chapter SIXTEEN
“Your guests will enjoy cocktails in the Kalanina Room as well as the adjoining terrace.” I’m giving Eric Duvane, the guest in the Maui suite, a tour of the event he is here to kickoff for his company. “We’ll have high-top tables set for fifty—”
“A hundred,” he interrupts.
“Yes, but we only provide tables for half of the party to encourage mingling.”
His smile is debonaire. “Fewer places to hide—I like it. Though, I wouldn’t say this crowd is the getting-to-know-each-other type. They’re more like competitors. Primarily city dwellers we’re luring here with a free trip to Hawaii.”
I look down at the leather binder in my hands with all of Eric and his company, Black Dog Entertainment’s, plans. “May I make a suggestion?” Looking up, I ask, “Why not move the event onto the great lawn? If you’re bringing these people to Hawaii, why not show them the landscape?”
“I didn’t think it was an option. Our concerts get very loud.”
I tap my pen on the binder. “Keep the concert inside, but move the cocktail hour outside before the event. We can string lights between the palm trees and burn tiki torches. The event will be at sundown, and there’s nothing like a Hawaiian sunset. Maybe add some hula dancers and have the music you’re promoting playing on a ukulele. It’ll subliminally get your guests into the vibe of the evening.”
He nods his head appreciatively. “That’s a great idea. You’re very good at this.”
I hug the binder and curl a loose hair behind my ear. “I’m just going off the notes. You really should be talking to the event coordinator. She can walk you through all of this.”
“I know, but I asked you to. Based on your ideas, I see I was right in my decision.” He looks back at me with those piercing, blue eyes, and I feel flushed.
I take a step toward the veranda and face the water. My dress feels tight in the afternoon heat. I grip my rib cage where the fabric clings to my skin.
“You have a producer’s brain.” His voice hums in my ear as he takes a spot next to me.
I point to the lawn area. “That’s where I suggest hosting the party. Show your guests a good time. If it rains, we can always move the event inside.”
“I take it you didn’t enjoy working as a producer?” His question forces me to face him.
I blink at him a few times before answering. My hesitation makes me laugh. This is just the thing that would send me into a tizzy. It’s a simple question so I might as well give a simple answer.
“I loved working in production. I spent three years at Asher-Marks Entertainment as a Production Assistant. Alexander Asher was a fantastic teacher. Well, he didn’t actually teach me. I learned from watching. The fact he started a music company does not surprise me. He’s a man of many talents.”
“He’s also intimidating as all hell.” Eric makes a mock face of fear, and this time I let out a real laugh.
“To say the least! The first time I met him, I was so nervous, I spilled a cup of black coffee all over my desk.” I fumble around in the air, mimicking how I acted that day as I tried to clean up the mess I’d made. “Excuse me, Sir. I’m sorry, Sir. It’s my first day, Sir. I was a disaster!”
Eric’s deep, boisterous laugh follows mine. “Did you really call him sir? He’s like a minute older than you.”
“He’s easily a decade older than I am, which to a twenty-two-year-old fresh out of college, is a hundred years. Plus, he has this way about him—like you said, he’s intimidating. Or, he was. I figured out how to communicate with him by the time I left.”
He holds his hands up in prayer. “Please, give me your secret. I’m still sweating bullets every time my phone rings.”
I give a wide, closed mouth smile. “Realize he’s just human. He’s made mistakes. Just like everyone else, and I’m sure he’s had his heart broken, too.”
He raises his brow, leans into me and says quietly, “So, you know his secrets.”
I lean in a little more. “I know everyone’s secrets.”
Good God, it sounds like I’m flirting. I just met this guy yesterday and I’m having coquettish banter, not scrutinizing his every word in an attempt to find the lie, the trick, the conniving meaning behind every syllable.
Eric leans his hip into the stone railing and rests his elbow along the top. “How did you go from working for a production company in Manhattan to being a concierge in Hawaii?”
Isn’t that the million-dollar question? “Let’s just say I was looking for a change.”
“Have dinner with me.” It’s not a question. And his non-question has me clutching onto the leather binder and taking a step back. He doesn’t seem to notice. “I’d like to continue to pick your brain for ideas on the event.”
I flick the edge of the yellow notepad at the front of the binder. “If you’re looking for something to do to occupy your time during your stay, we have a PGA golf course, and clay tennis courts like the French open. I can arrange a tour of the island by helicopter or a massage in a private cabana on the beach—”
“Dinner,” he states coolly. “I’d like to discuss more over dinner.”
