Chapter Fourteen
Audrey
The water is glassy smooth this morning, only broken by the rhythmic dip of paddles and the gentle splash of sea lions playing off the rocky outcrop nearby. I adjust my grip on the paddle as I glance over at Wolf, who’s sitting comfortably in his bright orange kayak beside me.
I smile as I shake my head. Of course, the man looks like a catalog model with his tousled hair, aviator sunglasses, cargo shorts, and an expression that says he could lead a survival mission through uncharted waters and still make time for a joke and a kiss.
“I didn’t know I’d be competing with the wildlife to stay above the water,” I say with a laugh as I suspiciously look at the sea lions who’ve been eyeing us since we began our kayaking adventure.
“They’re jealous because I’m normally serenading them instead of a beautiful woman. They might be making plans to dunk you,” he warns as his paddle easily cuts through the water.
“Ah, I can see their restraint. They clearly are making their claim,” I say with a laugh. He might not be that wrong, though. A few of them are giving me the evil eye. They might look friendly, but they also eat their meals alive, so I don’t know how much I trust them.
We’re gliding along the east side of the Catalina coastline near Frog Rock, the blue-green water so clear I can see schools of fish darting beneath us. We maneuver through kelp beds and along jagged cliffs where pelicans are perched like feathered sentinels. After the stories Wolf’s told me, I don’t trust the huge birds either.
Wolf’s been pointing out different areas to me, and though this is more of a pleasure excursion than work, I’ll include it in my blog so I won’t feel quite as bad about wasting a day. I don’t know why I’d feel bad anyway. I make money from my blog, but I do it out of love, not because I need to make money. I also don’t have a deadline or a timeframe to meet. I could stay down here for a month straight, or even longer. Chloe might be a bit upset about that, but I have nowhere I have to be. I need to simply enjoy every moment of this.
I love all of the sea caves carved out by centuries of tide and time. We paddle inside one, its opening narrow, the interior dark, echoing with the sound of dripping water and our own subdued voices. I look for bats, but don’t see any. I’m not afraid of bats. They fascinate me.
“This is Pirate’s Tunnel,” Wolf says. “Rumor is, smugglers used this to store contraband in the early 1900s. Then again, there are many stories like this around the island. It’s always drawn adventurers and rogues... and people who want to disappear.”
As we float inside the cavern I look up, trying to take it all in. “I can see why. It feels like a whole other world inside here.”
“Are you planning to disappear?” Wolf asks with a chuckle.
“Maybe. I wonder how long it would take to be missed.” In reality, it wouldn’t take long at all. Not only would my mother and father call in the military if they couldn’t find me, but Chloe would have a search party bigger than the Revolutionary Army on the hunt within a day. It’s rare we go a single day without at least a few texts. The echo of my words bounces off the stone walls, making them seem ominous and mysterious.
“You’d be missed within seconds,” Wolf says. I’m starting to believe him when he says things like this.
“Race you,” I say before shoving off and paddling as fast as I can. He lets me have a head start, but even with the lead, it doesn’t take him long to catch me, give me a splash from his paddle, then quickly overtake me. I’m pushing as hard as I can, and he still leaves me in his wake. I’m going to have to secretly practice so that the next time we do this I can splash him and quickly escape. Where there’s a will there’s a way.
We get back to the docks at eleven, have a healthy lunch, then take a long hike. We head out to Hermit Gulch campground and then go up and up and up. I thought I was in good shape, but I’m breathing heavy as I try to keep up with Wolf along the Hermit Gulch trail that seems to never end. When we reach the top, it’s all worth it, though. We can see both sides of the island, showing just how narrow it truly is. I’m fascinated.
I gaze down at the sparkling water and the rooftops of homes in shades of coral, apricot, and gold. What a different world this island is. We sit on the bench and eat some granola and guzzle water.
“This is another of my favorite views,” Wolf says. “When I was a kid and needed to burn energy, I’d come up here, sometimes a couple of times a week.”
“Are you trying to show off right now?” I say with a laugh. I’m still breathing a bit heavy, but also feeling pretty dang accomplished. I work out regularly, but this is next level.
“You get used to it when you’ve been here long enough,” he assures me.
“At least I don’t feel guilty for all of the food and liquor I’m consuming.”
“Yes, you burn a lot of calories on the island. But if someone wants to be lazy, they can. I use the golf cart at times, but I try to walk more than ride while I’m here. You certainly don’t need a gym.”
I laugh. “That’s for sure. I love that I’m not afraid of a mountain lion jumping out and getting me. That’s my biggest fear when hiking in Washington.”
“Don’t forget about the bears,” he says.
“Trust me, I never forget about the bears. I’m shocked you think about them, though. You always seem so fearless.”
