Page 18 of The Bride's Secret

“The Waieapicu?” He sat back, enjoying himself. “Well now, that’s my best kept secret.”

She laughed. Spontaneous reaction of pure enjoyment. “Well now, we’ll just have to see about that.” She waved and their waitress came back. “Leilani, could you bring me the special and a double grand espresso?”

Leilani nodded and turned to him.

“I’ll have what she’s having but an orange juice will be fine to drink.” He searched the beverages. “Or wait, pineapple juice.” He smiled. Carisa would be proud. Perhaps he would bring her here before they left.

Miss Spagnoli appraised him. “So, let’s talk. What are you after?”

“You get right to the point.”

“I see no better way to do business.”

He tipped his head towards her. “I’m inclined to agree. So much waste on pleasantries and polite greeting. If I want to discuss the weather, I’ll call my grandmother.” He raised his eyebrows.

She smiled. “I like you.”

“I hope to like you as well. So, to get to the point, we are interested in Aloha Industries.”

They talked shop for two hours, food and drink coming and plates leaving, refills magically rose in their cups. Leilani did so little to disturb them he planned to give her an outrageously high tip. And when they were finished, he felt confident Miss Spagnoli was pleased, intrigued, and close to signing. She stood and held out her hand. “Thank you, Wyatt. It’s been a pleasure. I’ll get with my board and look for your paperwork sometime this week.”

He shook her hand and in the moment he would have let go, she lingered, her hand softened in his and she stepped closer. “Now that business is completed, what are your plans for this week while you’re here on the island?”

His eyes widened in interest. “Well now, that depends. Today, I’m touring a volcano. The rest of the week is at your service.” He dipped his head.

“I like the sound of that.”

“Do you?” His hand still held hers. “Could I give you a call?”

“I’d like that.” She ran a finger down his palm and then turned to walk out of the Waieapicu.

He let her go, suspected she wanted to make an exit. Leilani approached so he handed her the tip he had planned. “Thank you.”

She indicated the closed doorway and Miss Spagnoli’s retreating form. “I’d say you’re in.”

His grin widened. “Well now, ma’am, I thank you for that. A man never knows, not really.”

She clucked. “No, he doesn’t. And that’s the way of it.”

“It sure is.” He hoped he was in. Her interest outside of business came as a surprise to him. Last week, he would have returned her interes more than he was right now. Carisa’s gentle beauty came to his mind. Miss Spagnoli’s stunning, striking image felt harsh next to her classic features, but Wyatt was intrigued, and spending time with Miss Spagnoli could only help their efforts at a business relationship. As he walked out the door into the beautiful Hawaiian sun, he decided he was pleased. He checked his watch. Time to get back for their tour.

He texted Ted.I think she’s in. Waiting on our welcome email.

Bam! I knew you could do it. Let’s finish this.

You know it.

He scrolled through his phone. While he was at lunch, Carisa had sent a couple pictures. Her ice cream smudged on her nose, Henry from freeze tag wanting another round, her cannonball into the water, and the page of her book. His laugh carried out onto the street. People turned to him with a smile and a couple waves. He loved the culture on this island. And he was surprised at how delighted he was about the simple little things Carisa was doing back at the resort.

His driver pulled up and he hurried in. As intriguing as the new Miss Spagnoli was, the time he was missing with Carisa felt important. His mouth thinned. Probably because he might never get time with her again. At that depressing thought, he pushed the elevator button.

After a quick stop in his room, he headed over to the shuttle pick up location for his volcano excursion. A soft hand linked fingers with his. “Hey babe.”

“How did you know it was me?”

He turned to her. “Lucky guess?” His gaze drank her in. He’d missed her as much as he’d been grateful for the time away to take a breather. “Good to see you.”

“You too.”

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