Aloha Paradise

By Mindy Ford

Devan Montgomery is forced to go to Hawaii and isn’t happy about it ... until she meets an attractive Hawaiian lifeguard named Kai. The moment their eyes meet it’s evident that Kai and Devan share a soul-deep connection.

As luck would have it, Kai is really Kale Iakona, a pain in the ass from her past. Despite a tumultuous history, their feelings are too intense to deny and their animosity quickly subsides.

They are on the fast track to happily ever after when fate steps in and rips them apart. Eventually, they end up married to other people, but remain close.

After a falling out, Devan and Kale don’t speak to each other for three years, until they’re asked to be in the wedding party for their best friends’ wedding.

Can they go back to being friends or will the threat of overwhelming temptation force them to say “Aloha” to true love forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mindy Ford
• Release date: Nov 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370553990

Mindy Ford

Mindy Ford grew up in the suburbs of Summit County in Ohio where she started writing at a young age. Aloha Paradise is her first published book. She resides in Northwest Ohio where her imagination fuels her life.

Book preview

Prologue

Devan didn’t understand why she had to go to dinner with her parents. She didn’t even remember this kid they were talking about. She was six years old when they first met and she was 12 now. She told her parents she had better things to do than entertain some dumb boy. However, she realized that no amount of arguing or eye rolling was going to get her out of this one.

Devan and her parents walked into the diner, and her father was greeted with a hug from a tall man who said, Chris, you look the same, my man!

Devan saw this man’s face all the time in the picture on her dad’s desk in his study. It showed her dad, his platoon and Mr. Iakona. Her dad and Mr. Iakona were standing side by side, circled in bright yellow marker.

This is our little Devan, her dad said and pushed her forward.

Mr. Iakona hugged her and said, "Aloha, Devan! I’m sure you don’t remember me. I’m your dad’s old Army buddy, Nāhoa, and this is my wife, Cassandra.

You’re in my dad’s Army picture, Mr. Iakona, she said and smiled.

That’s right. This is my son, Kale Kai. Do you remember him? Mr. Iakona said and pushed his son toward her. He was a good-looking kid who was a bit taller than her. He had dark hair, green eyes and sun-kissed skin like his father.

Hey, she said politely.

Kale this is Devan Montgomery, and Elaine, her mother, and Chris, her father. Mr. Iakona said, introducing them.

Isn’t Devan a boy’s name? he asked in a snarky tone.

Isn’t Kale a lettuce?

"Actually, it means man," he fired back, arms folded across his chest.

Oh yeah? Well my mom puts you in her smoothie every morning, Devan countered.

Kale rolled his eyes, "Whatever, Monty."

What did you just call me?

Kale grinned, I think I’ll call you Monty from now on. Ha! It still sounds like a boy’s name.

Yeah, whatever, Lettuce Head.

Chapter 1

Hawaii 1994

It was the summer of 1994. I’d just turned 16 and little did I know I was about to embark on a struggle that would last the rest of my life...

Oh, my god! Mom, how many times do we have to change planes? Devan grumbled.

Her mom, equally exhausted, replied, Calm down, Devan! It’s a long way to go. We only have to change planes one more time.

Devan was beyond annoyed and fired back, Seriously? We left yesterday at 7 a.m., and it’s now 10 p.m.! Ugh!

Okay, okay! her mom said and sighed, So, there were a few layovers. Look at it this way, it’s only 4 a.m. Hawaiian time. The total trip takes about 17 hours. We’re almost there.

Devan rolled her eyes. She was excited to see Hawaii, but she hated all the traveling. I am so not looking forward to palling around with that Lettuce Head kid! I miss James! Even though she’d just seen her boyfriend yesterday, she knew she’d miss him because she was going to be stuck in Hawaii for a whole month!

The Iakonas met Devan’s family in the hotel lobby for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. the next day. She’d had only two hours of sleep and was still groggy and jetlagged. She threw her dark golden hair into a messy bun and pulled on an old oversized sweatshirt, jean shorts, and flip-flops.

