Aloha, page 23
Maddie motions behind me.
I twist around to see five banners strung from the top balcony. Each one representing one of tonight’s bachelors.
“Ladies and gentlemen…” I wave my hand like Vanna White, “tonight’s bachelors. Well…all but one. You see the solid black one in the middle? They’re keeping him a mystery by saving the sweetest stud for last.” Reaching over, I take the camera from Maddie, bring it in for a close-up, and whisper, “Pretty hot, right? If only you guys at home had a chance to bid on one of these guys…” I raise my finger in the air. “Oh wait! You can. All you have to do is go to the Krown Kandies link below and click on the Sweet Stud banner on the homepage. Not only will someone here win a date, but you at home will too!” A smile stretches across my face.
Maddie comes up behind me and rests her head on my shoulder. “Sign me up. I’ll take one of each.”
We both laugh.
“If you want a chance, all you have to do is donate a dollar. One. Single. Dollar. Or donate more, it’s totally up to you. However, the more you donate, the more entries you receive. Kind of cool, right?” I glance over my shoulder. “What do you say, Mads? Think we should enter?”
“Of course.”
“Well, that’s my cue to go.” I blow a kiss. “Make sure you follow @Me_Time_With_Mia because this party is just getting started!”
“Bye-eee,” we say in unison.
I end the live just as we hit the waiting line for the step and repeat.
“I think that went well. It’s been a while since I’ve been live at an event.”
“You do realize that you are worried for nothing? All you have to do is promote those bachelors and your followers will keep the money flowing.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“I know I’m right.” She grabs me by the hand. “So—who would you marry, fuck, kill?” Maddie blurts out.
“What?” My face twists in confusion.
She points to the banners. “I would marry Damon, fuck Nash, and kill Chase.”
“Oh!” I ponder her question. “Hmmm…I don’t know.”
“Well, Damon is obviously hubby material. He’s a pediatric heart surgeon which means he’s practically a superhero! Nash, a sexy country singer. Not from here, but he can lay me down and play me like his guitar any day. Chase? Well…Chases suck. The end.”
I shake my head. “You’re crazy.”
“You never know, Mia. Yours could be up there too!”
Yeah, I don’t think so.
Chapter 3
Mia
“You won’t believe this.” Maddie slides up to the candy bar.
“You got married in Ice Cream Mountain?” I fight back a smile.
“Let’s forget the marriage thing for now.” She scoffs. “Dr. Damon was a no-go.”
“That stinks.” I pick up a bowl. “Peppermint?”
“Don’t mind if I do.” A deep voice vibrates behind me, causing all the tiny hairs on the back of my neck to stand at attention and my sister’s eye to widen.
“I think that’s my cue to leave.” Maddie gives her a nod of appreciation. “Plus, I’m meeting Logan McGregor, bachelor number four, in the storage closet for a little game of seven minutes in heaven.” She pops a mint into her mouth before walking away.
I’m going to kill her!
“Peppermint?”
He’s still here.
“No, I’m good.” I set the bowl back down, hoping he takes the hint.
He reaches across the table and grabs the striped candy.
“Listen—” I spin around, coming eye-to-chest with a wall of a man. “Holy shit.”
“Everything okay?” I don’t have to look up to know he’s smirking. It’s probably one of those sexy, make-your-clothes-fall-off kind of smirks.
Don’t look up, Mia.
“There’s nothing much here.” I pat around on the table and grab the first thing I find. A Twizzler!
“So…” he rasps out, “are you just going to stand there looking at my chest?”
“I’m not looking at your chest,” I choke out. This man is making me nervous and I’m not sure why. I don’t feel threatened in the least. There’s something about his presence that has me wanting to strip off all my clothes and go skinny dipping in the chocolate river.
“What would you call it then?”
“Eating a Twizzler.”
“They wouldn’t have Twizzlers at a Krown Kandie event.” He mock scolds me.
Shit! Why didn’t I think of that?
“Looks to me like they do.” I tease, taking a bite off one of the ends to hold it up.
Big mistake.
Because my vision betrays me and glance up to meet some of the sexiest hazel eyes I’ve ever seen.
“Hello.” His gaze glistens with mischief.
“Hey.” I can’t seem to form any other words.
“How’s the licorice? I actually prefer it to the brand I shall not mention. It has more of a natural strawberry flavor don’t you think?” His full lips curl into a wicked grin.
Stupid lips.
“Did you know if you bite off the ends it doubles as a straw?” I blurt out before flipping the licorice stick upside down, showing him step by step. “See?”
Palm to the face!
“Interesting. Give me a minute.” He walks off, leaving me standing there holding a straw formally known as a Twizzler.
Get a grip, Mia.
I’m being ridiculous. I came here to do a job—and that’s what I’m going to do. I pull out my cell phone and flip the camera around.
Candy bar selfie time.
Maybe if I distract myself with work, I can drown out the urge to hunt down Mr. Hazel Eyes and drag him back here so I can…what? Ravage him?
This is stupid. There are only so many pictures you can take without it being overkill. My followers don’t want me ogling over chocolate, they want the bachelors—which is exactly what I’m going to give them.