“Dinner.” I look around the room and try to think of some excuse not to have to go, but I have none. “How is tomorrow at seven? I’ll meet you in the lobby.”
“Perfect,” he says as his phone starts to ring. He holds up a finger when he answers. “This is Eric. Yes, Mr. Asher. I’m here with Trish finalizing all of the plans. She’s just as professional as you said she’d be. The final list. I have it up in the room. Yes, sir. In five. Okay.”
Eric hangs up his phone, and I stifle a grin.
“You just called him sir.”
He dramatically hangs his head low and tilts his eyes up. “Guilty.”
My shoulders shake as I laugh. “You better call him back in five minutes.”
Eric looks at his phone and back to me. “I have a lot of work to do today. Thank you for showing me around.”
“The event coordinator will be touching base with you to go over any final plans and changes. Though, if you could refrain from telling her the change in cocktail hour venue was my idea, I’d appreciate it. I don’t want to overstep.”
His hands are up in the air. There’s a divot in his chin that appears when he grins. “You have my word. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I lower the binder down at arms-length and nod my head. “Seven.”
When Eric leaves, I place a hand on my waist and let out a long breath.
I head for the event coordinator’s office to return the binder, and the secretary looks none too happy with me as I hand it over. When I make my way back to the lobby, I log onto my computer and check my upcoming guest list.
I drum my fingers on the counter as I look at the requests they’ve made and know how easily I can fill them. It’s all standard stuff—couples massage, dinner reservations, Jeep Wrangler rental, dawn bike rides, Jurassic Park helicopter tours, waterfall adventures, private chef, rose petals on the bed, drawn baths at night …I can arrange this in my sleep. I shoot off a dozen quick emails and find my queue empty, and my work complete.
Now that Jackson has decided not to consume my every waking second, and Eric is the world’s easiest guest, I’m left with absolutely nothing to do.
I sign out and walk toward the pool. It’s packed with nearly every chair occupied by a lounging vacationer. There’s live music playing as a man walks around with a drum, followed by a dancer.
“Trish!” The sound of my name has me looking in the direction of the woman who called it.
I smile at the sight of Shayna Waimer. “Hi, Mrs. Waimer. Is there anything I can help you with today?”
She pushes my arm. “Call me Shay. And, yes, you can. We’ve planned our wedding ceremony for Saturday. It’s our last night here so we thought it would be a perfect way to end the honeymoon. We’d just love if you came.”
“I’d love to, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to. I have guests to accommodate.”
“That’s a shame. Jackson will be playing the guitar for us, and the bartender, Issac—”
“Isaiah?” I correct her.
“Yes, him. He’s going to officiate. It’s gonna be beautiful. On a cliff, looking out into the ocean…”
“Wearing matching leis,” I add, and her eyes light up.
“I love that idea! Can I get a lei crown?” Her hands are on top of her head as if there is an actual crown of flowers sitting there.
“Yes. We can arrange that. And, I will try to be there, but no promises.”
Her hands clap together then point to the tiki bar. “I’m gonna get myself another dirty banana. You want anything?”
I shake my head. “On the job.”
She saunters off, and I continue to meander, looking around at the guests. Not really for anyone in particular. I’m just…looking.
The walking entertainment has now moved to the opposite side the deck, and I can hear the whistling tune through the loudspeakers. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is on. Around here, it plays at least twice a day.
The air is pungent with sunblock and pineapple. The loud splash of the waterfall hitting the surface, coupled with the jumps and dives of guests makes the atmosphere loud and boisterous. A group of teenagers walk by me on their way to the beach, followed by a salamander looking for cover.
Birds of Paradise is bustling with lunch customers. Couples line the open-air windows as they share conversations. I peek into the restaurant as I make my way toward the beach where a volleyball game is underway.
In the corner of the court, serving the ball is Jax.
He’s wearing board shorts and a t-shirt, which I assume is to protect his back against another day in the sun. His hair flies wildly from side to side as he serves and plays the set along with another man on his team. They get the point and give a double high five. It’s so Top Gun, it’s kinda sexy.
His partner serves again. Jax goes into pure athlete mode, maneuvering around the court to keep the ball from touching the ground. I can’t help but notice the way his back muscles bend and flex with each movement. His forearms are corded with strength as they glisten in the sun.