Hey! How was the flight? Mrs. Iakona asked with a warm smile as they entered the restaurant.

You mean flights, plural? Devan muttered under her breath.

Aloha, Devan. I didn’t see you back there. What a lovely young woman you’ve become, Mr. Iakona commented.

That was creepy, Devan thought.

Her dad pushed her forward, to the point she almost stumbled. Mr. Iakona grabbed her and hugged her.

Where’s Kale Kai? her mother asked, looking around.

He’s actually working here at the hotel. How else do you think we got your rooms so cheap? Mr. Iakona joked.

Yes! she thought. I won’t have to deal with that jerk if he has to work.

After breakfast she excused herself so she could check out the resort. It was beautiful. There were coconut palms everywhere, as well as small pools, big pools, lagoons, water slides, and the crystal blue Pacific off in the distance. Hey, Mom, can I walk out to that beach right there? Devan asked, and pointed in the direction of a few cabanas on the shoreline.

Sure, her mom replied.

The salty scent of the ocean mixed with the chlorine scent of the pools, the sand and the fragrant native flowers intoxicated her. To say it was beautiful was an understatement. The walk to the beach seemed like it took forever because of all the resort’s amenities, but she finally saw an arrow-shaped sign that said: Beach Straight Ahead.

She headed down the last set of stone steps, and then it happened. Her left flip-flop broke and she tripped on the second to last step. Damn it! she exclaimed, as she was stopped mid-fall by something hard.

Whoa, you okay? the guy who’d caught her asked. He steadied her and helped her down the final step onto the sand, with Devan’s face smashed against his warm chest the whole time.

That was his chest I hit? she realized in awe as she looked up. He smelled of sunscreen, coconut and lime, the scents swirling all around her. I’m so sorry! My stupid shoe broke and—

He leaned down to get a closer look at her. But you’re okay?

Uh, yes, she stammered. "Thank you. I’m sorry to have, uh fallen for— on you. I mean on you." Smooth, Devan. Could that have been more embarrassing?

He chuckled. Here, why don’t you sit down over here for minute. He reached for a cabana chair and offered it to her.

Devan sat down, while trying to get a good look at her beautiful rescuer. The sun was too bright to see his features clearly, but she could tell he was gorgeous. He had to be at least 6’3," and anywhere from 16 to 20 years old. He had bronze skin and dark brown hair that was shorter on the sides and back and slightly longer on top. He seemed muscular, but wasn’t built like a gym-rat. Definitely not bad.

He reached for another chair and sat down next to her.

Devan finally spoke up and said, I really am sorry for interrupting your swim.

Well, I wish I’d been swimming; but I’m working. Plus, to interrupt me swimming, I think I’d have to have been in the water. He laughed and gave her a quick wink.

She was so embarrassed. Oh, duh! Sorry, she said and blushed, which made him smile. Wow, that’s some smile! So, am I interrupting your work?

Not really. I’m a lifeguard at the resort, and technically I don’t start guarding until 10. They have us ‘teens’ clean up the beach before we start our shifts. Low men on the totem pole and all, he said, and laughed.

That sucks, she said turning up her nose.

Not today. The beach is pretty clean and I got to rescue a beautiful girl.

Devan stood up then, embarrassed. Well, I’ll let you get back to it. She turned to walk away, paused, then turned back to face him. Thank you again for rescuing me. She gave him a shy smile and turned to walk away.

Hey, wait. Come on back and sit with me for a while. I have another 30 minutes before I have to go back to work up to my lagoon.

She paused before asking, Are you sure?

He grinned at her. Yeah, and you’re welcome.

I could stare at his smile and chest all day! James who? She was so lost in her daze she didn’t even hear him talking to her.

Hey, you there?

When she didn’t respond immediately, he laughed.

Huh? she shook the fog from her brain, Oh, I’m sorry. What?

Kale asked again, I haven’t seen you here. Did you just get in?