He meets my gaze. “I’m not fearless. Anyone who says they don’t have any fear is certainly lying. I simply choose to run toward the danger before it gets the chance to chase me.”
I nod at him. “I guess we’re always chasing something. Maybe it’s simply a purpose. I’ve gone through many jobs, having a difficult time finding satisfaction in any one thing. I get bored and move on. I love my blog, though. I love writing. I’m always inspired by everything around me, and I feel like I have to get it on paper. Maybe blogging will stick.” I shrug my shoulders. I know it frustrates my parents at times that I seem so lost when I have the world at my fingertips.
“Maybe it’s simply about living your story, which you seem to be doing.”
I blink, then smile at him. “I like that. Maybe I am.”
Wolf reaches down and picks up a pebble, tossing it down the hill. “That’s how I feel when I fly. It’s freedom for me. It also makes everything else feel temporary. I can land in any city or country, but I’m only there for a brief moment. There are very few places that feel like home, that keep me grounded.”
“Maybe that’s why you come here so you don’t feel so untethered.”
“Exactly,” he says. It’s crazy how much we seem to understand each other.
“Maybe you simply need to find more places to land,” I suggest.
He smiles. “Or maybe I just need a partner to make every place I land the right one.”
I don’t know what to say to this. I look out at the view as we sit in a comfortable silence while the breeze brushes across our skin, our hearts caught somewhere between restlessness and recognition of something special.
It’s getting late, and we have a ways to go, so we begin the trek back down the mountain, going a new way. I’m delighted when we come out in the Botanical Gardens. We’ve made a giant loop.
“There are a lot of trails on this island. We can go on any of them you like,” he tells me as we stop and grab more water before making the nearly two-mile walk back to the heart of town.
“If there’s time I’ll take you up on that. I love all of the different views and I like how my body feels,” I tell him as we reach town.
“I like how your body makes me feel as well,” he says with a wink.
We reach the Glenmore Hotel, my new place for the night. He pulls me close and gives me a kiss. We’re sweaty and I most likely look like I’ve been thrown around in a tornado, but he doesn’t seem to mind. I melt by the time he lets me go.
“I’ll be back in one hour so get ready fast because I’m starving after that hike,” he tells me.
I don’t have a chance to say a word before he turns and jogs away. I glare at his back. I can’t believe he has the energy to jog after the hike we’ve taken. It’s been a full day of nonstop activity, and the man doesn’t seem fazed at all. I need to seriously increase my workout time if I plan on keeping up with him.
I slowly make my way to my room, then stand in the shower for an extra long time, knowing I’m going to be sore from head to toe by the time I leave this island. I don’t have the energy to get too dressed up, so I put on a simple sundress, some mascara and lipstick, run the brush through my hair, and call it good. I barely make it down to the lobby in time.
I take a seat on the couch and hope Wolf is a little late. Though we won’t have to go far to eat, I’m worn out. I’m sure I’ll feel better after getting some much-needed fuel inside me. He’s not late. He walks inside with a skip in his step, looking like he did nothing but nap for the day. I smile. There’s no way I’m letting him know how exhausted I am right now.
“You look stunning,” he tells me as he reaches out a hand to help me rise. He practically pulls me from the seat. I fall against him and chuckle. He gives me a quick kiss, then wraps his arm around me and leads me outside.
We don’t walk far before getting to Steve’s Steakhouse, which requires me to walk up some stairs. At least it’s only one level. I’m instantly in love with the restaurant’s low lighting, wood panels, and classic steakhouse charm that makes it feel like a retreat for old-money vacationers and island regulars alike.
I order a glass of pinot noir, which thankfully arrives quickly. I look across the table at Wolf, who’s in an annoyingly good mood and looks absolutely delicious in his deep blue button-up shirt and a self-satisfied smile that always accompanies trouble.
“This place is cozy,” I tell him.
“It also has the best steaks on the island.”
“And I’m sure you know the entire staff,” I say with a laugh.
“It’s a small island. They let me bartend once on a dare. I made a mojito that nearly blinded a man. That was the end of my bartending career.”
I laugh. “Okay then, I think I’ll stick with wine to be safe.”
We order our food and talk while we wait. My mouth is watering when they place a perfectly seared ribeye in front of him and grilled halibut in front of me. Maybe I made the wrong choice. His food looks amazing. I’m contemplating switching plates with him, whether he likes it or not, when a shadow falls over us.
“Well, well, well,” a voice drawls. I look up and immediately know who the two men are. The similarity to Wolf is unmistakable. “Is this a woman having dinner with my commitment-phobic big brother on the island he’s long declared a no-romance zone?”
I can’t help it, I laugh. “And you are?” I ask, not knowing which brother is which.
“Drake Young,” he says with a playful salute. “The younger, more handsome, significantly funnier brother.” He takes a bow before taking my hand and kissing the back of it, making me giggle.
