Island Heat: Love Is Forever: The Templetons Read online

  "Where are you hailing from, if you don't mind me asking," the man was asking her. She snapped out of her daydream and tried to focus. The man was holding out a map of Oahu, and Martha was clutching an open sightseeing book.

  "Oh, I work in Washington."

  The man gave a whistle, and Martha gave an appreciative nod. "That sure is some trek you're taking. I thought all you East Coast people went out to those islands in the Caribbean."

  "I'm on business," Janie explained.

  "Well that must be Washington business, then." He chuckled. "Sorry, Miss. I just tickle myself sometimes. My name's Marvin, and this is my wife, Martha." He put out his hand for Janie to shake, but in the tight space it was very awkward.

  Janie kept her hand out for Martha to shake, too, and she gladly took it. "Are you two on vacation?" Janie asked, trying to be polite.

  "And how! We are staying at the Royal Hawaiian on the one and only Waikiki Beach, for your information."

  Martha turned towards Janie and burst forward as if not talking had been far too restraining for her. "I am just so excited. Marvin and I have been on the cruise to Alaska. Gorgeous!" She said in an aside, waving her hand. "We've gone to a dude ranch in Montana." She made a thumbs down gesture. "And now this! We really are living up our retirement. Marvin made some good investments so we decided just to travel, travel, travel. Before we were planning to just sit at home and watch some videos. You know what I mean? But Marvin pulled through for us. The children want to know what will be left for them when we go, but you know what I say?" She didn't give time for Janie to answer. "I say, we're spending it all now, while we're still alive and able to enjoy it! Don't you think I'm right, honey? I mean, you don't think I'm being too selfish? We have worked like dogs, and I mean DOGS, all our lives, and I just want to have some fun. You know what I mean?"

  "Yes," agreed Janie, smiling.

  "Well, I just knew we were kindred spirits when we sat down, honey. Have you ever been to Hawaii?" Martha asked.

  Janie told her, no, so, both Martha and Marvin opened their respective maps and books and gave Janie a whirlwind tour of Hawaii. Janie felt she should rest, but their excitement was contagious, and they didn't stop until almost the end of the flight, four hours later. By then, she felt she had only whetted her appetite for the sights of Hawaii and was looking forward to the next two weeks not only for work reasons.

  "Honey, do you mind me asking if you are married?"

  "Oh, hush up woman," Marvin tried to silence his wife, but there was determination in her eyes.

  "I need to know, Marvin. You see, honey," she turned her attentions back to Janie. "I've still got one unmarried son, and you are the prettiest thing I have ever seen."

  Janie started to protest, but Martha continued on. "Now, you ARE, honey. And such a figure! What is it? Are you seeing someone?"

  "No, Martha, I'm not, but I'm not ready to get fixed up just now."

  Martha sighed deeply and moved back in her seat. "Ah, young people are always saying that nowadays. Just promise me one thing," Martha leaned over Marvin to stare into Janie's eyes. Her speech became slow and determined. "You are going to the most romantic place on earth. As beautiful as you are, and you are beautiful honey, romance is sure to come your way during your time on that island, no matter what you say about work. When romance does come a callin', don't spit in its eye and say to yourself you're not ready. Embrace it. Embrace it, honey!" She lowered her voice and gently touched Janie's hand. "Love is a wonderful thing, honey; it has kept us going for 43 years." Martha leaned back, and Marvin gave her a peck on the lips.

  Martha didn't wait for an answer from Janie, but she silently promised. It was wonderful to see a love that was still going strong after 43 years. However, romance really was the last thing on Janie's mind.

  She didn't have much time to ruminate because the pilot's voice was again on the loudspeaker. They were landing. Janie looked out the window and realized that her breath had been taken away. Surely nothing could be as beautiful as what she saw down below.

  Wyatt could not believe what he was seeing. His daughter Sam and the owner of Keiko’s Café were in a huddle, discussing the arrival of Janie Simmons as if she were an invited guest. “So, I should put a clean towel on her bed?” Janie asked.

  “Yes, and a pitcher of water next to the bed,” suggested Keiko.

