Gods of Hawaii 1

Leid by the Shark

When Stilton Resorts sends Aaron Enomoto to build a megaresort in the sleepy Hawaiian town of Halana, he finds the region more complicated than he'd imagined. The roads are bad, the housing primitive. The only good thing about the area is a sexy local who becomes his tour guide and then his lover. The son of a Hawaiian shark god, Jake Kalani wants to protect the region from those who would destroy the natural landscape and its close-knit community. He doesn't want to trust Aaron, but his father insists. The god Ku-Hai-Moana forces them together, demanding that Jake join forces with the handsome outsider. Aaron's not sure what's seducing him morethe island's magic or the sexy Jake. But in finding a paradise worth defending, Aaron also discovers that love requires jumping in with both feet. Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Paranormal Length: 27,090 words

LEID BY THE SHARK

Gods of Hawaii 1

Daisy Harris

EROTIC ROMANCE MANLOVE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at legal@sirenbookstrand.com

A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Erotic Romance ManLove

LEID BY THE SHARK Copyright 2012 by Daisy Harris E-book ISBN: 1-61926-538-9 First E-book Publication: April 2012 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers
Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Lei'd by the Shark by Daisy Harris from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Daisy Harriss livelihood. Its fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Harriss right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION
Thanks to Danica Avet and Brien Michaels, who fielded all my e-mails. And thanks to my loving husband, who always knows the best places on the planet to go, even if he has to drag me there kicking and screaming.

LEID BY THE SHARK

Gods of Hawaii 1 DAISY HARRIS
Copyright 2012

Prologue
Have you heard about the shark god? six-year-old Aaron Enomoto asked his father the second his family had been seated for dinner. Mr. Kealoha says there was a shark god named Kauhuhu who helped Kamolo get revenge on his people and killed a whole village! He led them to the sea and swallowed them whole! Torches lit the outdoor dining area at the Waikiki Kailua Lani, and the evening breeze cooled Aarons sunburned shoulders. He watched his father, bursting with expectation. Isnt that cool? His father glanced at his mother with a raised eyebrow. It was a common expression in the Enomoto family. Thats an interesting story. So you learned about Hawaiian myths today? He looked over Aarons head to talk to Aarons mother and said, I thought the camp counselors were going to help him with his winter break homework. Aarons mom smiled. She mussed Aarons hair and petted his cheek. I think its an exciting story. To Aarons father, she said, Why visit Hawaii if were not going to learn a little about the place? Aarons father buried his attention in his food, though his mother asked, What else did you learn? Grinning at the chance to say more on the topic, Aaron launched into what Mr. Kealoha had told the group at the resort day camp.

Leid by the Shark

Another shark god married a lady in the Waipio Valley, and she had a son who could turn into a shark! Hes a good shark and he helps people. Aaron thought about Mr. Kealoha and another big smile stretched his face. The counselor was smart, and handsome, and really, really nice. His father snickered into his food. At least Japanese myths make sense. He said it under his breath, but Aaron still felt the sting. His dad told Japanese stories sometimes, but Aaron had only been to Japan once. Other than their annual trip to Hawaii, Aaron had lived his whole life in their suburb of San Diego. They do not! Aarons mother made him feel better by laughing. Blonde-haired and blue-eyed, his mom was from a place called Oregon. She talked about Oregon a lot, but Aaron had never been there. No myth makes any more sense than another. She plucked a sweet roll out of the basket in the middle of the table and buttered it. I tink da shark god is da best. Aaron caught himself mimicking Mr. Kealoha and stumbled to correct himself before his father would scold him. I think the shark god is the best, he said clearly. Then he lamely added, The best myff. His father sighed. He put down his fork and leveled a stern look at his mother. I told you we shouldnt use that daycare. Aaron tried not to be scared. He loved going to the daycare camp. They did crafts and drew pictures. Its only ten days. His mom spoke patiently at his father. What could happen? His dads face softened into a smile for his wife, and he grudgingly shared one with Aaron too. He held up a finger Aarons way, commanding attention. Just make sure to do your homework. He paused, turning back to his food. And speak English. He shot Aarons mom a teasing smile. Or Japanese. Aaron nodded, making sure his dad knew he understood. Then when everyone had gone back to eating, he took a chance and asked, Can I tell you more about the sharks, dad?

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His father took a sip of his wine. Maybe on the plane ride home.

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Chapter One
Thirty-year-old Aaron Enomoto, newly promoted Project Manager for Stilton Resorts, studied the surf and categorized all the players on the beach break. There was always a hierarchy, and on the North Shore of Maui the unspoken laws seemed more complex than on the beaches of San Diego where he grew up. He scanned the guys straddling their boards and looked for the most intimidating ones, the guys most likely to be locals. As he expected, they were at the head of the lineup awaiting the first choice of waves. Aaron watched the leaderbroadest of shoulderdrop in. The guys further down the reef kept their distance. Aaron strode into the water and bent to float his board on the foamy water. The ocean swirled around his legs, warm enough he didnt need a wetsuit. He lay flat on the gritty deck and started paddling. When a wave rose up to meet him, Aaron pressed into a duck dive. The salty coolness washed over his skin like a baptism. Then he was out where he wanted to be, jockeying for the best location amidst the surfers. A group of kids looked him over appraisingly and backed off enough to give him space. And when a swell rose behind him, Aaron lay down to paddle into the wave. He dropped into the wall of water, popping up to stand. In a rush of exhilaration, Aaron felt like the world belonged to him. He didnt need to worry about the stress of his job, or the douchebag who had come in his mouth and then dissed him the previous week. Nothing mattered except the ocean flying by and the curve of his board under his feet.

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He twisted his body for a cutback, and a shape launched at him from above. Aaron ducked flat on the board trying for a turtle roll to protect himself, but the ocean swallowed him in one large gulp. Aaron tucked into a ball and waited for gravity to make sense again. Bubbles rolled in wild circles and salt burned his eyes. In a moment of terror, he saw black volcanic rock floor speeding toward his face. But something huge and smooth swept against his side, pushing him away from the reef. Aaron flipped to see what it was, and his heart thumped hard in his chest. A fin flashed and a distinctly shaped tail whipped. Aaron kicked like his life depended on it before the shark could turn around. He broke through the surface, gasping and searching for his board. By some magical force, it was right by his head, and he dragged up and rolled onto it. He lay faceup in the scorching sun, as if he could hide from the underwater predator. Holy mother of fuck! Everyone knew Hawaiian waters had sharks, but hed never seen one on his trips to in Waikiki. And the damn thing had touched him! Aaron tried to stay loose. He didnt want any of the other guys to think hed gotten shaken just from being dumped. Eh! You okay? Aaron turned in the direction of the voice. A local guy headed over, his Samoan-sized shoulders bunching as he paddled. All Aaron had seen of the dude whod landed on him was a shock of dark hair and brown skin, but he suspected the man paddling his direction was the culprit. I saw a shark, man. You better watch out. The guy sat up on his board, spreading his legs wide to straddle. His thick calves hung over the edges of his ride, and he batted the water with his feet. He crossed his arms in disbelief. Nah, you probably saw wrong. He seemed more amused than pissed. Theres no sharks around here. Whatever. Aaron frowned. He hated being contradicted. I dont care if your ass gets eaten. He shifted onto his belly and peered

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over the edge of his board. Now that he wasnt flipping around underwater, it did seem unlikely hed seen a shark. You wan eat my ass, yeah? The guy pumped his eyebrows once, the barest hint of a smile tugging his full lips. Aaron blinked, hoping his mouth wasnt hanging wide open. He wasnt sure whether the guy was picking a fight or hitting on him. You wish. He shifted his attention to another part of the break and started paddling. A board streamed next to his. Local Guy blew Aaron a kiss that was equal parts frightening and sexy. There was a laugh in his voice when he called over, Maybe I do, City Boy. The guy pulled away, letting Aaron find a new spot among the boards. Out of the corner of his eye, Aaron saw Local Dude talking with his friends. He couldnt stop checking the guy out. No doubt about it, Hawaiian Guy was hot. He may not have been one hundred percent Hawaiian native, but he sure seemed like he was at least part. His features were hard and square, and there was a quickness to the slant of his eyes. Despite his impossibly broad shoulders and chest, he narrowed sexily at the hips. His legs were like twin tree trunks. The more Aaron thought about the exchange, the more he had to admit itBeach King was flirting. Aaron smiled, kicking at the water beneath his board. Somehow, flirting with a stranger was more exciting when he wasnt at a club or somewhere gay-centric. Maybe straight people took chance encounters for granted. But for Aaron, each time it happened was like finding a pearl in an oyster. It didnt take him long to realize he wasnt going to surf anymore. Real or imagined, the shark encounter had worn him out. So Aaron let a wave take him into shore. The sun hovered on the horizon by the time he lifted his board under his arm to carry it up the beach. After shoving his feet into sandals, Aaron trudged toward the bedand-breakfast where he was staying. Stilton Hotels didnt have a

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location on the North Shore, so Aaron had booked his own accommodations. He passed a convenience store and stopped inside to grab a sports drink. The place was stocked with wine, sodas, sandwiches, and chipseverything a guy could want after a day on the beach. Though he didnt want to think about work, Aaron considered whether Stilton might want to open a similar business nearby. Dat all? The cashier looked up from Aarons lone, blue bottle. Yeah. Just that. Aaron resisted the draw of the banana bread, stacked in moist, plastic-wrapped slices on the counter. Aaron wouldnt fit in his size-twenty-eight jeans for long if he indulged his taste for snack foods. Thanks. He smiled at the lady, giving her a respectful duck of the head. Knowing the older woman would appreciate it, he added a thank-you in Hawaiian. Mahalo. She smiled and turned to the next customer, but Aaron couldnt help a little twinge of pride he felt at making her happy. A quick shower and an energy bar later, Aaron decided to check in with work. The B and B had a computer in the open central area. Like most accommodations of its kind, the place was run by a lady with too many cats and too little design sense. Faded wallpaper clashed with the island-style couch. Not a single chair or piece of furniture matched. The B and B didnt even have a website. Aaron thought it was a miracle anyone stayed there at all. He clicked on the ancient machine. With more than a little trepidation, he logged on to the remote server. Over two hundred emails strained his inbox. The most recent ones were in all caps, demanding to know why Aaron hadnt yet checked his mail. He sighed and pulled his smartphone out of his pocket. Damn. Hed thought that since he had cell service, he would also receive his mail. But his phone was only running the extended networkthe one that didnt have enough bandwidth to pull things off the web. Groaning, Aaron worked his way through the messages. The first few were general, asking about his schedule for building the 359-

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room and 450-Villa megaresort. Everyone wanted information on how to reach him once Aaron got to the building site in Halana. Later e-mails were from his supervisor, Paul. A project this size required near-constant oversight from the San Diego office. Whats more, Paul was pissed that Aaron had gotten promoted. He asked a hundred questions, no doubt waiting for Aaron to fuck something up. Those replies were easy to field. Hed created detailed itineraries for every step of the project. All he had to do was copy them to the right parties. Then he got to the last flurry of messages, all sent a few hours earlier. The whole slew of them had the same subject line. It read Problem. He started at the beginning and read the message forwarded by his boss. Apparently the winter rains had washed out a section of the Halana Coast Highway and the road crew fixing the area was running behind schedule. Aaron pressed a few fingers into his temple. It was fucking typical. He forced his frustration to the back of his mind and assured first his boss, then his assistant, then every other person whod emailed him that he would talk to the road crew and get things back on schedule. He was already on Maui, after all, and only a couple hours from the remote town of Halana. It couldnt be that hard to pay off whoever needed paying off. And if that didnt work, he might be able to fly in some additional workers. It was dark by the time Aaron got his mailbox down to a reasonable number of messages and logged out of his account. He considered surfing over to World of Warcraft and checking in with his guild, but it was pointless. Aaron couldnt trust his Internet connection while he was in Maui. He frowned, feeling lonely without his online friends. His guild was just going to have to schedule raids without him.

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A line had formed for the computeror what passed for a line in that rural part of Hawaii. Two surfer kids sat on the hideous couches and cast furtive looks Aarons way. When he stood from the desk, one of the kids waved and said Tanks, dropping the H as if hed never been off the islands, though his college sweatshirt read Michigan State. Aaron rolled his eyes. Youre welcome. The kid took a seat and then called over his shoulder to his girlfriend still on the couch. You want to go to The Reef tonight? Maybe. Its Queer Night, if it matters. She didnt look up from her celebrity gossip rag as she said it, nor did she use any inflection that said she was passing judgment. Both kids wore dreadlocks and tie-dyed T-shirts. They seemed like the liberal type not to care one way or another if a person was gay. Oh, I thought that was Thursday. The kid leaned in to the screen so that the light reflected in his glasses. Aaron overheard the girl saying, It is Thursday, you stoner! as Aaron took his leave through the unbearably tacky beaded curtain that served as a door. When he got to his room, Aaron perched on his bed and peered at the small TV sitting on a peeling, wood-veneer dresser. With only a ceiling fan for cooling, humidity seeped into furniture and bedding. Thats why Stilton hotels always insisted on air-conditioning in every room, even common areas partially open to the outside. Paradise was better with a little climate control. Flicking on the TV, Aaron scrolled through a few channels. The place didnt have cable. He snorted and tossed the remote onto the nightstand. They definitely werent going to have any pay-per-view, and Aaron would have to whack off without so much as a picture of a hot guy to look at. He stared longingly at his tablet computer, sitting sad and unused next to the inferior, and yet more functional, television. He logged on to his companys server from that machine, so Aaron was too paranoid to store any porn.

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He stood from the bed and opened his suitcase looking for clothes suitable for Queer Night in bumfuck nowhere. It was crazy to think he could get any action in the hippie backwater, but his chances were better outside his room. And anyway, he chuckled to himself, it might be fun to see what passed as Queer Night in a town full of surfers, and surfing-adjacent businesses. In fact, Aaron thought as he pulled out a shirt that hugged his frame, maybe he could expense the foraycall it research for a possible gay-night at the new hotel. He checked himself in the mirror on his way out. Aaron didnt bother with product since his haircut alone shouted City Boyjust like the local guy said. Hell, he probably spent more at one visit to the salon than most people in the area spent in a year. In a lifetime if you counted the folks with dreadlocks. His phone made a plaintive buzzing sound, signaling that it had once again lost the tower signal. With a slump of his shoulders, Aaron added build a new cell tower to the growing list of things Stilton would have to do in order to get the new resort up and running. The list only grew as Aaron walked to the bar instead of driving. The streets were pitch black. A trucks lights glared in the distance, and Aaron clambered as far as he could into the tall grass by the side of the road to avoid getting mowed down. The big, black truck screamed by, not even slowing. Aaron made a mental note to ask his boss about installing streetlights. Then he tentatively stepped back into the road and continued walking. As he neared the town, a sidewalk lined the street, making Aaron feel a hell of a lot safer. The towns lights looked surprisingly bright against the black of the island, and the deep blue of the ocean. Though it was only eight, the sidewalks buzzed with life. Paielas shops all had faux-Western storefronts, but were painted pastels or rainbow. People hung out on the streets, talking and bragging about waves. The Reef dominated a corner in the center of the five-block town. An outdoor seating area wrapped around the outside, bridging

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the gap between indoors and out. Patrons with beers in their hands sat on the log-beam railings, leaning over to talk to friends outside. Anyone who passed on the sidewalk seemed to know someone inside, so there was something of a crowd gathered. Aaron neared with trepidation. His jeans felt too tailored, his shirt too ostentatious. He couldnt help but notice that a lot of the guys hanging over the railing were smoking hot. Yeah, a lot of them were hairy, and possibly smelly, but Aaron steeled his nerves. He got plenty of coiffed and groomed tail in back home. After allhe smiledthere was no point of traveling if he wasnt going to learn a little about the place.