His head swivels in my direction, and I give a little wave. No sooner does his face ignites in a magnificent, pure-white smile does the ball come flying from over the net and smacks him upside the head.
“That’s game!” someone on the other team shouts.
Jax rubs his head and looks at the net in bewilderment. He turns to apologize to his partner, another tourist I assume, who just shrugs it off and gives him a knuckle pound. When he glances back up at me, I shrug.
“Hey,” he says as he approaches me.
“You want some ice for that?” I thumb toward the Birds of Paradise restaurant.
“No, I’m fine. You look nice today.”
I smooth out the skirt of my paisley dress even though it’s wrinkle free. “Thanks. I see you got back okay last night.”
He runs his hand through his hair to position it in place. “Yeah, Uber works in all fifty of the states. Who knew?”
“Me, I knew.” I try not to roll my eyes at myself for the lame joke. “You look like you’re having fun. I see you found a friend to play with.”
Jax’s volleyball partner takes a seat on a lounger by the pool next to a woman.
“I was going to have you come and play as a requirement of our agreement, but then I remembered the deal’s off which is for the best because contact sports never was your thing.”
“I can play sports,” I defend and then realize it’s pointless. “Okay, fine. I suck at most sports. But you’d be pleasantly surprised to learn I’ve played softball a few times. We had a company team at my last job. I was decent.”
“That I would’ve loved to see.”
“Next time I’m sliding around the diamond, I’ll invite you.”
“I’ll be there,” he confirms, and we fall into a moment of silence.
“I was thinking—” he says at the same moment I throw out, “I wanted to ask you—“
“You first.” I offer him an awkward smile.
“Do you have plans tonight?”
“That’s what I was going to run by you. I’d like to head out early. I’m having dinner with Auli’i, Lani’s Tutu.”
He waggles his brows. “Hula lesson?”
“No, not tonight. She’s meeting Lani’s boyfriend. I’ll be there for moral support.
He raises his pierced brow. “The grandmother needs moral support?”
“Lani’s nervous. She’s never brought a boy home before.”
“That guy Jason was pretty cool.”
“Of course you think so. He was practically drooling all over you.”
With a wicked grin, he leans forward. “Are you telling me because I can keep you here against your will?”
“Pretty much. Shoot. I should have asked my other guest if he needed anything tonight.”
His brows rise. “Did your dinner invitation come with a plus one?”
I stammer slightly at his question. “You want to go to dinner at Lani’s grandma’s house?”
“I don’t have any other plans. And, yeah, I’d like to spend time with you.”
I place my hands in a praying position and point at him. “So this is like official personal concierge business?”
He laughs. “Do I need to say it out loud? Yes, Genie, I wish to visit a local’s house for dinner with you tonight.”
I cross my arms and bow my head like the girl form I Dream of Jeannie. “Your wish is granted.”
…
“Thank God, you’re here!” Lani opens the front door before we even knock. She grabs my shirt and pulls me over the threshold before she realizes Jax is behind me. “You’re here, too? This is great. She’ll be so flummoxed by your tattoos, you’ll make Jason look like a dream.”
“Hi to you too, Lani.” Jax slides off his shoes, and we leave them outside the front door.
She grabs our hands and tugs us into the living room where Jason waits. The men shake hands. Compared to Jason and his flawless, dark skin and perfectly combed hair that makes him look like a boy scout, Jax seems roguish. His piercing accentuates the mischievous quirk of his brow whenever he looks at something in question—like Jason wearing a tie on a ninety-degree day. In dark jeans and a t-shirt, Jax looks like the bad boy you don’t want to bring home to meet your grandma—thankfully, she’s not my grandma.
He looks around the room at the many photos of Auli’i dancing in shows or standing next to celebrities and Presidents.
“Is that Bob Hope?” he asks when his eye catches a black and white among the floor to ceiling gallery.
In the photo, a man stands with two dancers wearing strapless tops, full skirts, and bare feet. The large flowers in their long, dark hair match the leis around their necks.
“Nineteen-forty-two. He chose Pearl Harbor to perform the first USO.” Auli’i walks in from the kitchen, sliding on her reading glasses that hang from a small chain. She takes the space next to Jax and looks at the photograph with him. “He was a true gentleman. Performed for the troops for over sixty years.” She points to one of the women in the photo. “That’s my mother. She danced with him for twenty years, and then it was my turn.”
