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Skinnydipping, Book One of the Destiny Series
By DaniJo Avia
Copyright 2010 DaniJo Avia
Smashwords Edition
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This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment.
This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to others. If you would like to share this book with someone, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return it and purchase your own copy. Obviously, the loaning programs in play by some booksellers override these reminders.
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Copyright © 2010 DaniJo Avia. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author. With the exception of quotes pulled for the purpose of reviewing and promoting this book or any other works by DaniJo Avia. If you do pull content, please forward a copy of your review as well as any links to where your review will appear to the author at Dani@DanijoAvia.com.
The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.
Cover Designed by: Yvonne Todd
Editing by Marjorie Desgrosseilliers
Author contact info: mailto:Dani@DanijoAvia.com
Twitter: @DaniJoAvia
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DaniJo Avia,
Contemporary Romance
The Destiny Series:
Skinnydipping
Discovery
Legacy (2012)
Crushed (2012)
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Skinnydipping reader reviews
(Note: these reviews were for the previous edition of Skinnydipping and may refer to either the paperback or the eBook version):
The love shared in this story has reminded and reawakended a part of my heart that has needed and longed for a love like this my entire life. The words and promise of a profound love have inspired me ~ thank you for the gift! We all are deserving to be cherished and honored in a way that will allow us to heal, trust, move forward, and be loved for all that we are and as we were intended to be loved. RG
I went Skinnydipping; what a great vacation! Full of wonderful days… not perfect days, but days of adventures that are good to look back on, just like the best vacation trips. With so much going well enough to bring happiness into her grasp, the main character basically had to go through stages of acceptance! This book was a good read... better yet, a "feel good" read. I can heart-ily recommend Skinnydipping. Jump in! Rich C
I took this book on a quite weekend get-a-way and was hooked from the start. When I finished I just wanted more. Anyone who loves a good romance will fall in love with DaniJo Avia's Skinnydipping. I think she has a hit on her hands and I can't wait for the next installment in the Destiny series. C Anne
I received this book as a gift and was told I might identify with it. I have to say I don't normally read romances, but I could not put this book down. I read it in one sitting and looking forward to the rest of the series! Thank you for a wonderful read DaniJo! BK
I have to admit, I generally don't read romance novels. This book, however, goes quite a bit deeper than a typical romance. It shows how relationships can be positive when we look for "the gold" in people. The relationships in this book make you step back and look to see how you can improve the relationships in your own life. The sights, smells and tastes of Hawaii come alive in this book. The people warmly welcome you into their lives and make you want to jump right into their lives to get to know them better. I am most definitely looking forward to the next book by DaniJo! Holly
For those struggling with the idea of what true intimacy means in a culture that would have us believe we are not worthy of such a great love, this story offers hope for those not willing to settle for less than God's best for them in all areas of their life; including their love life. A real treasure. A book I can absolutely relate to and that resonates in my heart and soul as I wait for and prepare myself for my love. Susan.
What makes a good book? The characters, the plot, the writing, the can’t put it down until I am finished feeling? Well Skinnydipping by DaniJo Avia has all of those yummy bits I look for in a good read. I related to quite a bit of the story, as I feel it was intended to be, relatable. I laughed, I cried, I was inspired, I wanted to go to Hawaii and I was hungry for all the amazing meals the characters cooked. The detail in which she writes about food is mouth wateringly appetizing, and the seamless transition between characters minds and narrations easy to follow and attention keeping. I am so excited to see what other stories will come with the Destiny series! Courtenay
Skinny Dipping was a page turner! Thank you! It was a gift and I started it and finished it in 2 days, and you must know that I don't read much fiction. It was such a descriptive and insightful story of true passion! LOVED IT!! Jackie
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Skinnydipping – Book One of the Destiny Series
Table of contents
Skinnydipping – Book One of the Destiny Series
Acknowledgments and Thank Yous
It Begins with a Kiss (short story)
Discovery – Book Two of the Destiny Series
Legacy – Book Three of the Destiny Series
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This book is dedicated to my husband.
Without you, your encouragement and your love, I wouldn’t be who I am today or have the gumption to chase after my dreams.
Thank you for your unconditional love and support. In everything and in everyway.
You are truly the Ben to my Erin.
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Skinnydipping – Book One of the Destiny Series
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Chapter 1
She looked at the ocean, the sun was almost down. The night was soft, warm and romantic. She’d come to Hawaii for her honeymoon. She’d dreamed of exploring the Island with her new husband, and of spending a great deal of time exploring each other for the first time. But that dream had been shattered when she’d found her fiancé in bed with her best friend the day before the wedding.
She’d called off the wedding. And come to Hawaii. She needed time away after having her life turned upside down, so she'd come on her honeymoon alone.
A lone bird flew across the water and brought her back from the past.
The light breeze felt good on her skin. Late in the afternoon she’d found this beach. Mindlessly, she had sat on the sand looking out over the water. She’d arrived anxious and in a turmoil. Even though her life with Rick was now a thing of the past, uncertainty swirled around her. Her ability to come to grips with her future eluded her and threatened to overwhelm her.
As she stared out over the water, her spirit and her soul had followed the soothing motion of the waves and slipped into a peaceful rhythm. Her body followed suit, muscles relaxing. Now she was peaceful, still inside, in a way that she hadn't been for quite some time.
She'd had her doubts about marrying Rick, but felt she was committed once she’d accepted his engagement ring. She’d convinced herself that things would change once they were married. She'd ignored every character flaw and red flag that had popped up in their entire relationship, until the day before the wedding when she'd returned home unexpectedly.
