Pleasure in Hawaii (Kimani Romance) (3 page)

“Aloha.” He heard the familiar voice from behind.

Gene turned and was blown away by Sloane. It was the first time he’d seen her professionally dressed, wearing a light blue two-button notched-collar pantsuit and pink wedges. Her hair was in a loose bun and she wore little makeup, which actually accentuated her fine features.

A grin formed on his face. “Back at you.”

“Hope you weren’t waiting too long,” she said. “I got tied up in a meeting.”

“Not a problem.” Indeed, he found her well worth the wait. “I’ve only been here for a couple of minutes and was just gazing at the tourists.”

Her mouth curved upward. “Shall we get a table?”

“Lead the way.”

Gene followed her to a table with an ocean view. The waitress handed them menus.

“I’m going to have the grilled veggie sandwich,” Sloane said without opening her menu. “Their ahi tuna and baked mahimahi are both excellent choices.”

“Both sound delicious,” Gene admitted, glancing at the menu. “I’ll go with the mahimahi.”

The waitress took their order after filling their glasses with water.

In a moment of silence, Gene couldn’t help but think that even with such a magnificent seascape, the lady across from him was an even better attraction. And she had the most kissable mouth, with just the right amount of lip gloss.

“So this must be stepping out of your element,” Sloane remarked, snapping him out of his reverie.

Gene chuckled. “Not really. I’ve spent my fair share of time at five-star resort hotels.”

“But obviously you prefer the more intimate setting of the bed-and-breakfast?”

“I suppose I do,” he conceded. “There’s something about feeling at home even while on vacation that agrees with me. My guests feel the same way. But I’m sure those who prefer the big hotels can enjoy themselves every bit as much.”

“Glad to hear you say that,” she said. “Our guests love losing themselves in the lap of luxury.”

Gene imagined her sitting on his lap, spurring pangs of desire. “And what about you? Have you lost yourself in this place?”

Sloane gave a cute laugh. “No, I haven’t. For me, it’s a job, though one I take great pride in. Truthfully, if I were here as a vacationer, I’d much rather stay in a quaint little bed-and-breakfast without too much excitement and noise.”

He took note of that. “If you ever need to get away from it all, I’m sure I can find a spot for you to chill in my house.”

“I’m sure you could,” Sloane said with a lilt to her voice. “But I wouldn’t want to be a distraction for you and your guests.”

Gene grinned. “Quite the contrary, I think you would fit right in.”

“You would say that.”

“I never say what I don’t mean,” he told her.

“I believe you.” Sloane tasted the water and ran her tongue across her upper lip. “I might just take you up on that offer someday. You never know.”

Gene loved how she seemed to be a natural flirt. Just like him. It made him even more intrigued by her and the wonderful possibilities that existed between them.

Sloane gazed at Gene across the table, thinking it was nice to have him on her turf. She’d love to run her hands across that sexy bald head of his. He wore a short-sleeved pumpkin-colored polo shirt, his muscled arms on full display across the table.

“Where are you from?” she asked, dabbing the corners of her mouth with a napkin. She suspected from his accent that Gene was from the Midwest.

“Detroit,” he told her, and forked a piece of fish. “How about you?”

“Raleigh.”

“And I thought I was a long way from home,” Gene said with a laugh.

“I think we both are,” Sloane stated. “How did you come to choose Maui for your bed-and-breakfast?”

“My ex and I were looking to get out of the Motor City and try something different.” Gene paused, leaning back. “We’d vacationed once in Maui and fell in love with the atmosphere. Seemed like the perfect place to run our own bed-and-breakfast.”

“So what happened to make you go solo with the B&B, if you don’t mind my asking?” Or should she be minding her own business?

“I don’t mind,” he said coolly, running a hand across his head. “To be honest, you’re not the first person to wonder why I’m operating the B&B all by my lonesome.” He sipped iced tea and met her gaze. “Well, Lynda decided this wasn’t for her. Coupled with the fact that we hadn’t been getting along very well, that was the end of the marriage.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Sloane told him, though she was sure he’d heard the same thing a thousand times.

“Don’t be.” He pinched the tip of his nose. “Some things aren’t meant to be over time. You get over it and move on.”

