Page 65 of Two Tickets to Paradise

LeavingHawaii was altogether different than when he'd arrived. He was full of apprehension back then and meeting Cora's brother had him worried and tied up in knots.

Now, as they reached the curb outside of Alaska Airlines, Vince reached for Cora's suitcase at the same time that Cameron did.

"I got this." "Man, I got this."

Cora laughed at both of them. "Both of you, back off!"

Vince stepped back and so did Cameron.

Before either of them knew what was going on, Cora reached between them and pulled her suitcase out of the back. "There." She gave Cameron a grin and turned to look at Vince. He got a wink.

The two men were left staring after her as Maile moved between them and took out the rolling carry-on suitcase and stuck her tongue out at Cameron.

"You two," Maile scoffed, "get it together and do something useful."

She walked beside Cora to the porter stand next to the walkway.

Vince managed to laugh softly and held out his hand to Cameron. "Are we good?"

Cameron gave him a look that had Vince rethinking the question.

A grin replaced his dire expression, and he grabbed Vince's hand in a punishing grip.

"Oh great," Vince chuckled, "we're back to this now?"

"No, we're good." Cameron eased his grip and a moment later, let go of his hand. "I just want you to remember that I can kick your ass."

Vince managed not to even flex his hand or move his fingers after they let go. "I know, man. I know. I just want to remind you that I'm not planning to do anything you'd have to kick my ass for. Cora's amazing and I plan on showing her that every chance I get. I've never felt like this about anyone."

Cameron folded his arms across his chest. "You don't have to tell me that." He tipped his head toward the curb where Cora and Maile were standing. "Tell her."

Vince nodded. "I intend to do more than that. I'm going to show her, too. I think actions have to match up with words."

"Well, shit, when did you start writing greeting cards, Navy?"

"Around the same time you stopped eating Crayons, Marine."

Before Cameron could come after him, Vince jogged up onto the curb and reached out a hand to say goodbye to Maile.

She rolled her eyes and hugged him goodbye. With her height a little shorter than Cora, he had to bend over or fall.

Maile held onto him as she spoke directly into his ear. "I know Axl warned you about taking care of his sister, but I'm telling you when push comes to shove, I'm the one you have to watch out for. I'm smaller, but I fight dirty."

"What?"

"It's easier for me to punch you in the nuts than do anything else, so keep that in mind."

Vince didn't know how to answer.

"Got that?"

She put a little extra pressure on the back of his neck.

He gave a little grunt at the pinch of pressure and managed to reply. "Got it."

She let go the moment Cameron grabbed the back of his shirt.

"Get off her, Navy."

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