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Chapter Two
Jake lifted his beer to his lips. Behind his glass, he furtively scanned the bar. He didnt know why Eli and Kono had felt the need to tag along to Queer Night. He didnt know much about either of their love lives but since hed screwed pretty much every gay boy on his side of the island, he figured neither one of them swung his direction. You look for that malihini? Jake spared Kono a scowl. His friend called anyone whose ancestors hadnt paddled there from Polynesia a newcomer. And City Boy could perfectly well be from Honolulu. Im not looking for anyone. Jake wasnt going to give the guys a reason to rib him. Theyd expected him to give the guy who stole his wave a stern warning, and maybe a swift backhand. But neither of them had seen that beautiful body thrashing underwater and heading into the rocks. They certainly hadnt seen the malihini blush a dusky pink at the mention of eating Jakes ass. Another sip of beer covered Jakes eyes long enough for him to check the door. City Boy stood thereall decked out in fancy, bigcity clothes that made Jakes mouth water to bite them off. He was pretty as fuck. Bigger than Jake rememberedhaving mostly seen him chest-down in a surfboardand taller than his Japanese face would have predicted. He was a couple inches taller than Jake, and whip-thin. Jake smiled behind his glass. There he is, Eli said, stating what Jake already knew. Yeah. Jake turned back to his drink. Im tired. He moved to stand, planning to ditch Kono and Eli once they left the parking lot. It

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was juvenile to fake them out and double back to the bar, but Jake didnt need his friends knowing every time he got laid. Kono patted Jakes shoulder, pressing him into his seat. Dont wanna cramp your style, brah. Play nice, yeah? He stood and gestured toward the door, and Eli followed. Jakes friends passed City Boy on their way out, running smirks and glances over his body. Kono looked over his shoulder at Jake and winked. Jake turned back to his beer, shaking his head. He glanced at City Boy for only a second, but then silently urged him to come closer. He expanded his magical energy until he felt the tickle of the guys excitement caught in his net. Jake tugged, turning toward the guy as he neared. He made sure not to grin too wide or show too many teeth. The guy stopped a few stools away. He leaned over the bar to call out his order, but Jake held up a few fingers, drawing the servers attention. Then he asked just loud enough for City Boy to hear. You want a drink? City Boy huffed out a shrug of assent. He rolled his eyes as if to say, I guess theres no way to avoid it, and swerved around the stools to lean against the one Eli had warmed. You buying? He lifted the corner of his mouth into a smirk, his eyes sparkling in challenge. Is that to make up for nearly killing me? Jake chuckled under his breath. No. Truth was, he had meant to share the ride with City Boy, maybe use it as an excuse for a high five and a beer after. But Jake had miscalculated, zigged when City Boy zagged. Ah welleven half gods made mistakes. Just treating you to some local hospitality. He patted the stool right under City Boys butt, telling him to sit. City Boy leaned over the bar to give his order, sticking out his very fine ass. Seven and Seven, he told the girl who was tending bar. She looked at him confused, as if she was trying to remember how to make the drink, but then she nodded. Sure. She turned to Jake, Another beer?

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He downed the rest of his bottle. Yeah, thanks. Jake shot her a grin. She blushed as she spun around to get their drinks. So, is there where Im supposed to ask if you come here often? City Boy cocked an elbow on bar, his eyes sliding to half-lidded. Jake could tell City Boy had switched into cruising mode, but Jake didnt mind. It was cute. I like the atmosphere. He winked. Im Jake, by the way. He held out his hand. City Boy studied the hand in front of him for a split second before shaking it. Aaron. His grip was almost too firm, as if he was pointing out that just because Jake had thirty pounds on him he wasnt necessarily planning to play bottom. You having a nice vacation, Aaron? Jake loved getting laid in Paiela. The tourists tended to stay long enough for a second go-round. Plus, a lot of people who made it that far off the beaten track were looking for more than one type of adventure. The handsome newcomer did that shrug-and-eye-roll thing again, as if he was letting something wash off his skin. Yeah. Sbeen nice. He settled onto his stool. They made small talk while they drank, and when Jake ordered another round, Aarons smirk shifted into a coy smile. Thanks. Jake rotated his stool so that his thigh was in range for Aaron to get it in between his legs. As he had with Jakes hand, Aaron surveyed the leg for an instant before splaying his own on either side. Then, with a bold grin, he stood, so that the fly of his jeans skimmed Jakes denim. Thin stripes of red rode high on Aarons cheekbones. His jawline was sharp enough to cut glass. And his lips Jake couldnt stop looking at them. His mouth was small, but perfectly formed, and his lips pink and damp. The bar swirled around them, lively but mellow enough Jake wouldnt make out in public. He tilted his head to hum in Aarons ear. Wanna go down to the beach? He couldnt help the roughness of

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his voice, or the heavier accent he slipped into when horny. His cock pulsed to life inside his worn jeans, itching against fabric as it filled. Yeah. Aaron stumbled back, seeming to remember he was in a bar in a small town, not at a club in the city. Sure. You got a car? Yeah. Jake swiped his fingers along Aarons spine as they walked, resting his touch at the small of the other mans back. A black truck? Why am I not surprised? Aaron surveyed Jakes muddy, jacked-up Nissan. Jake clunked open his door and climbed inside, and then he leaned across the bench to pop the lock on the passenger side. When Aaron climbed in, Jake hooked a palm around the back of Aarons neck. Now it was Jakes turn to pauseto study the clean, smooth planes of Aarons facebefore he slanted his mouth for a kiss. Aaron sighed and went soft as butter, his lips tender and sweet. Aarons kiss was nothing like his edgy urban manner, and the juxtaposition made Jakes half-hardness stiffen into a club in his pants. You keep kissing like that and well be getting naked right here, yeah? He peeked around Aarons head at the folks trying not to look their way on the sidewalk. Snickering, Aaron pulled back. Dont want that. Yet. He smiled out the windowwatching the moon rise. A river of white danced from where the orb touched the water. Jake turned the ignition and shifted the truck in gear. He tossed his arm along the seat behind Aarons shoulders and peered behind him to back out. Then he eased them the short distance down the road to the beach where a line of cars and trucks were already parked, their occupants getting high or making out. Hed barely cut the engine when Aaron launched from his side onto Jakes lap. Ey. Jake bustled the pile of man away from his balls, working to get Aarons hard knees on the outside where they belonged. Easy, Aar. The short name slid easily from his lips, and Jake pretended the handsome city boy was his guy, and that theyd driven to the beach for a romantic nut.

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Cmon. Aaron worked the buttons of Jakes fly, his hands hot and insistent. He ran his lips over Jakes neck, down to his collarbone. He shifted just enough to get Jakes cock free, and moaned when it landed in his palm. Jake pumped up into that hot fist, growling his approval. Yeah. Yours, too. He dragged a finger over the seam of Aarons pants, testing the hard ridge beneath. Take it out. Jake loved telling a guy what to do during sex, and Aaronwith his fancy clothes and hair seemed just the type to like putting on a show. Too lazy to do it yourself? There was a hint of attitude in Aarons grin, but that didnt stop him from shimmying his jeans off his hips. The dusky head of his cock plumped over the elastic of his briefs. Then he shoved the burgundy underwear lower, under the curve of his balls. They were high and tight already. Aaron tugged them down before taking a firm hold on his shaft and sliding the foreskin along his length. You gonna rub us off? He wrapped his arms around Jakes neck. Before Jake could answer, he added, Fuck, you have no idea how bad I needed this tonight. Something about that whispered admission filled Jakes belly with warmth. It was like they were really together, like they knew each other and fit perfectly. Jake stroked Aarons sides to pull off his shirt. His fingers dipped between Aarons ribs, and then skimmed over the sharp cut of his abs. Yeah, Ill get you. He wrapped both their cocks in his callused grip. Aaron arched back. He scrabbled his hands over Jakes shirt, dragging it off. When Jakes torso was bare, Aaron leaned in to press their chests together. It felt like heaven. Dyou have any slick? Aaron fumbled with his jean pockets. Yeah, some. Jake leaned over to the glove compartment, flipping it open. He grabbed a bottle and poured a drop in his hand. Then he wrapped it around their twin cocks.

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I dont normally fuck strangers. Aaron twisted his hips as he said it. The frustrated whine in his voice said he wished he were comfortable enough to go further. Jake rubbed a long stroke up their shafts. SOkay. He met mouths with Aaron againgentle nips and kisses, then teasing his tongue into soft, perfect heat. After a long moment, he broke away. Thiss good. Yeah. Aaron pumped into Jakes grip. With one hand, he pinched his own nipple. Oh, hell yeah. Jake loved a guy who touched himself while he got done. Harder. Aarons eyelids fell to half-mast and his mouth opened. He twisted on his tit just like Jake asked. Speeding up his hand, Jake growled more orders. I want you come so hard it lands on your chin. He fed his hand down the stretchy fabric of Aarons briefs to cup his ass. Jake stroked the creaseall damp from sweat. He teased the cheeks apart. Oh yeah, just like that. Aaron grabbed Jakes neck, pulled their mouths together and kissed him like he could suck out Jakes soul. He whipped around, bucking into Jakes hand, and then droplets of his cum splattered their chests and dribbled over Jakes fingers. The hot handful slicked his last few strokes and Jake came, another fountain of cum in the trucks cabin. Aaron pressed their foreheads together, his quick pants fanning Jakes lips. Fuck. Jake wanted to take the guy home, have a proper night together, maybe a proper screw. He would have invited the guy to breakfast if his place in Halana wasnt over two hours away. So good, he crooned into the air between them. The night air smelled like ocean and barbecue. He could have drifted happily to sleep if he didnt have so far to drive. You need a tissue? Jake reached for the package.

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Thanks. Aaron eased off and back into the seat. His hard-edged, businesslike demeanor fastened into place as he wiped his chest clean. He pulled on his shirt, his expression not exactly cold, but not the soft and supple guy Jake had held a moment earlier. Hey, uhIve got to work tomorrow Jake might have been hurt by the brush-off except that he had to work, too. The assholes at Stilton hotels were sending someone by the work site to give him shit about when the road would be done. Yeah, me, too. He smiled at Aaron, hoping to get a grin in return. Aarons smile flashed in the moonlight streaming through the windshield. His face and throat were still flushed. He looked gorgeousfree and happy, like he belonged by the sea. Maybe some other night. Jake started the car. He didnt ask it like a question, because he knew their hookup was a one-off thing. But still, he wanted to leave it open-ended in case their paths ever crossed again. City Boy might take another surf vacation. Jake thought about giving him his number in case he wanted to call. Sure. Aaron toyed with the hair on the back of Jakes neck as they drove. He alternated little tugs and slow scratches until Jake wanted to curl up at his feet like a big, shaggy dog. Aaron pointed up the road. Thats where Im staying. Jake pulled in to the small dirt lot. Nice meeting you. He stroked a finger over Aarons cheekbone, a last touch before Aaron got out of the car. Um Aaron wrapped his fingers around the door handle, readying to get out. His eyes were sad, but then shifted to nervous. He bit his lip. Dyou have any interest in coming inside? Jake wrapped his hand around the back of his neck and pulled him into a kiss. When they broke apart, he said, Fuck, I thought youd never ask. ****

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Aaron snickered, tiptoeing down the hallway. He hid behind a wall while Jake stepped past the hippies watching TV in the main room. When Jake caught up with him, it was all Aaron could do not to break into giggles. They fell over each other getting into Aarons room. And when Jake closed the door, Aaron rushed to get both their shirts over their heads. They touched wordlessly in the dark. Aaron worried that the hotel owner would catch a nonpaying customer in the B and B and burst through the door, so he rushed to get their jeans off. Then he fell to his knees and took Jake in his mouth. He couldnt believe he was doing thisit had been years since hed slept with a stranger. But Jake seemed good, and kind. Anyway, hed never see the guy again, so it wasnt like Jake would judge him for his sluttiness. Jake huffed out a sigh and wove his hand in Aarons hair. He tasted like the oceana salty tide on Aarons tongue. After a few minutes of bobbing on his thick cock, Aaron couldnt wait any longer. He stood up, and stepped to his suitcase to dig out his lube and a condom. Finding Jakes hand in the dark, Aaron pressed the supplies into his palm. Use both, he whispered. He felt Jake nod, and then Jakes hands turning him around and bending him over the bed. It was at once impersonal and sweet, perfect and deliciously wrong. Jake breathed into Aarons ear right as his slippery fingers found his crease. Thiss not your first time, right? Aaron knew what he was really asking. Jake wanted to know if he had to go slow. But even if theyd had the time for a leisurely fuck, Aaron wanted it fast. Nope. Aaron twisted his neck for a kiss. He breathed into Jakes mouth, Not even close. Jake didnt answer. Instead, he pressed his lips to Aarons as he fingered him open. Aaron heard ripping foil and then felt the blunt press of Jakes cock on his hole. He forced his body to relax, and

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when Jake pushed forward, he pressed back, until Jake filled him to bursting. Sokay, yeah? Jake held himself upright with a hand on the bed, right next to Aarons head. He held still, his voice tentative. Not too much? Aarons eyes rolled back in his head it was so good. Yeah. No Sgood. Cmon. Do it. He braced his hands on the mattress, hoping to God the bed wouldnt make too much noise. But as Jake started thrusting, it was as if Jake had ninja skills. He pounded in brutal succession, but managed to do it at an angle that the bed didnt shift. You are amazing, Jake said, grabbing Aarons hips. Aaron might have said the same back, except that he was moments from coming. He scrabbled his hand under him to get at his cock. You gonna come for me, City Boy? And that was all it took. Aaron went off like a rocket, knowing he was making a mess of the B and Bs sheets and not caring one bit. He thought he felt Jake come too, but it was all a haze. The next thing he knew, Jake dragged him up the bed and tucked him under the covers. Jake kissed his head. Ill clean up, yeah? Jake whispered. By the time Aaron could form words to say good-bye, he knew Jake was gone.

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Chapter Three
Aaron woke the next morning smiling. He rolled facedown on his pillow, sniffing the faint lingering scent of Jake on his bedsheets. Reluctantly, he curled out of bed and headed to the shower in the hallway. You gonna eat before you go? The old lady who owned the place called to him from the kitchen nearby. She must have heard Aaron open the door. He shook his head, thinking how happy he was that Jake had left in the night. It would have been awkward trying to slip him out before the B and B owner woke. No thanks. Ill grab a coffee in town. Aaron heard disapproval in the innkeepers silence. He ignored her censure and slipped into the tiny but spotless bathroom. The sparse stubble on his chin was scored through with a rash from his hookup. Aaron sighed contentedly as he remembered Jakes kisses. He started the shower and stepped under the swift waterfall. The curtain was clear plastic with cloth flowers suspended in little windows. Through it, he could almost make out his reflection in the mirror and saw the ghost of last nights smile on his lips. He wondered if the bar did Queer Night each weekthey probably did. And if so, he wondered whether Jake would show up again. Aaron was scheduled to be in Halana for at least three months working on the new resort. Hed planned to spend every weekend he could in Honolulu. But if there was action to get nearby, and in the form of a hunky Hawaiian with smiling eyes, wellAaron might make an exception and settle in for a while.

