Page 2 of Intrigued By Love

“Yes, just tell me so I can get back to work.”

Ignoring my annoyance, she started.

“Dear Gemini,

“A blast from the past will force you to confront your dual nature.

“Love is in the air, but only if you are open to it.

“Remember, your heart can't heal if you don't examine the wounds.”

The second Raquel said “a blast from the past,” a vision of gray eyes flashed in my head. Eyes that belonged to a man I’d done everything not to think of ever since Lina had called me about having her wedding on the island. Eyes of the man I couldn’t seem to forget or get over.

An ache burned in my chest, opening a wound that never truly healed.

“Shit. Kailani, what did I say? You’ve gone pale. Are you okay?”

Raquel’s concerned words snapped me out of my panic.

“Yes. Yes, I’m okay.”

“Was it the horoscope?” She tapped her lips with a finger before her eyes grew big. “Is one of the wedding guests an ex?”

I rarely, if ever, discussed my personal life with anyone on the island. It was easier to pretend I was all business instead of a hopeless romantic who was nursing a broken heart.

“Don’t you have a banquet to oversee?”

“I get the hint.” Raquel moved to the door.

“I know you did. I’m going to take the first transport to the airport so I can meet my family. You know how they’ll never let me hear the end of it if I’m even a few seconds late.” I glanced at my watch and winced. “Shit, I’m in trouble. Their plane from Honolulu lands in less than an hour.”

“Don’t worry about anything. I’ll hold down the fort. Take care of your family. You’re technically a guest for the wedding too.”

I rolled my eyes. “If only that were possible.”

“I’m going to make it my mission for you to have fun, even if it means that I have to call in backup. Meaning your mom and aunts.”

Thinking of my mom and her sisters made me smile. They had this way of getting people to do what they wanted without anyone being the wiser. Just like how they’d inserted themselves into helping me with all the wedding details when I could have managed everything without them.

On their last visit, Raquel had been “officially” adopted into the family. Which meant if Raquel told them I was overworked, they would close ranks and keep me from doing any of my hotel duties.

“Warning heard. I’m still going to make sure this wedding happens without a hitch. However, I promise to enjoy time with everyone here.”

“Maybe someone in the wedding party will tickle your fancy.”

I pushed down the dread her words brought forth and said, “Nope. Not interested.”

She shrugged. “It was worth a try.”

Chapter Two

Kailani

I arrived at the Motu Mute Airport just in time for the private jet carrying my family to touch down.

I couldn’t wait to see everyone. My last visit to Honolulu, where my parents lived, was in December during a three-day stretch between Christmas and New Year’s. I missed my family. Missed my bossy sister Kiana telling me what to do. And it was even worse ever since my brother moved back to Oahu with my sister-in-law, Cora. Lina lived on the mainland but was the one I saw most often due to her jet-setting lifestyle and Hollywood paycheck.

I made my way to the outdoor waiting area. The wind picked up, cooling my heated skin. Inhaling deep, I let the light floral scent mixed with the salty ocean air engulf my senses. I loved living in French Polynesia and especially Bora Bora. Yes, it was a tourist destination, but it was no way near as overwhelming as Las Vegas or Honolulu, where I’d grown up.

---