Moonlight In Hanalei: In Hanalei, #1

By Nalani Titcomb

When Ellie moves to Hawaii, all she wants to do is keep her head down, lay low, and live a simple life. She'd never considered that people would actually want to get to know her. Can Ellie survive flying under the radar? Or will the handsome fireman douse her fire and bring everything to light?

Kona is the Captain at the local fire station. A town hero to most, dashingly handsome to all. Ellie intrigues him and he won't stop until he's figured her out.

Can Ellie finally find the love and family she's always yearned for? Or will her past come back to haunt her?

**WARNING**
Talk of abuse/rape and flashbacks

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nalani Titcomb
• Release date: Jul 31, 2021
• ISBN: 9798224272600

Nalani Titcomb

Nalani Titcomb was born and raised in the beautiful Islands of Hawaii. Family and faith are most important to her. She's a single mother to an amazing son, whom she says is her greatest accomplishment. Nalani began her writing journey after Hawaii went into its second complete lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic. She self-published her first book, The Dark Side of Paradise, in 2020.  Having always had stories floating around her head, she finally decided to put them down on paper.

Book preview

1

Chapter One

Ellie whimpered. Legs twisted in the covers, she thrashed about in bed.

No! Please don’t!

Crying out in her sleep, Ellie jolted upright. Sweat dripping down her face, she gasped for breath and tried to still her frantic heart.

It was only a dream.

How she wished that was the truth of it. Maybe this time, but it wasn’t always the case.

She couldn’t breathe.

The comforter pinned her down, heavy, suffocating. Throwing back the blankets, she swung her legs to the side of the bed, placing them shakily on the floor. Ellie stood—the cold floor a reminder she was indeed awake. She was present.

It was only a dream.

She shuffled to the bathroom and, flipping the switch, flooded the room with light. Turning on the faucet, she let the water run cold. Splashing her face, her neck. She tried to use the crisp water to clear her mind, her thoughts, of distant memories.

Leaning her arms on the counter, she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

You are strong. You are worth it. You are enough.

Breathing deeply, she closed her eyes and tried to believe the mantra she repeated to herself over and over again.

Shutting off the water, she dried her face and walked back to the bed. Sitting down with a sigh, she glanced at the clock.

Her shoulders slumped. It was already six o’clock.

No use going back to bed now. Mumbling to herself, she trudged over to the drawers and pulled on a pair of leggings and an oversized tee. Let’s watch the sun greet the morning.

Ellie strolled down the beach, not for the first time, grateful for its serenity. The melodic sound of the waves and the light taste of salt on the ocean breeze as it blew against her skin, soothed her soul. Wrapping her arms and pulling the cardigan tighter around her, she drew in a breath. Gazing out over the ocean, Ellie curled her toes in the sand as the waves lapped at her ankles. She chuckled as she felt her feet being encased in the sand.

The beach always did feel as if it grounded her, she thought with a smile.

Feeling better, she headed back from the water's edge and sat against her tree. She’d come to think of this spot, and this tree, as her spot. The tree that rose up from the earth as her protector—leaning against its sturdy trunk, she peered up at the sky through its branches. One of her favorite books as a child was The Giving Tree—the ending always bringing her to tears.

Now, leaning against her giving tree, her protector, Ellie waited for the golden sun to breach the deep blue of the ocean. Closing her eyes, she smiled as the warm rays of the rising sun kissed her weary face.

Good morning, Sun, she thought.

As the sun slowly did its climb, she loved how the new morning gave her the strength to chase away her nightmares.

An hour later, she was showered and dressed. While finishing her morning cup of coffee, she noticed the clock on the counter, now reading half-past-seven. Quickly, she rinsed her cup in the sink and popped the last bit of toast in her mouth.

Tugging her bike from the corner behind the door, she rolled it down the front porch steps. Grabbing her Aerosmith trucker cap from her bag, she fit it to her head, and then slipped her big black shades over her eyes. Dressed in her standard work attire, black khakis, and white-collared shirt, she swung her leg over the bike and started the quick five-minute ride to work.

