“My little sister can eat an entire chocolate haupia coconut pie by herself in one sitting,” Finn said.
“How old is she?”
“Twelve.”
She was suddenly curious about his family. “What’s her name?”
“Ariana.”
“Does she live here?”
“No, she lives in El Dorado Hills.”
El Dorado Hills was about twenty miles outside of Sacramento. “Are you from El Dorado Hills too?”
“Yes.”
“Wow, it’s a small world,” she mused.
“So you’re from Sacramento?”
She nodded.
“What part?”
“East Sac.” She put it all together. “You were visiting your family when we first met at the airport.”
“My mom and sister. My dad lives in Santa Monica.”
“Oh, your parents are divorced?”
He nodded.
“I’m sorry.”
He shrugged. “It happened a long time ago. It was hard at first, but I adjusted.”
She stirred the straw around in her soda before taking another drink. “So do you just have the one sister?”
“Yeah, my mom remarried. Technically Ari’s my half-sister, but she’s like my full-blooded sister in every sense of the word. I love her to pieces.”
The affection in his voice was touching, causing her heart to go soft. “I feel the same way about my younger sister, Dani.”
“So how many siblings do you have?”
“Just one.” He gave her a funny look, and she blushed when she realized her blunder. “I mean, I only have one sister… and my brother.” The lies were getting out of control. She’d always prided herself on being honest. How in the heck had she gotten into this mess? She could almost feel the noose, growing tighter and tighter around her neck.
“Your brother’s quite a bit older than you.”
“Thirteen years.”
“And your sister?”
“Dani’s four years younger.”
He leaned in, a hint of teasing in his eyes. “So you’re the mixed-up middle child.”
“Yeah… I guess so.” More lies!
“Are your parents still married?”
She was unprepared for the hurt that washed over her. “They were. My dad passed away a few months ago.”
He caught hold of her hand. “I’m sorry. What was he like?”
His hand felt protective around hers, and she was struck by how much she enjoyed feeling his skin on hers. Then she realized he was waiting for her to answer. Of course, it didn’t take much prodding. She was eager to talk about her dad. Anthony spoke of him often, but always in reference to his business achievements. She wanted to talk about the man—the father he’d been to her and Dani. The husband he’d been to her mother. She could tell from the eager look in Finn’s eyes that he wasn’t just asking to be nice. He truly wanted to know. “My dad’s name was Elliot. He had a dry sense of humor. He was always telling jokes and was the biggest prankster on the planet…”
The words tumbled out almost faster than she could form them. Finn listened patiently as she rattled on about growing up in East Sac and how she wanted to be a teacher. She even told him the details surrounding her father’s death and how she was worried about not only her mother’s emotional state, but her health as well. She left out the part about them losing everything and how Anthony came to their rescue.
Suddenly, he removed his hand from hers, his eyes narrowing. He leaned in and said in a low tone, “There’s a man sitting at the table in the corner.” She moved to look, but he gripped her hand. “Don’t turn. I think he’s following us.”
Fear rose in her throat. “Are you sure?”
“I saw him this morning on the beach. He was watching us through binoculars. I saw him again at Shark’s Cove. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that he’s here now.”
Had Anthony sent someone to follow her? The thought settled like stone in the pit of her stomach. Her skin crawled with ants, and she felt exposed.
“I’ll be right back.”
She grabbed his arm, alarm gripping her. “What’re you gonna do?”
“Stay here.”
She turned and watched as he approached the middle-aged man. She was too far away to hear what they were saying, but Finn’s muscles were taut and lithe—like those of a panther ready to pounce. The man smiled benignly and held up his hands as Finn pointed to the camera around his neck, shaking his head as Finn railed at him.
A few minutes later, Finn stalked back, a dark expression on his face. “Let’s go,” he growled, grabbing her hand and pulling her to her feet. They got into the jeep, and Finn spun off, sending gravel spraying. It was a full five minutes before he spoke. “I couldn’t get him to admit he was following us, but I know he was.”
“So he didn’t say why?” Her voice sounded small and squeaky in her ears as she clenched her fists, her fingernails digging into the palms of her hands.
“No.” He cast a sidelong glance in her direction. “Can you think of any reason why someone would be following us?”
The guilt was eating her alive. “No, I can’t.” She tried to sound forthright.
He shook his head.
“Maybe it was a fluke.”
“Yeah… maybe,” he said. But she could tell from the look on his face that he didn’t believe her.
9
The fire crackled, sending bright embers shooting into the evening sky. Finn jabbed the logs with a poker to stoke the fire, then sat down next to Samantha. She stared into the heart of the fire, letting her mind get lost in the fluid motion of the blue flame that was eating up the sides of the logs.
Even though she’d spent the entire day with Finn, it felt like they’d barely scratched the surface. Time flew by when she was with him. Anthony wasn’t coming home this evening, but the practical side of her knew she was tempting fate when she agreed to dinner and a bonfire. Several times, she almost asked Finn to take her back to the condo, but she just couldn’t bring herself to leave him. She couldn’t explain it, but it was starting to feel like her life was only just now beginning, now that she’d met Finn. How was she going to leave him? Her heart wrenched at the thought.
