Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer
GABRIEL lifted a hand to wipe the sweat from his brow, cursing as he smeared flour across his face and deciding to give up on the confection for the moment. It was too damn hot in the kitchen. It was too damn hot in the store. It was too damn hot for Christmas! Muttering, he walked over to the sink to wash his hands, bending to wipe his forehead on his shirt sleeve. Hawaii was a beautiful place to live. But it was always warm. And seeing Christmas lights hanging in palm trees was just too bizarre for words. He walked to the back door of the kitchen and stepped outside, letting the breeze cool his skin. It was around seventy degrees and sunny, cool for Hawaiian natives but common in December. His eyes strayed next door to the big TV in the window, with hula girls wearing Santa caps. Gabriel rolled his eyes. That was worse than hearing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in Hawaiian. Hearing the bell above the door ring, Gabriel went back inside and to the front of the shop, straightening his apron as he did and accidentally getting flour all over his hands again. “Can I help you?” His voice died in his throat as he spotted the man standing in front of the glass display case, and he thoughtlessly wiped his hands on the backs of his thighs. Gabriel was pathetically glad his clothes were all white as he stepped up to the marble countertop and asked again, “Can I help you?” 2
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer The well-built Hawaiian peered into the display case. “I’ve sort of got an emergency. I need something sweet for a Christmas treat, or I’ll be in hot water.” He slid one hand into the pocket of his tailored suit pants. “What do you recommend?” Gabriel looked the man over, noticing his expensive clothes and cultured manner. He nodded toward the end of the case, beginning his spiel as he walked. “We have many different sweet confections. We’re well-known for our ‘cakes for two,’ which are small cakes tailored for intimate parties. I’m just finishing one in the kitchen right now if you’d be interested in waiting for a few more moments.” Perking up, the man nodded. “What’s in it? Chocolate? Liqueur? Is it pretty, something a woman would like?” Gabriel’s smile unconsciously faltered at the mention of a woman. “It’s freshly made today. Double Chocolate Temptation is what I like to call it. Most women love it. I’m just ready to frost it if you’d like to come back and choose the decorations.” The man smiled in relief and his eyes brightened. “Mahalo. Really. I owe you one. Around here?” he pointed around the corner of the display case. “Sure,” Gabriel motioned to the swinging door that separated the display case and the wall. The tall man followed him to the clean kitchen, to the six-inch cake sitting on a lazy Susan in the middle of his work table. “I can stuff it with candied cherries if you’d like.” He smiled, pushing a stool over for the man to sit on. “I find most people love the 3
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer combination of chocolate and candied cherries.” He started preparing his icing bag as he spoke, filling it full of chocolate buttercream frosting. Pulling off his coat, the man laid it over his arm and stood a bit away from the cake, obviously cautious. “Sounds great. She loves cherries and chocolate, so I’ll be in good this year.” He glanced around the neat kitchen before watching Gabriel deftly pipe on the icing and then squeeze in the cherries in sugar glaze. Using an icing comb, Gabriel criss-crossed the icing on the sides of the round cake before piping a deep ring around the top. The even chocolate pearls left plenty of room for a cluster of candied cherries in the middle of the top, set off with a sprig of holly. He then used a fine tip to add a fudgestripe lattice across the surface. Finally, he set it in one of his signature boxes, placing the lid on carefully and tying a full red and green bow over the cake. Looking up, he smiled at the handsome man who waited for the cake. “I’m sure your lady friend will find this cake to be delicious. If not, I do offer refunds.” The man chuckled, looking at the cake appreciatively. “It’s gorgeous. I’m very impressed. If she doesn’t like it, I’ll call her a pēpē and eat it myself.” He shook his head and rolled his eyes, oblivious to the fact that the baker probably had no idea who he was talking about. “Pēpē?” Gabriel tilted his head to the side and looked at the man speculatively. “Baby,” the man translated with a laugh. 4
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Grinning, Gabriel teased, “If she’s being a baby, then don’t tell her I secretly call this cake the ‘come in your panties’ cake.” The dark-haired man’s eyes bulged in surprise and then he spluttered into a laugh. “God, no. I think I’ll pass on telling that to my kupuna wahine, if you don’t mind,” the man said, looking horrified. “Granny’s got a dirty mouth already.” Gabriel smiled, somehow pleased at the thought that the handsome man wasn’t buying this cake for his lover or wife. But then he realized he didn’t know, but the man probably did have a lover or wife. He was gorgeous. He couldn’t be single. Not in this town. “Oh my God. You’re talking about Mrs. Kawaha, aren’t you? She’s the only lady I know who has a mouth saltier than the taffy we sell in spring.” The man’s eyebrows both rose high. “Aw hell, you know my granny? That means she already knows about this place. So much for me having the best surprise this year.” He frowned down at the cake, although he didn’t move away from it. “I don’t know her, per se,” Gabriel clarified, “and as far as I know, she’s never been in here … nor any of your relatives. I know of Mrs. Kawaha. She cursed my roommate Matai out after she backed into his car last autumn.” Gabriel pushed the cake a little closer, hoping he’d take it. “You must be the prodigal grandson I’m always hearing about around town.” He reached out a hand. “I’m Gabriel. New 5
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer here since you left.” He looked down, blushing as he realized he had flour and fudge icing all over his hand. The man looked up from where his frown had turned into a grin. “Yeah. Keoni, Keoni Kawaha. Nice to meet you.” He was shuffling the cake box to one arm to shake Gabriel’s hand when Gabriel pulled it back and held it up, showing off the icing. Keoni laughed. “Prodigal grandson? Don’t know about that. Granny runs the show, with Dad doing the dayto-day business, and then me, shuffled off to California, then London, then Paris these past couple years. Told them I was ready to come home. There’s only so much sugar cane one man can stand.” He trailed off for a moment. “Anyway, it’s Granny’s birthday, and we cousins all compete to see whose gift she likes best.” He blushed a little again. “I know she likes sweets, and when I saw your sign, I thought it was fate.” Gabriel walked back to the cooler, fetching the roses he normally used for his display case. “Here’s a dozen roses. Impress her. She’s your granny and she deserves it.” Blinking in surprise, Keoni just stood there as Gabriel laid the bouquet in his other arm. “You think so? I mean, it’s not like I’m courting her or something. You think she’ll go for it?” The Hawaiian gazed at Gabriel with dark eyes, seeking reassurance. “She’ll love them.” Gabriel turned Keoni toward the door, pushing him out of the kitchen. “But you’d better go. It’s getting late, and I close at five p.m.” He actually wanted to get Keoni out of the shop so he could think about the 6
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer attraction he felt toward him. He hadn’t felt that attraction since … well, it’d been a hell of a long time. Shuffling around the display case, Keoni stopped still, looking panicked. “I’ve still got to pay you. I’m sure those roses cost an arm and a leg being shipped in. Let me set all this down.” His arms were full of cake and roses, and when he turned to look back to Gabriel, a long tail of braided hair pulled free of the back of his starched dress collar. Gabriel’s eyes widened and his breath caught at the sight of the hair. It seemed to be an expression of passion in the otherwise seemingly buttoned-down persona Keoni portrayed. Yeah, he generally thought Hawaiian men were good-looking, with the dark skin, black hair, black eyes, but Keoni…. “No time,” Gabriel whispered. “Just go. You can come back and do it later.” Keoni smiled again, honestly relieved, not aware of the rakish picture he presented. “Well, it’s not like you don’t know I’m good for it. I’ll be back tomorrow, okay? And mahalo.” He turned to push the outer door open with his rear, grinning at Gabriel as he turned and disappeared into the limo parked on the curb. Gabriel stood at the door, taking his time flipping the sign to closed and locking the glass doors as he watched the tail lights of the limo disappear. “So, you’re the Keoni Kawaha,” he spoke into the empty shop. “Nice to finally meet you.” He touched a hand to each of his cheeks and found that they were flaming.
