Page 26 of Duty and Desire

But a date is exactly what I want.

He held out his hand, and we shook. I wasn’t sure if I imagined it, but the casual handshake seemed to linger.

I didn’t imagine the trickle of electricity tingling through me when his fingers brushed against mine, however.

Gio climbed into his buggy, and with a wave he was gone.

I stiffened as a familiar figure ambled across the street toward me.

“Have you been out here the whole time?” I demanded as Franz came to a halt. I knew what the slight bulge in the line of his jacket concealed.

“Yup. You having fun?”

“Yes, thank you. I’m surprised you didn’t interrupt us.”

He shrugged. “There was no need. You going home now?”

“That was the plan. Will you be following me?”

“Only until you get through the door.” He smiled. “So I’ll say goodnight now.”

I said nothing, but got into the buggy. I switched on the engine and pulled away, knowing he wouldn’t be far behind.

And if Gio and I do another hike? Another dinner? Will Franz keep his distance?

Somehow I doubted that.

Chapter Nine

April 9

Gio

Iwas none the worse for wear after the previous day’s hike, so I figured I wasn’t as out of shape as I’d thought. I sat on the veranda with my first cup of coffee at hand, gazing at the photos I’d taken. I had to admit, they didn’t do the views justice.

The one I’d taken of Nick, however, had captured his habitual expression, a mix of contemplation and something else I couldn’t pin down. Not that he had any idea I’d caught him on my phone’s camera—I’d chosen my moment well. I’d engaged in a little misdirection, pointing out to sea at a passing ship. But no sooner had I clicked, than I was overcome with a surge of guilt. I could have asked him if it was okay to take a picture, right?

Something in me was certain the answer would’ve been no.

Once I’d finished my breakfast, I stretched out on one of the steamer chairs and read for a while—a paperback I’d picked up at the airport. I recalled reading rave reviews of it, so I wanted to see what all the fuss wasabout.

Keeping my focus on the page proved difficult. The words danced, and my mind kept tugging me back to a bench hewn out of rock, itchy legs, and a beautiful smile.

“Morning.”

I placed my book face down. “Good morning, Aulani. I’m back here.”

A moment later, she joined me. She glanced through the open patio door and let out a mock gasp. “You cleaned.”

I laughed. “I didn’t spend much time here yesterday, that’s why it’s so tidy.”

Aulani placed her hands on her hips. “You’re in a better mood today.” Her face lit up. “Did you write something?”

I smiled. “Not exactly. I went on… well, sort of a date.”

She tilted her head. “With Nick?”

I narrowed my gaze. “Have you been following me?” I demanded in a teasing tone.

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