You Are The Only Exception

Chapter Four "Surprised"

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my made up characters!

AN: I wanted to mention that while Kit has Medusa and all, I still have it to where Dee is with Manny so I've made that little change. That's why Cade is still at 'Iolani.

Monday, June 24th

I walked into the feed store and I was greeted by Cricket. "Good morning, Jonah already putting you to work this morning?" She smiled friendly at me. I smiled back.

"Yeah, I was already up and you know there's always work to be done. Kit sent me out to get some horse feed; he said you'd add it to 'Iolani's tab."

"Of course I will. Why don't you meet me around the back and I'll get someone to load it up for you?"

I went back outside and drove the land rover around to where Cricket told me told. A man met me at the back and together we loaded up a good amount of horse feed. "Tell Kit I said hello." Cricket told me as I got back into the SUV.

"I will do. Thanks again Cricket!" I waved as I drove back towards the ranch. We didn't have another ride scheduled 'til Thursday when we had the bachelor party so I would just be another hand around the ranch unless Jonah asked me for something otherwise.

When I got back to the ranch, I could see that Kimo had arrived and he was tacking up his usual mount, Baxter. He smiled when he saw me get out of the Rover. "Hey, you need help unloading?"

"It would definitely be appreciated." I said as I saw Cade walking towards us from the bunkhouse. "Morning Cade!"

He nodded his head towards me in greeting. "You want some more help unloading?"

"I will take any help offered. I've forgotten how heavy horse feed is." I opened the back door and sighed looking at the load of feed.

Cade and Kimo chuckled. "You get used to it after a while." Cade told me. We each grabbed a bag of feed and made our way into the tack/feed room. With all three of us helping, it took no time at all. As Cade walked out of the tack room, Kimo pulled me into his arms and kissed me.

I bit my lip to hold back my smile as he pulled back from me. "What was that for?"

"Because you're so beautiful." Kimo smiled at me as he gently kissed me again. "I had such a wonderful time last night."

"Me too." I whispered as he held me. "But you know…everyone thinks we slept together."

Kimo chuckled. "I figured. But who cares? If Kit says anything—which is doubtful—I'll set him straight."

"I don't really care, I just…I don't know." I shrugged. "I mean if everyone is going to think we slept together then I wish we at least had." I blushed as the words came out of my mouth.

"Well you know," Kimo started as he pushed me back into the wall gently. "That could be arranged."

Desire exploded inside me and I felt my heart start racing. "Oh really?"

Kimo was about to respond when Megan walked in. When she saw us, she shielded her eyes. "Oh my God! I'm sorry! I'm leaving!"

I untangled myself from Kimo and ran after her. "Meg! Wait up!"

She slowed and turned, her face completely red. "I'm sorry Laney, I didn't know you two were in there and I—"

"Meg, it's fine. Nothing was going on." I assured her. "I'm sorry that you walked in on that." I motioned towards the shed.

"No big deal." She almost squeaked and I chuckled.

"So you still have to tell me about Cade and yours date." I said as I watched Kimo join Cade as they got back to saddling their horses.

Megan's face brightened. "Well we went into town to this Mexican restaurant that Kit usually goes to and…" I listened as my younger cousin went on about her date and I smiled as she started gesturing wildly about their fun last night. I missed that young age where love didn't hurt and your first love was perfect. They were both seventeen and when you were at that age, falling was easy.

Later on in the day, I was in the office checking e-mails when Babe appeared in her SUV. I could see Cathy greeting her and Babe looking panicked. Frowning, I left the office and headed towards the pair.

"She just up and quit on me! I don't know what I'm going to do, we're having a party there tonight for a couple's anniversary and I have no bartender." Babe was explaining fast to Cathy.

"Hey Babe, how are you?" I walked up to join them. Babe smiled at me but I could see the strain.

"Oh okay. Lost a bartender today but I guess it comes with the business." Babe sighed. I smiled at her.

"I don't know if Aunt Cathy had the chance to tell you or not but I used to do bartending through college." Aunt Cathy smiled at me, knowing what I was about to suggest. "I could fill in for you a few nights a week until you found someone if you'd like."

Relief took over Babe's face. "Would you? Oh you would be a lifesaver!"

