Hawaiian Masquerade (Destination Billionaire Romance)

by Rachelle J. Christensen

  “No, I can’t accept that,” Derek said, waving away her money.

  Lexi grabbed his wrist. “Did I ever mention that I don’t like losing? And if you don’t let me buy this photo, you’ll win.” She grinned and dropped the money in his hand. “Oh, and here’s a tip.” She dropped an extra quarter in his palm and winked.

  Derek shook his head, but Lexi pushed his hand back and lifted the frame up. “I really do love this shot.”

  He chewed on his bottom lip, debating between arguing more with the beautiful woman in front of him and celebrating that he’d be taking her out on a date very soon. He decided not to be a sore loser. Thoughts of Kima’s fish fry had been roasting his brain all week. “There’s a fish fry Saturday night near my friend Pika’s house. I’d love to take you, and I hope you’ll bring Gracie along.”

  “Oh, no. I don’t want to intrude on your date. I can catch up on my reading,” Gracie said.

  Derek shook his head. “I insist that you come so that Pika will have someone to gawk at besides Lexi.”

  Both girls laughed, and Lexi’s cheeks flushed with a dark pink that made the back of Derek’s neck warm. Lexi tucked her photo into the canvas bag she carried. “I think that sounds wonderful. Would that be after the tour of Waimea Canyon?”

  “Yes, at sunset.” Luck was definitely on his side tonight. He’d come hoping to sell enough paintings to get a date with Lexi, and instead of just dinner, he’d be spending the entire afternoon and evening with her.

  A cluster of shoppers headed toward Derek’s booth, and he was torn between trying to sell more photos and continuing to flirt with Lexi. She noticed the people and adjusted the straps on her bag. “I wanted to show Gracie a few more shops. Call me tomorrow, okay?”

  “I will.” He lifted his hand in a wave. “It was nice meeting you, Gracie.”

  “Aloha,” Gracie and Lexi said simultaneously as they turned to leave.

  The two women had their heads bent towards each other as they walked away. Derek would’ve given an entire truck of chopped coconuts to hear what they were saying. Instead, he turned his attention to the tourists in front of him. After four out of the six people bought photographs, he wasn’t sure if the night could get any better. He tucked more money away, excited about figuring out his profits later.

  When he lifted his head, he caught sight of Lexi and Gracie across the street. As if she could feel his gaze, Lexi turned her head and paused mid-stride. The warmth of her smile brightened her eyes, and she lifted her hand, wiggling her fingers in a little wave. Derek flashed her the hang-ten sign and grinned. Maybe the night would just keep getting better.

  14

  “Can we stop by that bookstore?” Gracie asked right after she caught Lexi waving at Derek. “I read about it on the flight over. They have a lot of used books, and I need more reading material.”

  Lexi refocused on her friend and commanded her heart to return to a normal cadence. “My Kindle is overloaded. I can lend you just about anything your heart desires. Have you read the new one by Lucy McConnell?”

  “Which one? The Reclusive Billionaire or The Protective Groom? ’Cause I finished those the day they came out.”

  “You always were a bookworm,” Lexi said. “Okay, we’d better check it out.”

  They walked down to the end of the street toward Talk Story. Lexi noticed the faded yellow paint on one of the shops and the houses down the street with broken shutters, sagging roofs, and peeling paint. She remembered what Derek had said about people in Hanapepe living the real island life. Derek lived a few blocks from this street. As soon as Derek stepped foot in her home, he would know she had money. Lexi frowned at yet another roadblock in their potential relationship, which would have to move slower than a sea turtle out of water.

  “Now this looks like fun.” Gracie stopped in front of the bookstore and studied the flyer taped to the window.

  “What is it?”

  “A masquerade benefit for refugees.” Gracie tapped the flyer. “Look, they’ll have Kauai’s most eligible bachelors up for auction.”

  “It doesn’t seem like something you’d see on Kauai—more like New York.” Lexi scrunched her nose. “Still, it might be interesting to see who they bring in.”

  “It’s not for another two weeks, so unfortunately I can’t go shopping. But you could.” Gracie waggled her eyebrows.

