Better Together: One Fond Embrace, #1

By Crista McHugh

Hawaiian rancher Alex Kahale needs a temporary wife to close a deal that's vital to the welfare of his herd. Thankfully, he's already married to a woman stole his heart in less than a week, even if that same wife filed for divorce a few days after they said their "I dos".

Rising country music star Britney Moore had a wild fling with a cowboy in Las Vegas a year ago which ended in a drunken drive-thru marriage. Once she returned to Nashville, she filed for divorce to save her squeaky clean image. Besides, spontaneous marriages never last, and she knows better than to risk her heart on Alex.  But no matter how many requests she sends him, he refuses to sign the papers. Then he sends her an intriguing offer. Come to his ranch on Kauai and pretend to be his wife for two weeks for business purposes, and he'll sign the papers.

As much as Britney tries to resist his charm, Alex manages to tear down her defenses one by one until she falls for him all over again. But when the press finds out about her secret husband, will their revived romance be killed by the tabloids?

****

Get ready for some hot Hawaiian nights with the start of a brand new series set in Paradise!

Recommended for those who like:

Hawaii

Cowboys/ ranchers

Secret husband/ Secret wife

Marriage of Convenience

Second chance romances

Sexy contemporary romances

Country music singer /musicians

Scandals

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crista McHugh
• Release date: Aug 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781946620231

Book preview

Better Together

One Fond Embrace, Book 1

By

Crista McHugh

Glossary of Hawaiian/Pidgin Terms

Ali’i - a descendant of the Hawaiian royal family

Aloha – What’s mine is yours, an expression of unconditional love

Aurite - all right

Broke da mout - delicious or yummy

Choke – full of, many

E ʻai kāua - let’s eat

E komo mai - traditional Hawaiian welcome

Haole – a mainlander/tourist

Hanabada days - childhood

Come hapai - pregnant

Ho’ohana—the value of hard work

Ho’omau—perseverance

Imu – pit used to smoke and cook meat

Kama’aina - people who’ve lived in Hawaii for a long time.

Kapu – forbidden, restricted

Kay den - okay, then

Keikei - kids

Ke’oke’o - white cloud

Da Kine – can mean anything, but usually an object or the kind of

Ku’uipo - sweetheart

Lau lau – a Hawaiian dish consisting of meat (usually pork and/or fish) wrapped in taro leaves and steamed

Lokahi - working together

Lolo - crazy

Mahalo – Thank you

Makua kane - father

malasadas – Egg-shaped doughnuts. Originally, a Philippine fried pastry

Makai - toward the ocean

Mauka - toward the mountain

Mento – mental, crazy

Ohana - family

Okole – literally, asshole.

Ono – good, pretty

Paniolos – Hawaiian cowboys

Pau - done

Pau hana – done with work for the day

Pele – the Hawaiian goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. She is said to have created the Hawaiian islands

Pono - Integrity, balance, the feeling of contentment when all is good and all is right.

Pua’a - Wild pigs

Shaka – A Hawaiian gesture used to greet others

Shoots den - goodbye

Tita – a tough girl who doesn’t take shit from anyone

Wahine- woman

Chapter 1

It’s choke haoles here.

Alex Kahale surveyed the large crowd of tourists along the North Shore of Oahu. It was as crazy as Waikiki at the height of Chinese New Year. Throngs of people had gathered to watch some of the best surfers in the world, one of whom happened to be his best friend.

The morning sun was still burning off the clouds, and the stiff morning breeze blew the scent of salt in from the ocean. Brilliant blue waves crashed along the coast, but he could barely hear them over the din of the crowd. Alex pulled the VIP badge out of his back pocket and wrapped the lanyard around his fist. Caz had sent it to him as a joke, adding a note that he knew Alex would be too busy to show up. He couldn’t wait to prove that cocky surfer wrong.

Of course, there was a hint of truth to it, too. For the last seven months, Alex had been stuck on the ranch he’d inherited after his brother’s unexpected death. The ranch was never meant to be his. His father had told him from an early age that he didn’t have the insight or grit to be successful at it. But now that the ranch was his, Alex was not only determined to prove him wrong, but also make his own mark on it.

Of course, he’d inherited a mess. The ranch had declined during the two years Aaron had owned it. So much for being his father’s chosen heir. Alex at least knew enough about running a ranch to spot moldy feed, poorly irrigated grasslands, and a herd that was in desperate need of rejuvenation. Hence, his latest business strategy.

Alex finally wedged his way to the front of the crowd and flashed the badge. The security guard nodded and let him pass. Half a minute later, he spotted his other best friend, Jordan Oshiro. He crept up behind him, waiting until the very last moment to tap him on the shoulder and relish in the look of shock when Jordan turned around.

"Holy shit, he does live. A wide grin split the man’s face, and what started out as a friendly handshake turned into a fierce hug. Howzit? I thought you’d be too busy kissing cows to make it today."

And miss watching Malibu Ken wipe out? Alex baited, saying it loud enough for the third member of their group to hear.

