Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One (2 page)

“Oh come on, Kayla,” Staci says. “Don’t overthink and put way too much meaning into it. For the hundredth time, it’s just sex.”

I zip my bag, again, and give her my “don’t start this conversation” look. We’ve been down this road multiple times. She has a crazy idea I should pick some random dude and get it over with.

“Sex isn’t a task to be completed and checked off a list. You know I can’t separate my feelings like that. I want to at least like the guy first.”

“Nah, you’re just too picky,” Staci says.

“No, I’m not. There’s no harm in waiting for a guy you connect with.”

She huffs and shakes her head. “You and your unrealistic expectations.”

I press my lips tight. She doesn’t get it. And I’m
not
overly picky.

“It’s not my fault the guys I run into are only wanting a quick hook-up. Or the guys that are great boyfriend material emit the friendship vibe.” I waltz to my dresser and pull out my bikini.

“What’s wrong with quick hook-ups?”

I twirl around, exasperated. “Have you
not
been listening to me?”

“Yeah, but I keep hoping to change ya.”

“Quit trying.” I laugh and throw the swimsuit into my backpack, not admitting what I really want to Staci. She’ll yell at me for sure if she knows I want the fairytale‌—‌sonnets and fireworks. That gaze in his eyes that ignites the burn deep inside. Ugh. Maybe Staci’s right; I just need to get laid, and not overthink it. Sonnets and fireworks never happen in real life,
right
?

“Besides, I’m not going to hook-up with anyone while on vacation with my mom.”

“Okay, but promise me you’ll have
some
fun. Drink at least one Mai Tai for me, okay? I won’t be there forcing you to go out.”

I laugh, but nod. She’s right in the sense that her prodding is the only reason I socialize. With my goals set high, I’ve been concentrating more on school rather than finding an unnecessary romance.

“I’ve done some things without your constant pushing, like volleyball.” I used to play back in high school. And I miss it. Purdue has nets set up, which have allowed me to play a few games for fun.

“Yes, but a few games doesn’t compensate for your nightlife.”

I nod in agreement. She’s right on that account, too. Instead of the party scene, I’d rather stay home and do something productive, like knitting.

“Oh my God, you’re thinking about knitting aren’t you?” Staci says as she sits up quickly. “Just, stop. You’re not going to a beautiful island to knit.”

“What? I wouldn’t mind cranking out a sweater over break.” I swear she’s a freaking mind reader.

“Lame. You’re not bringing your knitting needles to the beach. Besides, sand will get woven in your string.”

“Yarn,” I correct.

“Whatever. It’ll just be a mess. Have some real fun.” Staci throws her hands up and laughs. She pauses, and then her face slackens and shoulders slump forward. “You know I’ll miss you, right?”

I plop into a round Papasan chair next to the head of my bed and look at her. “I’ll miss you, too. And I promise I won’t spend the entire day with my knitting needles. When are you returning to campus?”

“You know me,” Staci says with a cheeky smile. “The last possible day I can, Sunday, the Twelfth.”

Letting out a breath, I scan the tiny dorm room that we’ve shared for almost four years. The cream-colored walls scream for some brightness, but at least, my now semi-empty closet appears less messy.

“I can’t believe this may be our last winter break,” I say, glancing back at Staci.

Her eyes glisten as she nods. “Hopefully, we’ll both get into the same Grad program.”

“I hope. Nothing to do now, though, but wait.” I break eye contact before my emotions get the better of me.

We’re both enrolled in the nursing program at Purdue University and will be full-fledged Registered Nurses this spring. We share the same goal of becoming a Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner. Purdue has an excellent program we’re both hoping to be accepted into.

“Hey,” a male voice says.

My head snaps to a sandy-blond haired guy walking through the doorway. A warm smile erupts when my gaze connects with my other best friend, Brian Thames. We met my freshman year in Calculus II. Brian’s a pre-med major with plans of becoming a pediatrician. He’s super smart and has helped me through some difficult formulations. Since then, we’ve become tight.

“Hey, you made it in time,” I say, straightening in my chair.

“I wouldn’t miss the big send off.” Brian ignores Staci as he breezes by her. Without hesitation, he settles on my bed and positions himself so his knee rubs against mine.

“When are you heading out?” he asks.