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By the time he toweled off and crossed the hallway back to his room, Aaron was already whistling and planning what to wear to their next encounter. He checked his phone with one hand while he dressed with the other. A call from his mom and few text messages marked alert filled his screen. He checked the work texts first. Apparently, the lead guy on the road crew was named Jacob Kalani. Aaron tensed, but then swallowed his nerves. Jacob was a very common name. What were then chances it was the same guy? Still, an awkward sense of foreboding filled him as he packed his bags and dodged the innkeepers offer of coffee and Danish. He climbed in his car, wishing in some ways he hadnt gotten promoted. Sure, Aaron had worked nights and weekends all through his twenties to rise to his current position, but it had been easier when he was just another employee. He hit reply to his mothers call and listened for ring tones. The call went straight to her voice mail, which made sense since it was right about the time she must have been on her way to work. Aaron left a message. Hey, mom. Saw you called. Yes, Im in Maui now. I dont have much cell service around here, but Ill try to give you a call in a few days. He and his mom had always been close, but theyd been closer since Aaron came out. His mother seemed to feel like she had to compensate for his fathers distance and disapproval for Aarons choices. Aaron checked his signal one more time, seeing if he could send her an e-mail, but he only had one bar of 3G, so he started the car. Paiela was quiet at 7:00 a.m. A few local guys passed through in trucks like Jakesprobably going to work on the other, more developed side of the island. A couple surfers stood in line ahead of Aaron at the caf, ordering Chai tea or coffee before heading out for a mornings ride. Aaron smiled at the young, blonde girl and gave his order. The caf smelled like muffins and sunshine. And though Paiela

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had seemed tiny when Aaron first drove into town, he was starting to see its charm. The girl handed Aaron his lidded paper cup full of coffee, chirping, Mahalo plenny! He hopped back into his rental car. Once hed backed out of his parking spot and pulled onto the main road, he fussed with the radio stations, trying to find something clubby and invigorating. But after scrolling through a couple of gravely religious stations, Aaron settled for one that played Hawaiian music. The quiet thrum of ukulele filled the car and the singer crooned. It was the type of sentimental stuff Aaron couldnt stand listening to normally, but the melody fit with the landscape. The road stretched high on the cliffs above the ocean. Tall grass rose to meet the asphalt. After fifteen minutes of driving, the rural, farming plots of the North Shore gave way to the more jungled area in the East. Vegetation grew green and lush around the increasingly narrow road, the smell of flowers thick and heady. Instead of land lying flat against the water, the cliffs dipped inland and then jutted out in ragged crags. The road twisted one way, then dizzyingly to the other, and Aaron watched the speed on his odometer drop to a crawl. Cars and trucks stacked behind him. Since the road narrowed to one lane, Aaron had to stop at a pullout to allow drivers from the other direction to pass. He used the opportunity to scrub his face. Aaron wished he still had radio reception, or cell reception, or something to connect him to a world not filled with vines and rain slicks and twisty roads. He wondered if he was halfway there yet. Aaron thought about the last mile marker hed seen. No. He was barely a third. Ey! Go! Someone called at him from the pickup behind. Aaron shook out his shoulders, trying to get loose. He pulled through the narrowed section and was thrilled to find that the road widened into more than enough for two lanes. Hed just gotten his bearings when he noticed the vehicle behind him flashing its brights.

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He eased to the right and swallowed his pride as he let the other folks pass. Alone again on the stretch of highway, Aaron thumbed to a playlist on his phone. The tinny sound of his favorite dance mix filled the car, giving him a sense of familiarity. Without the pressure of people behind him, Aaron started to get the hang of the curves. The music helpedmade him feel less like he was risking his life driving on the edge of a drop-off and more like he was playing a video game. Virtual reality, Aaron could handle just fine. The next half hour passed quickly, with Aaron only having to let one car pass. He even passed someone himself. It was a sad testament to his competitive nature that Aaron felt a little ego boost curving around the minivan full of tourists. He imagined hed just gained a level in the game or maybe earned some points or some gear. Aaron wished he had his GPS, because he was pretty sure he was nearing the place where the road had been washed out. He craned his head to see around the next jut of land, but couldnt make out the broken asphalt until it was fifteen yards away and flanked by a line of orange reflectors. A crew of three guys surveyed the damage, and one more stood at the area where half of the narrow road had crumbled off and fallen down the slope into the ocean. Aarons stomach felt like it slid right off that cliff too, and not just because the guy standing at the edge of the asphalt, in an orange vest and coaxing nervous drivers, was most definitely the Jake from the night before. Nothe reason Aaron felt like his guts were rolling and bouncing over trees and bushes to crash on the rocky shore, was that his legs shook and his throat closed with fear. What if the rest of the highway breaks off? And I go crashing over the edge along with the car full of a vacationing family and their tiny kids? This is insanity. Stilton cant ask people to drive on this road to get to the resort. The insurance alone will bankrupt us. Not to mention what will happen when a van full of guests dies.

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It wasnt until someone honked behind him that Aaron realized hed stopped driving. His foot hovered over the gas pedal, unwilling to drop and force the car forward. He saw Jake jogging his direction. Fuck, Aaron wanted to man up, to wave Jake off and pull a U-turn to go straight back to Paiela. But there was no possible way to maneuver a three-point turn on the narrow road. Not unless you were driving a tricycle. Aarons chest tightened, and he struggled to pull in a deep breath. Ey! Jake stopped at his window, gesturing for Aaron to roll it down. You okay? His eyes widened in recognition, and then sparkled when he smiled. Endorphins bled through Aarons body, faster than hed thought blood could travel. No way was he going to admit to Jake he was scared. Aaron shook his head and waved Jake off. They were going to have to talk soon, but it wouldnt be while Aaron was fighting to breathe like a frightened schoolkid. Ahead of Aaron, a beat-up car impatiently rushed over the narrowed section. So forcing a calm he didnt feel, Aaron hit the gas. He drove a hundred yards before a horrible, pitiful scraping noise rose from under one of his tires, and he froze. Breathe, Aaron, just breathe. He closed his eyes and focused on trying to slow the frantic pounding of his heart. Knocking sounded on the passengers side, and Aaron forced his eyes open. This time when he saw Jake, Aaron pressed the button to lower the window. You didnt pull far enough right, brah. One of your tires drove into the mud. Jake studied the outside of Aarons car, apparently unafraid the whole thing would slide off the road. Out of the corner of his eye, Aaron saw Jakes truck parked in the jungle, its angle so tilted it looked like the vehicle would barrel down the mountain. Aaron closed his eyes and fought a fresh rush of fear. Whyd you rent a car with rear wheel drive? Jake didnt wait for Aaron to answer. Instead he waved his friends over and then walked

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around to Aarons side. At least it dont weigh much. Jake lifted the handle on Aarons door and pulled it open. Let me drive. Aaron scrabbled sideways over to the passenger seat. It wasnt manly and it wasnt graceful, but there was no way in fuck Aaron was going to climb out on the broken side of the road. How longs the highway been this way? He couldnt help but asking. If the road had been this narrowed for long, Stilton should have known. There were supplies already ordered and waiting to be shipped for the new resort. Most would be sent by boat, but Aaron would need to organize food and other perishables to come from the North side of the island. Oh, the whole thing got washed out after the last storm. Jake chatted happily as he messed with the controls and put the car in neutral. Got the one lane open a few weeks ago. He shot Aaron a wide, bright smile. So, you came looking for me? The guys outside shouldered the car forward. The underbelly screamed like a tortured animal. Then Jake gave whiffs of gas to the one wheel still getting traction while a few men from the line of trucks behind joined Jakes crew. With a mighty heave, the team of guys shoved the car forward, and Jake managed to maneuver it onto the unbroken road. He waved to his guys and kept driving. Uh, thanks. If theres a place to pull out ahead, I can drop you off. Aaron cocked his head around, looking for where the road might widen. Nah. I need to head back to Halana anyway. Some guy I was supposed to meet didnt show. Jake patted Aarons knee, though he didnt take his eyes off the road. You mind giving me a ride? I drove out with the crew this morning. Aaron couldnt exactly argue. He knew hed get to town faster if Jake drove. Anyway, there was no use putting off the inevitable. Im pretty sure you were supposed to meet me. Jakes jaw hardened, but his hands and shoulders didnt so much as flinch. Ah. So you are that guy.

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Hoping I wouldnt be, huh? Aaron slowly unhooked his fingers from the handhold hed been gripping. He picked up his cell phone, which he just realized was still playing a stream of techno completely incongruous with their wilderness surroundings. Jake chuckledthat low, deep rumble Aaron had loved feeling against his chest. Yeah. His lip quirked into a faint and sad smile. So, you work for Stilton? Project Manager. Aaron avoided mentioning that this was his first project. So, I guess I need to find out more about the roadwork. His words faded as a deep, wet gully drew Aarons attention. A waterfall carved a hole in the mountain. Orange flowers flecked the tops of the trees, looking like colorful birds about to take flight. They streamed past the spot so fast Aaron barely saw it, but the image stayed painted in his mind. The roadll be fixed soon, but thats not what your company wants. Jake said it without judgment. Theyll want to put in a new one. Though his eyes fixed on the road, they held a faraway expression. The road goes out almost every year. Cant keep a big hotel open without access. How many guests are gonna stay at the new place each day? A couple thousand? Aaron shrugged. Yeah, about that. You know that old hotel only had seventy-five rooms, right? Aaron was reluctant to admit he agreed about the transportation problem. Halana could be reached via the other side of the island, but that route was longer, and also narrow. Theres the air strip, he offered. A few private homeowners had built one in the scenic town a few years earlier, but the explanation sounded weak even to Aarons ears. The strip could only handle small private jets, and even then only during good weather. Jake sighed. You know what theyll do. Stilton will pay the government to widen the highway. Id think youd want that. Aaron wasnt exactly sure what the issue was. Jake and his men would have more work, and the town

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would have better roads. It cant be fun driving this in bad weather, every time you want to get into town to get laid. He quirked his lips into a teasing smile. Aaron wasnt one to use his sex appeal to muster favors, but he didnt like the idea he and Jake had to be enemies. Jake lowered his eyebrows in a threatening scowl. You want to turn thishe lifted a hand to gesture at the lush, damp forest and the steep hills ending in a bright blue oceaninto Waikiki? Aaron rolled his eyes. First off, there was nothing wrong with Waikiki. Some of his best memories came from the giant, busy, manmade beach. And anyway, the landscape on the Halana coast was completely different. City engineers couldnt make the area flat and paved without doing extreme regrades and blasting. Since the economic crisis, theyd never be able to afford that kind of project. That wont happen. So you say. Jake slowed into a small pullout and hopped out of the car. There was a folding table laid out with some fruit, a couple avocados, and a column of banana bread. Prices were painted on a faded, plywood sign. Jake snatched a mango and a few slices of bread off the table and dug a couple dollars out of his pocket to toss in the jar. When he flopped back into the drivers seat, he pitched a slice of the fatty, succulent cake in Aarons lap. You can owe me the dollar. Aarons mouth watered. His morning coffee had long since evaporated from his belly, and the drive had taken way longer than planned. He eyed the mangoes Jake rested in the center divider, but it came out of his pay if he got juice all over the upholstery. Jake frowned. You wanted Mac Nut instead? No. I love banana bread. Aaron opened the plastic wrapping, trying not to sigh as the sweet aroma filled the car. He lifted the piece to his mouth, knowing once he took a bite it was going to be a slippery slope. Hed crave pasta and cookies in no time. Well, Mali makes the best in Halana. She sells it to all the local spots. Jake opened his piece and bit off a corner, smiling around his mouthful.

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Aaron mirrored him, his eyes rolling back in his head at the flavor. Good, yeah? Jake wasnt smiling anymore. You think shed still have a business if a bigger road came this way? He gestured meaningfully with his food. Shrugging, Aaron took another bite. Stilton tried to resource things locallyAt least thats what it said on its corporate brochures. But Aaron knew most people wouldnt stop to buy food at an unmanned roadside stand if there was a chain store down the road. Where you staying? Jake asked all of a sudden, the change of topics so abrupt Aaron didnt know what to think. Oh, Im staying at the old hotel. It was shut down mostly, but the property Stilton had bought still had water and electricity even if the shop and restaurant were closed. You dont wanna do that. The road got straighter, so Jake glanced Aarons direction as he drove. Its empty. Plusbedbugs. Jake gave a theatrical shiver, which looked hilarious on his giant body. Aaron snickered. You know Stiltons disposed of all the infected beds and fumigated the rooms. Halanas former hotel had been shut down by a bedbug infestation. What had started as a single report turned into multiple complaints, and the hotel rushed to clean rooms one by one. But the bedbugs traveled, always one step ahead of the pest control experts. Media coverage explodeduntil an expos of the growing bedbug epidemic featured the Halana resort. But one hotels crisis was a larger hotel chains opportunity. Stilton had swooped in to claim the wreckage. So they say. But aint Stilton gonna demolish the place? Why do that if theyre so sure the bugs are gone? The obvious answer was that Stilton wanted to build a brand new, state-of-the-art resort. But Jakes dire pronouncements still struck a nerve. Aaron itched the back of his head, remembering the time in

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third grade hed had lice. He tried to sound braver than he felt when he said, Im sure itll be fine. Jake pulled into Halana Town where houses dotted the sides of the road. A black sand beach curved around a bay where locals and a few day-tripping tourists ate lunch. Up on a ridge lay a small grocery store. Aaron watched out the window as they passed fields full of cows. After a mile, Jake drove under the arched entryway of the former hotel. He drew to a stop in front of a double glass doorway. You think theyll park my car for me? Jake snickered as he nodded to the podium where valet parking attendants used to stand. Aaron looked into the dark lobby with trepidation. It had the empty, dusty feel of unused space. Even construction would have been preferable. Uh, thanks for the ride. He reached for the door, a second later realizing that it was his car, not Jakes. He paused, wondering how Jake was going to get home, and feeling surprised to find how much he cared. Listen, can I drive you home or something? Its the least I could do. Nah. Ill walk, yeah? Jake hopped out his side of the car and then tossed Aaron his keys. I hope Jake darted his eyes to the ocean, past the terraced rows of the old resorts rooms. Aw, I dunno what I hope. Despite his morose words, Jake gave Aaron a smile before waving good-bye. Aaron curved around to the drivers side. He slipped into the seat, still warm from Jakes body. But when he put the key to the ignition, he didnt bother turning it. His supervisor wasnt coming for a couple days, and there was no reason for Aaron not to leave his rented car parked right in front of the building. Leaving it alone in the empty parking lot would feel even more depressing. He popped the trunk and pulled out his neat, carry-on-sized bag. Dragging it along behind him, he checked his phone. His two bars gave him just enough reception to download his long list of e-mails,

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though he doubted hed have enough bandwidth to open the browser on his tablet computer. Aaron bypassed the reception office and dragged his luggage over the grassy pathways directly out to his cabin. He wasnt a superstitious man, but the office felt full of ghosts. Midday sun beat down on his back by the time Aaron reached his room at the edge of the terrace. He assumed Stilton had told him to use that one because it was one of the few never affected by the infestation. Though the landscape was beautiful, with its rolling manicured lawns leading off to cliffs and water, the hotel was creepy. Aaron couldnt help but feel like humans had been ejected from the place by some magical force. It felt like the set of a horror movie, as if Hawaiian-shirt-wearing zombies might stumble out from behind a Tiki bar. He dug in his pockets for the skeleton key and pressed it into the lock. The old resort had used actual metal keys, and Aaron found that something of a comfort. Hed hate to lose his key card while being attacked by zombies. The door creaked open, revealing a room full of incongruities. Though expansive and full of windows, the space was filled with dust and cobwebs. The only piece of furniture was an iron-framed bed piled with sheets. Aaron guessed that Stilton had sold off all the furnishings they could, and left only what Aaron needed. He flicked on the light, which thankfully worked. Unfortunately, the room didnt even have a TV. Looking around, Aaron realized that he needed to get home as soon as possibleto the hustle and bustle of the city, and away from empty bedrooms. He especially needed to get away from chuckling, sexy men who made him question why he ever agreed to take this job.

