His Need, Her Desire (2 page)

Tabitha didn't normally go out to restaurants alone. It reminded her of wandering through the high school cafeteria trying to find a place to sit and feeling incredibly conspicuous.
Get a hold of yourself, Tabitha. Don't be stupid. You're in Hawaii for goodness sake.
Eat great food, have a hula lesson, and spend some time on the beach. That was the new plan.

Her mind made up, Tabitha found a new sense of confidence. She would enjoy herself, make great memories and have a few stories for the water cooler.

When the taxi pulled up in front of the hotel, she was awed. The setting was breathtaking. Tall majestic palms lined the drive. Tabitha stepped out into the fresh, light breeze that had its own unique scent. Check-in was smooth and soon she was in her room enjoying the view from the balcony. Hers was a so-called city view, as an ocean view was considerably more expensive. However, the city view was beautiful too, encompassing the mountains that formed the backbone of Oahu and the tall buildings of downtown Honolulu.

Tabitha changed into a bathing suit and made her way to the hotel lobby. She had everything she needed in her tote: sunglasses, suntan lotion, and a book. She was going to find herself a refreshing tropical drink and a little plot of sand. Although it was cliché, she just had to get herself one of those drinks in a pineapple husk or coconut shell.

She spied a bar on her way out to the beach and within minutes, her taste buds were tingling from a piña colada. The bartender had even provided the ubiquitous paper umbrella. She exited the beach side of the hotel and marveled at the view. Palm trees swayed in the breeze at the edge of a silky sand beach. Gentle waves rolled in to the shore and sparkling blue ocean beckoned as far as the eye could see. The sky was bright and clear with a few puffy white clouds that simply heightened the contrast of a beautiful, sunny day.

Tabitha slipped off her sandals and dug her feet into the soft sand. The tension of the trip drained away. It was so gorgeous it seemed almost unreal. It was like walking into a picture postcard. The beach wasn't even that crowded. She'd been to beaches on the mainland and, on a day like this, people would be stacked wall-to-wall on every square inch of sand.

Tabitha ensconced herself in a beach chair in a shady area and let the breeze flow over her skin. Fresh ocean air. Gentle waves lapping the beach. She could get used to this. After indulging a bit, she opened her book. It was a recent bestseller she had picked up before leaving New York. She read for a few minutes and then set her book aside, thinking about the various sites and activities. There was no one to please but herself. No one she need compromise with or accommodate. It was rather freeing. Perhaps Kim was onto something.

Tabitha definitely wanted to look into taking a whale-watching trip. And a luau. No tourist returned without taking in a luau. She was tempted to make a list, but she had neither paper nor pencil.
Relax Tabitha
. She was famous for list making, but this was a time to give it a rest.

Tabitha gazed at the water, spotting several people on surfboards approaching the shore.
No wait
, she thought,
that's stand-up paddleboarding.
She'd read a description of it in the guidebook. As they moved closer, she saw clearly what they were doing. It looked like fun. Maybe she should try that too.

A pair of paddleboarders approached the beach. When they reached the shallows, they both hopped into the water and guided their paddleboards the rest of the way. Two hotel employees caught Tabitha's gaze. They jogged out to meet the couple. The employees gathered the boards and paddles, and the man and woman strolled up the beach toward her.

As the paddleboarding couple drew closer, Tabitha couldn’t resist staring. The man was as fine a male specimen as she had ever seen. He was fit and muscular but not muscle-bound. His short hair was wet and slicked back. Given his air of command and the behavior of the hotel employees, she wondered if he was someone important. She studied his face. He seemed familiar to her. An actor? Suddenly, it clicked into place. It was Gorgeous Guy from the baggage claim.

Tabitha closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair.
What would I do with a man like that?
So many nice things! She was surprised at how much he caught her imagination. She envisioned herself in his arms, trembling in a passionate embrace. It made her shiver just thinking about it. Apparently, her body considered her plane interlude a warm up and was ready for more. She twitched inside and felt a strong desire for a blockbuster orgasm. It had been a while since she'd experience that, the kind of orgasm that went on forever, straining her whole body until she couldn't take more. To achieve it solo though, she'd need something she didn't have: a vibrator.

Tabitha tossed her book back into her tote bag and headed into the hotel. She stopped at the concierge and asked for directions to the closest shopping area. He advised her that a large mall was a quick taxi ride away. She hurried to her room and changed into shorts without showering off.
This is what happens when you don't get any for a while
. She was making a run for sex toys. What would one call that? It was like a cross between a beer run and a booty call.
Booty run?
She laughed, grabbed her purse, and was out the door.

Once at the mall, she wandered around for a few minutes trying to find a likely shop. She finally settled on the drugstore anchoring the end. Surely they sold those "massager" wands. The way she felt, anything would do.

Her new plan was to find a vibrator, return to the hotel, and order room service for later. Tabitha tried to guess why she was so stimulated. She didn't know but, Gorgeous Guy, as she'd nicknamed him, had surely helped. She needed to come and satisfy her persistent craving.

Once in the drugstore, some of her shyness reasserted itself.
Can I buy this in person?
On the rare occasion when it had been necessary, she had ordered through the mail. Items arrived in the clichéd brown paper wrapper. Buying in person would be a different experience. Everyone knew what these things were for.

Tabitha ambled up and down the aisles trying to find where they kept such personal appliances. Fortunately, she found them, right near the hair dryers and curling wands. There was only one kind so she didn't need to dither over her choice. She snatched up the box and headed for the checkout area. There was only one lane open since the store was not busy. Wasn't it just her luck that the cashier was a teenage boy.