  It was too much for Wyatt. He couldn’t handle this overt betrayal. “Hey! We are not the Hilton, you know! And this woman is not exactly an invited guest.”

  Keiko and Sam looked over as Wyatt bellowed but quickly returned to their huddle. Wyatt felt a familiar slap on his back.

  “How’s it going big brother? I could hear your dulcet tones from outside.” Wyatt’s brother James slipped around Wyatt and sauntered over to the family’s usual table at Keiko’s.

  Wyatt flinched as his three other brothers joined in slapping his back before sitting. “Yeah, you really should open up with your feelings, not be so quiet all the time,” teased Morgan, dressed in his usual perfectly pressed suit. “We have a therapist at the resort if you need any help in that area,” he added.

  “I agree. It would do you some good to get it all off your chest for a change, bro,” Virgil chimed in, massive and imposing in his police officer’s uniform. “Bottling it up could lead to criminal behavior.”

  “Or a heart attack,” muttered Doc.

  The four brothers looked at each other and exploded in shared laughter.

  Resigned to the teasing, Wyatt sat down next to them. “I guess it wouldn’t do any good if I reminded you all that I’m the oldest and you should treat me with respect.”

  “Nope!” They shouted in unison and exploded in laughter, again. This time, Wyatt joined in, too.

  Keiko arrived at the table. “Are we having a party?” she asked, her eyes twinkling. “I love parties!”

  “You shouldn’t encourage Sam, Keiko,” Wyatt chastised. “This government woman is coming for two weeks, and she’s up to no good.”

  “Lunch Specials for everyone,” Keiko announced, ignoring Wyatt completely. She didn’t wait for an answer and shuffled back to the kitchen. Keiko always dictated to them what they would eat. Her customers never had any choice in the matter. Keiko said she knew instinctively what each person should eat at any given meal. Wyatt couldn’t recall ever seeing a menu in the shack where he and Sam ate 90 percent of their meals.

  “Government woman, huh,” Morgan mused. “Hear that, Miles? A woman is coming to stay for a few weeks.”

  Wyatt’s father-in-law hunched over his backgammon game at his usual table with three other elderly men. “Good,” he mumbled. “Maybe she’ll put Wyatt in a better mood. Never seen a more crotchety man.”

  “You should talk,” barked Wyatt from across the restaurant.

  “Who knows,” offered Doc. “Perhaps she will be good for you, Wyatt.”

  “One thing I know for certain,” Wyatt said. “Dr. Janie Simmons is trouble.”

  Chapter 2

  Janie was one of the last people out of the plane because she was seated very far back, and it took so long for Marvin and Martha to gather up their many belongings. Additionally, the couple felt they should say their goodbyes and give her their good wishes before they exited the plane. They didn't have any luggage to pick up at the baggage claim, and they knew they would be rushed once they were officially on Hawaiian soil.

  That's why Janie didn't have any help with her suitcases and carry-ons. Her friendly basketball players must have left the airport long before. Looking at all her belongings strewn on the floor of the baggage claim area, Janie felt exhaustion weigh heavily on her. It had been a very long day.

  Instead of letting her fatigue beat her down, though, she decided to get organized. First, she found a caddy and piled up all her belongings. That done, she felt much better and decided to take a glance at herself in her compact mirror. She couldn't meet Dr. Templeton a total wreck! She opened the compact and was relieved that the damag
e wasn't total. The plane ride did dehydrate her, and her eyes were red, but a comb through her hair and some renewed lipstick patched her face up nicely. Luckily, she thought to wear wrinkle-proof clothing.

  Speaking of clothing, she just realized that the airport was pleasantly warm and muggy. Yes, it felt tropical, she thought happily. She surely didn't need her cotton sweater anymore, even though it was very light. She took it off and put it in her bag. Underneath she was wearing a silk tank top. She felt summery already and much more prepared for the Hawaiian weather.

  She didn't know whether to expect Dr. Templeton to pick her up or not. In any case, the baggage claim was closed off to people picking up passengers because the passengers had to have their suitcases checked for agricultural products first. Hawaii was an idyllic place, and the authorities took pains to protect it from damaging insects and animals.