Auli’i walks a few spots down and finds another picture. In this one, Bob Hope is much older. His pants sit higher on his waist, but his smile is just as charismatic.
“That’s me,” she says with a smile.
I lean in behind Jax and take a look at the image. Auli’i was stunning in her youth. Even today, for a woman in her seventies, she has a timeless beauty. Her delicate features and perky little nose are the same as Lani’s.
“Auli’i, this is Jackson,” I introduce the two.
“Welcome to my home. Is this for me?” she motions toward the box of chocolates Jax is clutching in his hands.
He hands her the box. “Yes. It was that or a shot glass from the hotel gift shop.”
She looks up at him. “You didn’t have to bring anything.”
“I looked up Hawaiian customs, and it said never go to someone’s house empty handed.” He puts his hands in his pockets and leans down to be closer to her height. “That and never walk into a home with your shoes on. I didn’t know if I should bring slippers. It said that’s a thing here, too.”
Lani’s giggles echoes throughout the room.
Even Auli’i finds herself totally charmed by Jax’s awkwardness. “You did good. Come, we’ll eat outside.”
Jax takes her offered arm and escorts her outside. I’m about to follow when Jason steps beside me. “Genius idea. Now the pressure’s off me.”
I laugh and follow everyone out to the backyard.
Auli’i still has Jax’s ear. “Trish says you’re staying in the Pele Suite at the hotel. How are your accommodations?”
“Couldn’t ask for better.” He casts a brief glance my way. My face reddens at the fact he knows I told Auli’i all about him.
“Did you ever hear the story of the Goddess Pele and the lovers Lehua and Ohi’a?” she asks as they descend down the stairs.
He shakes his head and follows her toward a path of trees on the side of her walkway.
“A long time ago, in the beginning days of Hawaii, a dance was taking place in a small village. Ohi’a was a handsome gentleman, known for his athletic prowess. He was sitting around the bonfire when a beautiful woman caught his eye. Her name was Lehua. When their eyes met across the fire, they both froze, unable to take their gazes off each other. Ohi’a courted Lehua with a passion that quickly won her heart.”
Auli’i continues, “Soon after, they married, and Ohi’a built his bride a home. For several months, they lived in bliss until, one day, Pele was walking through the forest and spotted the handsome Ohi’a. She disguised herself as a beautiful woman and approached him. Ohi’a ignored her advances and pledged his undying love to Lehua, but Pele was furious. She presented herself as the Goddess Pele and tried to take him as her own. Ohi’a refused. He was forever in love with Lehua.”
Auli’i placed her hand on the trunk of a tree as if feeling its heartbeat. “The quick-tempered Pele stuck Ohi’a and turned him into a twisted, ugly tree in revenge for denying her advances. Lehua saw her husband become transformed and begged the goddess to change him back. When Pele refused, Lehua fell to her knees and wept at the base of the tree.
“The other gods tried to change Ohi’a back, but the curse was too strong. So, they changed Lehua into a beautiful red flower and placed her at the top of the Ohi’a tree so the two lovers would never be apart.”
Auli’i runs her hand along the branch of the Ohi’a tree and shows him the beautiful, red blossoms blowing among the branches.
Jax reaches his hand out to touch, but she gently nudges him back and explains, “You must never pick a Lehua blossom from the Ohi’a tree. For as long as they stay, the sun will shine. If a flower is picked, rain will fall for the two lovers cannot bear to be apart.”
Jax’s eyes glow with the vibrant color of the flower sitting on the twisted vines of the tree. “I have never heard something so tragic and yet so beautiful.” He looks down to Auli’i.
“Trees are living things. Just as much a part of the earth as you and I,” she says. Her hand clutches his. “Have you ever loved someone so much you would rather be a tree than forsake them?”
It must be because I’m standing here, staring at him so intently that I see the brief flick in his gaze away from the trees.
“Yes,” he says. “I have.”
Auli’i squeezes his hands and gives him a glassy-eyed gaze. There’s a moment passing between them—a knowing of truths and a sense of acceptance by two people who met just moments ago.
I walk over to the dinner table where Auli’i has set us to dine. Lani and Jason are putting the food out as I approach.
“Let’s eat!” she exclaims.
…
Dinner passes quickly. That’s what happens when you’re surrounded by good friends and great conversation. I’m currently answering Jason’s question about some of the worst guest experiences I’ve encountered at the hotel. Since Auli’i is at the table, I try to keep them as tame as possible.