Shaking her head, she made herself leave that train of thought. Nothing more could be done.
Staring out at the water, she thought longingly of a swim, but she hadn’t brought her swimsuit. When she’d left her hotel this morning, she'd done so with no destination in mind, just the need to drive.
Looking around, she saw that she was alone and realized that she had been for some time. Making up her mind, she rose and swiftly undressed. Leaving her clothes in an untidy pile, she turned, walked to the water, and waded into the calm turquoise waves until she was waist deep.
She sighed as her body relaxed further. This was exactly what she needed.
Standing in the soft, warm water, she thought over the decisions she’d made while sitting on the beach as she dwelt in that peaceful place.
She was done with Rick. He’d been calling every hour since she’d walked in on them, but she hadn’t answered his calls and simply deleted his texts. She wasn’t interested in someone who was interested in other women. There would be no reconciliation. It was an issue of trust. It might have been overcome, but this was not the first time she’d caught him in a very compromising position. He’d promised to change, but finding him with Andrea had shown her what her heart had known – he wasn’t willing to change for her.
She’d decided to accept the job with a new client. She smiled at the timing of the call. He'd called just a few days before the wedding, before she’d found Rick and Andrea in her bed. She and Rick hadn’t even shared that bed. She shook her head, clearing away the memory. No need to revisit that scene.
Taking a deep breath she submerged, swam out a little further, and rose from the surf, water slicking back her curls and running down her body to rejoin the ocean.
Breaking through the surface, as she opened her eyes she was conscious that something had shifted. She felt alive, fresh, and clean. A feeling of rebirth came over her.
She was aware of the possibilities that lay open before her. Hope broke through they smothering gray that had slowly been strangling the life from her. Joy intertwined with hope and grew and unfurled, their combined fragrance intoxicating.
Her life wasn't ending, it was just beginning.
She'd picked up a new client. She was going to have to find a new place to live; she had planned on moving into Rick's house so she’d given up her apartment. Maybe she'd move back to Sacramento to be close to her mom. She could do her job anywhere she had an internet connection and phone reception. She'd make new friends, maybe a new best friend. A new man...well, she wasn't ready to even explore that possibility. But that would come. In time.
With a flash the sun disappeared below the horizon.
Turning, she half swam, half walked back to the beach. With the sun down, the water changed to a cold steel blue as the weather changed with the sun set. The wind had come up, pushing before it clouds that promised a shower in the near future. She was beginning to feel chilled. The moon hung full and high in the sky. As she walked out of the water, it lit the way to her beach towel.
Halfway there, she realized she was no longer alone.
Looking up, she saw a man in the shadows of the palms that separated the beach from the parking area.
He’d come to the beach to be alone with his thoughts. He'd left his friends at the bar. It was a popular spot with the single tourists, and the crew was celebrating the completion of their job.
Three months ago, they had arrived to build out the new Apple stores on the Islands. It had been the height of the tourist season and, rather than stay at a hotel, he had chosen to stay somewhere quieter than the downtown hotels. He'd been able to rent a yurt on the beach with a public shower. When he needed to do laundry, he dropped it off at the Laundromat. He charged his phone and computer while he worked so that he was never far from being connected, if he chose.
With his car allowance, he'd chosen to purchase a used Jeep. It allowed him to spend his free time outdoors, giving him the freedom to explore the Island. Most of the guys didn't understand why he didn't like to hit the bar after work. Those that didn't were single, like me, he thought with a grunt. The difference was that those guys liked to chase the women who were free from inhibitions; they were on vacation after all. Tonight he'd slipped away unseen. Angel Beach was one of his favorite beaches and he stopped here often on the way home.
Walking through the trees, he had taken a seat on his favorite spot to watch the ocean – a palm tree bent horizontal by the wind. It offered front row seating to rest and watch the endless soothing rhythm of the sea.
Movement and a splash caught his attention. There was someone in the water, but they were far enough away that the peace he was immersed in wasn’t disturbed.
He’d been alone with his thoughts long enough that he’d forgotten he was sharing the beach with anyone. Motion caught his eye. The person, he realized with a start that it was a woman, was walking out of the water. The moon was bright enough that she was illuminated fully.
Realization hit him like an electric shock. She was naked. The water twinkled like a million stars on her skin. He forgot to breathe as he took in her graceful walk. There was a freedom and an unconscious sensuality to her steps that made him catch his breath.
Something snapped to awareness in him. In his college days, he had been no stranger to the beauty and pleasures of a naked woman's body. But there was something about this woman – vulnerability, undergirded by strength – that staggered him. It overrode his appreciation of her nudity and brought an overwhelming desire to know and be known, to protect and be protected, roaring to the forefront of his being.
Without realizing it, he rose from his seat.
Somehow, he comprehended she’d seen him and was embarrassed to have been caught naked. He stood still, uncertain of what to do. As he watched, she bent down and snatched a towel from the sand and quickly wrapped it around herself.
Great. Just what she needed. Some perverted peeping tom interrupting her peace and quiet. Witnessing what she'd always been afraid to do because she didn't want to be caught. Looking around, she quickly gathered her clothes. Slipping into her sandals she headed towards the parking lot.
Thankfully, she wouldn’t have to pass him as he was to the left of the path she’d come down. Looking straight ahead, she headed between the palm trees.
He watched her gather her things, and begin to hurry toward the parking lot. Should he intercept her? What would he say? He hadn’t come to meet anyone. He’d wanted to be alone. But there was something about her that made him want to know her, to defend her vulnerability, and appreciate her strengths. And he couldn’t argue with his body’s response at seeing her walk out of the water.
