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I hadn’t been talking for long before Lukas started to actually make notes and put together thoughts on it. He added some of his own, talking more about the extension possibilities and explaining to me what was possible with the space as well.
Before we knew it, we had landed, the plane touching down and taking us both by surprise.
CHAPTER SIX
Lukas
As I hung back, waiting for the boats, I considered trying to follow Kit onto whichever one she was going on. I hadn’t managed to have a conversation about a house and what to do with it like the one we’d just had in years. Of course, I’d talked about houses, but not like that, and not with someone who had something to teach me.
But, no matter how much I enjoyed the conversation, I wasn’t sure about the rest. She was sweet enough, clearly a fan of Juno’s, and she knew how to say the right thing. I just didn’t know if that was because I had something she needed or if it was the way she was to everyone.
I stifled a sigh and sent Daniel the list we’d made so I could at least get that off my plate. He could choose the other two if he wanted, but for long-term success, we both thought he should pick the third option. A little more investment would get him a much better return and give him a better house for himself later in life.
It was exactly the right decision and the way my gut had been leading, but I hadn’t been able to put it into words. Sometimes,the house that looked the least like the right one at first glance was exactly the right place long-term.
When we were still making the list while everyone else had been eager to get off the plane, Kit and I had drawn a few looks, and it immediately made me hang back and keep my distance. I didn’t want anyone talking about us or assuming anything. It was just good business to talk to her about a house. Yet again, she had shown that she knew what she was talking about.
As a person, I had no idea what to make of her, however. She was happy enough, she was attractive, and I had no reason not to like her so far. Despite that…I just wasn’t sure what to say or do. I already knew I wanted her on some level. No matter how awkward the silences had gotten on the plane, I wanted to talk to her more, wanted to follow her, but I still pulled away.
Thankfully, Jack took my focus as soon as we were on one of the several boats heading to the island. Because more guests were flying in from other locations later, two boats were waiting behind, and that meant we were all on one together and had gained even more of Jack’s friends.
There were yet more people I didn’t know, but Jack called me over to introduce me.
“I want you to meet Sarai. She runs a bespoke company that offers vacation packages for whole groups. She wants your advice on something. You two would make magic together.” Jack slapped me on the shoulder and moved through the cabin. I put my phone away as the boat sailed out of the harbor, knowing it would be mercifully silent, and sat on the nearest seat to talk to this woman.
“I have no idea if it’s your lane or not, but my partner and I are doing well with themed vacation rentals for people with a group, businesses that want a team weekend… You know, that sort of thing.”
“Partner?” I asked out of habit. Discussing business with only one part of a group when they all had equal say could be awkward. “Are they here?”
“Yes, business partner and marriage partner. Richard is here.” She reached out a hand toward the bar, and a tall, muscular man came over, carrying a drink in one hand. Some kind of amber spirit on the rocks.
“Jack said you were the person to talk to,” Richard said, drawling the words a little.
I nodded, grateful for the distraction and having something to focus on that could be of benefit. Maybe it would help me get Kit out of my mind, especially since she’d got my attention again when Juno called her up to the main deck to talk about something creative she wanted help with.
Although many of the guests were here at Jack’s invite, and none of us needed to hustle in our lives anymore, all of us were creatives and enjoyed the opportunity to meet similar minds and be creative with them. Most people didn’t get this successful if they weren’t used to doing this and making the most of whatever meetings fell their way.
It also gave us all something to talk about, and I threw myself into the conversation. However, it wasn’t long before we were at the island, and everyone was heading to their rooms to unpack, change, and return for dinner.
“We should continue this conversation another night,” I said, hoping we’d genuinely get the chance. They had a good idea, and I had the ability to help them and enough of an opening in my schedule that I could be involved in it if they were willing to jump on it.
Maybe this weekend at Jack’s wedding would be more of a good time than I’d thought. I had considered not coming to it so many times, but there was a woman more than easy on the eyes and some people to talk business with to make my staymore pleasant. Even if I couldn’t let one lead anywhere, I could possibly go somewhere with the other.
And would it hurt to enjoy Kit’s company while we were here together? We moved in entirely different circles. She had to know that after this, we would go our separate ways, right?
I pushed the thought away as I changed, but I opened my suitcase, and instantly everything in it didn’t appear good enough. I had decent clothes, but I wanted to impress. Everyone here dressed well, even if it was in different styles. Dressing well wasn’t enough.
Sitting down on the bed, I frowned. Kit had gotten under my skin. I was trying to impress her already, and I’d barely even met her. I couldn’t let this happen. She had to be just another woman, even if she was interesting. And I had to be on my guard.
After giving myself a quick pep talk and making sure I wasn’t going to embarrass myself, I picked a decent shirt and tie and pulled out my favorite cufflinks. It was overkill for a dinner with friends, but I’d always liked a good suit.
I came out of my room just as Kit came out of hers, directly opposite me in the hallway. I took in the summer dress she had put on and the cute straw hat that somehow made her blonde hair look even prettier and found myself staring.
“You look amazing,” I stammered, feeling like a teenage boy at his first summer dance.
“You clean up well yourself,” she replied, sounding calmer, although her cheeks flushed.
Way to go, I thought to myself. Normally, I was so in control and collected that I didn’t hesitate to handle anything that came my way, but for a few seconds, Kit had unraveled me. Inside, however, I felt the steel returning, and it made me want to walk over to her, pull her into my arms, and find out what her lips would taste like.
