chapter FOURTEEN
Walking into the Kauai Princess, my eyes linger toward the corridor leading to the Pele suite. There’s a woman walking down the hall, so I turn and make my way to the reception desk.
“You left early yesterday,” Lani appears beside me as I log in and wait for my desktop to load. My attention drifts to the corridor that leads to Jax’s suite.
“Tired. Long day.” My mouse rolls over the reservation log.
I’m about to click on it when Lani says, “He didn’t check out.”
I turn to face her. “What makes you think I’m looking to see if he’s still here?” I tap on the desk and look around the room before finally giving into her smirk. “So he’s still here?”
“Yup!” she chirps with a gleeful look. “Been up since the crack of dawn.”
“Good. I mean, I want to make sure my guests have the best experience. Wait,” I spin toward Lani who is now on the other side of me at her computer. “Why was he up so early?”
“He’s been snorkeling in the bay. He rented a boat and has been out there all morning. This wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with you two being out there yesterday, would it? That man pulled your boat all the way in and as soon as you hit the sand, you bolted out the door.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “Lani—”
“It’s none of my business of course.” She adjusts the pens on the desk and lines them up like little soldiers. “There’s just been such an interesting turn of events with the two of you—very interesting for someone you’ve never met.”
“What has your grandmother told you?”
“Ah ha!” She points her finger at me. “I knew there was something big going on between you and Olivia Benson.”
I cringe. “Please don’t call him that anymore.”
“Tutu didn’t say a word. Now that I know she has intel I’ll have to pry it out of her.”
“Don’t you dare!” I bite my lip and stare out the window, not able to see the bay at all. “So he’s just snorkeling? Like, he’s looking for fish?”
“Beats me. Thought you’d know.” She looks like she’s about to say something else when her eyes shoot up to the other side of the room. “Well, hello there Mr. Sexy.”
Across the lobby, walking in through the main doors is a man with jet-black hair and olive skin. His spectacular build is accented by form-fitted, gray dress pants and a white dress shirt with a button undone at the top.
He walks over to the reception desk and lowers his sunglasses to reveal piercing, blue eyes as clear as the ocean.
“Aloha! Welcome to the Kauai Princess,” Lani greets him with a sultry tilt in her voice.
The man adjusts the leather computer bag on his arm. “I’m looking for Trish Hogan.”
I lean in. “I’m Trish. How can I help you?”
He holds out a hand. “I’m Eric Duvane.”
I blink at him for a moment, searching my brain for recognition, and then it hits me. “Mr. Duvane. Yes! I have you in the Maui suite.” I fumble with the mouse of my computer to look up his information.
I’ve been so flustered by Jax’s arrival, I forgot about Mr. Duvane’s on Tuesday—today. His travel plans were confirmed weeks ago as were the arrangements for him to plan an event here this weekend.
“I’m sorry. My computer is freezing up. It’ll just take a second.” I fumble with the wireless mouse, almost dropping it on the floor before making a quick save and bringing it back up to the counter.
Eric eyes me inquisitively. Instead of being pissed that his three thousand-dollars-a-night room is not prepared, he leans forward on his elbows and grins. “You forgot about me.”
“No. Absolutely not. I have everything prepared. As soon as this damn, excuse me, as this machine behaves, I’ll have a key for you.” I click on the program, but it keeps freezing.
I look up with an apologetic look. Eric is grinning at me, and it’s bewitching. There’s something in his playful gaze and the way he’s chuckling that has me throw my hands up and admit, “I forgot you were coming.”
“I knew it,” he says with a deep rumble in his voice. “I’m trained to read people. You, my friend, are an easy tell.”
“Hey. Who are you calling easy?” My words come out more teasing than I meant.
Lani gives me a nudge and then hands me a key card. “My machine works just fine. Why don’t you show Mr. Duvane to his suite?” She prods me again, unsubtly I might add.
Stepping around the desk. “Do you have many bags?”
“They’re with the bell hop.”
“Excellent.” I motion for the employee who has Eric’s luggage to follow.
Eric and I walk side by side toward the elevator that leads to his room. I hit the button, and the doors open right up. The bell boy lets us ride up first and will take the next trip.
When the doors close, it’s just Eric and me in the small elevator car.
“So, you work with Alexander Asher?” I say in an attempt to show him I remember the details of his travel plans.
“Yes. You used to work for him, too. He speaks highly of you.”
“Thank you. Well, thank him. The feeling is mutual.” Thankfully, the doors open quickly, and we are in the foyer that has two sets of double doors. I cast a glance at Jax’s room.
Placing the key in Eric’s lock, I open it and then hold the door open for him. “Here’s your suite. Two bedrooms, two baths. The kitchen is over here, and the dining room seats eight. I understand you’ll have some guests joining you later in the week. All other travel arrangements are set, and we’ll be outside to greet them.”
“Like how you greeted me?” he says with a smile.
“Again, I apologize. I promise everything else about your stay will be set as planned.”
