Holiday Island Read online

  Rafa, slightly behind me and to my left, reached for my hand. “Shit, I didn’t think about it getting dark.”

  I raised a brow at his statement. “Um, yeah, islands get dark just like the mainland. Actually, a lot darker since there’s no artificial light.”

  Rafa’s face washed white as a ghost. “Shit.”

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah, just got a fear of the dark.” Rafa hung his head.

  “Dude, now is not the time for feeling ashamed or guilty. I can’t swim. You’re afraid of the dark. We’re even.” I squeezed his hand and realized with a jolt how happy I was he was still holding mine.

  “Plus, the deep water.”

  “Huh?” I wasn’t completely absorbed in the convo as my mind raced ahead to all we needed to do to protect ourselves before sunset.

  “I’m afraid of the dark and deep water. That’s two against your one.”

  “No time to keep score right now. C’mon.” I pulled Rafa’s hand, and we traveled deeper into the forest. Damn, it really would be pitch-black once the sun set. Maybe we’d get lucky and have a full moon.

  “There’s the tree house. Do you really think we can stay there?” Rafa stopped dead in his tracks, the sudden halt yanking me backward.

  “We’ll check it out. It won’t be the end of the world to have to sleep outside, but it would probably be more comfortable if we had a little space of our own.” At that moment the air was pierced with a loud and terrible noise. “Holy shit! What the hell was that?”

  Rafa had jumped much closer to my side. “I think it was a peacock.”

  “A peacock?” I frowned and racked my brain. “I didn’t know peacocks were native to this area.”

  “They aren’t. My dad says a lot of people have brought animals to these islands. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’d swear that noise was a peacock.” Rafa glanced around.

  “Well, it’s the creepiest, scariest sound I’ve heard in a long time.” I paused to listen, really listen, for the first time since stepping foot on the island. With the exception of being stranded, the place was absolutely gorgeous, a true paradise. A soft breeze rustled the leaves. Several birds sang and called to their mates. The damn peacock, or a buddy of his, squawked again. The buzz and hum of various frogs and insects filled the air. And…. “What is that?” I cocked my head to the side, trying to listen better.

  “Yeah, I hear it. Like a chatter or clicking?” Rafa stilled and listened closely.

  “Monkeys! I think it’s monkeys.” I felt a stab of relief in my chest.

  “Are monkeys good?”

  “Monkeys eat seeds and fruits, so there has to be something edible growing here.” I swept my arm wide. “And peacocks eat seeds and berries. I think. There should be at least enough food to keep us alive.”

  “And the animals would need fresh water, right?” Rafa turned his head and listened again. “Do you think there’s a freshwater spring or something?” He took off walking away from the tree house.

  “Wait. Let’s stick together. We’ll check for water, but let’s see what the house looks like first.”

  “Then water and food?” Rafa asked hopefully.

  “Yep. And we should maybe try to figure out fire. I may have a lighter in my bag. Robert was a smoker, so maybe he left one. It would be the only good thing he left me with.” I huffed and wrinkled my nose.

  “Oh! Fire! If we make a fire, maybe we can catch some fish and cook them. Heat some water? Send smoke signals?” Rafa rambled off ideas.

  “Whoa, slow down, Blue Lagoon. Fire first. Maybe fish. But we’d need a way to catch them. Heating water would be great, but we’d need a container. Let’s do the must-dos first.” I swung my arm around his shoulders and thrilled at the way he snuggled into my body.

  “Okay, sorry, I was getting ahead of myself.” Rafa chuckled. “Blue Lagoon. My Grandma Juanita loves that movie. She’s probably watched it a billion times. She always gripes that the sequel isn’t as good as the original.”

  “Well, that’s a pretty typical occurrence with a sequel.” I smiled. “How old are you?”

  “How old do you think I am?” Rafa challenged, head cocked, hand on his hip.

  “You look young, but I’m thinking you wear your years well.” I studied him. “And I gotta say, I’m going to know karma is a bitch if you’re younger than eighteen.”

  Rafa threw his head back and laughed. “No worries, big boy, I’m well past jailbait.”

