Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One (31 page)

I emerge from the tree line and step closer to her. She looks up in surprise, confusion lacing her face. I close the gap between us as our gaze connects. I want so much to make the pain go away for her. I want to make it better, go back to when she was smiling and happy.

Extending my arms in a welcoming approach, I reach for her. Her warm body collapses against me, letting out a sob. I remain holding her, thanking God that she’s in my arms one more time. Right where she belongs.

Kayla’s shoulders relax as her sobbing eases to mere sniffles. I drape my arm around her shoulders and guide her forward toward John’s car. As we start walking, she glances up at me with eyes filled with appreciation and wonder.

“You came.”

The words are spoken as if she couldn’t believe them to be true. Doesn’t she know I’ll do anything for her?

“Babe, I will always be here for you. No matter what.”

She murmurs a thanks and leans her head against my side. My hold on her tightens as she slips her arm around my waist. I will my heart to pace slower and tamp down the hope threatening to emerge.
One thing for sure,
I think as John nears,
I will convince her that we belong together.

***

Kayla’s house is cute. The artwork is phenomenal. I never realized how talented her mom was.

“These are all your mom’s work?” I ask.

“Yep.” Kayla nods and looks admiringly at the rolling clouds her mom had captured so well. Kayla’s eyes shine as she studies the photo.

I turn to another canvas print that must be a recent addition. “Waimea Canyon. This must’ve come from your last trip, right?”

“The day Kamp plowed into me.”

I remember that day vividly. It doesn’t seem that long ago. I swallow hard.

“I can see where you developed your love for nature.”

She smiles shyly, and I desperately want to bring her back in my arms.

“Guilty. Mom used to take me with her before I left for college.” She looks back at me. “I have a hard time not thinking about Kauai. You live in a beautiful place.”

“Agreed. Even though the Midwest isn’t looking too bad right now.”

**~~**~~**

Kayla~

My mouth opens, but words fail me. I don’t even know how to respond. Is he flirting? I wouldn’t think so. I’d think he’d be mad at me.

“Sorry, I probably shouldn’t have said that. That was inappropriate.”

I hold his stare as he steps toward me. Heat rises from my core, working its way to my neck. A small smile forms at the thought of him not being too mad at me.

“I always knew Cara had an eye for taking photos, but this is practically poetic,” Dad says, coming up behind us.

Our moment broken, Kai steps to the side, allowing Dad some space.

“The best ones are in the hallway,” Staci says, looking at my dad. “Come here, and I’ll show you.”

I shoot her a glare, but it goes ignored. The only photos in the hallway are of me. As those two take off to look at my embarrassing adolescent pictures‌—‌the ones Dad’s already seen from his last visit‌—‌I turn to Kai. “Come on, let’s get some food. The neighbors have been bringing dishes over for the last two days.”

For the first time since Mom’s death, my stomach feels as if it can hold some food.

“Kai, I’d like you to meet my neighbor, Mrs. Jones,” I say when we reach the kitchen. “She helped coordinate everything.”

“Nice to meet you,” Kai says, reaching across to shake her hand.

“The pleasure’s all mine. It’s so nice to meet Kayla’s handsome boyfriend.” Mrs. Jones expression turns seriousness. “She could’ve used your support these past couple of days. I hope you plan to take better care of her.”

I gulp and stare wide-eyed at Kai. He doesn’t seem fazed by her words at all. In fact, his expression brightens.

“I plan to do just that, Mrs. Jones”‌—‌he sneaks a peak at me‌—‌“if she’ll let me.”

“Well, honey, I can see you’re in good hands,” Mrs. Jones says as she turns to me. “I’ll take off and leave you two to catch up, but if you need anything, let me know.”

The weight of Kai’s stare is crushing as I watch Mrs. Jones leave. His words work through my mind. Does he want to get back together? And if so, how would that work? Our living situation hasn’t changed, so the same problems exist.

“Nice lady,” Kai says.

“Yeah, she is.”

“I was serious.”

My gaze shifts to his, and the intense eagerness in his stare freezes me in place.

“I do want to take care of you. Not just today, but forever.”

My mouth dries. How am I supposed to answer that? I want nothing more than to be together with him. With him standing two feet away from me, those said problems seem rather trivial.

