A Daring Affair (10 page)

“Hey, I actually got stood up by you,” said Charlie playfully, his blond head wet from surfing. “It’s a rare occurrence when women stand me up, you know.”

Mia stared at him for a few seconds. She had completely forgotten that he had invited her to a beach party a few nights ago. “I’m so sorry, Charlie,” Mia said, biting her lower lip in chagrin.

Charlie smiled at her as he planted his surfboard into the sand. “No worries. I figured you must have had something else to do that night. Like wash your hair.”

“I’m not usually so forgetful,” she said contritely.

“Forget about it,” he said cheerfully.

“Where’s your dog?”

“I took Derby to the vet this morning because he swallowed one too many pebbles while digging in the sand the other day.”

Mia winced in sympathy. “Ouch, hope he recovers.”

“He’s a tough pooch. He’ll be all right,” said Charlie. “You’ve been working hard lately?”

Mia nodded. “Lots of last-minute details to iron out before the guests can check in.”

“Hope you’re fitting in some fun in your work schedule,” Charlie said. “Maui is too beautiful to ignore.”

“I agree, which is why I’m here to enjoy the beach.”

“Why don’t I take you out tonight? There’s a great place I know that has some good music and great food.”

Mia hesitated for a moment. It
had
been a long and disappointing day, and she deserved to have some fun. As she looked at Charlie and his handsome, boyish features, she decided that spending the evening with an uncomplicated and carefree guy was exactly what she needed to cheer her up.

“Okay,” she said. “That sounds good to me.”

“Great,” Charlie said eagerly. “I’ll just drop my surfboard off at my place and come by to pick you up in a few minutes.”

“See you soon,” Mia said, already looking forward to a fun evening out.

* * *

Mia followed Charlie up the wooden stairs and into a pub brimming with locals and tourists. Different colored lights on strings were hung up in the interior and exterior of the pub, giving the place a festive atmosphere. A live rock n’ roll band had the patrons dancing and laughing.

She had changed into a navy blue mini-skirt and a black tank top for the evening, while Charlie wore a red Hawaiian shirt with tan shorts. He waved to the bartender and ordered two drinks while she sat on the bar stool and watched the people around her.

“Here you go,” Charlie said, handing her a pina colada. “Isn’t this place great? It’s always jamming, no matter what day of the week.”

“I can see why,” Mia said as she took a sip of her drink, while Charlie grabbed a bar stool and sat beside her.

“It looks like it’s very popular,” she said, watching one couple dancing enthusiastically to the music. She couldn’t help tapping her feet to the lively tune the musicians were playing.

“It is, especially among the tourists. They also have the best hamburgers here. Would you like to try one?”

Mia shook her head. “No thanks, but maybe next time.”

Charlie grinned. “I’m glad that there’s a next time, as long as it’s with me.”

Mia smiled back at him, almost giggling at his flirtation. She didn’t mind, since Eric had been super serious the past two days, and she needed some distraction.

“Wanna dance?” Charlie asked, holding his hand out, his blue eyes daring her to join him.

“Sure,” Mia said, taking his hand. She had always enjoyed dancing, and the current country music song made her want to join in on the fun.

They placed their drinks on the bar and headed out to the crowded dance floor. Mia was impressed with Charlie’s dance maneuvers.

“You know how to dance,” Charlie yelled above the music.

“So do you,” Mia yelled back, as the band played a popular country music song which had everyone singing along and doing a line dancing rendition on the dance floor.

One hour later, she sat back on her bar stool, feeling hot and thirsty. She glanced at Charlie, who sat next to her and noticed how he continued to tap his feet to the music. She drank the rest of her pina colada while Charlie gulped down his Mai Tai.

“For a minute there, I didn’t think I could keep up with you,” Charlie said, signaling the bartender for two Mai Tais.

Mia laughed as she watched him wipe his brow. He gave her a feigned look of exhaustion.

“Oh, come on,” she said teasingly, “a guy like you looks fit enough to withstand a measly hour of dancing.”

“Surfing involves sitting on your board until a good wave comes. Dancing is non-stop exercise.”

“So, where did you get all those muscles then?” Mia said impishly, looking at his biceps meaningfully.

Charlie held up one arm and flexed his muscles. “What these?” he asked. He wiggled his eyebrows, causing her to laugh out loud.

