“Truth is, I haven’t had a date in over a month.”
Silence greeted that comment.
“I’m telling the truth.”
“Why?” she asked quietly.
He shook his head. Today wasn’t supposed to be a day they told their sad pasts. It was supposed to be fun and relaxing. “It’s a long, sad story.”
“And you’re not going to tell me.”
“Why don’t we save both our long, sad stories for later and just enjoy the scenery.”
She chuckled and he could feel her relax. “That sounds like a plan I can get behind.”
By the time Kai pulled into a shopping center for lunch, Jocelyn was in love with Hawaii. Many people said they loved it, she knew that. More than one of her family had been here to visit Chris, but this was something different. It wasn’t the kind of admiration she’d had the first few days after she arrived. It was like she had seen a different island. Gone were the posh hotels and all the touristy stores. It was different being with a local who knew how to show you everything.
“I have to say, I don’t know if I am ever going to be able to leave.”
Kai put the car in park then looked at her. “Why would you?”
She laughed. “That’s true. I didn’t know if I would stay here that long. Chris offered, and while he is a little overbearing, it is better than having the whole family breathing down your neck.”
“I can understand that in a way. Hard though, since I still live with my family.” He glanced at the shopping center. “Ready for some Hawaiian barbeque?”
She nodded. He slipped out of the car and walked around the hood before she had her scarf off her head. He opened the door for her. She stepped out and away from the vehicle and she felt her arm brush against his. She shivered and tried to ignore the heat that flared deep in her tummy. He shut the door and it took him a second before he motioned for her to walk in front of him.
As she walked the through the door, the first thing that hit her was the scent of smoke. The next was the exotic Polynesian flavors that she was growing to love.
“What do you recommend?”
He guided her through the crowd by placing his hand on the small of her back. It was a simple gesture, but still her hormones started to do the hula.
“Well, the pork is good, very good. You can get it with or without cabbage and some rice. And there’s always musubi.”
She looked at the pictures above the counter. “What’s in that?”
“Your choice of meat with rice, wrapped in dry seaweed.”
She wrinkled her nose. “No, thanks. I am not a seaweed girl.”
“Ah, but they have it in spam.”
She made a disgusted sound. “I don’t understand the Hawaiian fascination with spam.”
He laughed. “You might also like the chicken tatsu.”
Jocelyn nodded and stepped up to the counter, but Kai stopped her by placing his hand on hers. “No, I got this.”
She opened her mouth to argue but saw his frown. “Okay. But next time, I buy.”
He smiled. “Why don’t you find us a seat?”
She glanced around and realized that it was getting more and more crowded. She found a booth in the back and headed over. She was just slipping into her seat when she saw Kai coming toward her. Again, female heads turned and admired. He was gorgeous, that was for sure. But he had something else that her brothers all possessed. A presence. Looking at him you knew he could take care of himself in a bar fight, but also take care not to hurt you. He was definitely the type of guy who used to make her go gooey.
Hell, used to? Right now, just watching the way his lips curled into a smile had her body heating, her heart beating so hard against her chest she was afraid she would pass out.
He set the tray on the table and slid in opposite of her. “What?”
She shook her head and tried to get her mind back to the now, but it was hard. It took every bit of her control to do it, but finally, she did it.
“Nothing. I think I am still trying to get over the jet lag.”
He nodded. “It takes some people months to adjust to the time difference.”
“So, are you going to tell me how Hawaiians got hooked on spam?”
“During World War II. They had a warehouse here and with supply lines sometimes in danger, it became a staple.”
“I don’t think I’ll become a spam girl no matter how long I live here. I was amazed at the different varieties they had in the grocery store.” She took a bite of her pork and hummed. “That is wonderful. Chris always says no one knows pork like Hawaiians.”
When she looked up, she found him watching her in that way that made her stomach muscles tighten. His attention was on her mouth and she wanted to say something, but the look in his eyes stopped her.