Page 23 of One Night in Hawaii

“I’m going to make some eggs,” she said. “Want some?”

“I’m good. I just need coffee.”

“Suit yourself.”

I checked my email and quickly replied to my CFO. Penelope disappeared upstairs. I saw an email from my father. I dreaded opening it, but I had to know just how bad my world was falling apart back home.

He didn’t say much. His message was a forward from the family attorney. I skimmed the letter but didn’t care to read into it. It was all about Ashley being the one responsible for breaking the engagement contract. Nothing said romance like contracts. I closed the laptop. I didn’t want to deal with all of that just yet. If I was being honest, it hurt. More like a sting.

I stared out the window and thought about what I was going to deal with when I got home. I wasn’t looking forward to it. There was going to be the bullshit with the lawyers and of course my parents. They were going to be pissed, even though it wasn’t me that fucked everything up.

“So, what’s the plan for today?” Penelope asked, coming back into the kitchen.

“I’m not sure. What are you doing?”

She was wearing another dress that flowed around her slim body and her extra-large hat. “I am planning to lie out and work on getting wrinkled.”

I rolled my eyes. “Like you would ever let yourself get wrinkled. You spend enough on Botox and laser surgery with a plastic surgeon just waiting to cut your face up. I don’t know why you wear that damn hat. It’s not like a skilled doctor can’t fix what you break.”

She flipped me off. “You’re a jerk.”

“You’re twenty-five,” I said. “Your skin won’t wrinkle if you get a little sun.”

“Your facewillfreeze if you keep scowling like that!” She walked out to the deck and stretched out on a lounger. My sister was very invested in preserving her looks. Watching her stretch out covered in the dress with her face shielded by the hat, I couldn’t help but think about Shiloh and the way she lay on the sand with nothing but a few pieces of strategically placed fabric to cover her most important bits.

As I sipped my coffee, I felt a sense of determination to enjoy every minute I was in Hawaii. Whatever was waiting for me at home would be there whether I stressed about it or not.

I picked up my phone and called Shiloh, my self-appointed tour guide for my stay in Oahu. As the phone rang, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. I wanted to apologize and spend some quality time with her, away from the distractions of a crowded bar.

“Hey,” she answered, her voice bright and cheery.

“Hey, it’s me,” I replied, trying to sound casual despite the slight butterflies in my stomach.

“What’s up?” she asked, and I could almost picture her smile through the phone.

“I was wondering if you’d like to go for a hike today,” I said, my heart pounding a little faster. “You know, clear our heads and enjoy some nature.”

There was a momentary pause. I panicked, thinking she was going to tell me to get lost. “Sure, that sounds like a great idea. I know a beautiful trail not too far from where you’re staying.”

Relief washed over me. “Perfect. Do you want to come here or should I pick you up?”

“I’ll head over,” she said, and I could hear the smile in her voice.

After hanging up, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I was looking forward to seeing her, which surprised me. I wasn’t sure why I was thinking about Shiloh as anything more than a tour guide. I was fresh off a breakup and couldn’t deal with another woman.

I showered and dressed for a hike. There was a knock at the back door, which I knew was Shiloh. She was probably going to be wet and wearing a bikini. I knew she couldn’t resist a dip in the ocean. To my surprise and disappointment, she wasn’t alone. She’d brought Ryder along.

“Hey,” I greeted her, feeling a little disappointed. “Ryder.”

I had been hoping for some time alone with Shiloh, but that was cool. Ryder was a good guy, and honestly, a chaperone would keep me from doing anything stupid.

“Come in.”

“Wow!” Shiloh exclaimed when they walked inside. “Check this place out!”

“This is awesome,” Ryder chimed in.

“Do you guys want some coffee?” I asked. “Espresso?”

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