Ellie had moved to Hanalei, Kauai, almost six months ago. She realized now that a big city may have been a better way to lose herself amongst the crowd, but Ellie wasn’t able to escape the beauty of Hanalei when she drove through. Something about it called to her. So, she decided to try to lose herself in a small town instead. The people here were friendly enough, but they also seemed to get her desire to keep her distance. She wasn’t standoffish, but she didn’t go out of her way to make friends or fit in with people. She enjoyed being by herself.

She needed the peace, the solitude, and the time to heal. And she’d set her sights on Hanalei for that very purpose.

Ellie guided her bike to a stop outside BARacuda and walked it around the back. The owner of BARacuda, Tony, let her lock the bike in his shed, to which she was very grateful. After locking it in the shed, she went in the back entrance to the kitchen.

Morning, Ellie, Frankie called from the grill without even turning around.

Morning, Frankie, Ellie returned politely, shuffling to the locker wall. She removed her hat and placed it and her bag in one of the lockers. Slipping on a clean apron, she tied it as she made her way to the front.

The small bar and diner was a favorite amongst the locals. It sat just a few feet from the shoreline, and at night, the outside dining was a favorite for locals and tourists alike.

Ellie juggled both waitress and greeter duties, depending on the day and time. Usually, it was relatively slow during the daytime hours, and there was no need to have anyone watch the front. But at night, especially on the weekends, Ellie would need to check guests in and have them wait to be seated if necessary.

Good Morning, doll, Tony called from behind the counter.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the empty restaurant. This was Ellie’s favorite part of the day. The gentle clang of dishes and silverware as the tables were set, while Frankie fired up the grill and Tony brewed the first pot of coffee before the storm of guests arrived.

Giving him a genuine smile. Morning, Tony.

He’d taken a chance on her when she wasn’t sure anyone else would have, and she’d be forever grateful.

Tony’s bar was the last establishment she’d gone in search of a job. With absolutely no experience waitressing, or anything, for that matter. He had taken one look at her and offered her the job on the spot. He didn’t even bat an eye when she nervously asked if he’d pay her in cash. When she’d finally gotten up the nerve to ask him why, he simply smiled and told her.

You have a kind soul.

Tony was one of the few that wouldn’t allow Ellie to keep him at arm's length. Ellie didn’t mind so much. Tony was in his late fifties, thinning gray hair, a sprinkle of whiskers on his cheeks, and a belly like Santa Claus. He never pushed overly much, but he didn’t let her get away with a nod or a simple yes or no answer. He tried to engage with her as much as he could. He loved to laugh and made for a very nice work environment.

Did you catch the sunrise this morning? Ellie asked Tony as she arranged the booths she’d be running today.

I did. Spectacular display of God’s rays this morning.

It was beautiful. Ellie agreed with a smile.

The phone at the front desk rang, and Ellie hurried over to answer.

Good morning, BARacuda. Can I help you?

Hey, is that you, Ellie? A bright voice came across the other end of the line.

Yes, Ellie responded hesitantly. Kai?

Yes, it’s Kai. How are you this morning?

Ellie relaxed and put a smile in her voice. I’m good. How are you?

I’m good. I wasn’t sure how busy things would get tonight, and I wanted to make sure we got a table. My brother came home last night, and we wanted to throw him a kinda homecoming. Can I put my name down for tonight?

Sure, no problem. How many people are you looking at?

Maybe eight? I’m still waiting for a few to confirm, and we may have a few stragglers. You know how it is.

Ellie really didn’t know how it was. The past few months, she tried to keep her life simple and to herself, as private as possible. Before moving to Hawaii, her life the previous thirty-plus years was so pretentious, she didn’t think the word straggler was in her vocabulary. Still, she could guess at Kai’s meaning.

Not a problem, Kai. It’s Wednesday, it shouldn’t be too busy, but I’ll hold a big table for you. What time?

Five.

Okay, no problem. We’ll see you then.

Will you still be on? I’d love to see you.

I will, actually. Working the full twelve today. Will take an extra long lunch.

Great, I can’t wait. Thanks, Ellie. See ya.

