Page 2 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

“Aye, Captain. I promise.” Tyler slung his arm like a pirate and placed a hand over his heart on his T-shirt.

“Are you sure?” I lowered my eyebrows. I wasn’t going to let him get away with it if he didn’t. A promise was a promise—a word he shouldn’t use lightly to get his way.

Tyler pinched his eyebrows together and paused as if in thought. He grabbed the box, shelved it, and took out a smaller one of the same kind.

“This one is on sale, and it comes with the same toy,” he said. “If I don’t finish it, then you can take it out of my allowance.”

I resisted hugging him in public, but I was so proud. What eight-year-old would say such a thing? It had been just Tyler and me for almost four years without Steve. He’d had to grow up faster than most kids his age, including learning about finances earlier than I’d anticipated.

“Well, since you put it that way, and you’ve obviously learned the skill of negotiation, I’ll take that deal.” I placed the box in the cart.

“Shiver me timbers.” Tyler’s face glowed with happiness, his lips curling upward.

I shook my head, smiling. With those glowing brown eyes, that sharp nose, and the grin spreading to his ears, he looked so much like his father. The dagger that lived in my heart stabbed a little deeper.

Cereal. Scratch that off the list. Eggs, yogurt, and butter lettuce.

Squeak, squeak, squeak went the wheels as Tyler trailed behind me. The noise sounded louder in the deserted milk and egg section.

I grabbed a carton of jumbo brown eggs and strolled to the next refrigerated section near the butcher. While Tyler busied himself by looking at the cereal box, I placed my purse inside the cart and reached for the yogurt. The brand Tyler and I liked was on the top and pushed all the way back.

I got on my tiptoes and pressed my body closer as I stretched my arm up, but I still couldn’t grab it. Didn’t they know some shoppers were petite? I let out a groan, gave a little hop, and landed with a clomp. Almost, but I wasn’t going to be able to reach it no matter how many times I leaped.

I cursed under my breath and glanced to either side. No workers. None of the few customers passing by appeared tall enough to help. I certainly wasn’t going to ask the old woman slowly strolling by, who was scrutinizing me like I was going to steal something.

With no other choice, I stepped on a small ledge, about two feet high, and then pushed upward. Got one. Success. But my smile was quickly replaced with panic. My foot slipped on the metal, and I teetered, trying to right myself even as I knew it was a losing battle. I twisted on my way down, about to fall flat on my face.

Thoughts flashed through my mind. Tyler was going to be without a mom, or I would break a limb, leaving us both helpless.

This had been a reckless, asinine decision. How many times had I scolded Tyler for jumping on his bed? How often had I emphasized that he could crack his skull or break a leg if he slipped and landed on the floor wrong?

As I prepared for the fall, I threw up a quick prayer.

Footsteps pounded, and then my back collided with something firm. I let out an oomph and was enveloped by a wave of musky scent mixed with ocean breeze.

Oh, thank God.

I knew that scent. I hadn’t forgotten even after all these years. But it couldn’t be him. My breath caught. Two strong arms helped me to a standing position, and I met the familiar gorgeous brown eyes sparkling with shock and recognition. My heart skipped pleasantly at the sight of Ian Bordonaro.

“Are you okay?” His smooth, deep voice sent all sorts of unwanted tingles through my veins.

Ian wore dark jeans and a black T-shirt, looking friendly out of his business suit, but this simple attire combined with his five o’clock shadow had me thinking things I shouldn’t.

It had been about three years since I’d seen him, but I hadn’t forgotten his scent, his sexy deep voice, or that handsome face. He’d appeared like a hot guardian angel just when I needed him.

Stop thinking about hot angels in fantasy books.

“Ty. It’s nice to see you.” Ian went straight for Tyler. “You’ve grown taller. How are you?”

“Hi, Ian. How are you?” Tyler held the cereal box with the other arm as they shook hands.

I was surprised Tyler recognized Ian and proud that he’d remembered his manners. My lectures had paid off—twice in one day.

Ian’s grin widened. “Good. Thanks for asking. So, you’re helping your mom.”

“Yeah, sort of.” Tyler lowered his voice, his shoulders drooping a little. “I had no choice. Mom forgot a few things from the market, again.” He said the last word with a pained sigh.

Ian let out a chuckle, and that sound reached something inside me. He gave me a once-over like he was checking me out. My cheeks warmed, and I suddenly forgot how to breathe.