Page 32 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

Kate kissed Lee’s cheek. “Yours is definitely the best.”

Kate got a big kiss on the lips for that, and Ian and I exchanged disgusted expressions, as if we were their kids. While we chatted away about the gallery and how Kate and I were swamped, our food arrived.

A waitress with a purple hibiscus flower in her hair set down a tray of small bites and a mound of vibrant greens and began serving portions onto our plates. “This is pumpkin ravioli. Szechuan stir-fry green beans. Omao arugula and goat cheese macadamia salad.”

My mouth watered. These were just the appetizers.

My first bite of peppery arugula melded with the nutty crunch of macadamias. A tangy vinaigrette dressing with a hint of strawberry rounded out the blend of flavors.

“Who knew salad could be this good?” I said.

“We should have ordered everything on the menu since Lee’s buying.” Ian chuckled and took a bite of the green beans.

“Next time, I choose the restaurant, and you pay.” Lee sipped his martini and scooped up a pumpkin ravioli.

Kate and I laughed. I loved their comfortable banter.

Shortly after, our lunch was served. I had ordered a grilled mahi sandwich with beach house pineapple tartar sauce.

“Mmmm, this sauce is amazing.”

“It’s one of my favorites.” Ian chomped down on a giant Kobe beef hamburger. “Want a fry?” He placed a handful on my plate and said, “One of my clients, Mr. Romano, is having a special auction at his place at the end of the month. I have four tickets. Everyone in?”

Lee stole one of Ian’s fries. “You know I am.”

Kate said, “Sure. It sounds fun. How about you, Abby?” She twirled her fork around the jumbo shrimp on her seafood salad.

“I’ll need to get Tyler a sitter. I can probably ask Stella. She’s watched him before, and …” Warmth distracted me. Not a blush, but the warmth of another body close to mine. I stopped talking and shifted my gaze to Ian, whose thigh rested next to mine.

He had his elbow on the table and his chin on his fist, staring at me. His long, dark eyelashes lowered. He let his gaze linger on my mouth, then looked into my eyes with such intensity that heat blazed straight through to my bones. I snapped out of his lure, wrung my fingers on the cool glass, and took a fast sip of my drink to cool myself down.

Oh, Ian. You know exactly what you’re doing. You’re bad!

Lee wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin. “Mona can watch Ty.”

Tyler was my responsibility, and I never wanted to impose on Lee or Mona.

“I insist,” Lee said. “Tyler and Bridget can keep each other company, and she won’t be so bored. Besides, I don’t want you to worry about time. I want you to relax and enjoy yourself. And keep Ian out of my hair.” He chuckled.

I snickered under my breath and took another bite of my fish sandwich. “Thank you, Lee. That’s kind of you.”

“What he means is …” Ian swallowed and pointed a fork at his friend. “You need to protect me from Lee. He’s a bully.”

Lee shrugged. “Don’t you mean I need to save you from women like Kristina? I still can’t believe you dated her. Speaking of which, I know Ian apologized, but I want to apologize, too, Abby. We were so busy talking we weren’t paying attention to what she was saying. You were professional, and I appreciate that.”

My cheeks, already flushed from the alcohol, felt hotter. It was sweet of Lee to bring it up, but unnecessary. These two men were such gentlemen. I was glad Kate had met a guy like Lee after her previous jerk of a boyfriend. And I appreciated Ian, too. Even without romance, he was a good man to have in my life.

“It’s fine, Lee. Ian got down on his knees and begged for forgiveness. I finally forgave him after he groveled and kissed my feet.”

I wanted Ian to know that I wasn’t all serious, though the joke didn’t come out easy at first. It had been a while, but I still knew how to tease and flirt.

Lee almost dropped his glass, and Ian gawked at me with wide eyes.

“You evil, naughty, but sweet person.” Ian raised an eyebrow. “I think I’m in love with you.”

We shared a laugh. Even though we all knew Ian was joking, I shifted uncomfortably in my seat and picked up a french fry to avoid his eyes. Of course, he didn’t mean that he loved me, but hearing it—those intimate words pricked at my heart. It almost stung worse as a joke.

Would I ever find love again without Steve? Maybe someday, but I needed to concentrate on my son.