Chapter 5
Waylen stared at the ceiling.
Gently, he ran his fingers through Presley’s hair, sprawled across his chest. He remembered the first time he woke with her in his arms. It had been the most natural thing back then, and nothing had changed.
Only, this morning, there was a more incredible heaviness in his chest.
After his father died, he’d suspected his mom had plans to move back to Maryland. He thought she would wait for him to graduate from high school. But she couldn’t stand to be surrounded by all the things that his dad loved so much.
Hawaii had become their home. His father intended to retire and stay forever, and his mother was completely on board.
However, all that had changed in a flash, leaving Waylen heartbroken, not only over the death of his dad, but over leaving behind the girl he’d fallen in love with.
This morning, he knew he’d have to say goodbye once again, maybe not today or even tomorrow.
She groaned and stretched. “What time is it?”
“Close to eight,” he whispered.
“Holy shit. I never sleep that late.”
“You needed the rest.” He brushed his lips over her forehead, taking in her fresh, sweet strawberry scent. She always smelled so good.
She rolled, reaching for her phone. “My crew should be at the marina by nine. I need to be there when they arrive.”
“I haven’t heard from Kian or how I’m getting back to the Brotherhood Protectors ranch.” He fluffed the pillow, pushing to a sitting position. “I might not be working for them, but I’m sure they could use my help in other locations. Kilauea has been rumbling all night.”
“I know. I heard her a few times. At least the alarm didn’t go off.”
“She’s the only thing I haven’t missed about this island.”
Presley rested her chin on his chest, her fingers dancing across his skin. “I blinked open my eyes a couple of times in the middle of the night. I still can’t believe you’re here. Or that you were in Blake’s chopper and the one to come rescue me.”
“That was wild.” He leaned over, giving her a proper kiss good morning. “My mom is going to be happy that we ran into each other. From the second I set foot in Hawaii, she’s been asking me if I’ve gotten in touch with any of my old friends, but especially you.”
“I’m not hard to find.”
“I noticed your driver’s license. You no longer have the same last name.”
“That’s something that I need to change. I’ve been divorced for three years. I hate signing that fucker’s last name.”
“You really don’t like your ex.”
“Not one little bit.”
“I’m sorry that you had a shitty time of it with him,” he said.
“There were so many warning signs, and I chose to ignore them early on. I wanted to be married, to have a family. And in the beginning, he was sweet and kind. He had me totally snowed.”
He lifted her chin. “You’ve always been able to see the good in people. That’s not a flaw.”
“With him, it was.”
“Do you have kids?” he asked, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer.
“We tried. I had one miscarriage early in our marriage, and then I never got pregnant again. It was for the best. As much as I would have loved being a mom, being tied to that prick through a child for the rest of my life would be an even bigger hell than having to deal with him the way I do now,” she said. “What about you?”
“Another bone of contention between me and Elena.”
“Why? Who didn’t want kids?”
“We both wanted them, but I kept putting her off. My career was dangerous. I was deployed all the time, and I wasn’t willing to give it up yet. That pissed her off and frankly, I don’t blame her. However, the reality is, looking back, I don’t think I wanted them with her because, deep down, I knew we weren’t right for each other.”
“How long have you been out of the Navy?”
“A few months,” he admitted. “I’m starting to get bored. Me and my buddies have been traveling. We’re all looking for the next thing. It’s not like we’re that old, but we’re not sure what to do next.”
“What about the organization that brought you to Hawaii?”
“The Brotherhood Protectors isn’t what brought us here. We came for a retirement party. But they have offices here and in other places around the United States. And even internationally. It’s an option. But whatever we decide, we go as a team. We’re family.”
“All of you?”
“You’ll understand when you meet them.”
“Tell me about them. This band of brothers of yours.”
“That’s a perfect descriptor for them.” He chuckled. “We’ve been through hell and back together. Nearly died on missions. Saw some of our comrades fall. I don’t know if I could have survived half of what the military tossed my way if it weren’t for them. Much less life in general. Each one brings something unique to the table. Take Lane for example. He’s one of my best friends. He and I share a passion for surfing.”
“Oh, good Lord. You’re not very good.”
“I’ve gotten better, thanks to Lane.” Waylen arched a brow. “But Lane lost his mom, something we’ve bonded over. He understands more than anyone what I’ve been through. He knows when to give me space or when I need to talk just by looking at me. Raider, he’s the explosives expert in the group. He can tell when I need a joke and he always delivers the right one at the right moment. Almost always completely inappropriate, but that’s what I adore about that man.”
