Playboy in Paradise: The Complete Set Read online

  He trails behind me, keeping his distance, and it makes me wonder if he feels that is the safer thing to do. The car alarm chirps as we approach the Maserati parked in the driveway. I don’t look back, but I can feel the distance growing both physically and emotionally between us. I don’t wait for him to open my door though I remember from the airport and diner that it’s something he normally does for girls. Getting in, I shut the door quickly behind me before he can say anything, before my emotions free themselves and I cry. He loads my suitcase back into the car in silence then slides into the driver’s seat.

  “What’s the address?” he asks. Nothing more. His voice steady, unfeeling.

  I hand him my phone with the address not wanting to talk for fear of either saying too much or saying the wrong thing, though I’m not sure there is anything I could say to damage us more than we already are.

  He starts the engine, turns the car around, and we’re up the long driveway in seconds. It’s as if we don’t even know each other. It’s as if last night didn’t happen. It’s as if he didn’t have his dick inside of me less than eight hours ago. “Damn it!” I mutter, frustrated.

  He looks at me, but says nothing.

  That phrase ‘deafening silence’ applies to the feeling in this car. The heavy tension from the morning engulfs the vehicle and swallows us with it.

  Pulling off the main road into the apartment parking lot, he mumbles to himself, “Building A.” He parks the car and comes around to open my door. His actions are too eager to feel polite. The gesture feels like he’s ready for me to go, so I take my time sliding out and walk around him. He doesn’t make eye contact with me, but turns his entire attention to removing my large suitcase from the backseat. After rolling it to me, he shoves his hands into his pockets. Not able to look or sound more awkward, he says, “I had fun.”

  I scoff … loudly. Fuck him and his fun. I take the handle on my case and turn on my heel, wheeling the suitcase to the sidewalk.

  Just feet from Sunny’s front door, he says, “Mallory, c’mon, don’t be like that.”

  I stop and turn around. But my hurt heart and wounded ego keep me from saying what I really want. Instead, I steal the remaining shared seconds to memorize his physical beauty. But he’s different to me now, marred like a bad taste that lingers in my mouth. He doesn’t deserve to be that handsome. Evan abuses the world with his good looks and so-called truths.

  I turn back around not giving him the pleasantry he wants and walk away. He’s gone before I have the door unlocked, but I’m not surprised. I’m just glad that I can use my anger to ward off the tears that would have normally been there at his parting. I realize I should’ve thanked him now. His demeanor this morning has made the hint of regret I was feeling dissipate altogether. I can already look at the situation for what it was, a fuck, mentally and physically.

  5

  Mallory

  I shut the door behind me and look around the one bedroom, first floor apartment. It’s cute and very much Sunny. The couch is navy blue with pale pink throw pillows and the small grey entertainment center has a pink metal picture frame. It’s the one I gave her last Christmas of the two of us and makes me smile to see it displayed so prominently. Peeking into the kitchen, I see more pink … a lot more pink.

  The bedroom stands in stark opposition to the girly-ness of the other rooms. It’s calm, serene in soft green and white. Seeing the bed makes me tired and I yawn already beginning to relax in my new home. I need to check on Sunny though, so I call her, hoping she’s awake.

  “Mallory! You’re up. Are you all settled in?” She sounds cheery.

  “Yeah, but more important, how are you?”

  “So much better. Did I tell you I didn’t break it? It’s just a bruised bone. I was really stressing about missing any work. I need the money, you know?”

  “That’s good news. You sound like you’re doing better which is great. When are you coming home?”

  “We already sound like an old married couple, don’t we? Johnny’s gonna drop me at my VW. I can’t believe you’re finally here!”

  “Me either. I’ll see you soon.”

  After hanging up, I spy my suitcase. Making a snap decision to hide all evidence that I was not here last night, I unpack some of my stuff and mess up the blanket and sheets left on the couch for me. Flopping down on the couch, I press my body into the cushions that surround me, denting them and making them less perfect looking.

  I open the drapes in the bedroom and head to the bathroom with my toiletries and spread them out on one side of the sink. I kick off my shoes and change my clothes. When I decide the staging is done, I flick on the TV, hoping to take my mind off of my previous night.