My gaze cuts to Staci. She turns her head, but not before I notice her slipped smile. I suppress a sigh and try to retain a neutral expression. Those guys have never gotten along in the past three and half years of knowing each other. I’m not sure why. Staci’s never said anything against Brian, but the tension between them is unmistakable.

“In a few minutes. I’m all done with packing. Are your finals over?” I ask, returning my gaze to Brian.

“No.” He eyes his phone and sighs. “I have the last one in a couple of hours. I can’t stay long. I need to cram some more.”

“Yeah, you don’t want to risk your four-point-oh,” Staci says with a smirk.

Brian gives her a sideways glance. His jaw ticks, but he doesn’t respond. Instead, he shifts forward and slides his hand across my knee, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“I wanted to say bye and tell you to have a great time.” His thumb rotates ever so slowly. “I’m going to miss you.”

Unable to move, the deepness of his normally vibrant aquamarine eyes mesmerizes me. This stormy blue color is foreign, and the longer his stare lingers, the more heat creeps along my neck. I’m painfully aware of our proximity. To break eye contact, I shift in my chair and then stand to move away from him.

“I—”

“Please, it’s not like you’ve ever spent winter break together before. What’s the big deal?” Staci asks, interrupting me.

I glance back at Brian. His chin turns up as he glares at Staci. I’m not sure what her problem is today, but her bitter tone is unnecessary. I should remind her that she spoke those same words minutes before Brian’s arrival.

“Jealous—”

“Okay, you two. Enough,” I say.

Staci’s eyes narrow as Brian lets out a frustrated grunt.

“I have to go.” Brian stands and leans in for a hug. I return the gesture and notice Staci jerk her head away, nails biting into her palms.

“Don’t forget to text me while you’re having all this fun,” he whispers rather close to my ear.

“Okay. I won’t. Remember, though, there’s a six hour‌—‌well seven for you‌—‌time difference. I might be slow at sending them,” I say. He pulls away, and his hand slides down my back.

“I’ll take what I can get,” he says in a deep voice.

My gaze sweeps to his. He holds my stare for a moment, and then sighs.

“Well, I better go. Be safe.”

“Awkward,” Staci sing-songs as soon as the door shuts.

“Save it.” I let out an exasperated sigh and grab my sweatshirt to put it on. “I don’t understand why you hate him so much. He’s a great guy.”

“He annoys me. And it’s so obvious he wants in your pants.”

I pause and peek through the neck hole. “No, he doesn’t.”

“God, Kayla. How could you be so blind? He was practically drooling over himself.”

“We’re just friends. That’s all we’ll ever be.”

I finish pulling the sweatshirt over my head and wiggle into it. This isn’t the first time someone’s paired us together. Mom has suggested a few times‌—‌meaning about a hundred‌—‌that we should date. But I don’t feel that way toward him. He’s a great guy. Gorgeous. He stands a couple of inches above my five-foot-seven-inch frame. With well-trimmed, dishwater-blond hair, he always looks professional. Aquamarine eye color that sparkles when he laughs is rather striking. He’d be a great catch for someone. Other than me.

“Yeah, whatever.”

I frown at her indifference, but let it go.

“Come here.” I spread my arms for a hug. “I’ll text when I can.”

“Have fun,” she says as she springs up to hug me. “Wish I was going.”

“Me, too.”

I break away from her and grab my bag. We exchange goodbyes, and I leave for my journey home. Once I reach the security doors, I swing the tote bag over my shoulder and exit the dorm building. The warmth of the sun encases my body, further enlightening my mood. It’s only a matter of days, or weeks, before the weather turns and reminds us all what it’s like to live in the Midwest. Doesn’t matter, I have a month of paradise waiting for me.

I retrieve my sunglasses and slide them on, and then trudge across campus. A smile creeps across my face as the elated feeling I have every time a semester ends envelops me. A sense of pride for my school rushes in when I walk past the bell tower. I glance at the clock faces, and my smile widens. I do love my school. There isn’t any other place I’d rather be than here. Well, maybe one other place. I shake my head and continue walking.

Ready or not Kauai, here I come!

Chapter
Three

Kayla~

My heart thuds in my chest as the brown marbled sign marked St. Regis Princeville at Hauala’ comes into view.

“Mom, turn here on Ka Haku Rd.”

