Hawaiian Holiday: Destination Desire, Book 2 Read Free

hand to stop her from answering. “No, that’s not what I want to ask. Are you married or otherwise engaged?”
    “Totally single.” And available for whatever he’d had in mind when he asked that question. Insane? Maybe. But if she couldn’t do something a little wild on her vacation, when could she?
    His grip tightened on her hand. “Me too.”
    “Are you free for a drink tonight, Lukas?” The words were out of her mouth before she gave them any real thought, but she didn’t wish to call the question back.
    “Yes, I am.” His smile was slow and hot enough to burn, and an answering fire kindled inside of her. He swept his thumb over her palm. “How does meeting at nine o’clock in the Tapa Bar sound to you? It’s in the hotel.”
    “Perfect,” she replied. Better than perfect. It felt like she was coming back to the land of the living. Just what she needed on this trip. For the first time in forever, she was really looking forward to something.
     
     
    Exhaustion warred with anticipation inside of Lukas. It had since the moment he’d left Julie in the hotel lobby. Sighing, he propped his shoulder against the tall window that flanked the sliding glass door in his room. From there, he could take in the sweep of beach and ocean that spread before him.
    The week had been a long one, with a conference that required non-stop energy and focus while he met with well-known scholars in his field. It was always mentally stimulating, but draining since the days could last well into the nights as they discussed and debated various physics topics. He’d intended to crash in his room for the night, but meeting Julie had thrown a wrench into those plans. Feeling her lush curves slide against him when she’d stepped out of the cab had left him too wired to sleep. The contact had been brief, but more than enough to send adrenaline and lust rushing through his veins. An ironic grin touched his lips at how his body had betrayed him. Nope, there was no way he’d sleep until after their drink tonight.
    Maybe not then, either, if he were lucky. A man had to have his priorities.
    His stomach rumbled, reminding him that he’d been running on caffeine most of the day. Tilting his wrist, he checked his watch. He’d made dinner reservations at one of the hotel restaurants that morning, knowing he’d be tired and unwilling to go far for food. As the day ground to a close and he just wanted to collapse in bed, he’d made a mental note to cancel the reservation. Good thing he hadn’t gotten around to it.
    Pushing away from window, he patted his pockets to check that he had his wallet and room key. It only took a few minutes for the elevator to get him to the ground level, and he strolled through the open-air hotel. The scent of the ocean filled his nostrils, and he could just hear the crashing of waves over the sound of gleeful children squealing and splashing in the water. Strolling down paths that were lined with koi ponds, he made his way to the Rainbow Lanai restaurant. He loved the rounded alcoves that belled toward the beach. There were no windows to block the sea breeze—everything here was open.
    He paused for a moment to take in the beach and let the sounds of the ocean relax him after the work-intensive week. After turning to walk toward the restaurant entrance, he drew up short when he saw Julie standing there. Like a magnet, he was drawn to her.
    The hostess gave her an apologetic glance. “I’m sorry, ma’am. We only do reservations during the holidays, but without one, the wait will be over an hour.”
    “Oh.” The reply was disgruntled, and Julie wrinkled her nose. “There goes that idea. Can you recommend anywhere else I could—”
    Lukas didn’t bother resisting the urge to reach for her. He wanted to feel that buzz of attraction again. She jolted when he set his hand on her shoulder, her dark eyes darting back to see who touched her. He liked the way her breathing hitched when she realized it was him.