Page 26 of The Bride's Secret

“Perhaps.”

They finished drinks and talked for another half an hour. Wyatt started to get bored when she said, “Let’s order dinner.”

He checked his watch. Carisa would be back of course by now. “They have a steakhouse I haven’t tried yet.”

“Perfect. I’ve had it. Their fish is delectable.”

She placed a hand on his arm and he led her to the other side of the hotel toward their five star restaurant. His gaze scanned the lobby until he felt eyes on him. He turned his head, subtly, while Miss Spagnoli admired the specific painter and designer the resort hired to do their work. Apparently he was a local talent.

Carisa watched them with mouth open. Then she stood taller, waved a half wave and headed for the elevator.

He would give a lot to know what was going through her mind right now.

“You know, I never asked if you were here in Hawaii travelling alone.”

“Not alone no.”

She stepped back. “Are you married?”

“No, I’m not that kind of guy. I’m not alone, but I’m not with someone either. It’s more than complicated, believe me.”

“I have time.”

“It’s not really my story to tell. But she’s trying to figure out things with someone else.” That was technically true, as far as he knew. His inner lie detector only cringed a little bit.

“Sounds like an interesting story.”

“Oh it is, believe me. But I’m free. Not seeing anyone. You?”

“I’m always free.”

“How do you work that?”

“I don’t date exclusively. Not unless I really want to, and so far, no one has motivated me to grant exclusivity.”

“I can understand.”

“I expect the same from those I date. As long as the boundaries are mutually understood, I’m comfortable.”

He nodded. They ate dinner, talking of her childhood and her college years. And then she stood. “Let’s dance. Just a few songs before I have to leave.”

“After you.” He was ready to head back to the quiet fun of his suite with Carisa. But he stuck it out. This could be the biggest deal of the year for his company. And she was a beautiful woman. He was just not into her right now.

They entered the hotel’s version of a nightclub and Wyatt felt eyes on them. Of course guys were checking out Miss Spagnoli.

She leaned closer to shout in his ear over the music. “Every girl in here is checking you out.”

He laughed. “And the men all have eyes on you. Should we go out in the middle and make enemies of them all?”

“You’re on.”

They made their way to the middle of the floor and started dancing. Wyatt relaxed. The night wouldn’t last forever, and he enjoyed dancing. They danced for five fast songs until a slow one began. She folded into his arms and wrapped her hands around his neck. “I’ve had fun, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’m glad you called.”

“It’s nice to have someone different in town. As much as I love the islands, sometimes it’s confining. It’s an island. You can drive around the whole thing and that’s all there is.”

“Hey look!” Carisa joined them with the sleeze from the airport, Max. He called out to them. “How are you? She said we’re all switching partners tonight. Figured you were game.”

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