Page 37 of Sand in My Boots

For a minute, their hands suspend in mid-air as his eyes first rake down her, then slide over to me. “You’re related to Preston?”

“I’m the fun one. Until you meet Elisa. But sometimes she’s a little too much fun, if you know what I mean.”

Stupefied into silence—a rarity for Keoni—he finally gains his wits. His belly laugh resounds around the lobby, garnering a few looks from other guests.

“Okay, you’re hilarious. Maybe you can lend some of your humor to your brother. Even for a few hours. That man needs to cut loose a little more.”

Juli’s lips frown. “He works hard to keep this place running, but it saddens me to see him so unfun. One of these days, someone is going to come and knock him for a loop. I hope I’m here to see the fallout.”

“I hope you’re right.” He notices our hands still connected. “You work fast, Fairbanks. Does the elder Langley know?”

In all the years I concealed my crush on Juli, I tried to broach the subject with Preston. I never came out and asked him how he’d feel about it. Mostly because we weren’t ever going to work long-term. Our worlds were too different back then. I’m not sure much has changed now. She can do significantly better than the likes of me. I’m not cut out for anything beyond the bachelor life.

I have no notion of this vacation fling of hers lasting once she gets on a plane back to reality. However, I’m not wasting any time with her this visit. Whatever she’s willing to give me, I’m taking. I’m selfish like that. We’ve proven we have a connection, one that transcends the bedroom.

Juli laughs nervously. “We’re not together. Cameron’s a good friend. We’re . . . catching up on where we left things the last time we saw each other.” She doesn’t drop my hand, tightening her fingers around mine.

I’m not sure exactly what to make of it. Her words are true—we aren’t a couple but rather, old friends who left things unfinished last time. However, with how the last twenty-four hours went and with the plans for the next few days, I’m not sure “friends” is the right label. If we need a label.

“I see.” Keoni’s voice defies his comment. He doesn’t “see” anything but what he wants to think.

Next week at this time, she’ll be gone, I’ll be back to working, and all will be right with the universe. No reason to dwell on something as insignificant as a label. We have things to do. Boats to ride. Bushwackers to drink.

“So great to meet you, Keoni. I’m sure I’ll see you before I leave early next week.”

“Nice to make your acquaintance, Ms. Langley. If there’s anything you need during your stay, be sure to let me know. If certain other members of our staff can’t get it for you.” His gaze skids my way, his beady eyes penetrating me. As if I’m scared of him or something.

I could totally take him. He’s got about twenty years on me, and I’m in way better shape than he is.

My mind is a little messed up at the moment if I’m thinking of taking Keoni down. Again, I can’t worry about that. So I press on.

“We’re off to the spa. I’m off for a few days, unless there’s an emergency, then call me.” I cringe as the words leave my mouth, adding more fuel to the fire and giving Keoni more ammunition to call me out on the whole “not friends” with Juli situation.

“Cameron’s been a gentleman and agreed to keep me company while I’m here. Show me around the resort, take me for a boat ride, entertain me so I’m not sitting on the deck of the pool drinking myself into oblivion.” Juli comes to my rescue, but I’m not sure she makes it any better.

Keoni’s brows meet his hairline. If he wasn’t as bald as a baby’s bottom.

“That’s our cue to get going. See you around.” With Juli’s hand tucked tightly into mine, I start for the back door of the lobby, back out into the sunshine, and off to the spa. After yesterday’s thunderstorm, the humidity returned, but the temperature is a few degrees lower.

“He seems . . . nice. Is he always that suspicious of guests’ ulterior motives?”

When she puts it like that, it makes sense. He’s always going on and on about so and so, wondering what their story is, calling the shots as he sees fit. I guess I never realized it was so judgy until he turned his scrutiny on me.

“Was that awkward for you?”

“Nah, it’s fine. Let him think we’re together. There are worse things in the world than being coupled with you.”

Her words wash over me. Not exactly a compliment, but enough praise for my heart to flutter faster in my chest.

“And hey, at least you’re getting multiples out of me. Things could be way worse for you.”

Juli’s hand falls from mine as she halts our trek. Her face is unreadable. Definitely not mad, but some emotion related to that.

“That’s not the only reason I want to spend time with you. You know that, right?”

“Yeah, dear. You like my quick wit and the way I can twist a conversation until neither of us knows which end is up.”

She continues as if I hadn’t spoken. “It’s not like they aren’t a bonus. They are for sure. And I hope they’ll continue. I’ve got some positions I want to try with you. If you’re up for that.”