Pleasure in Hawaii (Kimani Romance) (7 page)

“One dance should be fine,” she told him.

“Then let’s get out there and show them how it’s done.”

Sloane had her arms around Gene’s neck while he held her waist as they moved in slow, sensual circles. She liked the way he smelled, always a manly mixture of his scent and expensive cologne. Moreover, she felt comfortable in his sturdy arms. They were as in sync on the dance floor as in bed. With her eyes closed and their bodies aligned, Sloane almost felt like they were all by themselves, dancing to their own heartbeats.

“You’re good,” Gene said, seemingly echoing her sentiments.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” she uttered.

“That’s because I’m dancing with by far the most attractive woman at the class reunion.”

Sloane blushed. “Such sweet words.”

“And an even sweeter dance partner,” he murmured.

Her eyes rose to meet his. Sloane really wanted to kiss him, tossing away any qualms about the setting where neither of them belonged. She opened her lips and brought them to Gene’s waiting mouth.

He followed her lead, pulling their bodies closer and giving Sloane the type of kiss she sought from him. She loved the hard persuasion of his lips and was sure he got as much satisfaction from the kiss she laid on him. Sloane grew light-headed as the kiss made her feel like she was walking on air. She’d become lost in the moment when Gene pulled back. Only then had Sloane realized the band had stopped playing.

“That was very enjoyable,” Gene said, and licked his lips.

“Seems like we can’t get enough of that these days,” she admitted, tasting him on her mouth as well, still feeling the sensations of the kiss.

Gene smiled. “Guess some things are just meant to be.”

“You think so, do you?” She batted her eyes at him, even if she was starting to agree where they were concerned.

“Yeah. But right now, I’m taking you away from your duties.” He held her cheeks and kissed the top of Sloane’s head. “I’ll let you get back to it and talk to you tomorrow.”

Sloane was reluctant to let him go. But she also knew he was the type of distraction that could cause her to lose track of time and space. This was still her workplace, and she wasn’t off the clock.

“Thanks for dropping by and inviting me on the supper cruise,” she told him, her voice high.

“Anytime,” Gene said earnestly.

Sloane watched him walk away, his tight buns enviable. She liked them even better when they weren’t covered by trousers and briefs, conjuring up naughty thoughts brought on by the man himself and their passionate kiss.

“That was some kiss,” Sylvia said, approaching Sloane.

Sloane was embarrassed. “I hope everyone wasn’t watching.”

“They would have to be blind to miss it,” Sylvia said with a grin.

“I didn’t mean to upstage your class reunion—”

“You didn’t.” Sylvia laughed. “I’m just teasing. It’s perfectly all right if you had a little romance with your man. That’s what this reunion is all about, if one is fortunate enough to have that kind of chemistry with someone from yesteryear or the present.”

“Thanks for saying that,” Sloane said, knowing the chemistry between her and Gene was abundant and dripping with sexuality. “But what about your reunion with your high school beau?”

Sylvia frowned. “Not happening. It was great to see Victor again, but he’s about to get married to his longtime girlfriend, who happens to be here too.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be. We had our moment back in the day. It wasn’t meant to be this time around.” Sylvia tasted the drink in her hand. “On a more positive note, I am talking with another former classmate who I had the biggest crush on in high school. He’s single and we seem to be clicking, so we’ll see what happens.”

Sloane offered her a nice smile. “Wonderful. Hope it works out.”

“Same to you and that devilishly handsome man who commanded your attention,” said Sylvia. “Though, from the looks of that lip lock, I’d say you’re well on your way.”

Sloane let that sink in, while wondering where this very hot romance with Gene was leading. Was she ready to move into a full-fledged relationship? Was he? Or should she not think too much about the future and simply enjoy the moment and the man?

S
loane and Gene climbed aboard the 118-foot luxury touring yacht for the Maui Seas supper cruise. Sloane was excited, as she had always wanted to go on a cruise, though this was a much shorter one than she had envisioned. But it was a start. The fact that her date was Gene made it even more romantic being out on the water. He seemed very comfortable introducing her to different aspects of Maui, and she welcomed the attention from someone who had become a part of the community and seemed to relish it.