Before he knew it, he was walking towards her.
He could see that she wasn't looking at him. With a start, he remembered that she was embarrassed. She hadn't realized he was there and he'd intruded on her.
He stepped towards her. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you.”
She stopped and looked at him. There was no wariness, she carried herself regally. But this close, he could feel the embarrassment at been caught skinnydipping rolling off her in waves.
“That's fine. It was time for me to leave anyway.”
He noticed she didn't mention that she was standing in front of him wrapped in nothing but a towel. There was a fierce pride about her.
He looked at her closely. He couldn't tell how long she'd been in the Hawaiian sun because it was too dark. The wind was already drying her hair, and it fluttered around her face. Was it brown? No… more red, he thought. He couldn't see her eyes to determine what color they were.
She brushed her hair out of her eyes. She wasn't about to let him know she was uncomfortable, embarrassed, mortified to be standing clad only in a towel in front of a total stranger who had just watched her go skinnydipping.
“If you'll excuse me.” Her tone wasn’t cold, but it didn’t invite further conversation either. She moved past him.
He turned to watch her go. There was a definite grace about her walk. And a pride as well. He smiled to himself and turned back toward the water. He'd give her a few minutes to herself so that she could dress. It was time to return to his yurt anyway. He had left the bar before dinner had been ordered and he was getting hungry.
Looking up, he saw the clouds coming inland fast, playing with the moonlight illuminating the beach. It would be raining soon.
Figuring he'd given her enough time, he turned towards the parking lot, only to find her hurrying back toward the beach. He caught sight of her face in the moonlight. She was worried.
“Is everything OK?”
She looked up, startled.
“I dropped my keys somewhere. I hope it was where I was sitting.”
He made a decision. “I'll help you look for them.”
“No. You don't need to bother.”
She didn't know how much he'd seen, but looking for her keys in the dark with a strange guy wasn't high on her priority list at the moment.
“No bother. In fact, it would make me feel better since I disturbed you earlier. Besides, I have a flashlight.”
He pulled the mini mag out of his pocket and turned it on.
She stood still for a moment, indecision flooding her thoughts. Making her decision, she smiled. “In that case, I'd appreciate the help.”
Her smile transformed her face. Somehow he knew that this was her normal expression, but something had hidden it away for too long. Figuring he needed to break the ice, he introduced himself. “I'm Ben.”
She smiled again, this time more at ease with her decision. “Hi, Ben. I'm Erin.”
Then, together, they headed back to where she'd been sitting.
Joining their efforts, they began the search. Erin got to her hands and knees, alternately raking and then sifting the sand through her fingers. Ben stood above her, shining the light where she searched.
The wind had picked up. It caught her skirt and blew her hair into her eyes, hampering her search. Ben looked up and saw that the clouds had arrived, and that they would be around for awhile.
Exasperated, she sat back on her heels. Her fists were bunched up on her thighs. Even in the dark, Ben could tell she was frustrated.
“I can't find them.”
“Do you have an extra key?”
“No, and the rental car agency is closed for the day. I guess I'll have to call a locksmith.” She pushed her hair out of her face again. “My cell phone is in the car, as is my purse.”
She was disgusted. It had been nice not to have her cell phone ringing every hour. But at that moment, she wished she'd brought it with her.
“You can use mine, but I doubt you'll get someone to help you before morning. May I give you a ride home?”
She looked at him, appraising him. He didn't look like a pervert, but then Rick hadn't either. She just didn't get the vibe from Ben that she'd gotten from Rick – and ignored. Instinctively she went with her gut feeling of him.
“Are you sure you don't mind? I'm on the other side of the Island.”
“No. It's not a problem.” His stomach growled. “Listen, my campsite is just a few miles down the beach. I was on my way home to cook dinner when I stopped here for a few minutes. Would you like to join me for dinner before I run you home?”
She looked at him. Again, her intuition told her she didn't have to worry about him. Surprised by that understanding, she looked at that revelation a little deeper.
She realized she wasn’t second-guessing herself anymore. It felt good to be able to trust and to follow her intuition again. That simple fact, that she was again listening to and could follow her intuition, made up her mind. Smiling at the revival of her ability to trust herself again, she nodded and silently accepted his invitation.
He rose from the sand and wordlessly held out his hand to her, helping her to her feet.
The gesture stunned her. It had just been so long since a man had shown her such kindness. Had treated her with respect, deeming her worthy of manners.
Overcome, she accepted his hand. Needing to gather her thoughts as she stood upright, she took her time as she shook the sand from her skirt.
As her hand had touched his, it was for the second time that evening that Ben had to remind himself to breathe.
She was slender, he'd seen that as she'd walked out of the water, but she was also slightly built. He could tell that she wasn't one of those women who was always on a diet trying to maintain her figure. She wasn't built to carry a lot of weight.
Watching her shake the sand off her skirt, he was captivated. She was real. She didn't affect or pose the way most women did. He could tell that she didn't play games. What you saw was what you got. His smile broadened. He liked that. A lot.
The first rain drops fell. Looking up, he saw the heavy clouds were right overhead. If they hurried, they'd make it back to his place before they got soaked.
Turning to her, he said, “We should make a run for it.”
She looked up and smiled. “I think you’re right. I'll race you to your car.” She turned and ran up the beach, away from him.
“Hey!” It wasn't often he was caught off guard, but she had definitely caught him flat-footed.
Laughing, she led the way. He’d almost caught up with her when they hit the parking lot, but she was faster and crashed into his Jeep a second before he did. They were both out of breath and laughing, but they had beaten the rain.
