Pleasure in Hawaii (Kimani Romance) (14 page)

“Aloha.” Gail set her bag down and the two embraced. She stepped back and studied Sloane. “Well, look at you.”

Sloane blushed. She wore a light yellow V-neck tee, navy blue walking shorts, and sandals. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she wore almost no makeup on her flawless caramel skin.

“Look at you,” Sloane turned the tables on her friend. She and Gail were around the same height and build. Gail had curly short brunette hair and small brown eyes. “You’ve still got it going on, I see.”

“We both do.” Gail grinned. “I can’t believe I’m really in Maui.”

“Well, believe it!” Sloane laughed. “I had the same reaction when I first got here.”

Gail’s lashes fluttered. “And look how far you’ve come with Mr. Malloy since that time.”

A self-conscious smile crossed Sloane’s face. “Yes, I guess you could say there’s been some progress in our relationship. But more on that later. Let’s get going so you can check in.”

“Sounds good. I’m really looking forward to this mini vacation to get away from it all,” Gail said.

Sloane smiled. “Yes, it will do you a world of good.”

A few minutes later, they were on Mokulele Highway en route to Wailea.

“You weren’t exaggerating when you said how beautiful it is here,” remarked Gail as she looked out the window.

“I could never put into words just how breathtaking Maui is,” Sloane told her.

“Does it ever freak you out, being separated from the mainland by all this water?” Gail asked curiously.

Sloane thought about it. “Not really. While Maui is definitely miles apart from Raleigh, literally and figuratively, you get used to it after a while and don’t even think about it being an island. Except when it comes to promoting Maui as part of my job.”

Gail turned to her. “Speaking of which, now that your job is no longer a top priority, are you still getting as much out of it?”

Sloane glanced away from the steering wheel. “Of course,” she said. “I love my job. I can still be a hotel guest director and have a boyfriend.”

“I realize that. But since moving here was all about a great career opportunity, finding romance with an incredible guy has to have some effect on your getting up and going to work every day.”

“All right, at times, it is harder to be apart from Gene when duty calls,” Sloane confessed. “He’s tapped into a side of me I didn’t even know existed. And so, yes, I sometimes lose my focus at work while thinking about him and wanting to be with him. But I just contain those thoughts and try to keep my eye on the ball.”

“I can barely wait to meet the man who put a hex on you,” Gail said. “Or is it the other way around?”

“I think we’ve both gotten caught under each other’s spell.” Sloane smiled. “At least it seems like he’s every bit as much into me as I am into him.”

“Does that mean you see wedding bells in your future?”

Sloane sighed. “We haven’t talked about that.” Not since they had declared their love for each other. Was Gene still opposed to marriage? Or were they both holding back from throwing the notion out there?

“But I assume you’re not as opposed to it as before?” Gail asked.

“I suppose I’m not,” Sloane had to admit. “That doesn’t mean we’re moving in that direction. We’re still coming to terms with being in love.”

“I really envy you, especially since my love life sucks.”

“It’s only a temporary bump in the road,” suggested Sloane.

Gail raised a brow. “You really think so?”

“Yes. I’m sure there’s someone out there for you. You just need to be patient.”

“Easy for you to say, when you’ve got a man willing to wait on you for everything,” Gail moaned. “I just seem to keep going around in circles.”

Sloane gave her a placating smile. “First of all, Gene is not my servant, though he is very attentive in and out of bed. Second, you can break the circle game by not trying so hard and maybe opening your mind to new possibilities.”

“You mean like finding a man in Maui?” Gail asked.

“Sure, why not?” Sloane looked at her. “Or California. Or New York. Or the Bahamas. My point is there are a lot of good men out there. You just may have to be more creative to find them.”

“Or be in the right place at the right time like you were,” Gail suggested.

“That too,” Sloane said, offering her a friendly grin.

Gail sighed. “So is there anything I need to know about Gene before we get there?”

“Such as?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Is he full of himself, hot-tempered, condescending, superficial, things like that?”

Sloane laughed. “None of the above. Gene is one of the good guys and he’s seriously into me. He’ll make you feel right at home like he does all his guests.”

“Sounds like the perfect host.”

