Page 31 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

“Ian, what are you talking about?” I almost laughed. The calm, cool, collected man I knew was flustered and mumbling to himself.

My anger subsided, but not my pulse. His large, muscled form took up way too much room in the small workspace. And his confusion was adorable. I had to push away the image of him shoving everything off the desk with one swipe of his hand like the hunky love interest in a movie. I ordered myself to stop thinking about Ian yanking me into his arms and kissing me senselessly.

Ian halted in front of me and squinted. He looked like he had been at war with himself, but had made up his mind. For one slow heartbeat, I expected him to do everything I’d envisioned.

When our eyes locked, I couldn’t look away. His beautiful, deep-set, dark eyes reeled me in. He would make a hot pirate, and I added a pirate hat to my mental image. What was I thinking?

Ian raked back his hair. “Kristina is my ex. We dated about a year ago.”

“Oh.” I might have squeaked.

Why would he date someone like … but what did I know about him? Come to think of it, not much. I’d assumed he was an upstanding guy because he was Lee’s friend.

“It’s a long story, but please don’t judge me. She was different, or I thought she was. We broke up when she revealed her true personality.”

I leaned against the desk and crossed my arms.

“We didn’t date long,” Ian added. “I haven’t spoken to her in months, but she reached out when she heard about my partnership with Lee. She’s interested in investing in one of our properties in San Diego. I told her about your gallery. She knows many people, and I thought it would be good business for you. I also raved about you, how talented you are.”

Heat snaked up my neck. “Thank you, but I think she wants you back.”

Ian let out a sharp chuckle. “Maybe.” He paused as if to gather his thoughts. “She obviously wanted to check out her competition.”

I stiffened and retreated a step.

“I mean …” He ran a hand down his face. “Because I’ve said nice things about you. She gets very jealous.”

“Is she Lee’s friend?” I asked.

He chuckled, rubbing the line of his jaw. “He can’t stand her. He warned me about her, but I’m the type of guy who likes to give people the benefit of the doubt and look for the good in them.”

Me too, and I like that about you.

“Anyway—” He cleared his throat, giving me puppy eyes, his lips turned downward. “I would like to make this up to you. Can I take you out to lunch?”

“I … um …” My mouth went dry. I shouldn’t have to think about it. I had no plans.

“Kate and Lee will be there,” he said. “It’ll be fun. And I’ll make Lee pay for lunch.” He winked.

That wink. Dear God, that wink. He could probably convince me to do anything.

“Well, as long as Lee pays for lunch, then I’ll come.”

His eyes gleamed, and his smile grew wider. “After you.” He pushed opened the door and said, “Lee, you’re buying lunch.”

I laughed at his mischievous spark, and I think I fell a tad more.

Ian drove the four of us to the Beach House Restaurant on Lawai Road in his sleek black Audi. I had been past the restaurant before, which was nestled on the beach, but never ventured in. When I stepped out of the car, a warm breeze tugged at my clothes. Hypnotic waves pulsed over the shore.

In the deeper water, boats sailed, and surfers rode the waves. Families gathered on the white sand, resting under broad umbrellas or setting out beach picnics.

Lee had called earlier to make a reservation. The waitress seated us near the back, where it was quieter. She brought us our drinks after we ordered, and left.

Lee rested his elbows on the table with his arms crossed. “So, Abby. Do you like my piña colada, or the restaurant’s?”

I sipped my drink, savoring the cool sensation down my throat, and gave my lips an exaggerated smack. “I don’t know, Lee. This one’s pretty good.”

Ian barked a laugh. “She can like both.”