“I’m glad you know where we’re going,” Mom says, chuckling to herself. “I’m not familiar with this area.”

“Duh, Mom. Of course, you’re not.”

She signals right and drifts into the turning lane. My eyes grow wide with anticipation. We’re almost to the condo.

The entire ride from the airport in Lihue has been astonishing, and the trip only took an hour. Princeville is considered the northern part of the island, where Lihue sits in the east side closer to the southern part. The towns aren’t opposite of each other, but the small drive time puts in perspective how small this mass of land is compared to Illinois, my home state.

“Turn here on the right. The road should be around the bend,” I say when our destination nears. I’m so ready to stand and stretch. Anything but sitting.

The flight went smoother than I expected. But the patch of turbulence we hit had me grabbing the armrest and holding on for dear life. The passenger seated on my left, Ray from Ohio State, helped by asking questions. His short blond hair and smoky hazel eyes were a bonus, but his witty sense of humor made the flight easier.

“This looks nice,” Mom says as she drives through the entrance of the condominiums.

A flood of excitement jolts through me at the hint of the ocean reappearing.

“It does, doesn’t it.” I bite my lip, eying the condos. Ours is the top corner unit, and I can’t wait to see the views from the lanai.

Clucking sounds greet us when we exit the car to check-in. I scrunch my nose to find the source and suppress a laugh. A few chickens are scratching away in the landscaping toward the end of the building.

“What the heck?” I ask. My Internet search failed to mention free-range chickens.

“I forgot to warn you about the chickens. Those suckers are everywhere,” Mom says.

I pull my cell phone out to snap a pic. I may be from the Midwest, but roaming chickens aren’t a normal sight.

Wasting no time after checking in, we hop back into the rental car, and my leg bounces from anticipation. I can’t wait. Mom backs up, and then proceeds to the designated parking lot.

“Ah, good. There’s a spot close to our stairwell.”

Mom pulls into the empty parking spot rather hastily. We let out a squeal, grab a couple of suitcases, and then trek up the stairs to our new three-week home. That spectacular view is mere seconds away!

“I’m glad we only have three flights of stairs to climb,” Mom says, panting. “My legs are tired from sitting on the plane.”

“When I researched the island, I learned that buildings on Kauai can only be as tall as a palm tree. There’s an ordinance against building anything taller‌—‌something about wanting to preserve the island’s beauty.” I grin to myself. I secretly love that rule.

“That’s nice. I actually knew—”

“What?” I ask, yelling behind my shoulder.

“Nothing. Not important.”

I let my question drop and stop in front of the white metal door with a wooden sign that says, “Aloha‌…‌ Please Remove Your Shoes, Mahalo.” In Hawaii, it’s customary to remove your shoes at the door. Mom and I smile at each other before placing the key fob in front of the sensor. The light clicks green, and my stomach flutters as the door swings open. My smile immediately drops‌—‌not the view I had expected.

An off-white wall stands three feet in front of us, blocking everything I imagined. I step into the small entryway and walk a few steps to peek around the corner. The fluttering returns.

“Mom, this is great.” I set the suitcase on the beige ceramic tile and scan the area while slipping off my shoes. “Look at these views.”

I progress forward to the living room, and my gaze darts around the brightly lit room. I’m not sure what to look at first. To my left, floor-to-ceiling windows sit behind the light beige, palm-tree printed couch, showcasing a beautiful view of the mountains. Further in front, a sliding glass door leads to a lanai with the ocean view.

I suck in a breath and charge straight forward. I must see that view. Enthusiasm bubbles through my veins as I unlatch the lock and slide the glass door open.

Bypassing the round patio table, I step to the railing and absorb the sights. The warm breeze blows against my face, and I’m in total awe, viewing miles upon miles of endless sea. It’s exhilarating.

I breathe in the salty air and bask in the crashing sounds below. The rhythmic melody of each wave echoes through the air and hypnotizes me. I stand for several minutes, leaning against the railing while the sounds carry me away from reality. Mom slides beside me, not saying a word. Caught in her moment, she stares at the cinematic symphony every bit as mesmerized as me.

After a few minutes, I reluctantly pull away and turn to the view from the other side of the lanai. I gasp at the mountain range in the distance. It’s every bit as breathtaking as the ocean.