Bye, Kai.

Ellie hung up the phone and called over her shoulder to Tony.

Kai’s coming tonight. Her brother’s home and they’re having a little get-together.

Oh nice, it’ll be good to see Kona again, Tony called back.

Ellie just smiled and got back to work.

Kai was another resident in Hanalei that didn’t pay much mind to Ellie’s desire to be aloof. She’d met Kai at BARacuda, as she was a regular and a friend of Tony’s. Ellie thought of Kai as sugar plum sweet. And not the fake kind. No. Ellie had enough of that in her old life. She could spot it a mile away. Kai was sweet, friendly, and gracious.

Some people just wanted to be kind and know you. Not intrude in your life or be nosy, just be neighborly, and it was these people it was hard for Ellie to keep her walls up too high around. Although Ellie wouldn’t necessarily call Kai a friend, like Tony, they made you want to be friendly with them.

With the morning and afternoon shifts behind her, Ellie was preparing for the night to pick up. As she often did when she pulled a double shift, Ellie would go home for lunch. Although she was always willing, Tony wouldn’t allow her to work two shifts in a row on the weekends. They were too busy. But during the week, and because he knew she needed the money, he would allow it as long as she took an extended lunch break. So, she would go home, eat and get off her feet for an hour before returning to work.

A few minutes before five, Ellie glanced up to see Kai bouncing towards her with a smile and a wave.

Ellie, it’s so good to see you. Kai sweetly smiled as she bent and gathered Ellie in for a light hug.

Kai stood at almost 6 feet tall, with long blond hair and green eyes. She was beautiful and with the personality to suit. Ellie wasn’t exactly short, at just about five feet nine inches, but standing next to Kai, Ellie felt small. More so by their personalities than height difference, Ellie mused. Still, it was the way she wanted it, so she couldn’t blame anyone but herself. Kai was lively and outspoken, while Ellie just wanted a quiet life and to be left alone.

Not that before, in her previous life, Ellie did anything but blend into the wallpaper. No, so in that regard, she guessed not much had changed.

Ellie presently had short blond hair—dyed blond, but still blond nonetheless. She had dark eyes, almost black. Ellie had thought about wearing colored contacts, but she figured with her black eyes that it would make them look all the more fake.

The last thing her mother said to her popped into her head.

You hold such depths of evil in your black eyes, don’t you?

Ellie blinked away the memory. She’d gone stiff when Kai hugged her, so she had to force herself to relax and return the hug.

Kai, it’s nice to see you as well. How are you?

I’m good, thank you, and you?

Ellie just nodded awkwardly. Let me show you to your table.

Thanks, hun. I appreciate it.

It’s not a problem, really. We aren’t that busy.

Great. I’m so excited to see my brother. It’s been a while.

Ellie nodded with a small smile. She tried to make a point not to ask people questions. She found that if she didn’t ask questions, most times, they wouldn’t either. Most times.

Ellie seated Kai and placed the menus on the table. Can I get you anything?

I’ll wait for more to arrive so you don’t have to go back and forth too many times.

Okay. I’ll come back in a few to check on you.

Thanks, Ellie.

Ellie smiled and turned away just as Kai waved a couple over to her table. Ellie checked on her other tables and sat a few more newcomers before returning to Kai’s table and getting the first set of drink orders.

It had started to pick up, and Ellie was on the phone with a customer. Out of her peripheral, she saw someone enter and wander up to the greeter's station.

I’ll be with you in just a minute, Ellie called out without glancing up.

Ellie jotted down the information as the customer spoke.

Okay, thank you, ma’am. We’ll see you then. Goodbye. She finished her call, hung up the phone, and finished with the last notes in the reservation book.

Remembering the customer waiting, she lifted her head to greet.

I’m sorry about the—

She gazed up into the most captivating pair of eyes she’d ever seen. They were the color of the ocean Ellie had only seen in pictures. They weren’t really green, but they weren’t really blue either. In fact, when she arrived in Hawaii, as the plane descended, Ellie could see patches of the ocean that resembled the colors in these eyes. It was like staring into the deepest, darkest depths of the sea—the emerald sea. She was lost in these eyes.