Wolf shoots a glare at his brother. “Significantly louder,” he mumbles.
His other brother steps forward. “I’m Jayden, the far less feral brother.” Jayden’s gaze lingers on me for a long moment, not rudely, but certainly more observant as if he’s taking notes of something Wolf might’ve told him. I feel like a bug under a microscope.
“You don’t mind two more joining, do you?” Drake asks. He doesn’t wait for an answer as he takes a seat right next to me and grabs a roll.
“Do I have a choice?” Wolf grumbles as Jayden takes the seat beside him.
“Nope,” Drake says. He signals the waiter who heads our way. It only takes a moment to place their orders with a promise to bring out more rolls.
Jayden looks over at me. His gaze is so intense it makes me want to squirm. “You’re a writer.” It’s not a question. From his tone I don’t know what he thinks of me writing.
“Well, I have a blog,” I say. Some might not call that writing, but I spend a lot of time on it, so I don’t care what haters might have to say.
“I read your piece on Savannah last month. You have real talent, a good eye for nuance. I enjoyed the balanced tone of the piece and the fact that you didn’t over-romanticize it, but added humor. It made me want to visit the location and see it through your eyes.”
I’m taken aback by his words and feel a glow at his praise. “Thank you. I’m shocked you like to read travel blogs.”
“I like to read everything,” he says.
“That’s because he’s a nerdy writer himself,” Drake says. He winks at me. “Not that what you write is nerdy. I like your stuff too. Jayden writes nerdy though.”
“Shut up,” Wolf and Jayden say in unison, making me laugh. Drake leans back, not at all offended.
“I’m shocked Wolf hasn’t screwed this up yet. I think I like you,” Drake tells me as he holds up his drink in a toast. I can’t help but like Wolf’s outgoing brother.
“There’s still time,” I tell him, making Drake laugh.
“Yep, I really like you,” he tells me when I clink my glass against his.
“I’m so pleased the two of you are bonding over making fun of me,” Wolf says as he shakes his head, but I see humor in his eyes. It’s clear the brothers might like flicking crap each other’s way, but they have a deep love as well.
It doesn’t take long to figure out how very different all three brothers are from one another. They also have a bond that nothing can break. It’s beautiful to see. I always wanted siblings, but now I have Chloe, and she’s more of a sister to me than anyone by blood could be.
“Welcome to the chaos,” Jayden tells me after about the tenth story.
“I’m very pleased to be a part of it,” I tell him.
The evening rolls on with laughter, teasing, and some surprisingly touching stories about the Young brothers’ childhoods, which included late-night hikes, building fires on the beach, drunken adventures, and falling in and out of love. I find myself slipping further into their rhythm and feeling oddly at home.
We aren’t ready for the night to end, even if my body’s exhausted. We leave the steakhouse and turn the corner. “Ready for a nightcap at The Marlin Club?” Wolf asks.
“I don’t have too much left in me, but I could probably last for one more drink,” I admit. I’m tired. It’s been a long, wonderful day.
“There’s nothing like a dive bar,” Drake says.
“Do I need a secret handshake to get in the doors of this club?” I ask.
“Nope, but if Mario’s at the door, you might have to answer a riddle or promise him a game of pool,” Wolf says.
We reach the bar that has half doors, one of which is open, showing the semi-crowded bar with happy patrons inside, some playing pool, some playing foosball, and a few dancing. The rest are sitting, or standing, and all seem to be very happy.
Right at the entrance is Mario, leaning casually against a stool, grinning like the unofficial mayor of Avalon.
“Isn’t it past your bedtime, Wolf?” he asks, then looks at me. “At least you brought someone worth talking to this time.”
“Yeah, yeah, good to see you too, Mario,” Wolf says with a laugh.
I lean in and give Mario a hug. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Always a pleasure to have a beautiful face to brighten up this place,” Mario tells me, making me beam.
I look around the small place and instantly love it. It’s quaint with paintings on the walls, vinyl stools, a few tables, an old pool table, and weathered floors. There’s even a faded marlin mounted above the bar watching over everything like a sleeping guardian. The sharp crack of pool balls colliding under the buzz of low lights and nonstop talking is music to my ears. I don’t get out enough when I’m home.
Wolf manages to snag a small table while Drake and Jayden step up to the bar and dive into a conversation with a couple of locals. I sit while Wolf grabs our drinks and is back in a flash.
“Vodka and tonic,” he says, handing mine over.
“I was going to stick to wine. Are you trying to get me drunk?” I ask with a laugh. I take a sip, and it’s refreshing on this warm evening.
“I like you nice and sober so you can feel every moment of our time together,” he assures me, leaning in close. “I told them to make the tourist version of the drink instead of the local version that can make you fall down on your face if you aren’t careful.”
