Page 62 of Taboo

“Stop. Eat your lunch,” she ordered, even as she couldn’t seem to get rid of her smile.

“So, if you could do anything you wanted with your designing abilities, what would you do? Start your own firm?”

She sat back. “Well, I guess I would, but I wouldn’t want it to only be about making money.”

Of course it wouldn’t be. He had learned that she had a kind heart. “Then what?”

“Don’t get me wrong. I would definitely have some high paying customers, but I would use that money to do other things. Like…well, this might sound odd, but I would like to help redo women’s shelters. I had a friend in college who talked about the one she, her brother, and mother had to flee to when she was just a kid. I would volunteer to design the space and foot some of the bill. Or probably all of it because I have more money than I will ever need.”

He stopped eating and stared at her. This privileged woman who grew up with security, who never seemed to have to worry about her safety or where her next meal was coming from, thought of others…always. He couldn’t resist. It was stupid to even think he could. Alek set his fork down on the plate and then leaned closer, cupping her face before pressing his mouth to hers. It was the only thing he could do.

Alek meant it to be a simple kiss, but she wrapped her fingers around his wrists and returned the kiss with fervor. Her tongue slipped out and slid over the seam of his lips and he opened his mouth. It took him more than a few seconds to pull back from the kiss.

“You are amazing,” he said, knowing it was inadequate but he still had to say it.

“Thank you. For that and the kiss.”

She was smiling at him when they returned to eating their meals, and apparently, that was all he needed to feel as if all was right in his world.

chapter nineteen

On Thursday,Dee stopped by to pick up Julienne, as they finally found a day that worked for both of them. As she sped through the midday traffic on Kam Highway, she didn’t even try to hide her need for information about Alek.

“So, that big, gorgeous Hawaiian? What’s going on with him?”

It was true that Dee and Micah were considered family friends, but she didn’t know them all that well. But apparently, Dee didn’t care.

“That’s…well, shouldn’t we pretend to spend some time with small talk before you spring that on me?’

“I could, but one of my best friends is coming to lunch with us too, so I thought maybe I would get it out of the way.”

“Uh…Wait, what?”

She laughed. “Sorry, but May has wanted to meet you.”

“May…wait, May Chambers? Evan’s wife?” Julienne asked. Evan Chambers was Micah’s partner in Rough ’n Ready. She knew both of the men; although, she knew Micah best, probably because of his connection to Nic.

Dee nodded as she slipped around a sedan full of what looked to be tourists. They had a look about them with their brand-new Hawaiian shirts and sunburned skin. They also seemed to drive slower, or that’s what Julienne thought. It seemed they were in no rush to get anywhere, which made sense.

“And, you’re running out of time. If you think I’m nosey, you have no idea how bad May is going to be.”

She snorted. “I have a feeling I can handle her. I’ve dealt with the British press and they are all jackals.”

Dee cut her a look, but Julienne didn’t miss the twist of a smile. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

She should have listened.

Fifteen minutes later, they were seated in one of the Big City Diners that she understood was a chain on Oahu. After they placed their orders, May smiled at her. Inwardly, she scoffed at Dee’s warning. The beautiful Hawaiian woman exuded warmth and happiness. She should have known better.

“So, I hear you got yourself a hot local you’re banging.”

She blinked and glanced at Dee who shrugged. “I warned you.”

“I mean, I don’t need actual positions or anything like that, but I did look you up.”

Immediately, warning flags went up, but May shook her head.

“Oh, don’t worry. No one will know I know you. It’s just that Dee said you were famous, and I haven’t heard of you?—”

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