Still breathing heavily, not entirely due to the race they'd just run, he opened the passenger door for her, helped her in and, wearing a silly smile, walked around and climbed behind the wheel.
Pulling onto the highway, he glanced at her profile. She was smiling, breathing a little easier. His heart was still pounding. The wind was whipping her hair around and she was having a tough time holding it down.
Both hands trying to capture the strands as they tried to whip her face she turned to him, “Thank you. It’s been far too long since I’ve laughed. I needed that.”
Curiosity flared within him. Why had it been a long time since she’d laughed? Somehow, he knew that laughter was a basic part of who she was. What had stolen her laughter?
Or who?
“Glad I could help. Feel free to call anytime you need a good laugh.”
She smiled again and looked out the window at the coastline they were traveling along.
Looking at the sky, he saw that even though they’d beaten the rain to the car, they'd be really lucky to make it under cover before it began to pour.
He turned off the highway and into the campground. Charlie, the guy who owned the fish stall at the farmers market who had befriended him when he’d first arrived on the island to meet with the Apple staff on the new site, had told him about the place. He'd been lucky, a yurt opened up a few days after he'd arrived and he'd moved in.
Pulling up to his parking spot, Ben turned to Erin and said, “Welcome home.”
Whoa. Where did that come from? To hide his discomfort at this unexpected welcome, he quickly he turned to his door and got out.
Reaching into the back of the Jeep, he pulled out two large totes and a bag full of groceries. He'd gotten into the Island rhythm of buying his groceries almost daily. He had a small refrigerator, almost no storage space, and two hungry young men who'd eat him out of house and home if he were to stock up. He was glad he'd picked up a nice bottle of wine. He looked forward to sharing it with her.
Another odd thought. Where did that come from? He liked his own company, though he enjoyed many friendships. But being in Erin's company felt different. More intimate somehow. It felt right, almost as if he'd been waiting for her return.
He shook his head. “Do you mind carrying the groceries? I can carry the totes but it's gonna pour in a minute and I'd rather not have to hang my laundry to dry.”
Smiling, she picked up the grocery bag. “It’s the least I can do since you are driving me home.”
He picked up the totes and began walking over a sand dune that sprawled out in front of them before spilling into the quickening surf. As they passed a small two-man tent the occupants called out, “Hey, Ben.”
“Hi, guys. Rain's coming in. Do you need anything?”
“No. We'll be fine.”
“Well, come on down if it gets too wet.”
Secretly, he hoped they wouldn't. Most nights they came and hung out with him on the deck. Since moving in he'd kind of adopted the young men – he thought of himself as their big brother. The majority of the nights they came to visit, he’d been glad of their company.
Tonight, he hoped they were smart enough to stay around their own campfire.
Remembering his manners, he made the introductions. “Erin, this is Jeff and Jerry. Guys, meet a friend of mine, Erin.”
Throwing a “See you later.” at the boys, Ben pointed the way down the path with his chin.
“We're just around that dune.”
Erin went forward, leading the way. Suddenly, she stopped and he almost crashed into her. Catching himself, he sidestepped into the grass. Looking at her face to see why she'd stopped so abruptly, he saw that she was mesmerized. He followed her gaze.
The ocean had kicked up with the wind. The sea was wild, fierce, its dark waves crested with white. Rolling in, they pounded the beach with a loud crash and then receded only to thunder against the shore again. As he watched, the rain marched across the water and up the shore, leaving the sand dark where it fell.
“It's beautiful,” she said with a sigh.
He thought so as well. He counted himself lucky to get the yurt for the three months he was on the Island, even more so to have this as his front yard.
The rain hit them and stirred her into motion.
Hurrying now, they raced to the front porch. Laughing, she put the grocery bag down on the outdoor dining table.
“Well, we didn't quite make it.”
“Yeah, but the laundry stayed dry!”
Letting himself in, Ben took the totes to the bedroom section of the yurt.
Erin stayed outside, watching the storm roll in.
Picking up the battery-operated lamp, Ben swung by the tiny kitchen and grabbed up a corkscrew and two glasses. Stepping onto the deck, he saw Erin leaning up against the railing, looking out over the water. He recognized the look on her face. The ocean had the same effect on him. He could get lost for hours just staring at the water.
Reaching into the grocery bag he asked, “Would you like a glass of wine?”
Turning at his question, he saw that she was smiling. In the light, he had his first real look at her face. He immediately liked what he saw.
Her hair framed her face, falling past her shoulders in heavy waves. It was full, curly without being kinky. He'd been right, it was red. Not red from a bottle, but a natural red.
In the feeble lamplight, her eyes looked a dark ocean green, and her skin was fair. He imagined that if the light were brighter, he'd see freckles scattered across the bridge of her nose. He smiled at the thought. He'd never paid attention to freckles before, but the idea of playing connect the dots suddenly had a new appeal.
With difficulty, Erin pulled her attention and gaze away from the storm and focused on him and said, “Yes.”
He put the lamp on the table and began working on the bottle.
“Do you like mahi mahi?”
“I don't know. I've never had it. What is it?”
“It's a local fish. I picked up a piece at the outdoor market on the way home.”
He was glad Charlie had convinced him to buy the larger piece. Mentally, he went through the rest of his pantry, putting together a menu. Grilled mahi mahi with a fresh mango salsa – there was just enough red onion for the salsa – and a small salad with lemon and flax seed oil for the dressing. It would take a bit to get the grill hot, so they'd need an appetizer. He remembered he had smoked oysters and crackers. And there was some cheese in the fridge. Not a bad throw-together meal.