“We’ll talk, later,” I croak. “After everyone else leaves.”

He steps toward me, closing the gap between us, and my heart begins to race. My gaze drops to his chest. It felt incredible being tucked against his body earlier. My thoughts jumble together, fantasizing about his arms being wrapped around me. Kai leans forward, and we’re so close, I can feel his breath against my ear.

“I’m holding you to that,” he murmurs and then reaches behind me to grab a disposable plate.

There’s no stopping the shudder that ripples through my body from his close proximity. One corner of Kai’s mouth raises as his eyes dance with amusement. I stand for a few moments catching my breath allowing my body to cool back down.

“I’m glad I still have an effect on you.” Kai chuckles.

“You’re still an ass,” I say jokingly.

This only makes him chuckle more.

After we finish eating, Kai throws our plates away and then stands next to Dad. Kai mentions needing to ask him something, but he doesn’t elaborate. I’m not alone, though. Staci joined us halfway through eating.

I turn to say something to her and pause. She’s in a trance, staring at Kai’s crotch.

“Will you stop looking at his dick,” I whisper and quickly eye my surrounding. I do hope no one over heard me.

“I can’t help it. He’s hung. You know, you really should consider taking him back.”

“On dick size alone?”

“Believe me. I’ve seen plenty and yes, on dick size alone. Not everyone is built or good for that matter.” She turns to me, and her face slackens. “But all that aside, he’s still in love with you. And you know you still love him. So, yeah,” she holds out her first finger as she ticks off her reasons, “One, big dick. Two, good in bed. Three, hotter than hell. And four, it’s painstakingly obvious he’s in love with you.”

“I don’t know. We’re still so far apart.”

She shoves her four fingers in my face. “Four reasons compared to one.”

I sigh.

“Just keep an open mind.”

“I will. I promise.”

She leans over and gives me a hug. “Call me if you need me. I better take off.” Staci backs away and yells toward the guys, “Kai, John, it’s great finally meeting you.”

“You’re leaving?” Kai asks.

“Yeah, I have to get back tonight.” She gives me another hug. In a lower tone, she says, “Think about what I said.”

“Be careful driving back to campus.”

“I will.”

After Staci leaves, many others follow until it’s down to Kai and Dad. It doesn’t take long before Dad claims to be exhausted and needing his bed. He’s not fooling me, though. He’s just giving us time alone.

“I’m so glad you finally made it here,” I say to Dad as he hugs me goodbye.

“Me, too. I wish I could’ve made it sooner.” He backs away from me and frowns. “I’ll be back in the morning, okay?”

“Okay.”

I close the door, and all the chaos seems to leave along with Dad. The noise level drops considerably as I realize I’m alone with Kai.

I slowly turn to face him. Kai’s leaning against the far wall, right leg crossed in front of the other, his hands in the side pockets of his black dress pants. His caramel skin peeks through the first few opened buttons of his dark grey dress shirt. The sleeves are rolled halfway up his forearm, revealing those firm arms that used to hold me. The casual dressy look fits him well. I back up against the door and stare into those dark chocolate eyes I’ve missed so much.

“Hey,” I say my voice cracking.

He shifts away from the wall and stalks toward me. His predatory gaze pins me in place as breathing suddenly becomes a chore.

“Hey,” he says when he reaches me.

He’s a breath’s distance away, and my heart races. His hands raise and cup my jaw. The next moment, his lips caress mine sweetly and gently as if he can’t believe it’s real and he’s afraid I’ll disappear. My lips part, and his tongue waste no time finding mine. The familiar movement puts me at ease, and I feel at peace for the first time since leaving the island.

His body presses against mine, and I snake my arms around his shoulders, working my fingers into his hair as he deepens the kiss.

It’s as if no time has passed. It just feels right.

He breaks the kiss, panting and holding my body. He leans his forehead on mine while he catches his breath. “I’ve wanted to do that all day.”

“I need to know,” I say.

Kai tilts his head back to peer into my eyes, and I pause before asking the inevitable, “Where do we go from here?”

**~~**~~**

Kai~

I grab Kayla’s hand, drag her over to the couch, and pull her down beside me. She’s exhausted, but we have so much to discuss. Once she’s settled, I refuse to let her hand go. I bring my free hand to her arm and trace small figure eights along her skin. Goose flesh rise. God, I missed this girl.

