Page 33 of Blue Hawaiian
He stopped short, surprised at her enthusiasm. Then again, she was the type who liked taking risks and trying new things.
“What did Natasha think?” she asked.
The pain had lessened now, but at the time, her rejection hit him like a blow. “At first, she laughed it off. Then she tried to talk me out of it. That’s when she told me the truth—she was only with me because I was a Blackwood with a secure future. If I was planning on giving that up, then she was done.”
“And you didn’t back down?”
“I didn’t. So, she left. I haven’t heard from her since.”
“I’m sorry.”
There was no smugness in her voice that he’d been served a dose of his own medicine. Which made him feel marginally better.
“It was rough. After she left, I went on a couple of weekend benders. Lucky for me, some friends staged an intervention. And I realized what a dick I’d been. So, I’ve been trying to clean up my act. It hasn’t been easy, but at least I don’t wake up every morning hating myself.”
“Has there been anyone since then?”
He wasn’t going to lie to her. “A few women, here and there. But now I’m honest, right from the start. If they want to spend the night, I warn them they shouldn’t expect anything long-term. The last thing I need—or want—is a serious relationship.”
“Not ever?” The catch in her voice took him by surprise.
“Maybe someday. But right now, I need to stay focused. This new winery venture is stressful enough without getting in deep with someone again.”
By now, they’d reached the car. Jess remained silent, no doubt processing everything he’d told her. A pang of regret sliced through him. He wished things had gone differently between them. He wished he’d sought her out and talked to her sooner.
Too late for that now.
But they could still be friends. And he could make sure they didn’t lose touch once they left Maui.
They continued cruising along the Hana highway, occasionally stopping at some of the places on the map. At Wai’anapanapa State Park, a black-sand beach made from volcanic rock, they dodged the waves and checked out tide pools and lava tubes. They spent another hour along the Pipiwai Trail, hiking through a bamboo forest filled with stunning waterfalls.
On the drive back to Ka’anapali, Jess cued up her phone and cranked the volume, blasting him with a retro playlist that included tunes by the Beach Boys and Elvis Presley. Even if the music wasn’t to his taste, he couldn’t resist singing along with her. This was the Jess he’d grown up with, unafraid to champion the things she loved.
They’d been driving for another hour when she pointed to a sign.
“We need to stop.Now. Quick, there’s a parking space.” She flashed him a naughty grin. “It’s just your size. Nice and small.”
He put on his blinker and pulled over at a colorful sign advertising a small convenience store called Halfway to Hana. “What’s so urgent?”
“This place. I read about it on Gabi’s list of Maui must-sees. It’s famous for banana bread. And shave ice.Andcoconut candy.”
Her eagerness made him laugh. But now that she mentioned it, he could use a snack.
She got out of the car and posed for a selfie beside the Halfway to Hana sign. “Too bad I can’t post this. Maybe after the wedding. Like, when Gabi and Marc are on their honeymoon and too busy banging to obsess over my personal life.”
“Hang on,” he said. “I want a picture of you.” When she frowned, he shook his head. “Not to post online. Just for me. To remember this day.”
He wasn’t likely to ever forget it, but he wanted a lasting reminder. Something he could look at, long after the trip was over. She cocked her hip, giving him a pose that was pure Jess.
At the stand, she bought two loaves of banana bread and a bag of coconut candy. He was tempted to get a cone of shave ice, but it looked too messy. He settled for a smoothie made with pineapple, banana, and coconut. When he gave her a sip, she let out an orgasmic groan, which made his dick spring to attention.
Down, boy. That groan wasn’t about you.
“Oh my God, that’s so good,” she said. “I’m going to get one.”
He loved that she had no qualms about eating or drinking whatever she pleased. Unlike Natasha, who’d avoided carbs at all costs.
Once they were back on the road, Jess unwrapped a loaf of banana bread and broke off a couple of pieces. She passed him one. “You have to try this. Best banana bread ever.”