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Chapter Four
Jake stomped down the hill and around the bend, nodding toward neighbors who called out their usual hellos. He was going to kill his father. Or at least, he would have been ready to kill his father if it was possible to kill a god. He marched down to the bay and out to the end of the docks where a few guys from town were fishing. You gonna swim? one of the guys asked, but Jake didnt answer. Instead he pulled off his shirt and dropped his shorts to the ground. Oh, you swim shark style, yeah? The fisherman went back to his line. Everyone in town knew about Jake, though they tended to keep the information quiet from outsiders. Amongst themselves, Jake knew they gossipedsaying hed never find a mate and that he was too different to ever fit in. His town loved him and supported him, but he knew they all thought of him as an outsider almost as much as they thought it of Aaron. Jake dove off the dock. The water splashed up around him, and for a second Jake felt like a normal man. But before he could fully appreciate the taste of salt in his mouth or the feel of water caressing his human skin, light surrounded him. The waters turquoise blue streaked through with gold and crimson. Jake knew the red was his blood. His shark senses flooded with the scent. However, the shift to his shark form never hurt anymore. It was as if his body was paying a holy sacrifice to the ocean and he was rescued from pain by the gods grace. As a child, he remembered there was sometimes pain. But that was only during his teenage years when hed tried to fight the

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transformations. From infancy, Jake had often turned into a shark when he got wet. It wasnt until other parents refused to let their children swim with him that Jake had learned he was different. He flicked his tail side to side, the thrum of movement soothing away the last of his human thoughts. Jakes sight, smell, and touch took over, making him feel like a giant, living nerveable to sense the smallest tremors in the far ends of the bay. As a shark, Jakes thoughts always became simpler. With so much input going to his mind, all he could do was search, attack, or save. Instinct drew him out of the channel and to a stretch of rock cliffs riddled with caves. As he neared the boulders, Jake shifted to human form. And this time when his blood colored the water, Jake felt every tear because the waves batted him into the rocks. Rough edges scraped his skin, and he cursed Peles volcanos for creating land so jagged. With clenched teeth, he grabbed a ledge and heaved himself out of the surf. Jake hopped from one stone to another, wind cooling his skin and stone poking his feet. Soon he stood at the entrance to the cave, and though he had chosen to come, he hesitated. His father might have been the most celebrated of the shark gods on the islands, but Jake thought he caused more problems than he solved. Ku-Hai-Moana had certainly screwed up Jakes life when hed impregnated Jakes mother. And though the god claimed to protect Halana, he seemed to leave all the difficult stuff to Jake. What are you waiting for, Jacob? The god Ku-Hai-Moanas voice echoed from inside the cave. Ask your question. Jake stared into the empty abyss. Sometimes he felt insane talking to a black hole. His father had taken human form to have sex with Jakes mother, and one other time to introduce himself when Jake was seven. But other than that, Jakes only conversations with his father had been through the mouth of the cave. Hell. When his father had showed him the cave, hed left Jake to swim back to Halana by

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himself. Sure, Jake had been in shark form, but hed still been only a kid. Jake frowned. You know how that hotel chain is planning to build that big resort in Halana town? Yes. His father didnt elaborate, but he didnt have to. He knew most things that happened on the island, though he never seemed to understand them without Jakes help. Ku-Hai-Moana had been away from humans too long to understand their reasons. He and the other gods stayed hidden in cliffs and volcanoes and in wild places still untouched by mortalsand those placed had gotten smaller and smaller over the years. If Stilton took over Halana and built it to the size of a city, Ku-Hai-Moana might cease to exist altogether. Though Jake hated to admit it, he didnt want to see the god lost. Well Jake sighed. I dont think the road is going to stop them. He wasnt sure whether to tell his father more, though Jake knew the god must know about Aaron already. And they sent a man. And he seems like a good person You love him. His fathers voice echoed. No. Jake looked at the rock under his feet. He wondered if maybe that black lava stone knew more than he did. The ground rumblednot an earthquake, more the vibration of a mother rocking her baby. Perhaps not yet. Jake shook his head. He and Aaron had only known each other one day. Sure he liked the guy, but he had no idea if he felt anything more. Im pretty sure nothing is going to happen between us. But, I wish he understood why the resort cant go in. Maybe if he saw A wave crashed into the shore, spraying Jakes back with a light mist. Why do you question me, Jacob? None of my other sons did. He bit his lip to stifle a retort. None of Ku-Hai-Moanas other sons had lived past twenty-five. Wars or frightened villagers had killed most of them. Whatever. Okay, I like the guy. And I dont want him losing his job over this. But you know I cant He didnt

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want to say out loud what he knew the people in town thoughtthat he couldnt love anyone. It doesnt matter if I love him or not. What matters is that he tells Stilton not to build the hotel. Jake rolled his eyes. Or to build it smaller. Even as he said it, Jake knew that was impossible. Companies like Stilton only opened megaresorts. What sucked was that Halana actually needed someone to take over the old hoteltoo many locals relied on tourism for jobs. But Stilton wasnt planning to remodel and rebuild. They wanted to turn the little fishing village into a theme park. I thought that after the rockslide you caused near the road, Stilton would have pulled out of the deal, Jake said sadly. The storm cost the town time and money, and hadnt done a thing to discourage development. Show him what you are, the air whispered. Show him what we are. He will help. Suddenly Jake was standing in front of a solid wall of rock. All signs of the cave disappeared. He sighed. His father always did thatmade some grand cryptic statement and then vanished. It was like the one time the guy had bothered to visit him as a kid. A wave had dragged him out to sea and washed him up on a shore, and some man had showed up and said, I am your father It was just like Star Wars except Darth Vader was Hawaiian and wearing a loincloth. He spun around and dove back into the ocean, tired of his dads theatrical bullshit. Jake shifted into his shark form, ignoring how hed jumped too soon and tore a bit of his leg on a jagged boulder. Salt smarted in the wound, but Jake didnt mind. Maybe the pain would remind him not to ask his father for help again. By the time Jake reached the shore and showered the salt out of his eyes, he had to admit that his father was, in part, right. He should at least talk to Aaron. Maybe if he took Aaron around to see the area, hed understand why it was so important to keep the hotel small. He

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didnt need to show Aaron magic, or gods, or anything about his ability to shift forms. The land was powerful enough. So after he pulled on his clothes, Jake marched right back up the hill to the old hotel. He hiked around the main building and out to the stand-alone cabins on the enormous, browning lawn. Without anyone to pay the water bills, the grass was starting to dry. He wondered how hed figure out which room Aaron was in, but to Jakes surprise, Aaron stood alone where the lawn met the rocky cliff, holding a cell phone in the air. You not getting a signal? Jake jogged out to meet him. Aarons shoulders slumped. He turned around, narrowing his eyes as if it was Jakes fault. Ive got enough bars to get my e-mails, but not enough to download this attachment. He threw his hands up, and started back toward the cabins. He didnt meet Jakes gaze. Theyve got Internet at the public library, right? Yeah, but you can borrow mine. He wasnt sure why Aaron was being so pissy. People came to Halana to get away from crowds and phones. The old hotel had been set up to discourage folks from spending all day looking at a screen. Aaron paused at a woven bamboo door, his fingers on the handle. Oh, my God, do you have wireless? Jake grinned. Clearly, hed found the way to Aarons heart. Fastest service on this side of the island. He felt a little surge of pride. It was nice being able to do something for Aaron no one else could. Well, no one but the public library. Id really appreciate it. Just let me grab my laptop. Aaron opened the door and stepped into an almost-empty room. Besides the bed, the only furniture was a chair, and that was covered in cables and electronics. His suitcase was on the floor. Aaron looked at it, despondent. You would have thought theyd give me at least a dresser, right? Im here three months. Wow. Jake felt a surge of pity. It was easy to see Aaron in his high-end clothes driving his fancy rental car and think he somehow

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embodied the giant corporation. But seeing how Stilton expected him to live for the next few months hammered home that Aaron was just a cog in the machine. Hey, you should stay out by my place. The invitation slipped out. My neighbors got an Ohana apartment she rents and she dont got no one booked until Christmas. Oh. Aaron worried his lower lip between his teeth. His face screwed up like he was trying to solve a math problem in his head. To be honest, I dont have the budget to cover that. He frowned, looking like he really did regret having to stay at the old hotel. With a sigh he added, Maybe if I sublet my place in San Diego Nah. Well work something out. Jake opened the door, not liking the feel of it shutting behind them. Being so close to Aaron again had his body pricking up with interest, but the desolate cabin felt like a tomb. Are you sure? Aaron asked, but he was already packing his power cords. Excitement lit in Jakes belly. Aaron was coming home with him. Okay, maybe not home exactly, but close enough. Hed be right outside. You cant stay here, yeah? Jake lifted Aarons small suitcase and started up the hill while Aaron locked the door. Jake drove them back through town then down the small road to his house. The jungle was so dense that it folded in a canopy over the road, but the damp path was straight. Jake pulled into the dirt driveway that served his house and three others. This is really nice. Aaron stepped out his side of the car, his eyes wide. He turned to the large, man-made pond that used to house fish in the old days. Thanks for bringing me. Jake grinned. Seeing Aaron surrounded by chirping birds and the quiet rush of ocean made Jake desperate to get the other man on his back. No problem. He went around to Aarons side of the car and before Aaron could protest, he gave him a peck on the cheek.

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Hey. Aaron lowered his eyebrows in annoyance, but he blushed. With a little stammer in his voice he said, So, uhwho should I talk to about this Ohana? Taking Aarons hand, Jake led him toward Rosas door. He knocked once, but when she didnt answer, he pushed open the screen door and picked her keys off the hook inside. So your neighbors pretty trusting? Aaron followed Jake to the Ohana cottage. Jake opened the door. Rosa kept it locked only because it wasnt often occupied. Still, she made sure to clean once a week. The small guest house was only two roomsa bedroom and a combination living room, dining room, and kitchen. The bathroom, Jake knew, only had a toilet and sink. He smiled as he remembered that Aaron would have to shower under the faucet outside. Most people leave their doors unlocked down this way. And by the way, my signal should reach this house just fine. Great. Aaron placed his bag on the counter. When he turned to Jake, he looked nervous. Thanks for doing this for me. He bit his lip. His gaze dropped nervously to Jakes pants, then up again. Just because I set you up here doesnt mean I expect you to put out. Jake set the suitcase down and headed for the door. He thought about extending an invitation, but he was enjoying Aarons nervousness too much. Jake tossed Aaron the keys. And anyway. Who says Id be up for another round? Aarons eyebrows shot up so high they disappeared above his bangs. You did. Last night. He leaned back against the counter. Jake recognized the posture immediately. It was the act Aaron put on to get the upper hand. Jake had to admit he liked it. But he wasnt giving in that easily to Aarons flirtation. Having sex would make both their lives too complicated. Three months was a long time to avoid an ex-lover. In a town as small as Halana, it would feel like an eternity. That was before I knew how much trouble you were.

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Trouble, huh? Aaron sauntered over, a sway in his step. He slid a fingertip from Jakes collarbone down to the waistband of his khaki shorts. Thats one way to look at it. He kissed Jake right on the jaw, as if hed aimed for his cheek, but veered toward his neck at the last minute. Smart-ass. Jake opened the door and stepped outside. When the screen door had closed, he called through, Ill give you a tour later. Aaron said something in reply, but Jake wasnt listening. He jogged to his house and grabbed a dirty magazine out of the bathroom. Then, chuckling wickedly, he ran over to Aarons place and tossed it inside. As he ran away, Jake shouted, To tide you over, yeah? He heard Aarons door open and the other man chasing him across the muddy ground between the houses, but Jake scrambled inside and closed his door before Aaron could catch up. Dick! Aaron said through the door, but he was laughing. Then Aaron knocked and, breathing heavily from his run added, Ill make sure the pages are sticky when I return it! Jake wasnt sure whether Aarons words grossed him out or turned him on. He thought about Aaron bent over the porno, his cock in hand. Jake called through the door, You do that! Jake was glad to hear the sound of Aaron clomping through the mud as he walked back to his house. Already, Jakes mind filled with more stuff to shout through the doorlewd demands and hot suggestions. Hed never been one for phone sex, but he thought that with Aaron it might be fun. A screen door slammed shut. Jake waited, realizing he didnt even have Aarons phone number. Not that it mattered, because he could just walk across the mud to the other house. But if Aaron disappeared, drove away and flew to the mainland, Jake wouldnt be able to find him. Jakes muscles knotted at the thought. NoAaron was his guy, whether Aaron liked it or not. Jake would get his phone number and keep him in town for as long as it took to win him over. And not just

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the sex. Jake was pretty sure that if he walked over to Rosas Ohana right then he could have gotten in Aarons pants. No, Jake wanted all of himespecially that softness he kept so tightly hidden when he was on the prowl. He ran both hands through his hair, snarling under his breath. Jake fucking hated it when his father was right.

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Chapter Five
Aaron slept hard. Bedbugs, sharks, and men built like ancient statues plagued his dreams. He woke so horny his cock was like a mallet in his pants, and he would have hauled the thing across the muddy lawn to ask Jake to suck it, but worried the kind lady whod lent him her house might be offended. He tossed off his covers and wrapped his fingers around his taut skin and gave an experimental tug. Yeah, he could get off in just a few pulls, but Jakes magazine called to him from the kitchen table. It was sick and twisted, but some inner voice told him he should come on those pages. Aaron remembered Jakes voice in the car all low and calm when hed told Aaron to pull out his dick. The thought made him shiver, and the memory of their hookup on the beach was filed in Aarons Most-Jerk-Offable-Moments Hall of Fame. Erection in hand, Aaron made his way to the living room and sat on the couch. The window looked out toward Jakes house. The gauzy shade was closed, but Aaron imagined that Jake could maybe see through, just enough to know what Aaron was doing. He leaned forward and flipped through the book. Aaron found the pages Jake liked right away since they were worn and the binding fell open more easily. Most of Jakes favorites were guys wacking off, or fingering themselves, or even pinching their nipples. But in every one, the guy was staring right into the camera, like he was saying, Im doing this all for you. Aaron glanced at the window, his hips lifting off the couch as he involuntarily thrust off the seat. He thrummed through more pages,

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figuring Jake wanted him to do it on something Aaron liked, marking his favorite, so to speak. He searched for a good doggie-style pic, but every shot was taken at the wrong angle, or one of the guys was posed all weird. His cock stiffened even as he cursed his fucked-up design sense that made him want to jizz on the perfect shot, one where the guys faces and bodies were arranged just right. A page caught his attention. It wasnt what he was looking for, but it totally turned his knob. One guy held anothers legs up while he fucked him, but it wasnt the guys having sex that turned Aaron on. There was a third guy, standing fully dressed behind, his arms crossed and an amused look in his face. Aaron sped up his rhythm, smoothing his pre-cum back from the tip. He hadnt even bothered to lube up, but his foreskin slid so fast and rough over the turgid skin below that he felt fluid rush into the thick vein along the bottom. Aaron curled forward. His orgasm bent his spine, like a lover forcing him down from the neck. His rubbed until jets of his cum landed across the page. It drew stripes on the two guys fucking, but he made sure to avoid the one looking on. Staring at the mess, Aaron chortled out a laugh. He slapped the magazine closed and tossed it in the trash on his way past the kitchen and into the bathroom. Hed only just started to wash his face when he heard the sound of Jake opening his screen door. You up? Aaron wondered if Jake could smell the cum in the living room, but then he realized that was insane. Fallen guava and rotting leaves perfumed the jungle air. Still, Aaron hurried to brush his teeth before Jake had a chance to notice his glossy in the trash, or God forbid, open it. Ill be out in a sec! Why dont I meet you at your place? Ill wait. Jakes voice held a ghost of a laugh, as if he knew full well what Aaron had been doing not five minutes earlier. I wanted to take you down to Hamoa beach while theres still a decent break.

