Chapter 3

Guy – Six years ago – Hawaii

Day two with Addy and I think I’m already half-way in love with this woman. I’m definitely in lust with her. How could I not be when she’s absolutely gorgeous with a body molded of perfect curves on a frame nearly as tall as me at six feet? But it’s more than that. Much more. In just a short amount of time I discover her to be fun, spirited, seemingly fearless, and smart as hell. Her laughter exudes pure joy and she doesn’t seem to get embarrassed by anything.

Addy hadn’t cared that a new waitress at the café where we had breakfast tripped and spilled iced tea all over her. She joked by saying she’d rinse off in the ocean, and then confessed she’d once dropped a tray of coffee and muffins while trying to impress her father and some of his friends. And Addy hadn’t minded when an excited little boy broke free from his frazzled dad’s grasp and ran right into her, his syrupy-sticky hands grabbing her legs for purchase. She merely crouched down so she was eye-level with the little copper-top adolescent and teased him about trying to beat her to the dessert counter. Addy made him a promise, if he stuck to his parents’ side rather than to a stranger’s legs, he just might get the biggest jelly-filled donut he confessed he wanted. She then discreetly paid for the family’s breakfast, asking the waitress to add donuts for everyone, especially the jelly-filled one for little Andrew.

“You’re pretty damn amazing, you know that?” I say to her as we walk out into the sunny day already stirring with a warm breeze.

Those rich green eyes slant my way as a smile forms on her plump lips I’m dying to taste. Her long hair, a blend of honey blonde and a darker contrasting color that reminds me of the red autumn leaves from home, is piled on her head in a messy bun I want to let down and tangle my hands through. AndJesus, those legs! Tan, toned, and endless. I imagine them wrapped around my waist pulling me tight to her body as I sink deep inside her.

Fuck!When did I become such a horndog? Oh, probably the minute I laid eyes on Addy sitting on that boat, all excited and nervous at the same time about parasailing. But I caught her checking me out and I jumped on the chance to talk with her. And man, am I glad I did. Everything about her and with her is effortless, as if we’d known each other for much longer. I’ve never felt such an intense attraction to another woman like this. I want to spend my days exploring every inch of the island with her while we spend our nights exploring every inch of one another.

“That family looked like they could use a kind gesture. Mom and dad certainly have their hands full with four young children in tow. Pretty lucky to have a vacation in Hawaii, although they probably won’t appreciate it until they’re older. At least I hope they will.”

“Did you have vacations in Hawaii when you were younger?” I ask, fishing for more details about her. She’s not been forthcoming with anything personal when asked. Almost as if she’d rather not share those details, instead, just live in the moment. Seeing as we’ve barely known each other for twenty hours, guess I can’t blame her.

Although, she did agree to meet me for breakfast and spend the day together at Hanauma Bay, so I’ve got that going for me.

When she remains quiet, I try to prompt her again but don’t get a chance as she flags down a cab. She states our destination to the driver as we settle inside, with her looking out the window as we clear Honolulu. It doesn’t take long until we’re passing a marina and arriving at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. We exit the cab, and as I scramble for my wallet, Addy’s already paying and wishing the driver a good day. She’s walking away backward, smiling at me and crooking her finger in that tempting way, leaving me no choice but to trot after her, grinning like a fool.

“I could’ve paid the fare,” I say.

“You can pay for lunch,” she promptly returns as she leads the way toward a hiking path. Below, the beach isn’t too crowded yet, but that’ll certainly change since this area is one of the most popular to visit. After spending about an hour walking the ridge above the bay, we head back to where we pick up gear for snorkeling. We stow our personal items and head down to the beautiful water’s edge. Addy’s smile widens as she closes her eyes and inhales deeply. Then I hear her whisper.

“Maybe Iwillrethink returning home.”

I stand by her side looking out at the bay before turning my gaze toward a more beautiful vision—her profile. “A view like this, it’s tempting to stay in paradise,” I say quietly. When she opens her eyes and turns to look at me, we smile at one another as my fingers brush hers. A blush creeps over her cheeks and she turns away, dropping her gear and sweeping her t-shirt over her head. Andholy fuck, my eyes nearly pop out of my head when I get a look at her gorgeous upper body and the tattoo gracing her side. It starts at her right rib cage and disappears into her shorts. She then shimmies out of those, exposing the rest of the glorious ink decorating her body thanks to the bright pink bikini that barely covers what it needs to. Not that I’ll complain. I can’t help but take in the expanse of her tanned limbs, ample curves, and the amazing scenery on her skin.

Yesterday while parasailing, she had on a tank top and shorts that didn’t reveal a hint of her tattoo. But today I’m the lucky man who gets an up-close and personal view of the colorful array of sea life, much like I expect we’re about to witness. A dolphin crests a frothy wave, along with a sea turtle, various fish, coral, and anemone, all practically coming to life due to bright colors and intricate detail. It’s a brilliant depiction.

“That is stunning,” I say with obvious awe.

Addy looks down at her side before smiling back at me. “Thanks. I love the ocean. Always had a fascination with it. I’m pretty proud of this piece. Had it done in New Zealand.”

I look up at her, wanting to know more. “When were you in New Zealand?”

“Just before arriving in Hawaii.”

“How long were you there? Had to have been a decent amount of time to have that much work completed.”

“I spent four months there. Found an excellent artist.”

My mind takes in the information.Four months in New Zealand? What does this woman do that she can afford to do that? And now she’s in Hawaii?

“I know that look,” she says with a grin.

“My curiously confused what-do-you-do-and-how-can-you-afford-that look?”

She laughs. “Yeah, pretty much.” She bends over to grab the snorkeling gear and I get a glimpse of her full breasts that are ready to spill free. I turn away, trying to be the gentleman while carnal thoughts run rampant through my mind. It takes everything in me to calm my raging hormones and not tent my shorts, making me look like an uncontrollable pubescent boy.

I look back to her as she continues. “I’m not some spoiled rich girl who lives off daddy, or even a sugar-daddy. I earned my own money. Decided I needed a break, so I took it.” She scans her own side before looking back at me, laughing again. “My parents will freak when they see this. Well, if I even make them aware of it.”

“Not close to your parents, I take it?”

She remains silent as her brow wrinkles and her nose scrunches, making me wonder what she’s thinking. Making me wonder even more about her. But I don’t press. Yet.

“When you go, you go all-in, eh?” I tease, earning a smile.