Ocean eyes, she thought.

Ellie blinked and darted her eyes to the floor.

I… I’m sorry for the wait. Can I help you?

She looked anywhere but back into those eyes. The door behind him. A spot on his shoulder. Picking up a menu, she prepared to seat him.

No problem. I’m supposed to meet my sister here. Kai.

Ellie had to close her eyes for a moment.

His voice, it rolled over her—deep but also soft and clear. She felt it down to her toes. She thought of smoke drifting through the trees on the wind. Opening her eyes, she cleared her throat.

Oh yes, Kai. Let me show you to her table.

Thank you, came the deep, rich voice.

Without looking back into those eyes, Ellie turned and headed towards Kai’s group. She clutched a menu to her chest, the vice grip so tight she thought she might crush it.

What is wrong with you? She mentally chastised herself.

She forced herself to even her strides, as she felt like speed walking him to the table just so she could leave and get away from him.

Jesus, what was going on? Deep breaths, Ellie. Mentally soothing herself, she made it to the table.

Kona! Kai saw them approaching and jumped up from the table, running into the arms of the man beside Ellie. It’s so good to see you.

Hey, little sis, it’s good to see you too. How’ve you been?

I’m good. Kai shifted back and cupped his face with her hands. Good, she repeated with a smile as she squeezed his face.

Shaking his head, he smiled down at her indulgently.

Ellie felt like she was intruding, so she lowered her eyes and stood awkwardly to the side. She needed to get out of there, but she had to leave his menu and get his drink order before she could go.

Ellie?

Ellie snapped her head up to meet Kai’s gaze.

Ellie, this is my brother, Kona. Kona, this is Ellie. She’s new here.

Nice to meet you, Ellie, Kona said in his rich, smokey voice, reaching out a hand to shake hers.

She nervously placed the menu in his hand.

Hi. Can I get you anything to drink before you order?

Kona frowned slightly and tilted his head, studying her. Sure, I’ll have a Coke.

Great, I’ll be right back. Ellie whipped around and nearly ran back to the kitchen.

Ellie ducked inside the hallway before the kitchen.

Oh. My. God. Oh my God. Ohmygod.

Out of view, she backed against the wall.

What is wrong with you?

Lightly banging her head against the wall as she leaned against it. Bringing her hands up to her beating heart, she rested them there, taking deep breaths.

Pull yourself together. What’s wrong with you? she whispered to herself quietly.

Ellie had seen attractive men before, but none had had this effect on her.

Kona was easily six foot three, if not taller. Tall and lean. With the most amazing emerald eyes—she’d decided his eyes were emeralds. And wavy black hair. It was such a contrast between him and Kai, but their eyes. Ellie could see the similarities in their eyes, although Kona’s were far more striking.

Running her hands through her hair, she took another calming breath.

Everything okay? Tony came out from the kitchen.

Yup, all good. She jerked herself up from the wall and turned to get a glass. Then filled it with ice and Coke. I’m just getting a drink for Kai’s brother.

Oh, Kona’s here? I’m going to go say hello.

Ellie nodded and continued to fill the glass with soda.

She waited for a few minutes. Wanting to give Tony the time to say hello without interruption.

Drawing in a few breaths to still her pounding heart, she straightened her apron, took the Coke, and headed back to the table.

Here you go. She placed the drink in front of Kona.

Thank you. That smokey voice drifted over her.

Is everyone ready to order? Ellie looked at Kai and then glanced around the table. Careful not to actually make eye contact with anyone, especially Kona.

We are, Kai answered with a slight bounce.

Starting with Kai, Ellie went around the table and took each order. The last person to order was Kona. Standing in front of him, she quickly glanced up in his direction to indicate she was ready for his order.

Silence.

One heartbeat. Two heartbeats. Three heartbeats.

Silence.

Ellie inwardly groaned. Please say something!

She wanted to stomp her feet like a child. She could tell he was watching her. Waiting. She could feel his eyes on her—his emerald sea eyes.

