Page 82 of Stone
His happy grin covered his entire face. “That’s not what I’ve heard. I heard you have serious talent. You have the beauty and the brains down. Don’t tell Stone I said that or he’ll kick my ass.”
“Promise. No telling. Sadly, I haven’t been able to paint after everything that’s happened. I just… can’t think straight and I hate myself for it. He bought me everything I need and my mind is locked down tight. Even worse, I was offered a huge gallery tour in several countries and I don’t know what to do.”
“That’s fantastic, Dani. I’m sure Stone is so proud of you.”
“He doesn’t know.”
Kekoa took a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds. “You’re unsure you want to leave.”
“No. Yes. Maybe. We’re different people and I guess I’m just confused.”
“You went through a serious ordeal and healing takes time. Talk with Stone. I know how strong his feelings are for you.”
“Even if I decided to go through with the tour, I’ll need fresh material. That’s how it works and so far, nada.”
“Your lack of creativity is totally understandable. Maybe being on the island will provide you with an entirely different spirit. Perhaps you should pay homage to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, fire, and creativity. Many artists have found their inspiration through her.”
“Pele, huh? I’ll need to keep that in mind. I could use all the help I can get.” Even being at the private cove a couple of days before had done nothing for my typical visionary process. Although… Hmmm…
“I can see the lady’s wheels turning.”
I glanced at Stone’s phone and snaked my fingers around it, thankful the iPhone was still unlocked. “Maybe just mentioning the goddess gave me a very inspirational idea, but don’t you dare tell Stone I was on his phone.”
“Mum’s the word.” Kekoa laughed. “You’re good for him, Daniella. That’s easy to see. And I might sound presumptuous, but I think he’s also good for you.”
“Yeah? How am I good for him?” I navigated to Stone’s pictures on his phone, quickly emailing the photograph I’d taken just before leaving Paris to my Gmail account. At least I hadn’t been subject to a complete loss. I was beginning to wonder if I’d find anything of value left when I returned to Paris.
“He’s happier or maybe I should say finally happy, period. There’s light in his eyes. I’ve almost never seen him withanything but a scowl on his face. Except when he’s surfing or guiding a tour.”
I lifted my gaze, noticing Stone off to the side. While he couldn’t see what I was doing since I had the phone under the lip of the bar, he was studying me intently. All while talking to Kekoa’s brother. “I don’t know if we’re good for each other. It’s very complicated.”
“The one story he told me during a drunken fest was that he’d loved and lost the only woman who would ever be in his life. I knew the minute I heard about you that you were that woman.”
“What made you so certain?” A sweep of heat rushed through me hearing Kekoa’s heartfelt words.
“My father was a very wise man, God rest his soul. He once told me that you could always tell when a man was head over heels in love with a woman by the way he stuttered when talking about her after being asked a question.”
“Stutter? Stone? Not a chance. He’s rock solid.” Like his massive, gorgeous body.
He leaned forward. “Trust me. He stuttered when he told me about you. You are the love of his life. I think you need to rethink your future plans.”
“Are you playing matchmaker now?”
“If I need to. Stone is my best friend but seeing him so miserable makes me want to punch him every day.” He laughed so boisterously I couldn’t hold back a smile. They had an amazing friendship.
As Stone approached, I lifted and kept my gaze on his face. When he caught my look, he smiled. “You weren’t telling all my trade secrets. Right?”
“Watch this,” Kekoa said under his breath. “Hey, boss. I was thinking of asking Daniella on a date. You wouldn’t mind. Would you?”
“If you dare ta-try to-to take her out, I will k-kill you.”
With the wide grin from before turning positively evil, Kekoa leaned over and whispered, “See what I mean? Love is in the air.”
CHAPTER 23
Stone
“She’s good for you.” Kekoa’s comment shouldn’t annoy me at all, but it did.
