Good Vibrations (Welcome to Paradise) (19 page)

I can tell he’s waiting for me to give him the go ahead. He already told me I hold the power, so I end the misery for both of us by stroking through his sideburns and over his ears into his hair. “Evan, I want to be with you. Please.”

He exhales in relief, running his hands from my elbows towards my wrists and dragging them above my head, pressing them into the sand as he enters me. I gasp at the fullness, which reminds me of everything I’ve been missing for weeks. He fills me completely as he pushes himself as deep as he can go. “I’ve missed you,” he says, verbalizing my sentiments.

Our fingers intertwine and he uses the leverage to move quickly in and out. The frenzy deep inside begins to twist and build. I squeeze him with my legs, sand grating between us, and move against him, needing more of everything. My mind blurs, but keeps that tightening feeling in focus.

His lips brush against mine as he stakes his claim, not knowing he already owns me. “You’re mine, baby.
Only. Mine
.”

I nod, confirming his declaration.

Our bodies move erratically as he drops his head against my forehead. He releases me and pounds his hand solidly into the sand, leaving it there for balance. His other hand goes to my cheek. Although I feel sand rubbing against me, his touch is tender and sweet.

With jagged breaths, we look into each other’s eyes as I hold him to me with my legs. Leaving my cheek, he lowers his hand to my flaming center. Awakening my whole body, little earthquakes erupt from deep inside. “Oh, Evan, yours, only yours,
always
,” rushes from my mouth without thought, but knowing it’s the truth revealed.

“Oh, fuck, Mallory.” He leans down to attack my mouth with his tongue.  “
Always. Mine.”
His orgasm hits any unshattered nerve that remained in my body and makes me twitch with pleasure.

We collapse, laying there in the sand with no will to move. I turn to look at him, but he has his eyes closed, exhausted from the activity. The water surrounds my body one last time before I sit up. He does the same though no words are spoken. The lust in his eyes has been replaced with love, and I move closer to him, curling into his side and letting him envelop me with that love. I kiss his chest and then look out in awe of how amazing life can be when you’re happy and in love.

Chapter 19

Mallory

After a night of sexual escapades, we lay in the dark of the early morning hours, the curtains drawn open and the moonlight hitting the edge of the room. It
’s just bright enough to see his features. Evan has a handsome profile, and I take the time to really look at him, to memorize for later when we’re apart. My heart clenches at the thought, but I wish it away, so I can enjoy the time I do have with him.

I lie on my side, letting my gaze trace from his forehead, over his nose, making the transition over peaks and dips of his kissable lips and detour down to his chin.

He’s different to me now, different from the night at the bonfire where he was all arrogance, and pride, pained and vulnerable, wrapped up in the whirlwind tornado of his emotions. He’s also different from the first day I met him at the airport. Evan was just cocky looking for a lay then. He didn’t know about me and didn’t care to. It makes me wonder when it all changed for him.

“Did I not do my job properly?” he asks, his eyes remain closed as the corners of his mouth lift up in a smile.

“What job is that?” I ask, restraining my own smile.

Evan rolls onto his side, his eyes opening. He looks tired and utterly breathtaking, but I don’t say that. That would give him the upper hand in the moment and I’m liking the little control I do have.

“I was hoping to wear you out earlier.”

With a light laugh, I say, “I got a second wind.”

He leans over and kisses the tip of my nose. It’s a sweet gesture, almost playful coming from a man who has trouble showing his true feelings.

There’s an opening with this kiss and I decide to broach the subject I’ve been most hesitant to bring up. I’m curious and it’s beginning to get the better of me. “I heard you and Noah used to be friends, close friends. What happened?”

He appears thoughtful as he looks down, his hand slipping under the covers and finding mine. He drags it up and uses his fingertip to draw on my palm. “Yeah, we were. It’s stupid kid stuff. We got into some trouble and his dad wouldn’t let him hang out with me anymore.”

“You two tried to steal a car, right?” I put the two stories together.

When he looks up, I can tell he’s not happy that I know about the car situation. “Is that what Kalei told you?”