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Aaron spit out a mouthful of toothpaste. I thought we were meeting with the major today. He wiped off his face, waiting for Jakes answer. Oh. He had to go into town, yeah? Hell be back this afternoon. Kahului? Aaron couldnt believe that hed driven all the way to Halana only to have a meeting get called off because the other guy drove the opposite direction. Yeah, his generator broke. Theres a Home Depot up by the airport. Jake sounded almost bored. Aaron wet and mussed his hair, hurrying before Jake had a chance to rifle through any of his stuff. He doesnt use city power? Aaron grabbed a towel off the rack and wrapped it around his hips. He thought about tying it higher, but that was just dumb. Jake had already seen the merchandise. When Aaron walked out to the living room, Jake had his feet up on the coffee table. He was leaning back with his hands wove behind his head. No. Jake stretched, and Aaron was pretty sure he was just showing off the wide span of his shoulders and his beefy arms. The room felt too small to contain the Hawaiian. At least, unless Aaron was on top of him. Jake smiled. Mayor Hashimura lives south of town, near Oprahs place. Aaron snorted. He knew the major wasnt wealthy or a celebrity, and Aaron imagined his quiet home tucked between mansions. But I thought the places on the south end used power from Halanas grid. Jake stood, and though he wasnt tall, the movement spoke of a brutal power. He spared Aarons body an appreciative glance for a second before resuming their conversation. They do. But the mayors house is all solar. Hes too proud to hook up to city power, but in the rainy season, he has to use a backup generator. Jake rolled his eyes. Dont ask me, man. I think hes just cheap. Aaron smiled. Politics were the same everywhere, even if the players were a little more eccentric in Halana town. He made a point of going to the kitchen and pouring himself a glass of water before

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putting on his clothes. He wasnt sure why, but it irked him that Jake wasnt interested in picking up where they left off, sexually. Sure, Jake didnt want more development in Halana, and Aaron was in charge of building the new hotel, but it wasnt like Aaron had any control over what happened. Jake wandered into the kitchen. Stop prancing around trying to get me to fuck you and get dressed. He was wearing a loose, gray Tshirt and board shorts. Jake plucked at the shirt. Aaron wondered if he was hiding a hard-on. Dont flatter yourself. He glanced down the length of Jakes torso to check out his package. Aaron couldnt really see anything from his angle, but he enjoyed the way Jake twisted like he was embarrassed. Just get on your pants. Jake reached out and smacked Aarons ass lightly. Like they were together or something. Fine! Aaron gave an exasperated sigh and went to the bedroom. He tossed off the towel and pulled on a pair of swim shorts. He thought about wearing a polo shirt but opted for a tank top that would show off his arms. Sure, he wasnt thick like Jake, but he was hard and sculpted. Plus, the tank top would look less out of place than his polos. When he walked out into the living room, Jake was already gone, but the door was open. Aaron heard a motor outside and went to find Jake already in his truck. The jacked-up beast had mud smeared up to its windows. Even in board shorts and a wife beater, Aaron felt overdressed. Cmon. I wanna go. Jake leaned across the passenger side and pushed open the door. Aaron climbed inside. Geez, you dont strike me as the impatient type. He thought about Jake when theyd had sex. Jake had been maddeningly laid back about the whole thing. Im not usually. Jake gave him another one of those confusing winks. Only when theres something I really want to do. Jake pulled

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out of the driveway and rolled through the jungle toward the main road. For someone in a rush, he drove damn slowly. They stopped for a small flock of chickens pecking at something in the road. Jake honked until the birds flapped off. He grinned, his eyes sparkling in amusement. Traffic jam, yeah? Aaron laughed. Guess so. His stomach growled. Is there a place to get coffee around here? Hed had some water and an energy bar earlier, but despite the bright sunlight streaming through the clouds, Aaron didnt think he could face the day without caffeine. Sure. Jake drove past the black-sand Halana bay and up to where the small grocery store rested on the top of a hill. Corrugated metal lined the walls and it had neither windows nor a proper sign. The only hint it was a grocery store were a few metal carts in the parking lot and a newspaper stand fluttering by the door. Jake stopped the truck and opened his door. Lets get some food, too. They make a good plate lunch down by the bay, but that dont open til eleven. Aaron followed Jake into the building and stood behind him while Jake spoke in rapid-fire Pidgin to the lady working behind the counter. He only understood a few odd words, but when Jake shot him a shy grin, Aaron knew the lady had asked if they were together. Jake grabbed something that looked like enormous sushi out of a heating tray while Aaron picked up the two Styrofoam cups of black coffee. Aaron carried their drinks to a table stocked with cream and sugar and poured a few packets of artificial sweetener in his own. What do you want in your coffee? Aaron felt a twinge of embarrassment at not knowing what Jake liked. If they were together, like the lady thought, he should really know something that basic. Four creams, no sugar. Jake placed a few more items to ring up on the counter. A couple bananas and two bottles of orange juice. It was really sweet. Aaron hadnt had a boyfriend in a long time, and he wasnt sure hed ever had one who would be considerate enough to buy him breakfast without being asked. Maybe it was just easier small town.

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Jake didnt have to ask what Aaron wanted, since the tiny store didnt have that many options. You want a manapua? Jake nodded at a clear plastic stand filled with steamed buns. Aaron cocked his head, studying the unfamiliar food. Are those humbow? They looked just like the pastries filled with sweet barbecue pork that Aaron had eaten a couple times at a Chinese grocery store. Oh yeah. We call em manapua here. Jake grabbed one off the shelf. Ill give you part of mine. He set down the rest of the food and started to pull a wallet out of his back pocket. No, let me. I can pay. Aaron slapped the seat of his shorts, finding it flat. Hed forgotten his wallet. Just like a tourist on vacation. Aaron felt his face heat up with embarrassment. Crap. I cant believe I left home without money. Thats what you get for asking me to hurry. Aaron realized a second too late that hed called their little corner of the jungle home and that he was teasing Jake like a husband. Dont worry, yeah? Jake patted Aarons behind, making the lady behind the counter grin. I got you. Aaron closed his eyes in frustration. Between his fuck-me tank top and Jake buying him breakfast, the whole town was going to think Aaron was some kind of rent boy. No one would take him seriously in his job as Project Manager. He glared at Jake, but the Hawaiian just grinned. Aw, dont give Jake a hard time, yeah? the lady behind the counter said in a singsong voice. Hes a good boy. She nodded proudly. Aaron wasnt sure whether she was proud of her open-mindedness or of Jake. Been too long since I had a man! Jake threw his arm around Aarons shoulder, hamming it up.

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Tomcattings what I call it! the lady said. She sat back in her seat and patted her ample lap. You getting too old for that, Jacob. She held up a finger in a mock scold. Jake ducked his head. Yes, Auntie. Aaron only barely resisted rolling his eyes. We surfing or what? He wasnt sure what weird family drama he was being pulled into, but he didnt appreciate it before his morning coffee. He pinched Jakes side. So lets go already. Jake caught Aarons hand, pinning it behind his back stealthily, so that the lady at the counter wouldnt see. Mahalo. Jake picked up the paper bag full of groceries and led Aaron outside. What was that about? Aaron didnt mind playing house. That part he sort of enjoyed, especially since he was so far from home. But he hated feeling trotted around and spoken about like he wasnt even there. Glaring at Jake, he climbed into the truck. Just being friendly, brah. Jake started the car. He steered with one hand while sipping coffee with the other. You should try it sometime. Im plenty friendly, brah. Aaron dug into the bag of food. His hand closed over the plastic-wrapped piece of giant sushi. What the heck is this? He pulled it out of bag. The thing had a slice of some kind of meat on top, rice on the bottom, and a strip of seaweed wrapped around the middle. Spam musubi. Its ono. Jake set down his coffee in the cup holder and reached into the bag. Delicious. Aaron lifted the package, looking at it from a different angle. It smelled like teriyaki. Spam? Jake snorted, grabbing the musubi out of Aarons hand. With dexterous fingers, opened the wrapper halfway and took a bite. Spam. National meat of Hawaii. Really? Aaron wrinkled his nose. But when Jake shot him a look that said, shut up and try it, he sighed and took the food from Jakes hand. Aaron took a bite and his eyes rolled back in his head at

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the flavor. It was salty-sweet. The chewy white rice complimented the sausagey goodness. Hed eaten at a lot of four-star restaurants, but Spam musubi could give most of them a run for their money. Jake laughed, pulling the other one out of the bag. Dont know why you question me. He wagged a finger at Aaron, his mouth full of spam and rice. I always know whats best. Yeah, yeah. Aaron downed half the bottle of orange juice, watching the landscape go by. He had to admit Jake was right about one thingHalana was gorgeous. Clouds stretched out over grassy fields before breaking and floating blissfully to the ocean. Lava rock crevices dotted the landscape, each one teeming with nesting birds or trickling waterfalls. Jake pulled onto a side road and down to a sliver of roadside beach. Rocks lined the edges of the water, but in the center, Aaron saw smooth waves. He couldnt imagine more than a handful of surfers sharing that perfect little cove, but it was just him and Jake. He smiled as a breeze wafted through the open windows of the truck. Nice, yeah? You learning to trust me yet? Aaron rolled his eyes. Inside, he was pretty sure he already did.

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Chapter Six
Jake could get used to that look in Aarons eyesthe one that said Aaron was experiencing something he never had before. He watched Aaron eat the last crumbs off the manapua wrapper and take another long sip of his coffee. Aaron smiled contentedly, his gaze mellow. We should have eaten after. Aaron patted the gentle swell of his abdomen. He was so thin you could see the effects of one meal. Ill probably get a cramp or something. The wind blew strands of hair in his eyes. He hadnt sculpted it with gel, and the messy locks fell over his face, making him look all kinds of pretty. We dont have to surf today. I just wanted to show you. Jake wrapped an arm around the bench behind Aarons head. The position reminded him enough of their night together that his dick plumped up and nosed around in his pants. Aaron turned his head and laid it back, so his hair brushed Jakes arm. Framed in sunlight, he looked like an angel. Nah. That would be a shame. We should ride. Aaron opened his door and hopped out. He called over his shoulder, Though Im scheduled to be here for three months. So well probably have a lot of time to surf. Jakes guts twisted into a knot. He could have Aaron for three months if Aaron stayed on to build the resort. But if Stilton abandoned their plans, Aaron would be leaving Jake stepped out the drivers side. Aaron looked sheepish as he reached into the truck bed for one of Jakes boards. But we should get in what fun we can now, before the

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my supervisor arrives. Aaron pursed his lips, like he was trying to smile, but it came out more a grimace. Dont like him much? Jake asked. Most of the guys I work with are okay. Aaron lay the surfboard upright against Jakes truck and then pulled off his shirt. Jake had seen the view already, felt even more of Aaron, but this sight of his skin, all smooth and bare took Jakes breath away. My supervisor is a pain in the ass though. Aaron licked his lips when Jake undressed. But he recovered in an instant, picking up the board and hitching it under his arm. Jake followed him down the beach, his own longboard balanced on his head. He watched Aaron bend to place his ride on the surf. Then he admired the strong pump of Aarons arms as he paddled. Jake could watch him all day, and the weirdest desire overtook him to tell Aaron what he was, to share everything. Jake strode out into the water, laying his own board flat and stretching out on top. A voice echoed in his head tell him, and Jake knew it was his father speaking. He lifted his lip in a snarl his dad couldnt see. Jake realized he shouldnt have brought Aaron to the water. Ku-HaiMoana always saw Jake better when he was on the sea. If you cant tell him, show him. The voice echoed in Jakes mind. He mumbled under his breath, Hell no, Dad. And shut up before he sees me talking to myself. Jake maneuvered toward the surf and started to paddle. Aaron had just ducked under a wave and reached the outside, but Jake saw a swell rising behind himone much larger than normal. Dad Jake spoke in a warning growl. Please do not drown my boyfriend. The voice in his head sang, Hes not your boyfriendyet. The wave rose taller, and Aaron turned to notice it. Aaron pushed his board under, his ass sticking up, but the wave swallowed him up and

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Jake knew even before his surfboard speared out of the water that his father had seriously fucked Aaron up. You are an asshole, dad. Jake rolled off his board and into the water. He dove low and opened his eyes, but the current flipped his human form. With an inward sigh, Jake forced magic through his body and felt his bones melt into cartilage and his skin pull taut and smooth. He sped in the direction hed last seen Aaron. A body rolled in the wave. Aaron whipped frantically, trying to right himself in the choppy water. His movements were sickly and freakish, like a macabre impersonation of how he looked when he came. A fresh roll of bubbles said that Jakes father had thrown another wave just to keep Aaron below the surface. Jake kicked over to Aarons flailing body. He wound his shark form around the human as best he could, urging him to the surface. Aaron spun, trying to get away, but Jake kept batting him, pushing until Aarons head reached air. Or at least, Jake thought Aaron could breathe. It was hard to tell being underwater. So Jake shifted to human form and wrapped an arm around Aarons chest. Jake kicked hard, pulling Aaron toward the shore in a lifeguards position. What the fuck? Aaron wriggled out of Jakes hold. He kicked, arms windmilling over his head until he stopped a few dozen yards away and threaded water. His face screwed up in equal parts fear and anger. What the fuck just happened? Jake thought about how to answer, but with the boards floating away and the ocean swirling around them, he needed a moment to think. Go back to the beach. JustGive me a sec and Ill explain. Jake ignored Aarons mutinous expression and swam in the direction of his surfboards. He hoped Aaron would cool down by the time Jake got back to shore, but when he dragged the surfboards out of the water, the human was already on the road. Aaron cocked his thumb to hitch a ride.

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Jake dropped his armfuls at the truck, and hopped carefully over the sticks and grass to catch up to where Aaron was standing. Cmon, Aar. I said I would explain Jake touched Aarons arm. The human flinched away. Yknow, I dont really want to hear it. Aarons jaw clenched in a hard line. His eyes brimmed with unshed tears. He looked like he was barely holding it together. I understand why you dont want the hotel built here. I really do. Aaron kept his eyes on the road, looking hopefully for a car to take him away. But I cannot, for one second, imagine why you would pull a prank like that on me. He opened his mouth, his lips trembling. Then Aaron wiped a lone tear from under his eye. I dont know how you pulled off that shit, but its not fucking funny. Jake stuttered, scrambling for what to say. It never occurred to him that Aaron would think this was all some elaborate prank. His belly twisted in a knot. No. I wasnt trying He saw a truck approaching, and hurried to explain before Aaron could hitch a ride. I change. ImWell, my father is a shark god, and IIve always been able to change into a shark. Aarons hurt expression shifted into a furious scowl. Oh, that is the stupidest thing Ive ever fucking heard, he snapped. Then Aaron lifted his hand up like he was hailing a taxi in one of those movies about New York. To Jakes dismay, the truck stopped and Aaron climbed into the back. Its true, Jake said right before the truck pulled away. But Aaron just shook his head and called out, Dont be there when I get back. Ill be gone as soon as I get my stuff. Jake bit at his lip in frustration. Then stomped to this truck and opened the door. But before he got in, he called to the ocean, See! You see what you did? Now he hates me! When no voice answered, Jake dropped from his seat and marched out onto the beach. He picked up a rock and chucked it at the foamy surf, like he could actually touch his father. Hes leaving! Jake rubbed his hands

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through his hair, scanning the road above. Yeah, he could catch up with Aaron, but the human would probably shout at him again. The ocean didnt answer, and neither did his father. But a sharp wind blew, and as Jake walked back to his truck, he saw clouds forming inland. By the time hed started driving, the ominous, black weather pattern rolled over the beach, and a cold wind kicked up sand. Jake shouted at the ocean, Its not going to do any good! right before he heard the first crack of thunder.

