Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One (21 page)

“Not going to lie, it’s a little strange. But it’s just a kitchen.” In one fluid movement, Kai’s arms wrap around my waist and his lips graze the tip of my forehead. “As long as you’re here, that’s all I need.” His warm breath tickles my skin.

“Yeah?” I tip my chin to look him in the eye at the same time his mouth pecks the tip of my nose.

“Yeah, but I think you’d look better”‌—‌his fingers sneak underneath my shirt strap‌—‌“if this was removed.”

The strap slides loosely down my arm. The rough skin of Kai’s thumb skims across my bare shoulder, and then his lips connect where his fingers traced.

“You think?” Apparently, my vocabulary has been reduced to a toddler’s level as my maximum two word-count comes out choppy and throaty.

“Mmm, yeah.”

Kai’s mouth nibbles its way to the tender spot behind my ear. My white knuckles release the table edge to grab hold of his hips. Kai has reinstated his hands-off policy, but perhaps that only applied to last night. The way he brushes my hair aside to expose my flesh further suggests he’s planning a more interesting evening.
Thank God!

A soft growl-like moan escapes Kai’s mouth. His hands wander everywhere; his lips follow suit. More daring than last night, I move my hand over his groin, my touch eliciting a deeper guttural sound than before as Kai leans into my touch.

“I. Want. You. Now,” Kai says in between kisses. His hands slip to the top of my shorts, and I jump with a start as the deafening buzzer rings through the air. Kai’s shoulders drop and shake with laughter.

“Supper’s ready,” I breathe out, half disappointed.

Kai backs away and plants a quick kiss on my mouth. “Let’s get that roast out. We are
not
letting that go to waste.”

“Hmm, food before sex. Very interesting.”

“Only tonight, because I’m starving.” He pivots and turns off the oven. I chuckle as he grabs the new red oven mitts with the dancing green and red jalapeños. His nose crinkles as he holds them up to inspect. “Cute.”

“It’s the only red mitts I could find.” I shrug.

Kai quirks an eyebrow. “Let’s put them to good use, shall we?”

I open the oven door and the delicious scent wafts through the air.

“Mmm, that smells
so
good.” Eyes shining, Kai inhales deeply and bends to remove the roaster pan. Placing the container on the countertop, he lifts the lid and says, “God, I love…” He freezes; the roaster lid still in his grasp. He clears his throat and then proceeds like nothing happened. “I love the fact that you can cook.”

A stupid grin the size of Waimea Canyon crosses my face as I stare at his backside. He’s so fricken’ cute. I dismiss his flub and proceed to the overhead cabinets.

“Plates are…”

“There.” He points to the cabinet by my head.

I open the door and sigh. Two plates? A quick scan only shows one bowl. “You have the fewest place settings known to man.”

“Well, grab them and get over here. I’m ready.”

“Okay, jeez.” I hand Kai a plate, and he grabs hold of it, bending down to kiss me. His mouth distracts me momentarily, and then he breaks away and spins toward the countertop. Dazed for a moment, I watch him pile on the food.

“Did you just kiss me so you’d get your plate first?”

“It worked, didn’t it?” Kai chuckles and swats my butt on his way to the table.

I scoop a spoonful of carrots onto my plate, and notice Kai’s food is half-gone.

“Hungry?” I ask bewilderedly.

“Mm-hmm‌…‌you‌…‌no‌…‌idea,” Kai mumbles between bites.

I shake my head, laughing, and then join Kai at the table. He finally slows down long enough to take a drink of water.

“After we eat, I’ll take a shower, and we’ll go for a walk. That’s if you’re up for it.”

My eyes gloss over as I lean toward Kai. “I’d love that.”

Besides Kai’s appreciative moans, we eat in silence until Kai takes his last bite.

“Thanks, babe.” Kai leans back and pats his flat abs. “It’s been a while since I had a home-cooked meal.”

“You’re, welcome.” I shove a forkful of potatoes in my mouth. He finishes way before me, but I’m taking my time.

“I hate to bring this up right now, but when are you going back to your mom’s?”

“Trying to get rid of me already?”

“Hell, no. Not with these awesome cooking skills.”

Kai’s grin is so wide and genuine; I can’t help but chuckle.