The bartender gave them their Mai Tais, and he raised his glass to her. “Okole maluna!” he said cheerfully, clinking his glass against hers.

“What does that mean?” Mia asked, taking a long sip of her drink.

“Bottoms up, cheers!” Charlie answered, grinning.

The rest of the night passed in a joyful blur as Mia danced with Charlie until the bar closed. She glanced at the clock above the bar and frowned when she read the time. “It’s only eleven,” she said in surprise. “Why is the bar closing so early?”

“Some bars, including this one, close early. Most people like to wake up when the sun rises to surf and do beach activities.”

“Oh well, I guess we better get going,” she said, disappointed. But it was for the best. It wouldn’t do for her to have dark circles under her eyes in the morning.

They left after saying goodbye to a few people they had chatted with on the dance floor. Mia enjoyed their lively conversation all the way back to the hotel as Charlie drove his pick-up truck. He parked his truck in front of Mia’s hotel and stopped her before she could open the door.

“Wait, Mia,” he said.

Mia turned to him and looked at him curiously, wondering about his suddenly serious expression.

“I just wanted to say thanks for a great night. I had a lot of fun with you.”

“I had a lot of fun with you too, Charlie. Thanks for inviting me.”

Charlie stared down at her, and Mia’s eyes widened in surprise as she took in his firmly fixed, concentrated look. He suddenly bent his head toward her, but she quickly jerked her head back. He abruptly drew back, a small frown marring his forehead.

“I’m sorry,” Charlie said, looking disconcerted. “I thought I could give you a goodnight kiss.”

Mia bit her bottom lip. She didn’t want to hurt him, considering he had been sweet and thoughtful all evening. He had insisted on buying her drinks and danced with her all night. But she was simply not interested in Charlie. She cared for Eric too much and she felt suddenly discombobulated by that thought.

“Charlie, I’m not looking for anything romantic with you,” Mia said gently, placing her hand on his. “You’re fun, you’re cute, and you’re a fantastic dancer but - “

“I’m not your type?” Charlie interrupted wryly.

He looked at her with such disappointment that for a moment, she wished she could deny her emotions and just go with the flow. Unfortunately, Eric had such a strong hold on her that she couldn’t lead Charlie on. Was she really that far gone in her emotions that she couldn’t even flirt with another man? She looked at Charlie and felt guilty. Perhaps she shouldn’t have gone out with him tonight.

Suddenly, Charlie smiled, squeezed her hand and gave her an understanding nod.

“Just my luck, I finally meet a woman I’d like to spend time with, and she’s not interested.”

“Oh, come on, Charlie,” Mia said with a teasing smile. She was relieved he wasn’t upset with her. “I’m sure you’ve met more than one woman in Maui who captures your interest.”

He paused for a long moment. “None of them is you,” he said quietly.

“I’m really sorry, Charlie,” she said, looking down at her lap.

She felt his finger under her chin. “Hey, we can always be friends, right?” Charlie asked.

Mia nodded eagerly. “I would like that. Can we shake on it?”

Charlie chuckled. “Sure.”

Mia held out her hand, and he shook it.

“Besides, you might change your mind one day,” he said teasingly. “You couldn’t possibly resist my muscles for long.”

Mia laughed, glad that he wasn’t so serious anymore. “Behave, Charlie.”

He laughed and watched Mia get out of his truck. “If you ever just want to hang out, you know where I am.”

“I’ll be sure to watch you catch some waves. Thanks again,” Mia said before Charlie drove off.

“Hot date?” she heard a deep voice ask before she turned around and found herself faced with Eric’s disgruntled stare.

Mia’s heart leaped to her throat as she took in Eric’s handsome features and his well-built body, dressed in blue jeans and a black T-shirt. She stood in front of the elevator in the lobby of the hotel.

“I was out with a friend,” she replied, glancing away.

Mia didn’t really feel like engaging in a conversation with him. She felt particularly vulnerable since realizing just how much she cared for him. The elevator doors opened and she was about to step inside when he took her arm and turned her to him. She looked up to find steely gray eyes piercing hers.

“Who was that who dropped you off right now?” Eric asked in a low tone that failed to hide his annoyance.