  That’s impossible though. My body can still feel his touch and a vivid image of him moving so gracefully on top of me fills my mind just like he filled my body. All my senses remember the feel of his masculinity, his smell, his body, even his taste, in the pool and out. “Stop!” I shout … to myself and out loud. He’s making me crazy.

  That’s when a key in the front door lock draws my attention away from Evan and back to the present. I jump up and stare.

  The door flies open, and Sunny runs in, arms open. Grabbing me into her arms, she squeezes the air right out of me. I hug her back just as tight. “I missed you,” I say, gasping for breath.

  She leans back and looks me over. “Damn girl, Colorado is treating you better than I thought. I like your hair all mussed up like that. It’s wild and sexy.”

  Sex hair is more accurate, but I don’t feel the need to make that correction, although I’m figuratively sweating bullets. I delve into a different topic to distract her. “Let me see your hand.”

  She holds up the black brace wrapped around her wrist, and says, “I hope you’re a quick learner because I’m gonna need you tonight.”

  “I’m there. I’m ready.”

  Hugging me one more time, she whispers, “I’ve missed you so much, Mal.”

  After she changes clothes, we make breakfast together and curl up on the couch, sharing a blanket like when we were kids back home. It feels good to be here and to be with my best friend again.

  I don’t poison our day with talk of Evan or what I got up to yesterday. Fortunately, Sunny doesn’t even remember talking to me yesterday, so she hasn’t questioned my whereabouts. By mid-afternoon, we head into her work and my new summer job.

  Big Kehones, is a bar and restaurant disguised in the form of a large shack on the beach. It’s off the main road, but easily accessible by those in the know. We park in the dirt lot out front, and Sunny introduces me to the regulars as we make our way to the bar. The owner, Alana, is working the front. She has me fill out some paperwork and gives me the grand tour which takes about ten minutes inside and out. I already like the place. It’s not pretentious, but seems to have a loyal following. It’s almost four o’clock when she sets me free to manage the bar, which consists of pouring pitchers of beer and serving sodas and water. I also carry Sunny’s orders to help her out.

  Johnny clocks in at five, and when I meet him, he’s different than what I imagined. He’s quite cute and seems like a nice guy. I look at Johnny and Sunny whispering to each other and I can tell by their demeanor that they’re close in a platonic kind of way. I didn’t think they were dating because Sunny would have told me, but by the way he took care of her yesterday, I thought maybe there was a chance.

  Sunny is beautiful, light blue eyes and model pretty with enviable, long sandy blonde hair that frames her face. Her hair is lightened even more from living in paradise. Her name has always fit her disposition, but it fits her lifestyle more here than back home in Colorado. The best thing about her though is that her heart is kind. I’ve always been surprised that she doesn’t have a boyfriend with the next already lined up waiting in the wings.

  The three of us work well together. The small dinner crowd seems pleased which reassures me that I can handle the job since I’ve never worked in a restaurant before
today. I get a break just after six and take a burger to the beach, spending my time in reflection of the first twenty-four hours in Hawaii and what a whirlwind it’s been.

  I’ve started smoking again, which disappoints me. I’m not a heavy smoker, more of a nervous one. I picked up the bad habit after Will broke up with me. I quit a few months later, but something about Evan and seeing him at the airport drove me back to the habit. While walking to the designated smoking spot out front, I kick up some rocks with my toe. I lean against the wall and light up.

  Four rowdy guys in a black Jeep pull into the lot and park after performing a donut, which sends dirt flying everywhere, including on me. I hack from the dust that fills the air. Right, hacking from the dirt not the cigarette, I sarcastically think. I dust myself off wanting to call them my favorite swear word, but I resist knowing they are customers of Big Kehones and I need this job.

  The driver rushes over. “Hey, I’m sorry about that.” He swats at my jean clad legs to get the dirt off. “I didn’t see you there or I wouldn’t have pulled that stunt.”

  I hack one more time just for effect before taking another long drag of my cigarette. His warm brown eyes watch my mouth the entire time. Dropping the cigarette into the dirt, I shrug. “That’s cool. No harm done.”