"Sure." I shrugged. "When do you need me?"

"The party starts at seven so I'd like you to be there at six to get ready and get to find everything in the bar. I have a few servers who can help you out." Babe was full of smiles now. It would be some income to spend here in Hawaii if I was bartending and something to do at night.

"Sure. Anything certain I should wear?"

"We wear all white attire there but I can provide you with a uniform at the Resort. Oh thank you again!" Babe hugged me. "I've now got to run into town to pick up some supplies but I will see you at six!"

We both watched as Babe drove away and Jonah and Kit rode up. "That was nice of you to help her out. It takes a great weight off her shoulders."

"It's no problem. It gives me a little bit of income and helps my resume a bit. Babe's resort is really nice."

"Is my sister trying to steal you away already Delainey?" Jonah joked as he reined in his gelding, Kona. I laughed at Jonah.

"No, her bartender quit on her so I offered to help out until she could find someone to replace the other one." I told him. "I'm still working here for you."

"You used to be a bartender?" Kit asked with raised eyebrows. I smiled.

"Through college I would do it to have my own spending money. Plus I think bartending can be valuable for a resume. It shows you really have people skills to deal with all those drunk people and have good stress management." I joked. "Who knows, one day I could become a bar manager. It would definitely be useful then."

"You sure you're not going to be too tired in the mornings?" Jonah suggested. I shook my head.

"No I used to bartend until one or two in the morning then go to class at seven and be there all day. I'll be fine." I waved off his concerns. Was it exhausting? Yes. But it would be good to help Babe, not only for being a good person but also to have a Resort and person like Babe as a reference; it could do well for me when finding a job. It also showed I could manage more than one job at a time as often managers were doing more than one job.

"I used to be able to do that when I was young but anymore I need a good eight hours of sleep." Aunt Cathy shook her head.

I snorted. "Aunt Cathy, what are you talking about when you were young? You're not old. You're what in your early forties?"

"You'll feel differently when you get older." She patted my shoulder as Jonah nodded. "Trust me, my dear."

"Okay…"I rolled my eyes.

….

I handed another drink out and took a deep breath as I got a momentary break. I had been helping Babe out for a few nights now and had gotten back into the hang of bartending again. The party had went well and now I usually came over around four in the afternoon and worked 'til the bar closed at midnight as a regular bartender.

Kimo was a bit sad that I was helping at night because it meant that we couldn't spend our nights together but he understood and last night had shown up with Kit for drinks. It had been weird to have Kimo sitting there as I worked. Not because of him but because I was hit on once or twice by men. I wasn't even sure while it felt so weird because it wasn't as if Kimo and I were a couple or anything. We were just two friends who occasionally went out together and enjoyed each other company. And kisses.

Being hit on or flirted with was a part of the bartending business especially for women. I had learned this a long time ago while I was bartending in college; I had just learned to ignore it or just smile. Tonight's party was a corporate event that was kind of like a retreat. So it was mainly making cosmos, Jack and coke, scotches, that type of thing.

I was grabbing empty beer bottles off the counter when someone came up to the bar. "Hi, what I can get for you?" I asked with a smile. My smile faltered temporarily when I saw who was standing there. "Hi Jeanette, Daniel, how are you?" I said to Adam's parents. It just had to be their company that was having a retreat here didn't it?

"I'm doing good. How are you sweetheart?" Adam's mother, Jeanette, smiled at me. "What are you doing here in Hawaii?"

"I'm helping out at my family friend's ranch for the summer, doing guided rides. This is my aunt's friends resort; I'm just helping bartend temporarily." I explained. Oh God, Adam was now going to know where I was. Shit. And I'm sure he didn't tell his parents why we split, just that I broke up with him and left to somewhere unknown.

"Getting some relaxation and experience in before finding a real job, huh?" Daniel, Adam's father, smiled at me. I felt a bit irritated that doing guided rides or bartending wasn't considered a real job.

"Yeah, you know I figured why not make the most of my summer and come to Hawaii to do some work. Take in the beautiful scenery while I do it."

