Chapter Four–Fire Festival

Elisha P.O.V

“What exactly am I supposed to wear to a fire festival?” I ask Uku, who is lounging on my bed, watching me go through my clothes.

“Just wear something light and casual. With all the fires around, it gets hot,” he says as he gets up off the bed, walks over, and gently nudges me out of the way. “Here, put this on,” he says, handing me a red strapless maxi dress and some thongs.

“Is Keoni really a fire dancer?” I ask him as I slip the dress on.

“Yeah, he really is! He’s amazing. His family has been fire dancers for five generations.”

“Wow… That’s really cool. I can’t wait to see him in action then,” I say as I pull my hair back into a loose ponytail.

“You have to let me do your hair and makeup one night,” Uku says, fluffing up my ponytail.

“I don’t usually wear much makeup, just mascara and lip-gloss,” I tell him as we grab our things and leave my house.

“There’s a sexy goddess in there, and I’m going to find her,” he says as he opens the car door for me.

“Ha! Good luck!” I laugh as he closes the car door.

#

It’s just becoming dark when we pull up to a huge community park, and the smell of food as we get out of the car has my stomach grumbling.

When he hears my stomach growl, Uku laughs. “You sure can eat a lot for someone so small,” he says as he grabs my hand and pulls me through the open gate and into the park.

“I blame you for overworking me,” I tease him. The park is beautiful and lush, and there are tables set up with different food and drink.

“Stay away from the Kava,” Uku warns, pointing to a table nearby. “Otherwise, you definitely won’t be at work tomorrow. Possibly even Friday,” he says with a chuckle.

“Mitch warned me about it yesterday. I’ve had enough hangovers this week,” I say.

A large circular stage is located in the centre of the park, with picnic blankets placed on the ground around it for people to sit on.

“What food do you want to try first?” Uku asks.

“I can’t choose,” I say, looking around at the different options. “Let’s get a bit of everything.”

#

“I don’t think you guys have enough food,” Ailani jokes as she sits on our blanket next to us.

“Trouble wanted to try everything,” Uku says as he rubs his hands together and picks up one of the plates. “Here, try this,” he says, holding a fork up for me to try.

“I can feed myself, you know,” I say, taking the fork from him. I try the food, and the burst of flavour that explodes on my tongue has me groaning with delight as I take some more of it on my fork.

“How long until Keoni is on?” Uku asks Ailani as I keep trying the different dishes, shovelling the food in my mouth like it might disappear.

“Right now,” she says with a massive grin as people start playing drums and Keoni takes the stage.

“WOOOOOO! KEONI!” I yell in excitement as everyone starts clapping.

I watch in awe as he begins his performance with what I can only describe as a war cry.

“I don’t think she’s blinked once,” Ailani chuckles a few moments later, and I realise my jaw is also hanging open.

“Wow,” is all I manage to get out as I feel hypnotised by Keoni’s movements on stage.

#

Jordan P.O.V

“Jordan? Helloooo,” Mitch says, waving his hand in front of my face.

“What?” I ask, not taking my eyes off Elisha.

“Dude, do you like her or something?” He asks.

“I don’t know, man. There’s something about her. I’ve never felt an instant connection with someone like I did with her the other night,” I tell him, finally turning my attention to him.

“I like her. She’s feisty. She could give you a run for your money,” Mitch smirks as he takes a sip of his beer.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about her since the pub,” I say with a sigh. “Maybe I just need to get her out of my system.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mitch asks.

I don’t respond, instead smirking as I stand up and walk over to where Elisha is sitting.

“Your husband is really talented, Ailani,” I tell her as I crouch next to her.

“Thanks, Jordan,” she says with a smile, and I notice Elisha stiffen.

I smile as she turns her head towards me. “Are you enjoying everything?” I ask, eyeing all the plates in front of her and Uku.

“Everything is wonderful,” she says with a small smile, then returns her gaze to the stage.

“Would you like to join us?” Ailani asks, and I nod, sitting next to her on the ground.

“Hey guys,” Mitch says as he joins us on the blanket.

Uku gives Mitch a high-five, and then everyone returns their gaze to the stage, except for me. My heart beats faster as I watch Elisha in the soft glow of the fires surrounding us. She has me completely captivated. She’s transfixed by what’s going on stage, her pouty lips slightly parted as she gasps at something Keoni did. Fuck, I’m getting hard. I try to focus my attention elsewhere, but my gaze keeps returning to Elisha. ‘God, what is she doing to me?’ I think to myself.

I’m finally drawn out of my Elisha daze when everyone starts clapping, and I realise Keoni has finished on stage. So I join in the clapping, and Elisha turns to Ailani with a huge grin on her face.

“Oh my god, that is the most amazing thing I have ever seen!” She says in amazement, and I can’t help but smile with her.

“What can I say? My man is talented,” Ailani grins at her and stands. “I’m going to go see him,” she says, and walks off towards the back of the stage.

“I’m going to get another beer,” Uku says and stands as well. “Do you want one, Elisha?”

“Yes, please,” she says with a smile.

I look at Mitch and give him our signal for him to make himself scarce, and he nods and stands with Uku. “I’ll come with you,” he says, and they walk towards the makeshift bar.

Finally alone with Elisha, I move over to sit next to her. “How are you enjoying the festival?” I ask her.

“It’s incredible. I’ve never experienced anything like it,” she says with a small smile as she fidgets with her hands.

“How were your first few days of work?”

“It’s hard work, but I’m really enjoying it. Uku and Mitch have been really great. They’re going to teach me to drive the boat over the weekend,” she smiles, a glint of excitement in her eyes.

“I’m sure you’ll pick it up quickly. Mitch is an excellent teacher,” I say with a smile.

She turns to face me, her green eyes locked on mine, and it feels as if she is probing the depths of my soul. I lean forward to kiss her, but she places her hand on my chest, stopping me.

“I’m sorry, Jordan, but I can’t. I’m not interested in getting involved with anybody right now,” she says and turns away from me.

I exhale sharply as if she had just punched me in the stomach. “Why?”

“I’ve just moved here, and I’m trying to find myself and start my life over. I can’t do that if I start something with someone.”

“I’m not looking for anything serious. I only do casual,” I tell her, instantly regretting it when I see the hurt look in her eyes.

“I’m not a casual girl, Jordan. But thanks for the offer,” she says angrily as she gets to her feet and storms off.

“Shit,” I sigh, rubbing my face in frustration.

“What happened?” Uku asks, nodding towards Elisha.

“Nothing,” I say, getting up.

“She’s special, Jordan. She’s not like the others that you sleep around with, and if you hurt her, you’ll have me to answer to,” he warns me angrily, then walks off after Elisha.

“Blew it, huh?” Mitch asks as he stands next to me.

I glare at him, then sigh and rub my face again. “She rejected me,” I say, kind of shocked. “I’ve never had anyone turn me down before,” I admit.

Mitch passes me a beer and squeezes my shoulder. “I’d feel sorry for you, but we all know you’ve got plenty of women lining up to fill the space in your bed,” he smirks, and I glare at him, making him chuckle.

“How am I supposed to get her out of my system if she doesn’t want a bar of me?” I ask, then scull my beer.

“Here’s an idea for you, cousin. How about actually getting to know her? You can’t be a playboy forever, and she’s a nice girl.”

“You know I don’t do relationships. I don’t have time for them.”

“Then I feel sorry for you, cuz,” he says, shaking his head. “There’s nothing better than having someone in your life who loves you.”

“I don’t need love,” I tell him, but then I hear Elisha laughing from across the park, and my heart tightens at the sound.

“You keep telling yourself that,” Mitch chuckles as he walks away.