  “Good to know.” I pretended to wipe my brow before considering Rafa again. “I’m going to go with twenty-six.” I cocked a brow in question.

  “Whoa, you’re good. I’m twenty-three, but that was definitely a good guess.” Rafa nodded appreciatively.

  “Your turn.” I pretended to model. “What’s your guess for this hunk o’man meat?”

  Rafa gave me a sly smile. “Careful, big boy, show off too much of the goods and I may make you my island love slave.”

  We both laughed, but a hot jet of desire slammed through my veins at Rafa’s suggestion.

  “Hmmm.” Rafa walked around me slowly and looked me up and down. “I’m going with thirty-two.”

  I scoffed. “You’re too kind. Not quite.”

  “I can’t be off by much.” Rafa waited for me to reveal my age.

  “Fine, you were close. I’m thirty-four.” I’d never really disliked my age, but knowing I was eleven years older than Rafa felt like a disappointment.

  “Why the long face? I like me some mature men.” Rafa winked.

  “If only we weren’t stranded on an island in need of food and water, no idea how long we’ll be here, and no clue how we’re going to get rescued.” I hefted the bag again and headed toward the tree house. “Let’s see if this baby is even close to salvageable.”

  “It’s the holiday season…,” Rafa sang behind me.

  I glanced over my shoulder.

  He shrugged. “I’m just saying. The holiday season is upon us. I, for one, believe in holiday miracles.”

  “First, which holiday?”

  “Any and all. I’m an equal opportunity holiday miracle enthusiast.” Rafa smiled.

  “Second, being stuck on an island while my career sails away like your dad’s cruise ship doesn’t seem miraculous. It seems downright Scroogeish and is enough to make anyone stop believing in holiday magic.” I shook my head at the kid’s naivete. “If that person even believed in the magic of the holidays to begin with.”

  Rafa placed a hand on his chest and gasped. “Dios mío!” He fanned himself. “I’ve been stranded and shackled with a real-life bah humbug.”

  “Sorry, babe, I am who I am.” I left Rafa standing and started climbing the tree house.

  “People change,” Rafa mumbled as he followed me and then began to whistle.

  “Damn, I’m stranded and shackled with a real-life optimist,” I teased Rafa before focusing on the structure.

  AN HOUR later, Rafa and I made our way to what seemed to be the middle of the island in search of water.

  “I can’t believe our luck.” Rafa rubbed his hands together. “It’s almost like all that stuff was left there just for us.”

  I smiled at the kid’s enthusiasm. “They probably left it for the next time they planned to come to the island, but yeah, we lucked out.” We’d found the main part of the tree house was in great shape; a talented carpenter had put the house together, I knew that for sure. The wood and the craftsmanship were top quality.

  “Since we found that bucket and those bowls, I think we should fill the bucket with water for drinking.” Rafa looked at me and made a face. “Damn, I really am thirsty now that I think of it.”

  A thought dawned on me. “Shit, I forgot I’ve got water in my bag! I brought two bottles with me when I left home this morning.”

  “Let’s see if we can find the island’s water source first.” Rafa pushed a large, low-hanging tree branch out of the way and gasped.

  Before us lay a crystal clear pool of water being fed by
a burbling spring flowing from the side. “Holy shit, it’s just like in the movies.” I went over and touched the water. It was as warm as bathwater.

  “It’s a holiday miracle.” Rafa winked at me and then laughed as he reached out to touch the fresh supply of water bubbling from the spring. “Whoa, how can that be so cold?”

  I joined him and marveled at the iciness of the fresh water when I knew the pool of water was much warmer. “Tell ya what, let’s not question it. We’ll gather the bucket and bowls and get a supply of water collected.” I glanced up. “I’d say we’ve got about three hours before the sun sets so low that we lose our light. Let’s get the water, see about starting a fire, look for some food, and then we could maybe take a dip to wash the sweat and sand off. What do you say?” I watched Rafa and waited for his answer.

  “Perfect. I’ve got sand in places that are definitely invitation only. A bath sounds great. I think the tree house even had some cloths on that little shelf.” Rafa stood and held his hand down to help me up.

