Page 73 of One Night in Hawaii

“I’m glad you’re here. Really, really glad. I’ve missed you. Honestly, I thought you might never make it back. Penelope—”

“She’s here, right?” I asked.

“Yes. You didn’t know?”

“I suspected, but she went rogue on us all, fell off the grid. She hasn’t even talked to me. I assumed she would be here, but I didn’t know for sure.”

“She’s staying at the resort,” she answered. “Ryder is with her.”

I chuckled and rolled to face her. “I thought that might be the case. Everyone has been asking where she is, but I’ve pleaded the Fifth.”

“They don’t know she’s here?”

“No, she basically ran away from home. I don’t blame her. She’s lucky she doesn’t have a company to run. She had the luxury of running away.”

“What happens now?” she asked.

“Now, I’d like to give this a real shot,” I said. “I know there’s some wrinkles I’ll have to iron out, but I like you, Shiloh. A lot. You are different from any other woman I’ve met in my entire life. I want to be with you. I’m going to do all I can to make that happen. What about you? Do you want to try this with me?”

She stared at me for a long time. “There’s a lot that will have to happen in order for this to work out for the long term. You know that, right?”

“I know,” I said. “But, if you’re willing to try, I’m willing to do whatever I have to. I’ve already made it clear to my father that I won’t be living under his rule. I don’t need or want his money. I choose happiness.”

“That’s very sweet.”

I kissed the tip of her nose. “Maybe, but right now, I’m not feeling sweet. I’m feeling something far naughtier.”

“I like naughty,” she said, grinning.

“I’m going to get something to drink,” I said.

“Are you hungry?” she asked. “I still have a bunch of groceries from Penelope’s shopping spree.”

“Penelope went grocery shopping?” I asked.

“She did. I don’t think she’s done it often because she bought everything and clearly didn’t worry about looking for the best deals.”

I laughed and rolled out of the bed. “Penelope doesn’t worry herself with much, especially when it comes to spending money.”

30

SHILOH

We are a foursome! I am one half of a couple.

All those days I watched Ryder and Penelope fawn all over each other and spend time together while feeling jealous were in the past. I had Archer. He was with me and I wanted to take advantage of every minute we had together.

I handed Archer the cup of coffee I made for him.

“Thanks, babe.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Do you have work today?” he asked.

I slowly shook my head. “No. Penelope wanted to go for a hike today. We made plans to hike the Waimea Falls trail. Are you up for it?”

“Absolutely, but there’s just one thing.”

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