Hawaiian Holiday: Destination Desire, Book 2 Read Free Page A

Very nice. Slipping his palm down her side to settle at her hip, he addressed the hostess. “I have a reservation under Klein. I assume if my party goes from one to two, that won’t be too much of a problem, will it?”
    “No, Mr. Klein. That’s just fine.” The woman checked his name off a list. “If you’ll both come with me, please?”
    Julie gave him a dazzling smile. “You seem to have a knack for coming to my rescue, Lukas.”
    “My pleasure.” He pressed his hand to the small of her back to urge her forward.
    Damn, she was lovely. Not beautiful in an overblown kind of way, but she definitely made him look twice. The memory of the first time he’d seen her still struck him. Running across the street to get out of the rain, her eyes alight with laughter, her wet clothing clinging to her curves. His muscles had tightened with visceral want, his cock stiffening, making him throw out his usual reserve and invite her to share his cab. Seeing her now only intensified those feelings.
    “What can I get you to drink?” the hostess asked as she motioned them to a table that lined one of the alcoves.
    “Oh, what a view!” Delight shone in Julie’s gaze as she took in the ocean scene before them.
    Lukas grinned at her enthusiasm. He felt the same way every time he dined here. Clearing his throat, he glanced at the hostess. “I’ll have an iced tea.”
    “Anything you like, Mr. Klein.” She gave him a flirtatious glance, but he found himself unmoved. He was already too intrigued by Julie to be distracted.
    Julie apparently caught the exchange and arched her eyebrows at the other woman. “It’s Dr. Klein, actually. He’s a physics professor. And I’ll have lemonade, thanks.”
    Clearing dismissed, the hostess flounced off and Lukas coughed into his fist, trying not to snicker. Julie leaned closer, letting her hair fall forward to cover her face. “It is Dr. Klein, isn’t it? Professors have doctorates, right?”
    “Yes, I have a doctorate, though not all professors do.” He chuckled, lifting his hand to brush a dark lock behind her ear. The silky feel of her hair sliding against his skin made him wish they were in a far more intimate setting, especially when she swayed toward him, her lips parting in silent invitation. “You are incredibly attractive, Ms. Simms.”
    She flushed, opening her mouth to respond, but the hostess returned with their drinks and broke the moment. A shame. He’d have loved to hear what her reply would have been, and if it would have been flustered or tempting. He wasn’t sure which would be more provocative.
    After the hostess left again, Lukas spread his hands. “Shall we sit for a moment or go straight for the buffet?”
    “Dive into the food, of course. I’m starving and this place is supposed to be good.”
    “It is.” He gestured for her to precede him, and he enjoyed the sway of her hips as she walked toward the first food station. She had an amazing ass, one he’d like to get his hands on. There was no telling yet if this attraction would lead them to the bedroom, but a man could hope. He sighed in appreciation when she bent forward a bit to scoot around a table packed with people and her skirt tightened over her backside. Now, that was what he called a view.
    A moment later, she grabbed two plates from the buffet and handed one to him. “What should we try first? Any recommendations, since you’ve been here before?”
    He pointed to a dish. “You should try that.”
    “Calamari?” Her nose wrinkled. “I’ve never been able to make myself go for squid. It sounds kind of nasty.”
    He scooped up a serving, set it on her plate and then did the same with his. “That’s the beauty of a buffet. If you don’t like it, you can still get other things.”
    “True.” She cast the calamari a dubious glance, but then nodded firmly. “Okay. I’m on vacation. Let’s go wild and try new things.”
    “I like the sound of that.” His voice dropped to a low growl, and