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Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer KEONI popped out the kickstand for his motorcycle and parked it at the curb in front of the sweet shop. Stuffing the keys in his leather jacket pocket, he decided to leave on his helmet until he got inside; the wind was brisk today, as evidenced by the jangling bell as he walked in the door. The whoosh of air was heavily scented with chocolate and warm cake. “Back here!” Gabriel called, and Keoni saw him appear in the doorway. “Can I be of assistance?” Reaching up, Keoni pulled off the helmet, smiling. “Aloha ’auinala. I think I owe you some money, so that should be the other way around, right?” He chuckled, propping the helmet on his leather-clad hip. Gabriel grinned. “Well, if it isn’t Mr. Kawaha. In the flesh once more. How did Granny like the cake?” Keoni’s eyes sparkled. “She loved it. I really scored. My cousins were so mad; it was great.” He grinned and dug into the back pocket of his pants. “What do I owe you? For the cake and the roses, which she adored, mind you. Told me I must have learned some manners in New York.” “On the house,” Gabriel said, sliding the pans onto the workstation. Looking wistfully outside at the lovely sunny day, and the bike that was parked in front, he asked, “Is that your bike?” Following Gabriel’s gaze, Keoni nodded, stepping to the window, his heavy boots clomping on the tile floor. “Yeah, she’s mine.” He looked at Gabriel, noting the expression on 8
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer his face. “Well, if you won’t let me pay for the cake, how about a ride instead?” Keoni offered. Gabriel glanced at Keoni, eyes wide. “You’d do that for me?” He was already pulling the white disposable protective clothing off and smoothing his hair. “The cakes have to cool and I’m not busy this time of day. Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?” Keoni grinned again. “Wouldn’t have offered if I minded. I’ve got an extra helmet. You got a jacket? Wind’s strong today.” He watched as the blond man disappeared into the back, wondering where he’d come from. He said he’d not been here long. Keoni let his thoughts meander as he turned his attention to the desserts before him. Gabriel came out a few minutes later, noticing Keoni’s eye on the display case. “You can sample some when we get back,” he murmured as he pulled his own leather jacket on. He stopped a couple of feet away from Keoni. “Thanks again. It’s been years since I’ve been on a bike.” Nodding, Keoni led the way out. “You’ve been on one before then. That’s good. Will make it easier.” He went to the bike and pulled the spare turtle shell out of a saddlebag, setting it on the seat while he pulled on his full-face helmet. While Gabriel locked up, Keoni straddled the bike and started it up. Gabriel buckled the helmet, reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out his sunglasses to perch on his nose. Finally, he wrapped his arms around Keoni’s waist, clasping his hands together in a tight grip. 9
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Although Keoni couldn’t hear, he could tell Gabriel was ready when strong arms closed about him. With a smile, he kicked away from the curb and they were off, the cycle purring carefully through the streets until Keoni hit the ocean highway where he could drive fast. The motorcycle hummed perfectly, and Gabriel’s body was warm behind him. It was a nice feeling. With all the traveling the past several weeks, he’d not had a chance to be close to somebody … anybody. Gabriel’s grip tightened as the bike sped faster and faster and Keoni handled it expertly. He loved driving it; he found himself entranced by the rumble of the bike beneath him, the scenery flashing by him, and the hard metal between his legs. Steering the cycle along the coastal highway, Keoni drove about thirty minutes away from town before circling and stopping at a pullover near a sandy white beach. “Ready to go back?” he called out over the engine noise, turning to look at Gabriel. “Do we have to?” Gabriel asked loudly. “I don’t have to be back for a while and this is so beautiful, and I’d like to walk a little if you don’t mind.” Keoni blinked a couple times as he noticed the green eyes inside the other helmet. Then without comment he keyed off the bike, dropping them into sudden silence broken only by waves and wind. He set down the kickstand and offered Gabriel an arm for balance as the other man climbed off the bike. 10
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Gabriel’s legs were a little shaky as he made his way to the picnic tables at the edge of the lot and sat down heavily. “Think I need to sit for a moment.” He grinned up at Keoni, whose long legs seemed so fitted to riding like this. Keoni offered a friendly smile and set the helmets on the bike seat before walking a bit, stretching his legs. Despite the wind and the low temperature, he was warm, wearing all brown leather and boots, and he looked out over the tables to the ocean. He seemed content just to be there. “You were in Paris?” Gabriel asked curiously as Keoni looked out over the water. “I’ve heard it’s a city for lovers. Is that true?” Shrugging, Keoni shoved both hands in his pockets. “I guess so. I mean, there’s all kinds of restaurants and theaters and romantic gardens, if you like that kind of thing, if you have someone to share it with. Otherwise it’s like most other European cities. Crowded, rude people—especially to foreigners.” Keoni gave Gabriel an apologetic look. “You have no lover?” Keoni smiled wryly, hoping it hid the hurt. “No. Too busy, too foreign, too rich, too responsible … too many things other people don’t want to deal with.” He shrugged. “Can’t say I blame them. Don’t know that I’m much of a catch, besides the money.” He sounded blasé, but he couldn’t relax his shoulders. They were still stiff. Gabriel’s eyes grew wide with shock. “Not much of a catch? Just money? Fuck, Keoni. Have you even looked in 11
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer the mirror lately? You’re the sexiest—uh, I mean, I’m sure that the ladies love you.” A dark eyebrow cocked, Keoni glanced at Gabriel speculatively, the smile tugging at his lips turning a little warmer as he wondered what Gabriel was going to say. “I’m what? The sexiest what?” he asked mildly, hands still in his pockets. A deep blush spreading over his cheeks, Gabriel stood and walked a few steps onto the grass separating the parking area from the beach. “You’re sexy. Period. You’re the most handsome man I’ve seen in this town since I’ve been here. That’s what.” Fascinated, Keoni watched Gabriel walk, as if seeing him with new eyes. “That’s quite a compliment. Mahalo,” he said calmly, tilting his head and then absently lifting a hand to pull his ponytail free. The easy creak of leather was barely audible above the crashing of the surf. Gabriel turned to look at him. There was something about his face that Keoni decided he liked. He wasn’t quite sure what it was, but he liked it. “I like your hair,” Gabriel admitted. Pausing while combing his fingers through the tail of hair, Keoni smiled, enchanted. He stuck his hand back in his pocket and walked over to deliberately stand right in front of Gabriel, maybe a foot away. “You’re quite handsome yourself, Mr....,” Keoni paused. “What is your last name, anyway?” 12
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Gabriel rolled his eyes and turned toward the beach. “Stinson,” he answered, taking a step toward the white sand. “And you don’t have to placate me, Keoni. I’ve been in this town for three years now and I’ve not had a date yet, so you don’t have to tell me that I’m handsome. I don’t need the ego boost.” Keoni leaned forward and caught Gabriel’s arm, eyes serious. “I don’t say things I don’t mean, Gabriel. I don’t have to. If you haven’t had a date, well, maybe the ladies can’t find you back by the ovens?” he offered lightly, reasonably. Gabriel whirled around in Keoni’s grip. “Maybe I don’t want the ladies,” he said defensively, the sounds almost lost in the cry of a seagull. Something clicked into place, and Keoni realized he was attracted to Gabriel. A lot. And he was just as warm on the inside thinking about it as he was on the outside from the leather and sunlight. Silent and serious, Keoni didn’t let go of Gabriel’s arm, but instead pulled him ever so steadily back to him, until he had him right up against his chest. Then, after searching green eyes for any refusal, he dipped his head and brushed his lips lightly over Gabriel’s. Gabriel grew still against Keoni’s chest as Keoni felt the slight pounding of the other man’s heart. And then there were lips brushing against his and Keoni sighed, his eyes closing as the breeze picked up again, blowing his hair around to tickle their cheeks and sending the citrusy smell of shampoo wafting past them. From this day forward, the