“Just a friend,” Mia answered. His attitude rubbed her the wrong way. He didn’t have any right to look so irritated.

“He looked vaguely familiar. Was he the guy I saw you talking to on the beach a few days ago?” Eric asked brusquely, his hand still on her arm.

Mia tried to shake his hand off, but his grip was firm.

“His name is Charlie, and we went out dancing tonight,” she said defensively.

Eric’s eyes reminded her of granite as they hardened at her answer. “I see,” he said slowly, removing his hand from her arm, “is that
all
you did with him tonight?”

Mia blinked at his question, laced with sarcasm she didn’t appreciate. She crossed her arms in front of her and looked at him with disgust.

“Just what are you implying, Eric?”

* * *

Eric was taken aback by Mia’s fiery glare, but he supposed he deserved her anger. He had been in an aggravated state of arousal since dropping her off Saturday night after their road trip to Hana. Barking at the inept construction men had helped, but the tension in his body had been increasing these past few days. He wanted Mia so badly, that every time he looked at her in the boardroom, his body ached. He needed an outlet for his frustration, and seeing her with another man had provoked him into behaving as badly as he felt.

“I’m sorry, Mia. I didn’t mean to imply anything.” He ran a hand through his hair, feeling confused and frustrated.

“I don’t bed hop, Eric,” Mia said, looking vexed. “I wouldn’t sleep with you, then sleep with someone else a few days later. What kind of woman do you think I am?”

Eric drew in a deep breath and wanted to erase the hurt on her face. “I think we need to talk,” he said, taking her hand and holding it in his.

Mia’s eyebrows rose, but she acquiesced, and watched him press the button for the elevator. Her silence made him acutely aware of his blunder earlier. He led her down the hallway toward the boardroom. He turned on the lights and indicated for her to sit down. He watched her sit on a leather chair while he continued to stand.

“I know that I’ve been giving you the cold shoulder lately,” Eric said, hesitating briefly. “Work hasn’t exactly been going smoothly, as you’ve seen.”

“I know, Eric,” Mia said with a sigh, “but your unpredictable behavior confuses me.”

“I confuse myself,” Eric mumbled.

Mia raised her eyebrows at him.

“I find you utterly desirable, and I’ve never been more attracted to a woman as I am to you,” he admitted reluctantly.

It was true. Mia had captured him from the beginning with her adorable personality, lovely face, and sexy figure. He had also discovered that she was hard-working and willing to take on any task he gave her.

“Well, if that’s true,” Mia said slowly, “then why are you so reluctant to acknowledge what’s happening between us?”

“I don’t want us to begin a relationship while we’re still working together so closely,” he replied. “Things can get complicated.”

“They are already complicated,” she said, frowning. “Won’t we still be working together when we return to Edmonton?”

“Yes, but you won’t be my assistant there.”

Mia shook her head at him. “Your logic makes no sense, Eric,” she said in a frustrated voice. “You would still be my boss.”

“No, Ben is your boss back in Edmonton.”

Mia stared at him for a few seconds before comprehension dawned. “Don’t tell me this is all about your own personal by-the-book rules. We both know there’s no set company policy against co-workers dating one another or of bosses dating their assistants.”

“There’s no specific rule or policy per se,” Eric said, looking away from her for a moment.

“So you broke your own personal rule not to date assistants because of me?”

“Mia, I didn’t break any rule, but I think that you and I should take it slow,” Eric said, wishing that he had not allowed his eyes to drift down to her tight black tank top. The tops of her breasts were distracting him, and all he wanted to do was pull down her top and kiss the tempting mounds.

“You’re the one who kissed me, dragged me into the bushes and pulled my bikini off,” she said. “I don’t think that’s taking it slow.”

Mia slowly crossed her legs, and he watched her short blue mini skirt ride up her thighs, exposing much of her long, silky legs. He nearly groaned out loud at her provocative gesture.

“I want you, Eric,” she said huskily, “and I’m not afraid to admit it.”

“Mia, we shouldn’t do this,” he warned.

“Do what?” she asked in a daring voice.

“This,” Eric said, swooping down to take her by her arms and wrap her close. Her soft body and smooth curves made him groan out loud.

“It’s about time,” she said, lifting her mouth up to his. He stared down at her tempting, lush lips and knew he was lost.