  As we walked back toward the tree house, which wasn’t actually up in the trees but built more among the trees, Rafa appeared to be thinking aloud. “Should we do a fire on the beach? Or would it be okay here by the house?”

  I took in our surroundings. The vegetation around the shelter had definitely grown since the last time anyone was there, but I could tell they’d had a clearing of some sort. “Looks like they had their fire here. I bet if we move the leaves and branches, we’ll have a nice little area for a fire. We’ll need to find dry wood, though. The green sticks and branches won’t burn.”

  Rafa wagged his brow. “You’re even sexier when you go all nature survival guide.”

  “Boy Scouts comes in handy.” I shrugged.

  “I should have known you were a Boy Scout. You’re super resourceful and calm in a crisis.”

  “Pretty sure I wasn’t all that calm earlier when I saw the boat a mile out.” I wrinkled my nose. “Sorry about the hissy fit I threw.” I started removing leaves from the opening.

  “No worries, man.” Rafa joined me in picking up branches and leaves to reveal an open area that would be perfect for a fire. “I was stupid thinking I could take that boat and get you to the island.”

  “Why did you volunteer to take me?” I paused in my cleaning and waited for Rafa’s answer.

  He stopped with a huge palm frond in his hand and gave me a disgusted look. “I really was heading into town to spend time with friends. My dad and brother had been riding me hard recently. Telling me I was a disappointment in every way. Not burly enough, not strong enough, not straight enough, not skilled enough. When I saw you all frantic about being late and missing the first boat to the job, I thought I could help you and prove to my dad and brother I was capable of doing something right.”

  I’d moved closer to Rafa as he spoke. I reached out and brushed that pretty chunk of hair from his face. “Had you ever piloted that boat?”

  He shook his head. “I’d been on the boat a million times. Every time I asked to drive it, my brother scoffed, and my dad let him learn and drive.” Rafa hung his head. “I really, truly thought I was bringing you to the right island. I’ve been to several of the islands about a hundred times. I thought this was the one. But I guess they all look the same once you’re out in the middle of the ocean. It’s not like my dad ever made sure I knew what I was doing.” His eyes never left mine as he returned the touch of my hand. “I really am sorry I screwed this up for you.”

  My heart thudded as I leaned in closer, cupping his chin. “All the bad luck and stranded stuff aside, I can’t say that I’m upset at how things played out. We’ve got water and shelter. I’m sure we’ll find food. Maybe fate had her own plan for us.” I brushed my lips against Rafa’s, uncertain if I was overstepping or moving too quickly.

  But Rafa sighed against my mouth and moved slightly to deepen the kiss.

  Then the damn peacock trumpeted its creepy call, and we jumped apart. The moment was broken.

  Rafa’s eyes twinkled in the late afternoon sun. “Fate? Holiday miracle? Tomato, tomahto.”

  I shook my head and chuckled. We finished clearing the area. “Look, they dug a firepit. Perfect. Let’s get the water and then see about building the fire.”

  “Are you sure you have a lighter?” Rafa worried his lower lip.

  “No, but there’s a good chance.” I pulled him into a hug. “The island is warm enough, we don’t need it for heat. We’ll be okay even if we can’t get a fire started. No worries. I’ll protect you.”

  “My hero.” Rafa pretended to swoon.

  Chapter 4

  Rafa

  HOLY SHIT, Lucas kissed me. Like a real and true kiss. I mean, sure, we’re living like castaways on a tropical island. My screwup likely lost him a good job. And I got us stuck out in the middle of nowhere. But if you don’t think about all of those negatives, the fact that Lucas kissed me is a positive for sure.

  “Hey, grab the bucket and any bowls you can find.” Lucas directed as he began to empty his carpentry bag. “We can use this to carry some wood for the fire.”

  I forced my mind to think about the tasks at hand, but that kiss wasn’t far from my thoughts. The whisper of his taste still tingled on my lips. My blood still simmered, sending jolts of desire through my veins.

  But, yeah, buckets and bowls for the time being.

  After we gathered the water, setting the bucket inside the house for drinking, Lucas tossed me one of the precious water bottles he’d found in his bag. “Drink up.”