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Chapter Seven
Rain poured in sheets by the time Aaron hopped, soaking wet, off the back of the truck. He shouted his thanks, but didnt know if the driver heard him over the whipping winds and the pounding of water. Aaron stared down the road to Jakes house and the Ohana with trepidation. Streams ran through the muddy road, and he still had about a quarter mile to walk. It hadnt seemed like such a long way when it was dry. But wet, it felt like hed agreed to cross a river. He slogged a few yards, his sandals slipping in the mud. Aaron thought about how much hed spent on the shoes and inwardly cursed as a splash of puddle drenched the Italian leather. A truck pulled up next to him, and Aaron knew before he turned around it was Jake. You sure you dont want a ride? Jake shouted out the window of the truck as he rolled behind Aaron. You might fall, yeah? Fuck you. Aaron tugged his foot out of a mud slick, losing his shoe in the process. He marched on, barefoot on one side and unwilling to slow down. Eh! Theres Kiave around here! Itll bust your foot. Jake stopped the truck and ran through the downpour to catch up. Put on your slippers. He bent to pluck Aarons sandal out of the muck. A two-inch platform of dirt stuck to the bottom. Slippers? Aaron shouted, pissed off and confused. Its what we call shoes in Hawaii. Jake held the filthy sandal aloft. Aaron spun around, almost losing his footing in the process. Ive got another pair in my suitcase. He marched in the direction of the

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houses. Aaron knew he was being a princess but did not give a fuck. He couldnt imagine how Jake had conspired to make it look like Aaron had seen a shark. But there was no doubt in Aarons mind that Jake had somehow engineered the attack. That Jake, who pretended to like him, would pull a stunt like that made Aaron feel thirteen years old again, being laughed at by the first guy he told he was gay. I know youve got other shoes. Jake bent and picked Aaron up. But youre gonna get hurt. Screw you. Aaron wrestled himself out of Jakes hold. He fell on his feet and took three steps before something sharp speared into his foot. Ow! He lifted his leg, trying to balance on the one side while he surveyed the damage. A small branch stuck in his sole, a giant thorn sunk halfway. Told youKiave. Jake swooped Aaron up in his arms again. Buggers are sharp. As much as Aaron wanted to protest, he was too freaked out by the wood in his foot. Just pull it out! He couldnt bear to look at it again. It was gonna bleed, he knew it. Aaron had always been scared of blood. I cant if Im carrying you, ya baby. Ill get it out in a sec. Jake strode down the driveway to the Ohana and shifted to settle Aaron on his one good foot. Here. He plucked the branch out. Fuck, that hurts! Aaron leaned on Jake so he could clutch his leg. Im gonna need a stitch or something. Is it bleeding? I cant see. Mud covered his feet and the lower part of his legs, though the rain was washing it off in droplets. Jake reached over their heads to turn on the shower. Then he set Aaron back a pace and ducked under the water to wash out his hair. I need you to see something, Aar. Aaron rolled his eyes. He cared less about whatever game Jake was playing than that his foot might be infected with tetanus. Whatever. He adopted his most I-dont-give-a-shit posture, though it was hard to do on one foot, and waited.

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Okay. Jakes eyes darted to the side like he was nervous. But if you freak out and try to run away, put on your slippers. He handed Aaron his mud-covered sandals. I dont think anything could freak me out more than Ive already beenwhat the fuck? He jumped backward, almost toppling over. The air shimmered around Jake, and sunlight flickered like the world had an electric switch. Red and gold streaked the air, and when it cleared a shark lay on the ground where Jake had been. It wasnt a small shark either. Noit was a decent-size tiger shark, though it didnt look all that threatening flopping around under the fall of the shower. In fact, it was gasping like it needed to breathe and couldnt. Aaron leaned over the animal. He poked its side. Jake? He couldnt believe he was having a conversation with a shark. You in there? The shark wheezed. Um, come back, man. Youre not in the ocean. He was crooning at a shark. Aaron was losing his fucking mind. His words must have done the trick because the shimmering, light-flashing thing happened again, and this time Aaron watched closer and saw Jake fold up out of the shark. Or maybe the shark was absorbed into Jakes body. It went too fast for Aaron to tell. Fear flashed in Jakes eyes. For the first time, Aaron noticed how dark those eyes were and how little whites they had. So Aaron wasnt quite sure what he should say. It wasnt every day that someone you hooked up with admitted to shape-shifting. Uh, I guess thats your thing then? Being a shark? Jake studied Aarons expression like he was mapping an uncharted continent. Youre not scared? Aaron shrugged. Should I be? Youre not all that scary on land. Are you all shark-minded in the water? Or do you think normally but have a sharks body? Youre taking this really well. Jake lifted his chin like he was seeing Aaron in a slightly different light.

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I watch a lot of science fiction. Aaron couldnt help feeling a little rush of pride at Jakes admiration. Us geeks are tougher than people think. He nodded sagely. Then Aaron nonchalantly took Jakes place under the shower. His most recent boyfriend had mocked Aarons nerdy tendencies, acting like art house movies were the only type you could like if you had any taste. Yeah? Jake sidled next to Aaron, opening his mouth to the flow of water. Aarons body strummed to life. After the roller coaster of the days emotions, Aaron needed to blow off steam, or at least blow off Jake. Yeah. Aaron ran his hands up Jakes sides, under his wet and filthy T-shirt. He pulled it over Jakes head. You really dont care? In a rush of heat, Jake tore off Aarons tank top. Not right now, I dont. Aaron fused their lips for a kiss. Jake pulled away long enough to murmur. We better get inside. He unbuttoned his shorts and let them drop. Aaron cast a nervous glance at Rosas house. Oh, dont worry. She doesnt care if we get naked so long as we dont track mud in her place. Jake worked Aarons shorts over his growing hard-on and let them fall on the concrete pad. Then he positioned his body to shield Aaron from Rosas view. Jake stared down at Aarons cock, which firmed under the attention. He teased the tip with the pad of his fingerjust under the fold of skin at the head. Lets go inside. A shiver rolled down the length of Aarons body. That dark, calm voice got him so hot he couldnt think. Okay. He turned around to hide his cock and hurried up the stairs. **** It had been a long time since Jake had run into a house naked, probably not since he was a little boy just hosed off by his mother.

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The rain let upcoming down in a drizzle instead of a hurricane. Jake refused to thank his dad for the blessing. Because if his dad knew enough to stop the rain, that meant he could see what Jake was about to doand that was kind of gross. Jake paused at Aarons door, listening to the sound of Aaron laughing as he ran into the bedroom. He looked at the sky, watching the sun break through in patches, and he knew that his fucking dad had been right. He did love Aaron. He loved the tough-guy front he put up, and the soft, scared guy underneath. Jake loved Aarons body and his odd prissiness. Jake especially loved how when he stepped into Aarons bedroom, Aaron was already spread out on the bed, naked as the day he was born. Took you long enough. Aaron ran his hands to his groin, but as his fingers formed a C to grasp his cock, Aaron pulled his hands away and rubbed fitfully on his thighs. Jake sat on the bed, watching Aaron writhe. You jerk off today? He hadnt had a chance to look closely at Aarons body that night hed gone with him to the B and B, so Jake drank him in with his eyes. Aaron was hairless except for a small furry patch framing his cock. He didnt even have a trail on his belly. Aarons fingers tightened on his thighs, like he could hardly resist touching himself. He didnt look the least bit embarrassed when he said, Yes. Then, without waiting for Jake to ask, he added, Right on the magazine, like you told me. Aaron rolled onto his side, as if he was shy and wanted to look away. But Jake knew he was just trying to show off his ass. Really? He grabbed Aarons butt cheek, his fingers skimming into the crease. The effect was instantaneous. Aaron twisted in the sheets, wiggling closer. Then he whipped around to get his head into Jakes lap. He peppered Jakes thighs with kisses while Jake reached around to keep his fingers in Aarons crack.

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Cmon up here. Jake tugged Aaron up his body and pressed their lips together. His heart got all soft and mushy at the first taste. He growled, urging the kiss deeper. Aaron let out a tiny sigh, his body melting in Jakes grasp. After a long moment, he wriggled out of Jakes hold as if his joints were oiled and urged Jake onto his side. Aaron flipped so that his dick pointed at Jakes face. Moaning his appreciation, Aaron wrapped his lips around Jakes cap. At the same time, he pumped his hips forward in obvious demand. Jake smiled. He licked a path up Aarons cock, then again from base to tip. Aaron was salty and smooth. He tasted so good that Jake wanted to tease him some more, but Aaron wove his fingers into Jakes hair and tugged Jakes head forward. Oh, hell. Jake growled. He fucking loved pushy guys. Jake swallowed him down, groaning his enjoyment around Aarons cock. He felt a pulse in his own dick as Aaron picked up his pace, urging the sixty-nine faster. Jake gripped Aarons ass cheeks and pulled them apart. Aaron was damp with rain and sweat. Aaron pulled off just long enough to hiss, You wanna do me? Then he worked his lips down Jakes shaft again, pumping his fist in time to his suction. Jake shook his head. Nah. Im having too much fun like this. He used his tongue to press Aarons cock hard against the roof of his mouth. Then he teased his finger further into Aarons crease until he probed at Aarons ass. At the pressure, Aaron started bucking, hips churning, and his cock spreading Jakes lips wide. With a muffled hum, Jake rolled the pair of them over so that Aaron was below. He licked his way off Aarons cock and craned his neck to tongue Aarons ass. He tasted like spice, musk, and ocean. And he was smooth, like hed been waxedfucking hot as hell. Jake thrust harder into Aarons mouth. He knew Aaron was a step ahead, so he pumped fast, trusting Aaron to push him off if he went too deep. When he felt his balls tuck up under his body and blood

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pooling in his cock, Jake pushed two fingers into Aarons pucker and wrapped his mouth around Aarons cock. It felt like their bodies were connected by an electrical circuit. Jake spurted and a split second later tasted Aarons first splash of cum. Each bitter swallow was answered with an undulation of Aarons throat. The cycle went on, smooth and slow, with enough time between each spasm for Jake to feel the next one grip his balls. When the last, dry quivers softened their dicks, Jake smoothed Aaron onto his side. He gently kissed Aarons hips, and then Jake shifted a lax Aaron around so that he lay nested in Jakes arms. Aaron blew a sigh across Jakes chest. He pressed a kiss into his pectoral. If I ask you a question, do you promise not to laugh? Jakes chest bounced as he said, Yeah. Of course. Can all Native Hawaiians turn into sharks? Um, no. Jake pressed his lips together to avoid chuckling. He thought about what to tell Aaron. Rivulets of light rain ran down the window outside. He knew if he tried to lie, his father would send a typhoon. No, its just me and six other guys. One for each island. He wracked his brain. No girls, as far as I know. Maybe shark gods only had Y-Chromosome DNA. Aaron hitched an elbow under him, raising his head. I remember hearing a story once, about shark gods in Hawaii. I wondered if maybe there was some kind of inside joke. When Jake looked at him quizzically, Aaron added a toss of his hair and a shrug. You never know. Howd a mainlander like you hear that story? Jake ran a finger down Aarons throat to toy with his collarbone. Aaron blushed, looking away. The Waikiki Kailua Lani. Jake had heard of the hotel. Spring break? Christmases when I was little. They had a daycare. Aarons eyes took on a faraway expression. But then his gaze snapped back to its hard edge. I know how you feel about Waikiki. Aaron shifted up to sitting. But some of my best memories were there.

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Ive never been, Jake admitted. But I heard they have a lot of nightlife. All the boys hed hooked up with in Paiela seemed to know about the beaches and clubs in Waikiki. But magic bound Jake to the island of Maui. And I know all their gods live on the Big Island, in exile. The shark gods son lives on island, but its too built up for the gods. Oh. Aaron shifted to sitting, his face creasing with concern. So Waikiki pushed them away? Jake chewed his lip. No, not exactly. More Honolulu and Waikiki and the rest. The gods live in the trees and the land. And when that land gets paved over with roads and hotels Huh. Aaron scratched at his hair. Then he nibbled his fingernail, nervously. Listen, Im going to take your word for it. But, dont you think maybe the gods should find some other way to keep existing? Like, live in the sky or the ocean or something? What, like your God? Jakes temper flared. Aaron held up his hands. I dont believe in God, and neither did my parents. Dont put your issues on me! He stared out the window, as if a wall had come down between them. Jake felt like shit for putting Aaron back on the outside of an imaginary divide. He coaxed closer to Aarons side, taking his hand. Then he crooned, Hawaii has several shark gods, and they sometimes take human form and come to land. Like Kauhuhu. Aaron said it kind of prissy, as if he wasnt sure he was done being offended. I was one of those kids who, once I got something in my head, I had to know all about it. I can imagine. Jake pictured a small boy with Aarons sharp eyes, poring through books and driving every adult around him crazy with questions. Well, Ku-Hai-Moana is my father, but there are other shark gods, too. Their children help protect the land. He watched while the ramifications of that permeated. Aaron sat taller. So, basicallyits your mission in life to stop Stilton from building this resort? Aaron frowned.

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Sorta. Though his father always took a distinctly antidevelopment stance, Jake knew the economy of the region. Truth is, we need someone to take over the hotel. He wasnt sure if he should be admitting this to Aaron. After all, Aaron could use it to fuck over the area. But Jake had two choiceslie to the man he loved, or take a chance. A lotta people had jobs there. And others got business from the people who came to stay. He thought about the general store and how bare the shelves had been without tourists coming in regularly to keep inventory flowing. Lot of folks around here rent out Ohanas, but without that hotel, the staff had to take jobs on the other side of the island. Aaron nodded. Yeah, I can see that. His expression was thoughtful. Have any other potential buyers approached the owners? A few, but none of them bid as high as Stilton. Jake watched Aaron think. Do you think we could find another buyer? A pinprick of sadness popped Jakes balloon of hope. If someone else bought the property, Aaron would leave. No. Aaron bounded off the bed. He grabbed his flat computer off the table and turned it on with a touch of a button. Stilton wont back off unless theres a good reason to balk. Im not even sure they can at this point. He started typing directly on the tablets screen. Let me look more closely at the projections and see if I can dig up who else the current owners had on the hook in case Stilton fell through. Jake wrapped himself around Aarons back and rested his chin on Aarons shoulder. With Aaron in his arms, Jake felt like he could take on the gods themselves. So, you think you can get Stilton to lose interest? Jake smiled. Gonna plant some more bedbugs? Jake was still mad at his father for not doing something to stop the infestation. His father had claimed he didnt have any power to stop forces of nature, only to encourage them.

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Ew, no! Aaron twitched. He cocked his head around and planted a kiss on Jakes cheek. Im thinking more about a shark attack.