  Lexi shook her head. “I don’t think Derek will be up for auction.” The information on the poster included a price tag of two hundred fifty dollars per ticket, so the event would only include those with enough money to make a difference in the relief effort. Lexi had been paying attention to the worldwide tally of refugees continually displaced and fleeing their homelands. She wanted to help. “It is a masquerade ball, though. If I was sure no one would recognize me later, I might chance it for that cause. An anonymous donation might be safer, though.”

  “So you’re pretty into him, then?” Lexi asked. “I’d put him at eight-point-five on the hotness meter, and he seemed really nice, too.”

  “He’s at least a nine. Didn’t you notice his eyes?”

  “Nope, not his eyes.” Gracie giggled, and Lexi shook her head as they entered the bookstore.

  They checked out some of the new titles on the front display table and then browsed the stacks of used books on shelves lining the walls. Lexi picked up a large book containing five different stories. The title, Christmas Kisses, caught her eye because she wondered what it would be like to spend her first Christmas in Kauai. How did Derek celebrate the holiday on this tropical island? Lexi smiled and hugged the book to her chest.

  “Daydreaming about kissing Derek?” Gracie pointed to the novel and raised an eyebrow at Lexi. “Maybe I should play sick tomorrow. I don’t want to ruin the possibilities.”

  “No way. Derek was serious about Pika. He’s Hawaiian and very friendly. You need to at least rate him on the hotness scale before you think about bailing out. Besides, you were my friend before Derek. This is your time, too.”

  Gracie nodded. “Thanks, Lex. That’s what I love about you. No one ever feels forgotten when they’re with you.”

  Lexi thought about that while they browsed the shelves for the next fifteen minutes. There’d been many times over the past few years when she felt like she’d forgotten who she was. Remnants of Lexi Burke before her parents’ death floated just out of reach, like a butterfly with silver wings darting between the clouds. If she could grab hold of that part of her, maybe she wouldn’t feel lost anymore.

  Each of the women purchased books, both new and old, and walked back out into the hubbub. A band down the street played Hawaiian music with ukuleles and steel drums. The light beat and cheerful timbre sounded almost like the ocean breeze playing with the vines of exotic flowers trailing from the trees. Lexi breathed in deeply, enjoying the tang of ocean, barbeque, flowers, and something else that reminded her of Derek. A magnetic force seemed to pull her toward him, as if every cell in her body craved his presence.

  “Are we going to stop by and see Derek again?” Gracie asked playfully, noting the direction Lexi was walking.

  Lexi scanned the area, noting the cluster of people around his booth. The Fuse logo swayed in the slight breeze, and the strand of lights above the nearby shop twinkled. “It looks like he’s busy, and I don’t want to be clingy.”

  “Hmm, you didn’t seem pushy earlier,” Gracie said. “If it weren’t for me, I don’t know if you’d even have a date tomorrow.”

  “I would’ve mentioned it. I just wanted to give him a chance.”

  “Wouldn’t it be easier if you could just go up to him right now and say, Hey, in case you didn’t know, I really like you and I want to kiss your face.”

  Lexi pushed Gracie off the sidewalk playfully. She hurried toward her car with Gracie laughing behind her. Lexi shook her head. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”

  On the drive home, Lexi thought about the masquerade ball and how she was already wearing a mask of secrets ev
ery time she saw Derek. Gracie helped her unload the car, and then they sat on the living room sofa, thumbing through their books and talking.

  “So, have you decided what you want to do yet?” Lexi asked.

  “About ballet?” Gracie pursed her lips. “I’m thinking, but I can tell that you’re thinking pretty hard about how much that forty-seven dollars meant to Derek tonight.” She glanced at Lexi. “That’s like tissue paper to you.”

  Lexi chuckled. “You know that’s not true. I’ve never been a spendthrift, but yeah.” She ran her finger along the spine of her book. “I need to tell him before things get too complicated.”

  “Lex, isn’t tomorrow your first official date?” Gracie asked.

  “Officially, but to me it’s a third date. Derek has treated me better than lots of guys I’ve dated over the past few years.”