  Had water ever tasted so exquisite? The liquid quenched my parched throat, and I immediately felt better. I was rejuvenated enough to head toward the sandy beach.

  The beach was quiet, only the soft rhythm of the rolling waves keeping us company.

  “Pick up sticks and twigs. Nothing green or wet.” Lucas pointed at some dry wood. “But the green or wet ones can lay out in the sun and dry for later.”

  Part of me hated the thought of needing firewood later, but another part of me allowed my heart to swoon thinking about spending time with Lucas on our own little island paradise.

  “Next up, food.” Lucas hefted the bag of wood and headed back toward our humble abode.

  “Did you find the lighter?” I glanced at the items Lucas had dumped from his bag.

  “Yep! Best thing Robert left for me.” Lucas paused. “Actually, only thing Robert left for me aside from a broken heart and empty customer list.”

  I wrinkled my nose. “Sorry.”

  “Nah, don’t feel bad. I realize now what an asshole he was.” Lucas rummaged through the pile and produced the lighter. “Ta-da! Let’s see if I can get this baby started. Don’t go far, but look around and see if you can find anything resembling food.”

  My stomach growled at the mention of food. “On it.” I walked the perimeter of the clearing, keeping my eyes open for food but not losing focus of Lucas. “I’m going to go a little farther into the woods.”

  Lucas was stacking the dry sticks, twigs, and leaves, but he glanced up. “Okay, but don’t let me or the house out of your sight. Scream if you need something.”

  “Oh gee, that’s comforting.” I stopped dead in my tracks. “Seriously, though. Did you see Lost? Do you think there could be creepy, angry monster things on this island?”

  Lucas laughed. “No, I think we’re on a regular run-of-the-mill island. No mist or blackness or repeating radio message.”

  “Oh my God! What if we’re dead?” I was sort of joking and sort of stalling to keep from having to walk into the jungle alone.

  Lucas tossed a couple more sticks on the fire and stood from his kneeling position. The fire and excitement in his eyes were brighter than any flame. He reached me and pulled my hips flush with his before leaning in and devouring my mouth with a desperately hot kiss.

  When we separated, both breathing heavily, I sputtered, “Not that I’m complaining, but what was that for?”

  “Did that feel like you’re
dead?” Lucas grinned and cocked his head to the side.

  I chuckled. “No, that felt like I’m very much alive.” And the tightness in my shorts was proof my blood was still pumping.

  Lucas reached up to touch my face. “Look, I gotta tell you, I’m pretty much at a complete loss as to what we’re going to do next, how we’re getting off the island, what our chances for survival are.”

  “Great pep talk,” I muttered but couldn’t take my eyes from his.

  “But,” he continued, “I couldn’t have asked for a more gorgeous, intelligent, funny, perfect human being to be castaway with. And, while our situation is sort of shitty….” Lucas paused when I snorted. “Okay, our situation is very shitty.”

  I nodded.

  “But in all honesty, I can’t get 100 percent upset or angry or scared about our predicament because it allowed me to meet you.” Lucas dipped his head again and kissed me softly. “And that doesn’t seem like a bad thing at all.”

  I fell into his kiss and sighed deeply while rocking my hips against his. When the damn peacock crowed again, I growled. “I say we have peacock for dinner!” I yelled into the vegetation.

  “I hear they’re greasy. Let’s stick to fruit and the occasional fish.” Lucas kissed my nose. “Go ahead, see what you can find. By the time you make a circle, hopefully I’ll have the fire started.”

  Soon smoke wafted through on the breeze.

  “Okay, Lucas got the fire built. Come on, Rafa, it’s your turn to impress,” I mumbled to myself as I wandered the jungle looking for anything that appeared to be edible.

  Several moments later, after convincing myself that the slithering sound off to my right wasn’t a gargantuan snake, I tensed as the hairs on my neck stood up. I felt like I was being watched. Heart pounding, eyes gazing around slowly, I turned slightly to find my stalkers.

  Two adorable monkeys sat on a low tree branch. Telling myself they weren’t rabid with such cute faces and bright eyes, I inched closer. “Hello, little guys.”