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Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer smell would always remind him of the moment Gabriel parted his lips and kissed him back. Keoni didn’t know where he’d found the impulse, but he was glad he had, because now this very alluring man was kissing him back. And it was really turning Keoni on. After a long, soft, searching kiss, he pulled back to look at those green eyes again. “You taste like chocolate,” Keoni whispered. Gabriel lowered his head, lifting a finger to trace down the zipper of Keoni’s jacket. “I always sample my frosting,” he admitted. Lifting his eyes again, he met Keoni’s dark gaze. “You smell fresh and clean and … and tasty,” he whispered, lifting his chin a little closer again, an invitation for a second kiss. Mesmerized, Keoni lowered his mouth to capture Gabriel’s again, this time his mouth open and caressing, tongue sliding lightly over soft lips. A breathy moan escaped him as Gabriel’s sweet taste filled his mouth again, and he pulled the other man closer, sliding a hand to his waist. Gabriel’s hands slid over his shoulders, threading into his hair and pulling the elastic from it. The dark strands fell over Gabriel’s fingers like rain and he bunched it in his fists, pulling Keoni closer. Keoni kissed him more firmly, sliding a hand to the back of his neck, and then they were touching, from knees to chest. All Keoni could think was that Gabriel thought he was sexy, and that Gabriel was kissing him. Wanted to kiss him. He went into brain lock and just responded openly, groaning 14
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer soundlessly, tongue stroking. Gabriel responded in kind, his tongue sliding against his even as he tried to edge closer. He whimpered into the kiss, one hand giving up the feel of Keoni’s hair to slide under the collar of his jacket. Keoni sucked in a sharp breath as Gabriel’s touch to his bare skin sent sizzles down his spine. He pulled back and met heated eyes, wondering if Gabriel felt as surprised as he did. “Uh … wow?” he offered quietly, still holding the other man close, one hand rubbing the back of Gabriel’s neck. “Wow,” Gabriel answered in reply, staring into Keoni’s eyes as he licked his swollen lips and grinned. His hands played under Keoni’s collar and in the long hair at the nape of his neck. “Wow,” he repeated. Unable to stifle a grin, Keoni chuckled. “Well, isn’t this an interesting turn of events?” he murmured, lowering his mouth to trace Gabriel’s ear with his lips. “Sure as anything I wasn’t looking, and suddenly, here you are.” “That’s when it’s best,” Gabriel murmured, resting his forehead on Keoni’s shoulder. “When it surprises you.” After a couple breaths, Gabriel suddenly turned and ran toward the beach, tugging Keoni along behind him. “Hey!” Keoni squawked, but he let Gabriel drag him down to the cool, hard-packed beach, running easily with him despite the heavy boots. “Lolo pulelehua,” Keoni swore with a laugh as Gabriel pulled him around in a circle. “What did you call me? And boots off!” Gabriel demanded, stopping to tug his own trainers off and toss 15
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer them back up the beach. He leaned over to roll his jeans legs up and looked up to see Keoni smiling at him. “What?” “You want me to shuck my boots and run in the water in leather pants?” Keoni asked, awfully amused. “The water’s cold!” He even threw in a little pout, although he was already pulling off one boot. “The water’s not cold, pēpē,” Gabriel teased as he dropped to his knees in front of him, reached for his bare foot, and started rolling the snug leather up his muscular calf. It felt like his fingers played a little in the crisp hairs, but it might have been the wind. Trying to balance on one foot with Gabriel rolling up his pants was a tricky proposition, but Keoni got the other boot off and tossed it to the side, looking down to see a blond head bobbing just below his waist. And his leather pants got very tight. “C’mon, pulelehua, let’s hit the water. I, for one, could use a bit of a cool-down.” Gabriel sat back on his heels, looking up at Keoni. “What did you call me?” he asked a second time. Keoni frowned a little, trying to remember what he just said. Looking at Gabriel was becoming more and more distracting. “Oh, pulelehua? It means butterfly.” “Butterfly?” Gabriel said with a chuckle. His eyes ran the length of Keoni’s body and when he finally met Keoni’s eyes, a slow smile crossed his lips. “Need a bit of a cooldown, huh?” 16
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Keoni sighed as his cheeks heated and he looked out away, just away. The flush wasn’t really visible on his skin, but he still felt it. “Yeah, well, believe me when I compliment you next time, yeah?” he said, ignoring that he’d actually called Gabriel a “crazy butterfly.” Gabriel held Keoni’s gaze as he stood up, saying, “Yeah, but is it really me? Or just the situation? I mean, you said so yourself: no lover in Paris. And then the adrenaline of the ride. Could have happened with anyone, right?” Keoni tilted his head and shrugged. “I suppose. But it’s never happened to me before, so….” He shrugged again, embarrassed. Gabriel stepped closer, taking Keoni’s hand and holding it between his own. “What’s never happened to you before?” Keoni froze, then looked sheepish. “Uh … this?” He waved a hand between the two of them. Stepping even closer, Gabriel tilted his head up, lips close to Keoni. “This attraction? This desire? This need?” His breath ghosted across Keoni’s lips. “I haven’t felt it in so long I forgot what it felt like.” Swallowing hard, Keoni tried to breathe evenly, and his hands shook as he raised them to Gabriel’s shoulders. “No one’s made me feel like this, ever,” he whispered, lips brushing Gabriel’s as he spoke. “Does it frighten you?” Gabriel asked, pressing forward and tilting his head back enough just to tease with a slight brush of lips. “It scares me, but I want it.” 17
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer “Scares me a little, yeah. Makes me feel lolo all of a sudden. Makes me feel all lightheaded.” Keoni dropped his lips against Gabriel’s and the kiss seemed to go on and on. When he finally pulled back, Gabriel’s eyes were dazed and his hand clutched at his shirt. Keoni figured he looked the same way. “So this is what I’ve been missing.” “Both of us, apparently,” Gabriel whispered. He pulled Keoni back down for another kiss, and Keoni went along, not wanting to lose the sense of closeness he felt at the moment. Eventually Gabriel let Keoni go, only to pull him to wade in the water as it lapped in gentle waves around their feet. Keoni grinned as the other man minced through the cool water. He looked down at his leather pants, already soaked to the knees, and resigned himself to a cold ride back to town. But then he saw Gabriel’s grin again, and he decided it was worth it. Gabriel laughed and tugged at Keoni’s arm. Nodding his head to a small cabana up the beach, Gabriel challenged, “Race you?” Raising a skeptical eyebrow, Keoni sized up the length of Gabriel’s legs compared to his own and chuckled. “Not really fair, I don’t think,” he drawled. “Okay. Let’s make this a little fairer.” Gabriel reached for Keoni, pulled his head down, and kissed him. His body rubbed against Keoni’s sensuously, rhythmically. After several long moments, he let Keoni go, turning to run. Several yards down the beach in front of Keoni, he turned and called, “You coming?” 18
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Keoni stared, dumbfounded, as Gabriel ran off, in shock and tingling all over. When the other man called out, he blinked, his jaw dropped, and he took off after Gabriel, covering the sand with long strides.
