Page 30 of Benedict’s Rejuvenation (Dark Patriots #5)

I was realizing two of my dreams. The first, which I figured would never happen, was to fly on a private plane rather than a commercial flight.

I couldn’t imagine how pricey that was. The flight had been a dream.

Besides myself, Ben, Keeley, and Beau, we were joined on the mission by two others.

I was happy to see Heath again, and while I’d met Justin, we hadn’t gotten to know each other as well.

Maybe this trip would make that happen. I wanted to be comfortable and friends with everyone Ben worked with, whom he held in high regard.

His bosses and their spouses, Heath and Justin, fell into that category, along with a few others.

Justin and Heath had flown in on a regular flight yesterday, then went somewhere to pick up the necessary equipment.

They wouldn’t say where they went, but if I had to guess, they were filled with weapons and who knows what else.

It reminded me of Dad and his survivalist friends. The memory made me smile.

There were tales told, jokes made, and more to keep the atmosphere light and fun during the flight.

I knew after we arrived at our final destination, things would get serious.

Having fun helped me get ready for it. I mentally prepared myself for it in another way.

Yesterday, I had a special session with Iolani.

I didn’t give her details, but I did let her know I’d likely be facing some of my demons.

She took me through a few of the imagery tricks that seemed to help and let me get all my worries out.

She promised she was only a phone call away if I ever needed her.

I wish I could’ve told her where we were going.

She grew up in Hawaii on Maui. I bet she could tell us all the great places to visit if this were a real vacation.

Once we landed, two vehicles were waiting for us.

One was a Hummer. The other was an SUV. After all the luggage and supplies were loaded into both vehicles, the four of us rode in the SUV, while Justin and Heath were in the Hummer.

The pilot, Lance, wouldn’t be around long before he returned to the mainland. He wished us luck.

I did learn something on the flight. When I noticed that there was only Lance in the cockpit, I wondered what would happen if he got sick.

Who would fly the plane? It made me nervous as hell to think no one.

That’s when I discovered that Ben knew how to fly smaller planes.

He didn’t fly the huge ones like a 747, but ones the size of ours and smaller, he could.

It was a skill he acquired while serving in the military.

We didn’t have to go far after we left the airport.

Rather than flying into West Maui or Kahului airports, there was a nearby Hana airport.

When we pulled up to our destination, I couldn’t help but stare even more.

I’d done nothing but that since we landed.

Coming to Hawaii was my second dream that was made a reality.

I was soaking everything up. I had no idea if I’d ever get back here.

This trip wasn’t the reason I ever thought would be the excuse to come, but you took what you got.

The house they had rented was a three-story fantasy home.

It was constructed of wood, but the majority of the walls were made of huge sheets of glass.

It made the outside seem to be part of the inside.

Everywhere you looked were plants, trees, and a vibrant array of bright greens and explosions of other colors surrounding the house.

It was breathtaking. The interior furniture and decor screamed tropical getaway and relaxation vibe.

The open design was incredible. I hadn’t snooped in the kitchen much yet, but it appeared to be a dream.

Not that we were here to cook up a storm or anything, but if we got the urge, I bet we could do amazing things in it.

I was scanning the pictures on the walls.

Ben and I were on our way to find our bedroom.

There were six to choose from, along with six bathrooms in this place.

“Good thing there are no flies in here otherwise, you’d be catching a mouthful, Hummingbird,” Ben teased. His remark made me notice I had my mouth open. I snapped it shut, then gave him a mocking glare.

“Don’t make fun of me. I’ve always dreamed of coming to Hawaii. Since it’s unlikely I’ll return, I want to soak it all up,” I haughtily informed him.

“I was only teasing, and babe, I promise you. This trip won’t be your only one to Hawaii.

We’ll come back when we can do nothing but relax and soak up the magic.

It’s a special place. No matter how many times I’ve been here, it’s still unmatched in many ways.

I find something new to like about it every time I visit. ”

We came to a standstill outside a door. Ben gestured to it.

“I think this one will do. Justin and Heath are taking the two bedrooms on the first floor, and Beau said they would take one on the second floor. We can take the other next to them, or I figured you’d like to be in one of these up here on the third floor, so we have more privacy. ”

“I’d like more privacy. Thank you. Oh, I bet we can see even further up here! Let’s see,” I said eagerly, then I opened the door since he had his hands full of our bags. Swinging it open, I gasped. Like the other rooms, it was airy, calm, and the view was fantastic.

The same warm wood flooring ran throughout the house.

The walls were painted a light antique gold.

The same wood used in the flooring was also used around the windows, and the pitched ceiling featured exposed beams. The bedding consisted of a cream-colored down comforter accompanied by numerous decorative throw pillows.

The pictures on the walls were of ocean views, tropical flowers, sunrises, and sunsets.

The accents were mainly teal and bright blues, and when combined with the blue of the water seen from the two outer walls that overlooked the covered lanai, it was awe-inspiring.

“I’ve died and gone to heaven,” I muttered.

I gasped again when I went into what I assumed was the bathroom.

Oh Lord, another picture-perfect room. A bathroom to never leave.

The tub could hold three, and the shower was equipped with various shower heads.

I wanted to play with them all. In both rooms, there were potted palms and other flowers, as well as vines.

They were real plants, not artificial. I checked.

Gauzy, white sheer panels surrounded the bed, allowing you to close them and still see the view.

When Ben showed me how the windows folded back like doors, creating a massive opening to the lanai, I stared in awe.

Out on the lanai, I dropped into one of the chairs out there.

The smell of the ocean filled my nose, and a breeze ruffled my hair.

I could see myself sitting out there for hours, watching the water and listening to the sounds of nature.

Just moments out here had the tension seeping out of me.

However, we weren’t here to play. We had a job to do. I reluctantly stood up.

“Sorry, I’m ready whenever you are to get down to business. Do you think I have time to change? These clothes are smothering me.”

I’d worn slacks and a flowing top with three-quarter sleeves. It looked cute, but I was sweating because it was eighty degrees and humid today.

“You can rest a little, change. If you’re too hot, take a cool shower.

In fact, I think a shower would do us both good.

Why don’t you find what you need and unpack an outfit, and I’ll let the others know we’ll be down in an hour.

We have plenty of time to plan.” Ben was already on this cell phone, typing out a message.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to hold us up. We’re here for work, not fun,” I reminded him unnecessarily.

Ben had put the suitcases at the foot of the bed on a settee.

When I said that about holding us up, he came over to me and took me in his arms. I gazed up at his warm smile.

I didn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize the mission.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous and scared.

However, along with those two emotions came excitement and impatience.

“You won’t be holding us up. Everyone needs time to get settled. We won’t have to have everything planned out by tonight. That’s why we have the week. We can have some fun in between.”

Pushing up on my toes so that I could reach his lips, I kissed him enticingly.

If we had an hour, why not make the most of it in the shower?

I’d never had shower, tub, swimming pool, ocean, or hot tub sex.

While others were in the house, those last three were out, but not the first two.

He suggested a shower. I’d merely add to it.

After our lips parted, I stepped back from him. “Give me a couple of minutes to get everything out of the suitcases. You know what, make it ten minutes. That way, I can hang up and put our things away. I hate living out of a suitcase.”

“What are you waiting for? Let’s get this stuff hung and put away, then you can get me naked and at your mercy in the shower.” Ben pretended to be shocked at the thought, making me laugh.

It became a race to see who would get it done first.