Page 20 of Big Island Weddings
“I’m still getting to know him. It’s complicated enough without… extra people.”
“Extra people,” he repeated, incredulous. “So you just took Rory there alone? Did you tell anyone where you were going?”
She felt her face pale as she shook her head. “It was a public park…”
“I don’t care! I don’t want you alone with him!”
“It’s not like that. I’m notinterestedin the guy.”
Tenn’s jaw dropped. “You thinkthat’swhat I’m worried about?”
“I don’t know, I–”
“Lani, the last time one of your exes showed up, it was with a gun.”
It was her turn to flinch.
“You know nothing about this guy, and you still took Rory therealone? I don’t get it.”
“He’s not dangerous–”
“You don’tknowthat!”
“—and even if he were, why should I put you in danger too?”
“Why?” he demanded, stomping up the steps. He stopped just inches away from her, peering down into her eyes. “Because that’s what I’m here for.”
“Olivia needs you. It guts me that she almost lost you because of me. I would never put you in danger like that again.”
Without breaking eye contact, he took her hands in his. “I would take a bullet for any of you. Any number of times.”
“You shouldn’t have to!” She broke away with a growl of frustration. “And this whole conversation is stupid! Lorenzo isn’t dangerous.”
“So it’s Lorenzo now?”
“Youarejealous! That’s what this is about.”
“I’m not–” He cut himself off and ran a hand over his face. “Maybe a little. I mean, look at you. Tell me he’s not interested in you.”
Lani opened her mouth and closed it again. She couldn’t lie.
But he wasn’t interested in her, not really. Just the fantasy of a family.
Right?
“But that’s not what this is about,” Tenn continued. His shoulders slumped, and his hands returned to his pockets. “I thought that we were a family.”
“Wearea family,” she protested.
“Right now it doesn’t feel like it. How could you take Rory to meet this guy without even talking to me about it?”
“It all happened so fast.”
“No. Not so fast. He didn’t just show up today, did he?”
“No,” she admitted.
“So you made plans with him, and you didn’t even tell me.”