I nod and look away from this narrowed gaze.

“That’s kind of bullshit coming from him,” he says, keeping his voice low in respect to the time of day. “The car was my dad’s. He wouldn’t have pressed charges on us. I even had the key, so it’s not like we were ‘breaking in’ technically. His dad is just old-fashioned Hawaiian. He wants his kids to hang out with descendents of the great Hawaiian Royals, not haoles. It’s pretty ridiculous if you ask me. I mean look at Noah.” My eyes flicker up to meet his as his tone changes to angry. “He’s part of this tight local culture and preaches about it, but hits on you. I mean, I understand why he’s hitting on you, but it kind of goes against all his beliefs.”

I don’t say anything because I don’t know what to say, first off. Secondly, I don’t know what to believe either.

“I don’t want to talk about Noah,” he says, putting his arm behind his head and lying back on his pillow.

I don’t want to push even though I feel like we have so much more to talk about and discover about each other, but for the first time, it also feels like we have enough time ahead of us to do all that.

I wake up in the morning to the sound of the shower. When I look at where Evan should be, I find a note instead. Taking it in hand, I smile. It reads:

To My Beautiful Girlfriend,

I went for a swim. I’m hopping in the shower now and then I’m going to take you to breakfast. I’m in the mood for pineapple. Go figure. I also want to take you somewhere special today. Dress to go swimming.

Love,

Your Boyfriend – God, I like saying that!

I flop back down onto the bed, holding the note to my heart and smiling with an uncontrolled reverence for the man who left it for me. The water shuts off and a minute later, Evan appears, wet with a towel wrapped around him. His voice is soft, testing. “Are you awake, baby?”

“Yes, come over here,” I say more seductively than I intended. I guess he brings it out in me.

He saunters over, dropping his towel, and climbs back under the covers. Leaning over, he kisses me, leaving me breathless.

“You summoned?” he asks, his tone and expression matching in their slyness.

I hold the paper in front of him. “You left me a note?”

“I’m a little slow on how this whole relationship thing works, but I’ve learned my lesson with the note.”

“You know, you don’t have to leave me a note whenever you’re not in bed. It’s just… it’s just that first morning I woke up and waited for a long time. It made me feel that night meant nothing more than just another,” I lower my eyes, and say it, “another fuck, just a one night stand.”

“Look at me, baby.” His finger lifts my chin until my eyes meet his again. “You were never just a fuck. At the airport, I was attracted to you and thought you looked like a good time, but when you told me my bullshit wasn’t going to work, I knew you were different. Yes, beautiful in such a fucking sexy way, but you challenged my mind, too.” He places his fingertips on my forehead and slowly drags them over my nose, continuing down my neck and stopping between my breasts. “You’re the whole package, Mallory. I’ve never met anyone like you before.” He leans in and kisses me by pressing his soft lips against mine, barely moving, but with more unsaid emotions than we’ve kissed with before.

His hand flattens on my chest, and he admits, “I’m afraid I’m going to screw this up.”

“I’m no expert here, but as long as we talk we’ll have a lot better chance at this.”

His wet hair drips on my face and he swipes away the drop. “Mallory, I know you only have a month left, but I…” He turns away from me, and sits up hunching his shoulders with his head downwards.

“What?” I ask. My heart races with hope, but knows his next words could be just as devastating.

His voice is just a whisper. “I really like you. I like to think that we’re more than just a month’s worth of fun.” He gulps loudly, emphasizing his nervousness.

Resting my head on his back and wrapping my arms around his waist, I kiss him lightly on his shoulder. “We are and I like you, too.” It’s my turn to open up to him like he has to me. “I want more with you, but is it silly of us to think this can go beyond this island?”

He turns, pulling me onto his lap to hold me. “I guess we shouldn’t worry about that, but I’m scared for this to change.”

“It will change, but that doesn’t mean it will change for the worse.” I climb off of him and stand, looking back. “Come on, let’s not waste time. Give me ten minutes and I’ll be ready.”