  He smiles. I can tell he’s relieved. His friends walk toward the large garage door style opening into the restaurant, but one stops and says, “Come on, Kalei. I’m hungry. Get your ass in here or you’re buying.”

  “I think your friends want you.” I point out the obvious since he’s still standing here looking at me.

  He glances over his shoulder, and yells, “Fuck off. I’ll be in, in a minute.”

  “I see you’re close?” I add, my smart-ass side kicking in.

  He laughs. “Yeah, too close, we’re cousins.”

  “Ah.”

  “You’re new around here.”

  “You’re very observant.” I leave the opening for him to tell me his name.

  “Nohea Kalei.”

  “Nohea Kalei.” I stick my hand out to formally introduce myself, “Mallory Wray.”

  “You can call me Noah. It’s easier for a haole, though I’m impressed you got it right the first time.”

  There’s something about his eyes that intrigue me. A depth and kindness that draws me in. “Today’s my first day.”

  “This place needed some new blood. Don’t get me wrong. Sunny is hot as fu … sorry about the language. I have a problem with swearing too much. She’s hot, but she’s waiting for Mr. Right.”

  “The swearing doesn’t bother me. So, you use this as more of a pick-up joint than a place to eat and drink?”

  “No, that’s not what I meant. I mean Sunny is sweet, but unavailable and that only leaves Alana and her sister who sometimes works a shift.”

  “That doesn’t really answer my question.”

  “Um, no … it’s not why we come here.”

  I look at my watch and as much as I enjoy eyeing up this tall hottie, I need to get back to work. It is my first day and all. “Well, Noah Kalei, it was nice to meet you.” I walk around him and then backwards towards the door. “Will I see you inside?”

  He nods and I get back to work.

  When I return to the bar, I watch Noah enter, the small crowd greeting him. The old men are waving, Alana says ‘hi’, and his friends are laughing at him, most likely because of me.

  Sunny comes out from the kitchen and stands next to me. “That’s Noah—”

  “Yeah, we just met.”

  She responds with, “Mmm, I see.” I can tell by her tone what she’s insinuating, making me see him as a prospect for the first time. He’s at least six-two, but I’m guessing closer to six-three or four. He has short, almost black hair, gelled, and each lock appears to be carefully arranged. His body is killer. He’s handsome in a Men’s Health magazine, rugged kind of way which is the only way to be handsome if you ask me. Who says you need pretty, GQ boys like Evan!

  Sunny stays and chats with him when she delivers his food. She turns around and looks at me at the same time Noah does. Since they are busted they both quickly look back down to the table she’s been perched against for a few minutes. They both laugh and then she hits him playfully on the arm before pushing off the table and coming back to the bar. “So, Noah, huh?” she asks with raised eyebrows.

  “So, Noah, huh, what?”

  “Oh, Mallory, you have an admirer over there who just said the nicest things about you.”

  “He obviously doesn’t know me then.”

  “I’d say he knows you quite well actually.”

  I roll my eyes as I walk over to check on some older men playing cards.

  Good to know hottie is interested in me, but with Evan recently ripping my heart, I can’t bring myself to appreciate the ‘catch’ that Noah seems to be. Looking up as I wipe down the bar, he’s smiling at me. I return one because he’s cute, but notice that when he smiles, he’s really hot, too. The few days I’ve been in Hawaii are already better than my entire last year in Colorado.

  I hear Sunny laugh from across the restaurant. It’s annoying because I know why she’s laughing. Walking back to the bar, I toss the towel down. “What?”

  “Just go for it. Noah’s a good guy and look at him. He’s damn good looking.” She moves closer, leaning her back against the bar.

  “Noah Kalei, huh?” Johnny pipes in while sitting down on a barstool next to us.

  “Why does everyone keep saying that?” I laugh at the ridiculousness of the gossip going on, but my body starts to crave a cigarette. “And I thought Boulder was small.”

  “This island is smaller than you think, Mallory. Get ready for everyone to be in your business.” Sunny says, sitting on a stool next to Johnny.