Yes, she answered quickly.

How long are you here for?

A while, she said and shrugged.

He smiled again, A while, huh?

Still somewhat lost in her thoughts, Devan replied with a simple, Yeah. She couldn’t wipe the stupid smile off her face.

He reached out his hand and said, By the way, I’m Kai.

She shook his hand and said, I’m Dee.

Nice to meet you, Dee. Where are you from?

Ohio. You?

Hawaii, he said and laughed.

Devan blushed again. Oh, right. Duh! Oh, my God, quit being stupid Devan! Use your brain!

Actually that was a good question. A lot of the people who work here are from the mainland.

So how old are you, Kai?

I’m 19. How old are you?

She thought quickly. Eighteen — I’m 18. Devan didn’t want to lose his interest if she was too young. Why ruin a good thing by being too young, right?

They talked for a while longer and Kai offered to walk Devan back up to the resort.

Well, I have to go guard some lives now.

Thanks again.

Anytime, he said, as he bent down to kiss her cheek. The scents of the sunscreen, coconuts and lime hit her again.

Aloha, Dee.

Aloha, Kai.

Kai took several steps in the direction of the pool, then stopped. Hey! he called back to her, if you’re free tonight, meet me at the luau. It’s at six.

Okay, she answered with a smile.

Kai turned and jogged off toward the pool.

Devan stood there and watched him disappear up the hill. Did that really just happen? He totally makes 17-hours on a plane worth it! she said aloud for the birds to hear. With a smile on her face, she walked away to lose herself in the sun and sand.

Chapter 2

The Iakonas were already seated at the table when Devan sat down beside her mother. Just then, another person joined them.

Kale, how nice to see you, son, her dad said and shook the young man’s hand.

Ugh, she groaned searching the crowd looking for Kai.

Kale’s here Devan. Say hello, her mother said and elbowed her.

Hi, she said as she reached across the table to shake his hand without looking. She was still looking across the sea of faces for Kai. Because she wasn’t paying the slightest bit of attention, her extended hand managed to knock over a glass of water. Ice-cold water ran off the table and landed in her lap. Damn it! she shrieked.

Devan Marie! Language! her mother warned.

Devan blushed. Sorry! She pushed back her chair and stood up from the table to go dry off.

Kale will show you where the outside restrooms are, sweetheart, Mr. Iakona said.

Devan tried to wave him off. It’s okay, I’m sure I can find my way. She didn’t want to deal with him and this embarrassing situation.

Kale stood and said, No, it’s fine. I’ll take you. He moved to help her and their eyes locked.

You? they said in unison.

What’s going on, guys? Mrs. Iakona asked.

Nothing, um ... we’ll be right back. Kale took Devan by the arm and led her toward the restrooms.

You said your name was Dee!

Devan fired back, "Um, it’s a nickname, stupid. You said your name was Kai!"

It’s my middle name! I can’t tell girls my name is Kale the first time I meet them. I don’t need them thinking my parents named me after a leafy green vegetable, he replied with a sinister grin.

With her hand on her hip, she said Yeah? Well you said you were 19—

"And you said you were 18! Kale folded his arms and jerked his head to the side, Restroom’s right there. I’ll wait for you."

"Don’t bother! I’ll be just fine!" Devan barked at him, and walked away in a huff.

Kale snickered as she walked away. Devan’s sundress was white and the neon pink bikini she was wearing under it was extremely visible thanks to the water.

What are you laughing at? she snarled.

Oh, nothing. I’m just admiring your bright pink panties, he said and chuckled again.

Jerk, it’s a bikini! He’s such an ass! Ugh, and to think I was supposed to have a date with this guy. No way that’s happening now!

Devan had been in the restroom for a good five minutes, before Kale decided to knock on the door. What’s taking so long? We’re going to miss dinner!

I told you not to wait, she hissed.

Come on, let’s go!

I can’t! I’m still wet.

It will dry. Let’s go!