Caz Miller looked in their direction as soon as he heard the nickname Alex and Jordan had given him when he’d gone out on the professional surfing circuit. He dashed toward them, his smile as bright as the Hawaiian sun. I wish you’d quit calling me that. Unlike Malibu Ken, I have all my working parts. He gestured to his crotch as though further clarification was needed.

That’s not what she said, Jordan teased.

Alex chuckled. Out of the three of them, Caz was the one who had a way with the ladies. Maybe it was the combination of blond hair and blue eyes. Maybe it was the surfer’s physique. Maybe it was the confidence that bordered on arrogance. It didn’t matter. Ladies flocked to Caz like hummingbirds to nectar.

Oh, really? Caz jerked his thumb back behind him toward an equally blond and beautiful surfer. A hundred bucks says I nail her tonight.

That sure? Alex asked before giving the woman a quick once-over. She was pretty in a typical Barbie doll kind of way—big boobs, long legs, glowing suntanned skin. But totally not his type. He preferred petite redheads with a smattering of freckles over their noses and voices like angels. Who is she?

Kayla Gilmore, Jordan answered. Caz has been lusting after her for months.

A tinge of guilt rushed through Alex. He’d been so busy, he’d missed what was going on in his friends’ lives. Thankfully, though, they hadn’t given up on him. Today’s invitation was just one of many they’d offered him over the last seven months. Any success?

Caz’s grin widened. A gentleman doesn’t brag.

Which means he hasn’t even gotten to second base, Jordan filled in.

Shows how much you know. Caz gave Alex a wink before starting to back away. Gotta grab my board and paddle out, but I hope this means you’re staying for the after-party, yeah?

The never-ending list of things that needed to be done on his cattle ranch on Kauai rolled through his mind, but Alex nodded. One day wouldn’t change anything. Now was the time to be with his friends. Of course. I’m curious to see who’ll win the bet.

Caz pointed at himself and mouthed Me! before turning around and jogging over to the other competitors.

He’s dreaming. Jordan took a seat on the bleachers and leaned back as though he owned them, which probably wasn’t a far stretch, since the Oshiro family had made billions developing some of Hawaii’s most luxurious resorts. "Kayla’s a total tita. I suspect she’ll slap his face a few more times before he ever has a chance to score with her."

If she’s that much trouble, why even bother?

The thrill of the chase, Jordan answered as though it was common knowledge. There’s part of me that wants to flirt with her just to piss him off.

Mad at him?

Jordan shook his head and grinned. Nah, but I do want to knock him down a few levels and bring him back down to earth.

Alex laughed again. The three of them had grown up together on the island of Kauai and had known each other since third grade. Caz had always been the reckless and daring one, the one whose crazy ideas almost always got them into trouble. Jordan was the sly and cunning one, the one who always found a way around the rules and got them out of trouble when they were caught. And Alex was always the steadfast and loyal one, the voice of common sense when it was needed. As far as he could remember, he’d only done one spontaneous thing on his own, and it had bitten him in the ass.

He grabbed one of the bottles of water being offered to the fans in the VIP section and took a long swig from it. I feel bad for being such a homebody lately.

Don’t worry about it, Jordan replied with a wave of his hand. None of us were expecting your brother to pass away like he did.

Which was Jordan’s polite way of saying that none of them expected Aaron to have committed suicide. Alex’s older brother had been everything their father had wanted in a son. Smart. Driven. Successful. Which was why his suicide had shaken everyone who’d known Aaron. He’d been the last person they’d ever expected to kill himself.

Alex still couldn’t shake the guilt that had followed. He and Aaron hadn’t been on speaking terms when it had happened, and he’d been too busy selfishly nursing a broken heart in Honolulu to recognize the signs. Maybe—just maybe—if he’d just made an effort to reach out to him, Aaron might still be alive today.

Jordan’s gaze flickered over him, and he grew somber. How are you holding up, Alex?

As well as can be expected, he replied before pushing his remorse aside. He couldn’t change the past. He could only shape the future. The ranch is keeping me too busy these days. There was a lot of stuff that needed to be fixed, and I’m already working on the future.

The constant work on the ranch was the only thing that kept the guilt from gnawing away at him. He was a fixer by nature, and the long hours of hard work helped ease his sense of failure.

Care to share?

Alex waited until the first heat of surfers finished their run. Caz had won enough championships to be in the later heats, but that didn’t keep Alex from enjoying the latest up-and-coming talent. I’m working on a deal to get some Wagyu cattle.

He didn’t have to say much more to get Jordan’s full attention. Not only did his friend specialize in luxury resorts, he also liked to brag about his Japanese heritage. Just the mere mention of the famed Japanese beef was enough to fill his eyes with dollar signs. That’s damn near impossible. Japan has cracked down on any export of Wagyu.

I know, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other sources for it. Amusement rushed through Alex at his friend’s growing frustration. For the last three months, he’d played his cards close to his chest, keeping his business ventures hush-hush. This was the first time he’d revealed it to anyone outside those directly involved in the deal. Did you know before Japan restricted the export of Wagyu cattle, a ranch in Idaho got their hands on a nice little starter herd?

Jordan’s mouth hung open in disbelief. You’re shitting me, right?