“I run up to Maui suite and into the bathroom where she’s waiting in a tub filled with bubbles and a loofah in her hand. She holds it up in the air and says, “Can you get my back?” I try to use the pop star’s British accent when I tell the story.
“Chrysalis, the pop star, called you up to her room to wash her back? Doesn’t she have people for that?” Jason asks in excited disbelief.
I continue with my hands on the table as I lean forward. “She had a crazy entourage, but she clearly thought personal concierge service meant something else because after that she had me take her dirty underwear with me to have them hand washed in lavender leaves and Ivory soap.”
“Did you do it?” Jason asks.
I hang my head in shame. “Yes.”
Lani puts her arm around Jason. “Trish is unable to say no—ever. Seriously. Ask her to do anything and she will. She’s the most loyal person I’ve ever met.”
I can’t control my eye roll. “That’s a bit far-fetched.”
Lani points at me from across the table, her arm of bangles jangling in the air. “What about when Isaiah asked you to tutor his little sister because she didn’t understand algebra, or when Benji wanted you to make a production quality video of his fire tossing routine to send to America’s Got Talent or when Kal needed someone to cover his shift when his mom was sick so you offered, on your day off, to play waitress?”
With my glass in my hand, I reply, “Helping his sister study algebra was far from a sacrifice.”
She sashays her arm in the air. “It is when you spend the three hours prior watching YouTube videos to relearn everything there is to know about high school algebra.”
I open my mouth to argue. My chin juts out as I try to think of a retort, but I don’t have anything witty to offer. “You totally would have done it, too.”
Jax stares at the lantern. The flame burns brightly, creating an amber wave of color across the table. “She traveled in the middle of a hurricane to sit by my side in the hospital—stayed with me all night. It was the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me.”
He’s sitting next to me, and his knee grazes the side of my leg. The simple feel of a jean-clad leg against my skin feels more intimate than it should.
“What was Trish like in high school?” Lani inquires, and I shoot her a curious look, but she waves me off. “Oh, come one, everyone knows you two dated. Cat’s out of the bag.” She places her chin in her open palms and looks to Jax with keen attention.
He looks over at Auli’i and then to me before settling into his seat. A look of nostalgia casts over his face. “Trish was feisty.” He grins to himself. “She had a passion to try everything—nothing scared her. Our school had a very competitive cheer team. Trish was determined to make it, but she couldn’t tumble, so she went to the gym every day for a month and practiced on a blue mat.”
“Did you make the team?” Lani asks.
“Nope. I got beat out by Sabrina James who did five back handsprings. I think that girl was on steroids,” I joke. “It was for the best anyway. I was tiny, and they would have wanted me to go toward the top of the pyramid, and I couldn’t have done that.”
Lani and Jason look confused, so Jax explains, “She’s afraid of heights.”
“How do you fly?” Lani asks.
“With a stiff drink in my hand.”
Jax continues, “Did you know she was the editor of the school paper? She was the smartest girl in our school, so that wasn’t a surprise. She even started a daily news broadcast that was aired every morning at the top of first period. It was called “Wyndham High School Morning News.”
“That’s so cool. We didn’t have anything like that in our school. Were you the anchor?” Lani ’s eyes are bright with interest.
I roll my eyes and downplay it. “It was a riveting broadcast. For five minutes a day, I gave the rundown on sports, school happenings, and what was being served in the school cafeteria.”
Jax doesn’t seem to care for my description. “She was our own Diane Sawyer. I used to be late for first period, but when that started, I made sure I was in my seat just so I could see her show. Every day she had a different student join her as a co-host. Everyone signed up. We all wanted to be on.”
“Were you on?” Auli’i asks.
He turns to her. “Twice. I would have done it every day, but I had to wait my turn.”
I remember seeing his name on the list. He signed up every month. “While I wanted to pick him, I knew it would be obvious I had an insane crush on him if I did. He was my co-host once before we dated and once after. He touched my knee during the broadcast and threw me off script. He was banned from then on.”
Just like the memory, Jax hand rests on my knee, and I jolt at the contact. He’s still looking at Auli’i, and I’m now staring at his hand splayed across my knee. My stomach dances in flutters, and there’s a pulsing that shoots straight from where his hand is to my core.
“Trish was always funny, yet she had a gentle quality. Her sweet nature extended to everyone she met. Especially me. I was a lucky guy to have her as a friend.” His words have Lani gawking at him like he hung the moon. Even Jason gives Jax a starry-eyed expression.