He scooted next to her and put an arm around her. She snuggled into the curve of his shoulder. “This is nice,” he murmured into her hair.
“Yes,” she agreed, her mind mulling over the events of the day. After the incident at Ted’s Bakery, Finn had taken her to Sunset Beach. They walked along the shore and relaxed in the sun. She enjoyed hearing Finn’s stories about surfing and the experiences he’d had since coming to Oahu. His easy manner and fluid smile were balm to her soul. She could be herself around him, and he wasn’t watching her like a hawk, waiting for her to mess up. They ate dinner at one of his favorite restaurants, Haliewa Joe’s, and then he took her to a friend’s house for a bonfire.
“My friend Ashton frequently travels to the mainland for business,” Finn explained. “When he’s gone, he lets me use his house.”
The home was located in a nice section of Pupukea that overlooked the beach. It was modern, with large windows that showcased the incredible view of the ocean.
She ran a hand over the granite countertop. “Your friend is very lucky to have such an amazing home.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
The offhanded manner in which he spoke caught her attention. “You don’t like the house?”
He shrugged. “Yeah. I mean, it’s a house.”
Maybe it was because her family was in such dire straits. Maybe it was because she felt forced to marry Anthony. For whatever reason, the comment struck a nerve. “There are many people who would give anything to have a house like this. It must’ve cost a fortune.”
He grabbed an apple from the refrigerator. Then he leaned back against the counter and took a large bite. “Money isn’t everything.” A lock of hair fell over one eye, and he brushed it back.
He was suc
h a dreamboat. And he didn’t have a clue about the cold, hard facts of life. She chuckled humorlessly.
He arched an eyebrow. “You disagree?”
“Money’s a necessary part of life. We all have to have it in order to live—whether we like it or not.” She was surprised at how quickly the anger bubbled up.
“True. But money shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all.”
Her eyes flashed with resentment. “Spoken by someone who only lives for himself. In the narrow realm of ocean and surf, money doesn’t matter. But when you get out in the real world, it matters a lot.”
A look of surprise washed over him. “You have strong feelings on the subject.”
“Yeah.” She rubbed her neck, which was starting to feel tight.
“Just because I surf doesn’t mean I’m naïve.”
She just stood there, looking at him. Of course he was naïve. He had only himself to consider. He could afford the luxury of being idealistic. She, on the other hand, had her mother and Dani to think about.
He tilted his head, studying her. Once again, she got the feeling he could see right through her. “I’ve seen money destroy a lot of people.”
Her hand went to her hip. “Really?”
“Yeah, really. Take my friend, Ashton, for example. The poor guy won’t even tell girls what he’s worth because he wants them to like him for him, not what he has in his bank account.”
She wanted to wither away and die. He knows! her mind screamed. He has to know I’m marrying Anthony for his money!
“And you know what?” Finn continued. “I don’t blame him one bit. I would hate to think someone only wanted me for my money.”
She laughed despite herself. “I don’t think you have to worry about that. Look at you. You’re a walking billboard for masculinity. And I doubt very seriously that you’re rolling in the dough. You’re a freaking surf instructor.” Then she realized what she’d said. First she told him he was good-looking, then she insulted his livelihood. She wanted to crawl under the nearby rug.
“Now don’t go knocking my job. Being a surf instructor has its perks. After all, it’s how we met,” he said quietly. Before she could respond, he gave her a quirky grin. “So you think I’m handsome?” The space between them contracted, and all she could think about was how it would feel to kiss him. To thread her fingers through his spiky, blond hair. To feel his strong, capable arms around her.
She shrugged. “You’re all right.”
He laughed. “I guess I deserved that.” Then he grew serious. “You’re not after me for my money, are you?”
She laughed. “Well, considering you have none, I’d say it’s a moot point.”
“Okay, you have me there.”
Finn squeezed Samantha’s shoulders, bringing her back to the present. She looked at the cozy fire and then at Finn. He angled towards her. The glow of the fire shone against his face, emphasizing his strong jaw and even features. How was it possible for a guy to look that good? Her pulse raced when she saw the intense look in his eyes. He was going to kiss her. They’d been building up to it all evening with every touch and every tender look that passed between them. And she wanted him to kiss her. She wanted it so badly she could hardly think straight. If only she were stronger, more sensible… then she might’ve been able to resist him.
He cupped her cheek. “I’m falling hard for you, Samantha.”
Pleasure rippled through her when his lips connected with hers. A tiny moan escaped her throat, and then came the bursts of vivid color and bright, shiny stars. He smelled like the freshest water and the swirling wind around them. His lips were insistent as he deepened the kiss, sliding his hands across her back and pulling her closer sending a burst of energy racing just under her skin. She met him, measure for measure, returning the kiss with an urgency she didn’t know she was capable of. They kissed until her body went weak with delight. When he pulled away, she caught hold of his shirt, clinging to him.
A lopsided smile tilted his lips as he caught hold of her arms and pressed his forehead to hers. “I’ve been wanting to do that since the moment we met.”
