Page 27 of Duty and Desire

“A lucky guess.”

“We went out for dinner, after spending the day hiking up to Mount Pahia.”

Her satisfied expression left me in no doubt she approved. “About time you saw something of the island. And with someone who knows the place.” She flushed. “And such pretty company too.”

“Oh, so he’s pretty now?” Not that I disagreed.

I could do nothing all day but sit and stare at Nick, and I’d count it a day well-spent.

Aulani let rip with an unladylike snort. “I may be old but I’m not blind.”

“I did discover one thing that will make you happy. He knows about the stalker—if that’s what he is.”

She expelled a breath. “Thank goodness. Like I said, Nick is a sweet guy. I would hate to think he’d attracted someone who would harm him.”

I reflected on what Nick had revealed about his family. “There’s a vulnerability about him. When he speaks, I can’t escape thenotion there’s so much more beneath the surface that he can’t share.”

And whatever he was hiding, it brought him pain.

Aulani bit her lip. “That’s the writer in you talking. Maybe you should write a book about Nick.”

I smiled. “Funny you should say that. I had the same idea.”

And thanks to our conversation during dinner, I knew where that idea was leading me.

“So will you two be going on another date?”

I shrugged. “Another hike, at least.”

I liked the prospect of another meal at sunset, but maybe in a different location.

Someplace more intimate.

At some point during the previous day, my hike had moved from being a chance to gain inspiration to a desire to spend more time around Nick. My hurried request that we“do it all again”was born out of a need to be with him, to talk with him, laugh with him.

“I think you should explore the island some more,” Aulani suggested.

“Anywhere specific?”

“At the south of the island is the St. Regis resort. It has these bungalows spread out over the water, like the petals of a flower. And there’s a wonderful bar where you can watch the sunset while you have a drink.”

I chuckled. “You’re the second person to mention that bar to me. Something about it having cute servers?”

Her eyes twinkled. “I wouldn’t know about that. I only have eyes for my husband. But I do know someone who tends bar there every Wednesday afternoon. And you know him too.” She beamed. “Well, what do you know? Today is Wednesday. I’m not sure what time he finishes, but I can find out.”

I laughed my ass off. “Aulani, you’re about as subtle as a train wreck.” When she frowned, I held my hand up. “Relax. You did your job. Looks like I’m going out for a drink later.” And seeing asthe St. Regis seemed pretty upmarket, I was going to dress accordingly.

Knowing Nick would be there?

Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.

The bar was definitely swankier than Kai’s place of work. There was a restaurant too, but I resisted the urge to glance at the menu. I had a feeling it would be out of my wallet’s range.

I took my seat at a table looking out across the lagoon. I’d spotted Nick behind the bar, dressed in black pants and a tee. Dark was such a good choice for him. It accentuated his hair and his tan. I hadn’t tried to attract his attention—he was working, right?—but every now and then I glanced over at him, watching him engage the bar patrons in conversation, flashing them that same warm smile I’d seen during our dinner.

He’s a natural, a people person.I imagined that made him good at his various jobs.

“What can I get you, sir?”

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