Lani gives her attention back to me. “That broadcast must have been great for getting into college. Why didn’t you go to journalism school?”
Jax’s hand slowly leaves my knee, and I know why. “I gave it up my senior year. Let someone else have a chance.”
My hand travels to my face to hide any hint of a blush I may have. Or flushed. Who knows. All I do know is his face is turned toward mine, and I can feel his heated stare directly on my skin.
Auli’i places her entwined hands on the table and then gestures toward the trees. “I think it’s time the girls do a dance.”
I blink up at Auli’i. By “girls” I hope she means Lani and her.
“Trish. Lani. Please dance for us. Jason, will you play for us?” Auli’i rises from the table and walks to the porch on the backside of the house.
She’s walking back with a ukulele when I say, “I think Lani should do this one. I’m not ready.”
Auli’i walks up to Jason. “Do you know how to play Kawaipunahele?” When he nods, she hands him the instrument and takes a seat.
Without another word, she raises her hands, one toward me, another to Lani and ushers us up.
Reluctantly, I take a step beside Lani near the Ohi’a trees. The waves of the nearby ocean can be heard in the background until Jason starts playing the ballad.
I know the routine Auli’i and I have been practicing. We bend our knees, and extend our arms and take steps forward and back with swayed hips.
I try whatever I can to ignore the way Jax looks over the amber light and the way my body moves to the music. As nervous as I am, concentrate on the story the dance is meant to tell and flow into a graceful routine.
Auli’i speaks over the music to Jax. “This is a song about a man beckoning a loved one to return to the relationship.”
Lani and I raise an arm to the sky and down before spreading them out and bringing them into our hearts. We turn to the side, and dip our hips.
With our left arms bent and right hands drawing back in, Auli’i explains, “He tells her they are firmly united and never separate like a never-fading lei. He asks her to come back with him to where they belong.”
As my hand raises to my forehead, I flow into the step that has my other arm extended as I turn in a circle in step with Lani.
Auli’i speaks. “He is lonely. He says, ‘When it’s right, we will go back.’”
My breath hitches at the sight of Jax. His shining eyes have glazed over and softened. His body relaxes, and a slow smile builds across his face.
Jason plays the verse again, and I do whatever I can not to look in his direction again.
At the final chord, Lani and I take a bow.
Jax gives a strong clap. His mouth is now ignited into a grin that shows pride. His stare penetrates me over the glowing candlelight, completely sincere. When he gives me those eyes, it’s easy to forget why I hated him for so long. With that look, he’s burrowing a hole straight into my soul, and I may just morph myself into a flower and latch onto him for eternity.
I shake my body and get rid of the thought quickly.
Lani and I sit back at the table. I take a long drink of my water when I notice Auli’i staring at the eye on Jax’s forearm.
“Every tattoo tells a story,” she says. Her fingers brush the image. “Is she looking into the past or the future?”
Jax grins. “Both.”
She pats his arm, and her eyes crinkle on the sides. “I like you. You’re a good man. I hope you come by again soon.”
“I will,” he says and rises from the table.
I stand as well since we came together. “Dinner was wonderful. Let us help clean up,” I offer.
“No. You two go home,” she says. “Lani and Jason will stay.”
The two love birds on the other side of the table halt mid stride. They had risen as well and were on their way away from the table.
With a firm hand and matching stare, Auli’i motions for them to sit back down. “You may have thought having friends to dinner would distract an old woman, but not for long. Now, it’s your turn.”
Their mouths collectively drop at the serious, grandmotherly tone Auli’i has just taken on.
“Have a good night,” I call out as Jax and I walk around the side of the house toward the car.
While Auli’i is a gentle soul, she does hold a high standard for her granddaughter and who she dates. Jason is in for at least an hour of questions and introspective conversation.
“Do you think he’s okay?” Jax asks when we get in the car.
“Jason will be fine. You seemed to pass with flying colors.”
“I didn’t know I was under investigation.”
“Auli’i has become a surrogate grandmother of sorts to me. I’ve only known her a short time, yet we’ve bonded—that sounds weird.”
“No. It makes sense. You can know someone for years or just a few days, but it only takes a moment for your souls to connect.”
I inhale a quick breath as I pull the car onto the street and drive toward the Kauai Princess.