Alex shook his head. And I’m in the process of convincing the owner of that ranch to sell me a few dozen heifers and either a bull or enough frozen semen to inseminate my herd. His current herd was mostly Angus, so he wouldn’t be able to label the offspring as pure Wagyu beef, but they’d still benefit from the genes and produce more tender and flavorful beef known as American Kobe. That in turn would allow him to demand a higher price for any cattle he sold in the future.

Jordan finally closed his mouth and resumed his relaxed pose. You learn something new every day. Don’t suppose you’d be willing to strike a deal with Oshiro Properties and be our local supplier of beef if this goes through?

"It’s a possibility, but the current manager of Oshiro Properties is a real okole." He elbowed his friend before laughing. It was a given that he would work with his friend. Alex was descended from Hawaiian royalty, and he did anything he could to support local businesses.

The next ten heats competed without a notably spectacular run. Part of it had to do with the fact that every surfer was dwarfed by the glory of the Pipeline’s waves. The swells were well over ten feet of brilliant blue today, wrapping around the surfers and choking several before the run was over. The midday sun was upon them before Caz finally had his chance to wow the crowd.

Alex had forgotten his binoculars, so he was forced to rely on the big-screen TV nearby. The camera zeroed in on Caz, who flashed a brilliant smile before paddling quickly to catch what looked like the perfect wave. The next sixty seconds were spent with Alex watching in awe as his friend deftly maneuvered in and out of the curling wave with beauty and precision that every other surfer up to that point had lacked. Caz zipped through the Pipeline’s wave, emerging on the other side still standing and waving to his fans.

The crowd jumped to their feet and applauded, Alex and Jordan included. A few more runs like that, and Caz would have another championship to add to his record.

Jordan nudged Alex and nodded in the direction of Kayla, who appeared to be only mildly impressed by Caz’s run, judging by the slow clap of her hands and the stink-eye she was giving his grinning picture on the screen. Something tells me there’s more to their story than Caz has hinted at, Jordan commented.

Alex agreed. Perhaps they’d hooked up sometime in the past, and Caz’s continued conquests with the ladies had gotten back to her. He wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case.

His phone rang, and he checked the number. His mouth went dry when he recognized the Idaho area code. I have to take this, he explained to Jordan as a means of apology before stepping away from the crowd. Hey, Stan, how are you doing today?

Same old, same old, the rancher replied. Sounds like you have a party going on over there.

Alex stepped farther away from the cheering crowds, his hand covering his other ear so he could focus on the conversation. Sorry about that. I flew over to Oahu today to see one of my best friends compete in a local surfing competition.

I like to hear that. Shows you have loyalty to those you’ve known for a long time.

Alex stood a bit taller from the praise. He’d spent the last three months trying to impress Stan Smith, all in the name of getting a few cows. Caz has always stood by me, so I’m doing my best to do the same.

Good to hear. Stan paused, and Alex’s heart skipped a few beats. Pauses like that usually indicated a big decision was about to be made. I’ve been giving some more thought about your proposal.

This is it. This is where he either makes or breaks my plan. Alex took another long drink from his bottle of water before casually saying, And?

You have to understand something, Alex. These cows are more than just livestock to me. My family has taken great pride in raising the finest Wagyu cattle outside of Japan, and we don’t want to sell our heifers to just anybody. We want to make sure they’re treated with the same high standards as we give them. We want a ranch that’s well run, as well as a man who shares our values.

Alex kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. What did he have to do to prove to Stan that he’d treat the cows well? I’d be happy to provide you with any additional information you need.

I have a better idea. How about I bring my family out there to visit you and the missus?

Alex almost choked on his drink. He was about to explain to Stan that there was no wife on the ranch with him, but Stan continued before he had a chance to get a word in edgewise.

I need to make sure not only that you’re a good cattleman, but also a man who’ll keep my cows in the family, if you know what I mean.

Alex knew all too well what he was implying. Stan was looking for a man with heirs who would inherit the ranch and keep the breeders of American Kobe beef to a small, limited number. It was a way to maintain the quality of the beef and also ensure the highest price for it among those cattlemen who were lucky enough to breed it. Yes, sir.

I knew you’d see it my way. Stan chuckled on the other end of the line. So how about hosting us on your ranch in a couple of weeks?

"I— I mean, we would be happy to have you." As he said the words, a sinking feeling hit him square in the middle of his gut. He was digging himself into a hole, but he needed those cows.

Sounds great. Can’t wait to see the Kahale family ranch.

Alex waited until Stan hung up before cursing. He hadn’t wanted to deceive him, but he hadn’t exactly been telling the truth, either.

He wandered back over to Jordan, his mind no longer focused on the surfers in front of him.

Jordan must’ve noticed his distraction, because he asked, Bad news?

Not exactly. This was even harder than trying to tell Stan he didn’t have a wife, because it meant revealing the one secret he’d hidden from his friends for almost a year. Stan is adamant about only selling his cattle to a family man.

Sounds like you need to get yourself a temporary wife, Jordan teased, but slowly fell silent when it was clear Alex wasn’t joining him in his laughter.

Alex met his gaze and replied, I already have one.

Chapter 2

In a Nashville