  Finally, she went into the pickup area. The place looked abandoned, in between flights. She arrived at such a late hour that she wondered if Doctor Templeton hadn't come and gone after waiting for her for so long. If that was the case, that was a great way to make a good first impression.

  Janie sighed. Her first failure in her first field assignment. "Now don't get negative, Janie Simmons," she said aloud to herself. "Just call a cab." She puffed herself up. It wasn't her fault that she was the last one out of the plane and had so many bags, she tried to convince herself.

  She pushed her mountainous caddy down the walkway but stopped suddenly when she saw a tall man and a little girl walking briskly towards her. Could this be Dr. Templeton? Who was the little girl? Janie didn't know if he had a daughter, but it was quite possible.

  Janie moved to put her hand out for the man to shake, but he and the girl walked right past her. They stopped dead center in the pickup area and turned around looking for somebody.

  “A little late, and she just takes off,” he muttered.

  “We’re a lot late, dad,” the little girl said in defense of whoever they were looking for.

  The man looked anxious and perturbed. He was tall and commanding with thick, wavy jet-black hair. He kept putting a hand through it as if to tame it, but from the looks of it, Janie knew that this kind of hair was never totally tamed. Such a beautiful man, she thought quickly and then was taken back by the thought. She never judged people by their looks, but she couldn't help noticing his muscular build…and those piercing blue eyes.

  In fact, those eyes were looking straight at her looking at him! Janie realized that he had stopped turning around and was heading straight for her.

  "You are not Janie Simmons, are you?" He said without any introductions.

  Janie stammered a reply. "Why yes, I am. Are you Dr. Templeton?"

  He seemed to lose all patience with her. "Please do not call me, 'doctor.' I may have a couple of doctorates, but I didn't get them because I wanted to be called 'doctor.' I got them because I'm devoted to my work. O.k.?"

  "Yes of course, Doctor, I mean, um."

  "Just call him Wyatt," the little girl cut in, thankfully. She smiled a beautiful, sweet smile and put out her hand for Janie to shake. "Don't mind him. He gets like that. He doesn't like being late, and that was his apology."

  "Oh," Janie said. "Actually, I was late getting out of the plane; so, I haven't been waiting long at all." She turned her gaze to Wyatt. "So you see, it all turned out for the best," she paused and then added, "Wyatt."

  "Good then," Wyatt conceded, outwitted by his daughter's charms. "Let's get going. I have work to do, you know."

  Janie went to move her cart but Wyatt pulled it away before she could grasp the handle. "I am not going to let you push this. It must weigh a ton. How long are you staying for anyway?"

  Janie didn't think she was supposed to reply. Actually, she felt that if she opened her mouth she would either cry or scream at him. Either way, it was better to keep her mouth shut. Maybe Dr. Templeton, or Wyatt rather, was just brusque at first. Or maybe that's how he always was, and she would have to grin and bear it with utmost professionalism for the next two weeks.

  The feeling that went through her when she first saw him would just have to go the way of the island's winds. Wyatt Templeton was definitely not interested in her and definitely not the romance that Martha was talking about.

  Wyatt didn't say another word as they walked to the car, but the girl who introduced herself as Wyatt's daughter Sam was very talkative. "Is this your first trip to Hawaii?" she asked.

  "Yes. I'm really looking forward to it."

  "See dad," she said dramatically to her father. "Janie – may I call you Janie? – is really looking forward to seeing Hawaii." Wyatt looked sidelong at Sam, giving her a sour look.

  "Well, here we are at our car," Sam continued, ignoring Wyatt's scowl.

  Wyatt started to deftly pack up the car, but Janie didn't want him to pack her handbag because her camera was in there, and she didn't want to miss any pictures on the ride to the compound. She put her hand out to grab the handbag but caught Wyatt's hand, instead. She felt an electrical current zip through her body, and she grew warm all over. She could feel her face turn beet red, and she looked up to see that Wyatt had frozen in his step. It seemed that they had stopped breathing. It lasted only a moment. In what seemed like one swift movement, without any to-do, he handed Janie her handbag, closed the trunk of the car, retrieved his keys from his pants pocket, and went around the car to get in the driver's side. Sam and Janie followed, and they all silently got seated and belted in.

