Chapter Ten

 

As the driver maneuvered the car away from the curb at the Kahului Airport, she appeared relaxed and happy. Convincing Melissa to make the trip was easy. Helping her get everything ready to leave was the challenge. Somehow, she’d managed it all.

He placed his hand on her thigh. “The scenery will get prettier once we get away from this area.”

“I already think it’s fantastic. And I love the idea that we’ll have our own villa.”

“We’ll have more privacy. I think we deserve to be treated like royalty, so I hired a cook and a housekeeper too.”

She leaned closer and kissed him. “Thank you. I always thought we’d be middle-aged before we found the time to come to Maui. This is a real treat. I just wish we could be here longer than a week.”

“I promise to bring you back.” He rubbed her knee.

“You’ve been making a lot of promises lately.” She gave him an earnest glare.

“And I intend to keep every one of them. You’re more than just special to me, you’re everything to me and for the rest of my life, I intend to prove just how special you are.”

Tears gathered in her eyes. She tried to hold them back by biting her lip.

“Don’t cry. This is supposed to be fun, a new beginning for us. So while we’re here, everything else stays behind. No more dredging up what used to be. Do we have a deal?”

She nodded. He wiped away the tears clinging to her lashes and rolling down her cheek. “If you don’t stop crying, you’re going to miss the beautiful scenery along Route 30.” He pointed out the window. “Look, there’s the ocean.”

“It so hard to believe we’ve come so far. I didn’t think it was possible.” She glanced out the window. “Is that a public beach?”

“Yes, want to stop?”

For several moments, she stared without saying a word. Her eyes grew larger. “I’ve seen special places before, so why does this feel so superior to anything else? The water is so blue, the weather is perfect.” She took a deep breath and pressed her hands to her chest. “Okay…okay, I need to slow down and just enjoy our time here. Let’s go to the villa, I’m sure the view from there will be just as remarkable.”

“I’ve only seen the pictures, but I think you’re going to love it.”

The drive along Route 30 kept her occupied until they reached Lahaina. After making a wrong turn, the driver found the hidden entrance to the small villa. They pulled into a circular drive lined with palm trees and pink lokelani. Melissa leaned forward to stare out the window. The one-story house appeared to be made of glass.

Melissa turned to him. “Darius, this is fabulous. I can’t believe I almost turned down the opportunity to be here.” She sounded like an awed child overwhelmed with the present she’d always wanted.

“Only the best for you from now on, baby.” He kissed her cheek. Just as they stepped out of the car, the caretaker came out the front door.

“Mr. and Mrs. Bellamy, welcome. I’m Clint. We’re all ready for you. Please leave the bags and head inside. I’ll take care of everything.”

“Thank you, Clint.” Darius offered his hand to help Melissa out of the car.

Melissa pulled him into the cool interior of the house. She kicked off her sandals and wiggled her toes on the marble floor. “I think I’ve found the house I want to live in forever. Look at this place. It’s indescribable.”

Clint walked in behind them and cleared his throat. “I know you’ve just arrived and probably want to get settled, but the luau you wanted to attend starts in about an hour. You have just enough time to change and I’ll drive you over.” He wrung his hands. “I’ve placed your bags in the master bedroom.” He pointed across the living space to a hall. “The master suite is on the left facing the ocean. Will anyone else be joining you this week?”

Darius pulled Melissa against his chest. “Nope, it’s just us two. Just the way we want it. Let’s just say we’re on our honeymoon.”

Clint bowed his head. “Very well, sir. I’ll wait in the drive.”

Darius reached for Melissa’s hand and led her down the hall. “I think we have enough time to christen this joint before dinner,” he whispered in her ear.

“If not, we’ll make time,” she replied with a wide grin.