“Me too,” she admitted. The intense physical attraction was not surprising. But there was something more—a heart and soul connection that made her feel like she was coming home. The feeling was bittersweet. She was struck by how clear and beautiful his arresting green eyes were as they gazed into hers. She touched his jaw. “You’re really good at that,” she said shyly.
He chuckled. “Now that’s a little like the pot calling the kettle black, don’t you think?”
Her eyes widened and she laughed when she caught the meaning of his words. “Only when I’m kissing you,” she said sincerely, her hands lingering at the base of his neck. “You have the coolest hair.”
“My unruly mop? It’s getting out of control. I’m due for a haircut. It just grows so fast.”
“No, you can’t cut it. It’s perfect the way it is.” She could tell conflicting emotions were churning in his eyes as he looked at her. “What?”
“I know we agreed to not talk about the future …” He saw the panicked look on her face. “What’s wrong?”
The tender note in his voice evoked a longing she could scarcely contain. In this moment, anything was possible. Maybe she could break away from Anthony and forge her own path with Finn. They were two capable people, after all. Maybe Finn was right about the money thing. There was so much more to life than money, and she was only just now realizing it.
“Do you not feel the same way I do?” Finn asked. “I know we’ve only just met. But time’s irrelevant when it comes to love. Surely you must see that.”
Love. Were they falling in love? “I’m starting to,” she admitted.
A confident smile spread over his lips. “Let’s see if another kiss will convince you,” he said, and his lips met hers.
On the drive back to the condo, the fantasy started to fade, and the cold, bleak reality of her situation settled like cement around her neck. Finn was singing softly to the music, and the night air was moist and sticky. By all outward appearances, it was a perfect evening. And yet it wasn’t perfect, because she was deceiving the man she loved.
Yikes. Had she really thought that? Her thoughts raced to Anthony. Was he back? He said he’d be home super late, and it was only nine p.m. But what if his plans changed and he got home early?
Finn pulled in front of the condo and turned off the engine. “I had a wonderful time,” he said, turning to her.
“Me too.” She put her hand on the handle to open it.
“Wait a minute,” he said, throwing open his door and bounding around to her side. “The least I can do is walk you to the door.”
A line of perspiration formed on her upper lip as she laughed nervously.
He opened the door and helped her out. “Oh, I almost forgot—tomorrow’s Sunday. Turtle Bay has a sunrise worship at seven a.m. You should come.”
She’d lost track of the days of the week since coming here, because every day was more or less the same. She’d always made a practice of attending church regularly, but hadn’t done so since coming here because Anthony wasn’t religious, and she didn’t want to go alone. “I’d like that,” she said, casting a nervous glance at the garage door, wondering if Anthony’s Mercedes was parked inside. Finn leaned in to kiss her again, but she backed away. “I’ve gotta go.”
He frowned. “You’re edgy again.”
“No, I’m not.” Why did he have to be so dang perceptive? “I’m just tired,” she huffed.
He chuckled humorlessly. “Then don’t let me keep you.”
“You’re not.” She smiled apologetically as she placed a hand on his arm. “See you in the morning.” Her eyes met his. “Okay?”
“Okay,” he relented.
Her heart nearly dropped to the ground when she saw the headlights from an approaching car. Please let it be one of the neighbors, not Anthony, she prayed. Relief washed over her when she realized it was a van—s
ome sort of shuttle—but she tensed again when it stopped in front of the condo. A girl climbed out of the van. She reached in and pulled out a heavy suitcase, grunting in the process. Then she slammed the sliding door shut as the van drove away.
Samantha did a double take, recognizing the thick mane of curly hair. “Dani?”
“Dani? Your younger sister?” Finn said.
She nodded.
Dani smiled and waved. “Hey.” She walked toward them, rolling her suitcase behind. “Surprised?” she asked, looking at Samantha.
Surprised didn’t even begin to cover it. She stepped up and gave Dani a tight hug. “What’re you doing here?”
“Coming to visit you.”
“I can see that,” Samantha said with a shaky laugh. “But what about Mom? Is it safe to leave her alone?”
“She’s not alone. Trish stays right by her side 24/7. Anyway, I figure you need me more right now than Mom does.”
Samantha wrinkled her forehead. “Really. And I suppose the lure of Hawaii had nothing to do with your decision?”
Dani laughed lightly, sidestepping the question. “I figured one of us needs to keep Napoleon in check. He’s turning out to be quite the tyrant.”
“Napoleon?” Finn scrunched his nose.
“Anthony,” Dani clarified.
“Oh, Anthony, your older brother,” Finn said.
Amusement danced in Dani’s eyes as she looked at Samantha, who was mortified. Please don’t spill the beans, Samantha silently begged.
Thankfully, it only took a half a second for a light bulb to go on in Dani’s head as she waved a hand. “Yeah, Anthony’s always been a big jerk. But what can you do? After all, it’s not like you can pick your family members, can you?”
“Yeah, for sure,” Finn agreed.
Samantha shot Dani a grateful look.
Dani turned to Finn and looked him up and down, not bothering to hide the fact that she liked what she was seeing. “And who might you be?”
Everything to Lose (Destination Billionaire Romance) Page 8