"The ranch you're working on is it 'Iolani Ranch? Mrs. Borden was telling us all about it, about how it's her brother's ranch and they've started doing rides." Jeanette inquired. I kept my smile but inside I was cursing worse than a sailor. Not only would Adam know where I was, he'd know exactly where I was staying now. It's not like I could very well deny it. There was only one other place on the Island that did rides and all they had to do was ask Babe if I worked for Jonah.

"It is!" I laughed to try to ease my nervousness. "Small Island."

"Oh well maybe before we leave we'll have to stop in and go on a ride with you! Wouldn't that be great Daniel?" Jeanette gushed to her husband and I mentally groaned.

"That would be. Adam would love to know you're doing okay." Daniel's eyes stared closely at me. "He says you two broke up."

"Yeah, differences in what we wanted. You know…" I saw Ridge, one of Babe's servers, wave at me from the end of the bar. "If you'll excuse me, I'm needed down there."

"Of course dear! We'll see you later!" I walked down to where Ridge was standing and he asked if I could make a drink for one of his customers.

For the rest of the night I managed to avoid Adam's parents and it was finally midnight. I counted the register and did everything required at closing time. I wished all the servers a good nice after we split the tips and we all headed towards our cars. I was borrowing the land rover when Jonah could spare it. If not, I asked one of the servers for a ride.

I drove home and tried to be as quiet as I could as I entered the house. I took off my shoes and found a plate from dinner saved for me. I ate it cold, not wanting to wake Jonah by using the microwave. I washed it quietly afterwards and went to my room. I threw my uniform in the clothesbasket on the floor and threw on an old t-shirt with shorts to sleep in.

I tried and tried to go to sleep but it was no use. I was wide-awake, worrying. They would no doubt call Adam and tell him about seeing me. After weeks of ignoring his texts and calls, he'd probably come here. It would be disastrous.

When the sun rose, I got out of bed and showered. I put light makeup on to try to hide the dark circles under my eyes and I made a strong pot of coffee. Jonah seemed surprised to see me up so early when he came out of the shower. "I thought you'd sleep in later." He commented as he poured some coffee.

"I woke up early so thought I'd get a head start on what needs to be done." I shrugged. "We have quite a few rides today." I had learned that weekends were our busy days and today was Friday, so it was expected.

"That bachelor party is tomorrow right?" Jonah asked as we both leaned against the counter drinking coffee. Aunt Cathy would probably be down soon.

I nodded. "I got Kit and Kimo to agree to do it. I figured they would make it fun for them."

Jonah nodded in agreement. "Young guys all together. Good thinking."

"Thanks." I flashed him a smile. I hesitated for a second then asked the question that popped into my head. "Jonah, if someone came here starting trouble for someone or stalking them, would you kick them off?"

"Gladly." Jonah smiled then saw my seriousness. "Are you having trouble with a customer? I can talk to my sister about it if you are."

"No." I shook my head. "Not a customer."

"Your ex-boyfriend then? I get the idea you two didn't end on good terms from Darby."

I grimaced. "Not exactly. I don't think he'd show up here but…"

"Well if he does, you let me or Kit or Kimo know and we'll show him the door." Jonah squeezed my shoulder. "I won't let anyone on my ranch get harassed or harmed."

"Thanks Jonah." I smiled up at him.

"Now get to work." He told me with a gentle push towards the door. I laughed and put my boots on, heading out the door.

As the day went on, I forgot about last night and threw myself into work. When our first ride of the day showed up it was a small group of four adults, couples, that wanted to ride horses while in Hawaii. Cathy and I guided that ride and it was nice to see the looks on their faces as they saw the beauty in the hills of green pasture, the herds of beautiful Quarter Horses, and the forest.

They gushed about it even after we got back and told Aunt Cathy that they'd refer us to all their friends back home. It always made Aunt Cathy happy to hear those words. I watched Megan and Darby as they attempted to teach Hoku and Tango some new trick. It was amusing to say the least.

Kimo climbed up beside me on the fence and kissed my hand. "How was work last night?"

I frowned. "It was…" I trailed off, the previous anxiety starting to come back so I just shrugged. Kimo frowned.

"What happened?"

"Nothing." I was close to snapping. I tried to rein in the anxiety and sighed. "Sorry, I just had a long sleepless night."

"It's okay." He murmured. "I wish you would tell me what's wrong."