Standing on my tiptoes, I peer over the crowd, trying to get a glimpse of one of the studs in their signature pink bowties when I see him…Mr. Hazel Eyes.
This man is more than just eyes and lips. He is perfection with his slicked-back hair, devilish eyes, and sinful smile.
He catches me staring.
Great. He looks like a million bucks, and I look like a stalker.
No. No. No.
He’s coming back this way, looking like James Bond with two flutes of bubbly, one in each hand.
“Champagne?” He casually extends a glass my way. “I couldn’t help but notice you couldn’t take your—.”
“I wasn’t staring.” I blurt, before downing the drink to settle my nerves.
Smooth. Real lady-like.
I mean, what if I was practically one step away from humping a giant sucker on the way to Lollipop Woods.
“I was going to say camera. I saw you taking pictures.” He winks, downing his own drink before raising the empty glass.
“Another.” It’s more of a demand as he grabs two more flutes from the passing waiter.
“Time to test out your theory.” He grabs a Twizzler and bites off one end, then the other.
Oh! My theory.
He watches me as he places the licorice in my glass. “Try it.”
Is this man nuts?
“I don’t need to. I already know it works.”
“Well, just think how much more fun for you to show me.”
I roll my eyes.
His mouth twitches.
“Fine.” I wrap my lips around the makeshift strawberry straw and suck, draining my glass…for a second time. “See! It works. Are you happy?”
“Very.” He cocks his head.
“What?” What is it with this man? He’s driving me insane.
“I was wrong about you, Ms. Matthews.”
“Ex-Excuse me?”
“How rude of me.” He holds out his hand. “Klayton Ellis.”
Holy hell!
How did I not recognize him? As the face of Krown Kandie he’s practically plastered on every billboard… and gossip magazine. His mom Kandace Klayton-Ellis approached me to promote this event and the new candy line Klayton is marketing.
“Oh!” I take a step back to put some space between us. “I’m sorry. I didn’t recognize you…”
Without your flavor of the week hanging off your arm.
“Really?”
Crap! Did I just say that out loud?
Klayton reaches for my arm and spins me around.
I’m going to get tossed out. My reputation will be ruined and my IG status gone.
“I don’t know, Mia…do I look different?” He stares at our reflection in the mirrored walls of the Ice Palace. His eyes rake over my body.
“No,” I choke out.
There’s something about this man that has me feeling things I’ve never felt before.
Need.
“Good. You can’t always believe what you read.” Klayton turns toward me. “What you see right now—it’s exactly what you get.” He runs his tongue along his bottom lip, shaking his head. “But can you say the same? Are you that quirky, quick-witted girl who trembles at my slightest touch?”
“I don’t—”
He runs the back of his hand along my bare arm and I shiver. “You were saying?”
“They must have kicked up the air.” I point toward the Ice Palace sign. “You know, to set the mood.”
“Is that right?” Klayton closes the distance between us. “Because I think your body knows exactly what it wants.”
Traitor!
“It doesn’t. It’s all this damn chocolate.” I wave my hand around the room. “You know…it’s an aphrodisiac.”
Klayton throws back his head and laughs. “Try again. I haven’t seen you eat a single piece.”
“You know there are like a hundred candy bars here, right?”
“Fifteen actually,” he corrects as he steps forward, wraps his arm around my waist, and pulls me into his chest.
“I’m going to ask you nicely.” I plead, bringing my hands up between us. “Please don’t. I’m not something you can play with.”
He lowers his face, breathing me in. “You’ve had champagne, strawberry licorice, and something a little sour, but no chocolate.”
“Okay, fine.” I push off him. “You’re my chocolate, but the joke is on you. I hate it. It’s too messy for me.”
Klayton brings his hand up to his chin, narrowing his eyes. “So, I’m chocolate?”
“Yes, follow along. You’re bad for me. You’re sticky and temperamental.”
“But if it tastes good, isn’t it worth it?”
Yes!
“No!”
His smirky smile is back. “Two can play this game.” He holds up his finger, telling me to wait as he walks over to the table and grabs a bag of cotton candy.
“What are you doing?”
“You’re cotton candy.” Klayton reaches into the bag and pulls off a little section. “Looks amazing, light—almost transparent.” He takes a bite of the pink fluff. “Tastes fucking amazing.” He pulls off another piece and pops it into his mouth. “It’s addicting.”
“Whatever.”
Klayton brings his fingers up to his mouth, licking them one by one. “It’s a little messy, but fun to clean up.”
I gulp.
He notices.
“Mia—”
“Klayton!” someone calls out. “There you are.” A petite brunette comes strolling up. “I’ve been looking for you.” She wraps her arm around his waist.
“Cassie.” He says her name. Not a hello or what do you need?—just her name as his eyes remain fixed on me.
“They need you backstage for a moment,” Cassie coos, leaning into Klayton.
I don’t know what it is about this girl, but I don’t like the way she’s looking at me while draping herself all over him.
“I’ll be right there.” He runs his hand down her back.
“You know what?” I hold up my phone. “I have to get to work anyway.”
“Come on, Klayton. Let the help get back to work.”