  “And you’re sure that you being a multimillionaire will be a deal-breaker for him?”

  Lexi’s shoulders slumped. “I don’t know, but from what I’ve seen, my chances aren’t good.”

  “Relax. If the timing seems right, spill. If not, keep those pretty little lips sealed. No use letting the cat out of the bag to roam the whole island.”

  Lexi had a distinct image of Mango the yellow tomcat roaming the rocky beach off the hiking trail. She smiled. “Okay, you have a point. Now let’s talk about you.”

  Gracie leaned back on the couch. “Or we could just escape into one of these books.”

  “Have you ever wondered if our jobs became a sort of escape from facing the reality of life?”

  Gracie looked up at the ceiling. “Hmm, I can see how that might elicit a healthy debate for some. But I’ve loved my job. Ballet hasn’t really felt like a job until the last few years. I love performing, but it’s not as fun as it used to be.”

  “It’s interesting that you’re facing the same dilemma as your best friend, right?”

  “I thought of that on the flight over. You walked away from everything.” Gracie sat up and massaged the back of her neck. “I don’t know if I have that kind of courage.”

  Or money. Lexi bit back the words because they didn’t sound right, but if she could say them, Gracie would know that Lexi didn’t have as much courage as her friend. If it weren’t for a seemingly unending bankroll, Lexi would’ve never left the security of her job. It brought Gracie’s problem into a clearer perspective and offered a possible solution at the same time.

  “All you have to do is a little visualization exercise,” Lexi said. “Imagine that money is of no concern—it doesn’t even exist. What would you do right now if money had no factoring in your decision?”

  Gracie looked down at her feet. She pointed her toes and stretched her foot back. Lexi knew that Gracie was financially savvy and careful with her money. She was in a better position than most to take a leap of faith and change her life. Lexi also admired the strength that her friend did have to stop in her path and examine her life. Gracie licked her lips. “I’ve thought about taking some time off, but that’s just a cowardly way of saying that maybe I’m ready to quit because everyone knows if a dancer leaves the stage, they aren’t likely to find their way back.”

  “I don’t know if you should call it quitting. You’ve worked for half your life. Maybe early retirement?”

  One corner of Gracie’s mouth turned up. “I’m just worried that if I walk away, I’ll lose myself, my purpose. Who am I outside of pointe shoes?”

  Lexi put her arm around Gracie and hugged her friend. “You’re Gracie Cardulo, the most extraordinary friend a girl could ask for—in or out of toe shoes.”

  Gracie hugged her back. “Thanks.” She sighed and leaned back against the couch again. “There’s still time to decide.”

  They sat in a contented silence, and Lexi mulled over her thoughts—the ones that included Derek’s handsome face. How much time did she have to decide whether the truth could be shared?

  15

  Pika sold out of his first truckload of coconuts Saturday by noon, and Derek felt like Hiaka, the mountain god of Kauai, was smiling on him—until he saw Pika’s cousin drive up with another load of coconuts. Derek groaned and rubbed his shoulders. The art night at Hanapepe had changed things for him. With a shot of confidence, he’d researched the galleries and gift shops on the surrounding islands and figured out how much money it would take to do some island hopping. If he could get his photos into more shops, he’d be that much closer to his end goal of working full-time as a photographer.

  Derek looked at the pile of coconuts in the neighboring truck and turned to Pika. “Hey, bro, I’m ready to head out. Is your cousin going to help you chop?”

  Pika pointed at the cash box under Kima’s watchful eye. “You sure you want to miss out on the extra dough?”

  “Remember that girl I was telling you about? I’m taking her and a friend to Waimea today. Then we’re all coming to the fish fry tonight.”

  Pika narrowed his eyes. “You really think she’s prettier than Lailani?”

  Derek shrugged. “Guess you’ll have to find out for yourself.”

  Pika chuckled and smacked him across the back, causing Derek to stumble among the debris in the back of the pickup. “Go on, then. That way when she sees me after looking at your ugly mug all day, she’ll think she’s really in paradise.”