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Chapter Eight
Aaron stood nervously in front of the empty hotel, waiting for his supervisor to arrive. The sky was clear and open, with only the faintest wisps of clouds floating out toward the water. A rented convertible appeared at the top of the hill then pulled into the circular driveway, blaring rap music. Paul Nickerson drew to a stop and cut the engine. Hello, Aaron. He climbed out of the leather-upholstered seat. The guy wore a white dress shirt unbuttoned at the collar and gray slacks. He looked like a corporate pirate. Hi, Paul. Aaron reached out a hand. Was your flight okay? Yeah, it was fine. Paul peered through the hotels windows at the empty office. Man, this place is a shithole. He didnt wait for Aaron to reply before popping the trunk of his car and pulling out a suitcase. Stiltons gonna make a killing out here. He pulled his smartphone out of his pocket and glared at it. Do you have any idea how many people visit Maui every year? Now theyll finally have somewhere to stay on this side. Aaron thought about his cozy Ohana apartment in the jungle. Even without the very fuckable Jake next door, it was preferable to staying at a hotel that looked like every other hotel on the planet. But he didnt tell Paul that. Im staying with a friend. Aaron tagged along behind as Paul rolled his suitcase. So you can have the room they set aside for me. Wow. Paul slowed enough to let Aaron, and his key, pass. You move fast. He didnt say anything more on the topic. Paul was always trying to tease Aarons sexual orientation out of him. And

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though Aaron wasnt closeted per se, he didnt like the idea of his supervisor knowing what he did in bed. Here it is. Aaron unlocked the door and pushed it open. He resisted the urge to apologize. It wasnt his fault Stilton hadnt prepared better rooms. Hed checked the one destined for Paul, and it had been even worse. Youre kidding. Paul stared at the bed with disbelief. Were supposed to stay here? Its the glamorous life. Aaron threw open the window to tempt the breeze. Then he turned on the ceiling fan. No air-conditioning? Paul searched the edges of the room as if he simply could not believe that a room without AC could possibly exist. Are you serious? Aaron snorted a small laugh. I know its not as comfortable as youre used to, but you could come out to the beach with me this afternoon. No one should be cooped up in here. Paul folded to sitting on the bed. Um, yeah. He scanned the room for his suitcase, and then looked down at his clothes. The hopeless expression on his face was almost pitiable. Is there anywhere to eat around here? Sure, but they close early. We could pick up something on the way. Aaron patted Paul on the sleeve. His skin itched with the force of his guilt. Hed always seen Paul as competition, as a shark out to fight his way to the top. Now he realized Paul and he were part of the same school of fish, just following one another in what seemed like the right direction. Oh, okay. Paul looked gratefully at Aaron then pulled his belongings into the bathroom and shut the door. He called out, The plumbing works, right? Yeah. Aaron gave a sympathetic smile, though Paul couldnt see it. Hey, Ill give you some privacy. See you out front in twenty minutes? He didnt want to rush his boss, but the sooner he scared the bejeezus out of Paul the faster the poor guy could fly back to

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headquarters and his air-conditioned apartment in San Diego, serviced by ten different kinds of food delivery. Aaron hiked around to the front of the building and saw Jake walking down the hill to the hotel. He tensed. Aaron didnt have any reason to believe Paul would connect Jake to the shark sighting, exceptHe had a weird feeling that he should keep Jake and Paul separate. Hey, sexy. Jake jogged as he approached. The guy show up yet? Jake was wearing cutoff jean shorts and a worn tank top. He looked hot as hell, but Aaron tensed at the thought of Paul and him interacting. Yeah. Hes here. Aaron peeked over his shoulder nervously. He spoke in a hiss. You need to get out of here. Jake shifted onto his heels. You dont want him seeing me? No! I mean, wellyes. But I dont want to give him any ideas, have him make any connections. Aaron walked toward town, as fast as he could. He wanted to crest the hill before Paul would have a chance to see him and Jake together. You think hes gonna guess that I change into a shark? Jake stopped in the road, his arms crossed and his jaw hard. He must be a really smart guy, yeah? In Jakes low, steady voice the sarcasm bit deep. Aaron cupped his forehead in his hand. He wiped off sweat from the afternoon sun. Of course he wouldnt guess. He struggled to explain his reasoning to Jake when he couldnt even explain it to himself. Its just Jake raised a severe eyebrow. I need to be the same, Jake. Aaron put his hands on his hips for a moment, but then realized the posture made him look queen-y, and he crossed his arms in a mimic of Jake. Paul needs to think nothing has changed with me.

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Pain flashed behind Jakes eyes, and Aaron wondered what had caused it. Why, Aar? Jake asked it with the pet name, which only made Aaron feel worse. Aaron wanted to say it was because it might jeopardize the plan to get Stilton out of Halana, but that wasnt the truth. Because I dont want to lose my job. Jake studied him, as if some deep truth about Aaron was slowly settling in. Aaron found himself wishing Jake still believed whatever lie it was that had made him happy. You dont, do you? Jake said it like an admission of defeat. He walked past Aaron, and in the direction of Halana town. Well, I guess Ill get down to the bay, then. Ill see you later, Aaron called after him. His heart fell into his stomach and sat there like a piece of lead. Feeling like shit for blowing off Jake, he wandered to the entrance of the old hotel just in time to see Paul stumble uphill from the cabins. Paul wore board shorts and a collared T-shirt and carried a towel. His sandals looked just as pristine as Aarons had when hed first arrived in Maui. You ready? Paul called. Ready as Ill ever be. Aaron stared at the road that separated them from the town and bay of Halana, and steeled his nerves. He forced his thoughts to later, when hed be able to return to Jakes house. They never had gotten around to actual fucking at his Ohana, having wanted to save something special to do after Stilton pulled out of Halana. Hopefully, Jake would forgive him by then. Aaron nodded at Paul. We might as well do this thing. **** I still dont see why I have to run around screaming like a girl. Eli snatched a beer out of Jakes cooler and popped the cap. He pulled off his shirt and stretched in the dappled sunlight.

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Jake followed suit, pulling off his top. Since the dock was crowded, he decided to wait until he got in the water to strip naked. Just put on a good show, yeah? The old spit stuck off the dock into the middle of the bay. All along it, older men sat with fishing poles. He stared in the direction of the restaurant on the waterfront. What the hell, you think I studied at Juilliard or something? Eli bitched. Jake watched the tiny figures of Aaron and his coworker eating at the picnic tables near the bay. The guy, Paul, had hair so blond it looked almost white. Nows as good a time as any. He walked out to the end of the dock, nodding to the various guys along the way. Then he turned to Eli. Give me five minutes, and then you can jump. Eli gave an exaggerated eye roll. He downed more of his beer. Whatever. Fine Jake dove into the water. Water splashed up around him, clouding his senses. The pound of the waves and surf were like a thousand whispering voices as he shifted form. His nerves sang with their information as Jakes flesh smoothed and cooled into that of a shark. His nictitating membrane snapped into place, making the water instantly look smooth as glass. But Jakes ears drew his attention. He heard his fathers voice echo under the water. You need to learn trust, Jacob, the ocean sang. Jake couldnt speak underwater, and he was pretty sure thats why his father so often talked to him while he was submerged. How do you know what I need? he thought at his father. Jake was doing what his father had askedsaving Halana town from overpopulation and environmental destruction. What the fuck else did his father want? I want you to be happy, Jake. This man will make you happy. His giant teeth ground between his enormous jaws. If a shark could laugh, Jake would have. Aaron? He tried to stop the thought before it could form. Hes going to break my heart.

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Havent I taught you anything, Jake? The water echoed with the chuckles of a god. In the distance, Jake heard the sound of Eli diving into the water, and he knew it was showtime. But for some reason, he wanted to hear what father said next. You cant build anything without first breaking something else. Jake didnt know if the sadness he heard was in his fathers voice or in his own heart. Whatever, he echoed Eli. Then he swam in the direction of his friend. Eli beat a steady breaststroke, and when he was only a hundred yards from the shore, he stopped and threaded water. Seeing his legs batting below the surface, Jakes shark senses sizzled to high alert. Hed been honest with AaronJake was in charge even in shark form. Still, the sight of flailing legs underwater tempted him to take a bite. Jake resisted the draw. He rose to the surface and circled Eli in wide passes. Soon, he heard Elis voice shouting. Fuck! Its a shark! Oh, fuck! Eli thrashed around, and Jake hoped that the folks on the beach were watching. He swept by Eli one direction, then another. When it got shallow enough that he risked being seen too clearly, Jake turned around and dove deeper into the ocean. He thought he could hear some shouts and calls on land, but Jake couldnt be sure. He just hoped that Aaron got whatever it was hed wanted. **** Oh, my God! Does that happen often in Hawaii? Paul recorded the footage on his cell phone. He held the thing aloft the whole time Jakes screaming friend swam to shore. Apparently, Paul thought having a cool video to post online was more important than helping someone who might have been attacked.

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Thats the third one Ive seen since Ive been here, Aaron lied Im surprised Stilton decided to move forward with the resort here. Aaron folded his food box closed and tossed it in the trash along with his drink cup. The locals say theres a school of sharks nearby. Aaron shrugged, trying to play up the danger enough to scare off Stilton, but not so much it would attract public scrutiny. Wow. Paul stared at the bay. His forehead creased in thought. Have you mentioned it to the higher-ups? Not yet. That was a hole in the plan, and Aaron knew it. He should have told their boss about the sharks before Paul came out, but Aaron hadnt wanted to be implicated. He bit his lip. I assumed he knew. It was a flimsy excuse, but Aaron watched Pauls features, hoping hed buy the story. Huh. Paul pulled out his phone and clicked it on, probably to send an e-mail to the Vice President of Development, but he grimaced. How the hell is anyone supposed to send mail around here? Aaron hid a grin behind his hand. The 3G signal works best up at the store. If you draft mails on your phone or tablet, you can walk over there to send them. Pauls jaw dropped. Really? Nodding, Aaron stood. The sun was dropping on the horizon and once it fell altogether, it would be dangerously dark on the roads. We should get you back to your room. Sure. Paul looked reluctant to leave, but he followed behind, texting as he walked. They climbed the road, and when they passed the general store, Paul paused and held his phone aloft. Im just going to send one thing. Aaron waited, a smile playing at the edge of his lips. This was it Paul was sending an e-mail advising company brass to pull out of the Halana project. Aaron thumbed his car keys in his pocket, itching to drive back to Jakes place and give him a big, happy kiss. Did it go through? Aaron gestured at Pauls phone.

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Yup. Paul tucked the machine in his pocket. Well, good. Aaron picked up his pace, leading Paul back to the old hotel.

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Chapter Nine
Jake stared out the window at the dark driveway until he heard wheels crunch on dirt and leaves outside. Not wanting to seem like he was waiting, Jake strode back into his living room and settled on the couch. He listened to the sound of Aarons footsteps outside, and a dull ache setting up residence in his chest. If Stilton pulled out of Halana, Jake might never see him again. Jake? Aaron shouted. Yeah. Jake bounded off the couch hed barely warmed. He opened the door to find Aaron standing on his threshold, smiling to his ears, body brimming with excitement. Aaron launched into Jakes arms, pushing him backward into the house. God, Im sorry about before. He pulled Jakes shirt up to his armpits and ducked his head to kiss Jakes chest. His hands were feverish and desperate as he fumbled with Jakes fly. Jake couldnt help but feel like this was good-bye sex. He responded in kind, dragging Aarons clothes off, kissing every inch of skin he could find. He didnt even have the heart to tell Aaron to slow down. Maybe if he fucked Aaron hard enough, made him shout loud enough, maybe then Aaron would stay. Bed. Now. Aaron breathed in Jakes ear. And then Jake backed him through the passageway and into his tiny room. He fell on top of Aaron, onto the bed. Their cocks, already steely, crushed between their bodies, bruised by the force of their thrusts. Jake reached down to rub them off together, but Aaron batted his hand away.

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Ill come too fast. Aaron squirmed underneath him, rolling onto his belly. I want you inside me. He pushed his ass up until Jake nestled between Aarons cheeks. Cmon. Okay. Jake reached into his nightstand for some slick and a condom. He watched the rise and fall of Aarons back as the smaller man settled onto the bed and started to relax. Jake wanted to see Aarons face, but the whole thing was too fast and desperate. If he saw sadness or resignation in Aarons eyes, Jake didnt think hed be able to perform. His only hope was to pretend Aaron was his, and they lived together by a crescent bay. They woke up together every morning and shared coffee while the birds sang. You with me? Aaron twisted, studying Jake over his shoulder. Yeah. Jake smiled, trying to keep up the fantasy when the reality was written all over Aarons face. He could be sad later. I got ya. Jake lubed up a couple fingers and stroked them into Aarons crease. When Aaron sighed and laid his face on the pillows, Jake pressed kisses into his shoulders and back. Aarons muscles gave way to Jakes one finger, then the second. Normally Aaron was so wriggly and squirmy during sex, but with Jakes touch inside him, he turned loose and limbless. Mmmmm. Aaron eased back into Jakes hand. Jakes pulse sped up. He lined a third finger up with the other two and eased it in, stretching Aarons tight pucker. When Aaron reached between his legs and took his cock in hand, Jake rolled on the condom. Youll hold on for me, yeah? Mmm hmmm Aaron stayed flat on the bed, not jerking himself so much as pumping his hips into his hand. Good boy. Jake smiled into Aarons shoulder. Aarons body felt perfect under hislong and taut. He thrust his hips in time with Aarons, his cock slicking into Aarons furrow. Ah. Aaron gasped when their movements pressed Jakes cockhead a small way into his hole.

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Jake nibbled up Aarons shoulder and to his ear, unable to pull out even a short way. He rubbed Aarons deltoid, then slid his hand down Aarons arm to clasp their hands. You okay? Aaron nodded, breathing in short pants. But then he pressed back in tentative pulses until his passage engulfed Jakes cap. Holy Jesus. Jake curled forward until his forehead rested on Aarons neck. It felt too good, too hot and tightbetter and worse than their first time because Jakes heart was breaking. Tell me when, Aar. Jake tried to keep his movement shallow, when every fiber of his body wanted to push deep and make Aaron his. Okay. Aaron rubbed his face into the sheets, but then twisted his neck around for a kiss. Their mouths met in a messy rub. Yeah, Im good. You can go. Oddly, now that Jake had permission, he wanted to take his time. He rolled his hips in a slow, deep pulse. Aarons body accepted him all the way to the hilt, and Jake thought hed cry at the tight pressure of it. Oh yeah. Aaron shifted under him, a sinuous roll of his spine driving Jake mad. Yeah, Just like that. He started squirming, his natural tendencies rising to the surface. Jake hitched his body to a higher angle. Then he grabbed a handful of Aarons hairnot being rough, but wanting to position Aaron with enough of an arch so Jake hit the right spots. Aaron responded with frantic bucking, rising up partway onto his knees. Rub off for me. Jake wanted to make Aaron come just from being fucked, but he didnt think he could last that long. Aaron was too sexy, and he smelled too good. Plus, if he waited too long, he might break down crying before he came. Cmon, I wanna feel you coming. Aaron made a strangled moan and did as Jake asked. He trembled, holding more still than before. He vibrated as if the sensation was too much. Jake could tell from the angle of his arm that Aaron wasnt

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rubbing his dick so much as holding his fist in an O and letting Jakes thrusts push him forward. Jake reared back. He palmed Aarons hips, spearing into him until cum filled his balls and pleasure coursed through his groin. Im gonna blow, Aar. You ready? They didnt have to come together, but Jake wanted it. He needed that perfect connection hed felt when he and Aaron had used their mouths. Godfuck. Aaron growled out his orgasm, collapsing onto the bed. Jake followed him down, letting Aarons body milk the spasms from his sac. They came in harmony, lying with their bodies flush, pulses of heat ricocheting between Jakes cock and Aarons ass. He didnt want to pull off or pull out. Jake wanted to fall asleep connected and wake pumping in his own cum. After a long moment, Aaron murmured, You probably wanna Yeah. Jake took the hint and rolled off. He tugged off the condom and went to the bathroom to toss it in the garbage. As he was washing off, Aaron crowded in behind. Aaron stepped past Jake and into the shower like he owned the place. As if they were longtime lovers. And though Jake wanted to keep pretending, he found his eyes flushing with tears, and he ducked out of the bathroom before Aaron could see. **** Aaron woke to the sound of roosters crowing and to the smell of coffee. He peered at the sky through Jakes screened window, stretching like a cat in sheets that smelled like him and Jake, sweat and sex. He could certainly visit again. Stilton had enough resorts in Hawaii that Aaron might be able to maneuver a position at one of the locations. But that could take months, if not years. And Jake and hed only known each other a few days.