“Sounds interesting. Can I help?”
“How are your knife skills?”
“I can dice an onion, if that's what you’re asking.”
“Let me start the grill and we'll go in and make dinner.”
Moving to the small grill that had come with the yurt, he turned on the propane tank and hit the ignition switch. He'd let it warm up, then scrape it. Jerry and Jeff had used it last and, as usual, hadn't cleaned it when they were done. He smiled to himself. He was going to miss them. Hopefully they'd stay in touch when he returned to the mainland in a few weeks.
“All set,” he said. “Shall we?”
Picking up the lantern, he led the way inside.
Erin looked around her as she entered. It was small, comfortable…and neat. Somehow, that surprised her. With a start, she realized that she was comparing him to Rick. Rick had needed a house cleaning service to come in twice a week to keep his place clean. But there was something different about Ben's place. It was subtle...
And then she saw it.
It wasn't cluttered with stuff. Rick had need stuff around him to give his life meaning. Ben, on the other hand, didn't. Looking around, she could tell that he only kept things around him that made him happy. The difference was marked. And it spoke volumes about the difference in the two men.
Looking at the bedroom area, she saw a full sized bed, stripped, the pillow sitting on top of a folded blanket, waiting to be made. A small chest with three drawers and a night stand that held several books stood beside it. In the living area, there was a futon and a chair. The chair looked like it could fold out into a bed as well. Made sense to have multiple beds in a camping yurt, she thought.
In the middle of the yurt was an open fireplace. The living room furniture was arranged around it. There was also a rocking chair with an end table beside it. The chair looked out of place, so she figured Ben had added that piece of furniture. It looked inviting and, standing behind it, she realized that it was positioned so that it looked out of the door to the ocean.
Ben was in the kitchen pulling a knife and a cutting board from the rack.
“If you'll dice this onion and jalapeno, I'll prep the fish.”
“How small do you want the dices?”
“Small. We're making a fruit salsa for the fish.”
“A fruit salsa, huh?”
She took the knife and picked up the onion. Moving closer to the lamp, she bent to her task.
Ben grabbed one of the larger plates and a small wooden bowl he'd picked up at the swap meet. Pouring the oysters into the bowl he asked, “Do you like smoked oysters?”
“Don't know. I've never had them. But I do like raw oysters. The smaller they are, the better the flavor.”
“Well, you’re in for a treat. They’re one of my favorite appetizers. Put one on a cracker with a nice bit of cheese and you’re in heaven.”
“They sound interesting. I make it a point to try anything at least once.”
Opening the small propane refrigerator, Ben pulled out the cheese and saw the last of the olives. Perfect, he added them to the appetizer plate. Placing the platter in front of her, he put an oyster on a cracker and held it up to her mouth.
“Here, try this.”
Looking up, she dubiously eyed the cracker adorned with what looked like a brown blob held close to her mouth. This was the smoked oyster she'd agreed to eat? Her eyes flicked to his face. He was smiling. Anticipation rolled off him in waves.
Again, trusting her instincts that he could be trusted, she leaned in and accepted the cracker.
He watched her; fascinated by the attention she was giving the previously unknown taste.
Her eyes half-closed in concentration, Erin chewed, swallowed. Opening her eyes wide, she smiled at Ben.
“Not bad. I think I like smoked oysters!”
He smiled his response, her approval allowing him to breathe again. He took a sip of his wine.
Pushing the pile of red onion into the green jalapeno pile, Erin looked up at him. “All done. Anything else?”
Looking over at the cutting board, he saw that she'd done a nice job.
“Have you ever cut a mango?”
“I've eaten mango but I haven't cut one myself.”
He picked up one of the mangos and stepped around the island next to her.
“Do you know what a mango seed looks like?”
”No. I've never seen one.”
Holding the football-shaped fruit, he traced a line from one tip to the other. “The seed is long and flat. It runs long ways through the fruit.”
Taking the knife from her, he showed her how to cut the fruit into three pieces, leaving the seed in the middle piece.
With the paring knife, he peeled the skin from the meat of the center piece in one long unbroken length.
Holding the seed firmly between his thumb and index finger he continued his lesson, “The bonus for cutting a mango is that you get to eat the fruit off the seed.” He stuck the seed in his mouth and scraped the flesh off with his teeth.
Handing her the knife, he said, “Your turn.”
She took the knife from him and cut the fruit as he'd shown her. Peeling the rind off the center piece, she lifted the seed to her mouth and, using her teeth, scraped the flesh from the seed. Juice from the ripe fruit trickled down her chin. Laughing, she wiped it away.
He smiled and picked up the cilantro and cucumber.
“Once you dice the mango, the cucumber needs to be cut in a large dice and the cilantro needs to be chopped.”
Putting down the seed she'd been sucking on, she picked up her knife and a mango crescent. “I’m not sure how to dice this.” Her face was scrunched into a frown as she pondered the yellow-orange flesh.
Smiling, he picked up a mango half and, holding it in the palm of his hand, he carefully scored it with long lines from top to bottom. Turning it, he made horizontal slashes. Putting the knife down, he pushed on the skin – turning the fruit inside out. Taking up his knife again, he cut the squares away from the rind and dropped them into the bowl he'd pulled out for the salsa.
“Now that's interesting.”
She reached for the knife and quickly scored and cut away the fruit.
Smiling, he turned away to prepare the fish.
With a final cut separating the fruit from the last crescent, she picked up the cucumber and asked, “Do you want the peel left on the cucumber?”
