Page 10 of Blue Hawaiian
She clinked glasses with him, then downed the rest of her drink. Heartbreak aside, she’d forgotten how much she liked being with Connor.
He poured another splash of brandy into her glass. “Good stuff, isn’t it?”
“Yeah. These Blackwoods know a thing or two about booze.” She swallowed the brandy in a quick gulp, sighing as the warmth flooded her body.
“Easy there, tiger. You’re probably dehydrated from the flight.” He stood up. “I’m going to get you another key card. Sit tight.”
While he was gone, she poured herself more brandy but sipped it slowly. As good as it would feel to get tipsy and put the awful day behind her, she had to watch herself around Connor. Even if he was behaving himself, he wasn’t someone she could trust. From what she’d heard via Marc and Gabi, he still had a reputation for wild nights and casual hookups.
When Connor returned, he handed her the card and the ice bucket. “Here you go.”
She stood to face him and contemplated closing the distance between them. He wanted her, she was sure of it. And she couldn’t deny her attraction to him.
Why not? They were alone, they were adults, and they both knew how good it could be.
No way. Because it won’t mean anything to him except sex. You’ll wake up tomorrow and hate yourself.
She wished him good night and went back to her room.
Alone.
Chapter 4
Connor woke to the buzzing of his phone. Pulling himself out of a deep sleep, he sat up and rubbed his eyes. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d slept that soundly. It must have been the brandy. Or the satisfaction he’d gotten from connecting with Jess. He hadn’t expected her to warm up to him so quickly. Though he suspected she still hadn’t forgiven him, he liked the way she let down her guard.
His phone buzzed again, and he picked it up from the nightstand.
Missed call from Marc Blackwood.
He sent his cousin a text.What’s up?
Marc replied immediately.You up for a run on the beach?
Though Connor wasn’t fully awake yet, the fresh air might jump-start his day. He grabbed his running gear from his suitcase and returned Marc’s text.Be there in 15.
On leaving his room, he passed by Jess’s door, which now sported a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Not surprising, considering she’d left his room at one thirty in the morning. Though he’d respected her boundaries, he’d definitely been tempted. How could he be anything but tempted when she came to him wearing a thin cotton t-shirt that barely covered her ass? But he’d behaved admirably, treating her like a friend rather than a potential conquest.
At times, the tug of attraction between them was hard to resist. The old Connor might have pulled out all the stops, trying to sweet-talk her into bed. But he wasn’t going to backslide. Not if he wanted Jess to trust him.
Damn, but it was hard being responsible.
He rode the elevator to the lobby, then went to the side of the resort facing the ocean. Coming from Southern California, he was used to palm trees and warm weather, but Maui had a completely different vibe. Maybe it was the tropical breeze. Or the pounding surf. Either way, he was grateful to be miles away from his office at Blackwood Cellars.
Marc jogged over to meet him, wearing a t-shirt bearing a logo for the Napa Valley 10K. “About time you dragged your lazy ass out of bed.”
“Lazy? I got in after midnight. And it’s not like I went to sleep right away.”
His cousin grinned. “You had company already? You don’t miss a trick. Someone you met on the plane? Or here at the resort?”
Enough. I’m not that guy anymore.
“Just a drink, to unwind after a long day,” he said. “Thanks for the brandy.”
“Glad you liked it. You ready for a run on the beach? It’s a tougher workout.”
Typical Marc. He wasn’t happy unless he was pushing himself at the gym or training for a triathlon. Naturally, he had no problem running on sand, while the resistance slowed Connor down. At least the view was spectacular. They ran in silence, breathing in the salt air, until they reached a comfortable pace.
“How’s it going?” he asked Marc. “All set for Saturday?”