I slide the phone to life and open the camera. “But first, a picture of Krown Kandie’s finest with his girlfriend.”
“Oh yes!” Cassie giggles, striking a pose. “This is nice. Isn’t it, Klayton?” She glances up to him, but his eyes are on me.
“Perfect! See you guys around.” I walk over to the candy bar and pour myself a cup of M&M’s or Krown Kandie’s version of the chocolate coated candy.
“Hey!” Klayton calls after me.
I spin around. “Yeah?”
“I thought you didn’t like chocolate.”
“Like I said, chocolate is messy, but these have a protective shell.” I pop a few into my mouth, then hold up my hand. “Melts in your mouth, not in your hands.”
“We’re not done here,” he calls after me.
That’s what I’m afraid of.
Chapter 4
Mia
“We’re in the lead.” Maddie rushes over to my side and holds her phone in front of my face. “That trip is so ours!”
“Shh!” I pull her over to the side. “Someone may hear you.”
She rolls her eyes. “You’re so dramatic.” She waves her hand around. “No one here cares except for the other bloggers who are too busy snapping pictures and perfecting their posts.”
“This isn’t about the trip.”
She flashes me her screen again. “We have raised almost two hundred and thirty thousand dollars! That’s huge, sis. And it’s all because of you and your followers. This is why they had you here.” She motions to all the guest and bloggers who are roam around the castle. “It’s why everyone is here and it’s also why they decided to give away a trip to Hawaii as an incentive. There is nothing to be ashamed about. That trip is well deserved for someone who is giving so much and putting in the work. So, why not us? Why can’t we be excited about going to one of the most beautiful places on earth?”
It's not so much that I don’t want to win the trip. I do. I just don’t want to make a scene about it. That’s all I need is for someone to get us on video celebrating too early or make some kind of accusation.
“You’re right. We do deserve it, but let’s try to contain our excitement for when we do when.”
“Now, that’s what I’m talking about.” She does a little hula dance before she spins around and runs into one of the bachelors on the banners.
“Hello ladies.” A drop-dead gorgeous man with piercing blue eyes saunters up to us.
“Chase fucking Carmichael.” My sister mumbles turning her back to bachelor number one.
I’m sure there’s a story there that I’ll have to interrogate her about later.
“Maddie.” His voice is laced with amusement. “How have you been?”
“Good.” She doesn’t bother to turn around until she stuffs her mouth full of caramels.
I can’t help but notice the way he’s eyeing her up and down like she’s on the menu. “Looking more beautiful since the last time I saw you and I wasn’t sure if that was even possible.”
She shrugs nervously and points to her mouth that is in overdrive working the extra chewy candy.
“Well… this is awkward.” I give Chase an apologetic smile. “Do you care if I pull you over here to do a quick live for my viewers?”
Maddie shoots me a look that could kill before she spins around and darts out of there.
“Maddie’s your…” He watches her walk away.
“Sister.” I cut him off letting him know exactly who she is and that she’s off limits of any discussion. “So, anyway… how about that live.”
Chase straightens his pink bowtie before coming to stand next to me wrapping and arm over my shoulder. “Let’s do this.”
No doubt Chase is an attractive man but being in close proximity to the pretty playboy does nothing to my heartrate—not like when I’m near Klayton. With him it’s not warm and fuzzy, or even butterflies, it’s a powder keg and a match just itching to be struck. I know I would love the burn, but it’s the aftershock that would ruin me.
Focus!
“On the count of three.” I plaster on a smile and mentally count down.
Three... two… one.
“Hello everyone! I’m live at the Krown Kandie charity event with one of tonight’s sexiest most eligible bachelors, Chase Carmichael.” I turn my head and give Chase an approving glance from head to toe. “So, ladies… how much do you think bachelor number one will go for?”
Chase winks at the camera and chuckles when he reads some of the comments.
@bookish_girl101: I’d be his for free.
@net_diva21: It’s the eyes for me!!!*sigh*
@sweettooth: I’m hungry for something and it’s not Krown Kandies!
I glance over my shoulder and flash them Ice Cream Mountain. “Whoa… ladies. How about some of you take a minute to cool down, then click the link in my bio and take your chance on bidding on Mr. Blue Eyes here.”
“I’m ready and waiting.” Chase gives the camera his best smoldering look. “Every single dollar tonight goes to the children’s hospital, the patients and their families.” Chase pulls me in for a big squeeze. “So, let’s show them what Mia’s followers can do and get those bids in. For every dollar you donate, I’ll match it.”
He smiles down at me, and it’s genuine. Not just for the camera.
“Wow! That’s amazing. Thank you, Chase.” I lean my head on his arm. “Who knew this big guy had an even bigger heart?”
“So, what’s going on here.” Klayton squeezes in between us and takes my phone. My followers go crazy with their comments. He’s obviously their favorite bachelor. No surprise there.
“Are you guys really falling for this guy’s nice-guy act?” He gives his audience what they want and flashes them his signature panty melting smile. “Or would you rather bid on someone you know who will show you a good time?” He pats his chest. “What you see is what you get.” Klayton brings the phone closer. “Not all those reports are fake news.” He waggles his brows, and the comments continue to flood in.