  Janie knew that the trip would take some time. The compound was situated on the other side of the island in a small town called, Kunolei. Sam and Wyatt opened their windows, and Janie was greeted by a balmy, salty wind on her face and through her hair.

  She closed her eyes and felt herself relax thoroughly. "You know," she said to no one in particular. "I could get used to this." She looked out the window and saw that they had quickly gotten out of the city and were following the water around the island. Certainly she had never seen ocean like this before. It was pristine and stretched on forever. "Is that the North Shore?" she asked.

  Wyatt answered. "Yes, that's Sam's surfing haunt, even though I feel it's way too dangerous for her."

  Janie had heard tales of the North Shore and its building-high waves. It was a surfer's paradise, and for a 10-year old to surf here, she must be exceedingly good.

  In the distance, she could see surfers riding the waves. Others were crashing out, while others were waiting beyond for the perfect wave to beckon them on.

  "I've only been here 20 minutes, but I can safely say that I've never seen so beautiful a place. No wonder they call it paradise."

  She could see Wyatt smile in the rearview mirror. It was a captivating smile. "Well, I must admit that we feel the same way about it as you do."

  Janie felt like shouting for joy. He smiled at her! Why would such a little thing make her so happy?

  "You know, when we moved here, my wife and I, we thought it would be temporary, but the place sure grows on you. I don't know how people live anywhere else. Well, here we are."

  Janie looked out the window. The car entered through a gate. Overhead there was a sign. Hawaiian Dolphin Freedom Project. Janie felt goose bumps on her arms, despite the heat. The car drove a moment and then stopped in front of a two-story stucco house. Outside it was neat and tidy, but there was a blatant lack of womanly touches: no rose bushes, no pretty trim. She wondered about Wyatt’s wife and why she seemed distant, if only from the exterior of the home.

  Janie supposed the lagoon was in the back of the house. She was dying to go see it and the dolphins, but she decided to be as patient as humanly possible.

  "Sam, show Ms. Simmons to her room. I'll bring up the bags," commanded Wyatt, not bothering to look up. Janie thought he was warming up to her, but perhaps she was wrong. Now he wouldn't even look at her and spoke of her in the third person.

  Sam walked towards the front door, and Janie followed close behind, but after a minu
te she stopped and turned around. She stood as straight as she could, defiantly facing Wyatt. "Wyatt, do not call me Ms. Simmons," She called out, mimicking Wyatt's earlier demand. "My name's Janie. However, if you prefer, you can call me Dr. Janie."

  Wyatt looked up in shocked amazement at Janie’s outburst, but by then, she and Sam had tucked gracefully into the house.

  He grimaced, throwing bags about. During the ride, he had forgotten who Janie Simmons was for a moment, indulging in small talk and even talking to her about the scenery, for chrissakes, but this little outburst brought him back to reality. He was annoyed with himself. He mustn't let her appearance fool him. She was the dragon lady, as far as he was concerned.

  He gathered up her bags, and his thoughts swirled, uncontrollably. Why couldn't women pack lightly? What was all this stuff, anyway? A lot of it looked hi-tech. Her budget for her little two-week jaunt was probably bigger than his yearly budget, he thought annoyed. They fund more for his project’s demise than for its survival, he surmised grimly.

  Wyatt judged that Janie was no more than a wolf in sheep's clothing. He couldn't believe who she was when he first saw her. She couldn't be over 25 years old! And that long, flowing hair. That would certainly get in the way in the field. Wyatt bet that she had never even cracked a fingernail. She had that kind of look. Her clothes weren’t even the least bit wrinkled after a five-hour flight! She certainly didn't seem like a serious scientist. That's the kind of person the overseeing committee sent him – a little, prissy girl without any expertise at all, here to shut down the Project without any pretenses whatsoever!

  By the time Wyatt climbed to the second floor with the bags, he had wound himself up into a rage. He was ready to let that woman know how he felt and to send her packing right back to the mainland. He burst into the guest room and dramatically threw down the bags, ready to open his mouth and let the words fly. But the room was empty. Where had she got to?