GABRIEL stopped running as he approached the cabana, his bare feet stepping onto the sun-warmed planks worn smooth by sand and time. He turned to see Keoni just behind him. Smiling, he looped his arms around the taller man’s neck, thanking his lucky stars for sending him this man. “My friend owns this cabana. I know where the key is. That’s why I suggested we stop here. Want a drink? A towel?” Keoni curled his arms around Gabriel’s waist. He felt like he’d known the other man for years, not hours. “Drink, towel, yeah, sounds good,” he said, shaking one foot at a time to slick water off the leather. “We can stuff your trousers with towels. Lay them in the sun to dry. They won’t shrink that way,” Gabriel suggested, blushing at what his actions had done to Keoni’s sexy pants. His hands wandered to the button at the waistband. “I promise I won’t look. At least not too often.” Keoni smirked. He unzipped his jacket and shrugged off the heavy leather, slinging it over a nearby chair, revealing a tight black T-shirt underneath. “What if I want you to look?” Keoni asked daringly. Gabriel reached for the key to the door, unlocking it and pushing it open at the same time he grabbed Keoni and 19
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer pulled him inside. “Then I’ll look. And touch. And taste,” he promised, surprised at how wanton he sounded, but deciding he liked feeling this way around Keoni. Eyes widening, Keoni looked slightly stunned as he let Gabriel draw him inside. “Uh…,” he started to say. Gabriel was suddenly afraid he’d pushed too far too fast. “Unless you’d rather not. I don’t mind….” Taking a deep breath, Keoni pulled one of Gabriel’s hands to cover his groin. “Oh, I want to, pulelehua. I’m just… surprised, is all.” Surprised that such an incredible-looking man seemed so honest in his desire. Gabriel’s hand tightened on Keoni’s groin, and he pushed the larger man back onto the small sofa that graced the room. Straddling one of Keoni’s thighs, he leaned over and nibbled at his stubbled chin even as his hand began to stroke through the smooth leather. A soft whimper escaped Keoni and he raised his hands to grasp Gabriel’s hips and pulled him to straddle his knees. “Do you want this?” Keoni murmured. Gabriel’s answer was to dip his head to capture Keoni’s lips and to roll his hips to press his own arousal against Keoni’s. He breathed heavily into the kiss, grunting as the pressure against his own hard cock made his hips roll forward again. Keoni grunted as Gabriel pressed against him. When Gabriel finally sat up, Keoni was watching in stunned 20
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer fascination, looking over Gabriel’s slightly swollen lips and glittering eyes. “You’re gorgeous,” Keoni breathed. “You’re one to talk, Mr. Kawaha,” Gabriel teased. Keoni’s dark eyes were almost black and his chest rose and fell in a hard, fast rhythm. Gabriel’s fingers moved to the tight black cotton that covered Keoni’s chest, rubbing lightly over the distended nubs that poked underneath the fabric. Keoni drew a shaky breath. “Can I … touch, too?” he asked, fingers tightening at Gabriel’s waist. Gabriel’s head rose from where he perused the ridges of muscles hidden under Keoni’s black shirt. He was slightly confused, but then realized what Keoni was asking. “Please do,” he murmured, leaning back slightly and offering himself to the gorgeous man beneath him. Eyes skimming up and down the body before him, Keoni slid his hands lightly from Gabriel’s waist up over his chest, following the muscles hiding underneath cotton. He traced strong shoulders up to his chin, one hand’s fingers coasting over Gabriel’s lips, the others floating back down his chest. Gabriel’s lips parted beneath Keoni’s fingers, and his tongue darted out to taste the callused fingertips that caressed his lips. His chest hitched under the hand that trailed over it, rising and falling at a faster rate as his arousal began to grow. Gabriel’s hand dropped to Keoni’s leather pants, popping the button free. Keoni’s hands shook as he slid them over Gabriel’s arms, and his eyes dropped to his waistband as the other 21
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer man unfastened his pants. “Oh,” he breathed, letting his head fall back against the couch cushions. “Gabriel, I gotta… need to tell you….” Gabriel’s fingers slipped just inside the warm leather of Keoni’s trousers, his thumb rubbing circles around Keoni’s navel. At the sound of Keoni’s voice, his eyes met the other man’s, his fingers still teasing. “Yes?” “I really have no idea what I’m doing, so say something, okay?” Keoni stuttered a little as he slid his hands over Gabriel’s belly, shifting his hips a little on the couch. He raised hot but somewhat anxious eyes to the man who looked down at him. When Keoni shifted on the couch, it threw Gabriel forward, forcing his hips against Keoni’s. His eyes closed as a low moan echoed from deep inside him. His free hand braced on the other man’s shoulder, keeping him steady as he rocked his pelvis again. “Doing fine,” he gasped, eyes opening once more to focus on Keoni’s face as he leaned forward, capturing soft, full lips in another kiss. Keoni moaned into Gabriel’s mouth, hands moving more over Gabriel’s body, pulling his shirt out of his waistband and sliding his hands onto warm, warm skin. He gasped when the kiss ended, pressing his hips instinctively up against Gabriel’s. “You’re so responsive,” he murmured, seemingly surprised. Chills ran over Gabriel’s skin when Keoni’s bare hands touched his belly and sides. “Only with you,” he sighed, 22
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer kissing along Keoni’s throat to nibble at his ear. “I like you,” he chuckled. Blinking in surprise, Keoni laughed and grinned, relaxing a little. “Well, I guess that’s good, because I like you, too, pulelehua.” He smiled up at Gabriel’s shining green eyes. “And I certainly wouldn’t do this with someone unless I liked him.” Gabriel unzipped the leather that was stretched over Keoni’s groin, folding back the edges to let a hard cock spring free. “I’m glad,” he murmured, leaning forward to let his jeans scrape against Keoni’s sensitive flesh as he shucked the tight black T-shirt from Keoni’s long, lithe body. Keoni groaned and moved so Gabriel could pull his shirt off. Once his shirt hit the floor, he pushed Gabriel’s up to his neck, leaning forward to daringly lick along the line of his pectorals. Gabriel’s head fell back and he moaned loudly as Keoni’s tongue explored his chest. One hand settled to stroke slowly at Keoni’s cock while the other one threaded into dark hair, encouraging the curiosity. As Gabriel wrapped a hand around Keoni’s cock, Keoni stopped licking to gasp against the lightly muscled chest. “I feel like I could come right away,” he muttered against the skin. Gabriel pushed off of Keoni’s lap, sinking to his knees between Keoni’s spread legs, where he pulled Keoni’s pants down his thighs and over his knees. Licking at the leaking 23
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer head, he looked up at Keoni through thick eyelashes. “What’s stopping you?” Keoni almost choked as he gasped, eyes huge as Gabriel licked his straining cock. “Do … do that again and I will!” He looked totally stunned, eyes unfocused, breathing harsh, face and skin flushed deep brown. Gabriel inched closer, wrapping his hand firmly around the base of Keoni’s cock. Dipping his head, he swirled his tongue over the furred sac that was gathered tightly beneath the throbbing shaft. He smiled up at Keoni as he sucked one side of the pouch into his mouth, sucking gently and wetting the wrinkled skin. The sound wrenched from Keoni was definitely a whimper followed by a long whine as his hands clutched the couch cushions, his hips lifting toward Gabriel’s mouth without conscious thought. “Pulelehua, oh…,” he drew out. Gabriel lifted up, licking a swath from balls to dripping head as he opened his mouth and wrapped his lips around Keoni’s cock. He sucked lightly, just wanting to tease for a moment, to see if he could get some more of the same reaction from the gorgeous man above him. A soft cry tore out of Keoni. “Please … please!” His hips jerked up and his face contorted as his eyes rolled back into his head. His fingers dug into the couch, knuckles white. Gabriel let go of the base of Keoni’s cock, pressing his mouth down on the other man’s shaft and swallowing the head as Keoni bucked and begged. At the same time, he 24
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer pressed into the smooth, firm skin between Keoni’s sac and his opening. Keoni’s back arched as he was catapulted into orgasm, his yell echoing off the walls, his breaths harsh and nearly sobbing as his come pumped into Gabriel’s mouth—three, four soft spurts—and then he collapsed back against the couch, boneless. Keoni was gorgeous as he came, eyebrows drawing together and full lips parting as he sucked air between straight white teeth. Inwardly, Gabriel wondered what he did to get so lucky as to get to see this. He licked Keoni clean, letting the softening shaft slip from his mouth as he nuzzled at Keoni’s groin before climbing back onto his lap and nuzzling at his throat. Keoni slowly lifted his arms up to encircle Gabriel, and it took several blinks to make his eyes focus on shining green ones. “You … you …. You went down on me!” Keoni said, voice full of amazement. “Mmm hmmm,” Gabriel purred, laying his head on Keoni’s chest and listening to the calming heartbeat. “Was nice. Fuck, it was fantastic!” Keoni laughed lightly, still seemingly stunned. “You’re the one saying it was fantastic?” He squeezed his arms close around Gabriel. “Pulelehua,” he whispered, “I think you blew my mind, too,” he added. He turned his head to kiss the top of Gabriel’s head.
