Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One (7 page)

Regardless, when Kamp bumped into her earlier today and used his stupid-ass cheesy line, I wanted to knock him to the ground. I’m not sure why I went all alpha-male wanting to stake a claim. But the thought of them together burned deep inside. And how did I handle it? By glaring.

Fuck

It was obvious I caught Kayla off guard. Her big deer-in-the-headlight stare gave her away. She recovered with a half-smile. And my response was a glare? What the hell is wrong with me? I think the ocean swallowed my smoothness from the wipe-out I took minutes before seeing her.

By the time I got my shit together to respond, Kayla had turned back to her mom, and I watched her long, brown hair sashay across her back as she walked away. Perhaps shy girls are my new thing.

One thing’s for sure. I may have handled the situation poorly, but I thank God Kayla’s smart enough to see through Kamp’s line of shit.

I glimpse at the time on the dashboard and cringe. Seven-thirty is a little early, and Kayla doesn’t appear to be a partying-type girl. There’s a slim chance at best she’ll even be there. So why am I wasting my time? I have no fucking clue.

Chapter
Eleven

Kayla~

Despite the warm trade winds, I shiver but remain seated, not wanting to move inside. Darkness blankets the silky black ocean, hypnotizing me into a captive state. The ripples in the water mimic a satin ribbon, and I marvel at the color differences the ocean takes between daylight and evening. A part of me had hoped the days would be longer here than back home, but that’s clearly not the case. Not when the sun sets at six o’clock.

I pull my legs up in the chair and let the sundress I’d put on earlier drape loosely over them. Wrapping my arms around my legs, I rest my chin on my knees and continue to stare at the waves. Goosebumps prickle my skin, and I wish I hadn’t changed out of my hiking pants. But I needed a shower after returning from the tour.

I sigh at the thought of missing another sunset. The only complaint with the condo’s location is the mountain blocking the sunsets. The sunrises have been great‌—‌complete with rainbows. But I want to witness a sunset at some point before going home.

I’m just not keen on venturing out on my own. The roads are narrow and winding, and the nights seem darker than at home.

I drop my arms and lean back in the chair, drumming my fingers on the edge of the seat. I’m antsy from sitting around the condo. And I still can’t get Kai out of my head. Clearly, I’m broken. His earlier expression says it all‌—‌not interested.

My gaze shifts to my phone lying on the patio table. On impulse, I pick it up and send a quick text to Staci. I type, “You’ve rubbed off on me. I’m now lusting over a local hottie. This is your fault.” I’m not sure when the message will be read, considering it’s two-thirty in the morning in Indiana, but the text is sent nonetheless.

I toss the phone back on the table and pick up the bottled water to take a sip. I continue to stare at the silky water. The faint moonlight cast shadows into the sky and makes the dark ocean look as if it drops off the face of the earth. I want to reach out and touch the ebony slickness. See if the wetness is as smooth as it appears. Of course, it’s not. But the temptation still exists.

An unexpected ringtone blares through the night’s calmness, and I flinch, my head snapping to the phone.
What the heck is Staci still doing up?
A laugh escapes when I read her text.

Staci:
Ha! I knew it. Tanned bodies too hard to resist.

Me:
Lol. Just one guy that I’ll never see again. Dubbed hot tour-guide Kai. But I CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT HIS DELICIOUS ABS.

Staci:
I was right! There was a hot tour guide. It’s a small island. Go find him.

Me:
Right! So easy! Besides, he hates me.

Staci:
Hates you? WTF?

Me:
Nice at times. Then not. Practically ignored me yesterday during the tour. I ran into him today, and he glared at me.

Staci:
See. lol. It is a small island. Why would he glare?

Me:
IDK. Weird?

Staci:
Forget him, he sounds like a douche.

I stare at Staci’s text and bite my nail. I did make Kai sound like a douche. He wasn’t though. Not totally. When he wasn’t glaring, Kai was actually nice. Like when he made sure I was paddling correctly. And he seemed relaxed talking to me by the waterfall.

Staci:
Have you had your Mai Tai, yet?

Me:
It’s only the third night!