She could do this.
What do I have to be embarrassed about?
Nothing, that's what. She smacked the box on the counter with defiance, keeping her face impassive. She dug out her wallet as he rang up the sale. When he relayed the total, her eyes met his and a blush crept up her neck. She imagined that she saw a knowing glint in his eye. After finishing the transaction with haste, she exited the store.

Tabitha hurried back to the hotel, eager to get to her room. The idea of an orgasm enticed her. Once in her room, Tabitha immediately unpacked her purchase, plugged it in, and tossed it on the bed. She undressed and slid between the sheets. Spreading her knees, she turned the vibrator on and brought it to her clit. It was so loud! She grabbed a pillow and placed it over her knees to muffle the noise. Without that distraction, she relaxed and allowed herself to enjoy the pulsations.

Tabitha imagined Gorgeous Guy taking her into his arms. She melted against him in her mind. His fingers teased and tormented her as she clenched her internal muscles. She licked her way down his body until he pulled her to the ground, crushing her beneath him. He rolled to bring her on top and pulled her head in for a deep kiss. Tabitha straddled his hips. His erection pushed against her and she longed to feel him deep within her.

Tabitha pushed two fingers inside herself as she envisioned him entering her. He would be hard and hot as he stretched her. The entry would be slow and prolonged, stimulating every nerve ending. As she pictured his dark head at her breast, she exploded. Her whole body tightened and then went limp when her contractions faded. Tabitha flicked the vibrator off and set it aside.
Wow, I need to do that more often.
Her body hummed with satisfaction.

*****

That evening, Tabitha decided against the room-service plan. She wanted to get out and experience some local cuisine. Numerous restaurants lined the street where the hotel was located, and she was sure she would find one to her taste.

Tabitha dressed carefully, anticipating that the evening might turn cool as the sun set. She double-checked her purse to make sure she had her phone. If people watching didn't work out, she could always read an e-book. She exited the hotel, the still-warm breeze of the day enveloping her. It brushed over her skin with a soothing touch, raising the fine hair on her arms. She strolled down the sidewalk, taking in all the sights and sounds. Stopping in front of a gallery, she admired the beautiful koa wood objects displayed in the window. A radio played Hawaiian versions of classic hits.

Tabitha wandered the block in no particular hurry, pausing when something caught her eye. She stopped to peruse the menu at several restaurants and ambled into a place that was not quite as busy. It was a bit pricier than she wished, but she would splurge on this one meal.

The hostess seated Tabitha at an out-of-the-way table, which suited her fine. She had no desire to be the center of attention. She took the server's suggestion for her order and settled back into the cushioned seat. Her location was the perfect spot from which to observe the other diners. Most were well dressed, but there was the occasional upscale aloha shirt paired with khakis. She doubted that anyone dared to wear something loud and garish into this establishment.

Tabitha surreptitiously observed a young couple seated several tables away. They seemed ever so slightly out of their element and she speculated it was a special evening for them. Tabitha had her theory confirmed when the young man pulled a ring box from his pocket. The sheer joy on the recipient's face hit Tabitha with an uncomfortable pang.
Will I ever find a bond like that?
She'd spent her share of sleepless nights hoping there was a man out there for her, a man with whom she could spend her life. She averted her eyes and swallowed. She was happy for them. She truly was. However, it was a harsh reminder that something was missing from her own life.

Her meal arrived and her melancholy mood evaporated as her taste buds experienced a transcendent feast. The fish was delicate and flaky and covered with a wonderful mango sauce that was smooth and tangy. She savored the bread with its light and fluffy texture and just a hint of sweetness. As she took the next bite, the couple at the hostess stand caught her eye.

It was Gorgeous Guy, again.
What a weird coincidence.
Tabitha couldn't help but stare. His clothing was understated but clearly expensive. The woman he escorted was quite simply stunning with long, glossy brown hair. Tabitha's hair was a similar length but tended to fall in tousled waves. It appeared to be the same woman from the beach. They made a very attractive couple. His lips looked so kissable.
A girl can dream, can't she?

Tabitha directed her attention back to her plate. The purple sweet potato was amazing. She'd never had anything quite like it. In fact, the whole meal made her wish she had the funds to eat like this more often. The hostess headed in her direction with the couple trailing behind her. She seated them at the next table.

Tabitha's skin tingled.
Uh oh, that's what you get for letting your imagination run away with you.
Tabitha sighed as she gazed at him out of the corner of her eye. He was out of her league and she knew it. She felt no sting at that admission. She knew she was reasonably attractive. Former flames had complimented her on her humor and positive outlook. It came in handy for her now as she ruefully accepted that she hadn't yet crossed paths with Mr. Right.
I'd let him be Mr. Right Now
, Tabitha chuckled to herself.
Naughty Tabby
.

"I don't see why not." The shrill voice of Gorgeous Guy's date cut through her wandering thoughts.

"Keep your voice down please." Impatience laced his words.

A petulant pout marred the woman's beautiful face. "When it's important to me, you never listen."

"Monica, you know that simply isn't true."

"You always agree with Daddy. I need you to speak to him for me."

The server interrupted their conversation to offer drinks. Tabitha attempted to focus her attention elsewhere. It was hard though, the brewing drama attracted her. Was that so wrong? They were in public after all. It wasn't her fault they provided entertainment. Tabitha usually kept her nosy streak to herself, but when it was right in front of her, was she obliged to turn away?

As the server left, Gorgeous Guy picked up the thread of the conversation. "He told you no and I happen to agree with him."

The woman paused and seemed to collect her thoughts. "Then do it yourself. It would be nothing to you. Please Marcus." With her change of tactic, she altered her tone to saccharine sweet.