“No. Let’s peel most of it off.”
He carried the platter with the fish outside, along with the appetizer plate. Setting them both on the table, he looked at the sky and realized the rain was going to last most of the night. That suited him just fine. He turned back into the enclosure.
Returning to the kitchen, he picked up a lime and quickly sliced it in half, squeezing the juice over the mango, onion, jalapeno, and cilantro in the bowl. Grabbing a wooden spoon, he stuck it in the salsa.
“When you’re done with that, stir it all together and toss it in the fridge.”
With quick movements, he sliced a small lemon in half, dividing it between the plates on which he'd already placed a small salad.
He took the plates, cutlery, and a spatula out to the table. Entering the yurt after checking the barbeque temperature, he realized that she might be cold eating on the deck.
“The breeze has kicked up. Would you like a sweatshirt?”
She looked down at her lightweight skirt and short sleeved tee shirt. “Probably a good idea.”
Going to the hanging hooks that served as his closet, he took down two sweatshirts. He was still wearing the tank and board shorts he’d changed into after work. The lightweight sweatshirt would be fine for him.
Walking back to the kitchen area, he handed her the heavier sweatshirt and picked up his glass of wine and the bottle. She pulled the shirt on and tugged her hair free. Watching her heavy curls bounce, the feeling of protectiveness flared up inside him again. A satisfied pride followed close behind. He liked the sight of her in his shirt.
He gave her a small smile and gestured towards the door. Smiling in response, she picked up her glass and led the way.
As she settled herself at the table, he turned to the grill and scraped it clean. Placing the fish on the hot metal, a sizzle flared and faded out.
“This will only take a few minutes.”
He'd left the lamp in the kitchen and worked only by the light of the grill. When he ate, he preferred to sit in the dark and look out over the ocean.
Finished, he moved away from the grill and sat beside to her.
For the most part, they’d worked in a companionable silence as they’d prepared the simple meal. Most women he knew had to talk constantly – about anything and nothing. Erin hadn't. He'd enjoyed the peaceful silence between them. But now, he wanted to know more about her. Know what made her tick; her thoughts, fears, and joys. He wanted to know her.
“How long have you been in Hawaii?”
“I just arrived late yesterday afternoon.”
She'd arrived on Sunday. Most tourists arrived on Saturday or Sunday. He'd been an Island resident long enough to get the feel of the tourist flow.
“How long are you staying?”
“I leave the following Saturday.”
Two weeks. Most tourists only came for a week. The honeymooners came for two weeks. Taking a sip of his wine he looked at her left hand. No ring.
“Did you come alone?”
“Yes.”
He felt like he was playing twenty questions. And losing.
He rose and walked to the barbeque. After turning the fish, he went into the yurt and returned with the fruit salsa and the flax seed oil. Salt and pepper mills were tucked under his arm.
Placing everything on the table close to the grill, he divided the fish onto the plates, spooned a generous portion of the fruit salsa on top and placed a plate in front of her. All the while dying to ask more questions, to learn more about her, but it was obvious that she didn't want to talk about herself.
Closing the grill, he served them both and then sat next to her.
“I hope you don't mind. I enjoy looking out over the water as I eat.”
She smiled at him. “No. I completely understand. I lost myself on the beach this afternoon. I'm not sure how long I was there, but I know I missed lunch.”
Bending her face near the plate, she inhaled deeply.
“This smells wonderful.” With that, she picked up her fork and tentatively pulled a piece of the fish away.
Placing the bite in her mouth, she chewed on it and turned to him in surprise, “This is delicious!”
She closed her eyes to better concentrate.
“I really like the fruit salsa; it balances the texture and flavor of the fish.”
He laughed and placed another forkful in his mouth.
“You did a great job on the salsa.”
Taking another bite, she gave a sigh, one that relaxed her whole body. Swallowing, she turned to him. “So, what about you? How long have you been on the Island? How did you find this great location? And why a yurt?”
He laughed. “Whoa! One question at a time. I've been on the Island almost three months. I'm with a team building out the new Apple stores on the Islands. Everyone else is living conventionally in hotels and enjoying the nightlife. Me, I prefer this.”
Waving his fork in a circle, he continued, “I used my living allowance to rent this place and my car allowance to buy the Jeep. I'll sell it before I head home and be money ahead. Having the Jeep has allowed me to really explore the Island and go to places a rental car can't go.”
“And living here, well...” pointing to the ocean with his glass, he said, “You just can't beat the view!”
“No you can't,” she agreed. “So, how will you get your stuff back home?”
She'd traveled lightly, only bringing one checked bag with her. She hadn't needed the second bag to bring all the fancy lingerie, dresses for going out, and all the other fun stuff she'd planned to bring along. A shadow crossed her face. Originally, the trip was about other activities, but all that had changed. She gave herself a little shake.
In the end, she'd opted for just one bag with a few pair of shorts, a pair of jeans, sandals, and a week’s worth of tee shirts. She’d figured she wasn't coming to impress anyone, so why go through the extra effort? Her toiletries took up most of the space.
She'd carried her laptop onto the plane along with a few books she‘d been wanting to read. Now she’d have time to read them.
Again, she pulled her mind from where it had strayed. Why ruin a nice evening thinking about the past? With a start, she realized she was enjoying herself. Immensely. She couldn’t remember when she’d last enjoyed herself in a man’s company.
Earlier that afternoon, she'd discovered that she was grateful – really grateful – to Rick and Andrea. Walking in on them had saved her from making a huge mistake. She was over being mad and upset, which had stunned her, and told her a lot about how committed she had been to Rick.
