Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 47223 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47223 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
When Marcus and I were with Taylor, my sister asked why I shared her with him. I didn’t have an answer, except that it felt right. I’ve made most decisions in life by instinct. After the three of us fell apart, I questioned myself. How could I have been so wrong? Now I’m wondering if that winter was more about figuring out what sort of life I want and less about finding the woman meant to spend it between us.
My gut is screaming at me not to let Kate go—and not to let Marcus push her away. Is it possible pursuing her will result in heartbreak again? Sure. But it’s also possible we’ll end up happily ever after.
I refuse to give up before I give us a try.
In a few steps, I catch up to Kate on a narrow path beside what was once a huge swimming pool. Now it’s a half-filled breeding ground for mold and insects. “Kate?”
She spins to face me, blue eyes and pillowy lips wide. The sun glows behind her as it races toward the horizon. Golden light illuminates her pale curls, caressing her shoulders and whipping in the breeze. As I stare, she raises her determined chin. Kate has spine. She’s a doer. I like that. Once Marcus stops fighting his pull to her, he’ll appreciate that, too.
“What do you think?” I ask. “Beyond the fact it needs a bulldozer.”
“I’m trying to reimagine the space. I don’t know why they built the parking lot facing the ocean, rather than the road. The slope of the land? Volcano eruptions? Something else entirely? Whatever the reason, I suspect it will be expensive to fix, particularly since the soil is hardened lava, but the effort and expense will be worth it to give guests the maximum benefits of the site’s natural beauty.”
“Beauty?” Marcus challenges as he approaches. “On the island, sure. Here? I don’t see it. I don’t even think it’s possible. If you put lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig.”
He’s pushing back harder than he needs to. To foment friction between them?
I’m not having it. “I think she’s on to something, man. After all, it’s Hawaii. And this place is unspoiled.”
At my words, Kate’s frown turns upside down. “Exactly. Don’t focus on this run-down building. Imagine the land bare.”
“It would be overgrown.”
“It will be manicured. Stop thinking like a bean counter and start thinking like a vacationer who’s ready to trade in the everyday hustle and bustle for peace and quiet. This is oceanfront property. The beach is a little rocky, but we can truck in sand or work with it in other ways. I’ll have to do some research. But Hilo Bay, Coconut Island, Lili’uokalani Gardens, and Banyan Drive—renowned for the giant banyan trees planted by famous people in the 1930s—are all within walking distance. We could give people something completely unlike the big-city vibe of Honolulu or the commercial tourism of Maui. It would be a return to nature and tranquility with a small-town atmosphere. Did you see the farmer’s market as we rolled past the bus stop?”
I was too busy realizing how remote this location is and running the financials of breaking even in my head to notice. Well, that and being distracted by the sight of Kate’s legs below her modest little skirt.
“You like that kind of thing?” Marcus asks.
“You don’t?”
He shrugs. “Never thought about it. I’m a city guy.”
“I grew up in the city, too. But I’ve never seen anything like this place in my life. I love it.”
“How do you know about the banyan trees and the gardens?”
“I researched before we flew out. Now that we’re here, it’s obvious Savannah persuaded Mr. Force and the investors to home in on this property because it has the potential to give people like you and me the chance to truly slow down and appreciate life. To experience a vacation unlike any we’ve ever had. Honeymoons would be amazing. I could have used the quiet reflection at a place like this after my divorce.”
Marcus’s shock matches mine. He scowls. “How long ago was that?”
She grimaces, waving the question away. “That’s not important. This isn’t about me. I’m simply saying this place could be a real oasis for a lot of people.”
The fact she was once married to another man is most definitely important. Is that what made her decide it was “time” to move to Boston? I’ll bet. Just like I’ll bet the past has likely shaped her current outlook on sex and romance. I’ll grill her about that when she’s not in work mode, maybe over dinner and wine when she’s more inclined to talk. I want to know when her marriage ended, why, and how open her heart is. That will inform how I approach her. Well, we—if I can get Marcus on board.