“I can relate to that,” she admitted. “Not the marriage, but being involved in a relationship that wasn’t meant to be.”

Gene eyed her pensively. “He wanted a commitment and you didn’t, or what?”

Sloane wondered if he was a mind reader. Or had she been that transparent in what she’d revealed about herself?

“Something like that,” she responded.

“Oh yeah, the job comes first, right?”

She fluttered her lashes self-consciously. “Is that a bad thing?”

“Not from where I sit,” Gene said, leaning toward her. “You have to do what you have to do. If a man can’t deal with it, that’s on him.”

Sloane was starting to like Gene Malloy more and more, as he truly seemed to understand her without passing judgment. And vice versa. Maybe this new friendship could go somewhere.

“I suppose you must get guests from all over the world?” she asked, preferring to talk about him and the life he’d created in South Maui.

“Pretty much. I’ve had guests from Africa, England, Australia, China, Canada, the Bahamas, Mexico, Brazil and many of the states, including Alaska.”

“Wow. I’m impressed.”

Gene chuckled. “If you give the people what they want in a getaway, they’ll come back and spread the word to others. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

“But mostly for you,” she suggested. “It means you’re doing a good job and it’s obviously paying off for you big-time.”

“It is if you mean that I have a steady flow of guests year-round. But I’ll never get rich as the owner of a bedand-breakfast. It was never about the money, though. I get fulfillment in making sure that no one leaves disappointed.”

Sloane could see why his guests were satisfied. She could probably learn a thing or two from him about that. And beyond the business side. Something told her that he was good at getting whatever—or whomever—he put his mind to.

“I’m glad that you put your guests first,” she said, sipping her drink.

Gene favored her with a straight look. “Don’t you?”

“Absolutely. As director of guest relations, it’s my job to cater to our guests’ needs and wants.”

He nodded. “From what I saw in the lobby, you have a lot of guests to please.”

Sloane grinned. “True, but I think I’m up to the task, even if at times some of them can be rather challenging.”

Gene laughed. “Tell me about it. That’s true whether you have many or hardly any guests. You just have to deal with them and keep a smile on your face.”

“I couldn’t have said it better myself,” Sloane admitted, breaking into a big smile, knowing he expected it.

“Have you had the chance to go to a Maui luau yet?” Gene asked, putting a napkin to his mouth.

“As a matter of fact, I haven’t. We have our own at the hotel, but between work and looking for a place to live, I haven’t had the time.”

“They have a great luau on Kaanapali Beach nightly. I was thinking about heading over there tonight and checking it out.” He peered at her through those deep eyes. “And I could definitely use some company.”

Sloane couldn’t escape the heat of his gaze. “Are you asking me out on a date?”

Gene angled his face. “Yeah, I am, if you can find the time in your busy schedule. I know it’s short notice, but you could probably use a break. I know I can. Also, it would give you a chance to see another part of Maui other than Wailea.”

Sloane had to admit that the man could be very persuasive in hitting the right notes. It did sound like fun, and she could use the distraction from what had quickly become her normal and demanding routine. Besides, she welcomed the opportunity to spend more quality time with someone who seemed as interested as she was. Not to mention sexy and extremely good-looking.

“You’re on,” she told him.

Gene smiled broadly. “Great. Where are you staying?”

“Temporarily, I’ve got a room here.” Sloane wished she had her own place instead of a hotel room. “The room was thrown in as part of the job.”

“I have a great suite available,” Gene offered, “should you need a respite from the noise, crowded elevators and touristy surroundings.”

Sloane wondered if he was referring to his private suite. She could only imagine what type of personal service she could get from him there. Or might it be beyond her vivid imagination?

“Thanks for letting me know,” she told him. “But I don’t expect to be here much longer than another day or two. I have a couple of places I’ll be looking at tomorrow.”

“That’s cool,” Gene said. “Just thought I’d put the invite out there.”

“It was sweet. Thank you.” Sloane gave him a sincere smile and glanced discreetly at her watch. “Well, I’d better be getting back to work.”
Believe me, I wish I could stay longer to talk to you.

“Same here,” Gene said. “There’s always something that needs to be done at the house.”

After Sloane paid for the lunch, they walked out into the lobby.