Staci:
So why wait? Go! Now! Mai Tai. Drink‌…‌direct order!

Me:
Lol. I’ll see what I can do. TTYL.

Staci:
Have fun. Goodnight!

I chuckle and stare at the ocean for a moment longer. Maybe she’s right. I should go out. There was a nice bar in the complex where we got groceries the other day.

Yes, I can do this
.

I stand up and waltz inside the condo. The whoosh of the sliding glass door draws Mom’s attention. She’s wearing a smile, but her eyelids are droopy despite the fact it’s only eight fifteen. I frown. Jet lag hit Mom hard, and she’s struggling to get over it. And her coughing spells hasn’t helped.

“I was wondering if you’d want to go to the shopping center with me. You know, the one where we got our groceries. The other shops looked pretty neat. I’d thought about checking them out.”
Along with the bar,
I mentally add.

“Hmm, do you mind going by yourself? I’m sort of settled for the night.”

“Sure, I’ll just be gone for a little while.” I grab my purse.

“The car keys are on the dining table.” Mom smiles encouragingly and points to the small glass table tucked under the stairs.

I stroll over and eye the plum colored yarn poking from the tote bag lying against the wall. I bite my lip, tempted to stay in and work on the sweater instead. A moment passes as I debate what to do before exhaling a frustrated sigh and swiping the car keys off the table.
This better be worth it, Staci.
I’m tired of holding myself back and tonight’s going to be fun. Even if said fun means going to a bar by myself in Kauai.

“See ya later, Mom,” I belt out, not waiting for a response.

The door shuts, and I skip down the stairs, anxious to be there already. I will have fun despite being alone. Walking to the rental car, I practically stumble when a damn chicken lurches in front of me, cawing as if I was in the wrong.
What is up with all these chickens?

“Shoo, go away before I drop you off at
KFC
,” I say, waving my hands to move the bird along.

The chicken sprints away, and I shake my head.
Weird
. I unlock the car and slide safely into the driver’s seat, breathing a sigh of relief. It’s not that I hate chickens, they’re rather tasty on my plate, but roaming around freely is downright freaky.

I start the car and back out of the parking lot, stupid chicken forgotten.
Sort of
. My stomach flips at the thought of going to the bar by myself. I’m on vacation, and I’m twenty-one. I do need to go out. At least once. And I don’t expect Kai to be there, or even if he is, that he’ll want to see me, but I’ll order the Mai Tai and not lie to Staci the next time she asks.

I stop at the intersection of Ka Haku Road and Highway 56 and turn my head to the left. I pause as I study the vacant road that leads to the East and Southern Rim. Where Kai lives. Or, at least, where I think he lives from the conversation I overheard between him and the nosey honeymooner. The road marches forward, fading to black, hindering visibility. But it’s only an hour to reach the southern part. For a mere moment, I contemplate turning the car eastward but then curse under my breath.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid idea.

He. Doesn’t. Like. Me.

I glance to the right and then back left, sighing. It is pretty dark that way. My stomach lurches again as I stick to my original plan and turn toward Princeville Center. Even if I have my drink alone, at least, I can say I did it.
I will do this
.

Chapter
Twelve

Kai~

Kamp waltzes to the bar, and I slap my hand on his back. “Let’s sit over there.”

He turns to the booth I’m pointing at and pivots left. “You want to order food or something?”

“Yeah,” I say dismissively. I’m not hungry, but I can’t think of an excuse fast enough. Kamp and I never sit at booths when we go out. Not unless we’re ordering food. And even then, we usually eat at the counter. But explaining why I need a prime scoping-location would prove too difficult. I frown as Kamp makes his way over there. The vantage spot is only good if I sit on the far side.

My hiking boots pound across the concrete floor in lengthy strides to beat Kamp to the table. Without pause, I slide across the brown vinyl seat, mentally fist-pumping the air. But disappointment squashes any victory when a quick scan of the small bar comes up empty. Nobody and I mean nobody we know is here. Including a certain mainlander that, based on the sudden onset of nausea, I had more than hoped would be here.

I swallow my concern and grab the menu stacked to the side of the table. I must keep the charade of ordering food going.

