have fun tonight.” Kayla glances at her lap. “Today wasn’t a good day for her. But John’s coming over to stay.”

I raise an eyebrow. “John, huh?”

“Yeah.” Kayla tilts her face toward me. “You think that’s a good idea? Them hanging with each other, I mean.”

“It may be the much-needed closure they’re both seeking.”

“Yeah.”

Silence falls between us again, and the thought of us being separated trickles its way into my mind. I try to shake away the uncertainty, but my chest tightens despite my efforts. With a slight squeeze of her hand, I glance over at her.

“Let’s go meet my crazy friends.”

“Gladly.”

If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she looks relieved. There has been zero discussion of where our relationship is going after she leaves. I mean, it’s pretty obvious we can’t continue, but I don’t think either one of us is at the point of admitting the inevitable.

“Hey,” I say to Kayla before stepping through the entrance.

She turns those big violet-blue eyes toward me, and I pull her closer, reaching down to claim her mouth. We part, and one corner of my mouth rises. God, she’s cute when she’s a little dazed.

“I wanted a little piece of you to myself before sharing your attention with the others.”

She double blinks and nods as if she’s trying to get her bearings. Warmth replaces my apprehension, and I lower my hand to the small of her back. We step forward, ready to ring in the New Year with each other.

After introducing Kayla to Tabby, we waltz over to the bar where Kamp and the rest of the guys are stationed. Kamp turns to Kayla when we approach.

“Hey, fall girl,” Kamp says.

“My hero,” Kayla returns, placing a hand over her heart.

“Yeah, you know I’ll save you anytime.” Kamp winks.

That brings out the genuine smile in Kayla. Her shoulders visually relax as I pull out a bar stool for her. The one by Rocko, two seats away from Kamp, and I gladly position myself between them. No way am I subjecting her to Kamp’s antics all night.

“Rocko, this is Kayla.” I make introductions, and Rocko does his thing‌—‌indulges straight into a story. Hmm, having Kayla sit by him may have been a mistake.

“Do you know anything about zip-lining?” Rocko asks her.

“Look who just arrived,” Kamp mutters as Kayla gets absorbed in Rocko’s story.

My gaze strays to the door, and I hold back a groan. Bethany and her posse of friends strut inside. I turn back forward and eye Kayla. Rocko is still talking about his work.

“I knew we’d run into her by coming here,” I mumble.

“Have you talked to her since your confrontation?”

“No.” I steal another glance at Kayla. “I’ve been preoccupied.”

“Playing house?” Kamp’s tone is unmistakable.

“You can really be a dick sometimes.”

“Yeah, I know.” He laughs and smacks me on the back. “Hey, Kayla, don’t let Rocko monopolize your time. His stories have no endings.”

Kayla laughs while Rocko belts out, “Yeah, at least my stories have substance, unlike your bullshitting one-liners.”

I rest my hand on Kayla’s thigh as those two idiots bicker back and forth. She leans closer to me, and this just feels right. Although, part of me wishes we were alone. By the sudden twitch in my pants, my dick agrees.

The evening passes by, Laney bringing our drinks, and Rocko never being short for words.

“Where’s the restroom?” Kayla asks.

I point in the direction and pull her arm so she’ll bend down. I plant a kiss on her lips which draws some snickers from the guys.

“You seriously brought her here?” Bethany says behind me as soon as Kayla disappears behind the restroom door.

I glance between Kamp and Rocko, who are both cowering away.
Thanks, guys
.

Bethany slides into Kayla’s seat, and I grip the beer bottle tighter.

“Why wouldn’t I bring her?”

“Seriously? This is our place. What are you trying to do? She’ll be gone. And you’re just making a fool of yourself.”

I swallow past the lump lodged in my throat. In a sense she’s right. I’m not looking forward to Kayla being gone, and I’m not sure how I’ll be acting.

“You know I’m right. She has no business being here.”

“Drop it. Go back to your friends, Beth.” I stare her in the eye, but she doesn’t back down.

The click of heels coming to a stop beside me pulls my attention to Kayla. The apprehension on her face as she eyes Bethany sitting in her seat retches my stomach. I hate making Kayla uncomfortable. I reach across and pull her in between my legs. This draws a sneer from Beth, but I don’t care. I don’t know how many times I have to tell her it’s over.

Bethany huffs. “Isn’t this special.”

Kayla’s gaze shifts to Bethany. Her body stiffens harder than the wooden bar ledge, but she remains quiet.

I raise my eyebrows at Bethany, hinting for her to leave. She stands but pauses.

“You know, you’re just another piece of ass to him. One of many. And when you leave, you’ll be completely forgotten.”

Kayla flinches, and her mouth drops open. Kayla may not say anything, but I’m seething.

“Outside, now,” I demand and knock Kayla off balance as I stand. Stalking my way to the door, I don’t look to see if Beth is following. I know she will. I shove the door open ready to set Beth straight, once and for all.

**~~**~~**

Kayla~

I gnaw on my bottom lip as I watch Bethany follow Kai outside. I’m not sure how I feel about everything. I could’ve snapped back at her, but what if she’s right? What if I am completely forgettable? And the way she’s acting, they have to be closer than what Kai had let on.

“Kamp, be straight with me. How close were Kai and Bethany? Am I coming between them?”

A low grunt escapes Kamp as he runs his hand over his face. “Look, I like you. You’re fun and really nice. I can see where you’d be really good for Kai—”

“But?”

“But, I don’t approve.”

My stomach hurls at his words as I try to remain expressionless. I don’t need Kamp’s approval, but it’d be nice since he’s Kai’s best friend. “It’s not my intention to hurt him.”

“What is your intention?”

“I’m not sure,” I mumble. “But it’s too late to walk away. I’m in too deep.”

Kamp sighs.

“To answer your question, Kai doesn’t like Beth like that. They were just fuck buddies.”

I cringe. “That doesn’t sound like nothing.”

“Trust me. She knew the score. As far as I know, he never once led her to believe otherwise.”

That bit of information isn’t comforting. “It sounds like to me he was using her.”

“They were using each other. Don’t let her words affect you. She’s a bitch.”

I laugh. “I’m sure she has redeeming qualities.” Otherwise, what did Kai see in her?

“Very little,” Kamp says under his breath.

“I am so sorry.” Kai belts out as he approaches from behind me.

I turn to a deep, concerning stare with an intensity that causes me to shudder.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“I’m fine.”

He frowns at me.

“Really, I am.”

“Do you want to leave?”

I open my mouth to say no, but catch sight of a glaring Bethany, aka “The Bitch,” walking back inside, and I change my mind. The mental daggers she’d be throwing our way aren’t worth the hassle of trying to have a good time.

“Sure.” I slip off the stool and stand next to Kai.

“Don’t let her run you off,” Kamp says.

“It’s best if we leave,” Kai says.

“It was nice meeting you. Come join me at the zip-lining, and I’ll show you a better time than this bozo.” Rocko says, pointing to Kai.

“You wish,” Kai says.

“I may take you up on that,” I say, which brings a round of oohs and laughs.

“I think bringing you here was a bad idea.” Kai’s voice is teasing, but his body stiffens. Surely, he knows I’m kidding.