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Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Gabriel snuggled close, breathing in deeply the smell of the man holding him. The entire room had that musky, sexy smell that came after an explosive orgasm. “I hope not; you have to get us back to my shop.” “I … uh … did … Gabriel? What about you?” Keoni asked awkwardly, reluctant to loosen his arms, but wondering if he should return the favor. He swallowed hard. He wanted to. Gabriel was honestly more aroused than he’d ever been in his life. But he was not willing to push Keoni into something that might scare the man away from him. He didn’t know why he was thinking they had a future. For all he knew, Keoni would be back on a plane to Europe the next day. He should just take what was offered and let that be it. But that wasn’t who he was. “I’m okay,” he smiled, the action coming through in the tone of his voice. Keoni slid his hands to Gabriel’s hair, slowly lifting the other man’s head and meeting his glazed eyes. “But I want to do something for you,” he murmured. “I want to.” Gabriel stopped Keoni’s words with a kiss. Leaning back, he whispered, “Then do what you want. I’m yours to do with as you will. Consider it an early Christmas present. Mele Ka … kal….” “Mele Kalikimaka,” Keoni whispered. Lips trembling, he pulled Gabriel close again for a kiss, a long, hard kiss while one hand slid to cover Gabriel’s groin. “Want you to feel as 26
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer incredible as you made me feel,” Keoni murmured, lips tracing Gabriel’s jaw. Gabriel hummed into the kiss, his eyes closing as the pressure increased against his trapped cock before it was relieved in the form of an open zipper. He slid off of Keoni’s lap, onto the sofa next to him. Leaning back, he pulled Keoni on top of him. Keoni laid against him before shifting his hips to the side so he could slide his hand into Gabriel’s pants, fingers smoothing over hot, hard flesh and caressing, lightly at first, then more firmly. “Tell me what feels good, pulelehua,” Keoni crooned, dipping his head to kiss about Gabriel’s ear. Gabriel’s hips hitched under the gentle touch. Turning his head to meet Keoni’s gaze, he whispered, “What feels good to you?” before touching his tongue to Keoni’s swollen lips. “You feel good to me. Hot and hard, for me?” Keoni asked, wonder creeping back into his voice. Gabriel nodded, eyes closing once more as he shifted his hips, making his aching cock brush over the palm of Keoni’s hand. “Fuck yeah,” he murmured, “It’s been so long since … God, Keoni, you make me feel wanted.” Keoni kissed him again, before answering roughly. “I do want you,” he said, his hand starting to move on Gabriel’s cock, pumping it slow and firm. “I want you to kiss me. I want you to cry out for me. I want you to come for me.” His voice was shaking and he looked a little desperate. 27
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Gabriel lifted his hands to Keoni’s face, framing it gently before whispering, “Don’t be ashamed of how you feel. Just let it happen.” He pulled Keoni down into a hard kiss, his tongue sweeping inside of his mouth to play and tease at his tongue before pulling away and sucking at the plump lower cusp of that sweet, full mouth. His hips rotated as Keoni stroked him, the tight pleasure building inside of him. “You’re like a drug; you drive me crazy,” Keoni muttered, stroking harder. “You are so gorgeous, pulelehua, did I tell you that?” He leaned over to trace Gabriel’s collarbone with his tongue. “You were so bright on the beach, that shirt, your hair, your eyes. A butterfly as you ran.” Gabriel felt gorgeous when Keoni touched him like that, when he kissed him and stroked him and whispered in that sexy voice. “I feel gorgeous right now,” he whispered, spreading his legs further and allowing Keoni to slip between them. He could feel the heat of Keoni’s groin and his hand wandered down to touch the reawakened shaft. “Do you … do you want to…,” he tried to ask, but his words were stolen by an intense wave of pleasure as Keoni increased his pace. “Close,” he murmured. Keoni moaned as he pressed his thickening cock against Gabriel’s thigh, still stroking the other man’s hard shaft. “Do I want to what?” he asked slowly, feeling like he was riding a wave of pure intoxicating pleasure. “Fuck me?” Gabriel breathed, opening his eyes to meet Keoni’s black gaze.
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Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Keoni froze, unable to draw a breath as his cock twitched against Gabriel’s leg. He met Gabriel’s eyes, his own wide once again. “Pulelehua,” he breathed. “You turn me on like crazy!” He held Gabriel’s cock close in hand, not stroking, but his thumb moved over the swollen head. Gabriel spread his legs wider, lifting his hips. “Just slide it in.” He bit his lip as he waited. “We need something to smooth the way.” Gabriel’s eyes searched the room frantically, looking for anything. His eyes finally lit on a bottle of sunblock on the coffee table. Squirming under Keoni, he reached for it, stretching until— “Oh God! Cramp! Shoulder!” Keoni pushed himself up so Gabriel could move, wincing as the leather of his pants bit into his thighs and the zipper caught somewhere really sensitive. Suppressing a curse, he let go of Gabriel and tried to shift out of the way. That was it for Gabriel. The shifting of weight off his body overbalanced him and he fell off the sofa, landing on the floor in an undignified heap. Stunned, he rolled over, looking up to see Keoni’s horrified face peering at him over the edge of the couch. Gabriel started laughing hysterically. Keoni bit his lip. “Are you okay, pulelehua?” he asked, shifting and trying to free the zipper of his pants without causing himself a lot more pain. Gabriel clasped his hands over his stomach, nearly doubling up as he laughed. He nodded, tears rolling from his eyes as he managed to sit up. Watching Keoni wriggle 29
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer uncomfortably, Gabriel batted fumbling hands away, pulling the zipper completely open and tugging Keoni’s trousers off of his long legs. Crossing his arms over his knees, he smiled up at Keoni for several long moments. “Mood killer?” Wincing as the zipper pulled loose, Keoni exhaled in relief and chuckled. He looked down at Gabriel and sighed. “Well, I guess I didn’t exactly sweep you off your feet, did I?” He sighed again and his shoulders slumped. Gabriel reached out a hand and laid it on Keoni’s bare thigh. “Technically, I believe I was off my feet,” he whispered. Keoni looked up, face clearly showing his embarrassment. “Yeah, well,” he murmured. “Not what you see in the movies.” “Life isn’t what’s in the movies.” Gabriel’s voice was soft as he replied. “Why would we make movies about things we see every day? They’re not special.” “What I felt when we kissed; I don’t feel that every day. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that,” Keoni murmured, sliding his hand to cover Gabriel’s on his thigh. Gabriel turned his hand over to link his fingers with Keoni’s. “That’s what’s special. It’s not storybook. It’s not silver screen. It’s real. It’s me and you and it’s us.” Keoni swallowed hard and pulled on Gabriel’s hand until the other man knelt at the couch’s edge, and Keoni leaned forward to lightly touch Gabriel’s lips. “I want to kiss you again. And again. And again,” he whispered. 30
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer “Then shut up and do it,” Gabriel breathed, leaning closer and sucking at Keoni’s bottom lip. His hands rested on Keoni’s thighs, the wiry hair tickling his sweaty palms. Wasting no time, Keoni slid his hand around the back of Gabriel’s neck and pulled the other man into a consuming kiss. Gabriel gave in to the kiss, opening his mouth and inviting Keoni inside as his hands slid to bracket Keoni’s narrow hips. He leaned forward, pushing Keoni back to rest on the sofa. The movement caused their cocks to brush and in turn, drew a long, low moan from deep inside of Gabriel. Keoni whined quietly, reached down, and slid his arms around Gabriel’s waist and urged the other man up onto the couch, straddling his knees—and then Keoni moaned happily as their tongues tangled. Gabriel was better prepared when he ended up on Keoni’s lap this time. He grabbed the hard-won bottle of lotion and slicked it over Keoni’s straining cock, stroking messily as the thought of having it inside him made him burn. He reached behind himself, trying to hurry. He closed his eyes, trying not to feel embarrassed. Just pretend you’re back in your flat, Gabriel, he thought. That you’re wanking and you’ve just slid your fingers inside. He moaned as two fingers slipped past the barrier and made him buck in Keoni’s lap. Keoni gasped and his hands moved to firm hips to help steady him. “Can I help?”