“I’ll pick you up at seven,” Gene told her.

“I’ll be ready,” Sloane promised, even if she had a lot to do between then and now. It was worth making the time to have some fun with someone who was clearly interested in getting to know her. The feeling was mutual.

Sloane wasn’t sure if it would be awkward when they said their goodbyes. But Gene gave her a gentlemanly kiss on the cheek and was on his way without fanfare. She admired his firm and enviable backside for a moment before walking in the opposite direction. Sloane’s hand made its way to her cheek where Gene’s tender mouth had been, sending ripples of pleasure throughout her body.

“W
as that him?” Kendra asked, peering across the lobby through her glasses as Gene exited the hotel.

Sloane saw no use denying it. “Yep, sure was.”

“Definitely hot!”

“Definitely,” Sloane admitted.

“And he’s definitely got his eye on you!”

“Maybe.” Sloane didn’t want to get too carried away too soon. “Time will tell.”

“Seems like time has already told,” Kendra said with a laugh. “You go from a romantic beach rescue to finding out that you’re both available to have lunch at the best café in Wailea. One can only wonder what’s next.”

Sloane chuckled as they walked. “Well, wonder no longer. Gene’s taking me to a luau tonight on Kaanapali Beach.”

“Wow. I’ve been there—it’s a great experience.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“Looks like you two are becoming an item,” Kendra stated.

“We’re just friends,” Sloane told her, trying to keep it real at this point.

“That’s what they all say. If this keeps up, it will be friends with some very nice benefits before you know it.”

Sloane colored. “We won’t talk about that. Right now, I’m just enjoying his company.” Not to say that she wasn’t up for nice and fulfilling benefits with someone who seemed to have an abundance of them.

Later Sloane was in her office working with her twentysomething assistant, Mia Makaiwi.

“We have Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Washington arriving next week for their honeymoon,” Sloane told her. “Aside from the usual lei greeting and bottle of wine, I’d like to add a few extra perks to their suite, like some rose petals leading up to the bed and chocolate macadamia nuts.”

“Will do,” Mia said, taking notes.

“Let’s also throw in a volcano air tour that they might enjoy as newlyweds.”

Mia’s eyes lit up. “I went on that once. It was scary, but fun being up there in the twin-engine plane to see the rain forests and coastline of Maui.”

“I’ll have to try it myself someday if I ever get up the nerve,” Sloane said. She pictured herself going on such an adventure with Gene, who seemed so steady and sure of himself.

“There’s a class reunion here next month,” Mia informed her. “I think it’s a twenty-five-year reunion.”

“That’s great.” Sloane loved planning such events. “Get me everything on it. I’ll contact their representative and see if we can’t help them do it right. Perhaps we can combine their class theme with a distinctively Hawaiian element.”

“Good idea. They might as well take full advantage of being in Hawaii.”

“Exactly.” Sloane jotted down some notes. “Also, remind me that I’m supposed to put together an itinerary for Sally Weincroft, a seventy-five-year-old Australian who’s flying in next month and wants us to decide how she should best spend her time during her first visit to America.”

“That should be interesting,” Mia said.

Sloane chuckled. “Challenging might be a better word. I want the experience to be memorable without seeming like it’s just something for old folks to enjoy.”

“Everyone enjoys everything in Hawaii, no matter the age,” joked Mia.

“So it seems.” Sloane had certainly learned since being there that most visitors seemed open to any experience in Maui, as though its majestic landscape caused inhibitions and fears to disappear. Perhaps she would apply this logic when carving out an agenda for Sally Weincroft.

Sloane imagined it could even work in her personal life as she navigated the waters of being single while still wanting to have a rewarding intimate involvement with no binding strings attached. This immediately caused thoughts of Gene to pop into her head.

“Yes, the first week of August is open in the Paradise Suite,” Gene told the caller, Jean Hourdes. She was calling from Connecticut and had apparently narrowed her search of accommodations down to two places.

“Terrific,” she said. “In that case, I’d like to make my reservation.”

“Consider it done.” He took down her credit card information gratefully.

“How’s the weather there in August?” she wondered. “Or is it perfect year-round?”

