Chief Distraction Read Online Free Page B

ease of a modern woman. The altitude
made the air chilly and he admired how her outfit hugged her in all the right
places. She wore dark, tight denim on her long legs and stylish boots. No
hiking boots or Tiva sandals for this girl. A slouchy grey sweatshirt hung from
one shoulder revealing a black bra-strap. Not a typical college sweatshirt, but
some deconstructed thing that screamed mainland high fashion. She was stylish
and sophisticated, unlike most of the casual women he knew around Maui. This
made her seem even more unattainable.
    The mid-afternoon breeze hinted at rain as it
sent the ends of Blythe’s fiery auburn hair teasing around her face. Everything
about her exuded poise and confidence and Mak felt his eyes draw uncontrollably
in her direction. Trying not to stare, she caught him looking and he broke into
an uncontrollable smile. She looked away quickly, as if she didn’t want him
knowing she was staring. But he knew she was. This girl had his senses in
overdrive, only he was positive she was avoiding him at all cost. He knew the
reason, but it didn’t stop him from indulging his fantasies. So maybe the curse
would keep her physically at bay, but his mind was right on top of her –
spinning with the possibilities. In another time and place, he would definitely
consider her the perfect match.

 
                      <><><>

 
    Blythe
noticed she wasn’t the only woman in the lookout center with her eyes on Chief
Kalani. Two young women were checking him out from a distance, clearly ogling
him like some piece of succulent meat. Blythe admired their style, conservative
and posh. They were clearly tourists, on holiday from the mainland’s winter
chill. She watched as Chief Kalani nodded at the women and smiled back, aware
of their blatant stares, yet he remained discrete – the perfect
gentleman.
    Drawn in by his ease, Blythe felt her heart skip
at the flirtatious grin that pulled at the corners of his mouth. He obviously
enjoyed the women’s attention, but didn’t let it go to his head. As he turned
away, the women looked at each other knowingly, gathering courage before
venturing forward to strike up a conversation. As they did, envy crept into
Blythe before she knew what hit her. The women had nerve to come onto a man
with two children by his side, but then again, he wasn’t wearing a wedding
ring; a huge advertisement for most females on the prowl.
    Chief Kalani spoke to them briefly before
politely dismissing their attempts. He steered the boys toward the exit. At the
last minute, he glanced over his shoulder and waved at her, catching her
staring – again. She flushed and waved back. Realizing she dreaded seeing
him leave, the knot in her stomach tightened.

 
 
    After
another hour of playing tourist on the volcano, Blythe brought Rachel and
Jarrod to a restaurant that specialized in local delicacies of mahi mahi and
ahi tuna. They enjoyed plenty of wine and laughter, sharing stories of the past
and present. Blythe ached for her sister’s company and already mourned their
departure even though they’d just arrived. Her year in Maui had been an
exciting adventure so far, but lonely at times without those she loved around
her. Sure, she’d met a few friends, but work kept her running full-steam ahead
most days of the week. Finding downtime was difficult, and when she did find
some time alone she felt restless and unsettled. Something was missing, she
just couldn’t put her finger on what it was.
    Arriving back at the house, Jarrod led the
charge up the porch stairs. “What’s this?” he said, picking something up.
    Rachel and Blythe reached the porch just as he
turned to face them. In the glow of the porch light, Blythe spotted the object
and couldn’t suppress her smile.
    “A fire extinguisher?” Rachel looked perplexed.
    “One of your neighbors must be giving you a hint
– ‘Don’t cook!’” Jarrod chuckled as he handed her the unexpected gift
adorned with a