Chapter Three

“What a day!” Kerry exclaimed as she locked the door and turned the sign over to Closed. “I’m beat.”

Makenna wiped a stray hair out of her eyes and suspected she’d left a flour streak on her forehead. She was pure done in, too, but happy. “Business is picking up. I canna complain.”

“Yeah,” Kerry replied, “and just look at these cases. They’re nearly empty. We’re going to have to get an early start tomorrow to refill them.”

Makenna laughed. “There’s a problem I dinna mind having. Who knew Friday would be a big day for a bakery?”

“Saturday will be bigger.” Kerry started the clean up while Makenna worked on putting their supplies away.

“I need to visit the farmer’s market tomorrow. We’re getting low on a few things.”

“They’ll be there all day, but since I don’t have classes tomorrow, I can watch the store so you can go first thing.”

“That would be great. Thanks.”

“After Tom comes by, of course.”

Kerry’s smug grin made Makenna chuckle. “Aye, after. If he arrived to find me gone, he’d probably go elsewhere for his coffee.”

“We can’t have that. He’s our best customer. Your best customer.”

And if Kerry knew how much more he was trying to be, she’d go to the market and leave Makenna alone to wait for Tom. “I’d be happy to have more of those,” Makenna responded with the only thing she could think to say.

“Hey, I’m going for an early dinner with a couple of friends when we finish here. Why don’t you come, too?”

“Oh, nay, I don’t want to intrude.”

“You won’t, and it’s time you met some more locals, besides the regular customers.”

Makenna gave it half a second’s consideration then agreed with Kerry. “Okay, I’ll come with you. Thanks. Before we go, let’s take a quick inventory so I have a good shopping list for the farmer’s market.”

****

Makenna had a great time with Kerry and her friends, one of whom was another cousin. Though all three girls were about five years younger, she fit right in and spent most of the meal laughing and talking about Scotland, getting used to life in Hawaii, wearing gallons of sunblock, and, of course, men. Kerry even told her friends about their best customer, Tom. Makenna rolled her eyes when Kerry asserted Tom might be driving all their business their way.

“For all we know, after he leaves, he stands on the corner of the farmer’s market for the rest of the morning with a flip sign, directing traffic to Sweetie Pie.”

Makenna laughed, but disagreed. “He’s got to have something more important to do!”

“You know what Auntie Leila says,” Kerry confided. “Once you’ve got them on the hook, wiggle a little to set it.” While the other girls laughed and Makenna colored, Kerry added, “You’ve got him on the hook. Maybe it’s time to wiggle. I don’t think you want to let this one go.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You have eyes, don’t you?” Kerry challenged. “The man is fine.”

“Best you talk to Auntie Leila about what to feed him,” her newly met cousin added. “She has some potions that will set the hook. You can be sure.”

The comment sent her friends into giggles again. Makenna laughed along with them, but she couldn’t help wondering if Auntie Leila’s potions were any more effective than some of the Highland charms she had heard about. Not that she wanted to use them to snare any man. If Tom wasn’t falling for her just for herself, she wasn’t sure she wanted him. On the other hand, as Kerry said, the man was fine.

On the way out, they were still talking and laughing when Makenna noticed a red Maserati pull into the adjoining parking lot. The car was hot enough, but the man who climbed out of it was even hotter and bore a startling resemblance to Tom, if Tom was cleaned up and wearing a business suit instead of board shorts and a T-shirt.

Surely not, she scoffed to herself. She had Tom on her mind. The girls had just been teasing her about him. If she wasn’t careful, she would see his likeness everywhere she went, and that would be a bad sign she was getting in over her head. She couldn’t be certain whether he really looked like Tom in a suit. This man was too far away. The girls pulled her in the opposite direction, so she had no chance to get a better look. But the image stuck with her. Tom had never mentioned a brother or cousin on the island. Frowning, she wondered if the man she’d seen possibly could have been him.

****

Tom told his secretary not to expect him back today and headed out of his office. Jason Talbot, his appraiser, but also a life-long friend who’d helped Tom get started in real estate, had suggested they meet for dinner. Tom appreciated his timing. After spending the past couple of weeks single-mindedly pursuing the fantasy of a future with Makenna, he needed a dose of reality, and Jason was just the man to give it to him.

He met Jason outside Sunsetter’s, a seafood place right on the water in Kona. He’d driven the Maserati today to needle Jason, who coveted it. Tom wasn’t ready to part with it, but he enjoyed watching Jason drool.

“Damn, Tom. One of these days, you’re going to sell that baby to me.”

“Don’t hold your breath.”

Once the waitress brought their drinks and took their dinner order, Tom plunged right in. “Where do I stand?”

Jason consulted a file on his phone. “On balance, you’re in good shape,” he began. “Your property values have risen dramatically since the end of the recession. Tourists are back, and they’ve been buying…but not commercial property.”

“I expected that,” Tom replied. “What’s the downside?”