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Ey, you up? Jake wandered into the room, holding mugs of coffee in both hands. Here. He handed one down to Aaron then sat on the bed. Thanks. Aaron took a sip. He wanted to talk about the future, to brainstorm ideas of how he and Jake could keep seeing each other. But he couldnt bring himself to do it before caffeinating. Jake peered at his coffee cup. You heard anything from your boss yet? No. I should check my e-mail though. Aaron shuffled to the side of the bed and picked his phone off the nightstand. He turned it on. Then, taking another fortifying sip of coffee, he thumbed to his messages. What he saw there made him wish hed showered first as well. Oh, fuck. Aaron twisted around to sitting. Shit. They want to go ahead with the resort, but theyre going to re-brand it a sharkwatching destination. What? Jake pressed up next to him, trying to read over Aarons shoulder. They cant do that. People dont go out shark watching the way they do whale watching. Aaron stared at his phone in increasing disbelief. They want to use cages. Have people go shark diving. Jake blinked at the smartphone, his face gone blank. He opened his mouth, but then shut it again. Then he stood, and not saying a word, walked away. Shaking his head, Aaron kept reading. The plan wasnt set in stone, but Stilton would be sending a team of divers out in the next few weeks to try and determine where the sharks lived in order to find the best locations for viewing. At least Aaron had time. Jake? Aaron put the phone down and went to join Jake in the kitchen. He roamed his hands over Jakes bare chest, stroking his muscles. Well, that backfired, yeah? Jake hung his head. I guess. Aaron rolled his eyes at his mug. Jake spun around and pinned Aaron with a hard look. They cant build this resort, Aaron. He stomped across his house and opened a

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box under a desk in the living room. Jake pulled out a pile of papers. Look at these. He tossed them on the breakfast bar that stuck out from the kitchen counter. Aaron stared at the lists of numbers. What are these? Projections. Jake pointed to a line in the rows of data. Thats how much traffic flow the current road can handle. Then he laid another legal-sized sheet of paper over the first one. And thats how much the road would have to be expanded to accommodate traffic caused by Stiltons resort. He shuffled the papers some more, leafing through to look for something. Here. He shoved a printout under Aarons nose. Look at how many more houses are going to have to be built to accommodate the new employees. You had these all along? Aaron ran his fingers over the notes. He struggled to catch up with the new information. Who compiled this? The Highway and Transportation Board mostly. Jake pulled out a large legal pad covered with scrawl. I did a few calculations myself. Why didnt you just show me these in the first place? It didnt make any sense. With this much data, someone could easily make a case against the resort expanding the size of the current hotel. Would you have listened? Jake scrubbed at his hair, his expression resigned. Or would you have brought in your own guys to come up with different calculations. Aaron opened his mouth to argue, but then shut it again. Much as he hated to admit it, Jake was right. Stilton never would have taken the Highway and Transportation Boards data at face value. They would have swung the numbers to say what they wanted. Okay, fine. I see your point. He wasnt sure how things had gone so wrong so quickly. But dont you see? He stepped around the kitchens halfwall to meet Jakes eyes. Now all we need to do it find an environmental group and give them these numbers. Theyll challenge Stilton, and

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Why not you? Jake growled. What? Jake snapped up his head, pinning Aaron with a searching stare. Why dont you just present the numbers? Aaron pursed his lips. He tried not to show the shiver of anxiety brought on by the thought of challenging the giant conglomerate. Even bringing those reasonable estimates to his superiors made fear trickle down his spine. I You care too much about your job, yeah? Jake huffed then spun around to wash out his cup in the sink. He scrubbed it carefully and set it in the rack to dry. Well, it doesnt matter either way. My dadll just send a storm to wash out the road again. Or brew waves to block the cargo ships. Jake sighed. He always gets his fucking way. But I dont want him losing more people their jobs. Hell, maybe even their lives. Cmon, Jake Aaron touched Jakes arm. When Jake only stiffened he laid his cheek on Jakes shoulder. Ill try, okay? Jake shrugged like he didnt believe it, and Aaron wasnt sure he believed it either. But hed try. For Jake and the town, Aaron would give it his best shot. **** When Aaron stepped out of the baggage claim area and into the taxi stand outside, the San Diego air tasted acrid and dry. As usual, he checked the messages on his phone, realizing that once again, hed missed his moms call. Now that they were on the same time zone, he dialed her number, hoping to end the game of phone tag. Aaron? She sounded surprised and pleased when she answered. Yeah. Hi, mom. He struggled to hear her over the roaring of traffic. Im at the airport. Whats up? She paused. The airport in Maui?

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He sighed, wishing he was back on the islands, rather than surrounded by exhaust and honking cars. No. Im back in San Diego now. There was He wasnt sure what to tell her about the hotel. His mom was cool, and endlessly accepting. She would understand Aarons problems with the hotel. But his father would no doubt blame any holdups on Aaron, and unfortunately, Aarons mom told his dad everything. He rolled his neck. There was a problem with the hotel. I had to come back to meet with the Vice President. Oh. Nothing major, I hope. Aaron wasnt going to get into the story while standing around waiting for a cab. Its a long story. Do you want to have lunch later? Sure, honey. His moms voice was pure sunshine. Do you mind if your dad comes along? No, thats fine. Aaron tensed. He didnt really want to see his father, but knew it would upset his mom if he said so. At Jaes? He suggested the Chinese place near his parents home. That sounds great. And good luck with your meeting. Thanks. Aaron hung up, and before he could start worrying about talking to his father on top of everything else, Aaron rushed to put in his earbuds. After a few clicks of his MP3 player, the melancholy strum of ukulele filled his ears. If Aaron closed his eyes, he could imagine he was still in Halana, where everything was quiet and simple. A taxi pulled up, Aaron folded into the seat. Where to? the cabbie called back. The Stilton Building. Aaron rattled off the address. He watched out the window as buildings scrolled past, along with miles and miles of highway. The skies were clear and blue, but Aaron didnt find San Diego as pretty as he used to. The cab pulled to a stop in front of the imposing edifice of concrete and glass. Aaron gripped his briefcase in one hand and dragged his travel bag with the other. The glass doors whirred open

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automatically, as if they were trying to press him toward his destination. He hated their efficiency. Hi, Tad. Aaron waved to the security guard. Back from Hawaii already? Tad called over. Have fun? Aaron wasnt sure how to describe what he had. Fun wasnt the right word. He flashed Tad a smile and said, It was amazing. With the harsh expediency as the rest of the building, the elevator dinged a moment after Aaron pressed the button. He boarded, riding up to the forty-seventh floor. Then he stepped into the main level of Stiltons offices. The room simmered with activity, everyone talking into their phones a mile a minute. Workers passed at full speed and didnt even lift their heads to say hi. He crossed through the room and to the meeting suite where hed scheduled time with the Vice President. His phone buzzed right as Aaron was settling down and organizing his presentation. He checked the screen, seeing Jakes text message of good luck. He texted back thanks. Aaron was going to hit send, but his thumbs lingered over the keyboard. He had the strongest urge to add I love you. A wave of vertigo swept over him, like he was being dragged under by a rough tide. He loved Jake. It was the strangest thing to feel about someone you hadnt known long, but Aaron couldnt think of anyone he wanted to talk to, or have sex with, or wake up next to more than his laughing, easygoing lover. Mr. Enomoto. Stiltons Vice President of Development entered, followed by his secretary. He shuffled into the best seat in the room, his expression distracted. Of course, he had hundreds of resorts to oversee and the Halana project was only a blip on his balance sheet. I hope you have good news on the project in He shook his head like an old walrus ruffling his rolls of skin. The site on Maui. What was the name of that town again? Holuka? Halalei? Halana. Aaron grit his teeth. And to be honest He took a deep breath and steeled himself for the confrontation. After

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extensive consideration, I dont think the site is suitable for the resort we have planned. Aaron waited, heart thumping high in his chest for that lookthe narrow-eyed censure he so loathed to see. But the Vice President only scrubbed his face with a thoughtful expression. What makes you think that? Er Aaron blinked. Well, I have some data that shows the roads in the area wont support the volume wed bring. And the region doesnt have adequate employee housing. Wed be building two hotels, basically. One for staff and the other for guests. He turned on his laptop and fired up his PowerPoint presentation. But before he started, Aaron looking inquiringly at his boss. I have to ask, sir. Arent you Hed been going to say angry, but of course a Vice President of a major corporation wouldnt admit to being upset. Well, you dont have any concerns? He waited, confused as to why his boss wasnt showing any emotion. I hired you as Project Manager for a reason, Enomoto. The Vice President was checking his phone as he spoke. If this project is going to cost us money instead of making us money, better to find out now than later, right? Was our contract on the property binding? Aaron hastened through his overhead projections to where he discussed numbers and contracts. Then he loaded up his proposed solution. Well, sir, Ive had some thoughts about that, too. **** Aaron waited at the restaurant for his parents to arrive. The familiar smell of sweet-and-sour chicken wafted through the booths and the staff barked at each other in Chinese. He was starving and tired, having taken the red-eye to make it to his meeting on time. He spotted his dad first, and hoped that is mother wasnt far behind.

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Kenichi Enomoto was shorter than Aaron, about the same height as Aarons mother. Though he still ran every day and retained the intensity of a young man, his hair had streaked through with gray. Aaron, Ken called over. He crossed the restaurant in a direct path and took a seat across the booth. Your mother had an appointment run late. Shell be here in a few minutes. Aarons mom was an orthodontist, and though she kept reasonable hours, she often had to stay late to deal with patients. No problem. Aaron opened his menu. He peeked past it at the door, hoping his mother would walk through and save him from talking to his father. So, how is the project in Hawaii? His fathers gaze pierced Aaron, as if he was asking him to recite his times tables in third grade. Weve had to make some adjustments. Aaron aimed to be as vague as possible. He wasnt fired, and the Vice President was happy with his work. So it shouldnt have mattered to him what his father thought. Except that it did. Youre not going to slow things down are you? Or cost the company extra money? Aaron pressed his thumb and forefinger into his eyes, trying to quell the headache brought on by too much thinking and too little sleep. Yknow, dadits not all about making money, okay? He thought about Halana town and the people who lived there. None of them had what his dad would consider a desirable job or a decent life. Yet theyd all seemed perfectly happy. Ken made a sound in between a snort and a scoff. Not everything, no. But the hotel business is. You dont work in my field, so as far as Im concerned, you dont have any room to criticize. Aarons eyes went wide as soon as the words left his mouth. Hed never spoken to his father like that before, not even when hed been a rebellious teenager. Mostly, hed spent his high school years hiding on his computer in alternate

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realities, and his college years getting drunk and having sex to blow off steam. Direct confrontation had never been Aarons thing. His father stared at him for a long time. Eventually, he went back to reading his menu. Aaron could hardly believe it when his dad muttered, I guess youre right. And though the words may have been tinged with sarcasm, it was enough of a victory that Aaron smiled. He looked out the window again, catching sight of his mother on the sidewalk outside. She smiled when she saw him, and as Aaron waved back, he wondered if shed planned to be late on purpose. **** Jake and the guys had left late, so there wasnt much surfing to be had by the time they arrived in Paiela. The sunlight filtered sideways through clouds. And though he and the guys swam out the break, they only caught a few lackluster waves before agreeing to rinse off in the beach shower. The water ran rivulets over his skin, and Jake longed for Aarons warm body. Kono bumped his shoulder. We should hit The Reef, brah. Its your kinda night. You serious? Jake washed the soap out of his eyes and then toweled off. In his depression about Aaron leaving, hed forgotten it was Queer Night at the bar. He scowled at his friends. Im not a breeding stud you can pair up with just anyone. I would never think that. Eli exchanged a sly look with Kono. Then he ducked under the shower to rinse off the salt. Im sure youll find someone you like tonight. He snickered into the water, and then twisted out of the way when Jake batted his side. Clearly the guys were up to something. I dont even want to know, yeah? Jake wrapped his towel around his waist, and then he reached underneath to untie his board

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shorts. He dropped them to the ground and, dressed only in the swath of beach-print terry cloth, jogged back to his truck for his clothes. When Jake saw Aaron standing there in the parking lot, he stopped in his tracks. Aaron wore a collared, long-sleeved shirt and khaki pants as if hed just gotten off an airplane. Aar. Jake crossed the space between them in long strides. Then he dragged Aaron into a hug. He wanted to breathe in Aarons smell, but worried hed pop wood behind his towel. So Jake pulled back just far enough to look at the love of his life. Hey, Jake. Aarons smile brightened. I couldnt wait to see you. Your friends told me to wait until you got to the bar, but I He wrapped his arms around Jake again, his long body stretched. Fuck, I missed you. You told Eli and Kono you were coming back but not me? Jake took Aarons hand and led him to his truck. He scowled over his shoulder at Eli and Kono. The pair of them were chuckling into their fists. His friends could hitch back to Halana for all Jake cared. I only found out the day before yesterday. I thought it would be fun to surprise you. He climbed into the passenger seat of Jakes truck. Aaron glared at the setting sun, plucking his too-warm shirt away from his body. Do you have a shirt I could borrow? Im melting. Then Aaron did the most wonderful thing imaginablehe ripped off his dress shirt and tossed it in the sand-covered backseat. Then he leaned back, lifting his arms to weave his hands behind his neck. Sure. Jake leaned in past Aaron, taking the opportunity to catch a whiff of the delicious splay of hair under his arms. I got you. He pressed a kiss onto Aarons mouth, and landed a shirt and a pair of cutoff shorts in his lap. You gonna be my date to Queer Night? Aaron yawned. He pulled Jakes loose tank top over his head. Closing the door, he shuffled out of his pants. Jake hurried around to the drivers side just in time to catch a glimpse of Aarons burgundy

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briefs before Aaron buttoned up his shorts. Dont think Im up for it tonight, Aaron said sadly. Im crazy jet-lagged. Then his eyes sparkled with mischief when he said, Lets just go home. Jakes heart did a little dance in his chest. He didnt know if Aaron was playing along with his fantasy or being serious, but he didnt care. Aaron was his guy tonight. He started the engine. Your wish is my command. He smiled at his lover again and started to back out of the parking space, but Aaron stopped him with a hand on Jakes arm. You know I really like you, right? Yeah. Jake wasnt sure what to say. He loved Aaron, loved him more than anything. I really like you too, Aar. He felt like a but was coming any moment, and Jake didnt want to be the one to say it. If things were different Im moving to Halana. Aaron did a little wriggling movement in his seat, the type of thing he always did when excited. Ive convinced the brass to build a smaller hotelStilton Eco Resort and Cultural Center. Aaron grinned to his ears. Its being funded by one of Stiltons foundations and run as a nonprofit in conjunction with one of the local conservation groups. He paused for a breath. So I guess what I wanted to ask was if youre interested in Yes. Jake noticed drivers piling behind them, trying to get out of the parking lot. He shifted the truck into gear and pulled onto the road. You dont even know what I was gonna ask. Aaron undulated, twisting around to kiss Jakes neck while he drove. I fucking love you, Aar. Ill do whatever you want. Aaron stilled, his mouth poised at Jakes collarbone. The countryside raced by and Jake wondered if now would be the moment when cold, hard reality dashed his little pretend world. Then Aaron let out a sigh that blew across Jakes chest. I love you, too. He hurried past the words. And I was just going to ask if I

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could stay with you. I mean, it doesnt have to be forever. I can find a place to rent Aw hell, Aar. Jake wrapped an arm around Aarons shoulder. I cant imagine anything better. You can stay as long as you want. Hell, Id like to see you try to get away from me. Jake glimpsed at Aarons disbelieving face. With a smirk, he pointed out the water, then out to the trees all around. Ive got family in high places, yeah? Im not gonna let you get away. Oh well. Aaron curled into Jakes side. He yawned, shifting to get comfortable. I wasnt planning on leaving anyway. Then he gave Jake a peck on the cheek. I took a demotion in order to stay on as manager of the hotel once its open. So youre pretty much stuck with me. Growling, Jake fused their lips in a kiss. Then he turned his attention back to the road. The highway dipped to the side, ducking under a swath of branches. A glimpse of the coastline focused into viewblue water and black cliffs shone against a purpling sky. In a rustle of wind through the branches, Jake was pretty sure he heard his father laughing. Jake closed his eyes for a second, chuckling internally at his fathers antics. He spoke in his head, slowly so hed be sure his father understood. You might want to stop spying, dad. Jake kissed Aarons head and wondered how fast he could get back to Halana. Im pretty sure Im about to get laid.

THE END
WWW.THEDAISYHARRIS.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Retired party girl and science fiction enthusiast, Daisy Harris spends most of her time writing sexy, m-m romance and plotting the fall of Western civilization. She lives in Seattle, where she tortures her husband by making it rain. She enjoys watching bridges cause traffic, watching football games cause traffic, and blithely wearing wool socks with sandals. Daisy loves to hear from her fans! Stop by her website or find her on Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr to connect and join in the fun.

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