  Johnny looks over his shoulder at Noah then turns back to me, and says, “That’s his gang, his posse, whatever. Some people don’t care for them, but I’ve known them since I was little. They don’t cause any real harm. Noah is kind of like their leader. Ironically, he’s the nicest of the bunch. I’d hate to think what kind of trouble they’d cause if he wasn’t there keeping them in line.”

  “A girl can’t resist a bad boy. Can she, Mal?” Sunny adds.

  Johnny laughs. While looking at Sunny, he raises an in-the-know eyebrow and says, “At least, it’s not Ashford.”

  “I think he gets a bad rap,” Sunny says.

  “Who’s Ashford?” I ask curious to who makes such an interesting impression on them.

  Johnny leans forward and lowers his voice. “He’s a guy that comes in here every now and then.” He glances over to Noah. “Kalei and Ashford don’t get along. Their groups don’t mesh.”

  “Is it a territorial turf war or what?” They talk in hushed tones like they’re opposing gangs.

  Sunny giggles. “Nothing like that. More like locals versus the haoles.”

  “What’s a haole?” I ask, recognizing it from when Noah said it earlier.

  “Haole is basically someone not of Hawaiian ancestry. It’s kind of divided here still.”

  “So this Ashford guy is not from here, but he lives here now?”

  Sunny hops off the bar stool. “Listen, as fascinating as this conversation is on the biases of the island, we need to clean up or we’re going to be here later than I want. My hand hurts and I just want to go home and relax.”

  She checks on the tables and we start the clean-up process. I look up and see Noah bringing his empty pitcher to me. Leaning against the bar, his voice is low, obviously not wanting to be overheard by any of his friends. “Will you be working here?”

  “For the summer. Do you come in a lot?”

  He shakes his head. “Not much lately, but I will now.” He reaches his hand over for mine and when I take it, he smiles. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mallory Wray.”

  “Likewise, Nohea Kalei.”

  “Noah.”

  “All right, Noah.”

  He winks at me, but it’s not cre
epy or cocky. His expression is friendly and kind. He walks towards the door joining his friends, and says, “Goodnight, Mallory.”

  “Goodnight.”

  6

  Mallory

  As soon as Sunny and I walk into the apartment, she goes into the kitchen to take her pain medication. “I’m exhausted and going to bed. You bunking with me or taking the couch?”

  “I’ll take the couch.”

  “Remember, the place is your home too, so help yourself to whatever. Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight,” I say, straightening the sheet and blanket on the couch. Crawling under the covers, I adjust the pillow under my head and stare out the sliding glass door in front of me. I didn’t bother closing the blinds since I enjoy the view of the darkness outside. My eyes get heavy and I drift off to sleep.

  Dreams of Noah wrapping his strong arms around me, and me lifting up on my tiptoes to meet his supple lips while his big hands handle me the way I like, dance around my head. But, when I stop kissing him and open my eyes, it’s Evan. Blue eyes looking into my green eyes, hands gently caressing me how he already knows I like to be touched, and our bodies aroused by the chemistry we share.

  I sit up startled from sleep and see the start of a sunrise in the distance through the glass. My heart races as I calm myself back into reality. I lay back down hoping for sleep to take me again, but it doesn’t. Five- fifteen in the morning and I’m wide awake. I sit up again and rub my eyes and decide to walk the two blocks down to the beach. Dressing in my my cut-offs and tank top, I slip on my sneakers and leave, hoping I don’t wake Sunny.

  The walk is easy, breezy, and before six in the morning, very quiet. Birds are tweeting in the distance and the seagulls flying above signal I’m near the water. When I land at the edge of the beach, I pull off my shoes and carry them with me down to the water. The sand is surprisingly fine and soft under my feet.

  I sit a few feet from the water’s edge watching the tide roll in and marvel at the sight before me. I still can’t believe I took Sunny up on her offer to visit for the summer. This has to be the most daring and adventurous thing I’ve ever done, and as I look out at this beautiful turquoise ocean, I definitely don’t regret it. Another thought challenges my happy moment. Evan might now be the most daring and adventurous thing I’ve ever done. Chuckling at the comparison, I realize I don’t regret him either. Even though he treated me poorly the next morning, it’s hard to regret the best sex you’ve ever had.