“He sounds interesting.”
“Oh, he is. But you should meet Harlan. He’s the negotiator. Annoying as fuck sometimes. However, the man has a heart of gold and he manages to say and do the right thing every time.” Waylen smiled. “That leaves Kian. He’s truly my best friend. A male soulmate, if you will. He’s a little pissed off at me right now because I never told him about you until last night, but he’ll get over it because at the end of the day, he understands me more than anyone. I’ve never had friends like these four. They’re loyal. Honorable. And whatever happens next, we’ll do it together.” That statement made this next part of the conversation that much harder. He let out a long breath. “We’ve been searching for whatever that is, but we haven’t found it yet.”
She patted his chest. “I have no doubt you will.”
“That brings me to what I’ve been thinking about for the last forty minutes, waiting for you to wake up.” He kissed her nose. “Shall we talk about what happened last night, the fact we didn’t use protection and what that means?”
“It doesn’t necessarily mean anything.” She sat up, pulling the covers up over her body. “I didn’t use birth control for six years, and it never happened.”
“That doesn’t mean it won’t happen now.”
“I’ll be forty next month. I’m a little old to be worried about that.”
“That’s bullshit and you’re avoiding.” He arched a brow. “This bothered you last night, but I brushed you off.”
“There’s the morning-after pill, if I can find it. And there are other options if we find ourselves in that position. But it’s also not your problem.” She rolled over.
He yanked her to his chest. “Don’t you dare try to tell me I have no responsibility in this. Or try to walk away from me. If you do find yourself pregnant, we both had something to do with it and we’ll both decide what steps to take.”
“Why? You just said you and your friends will be leaving because you all decide together what you’re doing.”
“For fuck’s sake, that’s not what I said.” He ran a hand over his mouth. “I have no idea what’s next. Only…” Shit. He had implied that. “Look. I’m a little freaked out over a few things right now. But I don’t regret being with you. Not even a little bit. And what should have me panicked beyond belief doesn’t have me wanting to run out of this room and off this island.”
She jerked her head. “I’m not even sure what to do with that statement.”
“I’m not either.” He tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. “I wasn’t sure about coming to Big Island and not because of my father. I used that as an excuse. Sure, I miss him every fucking day of my life. I can’t ever erase the moment I found him lying on the kitchen floor.”
“Oh, Waylen. I know.” She palmed his cheek.
“But my bigger reason for not wanting to return was you.” He curled his fingers around her wrist. “The memories of you. What they stir up in me. All the questions of what could have been. Don’t you ever think about that?”
“Of course I do,” she whispered. “But that’s a dangerous road to go down.” She lowered her gaze. “And the reality is you loved your career. Don’t try to tell me you didn’t.”
“I won’t. I did love everything about it. I thrived in the Navy. As a SEAL. I know it’s what I was born to do.” He lifted a finger and swiped away a tear that rolled down the side of her face. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t wonder what my life would have been like if I had the chance to share it with you.”
“That’s a sweet thought. I appreciate it. But we were kids.”
“Who wholeheartedly loved each other.”
“I won’t deny that. However, it was over twenty years ago.” She covered his mouth. “Can we please just enjoy this time we have together? I understand there may be a consequence to it, but I don’t want that to ruin this moment.” She dropped her hand.
“That’s a reasonable request.”
“Thank you.”
She pulled back the covers, stood, and lifted her shirt, pulling it over her head.
“Aw, come on. Why’d you have to go do that? I was enjoying the view.” He waggled his finger. “Your boobs got bigger.” If she wanted to rejoice in this time, he would bask in it.
“You told me you liked my itty-bitty ones.” She smiled.
“I did. But I think I like the full mature ones better.” He winked.
“You’re a pig.” She laughed. “I need to go shower.”
“I have a condom in my wallet. Can I join you if I bring it?”
She glared. “Where was that when we needed it last night?”
“I got lost in your sexiness.” He shrugged.
“Fine, but only if you sing for me.”
“I haven’t sung in years.”
“Why not? You have a beautiful voice. Especially when it’s belting out that Meatloafsong.”
“All right, but you have to promise to sing your part.”
“Oh, I’ll sing, but you have to get me there first.” She wadded up her yoga pants and tossed them at his face. “Are you up for the challenge, sailor?”