“It’s paradise,” Gene said, sidestepping any mention of the rainy days. “August is actually our warmest month of the year, with temperatures usually in the low eighties with plenty of sunshine and steady trade winds to keep the temperatures from seeming too hot.”

“I like it,” Jean said animatedly.

Gene chuckled. “I knew you would. Well, you’re all set, and I look forward to welcoming you to Maui and Malloy’s Bed-and-Breakfast.”

After Gene hung up, he saw Dayna Yee come into the small upstairs room he had set up as his office. She was in her early sixties, with fine white hair and cheeks dotted with tiny moles.

“Another guest will be arriving?” she asked after overhearing the conversation.

“Yes, in three weeks,” he replied.

“The landscape people are coming this afternoon instead of tomorrow due to a scheduling conflict.”

“I’ll make a note.”

“Oh, and the Foresters canceled their October booking,” Dayna said.

Gene frowned. “Too bad. Did they give any reason why?”

She nodded. “They decided to spend their fiftieth anniversary closer to home.”

“That’s their prerogative,” he muttered resignedly.

“I’ll be headed off now,” Dayna said.

“Okay. Thanks for everything. Have a good day.”

“You, too.”

A few minutes later, Gene went downstairs and mingled with some of his guests. He hated to see them leave, as they were almost like family now that he was all alone as a man and host. Though it wasn’t his choice, he accepted it. But that didn’t mean he had no interest in having someone special in his life. Sloane was a good choice, were it to turn out that way. She definitely seemed to have herself together as a business lady and was a lovely, sensually appealing woman.

He’d enjoyed having lunch with Sloane, gazing into those eyes with their depths of intriguing darkness. Even watching the way her lips moved while eating or drinking drove Gene crazy with desire. What he wouldn’t give to see that mouth in action on him.

Gene suppressed his libido, turning his attention to the luau that was sure to put on a show for Sloane and give him an opportunity to see her when they were both out of their element.

Sloane marveled at the sights as she sat in the passenger seat of Gene’s Subaru Outback. They had just passed through Kihei with its multitude of small shops and stores and were now in Lahaina, an nineteenth-century whaling port, with swaying coconut palm trees, timber-frame buildings and breathtaking views of the West Maui Mountains as the setting sun cast an enchanting glow on them.

She turned to Gene’s handsome profile as he spoke about Maui and its districts as if he’d grown up there. His head was freshly shaven and his dimpled cheek was pronounced.

“We actually thought about buying a house in Lahaina to convert into the bed-and-breakfast,” he was saying, “but in the end, we got a better deal and location in Wailea.”

“I think you made the right choice.” Sloane couldn’t imagine him being anywhere else in Maui.

He faced her with a sexy smile. “I think so, too.”

Sloane felt a tingling sensation at the carnal tone of his words. She suspected that had been his intent and she fell for it, unable to help herself. “How long did it take you to get a handle on the island and its many areas and activities?” she asked, switching her thoughts to a safer topic.

“Not very long. You can get a feel for everything pretty quickly once you settle in. Besides, with the B&B I had little choice but to get to know the surroundings as quickly as possible so I’d be equipped to respond to visitors and would-be guests and their range of questions about Maui.”

“Makes sense,” Sloane said. “I’m still trying to get to know the island and all of its secrets and treasures.”

“You’ll know it backward and forward in no time flat,” Gene told her encouragingly.

“How can you be so sure?” she asked curiously.

He smiled. “You didn’t get to be director of guest relations at a major resort hotel in Hawaii without having the intrinsic tools to make it work.”

“Good answer.” He was also good for her ego. Not that she had low self-esteem, but it was nice to get such positive feedback.

“It’s also the truth,” Gene assured her. “But if you ever need a little help getting around or discovering interesting little places or hideaways that you can impart to your guests, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Sloane said appreciatively. “I’m sure I will take you up on that sooner or later.”

“I hope so.”

Soon they arrived in Kaanapali, formerly part of a sugar plantation that was now transformed into a world-class luxury resort area lined with high-end hotels and condominiums, meandering golf courses, sandy white beaches and stunning sunset views of the island of Lanai. Kaanapali Beach, along a stretch of rugged lava coastline, was divided by a 300-foot extinct volcano called Black Rock.