“Tomorrow. I’ll go back tomorrow.” I place my fork down and heave a sigh. “Who knows how many good days I have left with her? And when my semester begins…”

I don’t finish that thought because I don’t want to think about how busy I’ll be. Or how the lesser amount of time I’ll get to spend with her. I’d defer my last semester, but I know Mom. She’d never let me do anything of the sort. Besides, she’ll want to see me graduate if she makes it that long.

After a beat of silence, Kai says, “So, no supper tomorrow then?”

His shit-eating grin tells me he’s kidding. And it works. I laugh.

“Seriously, though,” he says in a softer tone. “I can take you back in the morning before work. I don’t have to be there until nine.”

“Are you sure? It’d be a two-hour commute for you.”

His gaze softens, but there’s another layer of emotion present. One, I can’t quite read.

“Of course. You’re totally worth it.”

“All right then.” I pop the last bite of my roast beef into my mouth and chew. As much as I want to be with Mom, I’m a little sad to leave Kai’s house. I’ve only been on the island for eleven days. That’s not enough time to know anyone, but it still doesn’t erase the fact that I’m as comfortable here as in my dorm.

“We also need to talk about your dad.”

A small moan escapes as I close my eyes momentarily. “I know, but I seriously don’t know how I feel about him. He’s a total stranger.”

“John’s your father. If you try to get to know him before heading back home, you’ll feel better.”

“I don’t know.” I shake my head. “It’s so hard wrapping my head around having a dad.”

Kai’s face softens. “I understand, babe. But he keeps asking me about you. And it’s only been one day.”

“I’ll call him tomorrow.” My gaze rises to meet Kai’s. “If you say he’s a nice guy, then I trust your word. But I don’t promise to be the stand-up daughter.”

“Nobody’s expecting you to. Just take it one step at a time.”

I nod and stand to clear the table.

“You don’t have to do the dishes. I’ll get them done.”

Kai swiftly stands to help, but I smack his hands away, the mood shifting to a lighter, playful tone. I stack the dishes next to the sink and then turn the water on before picking up the dish towel.

“I’ll get them. You, get your shower.”

Kai nestles behind me, and his hands run down my sides, landing on my waist. He draws me to him and leans next to my ear. In a deep sexy voice, he murmurs, “Are you going to join me?”

I turn to face him as my lower muscles spasms at the thought of his naked, wet body. But as tempting as his wicked grin is, I stand my ground.

“No.” I flick the towel at him. “Get ready. You promised me a walk.”

Chapter
Thirty-Three

Kayla~

I release a slow breath as Kai lifts my suitcase out of his trunk. Enough time has passed, and I’m ready to handle Mom. I’m looking forward to being there for her now. It’s Wednesday morning. One week and one whole day left before Mom and I leave the island. It’s time to make the most of our last vacation together.

“Thanks again for bringing me back.” I reach to take the suitcase once Kai places it on the ground.

“Hey, I’ll get that.” Kai slams the trunk lid shut and turns to grab the handles. As he reaches down, he nuzzles my ear, and in a low deep voice, he growls, “And don’t start with the thank you’s again. Or I’ll have to dole out the proper punishment.”

My gaze flits to his while my mind reverts to the first morning we spent together. Holy cow, did I enjoy his form of punishment. Heat surges along each nerve path as my body yearns for an encore presentation.

The corner of Kai’s mouth lifts into a panty-soaking grin. “Thinking about our first morning together?” He breaks away and struts to the stairs.

“Damn, my stupid flushed cheeks,” I mumble under my breath. They give me away every time. And it’s way too early to be this turned on.

“Has anyone told you how much of an ass you are?” I yell, half-irritated, half-joking.

“Every day, babe. Every day.”

I shake my head as I follow him up the steps. Of course, the way his cargo shorts snug his round, firm butt wipes away any irritability. I certainly don’t mind the view.

When we reach the top, Kai leans down and plants a tender kiss on my mouth.

“Sorry, but I have to go. I don’t want to be late to work.” He backs away and steps to the side. “Laters, baby.”

“Oh God, don’t say that.”

“Why?” He scrunches his nose and looks confused.

“Because, it’s a reference from‌…‌well, never mind. Just don’t say that phrase.” I wasn’t about to admit I read smut.

“I’ll call you later.” He steps down a few stairs and looks back at me with a sly grin. “Oh, don’t worry. I don’t have a secret sex room or anything.”

Son-of-a‌…‌my mouth falls open as I stand there, listening to Kai’s fading chuckles.