I turn on the radio, and the two of us talk about the different music we like. I haven’t listened as much as I did in New York, but I have a new-found passion for, Jason Mraz.
“You like that guy?”
“He has this disarming quality. Like, I’m just this little guy with a big guitar, and I’m going to let it talk for me because I’m too shy to actually approach you.”
He laughs. “I get that. I was on a Colbie Calle kick for a while. What? Don’t look at me like that. Her music is soulful.”
“I’m sure the fact she’s a smoking hot blonde has nothing to do with it.”
He grins. “What can I say. I like blondes.”
I bite my lip. I would know. I used to be one.
“You have plenty of blondes to pick from on that phone of yours. I’m sure one search of your email account will find you someone local.”
“I knew it!” He hits the dashboard and laughs. It’s a real laugh—the kind that builds from your belly and unleashes in a boisterous shout. “You went through my phone in the hospital.”
I hit myself in the forehead—denying it no longer an option. “I didn’t trust you. I had to make sure I knew what I was dealing with.”
“You little snoop. See anything good?”
I drum my fingers on the steering wheel. “You take a lot of selfies. You have a really big ego.”
He laughs again. I turn to face him for just a second, but it’s long enough to see his dimples are out. Yes, Jax has dimples and goddammit they’re freaking adorable.
“What else?”
I let out an audible breath and find myself smiling. “Your niece is really freaking cute.”
“She is,” he sighs. “I can’t wait till you meet her. I know I told you what a little spitfire she is, but you really can’t get the essence of cuteness until you hang with her. She calls me every day, which has been a bitch since I’ve been here. It’s hard to explain to a four-year-old you’re six hours behind.”
His arm goes behind my headrest as he leans in closer. I focus on the dark road ahead, but his masculine scent invades the small space.
“I listened to your music. It was really good.”
“That was ‘Die A Happy Man.’ The lyrics came after.”
I clear my throat and switch lanes for no apparent reason. “You have a lot of unread fan mail. You should read them.”
“No,” he states sternly. “That’s Pandora’s box. Have you seen what’s in there?”
“Yes. People who have been inspired by you and others you’ve helped in some way. They deserve to hear from you.”
“There’s a lot of underage girls in there, too. Last time I opened one, it was some fifteen-year-old girl who gave me her address and the passcode to her security system.” He leans back into his seat and runs his hands along his thighs. “I don’t want to bring up the past, but don’t think I haven’t learned from it.”
I smash my lips together and nod. “What were you like? You know, the last few years. You’ve said you’ve done some messed up things.” I blow out a loud breath and ask, “What’d you mean?”
“Drugs,” he answers. “Drinking. Sleeping with women and not calling them again. Pulling dangerous or life-threatening stunts because I just didn’t care.”
He had told me he’d done terrible things in the past. Still, it’s difficult to hear him say it out loud. “What kind of drugs?”
“Pills, mostly.”
“You didn’t do them the night of your accident,” I say, and he looks at me curiously. “It wasn’t in your toxicology report.”
For some reason that lightens his mood. “You really are a little investigator. I don’t know if I should be impressed or frightened?”
“Frightened,” I say with a nervous laugh.
He shakes his head and pats his legs. His thighs are spread wide. Well, as wide as they can in the confines of my passenger seat. “I stopped a few years ago. I mostly drink now. It wasn’t out of dependency—just being miserable. The truth is, I’m glad I got shit-faced that night. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have gotten hurt, and you wouldn’t have been by my side. And I wouldn’t be here sitting by yours.”
I try not to show how that little tidbit of information affects me.
He pulls his phone out of his pocket. “My new password is 0417.”
“Why is your password my birthday?”
“After realizing how simple it was to break into my phone, I knew I had to change it. And since you’re the only one I want digging through it, I thought I’d make it easy for you.”
“You’re crazy.”
“I thought we already established that when I flew all the way to Hawaii to see you. Can I ask you something?” He stammers a little, but I tilt my ear toward him in interest. “I know I said you didn’t have to do the whole concierge thing with me anymore, but there is something I really want to do. And I’d like you to do it with me. Tomorrow. That is, if you want to.”
“Is it a dangerous thing?” I ask cautiously.
“No. It’s incredibly touristy. You might even think it’s cheesy.”
I look at him with a twisted face. The truth is, whatever he asks, I’m going to say yes, no matter what it is.
And damn my heart when he responds, “I want to see the sunrise.”