Sloane and Gene were greeted at the Kaanapali Beach luau with a shell lei before being served mai tais and touring the luau grounds. There were local artisans and their crafts on display and traditional Hawaiian music in the air. But what really piqued Sloane’s interest was checking out the imu pit, an underground barbecue pit where a whole pig was being roasted.

“That’s fascinating,” she said a little squeamishly. “I feel sorry for the pig, though.”

Gene chuckled. “Don’t worry. It has no idea of the spectacle it’s making. Not to mention how tasty it will be when served.”

Sloane tried not to think about the process so much as the end result. They watched as the luau emcee announced the uncovering of the imu pit, indicating that dinner was nearly ready to be served.

“Help yourself,” Gene said a few minutes later as they moved along the buffet line, loaded with a variety of dishes.

“I’m not sure where to start,” Sloane told him, her eyes darting to the many foods and desserts. She wished she had starved herself for a day to be able to eat more than she intended to without putting on any pounds.

“My advice is to try a little bit of everything that captures your fancy. And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try something new.”

Sloane laughed. “Easy for you to say, but I have to use some restraint and watch my figure.”

Gene gave her the once-over. “I wouldn’t worry about that. From what I can see, your figure is perfect. Whatever you eat tonight isn’t likely to tarnish that one bit for someone who works out regularly like you do.”

“You’re probably right,” she acquiesced.
Does he really think my figure is perfect?

She decided to go for it and try the lomi lomi salmon, Polynesian banana, sea-bean duck salad, mango-sauce poi, and a couple of slices of kalua pork. Finding everything utterly delicious but feeling guilty nonetheless, Sloane promised herself she would put in a couple of extra running miles tomorrow to make up for it.

She watched, amused, as Gene devoured fishcake with mussels, steamed jasmine rice, Kula greens salad and a generous portion of the kalua pork. They both had the chocolate macadamia-nut cream pie for dessert.

Afterward, they focused their attention on the spectacular Maui luau show, which featured pulsating music and synchronized drumbeats. Beautiful, curvy island girls moved their hips gracefully in sensual dancing with Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan and other Tahitian influences, while hunky male hula dancers performed choreographed, athletic dance moves without missing a beat.

After that came the Samoan fire knife dance. Sloane was thoroughly captivated as daring young men twirled knives of fire, passing them skillfully among one another. One member actually flawlessly performed a double fire knife dance, causing the audience to gasp from time to time.

“Hope he knows what he’s doing,” Gene whispered in her ear as the fire came perilously close to burning the dancer.

“So do I,” seconded Sloane, holding her breath till the routine came to a successful conclusion.

All the dancers came back onstage for a final body-shaking, feet-moving, dazzling display with high-octane music matching them every step of the way before the luau ended.

“Wow,” Sloane said with a chuckle as she eyed Gene. “That was amazing.”

“Yes, it was,” he agreed. “They really know their stuff.”

“It certainly kept my attention. Thanks for inviting me.”

Gene put his hand across hers on the table. “I’m glad you came. I wanted you to see what a true luau was all about—taking nothing away from the one at the Island Shores, of course.”

“We could definitely learn a thing or two,” Sloane admitted. “I’ll have to talk to my boss about that.”

“We can all learn something new,” Gene said, peering at her deeply. “The real question is whether or not that knowledge is put to good use.”

Sloane felt the heat of their skin still touching. She could only imagine just how high the temperature would rise if those sure hands were all over her body. She met Gene’s gaze, which was just as searing.

“I guess only time will tell,” she told him, reading ardently between the lines.

Gene drove Sloane back to the hotel, wishing instead that they were going to his place, where things could be taken in a different direction. Making love to Sloane had been practically all that occupied his mind from the time the female hula dancers were strutting their stuff till now. Gene envisioned Sloane on stage giving him a very sexy, sensual private hula dance, until neither of them could hold back any longer and had to have each other. But he didn’t want to jump the gun on what seemed to be strong vibes between them, even if they weren’t quite ready to get into anything that suggested a committed relationship. Besides, something told him that waiting for the right time for nature to take its course would more than pay off in the long run. He would see to that.

“Have you visited the other islands?” Sloane broke the brief silence.

“Every one of them except Molokai and Niihau,” Gene replied. “And I expect to get to those sooner or later.”