That revelation had led to a greater one; she had realized that she had been in love with the idea of being in love. She hadn't been in love with Rick.
Saturday was to have been their wedding day. Instead, knowing she couldn't marry Rick after finding he and Andrea together, Erin had made a call to the wedding planner and asked her to cancel the wedding, letting her notify everyone…and deal with Rick.
She’d spent a long time talking with her mother. Her mom hadn't been surprised – she'd never liked Rick.
Her apartment was mostly packed; the mover had been scheduled to move her into Rick’s place while they were on their honeymoon. She'd made new arrangements for everything to go into storage. She'd figure out where she'd be moving later. In the meantime, she'd move back to Sacramento and stay with her mom.
Because all of her clothes were packed, she'd had limited choices on clothing. She packed her favorite things for the trip to Hawaii.
She'd always wanted to come to Hawaii. Pictures of secluded white sandy beaches and couples walking hand-in-hand through the waves had always appealed to her as the perfect honeymoon destination.
Rick had humored her when she had insisted on Hawaii for their honeymoon. He'd wanted a cruise aboard the Fun ship.
Another red flag she'd ignored.
Ben's answer brought her back to the present.
“I only have a few things I'll be shipping home. My clothes I'll take back on the plane, the company will send my tools by boat along with everyone else’s. I have a few boxes I'll be adding to that, and I’ll be taking the rocking chair. I found that at the swap meet. I really like it and it feels as if it were made for me, so I think I'll eat the expense of shipping it home.”
“Where's home?”
“Seattle.”
“Reeeally?” The word came out elongated with more ‘e's’ than it was spelled with. “That's interesting. Tell me about Seattle? What part of Seattle do you live in? How long have you lived there? What do you like about living there?
She truly didn't know how to ask one question at a time, did she?
He replied, “I love Seattle. Lived there most of my life, when I wasn't studying or working somewhere for an extended period of time, that is. I live on Camano Island about 90 minutes up I5, toward the Canadian border from Seattle proper. I was able to rent out my place for the summer while I took this job.”
Taking a sip of his wine, he asked, “Have you ever been to Seattle?”
“No, but I’ve just taken on a new client there.”
“Really? Who?”
“A private individual. I'm a virtual Executive Assistant. His lives in Anacortes. I haven't had a chance to look it up on a map, but I understand it’s north of Seattle as well. Do you know where it is?”
Huh, of all the gin joints... “Anacortes is fairly close to Camano. How did you become a virtual Executive Assistant?”
“I was an Executive Administrative Assistant in corporate America and decided to leave. I was done with the politics and wanted to be able to do my job, be paid what I was worth, and work from home. It was a natural fit,” she finished with a shrug and took another bite of the amazing fish.
“How do you find your clients?”
“There's a whole network out there. I began with one client and word of mouth has brought me more. Mr. Jones called and left me a message on Friday. Today, I decided to take the job. Before I left my hotel this morning I called and accepted the position, beginning after my vacation. I took a month off.”
Erin grew still, her eyes focused on something Ben couldn't see.
“What changed? About accepting the job, I mean.”
She stiffened, unconsciously wrapping her arms around her as she continued to look at what only she saw. An expression Ben couldn't read flickered across her face, and then she took a deep breath as she reached a decision.
Straightening up, she turned to him. “I was to have been married on Saturday. On Friday, I returned to my place earlier than expected and found my fiancé in my bed, with my best friend.” There was a pause.
“I called off the wedding.”
Stunned, he could only look at her for several heartbeats. He felt as if he’d been punched in the stomach and understood why she had hunched in on herself at his question.
Taking a deep breath, he turned his body towards her more.
“That sucks. I’m sorry.” He placed his hand on her arm. The charge that passed between them made him sit up straighter.
Clearing his throat, he refocused.
“And so you came to Hawaii alone?”
Rubbing her arm where he’d laid his hand on it, Erin shook her head to clear away the electrical charge of awareness that had pulled her thoughts to the present, and spinning into the future.
“Yeah, I did. I've always dreamed of coming to Hawaii, thought it would be for my honeymoon, but now it's a ‘get away from’ place. This afternoon, sitting on the beach and looking out at the water, I realized that I was actually thankful to both of them. They saved me from making a huge mistake.”
“Just like that?”
He stared at her, trying to understand how she could have made the transition so quickly and not be a tearful mess or revenge-bent witch.
“Most women I know would take a long time to get over a betrayal like that.”
She shivered as the wind moved across the deck, bringing the cold rain with it.
Seeing she was huddled in on herself, Ben got up.
“Let’s move inside. I'll build us a fire.”
Together, they cleared the table and took everything inside.
With quick efficiency, Ben scraped off the dishes, put the food away, and filled the sink with water. Erin moved to the sink and began washing up. The ordinary task of washing dishes helped her to shake off the nightmare her life could have been had she married Rick.
Ben moved back to the deck and brought in a few logs and some kindling. As Erin finished rinsing the last dish, the room lit up with a warm light.
Returning to the kitchen, Ben opened a cupboard. “We finished the bottle of wine, but I have a bottle of Godiva chocolate liqueur. Are you interested?”
Godiva was her favorite chocolate. When Rick was in the dog house he always brought her a box, knowing that she couldn't resist it, assuming it also meant that she couldn't resist him when he brought it.
Nodding at Ben, she put Rick out of her mind and smiled her agreement.
There were many changes she'd be making to her life now that she wasn't going to be Mrs. Richard Caine, and giving up Godiva chocolate wasn't one of them.