“I think he is,” Sloane said. The perfect man to have in her life and someone she wanted to build her world around, piece by piece.

G
ene was standing on the lanai when Sloane’s car pulled into the driveway. He could see Gail on the passenger side. He was a little nervous meeting Sloane’s best friend. He knew first impressions meant just that—you didn’t get a second chance. As such, he wanted to make it count, knowing that Gail would undoubtedly be checking him out, looking to give Sloane the thumbs-up or thumbs-down as to whether or not he made the grade in her book. He didn’t intend to make it easy for Gail to diminish the enthusiasm he and Sloane shared for their relationship and burgeoning love.

He stepped down to greet them as they got out of the car. “I see my latest guest has arrived.”

“Safe and sound,” Sloane said.

Gene gave her a quick peck on the lips, and then turned his attention to her friend. “You must be Gail?”

“That’s me.” She gazed at him with a big grin on her face. “And you must be Gene?”

“Right again,” he said, wondering what Sloane had told her about him, considering he knew little about her.

“Well, it looks like no introductions will be necessary,” Sloane said humorously.

Gene shook Gail’s small hand, engulfing it in his. “Nice to meet you.”

“Same here,” Gail said.

“Welcome to Maui and Malloy’s Bed and Breakfast,” he told her.

“Thank you.” Gail looked around at the scenery. “I’m excited to be here.”

“Let’s get you settled into your suite and then Sloane and I can show you around.”

“I’d like that,” she said.

Gene grabbed her bag with one hand and used the other to hold Sloane’s hand. He winked at her and she smiled at him. Knowing how gratifying it had been to have his friends visit recently, he was happy she would have the same experience.

An hour later, Gene had prepared some cinnamon toast and cheddar cheese omelets. He also set out bagels and a fresh-fruit platter along with assorted beverages for Gail and his other guests. It was well beyond breakfast hours, but he made an exception in this case, knowing Gail was hungry and wanting to appease that without going to a local restaurant.

“She seems to be fitting right in,” he told Sloane when they had a moment alone.

“Did you think she wouldn’t?” Sloane questioned.

Gene grinned. “Just the opposite. I was sure that the warm, friendly atmosphere I’ve created would make Gail feel totally at ease and allow her to be a part of this wonderful experience of paradise and camaraderie.”

“Well, you were right. She loves being here and chatting with the other guests. I may have trouble dragging her away for some girlfriend time.”

Gene chuckled, taking her into his arms. “Would that be so bad? It would just leave more time for you to spend with your boyfriend.” He kissed her, his lips lingering on her open mouth for a moment or two.

Sloane pulled her mouth away and ran her tongue across her lips. “Believe me, that’s nice, but since Gail will be here for less than three days, I really want to make the most of our time. Hope you can understand that?”

“Of course,” he assured her, pulling back his desire to have her all to himself. “Spend all the time you want with Gail, catching up and everything. But since she’s staying here rather than at your place, I assume she also wants to see what life is like in Maui.”

“She does,” Sloane said. “Especially while I’m at work. I couldn’t really get the time off on such short notice.”

“I’ll take good care of your friend in your absence.” Gene eyed her.

“Just don’t take care of her too much,” Sloane warned.

Gene laughed. “A little jealous, are we?”

“Not at all,” she said. “I’m just playing with you. I’m sure you’ll take good care of Gail while I’m working.”

“Guaranteed.”

“I have to warn you, though. Be prepared for a grilling.”

“Oh…?” Gene’s gaze lowered to her eyes.

Sloane paused. “Knowing Gail, I’m sure she will try to see what you’re made of and if you’re really good boyfriend material for me.”

“I see.” Gene scratched his jaw thoughtfully. “Thanks for the warning. I’ll brace myself for anything she throws at me. As for good boyfriend material, that’s really for you to determine. But I understand that friends have to add their two cents.”

“I thought you would,” Sloane said, smiling. “Regarding boyfriend material, you’re doing just fine in my book, so far.”

“And I plan to keep it that way.” He put his arm around her and pulled her toward him for another kiss, forcing himself to end it. “Let’s find Gail and see what she’s up to.”