“Don’t worry about it. This room isn’t me. In fact, I’m only keeping it warm until the big boss comes and kicks me down to a regular room. This is a company perk. I don’t need the hand-holding. I would however like a tour of the facilities, especially where this weekend’s concert will be held. I have some calls to make and a conference this afternoon. Are you free tomorrow?”
“Yes. Our event coordinator is in tomorrow. She can walk you through the planning from start to finish.”
He takes a step forward. He’s not very tall, but his presence is commanding. “No. I’d like you to show me.”
I stammer, but a nervous smile forms on my face, and I’m not exactly sure why. “Of course. Does noon work for you?”
“Noon it is.” His phone rings, so he takes it out of his pocket and holds up a finger as he answers, “Hello. Hi, Jim. Yes, hold on one second.” He puts the phone on mute. “Trish, it was a pleasure meeting you. Tomorrow at noon.”
I bow. I don’t know why I bow, but I do. “Thank you. See you.” I closed the door quickly and pray his chuckle is for Jim on the phone and not because I just bowed, like an idiot.
The bell boy is exiting the elevator, so I hop in and head straight downstairs. I should go to the lobby and look up everything I have planned for Eric Duvane’s stay, but my curiosity gets the best of me. I hightail it down the path, past the pool, and to the sand of Kalapaki Beach.
Holding a hand over my eyes to shield them from the sun, I squint and gaze out. It takes a few minutes to see, but sure enough, out in the distance is Jax snorkeling with a small boat anchored nearby.
With my hands on my hips, I try to understand why he’s so damn stubborn. There’s music coming from the Birds of Paradise. I walk in and see Isaiah and Benji crowded around the end of the bar, staring out at the water.
“What are you guys looking at?”
Benji answers first, his eyes trained out the window. “Shark Bait is crazy.”
“Gringo’s been out there for two hours already. He’s going to burn like a volcano.” Isaiah shakes his head.
“He must really like fish. He doesn’t come up for a break or anything,” Benji’s adds.
“Two hours isn’t that long.” My words go unheard.
“Maybe he’s looking for something.” Kal walks up with a tray in his hands. “He has to come in soon, no?”
“My money is on another hour tops. That noon sun comes up, and he’ll be a lava cake.” Isaiah throws down a twenty-dollar bill.
I try to interject. “It’s silly to bet money on someone snorkeling.”
“Four hours.” Kal takes cash out of his pocket and slams it on the table.
Benji shakes his head, enamored by watching Jax. “Sunset,” he says calmly. “He’s looking for something, and he’s not going to stop till he finds it.”
He takes the money out of his pocket and places it behind him on the counter.
I look back out toward Jax. If he’s looking for something, I know exactly what it is.
…
The day passes slowly, and I spend it at my desk, making sure the arrangements for Eric Duvane and his entourage are set.
His company, Black Dog Entertainment, is hosting a small, promotional concert this weekend for their newly signed artist. By week’s end the hotel will be filled with the who’s who of the radio industry. I used to plan events like this when I was an assistant producer so this is well in my comfort zone.
They have requested the small banquet room at the end of the week and have a series of dinners and meetings scheduled from the two suites. They also have a cruise around the island, and some helicopter rides planned—it’s quite the itinerary.
While I’m hard at work, with each hour, I find myself taking a walk outside and looking into the bay. Jax has been out there for hours.
“So, Eric Duvane…” Lani lets his name linger as she looks off in a dreamy state. “I mean, he’s no Olivia Benson.”
“Will you please stop calling him that.”
“No, it’s too much fun.” She grins. “Did you ask Eric to the bonfire tonight?”
“Why would I ask him to a place where workers go to party?”
“Because he’s fine.” Her words are said like it’s an obvious answer.
“You’re up to no good. Keep your thoughts on Jason. You have a big dinner coming up. The meeting of the Tutu!”
“Stop. I can’t even think about it. You’re coming, right?”
“Yes. I’ll be there.”
“Good.” She sighs in relief. “He’s so excited. It’s scary.”
I lean in with a smile. “It’ll be fine. Have a good time at the bonfire, screw his brains out, and you’ll feel better.”
Lani laughs, and it causes me to join in, too. We’re both lost in the moment when the sliding glass doors to the pool area open.
Wearing his hot pink, hibiscus bathing suit, giant flip flops, and a snorkel pushed up onto of his head is Jax—sopping wet, fresh off the bay.
His large feet make slapping sounds on the marble. His fist is clenched, and his eyes are so damn determined I have a hard time keeping mine off of them.
He walks up and slams his hand on the countertop. When he lifts it, my rose pendant and chain remain on the desk with water droplets all around it.
I look up from the pendant and back to him. He doesn’t say anything—just stares at me. His face is flush, and his eyes are widening despite his furrowed brow. The way his lips part slightly as he looks at me indicates I have the answer to his unasked question. And then the features of his face soften as he conveys a message his mouth cannot. It’s not harsh nor one of hate or trickery or anger or confusion.
It’s a simple message.
He’s still here.
I inhale a shaky breath with my mouth slightly agape. I can’t do anything but match Jax stare for stare, breath for breath.