She settled into the big chair and tucked her feet under her. Since her time on the beach – really since she broke the surface of the water – the feeling of being reborn overwhelming her, she was at peace. Not just with her decision about not marrying Rick, but with her decision to create a new life for herself.
A life that didn’t include compromises.
The fragrance of hope swirled around her, strengthening her.
Her tummy was very happy. She’d just enjoyed a great dinner, better than any she could have planned for her first full day on the Island, and the company was very good, very peaceful, as well.
She'd been with Rick for two years. He was never at peace. He was always complaining about something or, more often, about someone. She hadn't realized until now, just how draining it had been to be in his company. She really ought to thank him, but he wouldn't understand.
Ben moved between her and the flames she'd been watching; she was as hypnotized by them as she'd been by the water this afternoon.
“Here you go.”
He handed her a hefty pour of a creamy tan beverage.
Bringing it to her nose, she sniffed. It smelled wonderful. Taking a small sip, her taste buds sat up and did the happy dance.
“That's delightful! I can't believe I've never tried this before. Not that I'm a huge drinker, but I love Godiva's.”
Taking another sip, she leaned back in the chair and sighed, completely content.
“So, what was your secret?”
“What secret?” she asked, confused, trying to remember what they had been talking about.
“How did you get over the betrayal so quickly?”
“Oh, I'm not over it yet. There's still some processing to do and stuff to be untangled.”
Her brow scrunched up.
“I think I knew all along that he wasn't right for me – that we weren't right together. But I ignored the red flags and hoped that he'd change once we were married.”
“What red flags?”
“Little things, really.” Lots of little things.
She thought of the first time she had found Rick making out with another woman and then amended, “Well, not just little things. Early in our relationship, I found him making out with his ex. He swore that she had come on to him but, deep down, I knew that she wasn't the only one to blame. And then there were the digs in public.”
Thinking back to how Ben had opened her car door for her she continued, “He also didn’t treat me with respect or with common courtesy.
Other scenes flipped through her mind, changing like the viewmaster her mother had allowed her to play with as a child.
“Little things like serving himself ice cream, and not offering me any.”
Gazing deep into the flames she remembered his anger.
“He was always angry, but it was never his fault. It was always someone else’s. Looking back now, I can see that it would have been difficult to live with him 24/7. I didn't like how I found out, but I'm glad I did. And it confirmed why... um, never mind.”
She'd been about to tell him that it confirmed why she'd never slept with him. That in itself wasn't newsworthy; she'd never slept with any man. Her honeymoon was to be the day she presented her husband with the ultimate gift, herself.
In junior high, she'd accepted a promise ring from her father. It had been a popular thing to do that year, and some of those who had accepted promise rings no longer wore them. But her father had died when she was a senior in high school and holding onto the promise ring and the promise she'd made to her father that day had been more important than any of the guys that had come knocking.
Rick included.
Why was she telling this guy she'd just met on the beach in the middle of nowhere the most intimate details of her life?
Because he could be trusted. She just knew it, like she had known Rick couldn't be trusted.
She'd stopped listening to her instincts when she'd begun dating Rick – but she was listening now.
The fire popped in the quiet. She snuggled deeper into the chair, her movements releasing Ben's scent. It was fresh, clean, not cloying with some expensive cologne, but full of sun, sea, and promise.
She was getting warm and sleepy. She was comfortable and the smooth chocolate liqueur had a worked its magic on her.
He had been watching her as she'd remembered and shared with him. She wasn't in shock, but she'd been shocked and had adjusted quickly.
He marveled at her strength and ability to bounce back. She'd relaxed as she'd remembered and released the poison. Now she was having a difficult time keeping her eyes open.
Ben broke the silence. “You're half asleep. I can run you home, but it's wet and it'll take 45 minutes to an hour to get you back to your hotel. If you like, I can make up the bed for you and you can stay the night.”
The idea was really appealing. Her eyelids were heavy, making it hard to focus, and harder to think straight. She was missing something important....
Wait, there was only one bed.
“Where will you sleep?”
He smiled at her. She didn’t know it but he wasn't the kind of guy to take advantage of her vulnerability, even if he did find her intriguing and very attractive.
“Don't worry, you'll be safe. I'll crash on the futon.”
He rose and went to the totes he'd brought in earlier. Reaching into one, he pulled out folded sheets and bath towels. With quick movements, he made up the bed and pulled a folded tee shirt from the chest of drawers.
Walking back to where she sat watching him, he held out his flashlight.
“The bathroom is right next door. You shouldn't get too wet getting there. You head over and I'll make up the futon. Then I’ll take my turn while you change and crawl into bed.”
She looked up at him. It was decision time. Was she really going to spend the night at the home – in the bed – of a man she had just met today?
She looked into his face. Everything about him inspired confidence. She knew he could be trusted.
She reached her decision. Yes. Yes she was going to spend the night. And what's more, it felt right. She smiled and pulled herself from the chair.
“Thank you, I appreciate all that you've done for me today.”
Taking the flashlight from his hand, she turned toward the front door.
He watched her walk out the door.
He was glad that it wouldn't be the last time.
Moving around the room, he put a few things away, made up the futon, and placed a glass of water and the lamp on the night stand for her.
He looked up, smiling, as she walked back in.
“My turn.”
Taking the flashlight he walked into the night. The rain had slowed down. It would be a beautiful morning.
However, he still would have called it a beautiful morning if there had been a hurricane outside his front door. There was something about Erin staying the night that simply felt right. He'd have to move slowly. He wanted to get to know her. He wouldn't be anyone's rebound, let alone Erin's. He moved confidently into the night.