“This right here‌…‌this is right. I don’t care about anything else, but being with you. You’re my whole world,” I say.

Her eyes glisten as she blinks back the tears. “I know we’re meant to be together.”

Hope begins to swell in my chest at her words, but the frown, developing on her face, squashes it back down.

“But there’s still going to be four thousand miles between us.”

“I don’t care, babe. I love you. We’ll make it work.” I lower my voice. “I’m not good without you.”

She lays her head on my shoulder and squeezes her eyes closed. “I’m not good without you either.”

“Then we’re agreed, we’re together.”

She leans back up and smiles genuinely at me. “Just like that?”

“Just like that. I love you, and that’s all that matters. The rest of the shit, we’ll deal with.”

Her gaze trails downward and lands on my arm‌—‌the one with the tattoo. My shirt is covering it, but the way she’s staring, I think she imagines it there.

“I can’t believe she’s gone.”

The pained expression that passes over her delicate features cut me to the core.

“I’m sorry. I know it’s rough. Just hang on to all the good memories you have.”

“Tell me it will be okay.”

“You’ll be okay. It’ll hurt like hell for a while, but you’re strong and will survive this.”

She sniffs and snuggles closer to me.

“Kamp sends his condolences, by the way.”

“How is Kamp doing?”

“He’s fine. Still crazy.”

She laughs. “Tell him thanks for me.” After a beat of silence, she asks, “When do you go back?”

I grip her tighter as if that will keep her beside me longer. I hate my answer. I hate having to leave her.

“Tomorrow morning.”

I feel her body sag against me.

“I suppose it’s for the best. There’s so much studying to do, but it’s going to be nearly impossible to concentrate.”

“I wish I could stay, but I can’t. Not with John staying here until graduation. I have to return to keep the tour company going.”

“I understand. It just sucks.”

“It does.”

Her body next to me feels incredible. I’ve missed her so much. Buddy has too. The occasional twitch is a constant reminder, but no matter how big a case of blue balls I have, that’s not happening. I glance down, and her eyes are closed. As much as I want to hold her all night, she needs her rest. It’s been a long day for her.

I nudge her, and her eyelids flicker open.

“Damn it. I don’t want to fall asleep. We don’t have much time together.”

“We have all the time in the world to talk. I’m never letting you go again.”

She peers up at me with her violet-blue eyes.

“Here, let’s get you out of these clothes and get you to bed.”

Her eyes widen, and I realize how that sounds.

“I-I just meant to get you comfortable. We’ll talk in bed.”

A warm smile crosses her face. “I know, and that sounds fantastic.”

Chapter
Forty-Eight

Nineteen Weeks apart

Kayla~

“How’d you do on Professor Talbert’s exam?” Staci asks.

“Who cares? We’re done, but I think I squeaked out enough answers to pass.” And in all honesty, I don’t care. Not anymore. “Just give me my degree, already.”

“Amen to that, sister. When are you flying out to visit your dad?”

“In two months. The following week after boards.”

At the time I discussed this with Dad, it sounded logical. Now, it sounds insane. I don’t want to mope around my house for another two months, and I’m dying to see Kai.

“When’s John flying back home?”

“Sunday. He needs to return to work, but he said he wouldn’t miss my graduation for anything.”

Warmth fills the hollow spaces left from Mom’s passing. Sometimes, I feel as if I’ve replaced a parent. I went most of my life only having one parent involved at a time, so that part hasn’t changed, but it’s hard to understand why I couldn’t have my mom still with me. I miss her so much.

“Have you heard from Brian?”

“No. I never returned any of his texts or calls when Mom died, and I think he gave up on me.” It hurts. Even though it’s my fault our friendship dissolved, I still miss our talks. For four years, he was a good person to talk to.

“He’s a dick.”

“You really believe that, don’t you?” I shake my head. “I always thought he was a nice guy.”

“Yeah, well, I have my reasons.”

“Are you going to tell me or leave me hanging?”

She hesitates. “I’ll tell you someday, but not now. This is about you, not me. Sooo‌…‌what about Kai?”