Why, so everyone can see my pink butt? Kai…Kale — whatever the hell your name is — I don’t think so!

He laughed. Come on, I’ll give you my shirt. It’s long enough to cover you.

Um, no, Devan said rolling her eyes. You ever hear of ‘no shoes, no shirt, no service’?

Devan, it’s fine, I swear. I have a tank on under my shirt. A boy scout is always prepared, he said and laughed again.

"You weren’t a boy scout," she said as she walked out.

He took a nice long look at her. She’s beautiful. She looks a lot different than I remember. Her hair’s long now, and her eyes seem a lighter shade of blue than before. The thick glasses she used to wear probably hid them last time I saw her.

He unbuttoned his shirt and gave it to her. She shoved her arms into the sleeves and Kale smiled. See, I told you it was long enough. It looks like a dress on you.

She wasn’t listening. Instead she was checking out his broad shoulders and muscular arms.

Are you ready to go back and eat?

Huh? she snapped her head up and met his eyes. Oh, yeah. Thank you — for the shirt I mean.

After dinner, Devan and her family headed back to their hotel room. After they got there, Devan sat on the bed thinking maybe Kale wasn’t as bad as she first thought. He’s definitely not bad to look at, that’s for damn sure! Just as she thought this, her mom sat down on the bed beside her. My goodness, Kale has grown into a very nice-looking young man. Hasn’t he? she asked and smiled.

Devan rolled her eyes but agreed without saying it.

It was kind of him to give you his shirt. Don’t you think?

Devan couldn’t help but smile. She could still smell the lingering scent of Nautica around the shirt’s collar, Yeah, it was.

As soon as her mom walked away, Devan pulled the shirt closer to her nose, closed her eyes and breathed in his scent.

After washing her face and removing her contacts, she climbed into bed and inhaled Kale’s scent from the shirt one more time before she closed her eyes.

The next morning, Devan woke to a loud pounding on her hotel room door. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and looked around for her glasses. When she got to the door, she looked through the peephole.

Come on, Devan, open the door! I just saw your eyeball in the peephole, and I can hear you breathing, Kale said and laughed.

Hold on, she said quickly taking her glasses off.

She unlocked the door and Kale walked in carrying a tray filled with mouthwatering pastries and fresh fruit.

Hungry? he asked as he set the tray on the table in front of her.

She squinted to see what was there, and grabbed a croissant. She took a bite and exclaimed, Oh, my god! This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted!

Kale smiled. They’re baked fresh from scratch every morning.

This is giving me a food-gasm! It practically melts in my mouth. With a mouth full of croissant Devan asked suspiciously, Wait! Why are you here?

He grabbed a doughnut off the tray and said, Your parents are at my house helping my parents pack. They wanted to let you sleep in, so they told me to come get you and show you around the island.

At that moment Devan squealed in embarrassment. She just remembered she was still in his shirt. She dropped the croissant, and stumbled around looking for her bag.

Are you drunk? What are you doing? he asked.

No, I’m not drunk! I don’t have my contacts in, which was true, but wasn’t the reason she was acting so crazy.

Just before the bathroom door slammed shut, Kale yelled, Make sure to put a suit on underneath your clothes!

She cracked open the door. What?

From where he was sitting he could see her reflection in the mirror. Um ... bathing suit, he said trying to catch a peek of something interesting.

Bathing suit? she asked and gave him a confused look.

He couldn’t see much from this angle, but it was enough. Kale shouted, Put one on.

Okay, she said and shut the bathroom door, disappointing him.

Kale held open the passenger side door of his Jeep for Devan and helped her in.

He got in the driver’s side, and asked with a smirk, Are you ready?

I think so, she replied.

He winked at her and they sped off.

Devan lost herself in the beauty of the island. She watched the tall grasses dance as they flew by the hills along the winding road. She admired the coconut trees and could smell the salty air from the Pacific. They drove for about 20 minutes before Kale pulled off onto an unmarked road.