That night, Sloane and Gene took Gail to a nightclub in nearby Kihei. They managed to find a table, even though the place was packed with a combination of tourists and locals. Sloane and Gail ordered pina coladas, and Gene ordered a Blue Hawaiian.

“Having fun?” Sloane asked her friend after an hour of drinks and good music.

“Yes, it sure beats sitting home alone like I was doing a week ago,” Gail said.

“Forget about that.” Sloane patted her hand. “You’re here now.”

“True.” Gail sipped her drink. “And so are you two. Must be karma or something the way you met.”

Sloane faced Gene. “I don’t know about that. What do you think?”

He flashed a stunning smile at her. “Hey, I’m all about destiny. What are the chances I would have met you on the mainland?”

“Probably one in a million,” she conceded.

“More like one in a trillion,” he suggested. “I like the odds much better here on the island of Maui.”

“Wonder if lightning could strike twice?” joked Gail.

“Only if you don’t mind getting drenched by a wave,” Gene said wryly.

She laughed. “Oh, so that’s a prerequisite for meeting my knight in shining armor—being sucker punched by a wave?”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Sloane jumped in. “You’re gorgeous, smart, successful and single. I’d say that’s enough to meet a man under any circumstances.”

“You think so?” Gail rolled her eyes skeptically. “Seems like that’s what causes the good ones to run the other way, present company excluded.”

Gene grinned. “Guess I’m the exception to the rule. I’d never run away from the likes of Sloane, who just described herself to a tee.”

“Other than being single,” Gail noted.

“Right. She’s definitely attached these days.”

“That’s for sure,” Sloane said, looking at him starry-eyed. “Having you in my life has taken away any thoughts of being happily single.”

“Same here,” Gene assured her.

She leaned over and kissed him. The kiss might have gone on forever, but Sloane stopped it, wanting the outing to be more about Gail enjoying the nightlife in Maui than having her feel like she was the third wheel.

Sloane intended to pick up where the kiss left off tonight when they were in bed. She’d picked out a sexy teddy that she hoped would seduce Gene. It would be up to him whether or not she kept it on all night.

The next day, Gene was up early as usual, setting out breakfast for his guests. He hadn’t gotten much sleep, as Sloane wouldn’t allow it. Instead they made love for much of the night, enjoying the contours of each other’s bodies. She had headed back to her condo to freshen up before going to work.

This meant he would have to spend some time with Gail without Sloane’s presence. Gene welcomed the challenge of the “grilling” Sloane suggested Gail had in store for him. It would also give him the opportunity to have some oneon-one time of his own to see what other tidbits he could learn about Sloane from someone who knew her before he did.

Gene had watched guests come and go this morning, and assumed Gail was still getting her beauty rest to make up for last night and maybe a few too many cocktails. He was thinking about knocking on her door to wake her up to some hot coffee and food when Gene saw her walk in the front door.

“You’re up,” he said, surprised.

“Of course.” Gail offered a smile. “Did you think I’d waste my precious time here by sleeping?”

Gene chuckled unevenly. “I thought maybe you’d need to sleep it off.”

“No more than you,” she tossed at him. “I seem to recall you matched me drink for drink.”

He didn’t quite remember it that way, but left it alone. “Good point. Can I make you a cup of coffee or tea?”

“Coffee’s good, no sugar. Let me just go wash my face and I’ll be right with you.”

Gene made two cups of coffee and brought them to the living room. He brought the tray of yogurt, blueberries, macadamia nuts and English muffins from the lanai and put it on the coffee table, along with dishware. He grabbed a few of the macadamia nuts and tossed them in his mouth while looking around the place he had turned into a successful business. Sometimes it still seemed unbelievable that the place was his. The fact that he was going it alone continued to rub him the wrong way, even if once it seemed as if that was the way it was meant to be.

The more he thought about it, the more Gene wished Sloane were operating this bed-and-breakfast with him. She had the right type of personality to be a great hostess and add a woman’s touch that was missing, no disrespect to Dayna. Not to mention as his romantic mate, Sloane’s regular presence would be felt in the bedroom and throughout the house. Would she ever consider such a proposition? Or would it be foolish to even ask?

“Where is everybody?” Gail asked, snapping him from his thoughts.