They walked along with other guests onto the roomy observation deck as the captain spoke about the ship.

“Power comes from four GM 12V71TI engines, allowing for a cruising speed of twenty knots,” he explained, tugging at his gray beard. “A Naiad gyroscopically controlled stabilizing system allows for a smooth, relaxing ride. We have room for one hundred and forty-nine passengers. The yacht is perfectly suited for sightseeing and inter-island cruising on the Pacific. You’ll find a snack bar and a first-rate cocktail lounge for your pleasure as we head out.”

A few minutes later the yacht pulled out of Lahaina Harbor, slip number three.

“Well, this should be fun,” Gene said, gazing down at Sloane. His cheeks dimpled as he smiled. “And romantic, too.”

She relished the thought, smiling back. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“So am I.”

Sloane nearly melted from the intensity of his gaze. She sighed, determined to enjoy the experience without reading too much into the way Gene took her breath away, even though she didn’t think it was intentional on his part. Or was every facial gesture, lilt of his voice and move he made totally calculating?

They sat at a table on the open-air upper dining deck. They had been served Hawaiian pineapple-glazed prime rib, fresh green salad, mixed vegetables and dinner rolls, along with white wine.

“See what you’ve been missing all this time?” Gene said while slicing into the prime rib.

“You mean you in my life?” Sloane asked, half joking.

“That, too!” He flashed a serious look. “But I meant the many wonders of Maui.”

You’re one of those wonders.
She smiled at him over her wineglass. “I’ve missed a lot,” she conceded. Sloane put down her glass and gazed out at the water. Her eyes moved up to the sky where numerous stars twinkled overhead, as if they were winking at her. “It’s gorgeous.”

“So are you,” Gene said. “But I think I’ve probably told you that enough already.”

She chuckled. “A girl can never be told too many times that she’s gorgeous,” Sloane said. “Thank you for the compliment.”

“It’s no effort at all on my part, since I’m only saying what my eyes can plainly see.”

Not wanting to get too full of herself, Sloane changed the subject. “So when you’re not playing host at a bedand-breakfast or showing a lady a good time, what do you do?”

“Lots of things,” Gene answered vaguely.

“Such as?”

“I like to swim, play tennis, drive, watch sports, listen to music…”

Sloane spooned some vegetables, her interest piqued. She realized that though she had come to know Gene intimately and as a businessman, she really knew painfully little about his makeup. And vice versa. “What type of music do you like?” she asked, figuring him for a Motown sound or maybe a blues man.

“Mostly standards and classical music,” he replied. “But I also enjoy some contemporary jazz, easy listening, soul and a little blues.”

Well, at least I was partially correct.
“Interesting mix.”

“I like to mix it up.” Gene cracked a cute smile.

“What about Hawaiian music?”

“Actually, I do like Hawaiian music, especially island jazz, hula and traditional South Pacific.”

Sloane’s eyes grew with admiration. “Wow, you know your stuff.”

Gene laughed. “You get to the longer you live here.”

“I suppose.” She nibbled on a roll.

“What do you like to do outside of work, besides running?” Gene was curious.

“I enjoy photography, read literature and women’s fiction, watch public broadcasting and, guiltily, some reality TV. I also like to play on the computer.”

He gave a thoughtful nod. “Sounds like you have a number of ways to keep yourself occupied.”

“I guess everyone does these days,” she said, sipping some water.

“What type of photographs do you take?”

“Mostly landscapes and people. I hope to add some seascapes to my collection soon.”

Gene smiled. “I’d love to see some of your photographs.”

“Really?” Sloane was surprised he would be interested in that side of her.

“Yes, I’m into pictures, especially scenic ones. And since you’re the photographer, it should make them even more appealing.”

She soaked in the flattery. “Most of what I’ve taken is still back in Raleigh,” she told him regrettably. “But I have a few photographs that I can show you.”