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Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Gabriel bit his lip, leaning forward and bracing himself on Keoni’s shoulders. He pulled his hand free, bringing Keoni’s hand to his tight entrance. Keoni dragged his fingers through the lotion before cautiously pressing one finger up into him, watching his face anxiously. “Fuck yes!” Gabriel gasped, pressing down on the finger that slipped easily inside him. “More!” Pushing and pulling his finger back and forth a few times, Keoni then added a second, sending his long digits slowly into Gabriel. Gabriel rolled his hips, making Keoni’s fingers brush against—“God, yes, Keoni! Enough!” He pulled the fingers free, lining himself up over Keoni’s erect shaft. He opened his eyes, meeting Keoni’s gaze as he began to push down. Keoni’s heart leapt in his chest and his eyes were huge, mouth opening and closing. Then he gasped loudly as Gabriel pushed down and took the head of Keoni’s cock inside him. Gabriel leaned forward, taking Keoni’s lips in a kiss just as he pushed down, taking all of Keoni’s cock inside him in one smooth movement. He gasped into the kiss, breaking it to whimper as he buried his head against Keoni’s shoulder. He tried to breathe through the twinging pain; he knew it would pass. “Christ!” Keoni yelped as Gabriel took him deep, his fingers clutching at his hips. “Are you okay?” he breathed after Gabriel had been still for long moments. 32
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Nodding against Keoni’s neck, Gabriel whispered, “I’m afraid to move!” “Are you hurting? Talk to me; I don’t want to hurt you,” Keoni said heatedly, unconsciously shifting his hips. His cock slid a bit out of Gabriel, and he sucked in a breath in surprise. “Not hurting!” Gabriel cried, only half-lying. “Just so full! I don’t know if I can move!” When Keoni slipped out, his hips automatically pushed down, wanting to keep Keoni within his body. “Wait … wait …. Let me…,” Keoni shifted again, pulling out ever so slightly, and Gabriel pushed right back down on his swollen cock. “Fuck. You’re gonna make me come, pulelehua. So hot around me.” Gabriel’s body countered every move Keoni made, and he had to close his eyes at the feeling of being so full and complete and aroused and so close to spending himself now that the pain was easing and the thrill was building. He sighed against Keoni’s neck as he wrapped his hands around his cock and began to stroke it. Keoni groaned as Gabriel’s body closed hot and tight over his cock. Gabriel pushed down, over and over and over again, the thick shaft inside of him brushing against his sweet spot and making his eyes roll in his head. “Close,” he murmured. “Gonna come…. Come with me.”
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Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Gasping for breath, Keoni grabbed Gabriel’s hips and pulled him down harder as he jerked upward, bellowing as he exploded. Gabriel’s eyes grew wide as he felt the explosion of heat inside him for the first time, the movement and feeling against his prostate forcing him into his own orgasm. His back bowed as he came, hot splashes decorating Keoni’s belly, the pain momentarily forgotten. It wrung further yells from Keoni, whose eyes rolled back in his head as his whole body shuddered and shook under Gabriel, who collapsed bonelessly against him. “Not bad,” he mumbled. Keoni chuckled breathlessly in response and curled his arms around Gabriel’s torso to hold him tight. In all of the fumbled make-out sessions Gabriel had ever taken part in, nothing had touched him as much as Keoni holding him tightly after it was over. Gabriel rested against Keoni for a long time, even after Keoni’s softened shaft slipped free of his body. “I didn’t bring you out here to seduce you,” he murmured. “You didn’t, huh?” he replied with a half-smile. “Well, damn. And here I thought I was irresistible,” he joked, stroking Gabriel’s back gently. “You are irresistible.” Gabriel grinned. “It’s why it happened even though I didn’t plan it.”
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Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Keoni pulled his head up to meet Gabriel’s sparkling eyes. “Yeah?” he asked, sounding a little unsure, a little embarrassed. “Yeah,” Gabriel smoothed his thumb over Keoni’s puffy lips. “You’re a hell of a temptation, pulelehua,” Keoni muttered, smoothing a hand through Gabriel’s hair. “Now what? I don’t want to let you go.” Gabriel’s brows drew together. “Now what? I’m here. I own a business here. I’ll be here when you want me. You’re the international business whiz.” Both Keoni’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Uh, not a whiz. Just good with the futures, I guess. And not international. Granny told me she wanted me to stick around, and well, you don’t cross Granny, you know,” he said. Gabriel grinned wryly. “Apparently not. At least not according to over half of the population of the city.” Keoni nodded solemnly. “So, it looks like I’ll be sticking around. I’ll have to find a place to live, somewhere to bank, somewhere to shop.” He tilted his head and smiled up at Gabriel. “I think I’ve got desserts covered.” Gabriel leaned forward and kissed Keoni again, the touch lingering for a long moment. “You’re sweet enough as it is. You don’t need my stuff.” He linked his fingers through Keoni’s, pulling them to rest on his bent thigh.
