Page 41 of Taboo

“Yes.”

He wanted to see her, to see how she felt about the idea that had formed in his head. “How about I come over this weekend?”

There was a long pause before she said, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

If she had immediately said no, he would have definitely backed off. That hesitation had spoken volumes. It was stupid, yes, and he knew it was a better idea that they kept their friendship on the phone. But the need to see her overrode all of his better instincts, which had kept him alive for fifteen years in the military.

“Tell you what…think about it. I can just pop over there on Friday, get a room, and we can have dinner together. Have you even been out of the house since David left?”

He knew she was trying to keep a low profile, but there was no reason to hide in the house. Not in Hawaii. They had their problems with the paparazzi, but the truth was that most people didn’t notice celebrities right off if they didn’t show up in limos or with an entourage.

“No, Marta has been cooking my meals, and I’ve been working.”

He was aware. Sammie had been going on and on about Jules’ ideas and suggestions, but she said she was worried about Jules. She said all she seemed to be doing was working. “So, I can take you out, take you to a real local place.”

“I don’t know.” Her tone told him she was wavering.

“Locals aren’t going to pay any attention to you. We can grab some loco moco or a plate lunch somewhere. Drive around a little bit.”

She didn’t say anything right at first, and he didn’t know if that was a good or bad sign. “Just a meal and going out?”

“Hands off. I promise.”

He hated that he was lying to her. Oh, he was going to keep his hands to himself, unless she asked him to touch her. It was just that he would do everything in his power to convince her to change her mind.

“Okay. But you can stay here.”

He knew the smile on his face was probably downright evil. “Whatever you want. I have no problem getting a room for the weekend.”

“This is a massive house with lots of rooms. I also have a cook slash housekeeper, and she’s bored cooking for me I think.”

He chuckled. “Okay. I have a slew of meetings earlier in the day, but I should be able to break away in the early afternoon, if that sounds good.”

“Yes. I’ll admit it’s been a little lonely here.”

He heard it in her voice every day he’d talked to her. He knew that she traveled for business, but that she rarely went this long without spending time with her family. And while his drove him crazy, he knew that she was particularly close to hers.

“I also wanted to ask you about some design issues.”

“At the resort? I sent everything to Sammie, although, you’re lucky she doesn’t want to leave Hawaii. I would love to snap her up for Wulf Industries. She’s brilliant.”

It was something else he noticed about Jules. She was always ready to heap praise on people while never expecting any for herself. Sammie had also told him that Jules had given her some great suggestions that had pushed her to work harder. Alek knew that Jules didn’t realize how great of a motivator she was.

“No, this is more personal. I have a house that needs a lot of help. A lot.”

When she spoke, he heard the smile in her voice. “Oh, so you’re planning on using me for my design skills?”

The playful tone sent a wave of need through him. She truly had no idea how insanely sexy she was.

“No. But, I do need some pointers. Thought maybe we could talk about it when I’m there.”

“Oh,” she said, and there was something in her tone that caught his attention.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Why don’t you take pictures of all areas of the house you need help with, then I can have some suggestions when you come to visit?”

“Sounds great,” he said. “Now, how is your sister-in-law and the rest of your family?”

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