A cute waitress that has to be close to our age strolls to the table and smiles widely. “What can I get you guys?” she asks in a sweet voice.

A slow seductive smile crosses Kamp’s face. “Are you servin’ a piece of yourself tonight? I think I saw passion fruit on the menu.”

Without missing a beat, the waitress says, “Sorry,
sugar,
we’re fresh out. Perhaps you’d enjoy sour belts?”

I can’t contain the snicker that escapes. “I think you’ve met your match.” I turn to the waitress and order a simple plate of nachos and two
Coronas
.

Kamp grumbles under his breath as she saunters away. I discreetly look toward the door again before bringing my attention back to Kamp. “What’d ya expect, dude? Stop with the cheesy lines. Besides, they’re not even true pick-up lines. They’re just stupid.”

“Whatever. She’s not getting a tip.” Kamp turns to the soccer game broadcast on the television, and I steal one more glance at the door. “Who are you looking for?” Kamp asks with a hint of annoyance.

My gaze cuts to Kamp and the accusation in his brown eyes says it all‌—‌busted.
My skills are not as covert as I thought
.

“No one in particular. Just wondering if anyone we know has shown up.” Total lie, but I’m hopeful he buys it. “No one we know is here.”

“No shit. That’s what I tried to tell you. This place is—” Kamp remains tightlipped when the waitress comes back with our drinks.

“Don’t stop on my account,
sugar
,” the waitress says as she places the bottles on the table. She leans closer to Kamp and glances toward the presumptuous looking tourists surrounding the bar. In a lowered voice, she says, “I know exactly what this place is like.”

Her stare lingers on Kamp for a few moments too long, and then she smiles suggestively at him. Kamp swallows hard and watches her round, firm ass walk away. I shake my head and mutter, “Shit.” I will never hear the end of this.

The waitress ducks around the corner, and Kamp drags his stare back to me, quirking an eyebrow. I raise my hand to him. “Don’t say it.” But he doesn’t have to; his expression says it all‌—‌ha ha, my cheesy lines work, asshole.

To no surprise, Kamp decides he likes this place and waiting for the nachos isn’t half bad. I’m still shaking my head when my heart plummets to my stomach from the quick glance I stole at the entrance.

Son-of-bitch.

Chapter
Thirteen

Kayla~

I don’t want to do this.

I step through the entrance of the bar and can sense all eyes upon me. They’re not. I’m sure. But the reassurance doesn’t stop my heart from racing or the thickening sensation my throat suddenly experiences.

The bamboo-rattan style bar catches my eye first. It’s beautifully crafted, and for some weird reason makes me somewhat relax. A big screen television, tuned to a soccer game, is positioned up high against the wall above the bar. Open shelves filled with liquor line the backdrop. I swallow my apprehension and raise my chin slightly.

Yes, I can do this
.

Stepping forward, I pad across the concrete floor toward the bar and then glide on top the bamboo-legged stool. I keep my purse on my lap, trying hard not to fidget. I’m so out of my league; the surrounding people become a blur.

**~~**~~**

Kai~

The second Kayla enters through the door, adrenaline races through my body, and I’m suddenly sixteen unsure what to do. This unsureness isn’t me. Not at all. But I’m so surprised by the fact she’s here, that I don’t care about the developing apprehension. I put no thought into what to say if I saw her. And whatever actions I take need to be slick to rectify my idiotic behavior from earlier today.

Kamp turns and curses. “
This
is why we’re here? You’re after some haole ass?”

“Watch it…” I growl, “Don’t place her in the category with those other girls.”

“Chillax. I didn’t say anything bad. But‌…‌hey, wait a minute.” Kamp’s eyes squint as he inspects Kayla sliding onto the barstool. “Isn’t that the girl I practically knocked over today? You know the one who fell for me?”

“She did not fall
for
you,” I say through gritted teeth. “Your clumsy ass ran her over.”

Kamp laughed. “Seriously, bro, she’s hot. Hit that and be done. I—”

I silence Kamp with a glare.

Throwing his hands up in defeat, he says, “Okay, I get it. You have a thing for her. Honestly, though, since when did
you
become territorial?”