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Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer His tongue darted out to touch Keoni’s, tangling with it before sucking it into his mouth. The kiss made him breathless, made him see stars even. He smiled against Keoni’s lips as he brought his free hand to the other man’s chest and began tracing circles around the peaked nipple. “If we don’t stop soon, we’ll be here all night.” Keoni groaned. “Whose house is this and how quickly can I buy it off him?” “It belongs to my neighbor, Harry, and I have free access to it at any time.” “So being here all night would be bad because…?” Pretending to think, Gabriel scratched his chin. “Hmm. Well, no reason, I guess. Just figured you’d want to get back to your own place instead of spending the night in a cabana on the beach.” He glanced out the wide window. “That has a stand of palm trees strung with Christmas lights.” Keoni playacted the same consideration. “Let’s see. A boring night alone or staying with you and making love to you again under colored twinkle lights.” He raised a brow in question. “Unless you’re wanting to get back to your own place instead of spending the night in a cabana on the beach?” His eyes sparkled with amusement. Gabriel was afraid that Keoni would think him easy if he invited him home so soon. “This is nice,” he answered. “I think the sofa folds out into a bed, if you’d like to get more comfortable. And I know there’s a bathroom. And a kitchenette.” 36
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Looking Gabriel up and down, Keoni decided to make a different offer. “Or you could come back with me to the hotel,” he murmured. “Room service, king-size bed, Jacuzzi tub.” He narrowed his eyes. “A real Christmas tree.” Gabriel placed his finger over Keoni’s lips. “You convinced me.” Keoni grinned happily, eyes glittering with delight. “Great!” Keoni’s grin was contagious and Gabriel found a similar smile spread over his face as he worked to right his clothes. “C’mon. I hear that Jacuzzi calling me.”
KEONI pulled the motorcycle to a stop in front of Gabriel’s shop, pulling off his helmet. He swallowed, nervous about this. What if Gabriel changed his mind and didn’t come to the hotel? He watched Gabriel climb off the bike. “So, uh, see you soon?” Gabriel stood by the curb, hands clasped in front of him for a moment before reaching out to smooth Keoni’s ponytail down. “As soon as I clean the shop and stop at home for some clothes.” He looked uncertain for a moment before leaning forward and kissing Keoni softly on the corner of his lips. When Gabriel’s lips touched his, Keoni raised a hand to his cheek, caressing the skin and pressing his lips close. When Gabriel pulled back, Keoni smiled widely. “Don’t forget me, pulelehua.” 37
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Gabriel’s hand cupped Keoni’s face, his thumb running over that plump bottom lip as he smiled once more before stealing another kiss. “There’s no chance of that ever happening,” he grinned, stepping back and moving his hand to rest over his chest. With a quirk of a grin, Keoni pulled his helmet back on and gunned the motorcycle, nodding to Gabriel once before he drove away. He needed to get back to the hotel and get a Christmas tree.
GABRIEL cleaned his kitchen before moving to the refrigerated display cases. He threw most things out, but saved several small treats to take to Keoni. Wrapping them up in a small white box, he tied it with string and then headed to his car. When he arrived home, he put out food for his cat and then packed a small overnight bag. Nearly two hours after he’d been left at the shop, he pulled into the valet parking area of the hotel. His eyebrows rose as he walked through the lobby, stopping to ask the concierge for directions. “Mr. Keoni Kawaha is expecting me.” The concierge checked his list and then nodded to him, giving him a pass key to the penthouse elevator. By the time he stepped into the elevator, he felt like he’d had a facelift and his eyebrows were permanently in his hairline. He stepped out of the elevator into a sumptuous foyer. “Hello?” He stood nervously with his bag in one hand, bakery box in the other. 38
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Keoni appeared from around a corner. A relieved and thrilled smile covered his face. “Hey, come on in. I’m glad you’re here.” Gabriel relaxed visibly when Keoni showed up, some part of his mind holding onto the fact that today had been a fluke in some way, maybe even a daydream. Needing to reinforce the experience, he stepped closer to Keoni, lifting his lips for a kiss. Keoni slid an arm about his waist and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. When he pulled back, he relaxed even more, taking a steadying breath. “Here, let me take your bag. What’s in the box?” “Sweets for the sweet,” Gabriel answered without hesitation, blushing at the corniness of the expression. “Dessert actually. I had some left in the shop and thought you’d like some pastries.” He followed Keoni into the sitting room, handing him the box as they walked through the entryway. He looked around, whistling softly. “Nice digs.” Keoni shrugged and glanced around. “A bit palatial for one guy, but Granny doesn’t do anything by halves. ‘Nothing but the best for my boy’ and all that.” The taller man chuckled and set the box on the bar. “Feel free to look around.” Gabriel walked around the suite, touching the textured fabrics of the drapes and pillows, and then he stopped in front of the glittering Christmas tree hung with ornaments and icicles. “She does want the best for you, doesn’t she?” he mused. Turning to Keoni, he asked, “What would she think of me?” 39
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Keoni chuckled. “She mentioned you when I brought her the cake. ‘I see you met that enterprising young man who opened the shop on Beech Street.’ I was surprised, though, that she hadn’t had any of your desserts.” “She hadn’t?” Gabriel looked surprised. “But she has them delivered. Oh. I guess she serves them to guests or business contacts.” Gabriel felt slightly disappointed at that. He wanted to be liked. Wanted his work to be appreciated. “Well, she is the grand dame of what passes for society around here. She has people over every night and meetings every day. And she serves your desserts, I found out, including setting out some cards. But what I didn’t know is that she only likes chocolate cake, and nothing else. Which is why she tried the one you gave me.” Keoni beamed. “Setting out cards?” Gabriel knew there was a confused look on his face. “As in…?” Keoni pulled one of Gabriel’s business cards out of the back pocket of the jeans he’d pulled on after getting back to the hotel. “Are you seeing any increased business in the past six months? Granny said that’s how long she’s been serving the desserts.” Gabriel took the card, feeling the warmth of Keoni’s body still radiating off of the thick paper. For some reason, the thought that this lady might approve of him made him smile like an idiot. “I have seen an increase in business. As well as calls for special catering.” He raised his eyes to Keoni’s. “Thank her for me.” 40
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Shifting his feet, Keoni nodded. “If you want, you can thank her yourself. I’m supposed to go to dinner at her house this weekend. Would you like to come with me?” Gabriel took Keoni’s hand, pulling him to the sofa. He sat down next to him, cuddling against his chest. “I’d love to go with you.” Keoni grinned and hugged Gabriel close, dropping his lips to kiss the top of his head. He sighed after a long minute. “I was almost afraid you weren’t coming,” he murmured, arms curling around the other man. It was Gabriel’s turn to blush. “I’d left batter in a bowl. Do you know how difficult it is to get dried batter off of a stainless-steel mixing bowl?” He wrapped his arms around Keoni’s waist. “There was never any question of if I would come. Just how soon I could get here.” Keoni looked nonplussed. “I’m glad,” he murmured, tipping Gabriel’s chin up. “Call me crazy, but, I think I am. Crazy. About you. It was almost instantaneous, the first time I thought of you as a pulelehua.” Gabriel felt a wave of relief. “I thought it was just me. I was so disappointed when I thought you were buying that cake for a girlfriend. And then you mentioned your grandmother! I need to thank her for that as well.” He leaned forward slightly, his lips catching Keoni’s chin. Chuckling, Keoni nodded, looking like he wanted to ask a question, but instead he bit his lip and leaned his forehead against Gabriel’s. 41
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Gabriel turned to face Keoni, straddling his lap much in the same way he had earlier. “C’mon. Spit it out. I can see that you’re dying to say something.” Keoni studied his face seriously, raising one hand to touch his cheek. “Is this the way it starts? Something special, you think?” “I think maybe it is,” Gabriel whispered, dipping his head to capture Keoni’s lips. He teased his tongue over the seam of his lover’s mouth, asking to be let inside. When Keoni opened for him, his tongue swept inside, trying to erase any other questions or doubts Keoni might have. Keoni sighed against the kiss, pulling Gabriel close. Gabriel wound his arms around Keoni’s neck, holding him tightly in the kiss. He didn’t want to let go, each attempt to stop the kiss impeded by the theft of more and more kisses. Keoni smiled against his mouth. Gabriel laughed against Keoni’s lips as the bigger man pulled him up off the couch and started walking, pulling him along past the Christmas tree. “Where are you taking me, Mr. Kawaha?” he growled in a low rasp. “To my bed,” Keoni murmured, turning effortlessly through the door. “I’m not making love to you on a couch again when I have this lovely huge bed instead.” He stopped at the foot of the bed and raised an eyebrow, waiting for Gabriel’s reply. Gabriel shuddered. “How much better will it be in a comfortable place than on that couch? Can my heart take 42
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer it?” he teased Keoni, hands already working on tugging the tight black T-shirt free again. Keoni snorted. “I didn’t hear you complaining as you jumped my bones.” Gabriel laughed. “But to have a soft mattress…. That’s gotta make us try some new positions.” “New positions?” Keoni said with a grin. “Oh, do tell.” “You on top of me, behind me, underneath me…. The list goes on and on,” Gabriel whispered breathlessly. Keoni’s eyes went black with desire, and instead of tossing Gabriel again, he laid him gently on the bed and knelt next to him. “I got some stuff,” he murmured. Gabriel tilted his head, smiling up at Keoni. “Oh. Stuff. My hero.” He slid his hands down to his jeans, unbuttoning and unzipping them. “Show me what you plan to do with it.”
