Pleasure in Hawaii (Kimani Romance) Read Free Page B

right time to explain that her priorities often left her with little time for romance. “With my work, I haven’t had the time to get serious about anyone,” she told him candidly.
    “I see.”
    “Do you?”
    “Yeah,” he said. “Career-oriented person. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
    Sloane met his eyes. “Sounds like you’re leaning that way yourself these days.” Or was she misreading between the lines?
    “Guess I am,” Gene acknowledged. “Trying to run a bed-and-breakfast alone can be a full-time thing, at least where it concerns putting most of my energy.”
    Sloane got his drift. He wasn’t looking to settle down with anyone again. That suited her just fine, as that wasn’t what she needed from a man at this time in her life.
    Ten minutes later she had been escorted through the entire house and was impressed with its structure and the different themes for each room. Obviously much forethought had gone into the design, which told Sloane just how committed Gene was to his bed-and-breakfast. And apparently it was paying off. She met a couple of the guests, who couldn’t seem to say enough about Gene’s hospitality. Sloane felt a bit envious and only hoped the guests under her watch at the hotel would have such satisfaction during their stay.
    She and Gene ended up on a shady lanai surrounded by tropical flowers, a rock garden and a fountain. It seemed like the perfect place for Sloane to say what she came to tell him.
    “I wanted to thank you for helping me on the beach yesterday by buying you lunch tomorrow,” she said, “if you’re available.”
    Gene grinned. “It’s not necessary to pay in thanking me, but I’d be happy to have lunch with you tomorrow.”
    “It’s the least I can do,” she explained, “even if it’s not necessary.”
    “I understand, and it works for me.”
    He was close enough to Sloane that she could feel his warm breath on her cheeks, exciting her.
    “Can you meet me at the Island Shores Resort Coconut Café around noon?” she asked.
    Gene playfully mulled it over. “I think I can fit that into my day. I’ll be there.”
    Sloane found herself transfixed by his wide and inviting mouth, wanting more than anything to kiss him. Would he object, or were they not on the same wavelength? Am I seriously contemplating such a bold move?
    “Good,” she said, having second thoughts about the kiss and losing her nerve. “I’ll get back to my run now and out of your hair, so to speak.”
    Gene gave a low, sexy laugh and ran a hand across the top of his smooth head. “If I had any hair up there, you’d be welcome to it.”
    “Oh, would I?” Sloane met his eyes invitingly.
    “Anytime.” He grabbed a few tendrils of her hair. “You’ve got beautiful hair. I’d love to run my fingers through it sometime.”
    She liked the idea of his long fingers caressing her hair and her body. “Maybe I’ll let you one day,” she replied.
    He moved ever so close and rolled his fingers across and inside her hair, gently massaging Sloane’s scalp. “Feel good?”
    “Yes,” she admitted, her head tingling.
    Gene stopped and held her chin. “What would you do if I kissed you right now?”
    Sloane quivered at the thought, but did not back away. “Guess you’d have to try it to find out.”
    “I never was one to resist a challenge,” Gene said levelly.
    He tilted his head slightly and planted a soft kiss on Sloane’s mouth. It was short, but very sweet.
    “Nice,” she told him, licking her lips and tasting his. “We’ll have to try that again sometime.”
    His dimples deepened. “Whenever you wish.”
    “Goodbye, Gene.”
    “A hui hou,” he said. “Or until we meet again.”
    Sloane smiled at his apparent mastery of the Hawaiian language. She walked away, glancing over her shoulder at him and receiving a confident grin in return.
     
     
    Gene was still thinking about that kiss two hours later as he cleaned the house while his guests were out and about. He