“Based on what you told me, you’re low on working capital. If the kind of beachfront property you’re looking for comes available any time soon, you may need to sell something at a loss to take advantage of it. On the other hand, that mansion you’re living in would fetch a good price. Maybe not as much as you’ll need, but close.”

Tom laughed. “No way. I plan to stay there until I build a house on the beach.”

Jason tipped his glass in salute. “I like a man who’s not afraid of commitment. But you need to think about what you can unload in the near term. Of all your holdings, a commercial property along Ali’i has the best potential for a quick turnover.”

“I’ll think about it.” Tom was comfortable his capital was secure, but Jason had a point. At the moment, he didn’t have a lot of flexibility.

“Okay, then.”

Over their meal, Tom decided to open up. “So, about commitment…”

Jason’s eyebrows lifted. “Yeah?”

“I’ve met someone.”

“No shit?” He set down his fork without taking a bite of the food on it.

Tom shrugged, suddenly self-conscious. “It’s too soon to say, but I like her.”

“Damn, Tom. I never thought I’d live to see the day. After Monique…”

“Christ, don’t even mention her name, okay?” He held up a hand. “This is not the same.”

Jason nodded. “Thank God for that. So who is she?”

“She’s new in town. From Scotland.”

“I must be slipping. You’d think I would have noticed a new redhead in Kona.”

“She’s not a redhead.” Tom picked up his glass, but didn’t drink. Instead, he swirled the wine, watching it coat the sides with the color of sunset. “Her mother is Hawaiian. Long dark hair, blue eyes, and an accent. She’s opened a new bakery down by the pier.”

“Sounds promising.”

He quirked an eyebrow and carefully set the wine glass back on the table. “In a building I own.”

“Wait…don’t tell me she doesn’t know you’re her landlord?”

Tom shook his head. “Not yet. I’m going to have to tell her…soon. I’ve been giving her surfing lessons.”

Jason’s eyes widened. “With the keiki you’ve been teaching from Josie’s? You are asking for trouble.”

“No, no kids, just us. As for trouble…yeah, she’s an armful in a shortie, let me tell you.”

“So spill.” He leaned forward and grinned. “Sounds like you’ve got it bad.”

“I’m getting there.” Tom shrugged off the implication and changed the subject. “Speaking of the kids, Josie is looking for more donations for the after-school club site. Her rent’s going up. I think her landlord is trying to drive her out of the building.”

“Why isn’t she in one of yours? You could comp her rent.”

“I know. I tried to talk her into it, but none of mine are in the neighborhood. If she’s not close enough to be available to the kids between school and the time their parents get home, she’s nowhere. Her building’s owner isn’t selling, and I don’t have the capital right now to acquire the land to build a great place…a permanent place…for her and the kids.”

“You don’t owe her that kind of…”

“I know I don’t. It’s something she needs, and I want to do it. Mark was a friend of mine. Josie, too. You know how she struggled after he died. Until she started helping the kids…”

“I get it.” Jason drummed his fingers on the tablecloth, clearly thinking. “I’ll call her and see what she needs. Are you going to comp your baker’s rent?”

Tom shook his head. “I can’t. She doesn’t know. Remember? And when she finds out, she’s going to be so pissed it’ll look like I’m folding to stay in her affections. Pathetic.”

“Too weak, man. I can see that. So what are you going to do?”

“For now? Let it ride and see where things go.”

Jason nodded. “Watch your step, my friend. Ladies don’t like being fucked with any more than guys do.”

That truth deserved a toast. Tom sucked in a mouthful of wine and let it mellow on his tongue, then swallowed. “I’m not fucking with her,” he replied, frowning. “We have a business arrangement—or she does with my leasing division. What she has with me is…personal.”

“Somehow, I doubt she’s going to see it your way when she finds out.” Jason glanced at his watch. “I hate to eat and run, but…”

“I’ll get the check.”

Jason grinned and tossed his napkin on the table, then stood. “Yes, you will. Catch ya later.”

****

By the third lesson, Makenna not only stood on the board, she stayed on it, too. Paddling out past the shore break with Tom alongside was fun as well as good exercise. But she loved sitting astride her board, bobbing in the gentle swells, holding hands and talking. That and her first ride back to shore. Beyond excited, she ran to Tom and flung herself into his arms. He surprised her by picking her up and turning a circle with her, laughing the whole time.

“I told you, you could do it!” he exclaimed.

“Let’s do it again!” She felt like a giddy child, eager for more fun.

Tom grinned and set her on her feet. She ran to her board, pulled it onto the water and hopped on, paddling out for all she was worth. She felt stronger and more sure of herself than ever before in her life. The only downside to not falling in nearly as much was missing Tom’s strong arms around her in the swells, his big body pressed against hers, warming her. Or resting with him on his board, soaking in his heat and desire. But onshore, well, he didn’t seem to mind holding her there, either. Makenna glanced aside to see him paddling along with her and grinned.