Tears filled my eyes and I blinked quickly to try to get them to disappear. Too late because Kimo noticed. "Delainey, hey what's wrong?" I jumped off the fence and walked away, needing to get my emotions in check. "Delainey!" Kimo jogged to catch up with me as I entered the office.

"Go away Kimo." I demanded fighting tears. Anxiety filled my stomach and I was nauseous as I thought about Adam showing up here. I didn't want anyone to know about why we broke up or why I really came to Hawaii or anything else. I wanted to keep everything private.

"Not until you tell me what's wrong." He pushed my hair out of my face. "Delainey, something has got you upset."

I let out a trembling sigh. "I ran into Adam's parents last night. They're here on a retreat with their job."

Kimo sighed and pulled me into his arms. "And you're afraid they're going to tell him where you are."

"I know they will Kimo. And he'll show up here." A tear escaped and I swiped at it quickly. "This was the one place he didn't know about. The one place I didn't have to deal with him."

"Hey, he might not come." Kimo tried to be positive. "And even if he does you don't have to deal with him, I promise. He won't be allowed her if you don't want him to be. Just tell Jonah."

"Jonah already said he wouldn't let me be harassed or anything."

"There, you see? Nothing to worry about. Jonah will make him leave if he shows up and you won't have to deal with him. And why don't you change your cell phone number? It'll make you feel better if he can't get ahold of you."

I nodded. "I guess I should. I just hate having to make sure everyone has my number because of one person."

"The phone company could probably block him from calling you."

I heard a car pull into the yard and I figured it was our next ride of the day. This had been a late booking that Aunt Cathy had handled. Luckily, we had a spot open. "Do I look okay?"

Kimo smiled. "You look beautiful and you can't even tell you've been upset. You look a little tired maybe, but that's understandable."

"I guess I should go greet the guests with Aunt Cathy. Maybe you can do this ride with me." I smiled up at him.

"I think Jonah could spare me." Kimo kissed me gently and we walked out of the office. I called out a greeting to Aunt Cathy and the guests. I stopped in shock as the couple turned around. It was Adam's parents. Oh crap. This was going to be interesting.

….

AN: Hey readers! Here's an unexpected early update for you! I was technically supposed to update another story first but after updating Life Without You, I still wanted to write and I wanted to write about Kimo & Delainey. I'm pretty proud of myself too because it was two updates within an hour of each other and I wrote this chapter in an hour. That is my fastest writing EVER! And it's more than I usually write.

Anyways, enough of my talking! I hope to see some more reviews on this story, I've gotten more hits and more reviews which is great! I'm glad to see it finally getting some hits! The WHI fan base isn't too big on here unfortunately! Don't forget to let me know what you thought of the chapter!

To my reviewers:

Jessica: Thank you again for you review! Next chapter, will be their double date with Kit and Cricket (I think…)! It sucks but I know you like reading it and my other reviewer does too. Other people are reading it also just not reviewing so it is getting hits. I'm definitely going to continue because I am really in love with the story and can't wait to see Kimo & Delainey as they progress :) I'm glad you liked the "love in the air" I was really trying for that "magical" type feeling of the feelings and sweetness being there! I totally have an idea for Darby to be set up, I can't wait to introduce it! Maybe even when I'm done some of my other stories, I might try a Darby story!

Playing-with-wolves: I just want to thank you again for your review!

…

Interesting piece of information for Terri Farley fans: She's writing another book currently! I have no clue whether it has anything to do with PS or WHI but she's writing again! She has Wild at Heart coming out in September of this year and she's working on something else. I can't wait until she reveals what she's writing!

Thanks for reading! –Quinnandseth'sgirl15. My next update will be: Bree's Challenge. I will not be updating again until Sunday/Monday as today (Friday 6/26/15) I'm going to see Randy Houser, Dustin Lynch, and Luke Bryan in concert! :) It's my third time seeing Luke Bryan but first for the two others although I love their music!

Also July 4th-July 11th I will be in North Carolina at the beach so there will be no updates that week. I will be enjoying myself and hopefully not running into sharks that seem to be all over the east coast this summer! It's Jaws! Okay, well not really. But anywho, just wanted to let you know that week will not have updates! It is 3 am and I am going to be feeling productive!