Page 52 of Taboo

There was a twinkle in his eye that told her he wasn’t talking about food. But before she could respond, he was on his way to the bathroom.

She could do this. She could definitely do this.

As if Nic knew she needed a pep talk, her mobile buzzed with a text from her.

Nic: Don’t you dare second-guess yourself. Go get him.

Julienne: Thank you.

Nic: Just think about how good you feel right now…how he makes you feel. You don’t need a commitment, but you do need some fun.

Just as she finished reading the text, Alek stepped out of the bathroom. He’d slipped on a pair of shorts and another Hawaiian shirt, one that brought out the gold in his eyes.

Oh, yeah, she was going to have fun and worry about the consequences later.

chapter sixteen

Alek wantedto take her to an authentic Hawaiian drive-in, so he chose Rainbow Drive-In in Honolulu. He parked the rental car, then got out and was on his way to her side of the car but found her standing there. He frowned at her.

“What did I do?” she asked.

“I was going to open your door.”

“Oh. Well, I’ll let you next time.”

Great, her tone had turned placating like he was some kind of five-year-old who had been denied a treat. It made sense though because he sounded like it. He didn’t care. Helping her out of the car was one way he could touch her without her complaining. Not that she complained when he did touch her. And, great, his dick twitched at the thought of the sound of her moans.

“Alek?”

He shook his head, clearing it of his wayward thoughts.

“Sorry. I haven’t eaten since lunch.”

“Then let’s get in there.” She took in the mainstay of Honolulu and hesitated. Damn, he probably should have taken her some place fancy.

“There’s a lot of people here.”

There was a thread of worry in her tone that caught his attention. “Yeah, Friday night.”

She sighed and straightened her shoulders. “Okay.”

“Hey, we can go somewhere else nicer.”

She glanced at him, those green eyes of hers studying him. “It isn’t that it’s not fancy. I just don’t want us to have to deal with…people.”

The lightbulb went off. She didn’t want to be recognized.

“Don’t worry. I have a feeling most of the people here don’t give a damn who you are. This is Hawaii. We have other things to worry about.”

Her mouth curved slowly, and his breath caught in his throat. Damn, she was the prettiest thing when she smiled. It was like the whole world lit up around him and nothing bad could touch him.

“Brilliant.” Then she took off and he had to hurry to catch up.

“Slow down there, English.”

She giggled at the nickname and did as he asked. He settled his hand on the small of her back as he guided her through the door.

“What should I order? Oh, I know, Nic told me to try loco moco. She said I would love it.”

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