He lies back on the bed and watches me wiggle my ass for him as I go into the bathroom. I hear a loud catcall before I shut the door and laugh as I lean against it in complete bliss. I’m in way deeper than I ever thought possible, but he is too. That thought carries me forward to see beautiful Mallory staring back at me in the mirror. Evan not only makes me feel this way, but also loved, and in my heart, I know he’s right. We’ve wasted too much time. One month will never be enough.

Chapter 20

Mallory

It does not escape me that the boats are growing progressively larger the further Evan and I walk down the dock at the marina.  My curiosity finally gets the best of me. “Are you going to tell me what we’re doing today?”

“Nope,” he says then laughs, enjoying his surprise a little too much.

I huff in annoyance. Not real annoyance, but I play it up and mope, hoping he gives in and spills the secret.

As we approach one of largest boats in the harbor, I stop. “Did you rent this for us?”

“No.”

I put my hands on my hips and look at him skeptically. “Please tell me your family doesn’t own this boat.”

“Okay. No, they don’t own this boat, but they do own this yacht,” he laughs again, referencing the same boat. “Mallory, it’s too big to be called a boat.”

I hit him on the arm. “So were going on this
yacht
today?”

“No. We’re going on this.” He points to a small boat that has two planks for seats, a cooler and beach towels inside with an engine hanging off the back.

“A fishing boat?”

“A dinghy to be exact.”

“Why are we taking this when we can be taking the Ashford yacht? Where are we going anyway?” I can’t help my disappointment as I eye the little boat.

“All of your questions will be answered in due time, my dear. Remember, patience is a virtue,” he jokingly scolds. “Now, c’mon, let’s get going.”

He helps me down into the rocking little boat and starts the motor. As we putter away from the marina, I look back at the yacht once more. Evan’s money and access to money gives me another clue to the man he is and how he was raised. Even though I don’t get to go on it today, I can’t help but be impressed by that boat…
I mean yacht
.

I settle into the dinghy and kick my feet up on the side, letting the wind whip through my hair. It’s a glorious day and not just because the weather is perfect. Looking back at Evan, I start to wonder if I’ll ever get used to his handsome face. A more perfect man couldn’t have been created if I’d made a wish list. I eventually turn my whole body around, wanting to watch him as Master and Commander of this small water craft. He has such a presence that everyone in his orbit notices him. He lifts his right eyebrow up knowingly at me before moving his attention back to the bright Hawaiian horizon.

Twenty minutes later, I see a small land mass with people, wave-runner’s, and boats all around. As we get closer, he slows the motor, and announces, “This is the sandbar. It will get busier as the day goes on.”

“What does everyone do out here?”

“Swim, drink, cook-out, build a bonfire, play music, and just be. It’s very laid back and locals come out here to hang out and get away from all the tourists. It’s made of sand, so we only have about five hours before the tide comes in and it’s all underwater again.”

He stops the engine and jumps into the water which is hip deep. After tossing a small anchor overboard, he looks at me. “Let’s go, I want to introduce you to some of my brah’s.”

I kick my shoes off and get a piggy back ride to shore. He sets me down on the sand and walks back out to the cooler to grab two beers. Popping one can open, he hands it to me, and takes my free hand in his. Everyone I meet is friendly and seems to love Evan in a small town hero kind of way. That’s exactly the opposite impression I was given by Noah, which doesn’t really surprise me since they’re enemies. I just wish I knew how they went from good friends to arch-rivals.

Evan holds my hand, or is wrapped around me from behind, or has his arm draped over my shoulder the entire time. He’s got a possessive side that I find extremely sexy. No one has ever been possessive over me before.

An hour later, Sunny, Zach, Kate, and Murphy arrive in a ski boat. Murphy stands at the front of the boat with his arms wide open and makes a loud booming announcement, “The party has arrived!”

Gotta love that guy.

Sunny makes a beeline for me, and Evan releases my hand so I can greet her. When we hug, she whispers, “Look at us, both in love and with best friends, no less.”

We see Kate walking over and eye each other, the plan silently formed and agreed upon. As soon as she gets close we both grab her. She’s so surprised that she stumbles forward and it’s all legs, screams, and long hair flying to the ground with us landing in a heap in the sand.