“Wonderful.”

Sloane looked out at the water and the colorful lights of the other islands. “So is that view.”

Gene grinned. “Yeah, I thought you would find it mesmerizing.”

“I do,” she said, thinking that he was every bit as enchanting to her. Not to mention probably the sexiest man alive. Certainly in Hawaii. Getting to know Gene better made him all the more appealing. She faced him. “Have you lived anywhere other than Detroit or Maui?”

He tasted the drink. “As a matter of fact, I have. I spent a few years at Michigan State University in East Lansing, where I got my degree. And I also lived in Houston for a year and Cleveland for three months.”

“So you got around,” hummed Sloane.

“A little.”

“Why three months in Cleveland?” she asked curiously.

Gene sat back. “I was sent there for an assignment in my former life in marketing.”

Sloane cocked a brow. “That’s a big jump from marketing to bed-and-breakfast proprietor.”

“Not really. In both, you have to sell a product and be available to see it through, while hoping to make a profit.”

“Good point,” she said.

“Yeah, I think so.” He set his eyes upon her. “And where else have you set up shop besides Raleigh?”

“Well, let’s see…I got my degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, spent a year in Nairobi, Kenya, as an exchange student, and I lived in New York for a while.”

“Kenya, huh? Interesting.”

“I thought it was,” she said.

“Now you’re living the laid-back life in Maui,” Gene said with a grin.

“Looks that way.” Sloane smiled.

“My good fortune.”

She held his gaze. “Who says it’s only yours?”

Gene’s eyes glimmered and he lifted his wineglass for a toast.

Sloane followed suit, feeling as though she’d made a real connection on the island and was in no hurry to see it fall by the wayside anytime soon.

After they finished dinner, they made their way to what was billed as the “largest floating dance floor.” Picking up right where they’d left off at the class reunion, Sloane fell into Gene’s arms and their bodies swayed to the sultry Hawaiian music. She was aware of every inch of him, certain the same was true in reverse.

“Where did you learn to dance like this?” Gene whispered in her ear.

Sloane felt his tepid breath on her cheek. “I could ask you the same thing.”

“So ask.”

“All right,” she took the bait. “Just how many women have you used your charms on while dancing in this romantic setting?” She could imagine that virtually any woman could be swept off her feet by Gene, particularly while caught up in the romantic atmosphere of Maui.

Gene pulled her a little closer. “None that can hold a candle to you.”

“Cute answer, but it didn’t really answer my question.”

“Do I detect a little jealousy?”

Sloane snickered. “In your dreams.”

“The only one in my dreams these days is you,” he said.

“Hmm,” she voiced with misgiving. “I’m not so sure about that.”

“Maybe this will help convince you…”

Gene suddenly tilted her in midsong and laid a solid kiss on Sloane’s mouth that left her knees buckling. She was sure that had Gene not held her firmly, she might well have taken a fall.

Sloane sucked on his lower lip, his upper lip, and back again, caught up in the soulful kiss and the man dispensing it. Gene’s tongue whipped in and out of her mouth, leaving behind the taste of his dinner wine. Just when Sloane began to feel her head spinning and body tingling with excitement, Gene pulled her back up.

“Now what were we saying about other women?” he asked her with amusement.

Sloane caught her breath. “Forget I asked the question.”

“Consider it forgotten. And, just for the record, I don’t make a habit of taking women on romantic cruises any more than you make a habit of accepting such invitations.”

“I get it,” she said, feeling a little foolish that she’d asked him about other women. Especially when they weren’t committed to one another enough to start dictating whom one could and could not see. Then why was she beginning to feel like she wanted things to be exclusive between them? Maybe because she had a feeling he shared those same sentiments.

“When the ship docks, let’s continue this at your place,” Gene said, peering down at her.

Sloane met his eyes and felt as though she were reading his mind. He wanted her in bed. Or the next closest thing. They were definitely on the same page.

“I’m game if you are.” The words came out of her mouth longingly.

He grinned seductively. “Oh, yes, very game.”