Gene looked at her and grinned. “Like you, they’re usually up and at it early, not wanting to waste a moment hanging around the accommodations.”

“Does that bother you?”

“Not at all,” he assured her. “I’m very proud of my bed-and-breakfast, and most guests leave with a favorable opinion. But this isn’t why they come to Maui. Far from it. With so many interesting things to see and do, I wouldn’t expect anyone to miss out by keeping me company.”

Gail chuckled. “Nice way of putting it.”

“There’s your coffee,” Gene pointed out. “And breakfast. Help yourself.”

“I will, thanks.” She put a few items on a plate and sat down, pausing. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Sloane as happy in a relationship. In fact, I’m not sure she’s ever had a true involvement with a man before now.”

“I gathered as much,” Gene said. “I guess she was just waiting for someone to show up who could appeal to her on the same level she appealed to him.”

“Someone like you?”

“Yeah. We seem to have hit all the right notes in making this work.”

Gail peered at him beneath her coffee mug. “So what exactly are your intentions concerning Sloane?”

Gene cocked a brow, though he’d suspected she might come at him from that direction. “My intentions are to keep our relationship going and do my part not to mess this up.”

“Did you mess up things in your marriage?” she asked bluntly.

He stiffened. “I won’t go so far as to say I was faultless in my marriage breakdown,” he said. “We both made mistakes. I’ve certainly learned from mine.”

“Enough that you could see yourself marrying again?” Gail wondered.

“Yeah, I can see that. Maybe not today, but down the line.”

“Whatever happens between you and Sloane, I hope you’ll always be honest with her. She deserves that.”

“I agree,” Gene said, raising his mug. “I’ll never hurt her intentionally.”

“Men always say that, as if unintentionally hurts less,” Gail uttered sarcastically. “All I’m saying is that I want my best friend to be happy with someone who will always have her best interests at heart.”

“You’re singing to the band,” he said tonelessly. “You and I are on the same page. I think Sloane is sharp enough to figure out what—and who—makes her happy, don’t you?”

“I suppose.” Gail scooped some yogurt with a spoon. “I’m not trying to meddle. Just being a good friend.”

“I know. I respect that.” Gene had gotten no less from Walter and Talia, who had given their clear approval of Sloane. This seemed like an ideal time to ask a few questions himself. “Has Sloane always been driven to succeed on a professional level?”

“I’d say yes, for as long as I’ve known her,” Gail answered. “I think it may have something to do with needing to prove herself and being in control of the situation.”

Gene cast his eyes at her thoughtfully. “As opposed to matters of the heart?”

She smiled faintly. “Something like that.”

“Do you think she could ever walk away from her job?”

Gail’s eyes widened. “For what?”

Gene decided it was best not to suggest anything that might get back to Sloane prematurely. “Oh, nothing in particular. I’m just curious to see if you think the job will always be the center of her universe.”

“Actually, I think you’re the center of her universe at the moment,” Gail told him. “Yes, her job will always be important. But there are other things even more important, and I think she’s starting to realize that.”

So am I. And Sloane Hepburn is at the top of the list.
Gene sat on that thought as he finished his coffee.

That afternoon, Sloane introduced Gail to some of the staff at the Island Shores and then gave her a tour, hoping she wouldn’t get so caught up in its grandness that she might have second thoughts about staying at Gene’s bedand-breakfast. But her friend seemed to take it all in stride, as though having seen one resort hotel she had seen them all.

This was fine by Sloane, as the one thing she didn’t want was to compete with Gene when it came to business. She loved being at his bed-and-breakfast and felt that it offered just as much in many respects as any five-star hotel. Only it cost less and offered more personal attention from an incredible host.

She treated Gail to lunch in the hotel, sensing her friend was eager to give her report card on Gene now that they had spent time together. Admittedly, Sloane was just as eager to hear her thoughts.

“Well, I’m sure you’re wondering if I talked to Gene…” Gail smiled at Sloane while moving her stir-fried chicken around the plate.

“The thought crossed my mind,” Sloane admitted, forking vegetables swimming in cream sauce. “I figured you’d get around to telling me, if there was anything worth saying.”