KEONI stepped out of the limo, the wind sending the trench coat flaring behind him. Since he’d directed his driver here straight from the airport, he hadn’t even changed out of his high-powered business suit. It had been two long weeks away after not even a week with Gabriel, and he’d been really mad when Granny sent him off again. At least he was able to make it back the day before Christmas Eve. He grabbed the wrapped package from the seat and walked to the door of Just Desserts, pulling it open to hear the bells tinkle. 43
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer He heard Gabriel call out “Be right with you!” and he walked behind the display case of cakes to duck into the kitchen. With a grin, Keoni walked right up behind Gabriel and grabbed his hand, pulling it to his mouth to lick off some of the chocolate. “Mmmm, that’s decadent,” he purred, sliding his arms around Gabriel’s waist. Gabriel tensed for a moment before sighing in relief. “About time you got back, stranger.” Keoni smiled and nuzzled Gabriel’s neck. “I missed you, pulelehua,” he murmured, inhaling his lover’s scent mingled with the sugary smells of the bakery. Gabriel let his head fall back onto Keoni’s shoulder, turning his head to inhale the scent of the other man’s hair. “I’ve missed you, too. Seems strange that after so little time it seems like you belong in my bed.” Squeezing his arms slightly, Keoni nodded in agreement. “I didn’t sleep well at all. And for two weeks, that really bites.” He lowered his head against Gabriel’s shoulder, hiding the deeply sunken exhausted eyes. Gabriel turned in Keoni’s arms and nudged his face; Keoni raised his chin to meet those green eyes. “I’m finished with the orders for today. If you want to ride with me as I drop this off, we can go somewhere quiet.” Keoni nodded and stepped back to give Gabriel some room. “Yeah. You, some Thai, my bed and my mobile turned off. It’s a date,” he said tiredly, leaning against the wall. 44
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Gabriel placed the cake in a box, tying it with a bright green ribbon. “This goes to your grandmother.” He chuckled at the look on Keoni’s face. “She doesn’t have to know you’re home yet if you’d like a night off.” A pathetically grateful look formed on Keoni’s face. “I knew there was a reason I took such a fancy to you,” he replied, picking up the box he’d set on the counter. Gabriel pulled on a jacket and laced his fingers under the ribbon. “I hope those long legs of yours can fit in my car.” He glanced at Keoni, taking a second glance at the sight of the man dressed to the nines in business attire. He let a long, low whistle pass his lips as he admired the sight. “You are, without a doubt, the most handsome man in this town.” “It’s a wonder how well you can clean up when you’ve got money,” Keoni said, shrugging. Then he held out the package he had in his arms. “Here. You’ll want to leave this here.” Gabriel placed the cake box back on the counter and took the gift from Keoni. “What is it?” “Something I found in Brazil that I thought you would like, of course,” Keoni said with a smile, his eyes lightening a little as he relaxed around Gabriel. “It’s one of your Christmas presents.” Gabriel shook the box. “One of my Christmas presents? Can I open it? Please?” Keoni chuckled and nodded. “Go on, then.” He gestured to the box. 45
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer Gabriel pulled at the bow and lifted the top of the wrapped box. Inside were the most gorgeous white orchids he’d ever seen. “Wow.” He lifted them from the box and held them up to his nose. “They’re beautiful!” Lifting one out of the box, Keoni sniffed and nodded. “They’re vanilla orchids. You can cook with them. It’s supposed to be a specialty. I thought you would like them,” he said. “I do!” Gabriel insisted. He placed the orchids back in the box and put them in the dry cooler. He then took the one from Keoni’s hand and ran it down the other man’s face, letting it linger at his lips. He leaned forward and kissed at the plump cusp of Keoni’s lower lip, tasting it. “Delicious,” he murmured. With a deep sigh, Keoni slid his arms back around Gabriel’s waist, content just to be close. “So do I rate a special dessert for coming home?” he asked plaintively. “You can have anything you want,” Gabriel offered, settling against Keoni’s chest. “You name it, it’s yours.” Keoni purred again, kissing the top of Gabriel’s head. “Fresh cream, baby,” he drawled, squeezing Gabriel’s rear. “I have some that was delivered this morning.” Gabriel’s arms snaked around Keoni’s waist, pulling him closer. Chuckling, Keoni hugged Gabriel. “I want it fresh from the source, if you don’t mind,” he murmured into Gabriel’s ear. 46
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer “I can take you by the dairy, if you’d like.” Keoni sighed, losing interest in the teasing. “I missed you, Gabriel. I want you,” he rumbled quietly. “Shall I be more specific?” Frowning slightly, Gabriel stepped back. “If you let me check with Chuck next door, he’s my usual courier. He can deliver the cake.” Looking forlorn, Keoni closed his eyes, knowing he’d pushed too hard. “How about I just head home? I’m obviously too worn out to keep my foot out of my mouth,” he said. “I’m sorry.” Gabriel sighed. “I don’t want you to go, but if you feel you must….” He picked at the ribbon on the cake box. “I missed you.” “I thought maybe I said something wrong,” Keoni murmured. “Will you come to my house tonight? When you finish here?” Gabriel blushed slightly. “I can be there in thirty minutes, if that’s all right. And I’ll bring your present.” Keoni brightened and nodded. “Yeah. Yeah, that’ll be great. I’ll see you then, pulelehua.” He stopped next to Gabriel, bending slightly to kiss the corner of his mouth. Gabriel accepted the kiss, smiling at Keoni. “See you then, Keoni.” Keoni started to walk away, but Gabriel pulled him back. He wrapped his arms around Keoni’s neck and kissed him soundly, exploring his mouth until they were 47
Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer both breathless. “I missed you,” he whispered as Keoni pulled away. “I think you’re my Christmas present,” murmured, closing his arms around Gabriel.
Keoni
“Mele Kalikimaka,” Gabriel whispered before kissing him again.
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Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer
SONJA SPENCER has always enjoyed writing as an escape from her professional life. She spends what spare time she has with her family and friends; and she loves long walks on the beach, jumping in puddles and cuddling puppies. She aspires to be an entertaining writer and a gourmet chef.
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Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer
Other titles from Sonja…
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Mele Kalikimaka / Sonja Spencer
©Copyright Sonja Spencer, 2008 Published by Dreamspinner Press 4760 Preston Road Suite 244-149 Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. Cover Art by Dan Skinner/Cerberus Inc.
[email protected] Cover Design by Mara McKennen This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. This eBook cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this eBook can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press at: 4760 Preston Road, Suite 244-149, Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ Released in the United States of America December, 2008
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