“Shit! I hate getting dirty,” she whines as she tries to hide the smile that’s creeping up the side of her cheeks. “Thanks!” She bursts out laughing.

We fall back and lay there as the boys ‘take a meeting’ in the water. “Are they pissing?” Sunny asks, disgust seeping into her tone.

“I think they’re comparing their manhood,” I say.

“Zach will win that contest hands down and down and down…oh, and wide and wide…” Sunny moves her hands down and then out to emphasize his size.

“
Ewwww!
That’s gross, Sunny,” Kate says, gagging as we all sit up to watch the guys. “Anyway, it’s no contest. Look at Murphy—his hands, feet, huge build—need I say more?”

“You sure are quiet there, Mal,” Sunny says, pushing me with her hand.

I smile to myself thinking about Evan and all he’s blessed with.

Kate stands up using me for support then playfully pushes me back down into the sand, saying, “Look at her face, Sunny! And that’s the ultimate ew. That’s my baby brother you’re having naughty thoughts about.”

I blush, and say, “There’s definitely nothing baby about—”

“Who’s not a baby?” Murphy asks, walking up and grabbing Kate from behind.

Sunny stands up, and stating matter-of-fact, says, “Mallory was just telling us what a large cock Evan has.”

All three of the guys’ eyebrows shoot upwards in shock.

“Is that why you’re blushing?” Evan says, offering me a hand up. “Don’t worry, beautiful, these guys know they pale in comparison. It’s a fact.”

“Fuck you,” Murphy says, punching him lightly in the gut and running off laughing. Evan takes off after him. Zach puts his arms in the air like he’s exasperated, but starts laughing as he gives into the antics and runs after them.

We grab another beer from the cooler before stripping off our shirts and shorts. The three of us crawl onto a large floating raft and lay, soaking up the sun in our bikinis.

Kate asks, “You’re coming to the 4
th
of July party, right?”

Sunny quickly replies, “Yep, I’ve already been thinking about a shopping excursion. You two up for that?”

Lying in the middle of them, I feel the lift in the raft as they turn their heads toward me, so I feel the need to answer. “Evan mentioned the party, but we haven’t really talked about it.”

Kate tosses her empty beer can into the boat nearby, grabs my hand and gently squeezes. “You’re coming. It’s our family’s biggest event here on the island. Everyone comes to this party. So consider yourself formally invited.”

She sits up, and adds, “Anyway, the food is amazing and it’s open bar. We can get ready together at my house beforehand.”

Shielding her eyes, she asks, “Want to go shopping after work tomorrow?”

“I’m in,” I reply, hoping Evan wants to go to the party. He may not since his parents will be there and they seem to be a big source of contention with him.

The boys drag themselves through the water looking worse for wear after wrestling on the beach.

“Fore!” Evan lands next to me and that sends Kate and Sunny off the sides into the water.

They scream and curse as their guys laugh their asses off at their soaked sweeties. Evan rolls on top of me and kisses me gently on the lips. He whispers, “I’ve missed you.”

I’m about to tell him how much I missed him when Kate and Sunny get their revenge by flipping the raft over, which sends us toppling into the water. When we stand, I expect laughter, but Evan weaves his hands into my wet hair and brings me into a searing kiss that takes my full attention.

His lips move against mine, and he says, “I want to be inside of you. I need to make love to you, baby. Can we leave?” My knees weaken and his embrace tightens. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

We give quick goodbyes and launch our small dinghy back into deeper water to start the motor.  We’re about half way back to the marina when he catches me staring at him again.

Evan tilts his head, making eye contact with me. His tone is soft, concerned, and caring when he asks, “Are you happy?”

“Very much,” I reply without hesitation.

“I’m glad.”

“Are you happy?”

He runs a hand through his hair and briefly looks past me as he continues navigating the boat. His eyes flick back to mine, and he says, “Today was a great day. I haven’t felt this happy in a long time. It’s good. Life is good.”

I smile, feeling the good vibrations growing stronger, and in this very moment, I’ve never been more happy.