Her growing confidence also translated into Sweetie Pie’s business. She experimented, crossing Scottish favorites with Hawaiian flavors—Celtic/Island fusions that were often odd, but occasionally surprised her by being deliciously good. She considered Auntie’s suggestion to add more savory dishes, perhaps even a lunch menu. But doing so would require adding more staff, a move she wasn’t ready to make. Besides, she needed to have some free time to spend on the water.

After her third successful ride, Tom called a halt. “You have to work tomorrow. You won’t thank me if you’re so tired and sore you can’t move. Let’s get cleaned up and get some dinner instead. I know a great place for seafood.”

“This town is full of great places for seafood, isn’t it?”

Tom grinned and pulled the boards onto the beach.

Makenna hated to leave the beach, but knew he was right. He took her back to Sweetie Pie and promised to meet her in two hours at a restaurant south of town. He’d driven the truck again, and Makenna wondered if her eyes had fooled her into thinking he had been the man in the Maserati. If she was wrong, she’d feel like a nosey parker asking about it, so she hadn’t said anything.

“You’ve never had ono like this,” he promised when they arrived.

“I’ve never had ono,” she replied with a shrug as she got out of his truck. “I’ve barely heard of it, but I assume it’s a fish.”

“Then you’re in for another treat.” His expression turned comically rapturous as he pulled away.

Makenna wasted no time getting home, cleaning up and making herself presentable. A sundress and a light wrap were all she needed. Rather than air-conditioning, evening breezes cooled most buildings in Kona, and she expected tonight’s restaurant would be no different. When they’d passed it on the way to the coffee farm, Tom had pointed it out. South of Kona, it sat high above the coastline and the glimpse she’d gotten revealed the edge of a huge outdoor patio.

Tom was waiting for her when she arrived. “Hello, beautiful,” he greeted her, rising from his seat at the outdoor bar. “I hope you don’t mind, I ordered a Mai Tai for you.”

“Is that a drink?”

“With two kinds of rum.” His laugh danced on the wind, making Makenna’s skin tingle. “You’re not that new in town,” he teased. The bartender put two tall glasses in front of them. “Or are you? Have you had one before?”

“Nay. Only a pina colada at dinner with Kerry one evening.”

Tom made a face, then warned her, “Sip this one,” indicating the layer of dark rum floating on top. “It’s got a kick.” Then he picked up his glass and toasted her, “Cheers.”

“Slàinte,” she responded, tasted and coughed, then choked out, “Hmm…good,” and coughed again.

“Stir it a bit. There’s fruit juice in there somewhere.”

Makenna gave him a dirty look and used the stick holding a wedge of pineapple and a cherry to stir her drink.

“Our table awaits.” Tom led her to a seat at the outside edge of the patio, where they had a clear view of the coastline for miles in either direction.

She could see Kona distantly visible to the north. “Incredible!” she breathed. With sunset still more than an hour away, afternoon clouds gathered to the west, creating light and shadow patterns on the water.

“Yes, you are.” Tom’s voice, pitched low, startled her.

She met his gaze. “I…”

The waitress saved her from answering by arriving with their first course, crudités and a tasty selection of dips. The wine with dinner came from a winery on Maui. The ono, a local firm white fish, prepared three ways, each more delicious than the last, made Makenna wish for the recipes. And the passionfruit meringue rivaled her own. Replete, Makenna leaned back to savor the sense of utter contentment suffusing her. “This has been an incredible meal. Thank you.”

Tom took her hand and gently feathered the inside of her wrist with his thumb. “We can’t leave yet. The sun will set in a few minutes. You don’t want to miss the view from here. We might even see the green flash.”

“I read about that. It’s rare, isn’t it?”

“Rare and lucky.” Tom gave her an evil grin. “Would you like some extra luck tonight?”

Makenna cocked an eyebrow his way. “It depends on what use you plan to put it to.” She fought back a grin, knowing full well what he meant. The promise he’d made before dinner at the ranch when she’d reached for his zipper and he’d stopped her by kissing her hand. That’s for some other time. He hadn’t pushed, but she knew he wanted her. Was she ready for this relationship to go to the next level? Aye, she was.

Tom just smiled. “Look, the sun is touching the water. It won’t be long now.”

He scooted their chairs together to face the sunset and draped an arm across her shoulders. The breeze picked up, as if the wind was being drawn into the water with the drowning sun. Makenna could barely keep her attention on the display as Tom’s fingers gently stroked her shoulder, then traced up the side of her throat to tangle in her hair.

“So lovely,” he murmured, his breath warming her ear.

Makenna turned to face him, letting her lips meet his, gently at first, then more firmly. “People can see us,” she warned when they broke apart.

“I don’t care.”

He kissed her again, and she lifted a hand to his face, liking the rough scratch of his whiskers on her fingertips. A change in the light told her the sun had gone down. “We’ve missed it.”

“We don’t need it,” he answered and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s go.”

“The bill…”

“Already taken care of. Your place or mine? Mine’s closer.”