Page 55 of Sunshine

I paused, watching as Sunshine directed three people into three separate directions, patting Stella on the back.

“Grab the instruments from the day room and add them to the stage.” Sunshine touched one of the attendants on the shoulder and gave him a quick smile.

Before I knew it, I had taken three steps forward. She wasn’t flirting with the man, I knew that. But my alpha instincts wanted me near her, scenting her, letting the world know she was mine.

“Hello, darling, how are you?” I put my arm around Sunshine’s waist and gave her a kiss on the temple.

“Hi.” She looked a little surprised but leaned into me. I almost purred with pleasure. “We’re about done setting up. Mrs. Cullen will be here soon.”

“I came to see if I could help.”

“Help?” Sunshine beamed at me. “You’re the reason why we’re even here. This place books years in advance.”

I shrugged. “Anything for my favorite beta.”

She glanced up, surprise and hope at war on her face.

Before I could flirt more and take away some of that surprise I saw on her face, Ms. Renata walked over to us.

She was an omega woman in her early fifties, with perfectly styled blonde hair, but a surprisingly low maintenance cream suit. “Mr. Kahele, Ms. Sullivan, hello.”

Sunshine held her hand out. “Thank you again for letting us use the venue. It’s been a dream of mine.”

Ms. Renata smiled, crow’s feet at the corner of her eyes making her look like a refined sculpture. “I’m always happy to help.” She looked at me. “Mr. Kahele did me a great favor once.”

“Oh, don’t even mention it.” I winked at her. Ms. Renata’s ungrateful sons had tried to take her estate away from her, but my firm and I had found enough clauses to save her.

“Do you need anything else?” Ms. Renata smiled warmly at Sunshine.

“Everything’s about set up.” Sunshine swayed, almost like she wanted to grab my hand. My fingertips twitched, and for a breath I thought I would grab her hand, hold it in mine. Feel the warmth of her skin.

Stella stepped back onto the patio. “Sunshine? We’re done and Ms. Cullen should be here soon.”

The beta of my dreams stepped away, giving me a quick smile, and we followed her out to the front of the villa. Logan was already there, wearing his chef whites, and chatting with some of Ms. Renata’s kitchen staff.

Mrs. Cullen arrived, her soft yellow and cream suit looking perfectly California.

Sunshine stepped into the role of host, introducing Mrs. Cullen all around, before beginning the tour. We followed her through a grand ballroom filled with balloons, a spacious room that made it feel like we were swimming underwater, and three more event rooms.

I couldn’t hide my pride in the beautiful beta’s work.

Even Mrs. Cullen was smiling by the end of the tour.

Sunshine spoke about each experience with calm poise. I wanted to hug her, hold her, and maybe drag her off to a quiet place where I could properly show my appreciation.

At the end, Logan had a tasting menu set up. There were shrimp basil rolls, a cold Russian soup whose name I couldn’t pronounce, beef short ribs resting on top of puree of pumpkin with maple, and paprika, and tiny orange blossom honey cakes with a salted honey buttercream for dessert. Logan walked Mrs. Cullen through the menu and how the dishes would tie into the theme of the room.

Mrs. Cullen beamed, a real smile, and looked at Sunshine. “This is better than my greatest expectations.”

Sunshine smiled. “Thank you. And thank you for your patience. I wanted you to see what I had in mind in person. Photo mockups wouldn’t have done this justice.”

“It would not.” Mrs. Cullen was still beaming like she’s won the Noble Peace Prize. “This is exactly the sort of vision I was looking for. Chef Kahele was right in recommending you.”

Sunshine gave the older woman a smile. She was still using her “work” voice, and it made me want to see what I had to do to make her squeal. “Thank you. Chef Kahele is always a pleasure to work with.”

Logan grunted, and the conversation shifted to the other planned experiences.

I glanced over at “Chef Kahele”. He was watching Sunshine with a soft look on his voice. They really did work well together,and it was nice to see someone who appreciated Logan for his creativity, not just his status.

---