Closing her eyes for a brief second, she calmed herself, then taking a breath, she tried not to glare as she peered up.

Into the depths of the ocean.

He grinned at her.

Holy shit, did her knees just go weak?

I’ll have the pasta alfredo with broccoli and garlic bread.

Ellie nodded and scribbled it down, thankful to not be lost in his deep ocean eyes anymore.

Will that be all? Can I get you a refill on your Coke?

Yes, please. He handed his cup over to Ellie.

When Ellie took the cup from him, their fingers touched.

Zing.

The shock of it had Ellie looking back into those ocean eyes. Kona appeared as surprised as she felt. Drawing in a quick breath, Ellie quickly turned and went back to the kitchen.

Holy. Shit. Holy shit. Holyshit.

What was that?

Ellie turned in their orders with the kitchen and went to refill Kona’s soda.

She’d never been this affected by a man before. Not that she had much experience. Her parents were always at her sides during dinners or social functions, and she wasn’t allowed to be around just any men, either. No. They had to be a certain kind of man. And never alone. She was never to be alone with a man. Not until…

No. She wasn’t going there, not now. Please, not now. Placing her hand to her forehead, she dragged in a deep breath.

Breathe. In. Out. In and out. You got this.

Bringing his soda back to the table, Ellie was relieved to see his seat vacant. He was standing with a few friends at the head of the table around Kai, conversing. She placed the drink next to his plate and went to help another table.

The rest of dinner went pretty smoothly. Ellie swore she could feel those eyes on her a few times, but she didn’t dare look over to check.

After dinner, most of Kai’s guests left, but she and Kona wanted dessert. They moved to a booth, so the larger table could be cleared and used for other guests if needed. While waiting for Kai and Kona's dessert orders, Ellie helped the busboy clear and clean the larger table. With just about another hour left of work, she was eager to get home and off her feet. It had been a long day.

Ellie.

She glanced up to see her order ready. Leaving the busboy to finish up, she went to deliver the desserts.

Here you go. Tiramisu and apple pie with vanilla ice cream. Ellie placed the orders in front of them. Will there be anything else?

You must be exhausted, hun, working the double today. You wanna sit for a minute? Kai asked, scooting in on her side of the booth. It’s pretty dead. I’m sure Tony won’t mind.

Oh, no, I can’t, Ellie said, backing up quickly.

Kona shot up out of the booth and tugged her by the waist towards him. She crashed against his chest, unprepared for the sudden pull.

Fear filled her. She couldn’t breathe.

No. Not again.

Let me go, Ellie snapped, shaking, and pushed against his chest.

Easy. The busboy, Kona explained softly, still holding her firm.

In her haste to move away from Kai’s invitation to sit, Ellie almost backed into the busboy carrying his tray full of dishes. Kona had saved her from the crash.

Ellie, are you alright? Kai asked, concern etching her features.

Ellie tried to still her shaking hands and ran them through her hair, slipping pieces behind her ears.

I-I’m sorry, Ellie stammered. I didn’t mean to snap at you. You just took me by surprise. I’m sorry.

Ellie tried to push away from him, but Kona still had his hands on her hips.

It’s okay. I’m sorry, I should’ve warned you better. I just didn’t want you to get hurt. Kona frowned, as if not really sure what just happened.

Thank you. Ellie tried to detangle herself from his grasp.

It’s all good, hun, Kai told her.

Do you guys need anything else?

We’re good.

Ellie nodded and backed away until out of Kona’s reach, this time making sure to check behind her first, then left to finish up her other tables.

image-placeholder

Kona slowly sat back down in the booth, observing Ellie as she walked away. He could tell she was shaken by what had just happened, but he wasn’t entirely clear why.

What the heck was that? he asked his sister.

Kai dove into her dessert. Oh, she’s a sweetheart, but she’s super shy.

He was still thinking about Ellie’s reaction and didn’t respond. Kai glanced over at her brother and narrowed her eyes.

Kona?

Yeah? he asked absently.

No.

Blinking, he brought his attention back to his sister and frowned. "What do you mean, no? I just asked what