After digging out my fob key, I open the door in search of Mom. I remove my shoes and abandon my suitcase in the entryway. Mom isn’t hard to find‌—‌she’s out on the lanai, drinking her morning coffee.

“Hey,” Mom says, giving me a weak smile. “You just get back?”

“Yeah, Kai dropped me off.” I pull out a patio chair and sit.

“I’m so sorry, honey. I know I screwed up. Bad.”

The look of remorse on Mom’s face twists my stomach. And I knew from this point forward, I would no longer be mad.

“No, Mom. We’re done with apologies. We move forward from this point.”

A genuine smile breaks across her face, and the glistening in her eyes tells me she’s going to be okay. For now, anyway.

“How’d I end up with such a perfect daughter?”

Perfect?
Not even close. I puff out a breath and think about the way I’ve handled everything. No, definitely not perfect.

“My actions suggest otherwise.”

“You’re perfect in my eyes.” The conviction in Mom’s tone is endearing.

“Thanks, Mom.”

A beat of silence passes, and then Mom lets out a sigh. “Your dad called. He’s concerned about you. Plus he wants to get to know you better. I think he’d like to spend time with you before we head back home.”

I groan. “I know. Kai mentioned it last night. I’ll call John today. But it’s awkward.”

“It’s only awkward because of me…”

Mom’s voice trails off, but I won’t have it. “Nope. No more regrets.”

“No regrets.” She nods, and studies me for a moment. A slow smile develops, and then she asks, “So, you gonna tell me about this relationship with Kai?”

Crap
.

***

An emotional tug-of-war erupts inside my brain as I stare at Brian and my conversation. Guilt along with the reinforcing fact that I’m not doing anything wrong plays havoc with my internal thoughts.

Brian:
Haven’t heard from you in a while. Must be having too much fun to think about me. :(

Me:
Sorry, but you know I couldn’t forget you if I tried. A lot has happened, though.

Brian:
Call me if you need to. I’m always here for you.

I don’t think our banter could be construed as flirtatious. Our earlier convos have been worse. But even though Kai and I aren’t in an actual relationship, talking to Brian with the slightest suggestion still feels wrong. Should it, though? Brian and I are good friends. I huff out a breath and type back a response. I’ll deal with Brian when I get home.

Me:
I’ll explain when I get back. Getting ready to leave for dinner.

What I fail to add is “with my dad.” And, now, guilt bubbles inside from not sharing information with Brian. There’s no winning with my emotions.

Brian:
I’ll be waiting.

At those parting words, I slip my phone into my purse and join Mom in the living room. She smiles at me from the couch, but I respond with a frown once I take in her attire. Jean shorts and a loose T-shirt doesn’t quite match my sundress.

“Why aren’t you dressed?”

Her gaze drops to view her clothes, and she shrugs.

“I thought it’d be best if it were just the two of you.”

“Mom, I need you there with me.”

“How can you get to know your father if I’m in the way?”

I open my mouth to speak, but the banging on the door interrupts me.

“I’ll get that. But this discussion isn’t through.”

Marching over to answer the door, I take a deep breath.
You can get through this,
I tell myself when I place my hand on the door handle. With enough courage, I open the door, and the surprised gasp lodges in my throat. A neatly dressed man with tamed hair and honest-to-goodness shoes stands in front of me. He’s still sporting the classic Hawaiian shirt, but pants replace the casual shorts.

“Hi, John. Come on in. I was just trying to convince Mom to go with us.” Telling John may be a low-blow, but if it takes reinforcements to make Mom go with us, so be it. I do not want to spend an entire evening alone with John Cox.

John follows me around the corner and greets Mom with a warm smile. If he’s harboring any anger issues with her, he’s doing a fine job hiding them.

“Good evening, Cara. Now, what’s this nonsense about you not joining us?”

“John, this is your time together. I have no right to join.” The look of guilt crosses her face.

“Baloney. Of course, you have every right to be with us. And besides, I already made reservations for three.” He gestures to Mom’s clothes. “So, hurry up and change.”

“I swear,” Mom says as she rises. “I’ll just be a minute.”

John is in mid-sentence when Mom waltzes into the room wearing a V-cut sundress. He glances at Mom and doubles back as his voice trails off. Sucking in a breath at the sight of her, he says, “Wow, I have the best-looking girls on the island. Shall we go?”