When they arrived at Sloane’s condo, they couldn’t get their clothes off fast enough, each ripping away at the other’s till both were naked. In bed, Sloane and Gene kissed passionately, peppering each other’s mouths, cheeks, chins, ears and necks with hot and lustful kisses and nibbles as they warmed up for what was to come.

Gene was eager to put his face between Sloane’s legs, wanting to take in her intoxicating scent, feel her crown jewel between his lips and drive her wild with desire for him. He pried his mouth from hers and trailed hot kisses down her body until he reached her most sensitive area. She wrapped her thighs around his neck and implored him through her soft murmurs to give her an orgasm. He was happy to comply, and it turned him on madly when she was aroused.

Gene flicked his tongue across her clitoris and Sloane cried out each time he touched her, making him want to do so time and time again. She got very wet for him, letting herself go without holding back.

“You taste better each time,” he uttered lasciviously.

“It’s because you make me come when you do that…so masterfully,” Sloane murmured.

Gene continued to stimulate her with his mouth, gratified with her feverish reaction, even as his erection ached to be inside of her. He knew she was tight and more than ready for him.

Though she kept his head wedged between her legs, Sloane managed to contort her body so that she was able to take Gene’s penis into her mouth. He exhaled a deep breath as her tongue rolled across the tip, making him barely able to contain himself. He enjoyed the exquisite agony while continuing to orally satisfy Sloane. Their pleasure was intense, leaving both shuddering as their orgasms came simultaneously.

Gene extricated himself from between Sloane’s thighs. He wanted to be deep inside her body. He watched her mouth come up off his penis and saw the raw need for him in her lustful eyes.

“Please make love to me and don’t hold back!” Her voice was demanding.

Watching Sloane lying there with her legs spread tantalizingly and a fingertip placed sexily in her mouth drove Gene mad with craving. “I couldn’t hold back even if I wanted to,” he told her zealously.

He stretched his arm down to his pants on the floor and pulled out the foil packet, tearing it open and removing the condom. After sliding it onto his erection, Gene mounted Sloane’s waiting body and propelled himself inside her. He drove into her hard and hungry as her legs wrapped high around his back.

“Go deeper,” Sloane shouted, arching her body and bringing it up to slam into his with each powerful thrust. “Don’t stop!”

“Let’s both not stop,” Gene said heavily. “Not till we get there…”

His eyes shut when Sloane’s measured contractions brought Gene a new level of pleasure while his erection went as deep as it could go. He licked her tautened nipples back and forth as she cried out and then grabbed his cheeks and covered his mouth with her breathy kiss.

They had sex for another half hour, changing positions and untangling arms and legs while seizing each and every moment of passion as though there were no more tomorrow. Their bodies dripped with moisture and the sounds of lovemaking filled the room.

Sloane was on top as her climax arrived. She fell onto Gene, quivering wildly and seeking out his mouth in a torrent of kisses. He held her waist firmly, guiding Sloane deeper onto his penis while his surge came thunderously. Gene buried his face in the valley of Sloane’s slick breasts, feeling her heart pounding as the climax worked its way through every part of his body.

When they were done, Gene sucked in a deep breath, wanting only to hold Sloane and come back down to earth. He was sure that sex had never been this good before. And he couldn’t imagine it ever being this good with anyone again.

Could Sloane say the same?

Sloane breathed in the sexual scent in the air as she lay beside Gene, their arms and legs wrapped around each other after another night of passion and pleasure. She couldn’t get enough of him and clearly he felt the same way about her based on his actions. But as much as she wanted to think this was all about sex, sex and more sex, Sloane knew there was more going on than that. Certainly on her part. She hadn’t been looking for anything serious. Not at this time in her life with the challenges of her new job.

Gene Malloy was causing her to seriously rethink her position. She wasn’t in this alone, though. She had to know where his mind was. Sloane already knew where his body was, having gotten to know every intimate detail of it. She just wasn’t sure that was enough any longer, even as the thought of making love to Gene set her soul and body on fire.