“You know I?—”
Knock. Knock.
“Who the fuck is that?” She jumped on the bed, snagged her pants, and shimmied her adorable ass into them.
“Knowing Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid, they’re probably bringing us room service or something.” Waylen found his shorts and hiked them up over his hips. He strolled to the door and yanked it open, scratching the top of his head. “Good morning—Kian? Why didn’t you text or call?”
Kian shifted his gaze between Waylen and Presley. “I was banging on the other door for the last ten minutes. You know, the one you said you’d be in, but when you didn’t answer, I thought I’d try the one you said Presley would be in.” He pushed past Waylen.
Blake followed. “Hey, Presley.”
“Blake,” Presley said.
“So, this is the infamous Presley.” Kian shoved a to-go mug at Waylen. “I wish I could say I’ve heard all about you, but I just learned of your existence last night. It is, however, a pleasure to meet you.” Gently, he handed her the other cup.
“Waylen, huh?” Blake took a seat at the small table. “I always knew there was a story behind that name. I just never thought he’d be so handsome.” She looked him up and down. “Holy shit. He’s the guy in the picture. I knew he looked familiar.”
“What picture?” Waylen asked.
“The one Al and Lisa have of us at the bar at the marina.”
“I was a scrawny teenager,” Waylen mumbled. “They still have that up?”
Presley nodded. “You and your dad too.”
“Lucy, you have some explaining to do,” Kian said. “Keeping secrets from me.” He shook his head. “But all that is going to have to wait. Lane texted. So did Hawk. We’re needed at The Resort. ASAP. Blake’s been so kind as to offer us a lift.”
“Last time I climbed into a chopper with Miss Gardenia over there, I got shoved out into the water. I’m not sure I want to do that again. Not unless I know Presley’s the one who needs saving.” Waylen looped his arm around Presley. “And since she’s going to be on land, I kind of want to pass.”
“You know that’s not an option.” Kian cocked a brow. “You’d really leave Lane hanging?”
“For Presley, I might consider it.” Waylen lifted his chin. “But if you ever tell him that, I’ll deny it.”
“Damn, that’s cold.” Kian gave Waylen a good shove.
“Why the hell is he calling me Gardenia? I’m no flower,” Blake said. “I take offense to that.”
“Don’t,” Waylen said. “I’m only referring to the image on your bird. That’s all. And it’s better than the nickname I gave Kian when I first met him.”
“Oh, this should be good.” Presley folded her arms. “Do tell.”
“He’s so full of shit. Don’t listen to him,” Kian said.
“No. I want to hear this. He’s notorious for handing out nicknames. When we first met, he kept calling me Cilla. As in short for Priscilla.”
“As in Priscilla Presley?” Blake asked. “That’s cute.”
“I hated it.” Presley pursed her lips. “So, what did you call Kian?”
“Most people translate Kian into God. Or King. No fucking way was I calling him that. It would go straight to his head. But one of the other translations can be Ancient. So, I just called him that for the first year we met because he’s also a couple of days older than me.”
“You’re a jackass, is what you are,” Kian mumbled. “Sorry, Presley. But we need to hit the friendly skies. Duty calls.”
She waved her hands. “I get it. No worries.”
“Give us a minute, will you?” Waylen shoved Kian out the door. He nodded at Blake. He wasn’t about to give her a nudge with his hands. She scared him.
“Sure thing. We’ll be outside.” Blake followed Kian out the door.
Waylen slammed it shut. “Sorry I can’t join you in the shower.” He cupped her face, giving her a sweet kiss. “I’ll call you when I’m done with whatever Lane needs help with, okay?”
Presley nodded.
“We can spend a little time together before I head off to wherever I’m going next.”
“I’d like that.” She leaned into him, kissing him hard. “Be safe out there, and don’t get yourself killed in the process.”
“I won’t.” He snagged his shirt, tugging it over his head, and gripped the door. He glanced over his shoulder. “Hey. Please, whatever you decide to do about the morning-after pill, tell me. I understand it’s your body and I respect that. But I want to know either way. I’d like to be in on the discussion.”
“I promise I’ll call you.”
“Thank you.” He sucked in a deep breath and yanked open the door. He didn’t know what felt worse.
The day he boarded the plane for Maryland when he was seventeen, or this moment, knowing it could be as life-altering as that move had been.