Page 41 of Chasing Forever

He laughed. “I figured you’d already done the research and knew what you wanted.”

“I have, but I was just being polite.”

“So, what will it be?”

“Brennecke’s Beach Broiler. Say that five times fast!”

“I won’t even attempt it, but I trust your judgment.”

She’d chosen the restaurant because it was right on Poipu Beach, and after dinner, they could watch the sunset from there. A few minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot, and she shut off the car.

“I just realized I’m still wearing my glasses,” Chase said and started to remove them.

“They look good on you.”

“Yeah?”

She nodded. “Someone might even say sexy.”

He grinned. “Someone?”

“Me, okay. Now, are you coming or not?”

She got out of the Jeep without waiting, and when he joined her, he was still wearing the glasses.

She eyed him suspiciously.

“Hey. If the lady thinks my glasses are sexy, I’m wearing them. Don’t judge.” Then he placed his palm on the small of her back and guided her toward the restaurant.

She tried not to read too much into it, but she liked the feel of his warm hand through her thin cotton sundress. He kept it there while the hostess led them to a table with a spectacular ocean view.

Tonight Callie was determined to keep things light and breezy. She wasn’t going to try and pick his brain or bring up topics that made him uneasy. She’d simply let the evening unfold and enjoy his company.

After perusing the menu and placing their orders, she settled in and looked out at the scenery.

“I’m really going to miss this,” she said wistfully.

“We still have quite a bit of time left. I didn’t mean we as in us. I meant you and me separately…”

She smiled. “No worries. After our last discussion, I know exactly where we stand.” She wasn’t sure she sounded convincing, though.

“You came to the right place for inspiration for your novel.”

She knew he meant Hawaii in general, but what he didn’t know was how much inspiration he’d provided.

“You’re right. Being here has helped my writing a lot.”

“I’m glad. You obviously love what you do. I wish I could say the same.”

He looked like he was ready to divulge some more, but then the waitress appeared with their drinks and appetizers.

After she left, Callie took a sip of her mai tai, which was the drink special of the evening. The fruity concoction mixed with rum went down smooth, and she reminded herself to go slow.

“Good stuff, huh?” he said after tasting his own drink.

He’d ordered a Poipu Kiss Martini. Thinking like a writer, she’d wondered if it was foreshadowing.

“Mm-hmm. So, tell me more about your sister.” She figured that would be a neutral enough topic.