Armand
The outdoor restaurantat the Luxurian Suites Resort had a long bar with a mosaic made of golden stones that sparkled in the sunlight. They illuminated everything with blue and red lights, which overlapped into beautiful purples. It was early, but there was a smattering of couples spread out across the terrace. There wasn't a better way to start a day.
As I took a seat at a table next to the railing, the refreshing breeze that ruffled my hair invigorated me. It was the perfect weather for an easy morning hike. I had opted to stay casual in black chinos and a short-sleeve white shirt with flowers on it.
The restaurant had a magical view of the sparkling blue ocean and the clear sky. I was eager to explore the island of Oahu. Since Zio would be joining me, I was even more excited by the prospect.
Asking him to accompany me had been out of character for me. Despite Arsène’s assumptions, I never mixed business and pleasure while on the clock. After hours was a different story, though. But when I sensed I had pushed a little too hard in my seduction, something inside had urged me to find any excuse to spend time with Zio. Even if it didn’t lead to getting him into my bed, befriending him as a travel companion had its own appeal. Other than Arsène, I didn’t have anyone who saw me for who I really was. But for some strange reason, I instinctively felt like I could trust Zio with my hidden truths.
The art, modeling, and fashion industries were built on the principles of flawlessness. I worked in a world where everything was what it seemed on the surface. Nobody dove deep into the messy undertow of reality. But Zio was someone who by nature of being an academic wished to get to the bottom of things with an endlessly inquisitive spirit. He wasn’t interested in fake perfection; he found beauty in disasters. It was a mindset that was so radically different from my norm that it drew me to him.
I couldn’t remember when I had last met a man that I wanted to talk to for the pleasure of enjoying his mind, rather than only indulging in the carnal delights of his body. Since a brilliant mind was one of the most attractive features in a person, I deliberately didn’t seek it out to keep my heart safe. However, even if nothing happened with Zio, being around him didn’t seem like a waste. It was a delightfully novel experience.
As soon as he entered the patio area, he caught my eye. He was adorable in his sneakers, jeans, and white T-shirt that had a soda can decorated with a peach and Japanese writing. He looked every bit the college student he was. It was a striking contrast to all the other guests who were ready to go sun on a yacht in their designer clothes.
Without the bulky hoodie hiding his body, I got my first glimpse of his lithe and slender build. The overall effect made him seem smaller than he was, despite him being six feet tall. He was far from an imposing figure, but there was something about his boyish smile and baby face that meant I couldn’t take my eyes off him.
Before I went too deep down that distracting rabbit hole, I waved at him to draw his attention. He returned my wave as he came over to join me at the table.
“Bonjour, Zio. You look quite radiant this morning.”
The delicate flush of his cheeks was endearing. “It’s impossible to have a bad night’s rest at a Luxurian Hotel. I get the best sleep of my life whenever I’m staying at one. Although, that’s not saying much when everything is better than my crappy twin bed in the dorm.”
“For someone your height, that must be an awful way to spend the night.”
“It’s worse for my roommate, Rigby. He’s six six, so he’s longer than the mattress. It helps me keep perspective when I want to complain.” He ran his hand through his hair, making it stand up in spikes before he flattened it back down. “But it’s not worth ruining such a beautiful day thinking about the awful bed I have to return to.”
I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from inviting him into mine. Having him be comfortable around me was far more important than an easy pickup line.
Our server came over to take our orders and bring water before leaving us alone once more.
Zio took a deep breath as he closed his eyes to savor the cool breeze on his skin. When he opened them, he gazed out over the dazzling ocean. “This really is paradise. I’m glad I’m taking a few days before and after the conference to enjoy myself.”
“What’s your schedule?”
“Today and tomorrow I’m free, then I’m at the conference on Thursday and Friday. I have Saturday and Sunday to sightsee before I fly back to Sunnyside on Monday morning. What about you?”
“I’m leaving the same day as you, so I’m flexible with my time while I’m here. Is your academic conference open to the public?”
“Yeah, why?”
His oblivious reaction was precious. “I was hoping I could attend.”
He stared at me with shock in his beautiful gray-green eyes. “What? No, you don’t have to do that. Unless you’re a Japanese major, there’s no reason to waste time sitting inside a stuffy auditorium while you’re in heaven’s paradise on Earth.”
“Au contraire. I’ve spent a great deal of time in Japan, but I don’t know much about it. Attending would be a wonderful opportunity to expand my cultural horizons.”
He blinked at me in confusion. “But…”
“I’d like to hear your presentation, unless that would make you uncomfortable.”
“Why would you want to sit through it?” He gestured around us. “You have an entire island of fascinating things to go see and do. Why in the world would you waste your time with my talk?”
“Because learning about something you’re passionate about wouldn’t be a waste of my time.” It thrilled me when his expression became one of awe. “Please believe me when I say I was being sincere with my interest yesterday. Your particular art form intrigues me. I wish to hear you speak more about it, whether it’s at the academic conference or over dinner.”
“But it’s so nerdy!”
I chuckled at his adorable protest. “You say that as if it’s a bad thing.”