Without another word, he turns around and walks toward the elevator. As he walks away, the bright red of his back from spending the day in the bay looking for a necklace appears, and it looks painful.
There are guests around, each watching the strange sight of a man, covered in tattoos, walk through a hotel wearing snorkel gear and leaving a trail of water in his wake.
And all I can do is look down at my necklace in disbelief that he found it.
…
“May I come in?” I knock on the door of Jax’s suite and wait for him to answer.
When he does, he’s wearing nothing but a white bath towel around his waist. From the front, I get a spectacular view of the dragon, all brightly colored in hues of green and purple with the red and orange flames bursting from its angry mouth.
He turns from the door, and I get another glimpse at the ink on his back—the dragon’s wings still vibrant beneath the sunburn.
“I brought you some medicine.” I hold up the bottle in proof I came bearing gifts.
“Thanks.” He nods to the table by the door, his look a mix of hopefulness and despair. I can’t take it, so I motion toward the couch.
“Lay down,” I command.
“You can just leave it—”
“Just do what you’re told for once.”
He obeys my orders and walks to the sofa.
I kneel down beside him, open the bottle, and squirt some on his skin.
“Ah, cold!” He bares his teeth, and I quickly apologize.
“Rookie mistake.” I put more lotion in my hands and then rub them together, warming it up before gently caressing his back.
My hand glides over the rippling muscles, and I feel every divot and glide up to his wide shoulders. I don’t want to aggravate the burn, so I put more lotion on my hands before I travel down his spine, and to his sides, feeling the way his waist narrows with two indents at the base.
Up and down I allow myself to roam the landscape of his back, the place where he’s carried years of burden.
“You were just a kid,” I whisper. My fingers tracing the dragon’s wings and then the feathers that span its width. “You didn’t know what you were doing.”
“Trish…” He starts but doesn’t say anything more.
“I’m not being condescending or placating. I’m being honest. You were just a kid—a stupid kid, but you didn’t mean to hurt me. I know that. And I forgive you.”
The words feel so good—I didn’t think they would, but they do. I let out a bit of a laugh so low only I hear it.
He makes a motion to get up, but I push him down.
“Let me finish. You have a really nasty burn.” I give him an extra lather to make sure I got everything. My fingers go back to outlining his tattoo. “I mean it. I no longer believe you intentionally hurt me.”
This time, he doesn’t even try to stay still. He sits up and looks down into my eyes. “It doesn’t change what happened.”
I move back and sit on the coffee table behind me. I lean into his space just as he leans into mine.
“I know. That’s why I don’t want to keep looking into the past. I want to move forward. I might be able to forgive, but I’ll never forget.”
“I would never expect you to.”
“And, while the relationship we had was one of teenagers, that doesn’t mean that we, as adults, can’t be friends. Acquaintances. Whatever.”
“Friends.” The word comes out slow and steady with a questioning tone. He nods. “I’d like that.” His teeth skim his lip as he looks down at the ground and then up to me. “I want you to trust me.”
With a side shrug, I reply. “Trust has to be earned.”
He nods his head, his brows furrowed in a deep v. “Give me your phone.”
I lean back, confused. “Why?”
He shakes his head and leans further into me. I think he’s going to hug me. Instead, he reaches around, onto the coffee table and grabs his cell phone.
“Turn around,” he orders so I angle my body to the side and look at the dining room behind me. There’s a shutter sound and then his fingers type.
My cell phone pings from inside my pocket signaling a text has come in. I put my hand inside and start to take it out.
“Don't open the text,” he commands, making me turn back toward him with a jutted out chin. A coy look takes over his face as he explains. “I sent you a dick pic.”
My head shakes with utter confusion. “What is wrong with you?”
His hands are quick to mine in assurance. “It’s collateral.”
This ridiculous notion make me laugh a little. “What the hell am I going to do with a picture of your junk?”
He stares at me before laughing, too. It’s deep and soulful and music to my ears. “I have no fucking clue. Work with me here. I’m improvising.”
“I’m never looking at that text,” I say in disbelief of what is on my phone right now.
“Good. My boys aren’t as manly as they once were.” His dimples come out with his grin as he goes into his phone again and says, “Deleted.”
I rest my hand in my palm and look to the side as I try to figure out how this incredibly awkward man walked back in my life and made it all feel right.
He continues to chuckle until his body simmers down and he clears his throat. “So, I have a few more days here. Unless you want me to go—”
“No,” I say rather quickly. “I mean, I’d love for you to stay. I can’t spend all my time with you. I have a new guest next door. Eric Duvane. He’s here on business, and I have to show him around.”
“Another guy?” He raises a brow.
“Ha. Ha. He works with my old boss, so I have to be uber professional.” I look outside at the setting sun and think of my plans for the evening. “There’s a bonfire tonight. It’s just locals. Well, if you consider me a local. Just a bunch of us getting together to have some drinks on the beach.” I look up at him, and for some reason, I’m suddenly rather bashful. “Do you want to come?”
Without missing beat, he answers, “I’d love to.”