  Derek rolled his eyes and hopped out of the pickup. “See you later, man.” He hustled to his car while smiling at the tourists with a grin so broad they quickened their step to see what they were missing.

  Derek was glad that Lexi had won the bet so he could take her out on an official date, and he was even happier that Pika’s mom fried up the best mahi-mahi on the island. When Lexi made the bet, she was probably envisioning a heated plate with a sprig of parsley and a dainty side of rice that cost as much as three of his turtle pictures combined. Derek’s stomach rumbled just thinking about Kima’s special combination of spices, coconut, and fine bread crumbs coating the freshly caught fish. Not only would the meal cost a fraction of the price as an expensive restaurant, he’d have a chance to show Lexi another side of Kauai.

  Derek texted Lexi to let her know he was off early from work. Since he was already in Princeville, he offered to pick the two friends up on his way down.

  Taking Gracie to get some souvenirs. Can we meet you in Hanapepe at 2?

  Mild disappointment accompanied the text because Derek was curious to see where Lexi lived, but he didn’t press the issue. It was probably a good idea. He was sweaty and dirty from chopping all morning, and lunch and a shower were prerequisites to the beginning of his date with Lexi. He texted Lexi his address and wondered what she might think about the run-down shack he called home.

  He pushed his doubts away and hurried home to tidy up his house and himself. Derek ended up scrubbing his home until almost two o’clock, which worked up more sweat to add to the layer he’d already accumulated that morning.

  He’d barely finished his shower, dried off, and slipped on a pair of cargo shorts when he heard a knock at the door. He ran fingers through his wet hair, angled the top into his signature spike, and hurried to greet Lexi. She stood just outside his screen door with Gracie by her side.

  “Afternoon.” He swung the screen open. “Come in for a minute. I need to grab my gear and my wide lens.”

  “Okay.” Lexi hesitated a moment before stepping inside. “This is a beautiful part of the island. It’s so quiet—I bet you love it.”

  “I do. I’ll be right back.” Derek’s heart thrummed as he headed to his bedroom to grab his camera. He hadn’t seen a look of judgment in Lexi’s eyes when she’d stepped inside his house. She was either a very good actor or genuinely appreciative of his way of life. He slung the bag over his shoulder and returned to the front room. “I’m ready now.”

  “For a bachelor pad, this is pretty nice,” Gracie said.

  “Thanks. This was my grandpa’s house. He raised my mother here.”

  “I can tell it’s filled with good
memories,” Lexi said.

  “That and plenty of Pika’s dirty clothes, but I try to keep those out of sight for guests.”

  The women laughed.

  He grabbed the bag of dried coconut chunks he’d left sitting on the table and led them outside. Once there, he was confronted by his sad-looking Subaru Forester. The dent in the passenger door was streaked with rust spots, and the red tape over the broken taillight was a beacon of his financial status. But then he noticed Lexi’s Jeep sporting its own rust spots and dents. He smiled. “I don’t mind driving if you two don’t mind my fancy car.”

  “I call shotgun!” Lexi scrambled toward the passenger side, leaving Gracie standing near the porch, rolling her eyes.

  They settled in and headed up the winding road toward Waimea Canyon. Derek pointed out the change in scenery as the dirt and rocks became a deeper shade of red. When he pulled into the parking lot of the canyon, Lexi hopped out before he could get her door. She froze when she realized her mistake. “Oops! Sorry about that. I think it’s been too long since I’ve been around a gentleman.”

  Derek smiled and offered her his hand. “Then let me show you how a lady should be treated.”

  Her cheeks colored, and he barely stopped himself from tucking a strand of her blond hair behind her ear. “I can’t believe that this canyon is here. It seems like it doesn’t fit.” She held tight to Derek’s hand, watching Gracie as she flitted toward the overlook.

  “I came here a lot when I first moved back to Kauai for that reason.” Derek swallowed. “I worried that I’d made a big mistake. Sometimes I still worry.”

  Lexi turned to him. “I think this is the right place for you. The first time I saw you, I figured you’d lived here all your life.” She ducked her head as if she’d said more than she intended.

  Derek tugged on her hand, leading her to the overlook. “That means a lot to me.”