Where are we going? she questioned.

You’ll see, he said mysteriously and winked again.

Kale parked the Jeep and Devan looked around. Well, this is nothing special.

From here, we walk, he said, interrupting her thoughts.

It wasn’t a long walk, but the path was rocky. He stopped near a large moss covered boulder, pulled his shirt off and handed her a pair of water shoes. Get undressed. We’re going in.

In where? She still didn’t see anything but rocks, and the ocean was quite a ways off in the distance.

Come on, he said, and walked away.

I don’t see anything, she almost whined.

You will.

The two of them rounded a corner and the view that came into sight was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. Here’s Ole Blue. Well, that’s what I call it. Its real name is Nani Mau Loa. In English that means forever beautiful, he said.

I can see why.

The water here is cooler than the ocean but it’s not cold. Most tourists don’t know about this little gem, he said proudly.

They slipped into the water. It was a little chilly for her liking, but she didn’t care. The water was crystal clear, and she could see little fish swimming around them. "This is so awesome!"

You wanna see something even better? He took her by the hand and led her into what appeared to be a small cave. It was dark, but she could see a blue light in the distance.

When they reached the light she saw it was coming from a small opening in the roof of the cave. The sun beamed down onto the blue water and created a gorgeous glow. She couldn’t find words to describe how beautiful it truly was. The blue glow touched everything around her — even Kale, who was smiling at her.

See why I call it Ole Blue? he asked.

At that moment his smile was all she could see. I could stare at him all day. He really is a piece of work. His green eyes...

She felt herself moving closer to him. He looked down at her lips and she looked up at his. His hand emerged from the water and barely touched her cheek as he moved a strand of her hair away from her face. Her lips were begging to be kissed.

Sorry, that’s been bothering me, he said, as their eyes met and time stood still.

"Next!" he shouted, and took her by the hand again.

I could’ve sworn he was going to kiss me, but no. It was the perfect place — romantic and beautiful! The perfect moment! Just...Ugh! Well, he ruined that, she thought as he dragged her to their next adventure.

Chapter 3

We’re going cliff jumping! Kale shouted.

Excuse me? Devan couldn’t hide the shocked look on her face.

Kale pulled the old black Jeep into a small parking lot, parked and got out. Devan didn’t move from her seat and just stared at him as he walked around the front of the Jeep to her door. He reached across her lap to unbuckle her seat belt.

Yeah, no offense, Kale, but I think I’ll sit this one out.

He didn’t give her a chance to argue, and practically dragged her to the cliffs. She heard screaming and giggling off in the distance as they rounded the final corner in the path.

Kale took Devan’s hand and said, Look! It’s safe! See that kid over there?

Yeah? she said, hesitantly.

He is my neighbor’s nephew —he’s seven. Are you going to let a seven year old be cooler than you? he asked with a smirk.

Devan watch as the child jumped from the cliff like he’d been doing it his whole life.

The natives have been coming here for years, and only one person ever died.

"Yeah, until today! You’re trying to kill me!"

Kale took her by her shoulders and leaned down to look into her eyes, You’re safe with me. Okay? We’ll jump together.

With no warning Kale dropped his hand to hers and ran to the edge of the cliff and jumped! They plunged feet first into the crystal blue water, holding hands the whole way down.

See? he said when they surfaced. You’re always safe with me.

Devan was smiling so big it hurt her face, That was awesome! Let’s do it again!

Kale helped her out of the water and they walked back up to the top of the cliffs.

This time I’m going on my own, she said to him with a smile.

He raised an eyebrow. Ladies first!

Devan ran and jumped. When she surfaced, Kale yelled down to her, How was it this time?

"Incredible!"

Just then, someone ran passed Kale and jumped from the cliff’s edge. No! he yelled, but it was too late. The teenaged boy landed on top of Devan, kicking her in the back of the head in the process and forcing her deep under water.

Devan was sent spiraling downward, and she couldn’t tell up from down. She struggled to reach the surface