“Thank you. After the brutal beating my body’s taken over the last couple of days, I don’t think I can handle too much alcohol.” I give up on acting tough. This island is working me over.
He laughs. “Are you sore?”
“I’m not admitting anything.”
The pool table frees up, and we play a game. I shock him when I run the table, doing a little victory lap around it when I finally beat him at something. He immediately racks the balls for a second round.
“I didn’t know I was playing a hustler,” he says with a laugh. I love his determined look. The man’s predictably competitive. He’s also good, making it fun to play him. I hate easy victories.
“Where’d you learn to shoot?” he asks when I sink the seven ball with an impressive backhanded shot.
“In my twenties, when I got sick of the smug college boys thinking they were so cool.”
He laughs. “You’re just a bundle of surprises. Beautiful and dangerous.”
We finish our game when the song Something Just Like This comes on. He immediately puts our sticks away and pulls me into his arms. I’m embarrassed at first as no one else is dancing, but it’s hard not to get lost in his eyes when he looks at me the way he does.
Of course, he’s a great dancer, and I’m falling more in love with him as he twirls me and pulls me close, and even manages to sing some of the words of the song. I thought I was in trouble before, but spending time on the island with him is sending me over the edge of a cliff with no parachute anywhere close.
I look up, his eyes capturing mine. “Is there anything you aren’t good at?” I ask.
“I’m terrible with patience,” he says without missing a beat. I laugh.
“I think you’re pretty great at it because you’re still with me. I’ve been told a time or two I’m a challenge.”
He leans in, his lips centimeters from my ear. “Because you’re worth waiting for.” His hot breath cascades over me, sending a shiver down my body. My breath catches, and I can’t respond.
We sneak out of the bar and walk in silence back to the Glenmore Plaza Hotel, our hands together, our bodies close. I’m tired, but I feel more alive than ever. It’s hard to walk away from this man. I think I’d be happy being at his side day and night... for the rest of my life.
When we reach the steps of the historic white and pink building, Wolf stops and faces me. “I’ve had a wonderful day.” His voice is soft and grounded.
“Me too,” I tell him, afraid I’m about to melt into a puddle at his feet.
“Do you want to have a nightcap in your room?”
Everything within me wants to say yes, but I do have to work, and I guess I really am testing the man. He laughs as he looks down at me, adoration in his eyes.
“What are you testing?” he asks, curiosity lighting his gaze.
“What do you mean?”
“I can see you want to be together, but there’s calculation in your eyes. Are you seeing if this is only about sex with me? Are you seeing if I can handle it?”
I’m shocked at how insightful he is. “I’m not easy to date.”
“I strongly disagree with that.”
“You’ve only seen the good side of me. You haven’t seen the obsessive-compulsive side, the bad-mood side. You haven’t seen when I’m so stressed I can’t breathe. This is the fun phase of any relationship.”
“I think you’ve been around the wrong people,” he tells me.
He then pulls me to him and gives me a kiss full of heat and passion that nearly makes me melt into a puddle at his feet. I’m about to cave and pull him up to my room when he lets me go. He steps back and winks.
“Think about that tonight,” he warns. “Think about my hands all over you when the shower water touches your skin. Picture it’s my lips and fingers gliding across your body instead of you being there alone. Think about what we can do for each other every single day if you just say the word.”
I’m shaking when he turns and walks away with grace and confidence. I know I’m making a mistake letting him leave. The man is potent, and he wants me. I want him too. I just don’t understand how we can remain together without going up in flames or ending up like Romeo and Juliet.
I somehow manage to get to my room, which is elegant and quaint with crown molding, floral bedding, windows that open to the sound of waves, and a history I can’t begin to fathom. I can barely focus on any of that. Instead, I stand at the window watching the moonlit town below, my fingertips still tingling from the brush of Wolf’s skin, my lips still warm from his hungry kiss.
I need to work, but I don’t want to. Wolf is all that’s on my mind. I finally give up, walk into the roomy bathroom, and draw a bath. As I sink into the hot water, I let out a sigh, lean my head back, and close my eyes, enjoying the sound of the ocean.
This was supposed to be a simple trip to cleanse my head, but instead it’s turned into another adventure with Wolf, one that’s even better than Hawaii, one that’s made me fall deeper in love with the man. I wanted to know if I could resist him, and I clearly can, barely, but what’s shocking me more than anything is that I don’t want to.
It’s not only about sex. We have fun together. We have a lot in common. And on top of that, we have incredible passion. I’m such a fool to let even one night go without being in his arms. I climb from the tub with a smile on my lips. The only thing keeping me from going to him right now is the raw exhaustion filling my body. Tomorrow we’ll take it easy, because tomorrow I’m not letting him go anywhere.