“Everything okay?”
“Oh, of course.” I let out a brief giggle, then shrugged off my thoughts.
Dax moved in front of me just slightly, but it was enough to take my mind away from everyone else in the room. “If breakfast isn’t what you’re in the mood for, we can take a ride to see the island.”
I tilted my head as I thought about it, and my hair swept over my eye. Dax’s hand lifted, but I beat him to tucking back the bangs. I had to be careful. I’d already crossed the line twice; it wasn’t happening again. “Um, I don’t think—”
“I’ve got a car ready outside. I was coming in to grab a quick bite before heading out.” My eyes lifted to his. “Join me. You won’t regret it.”
“Oh, I won’t?”
He laughed. “No way. The sun is out, the island is in full bloom… It’ll be like a dream.”
I glanced over the buffet of food, then puckered my lips. “I mean, I have to get that omelet though.”
“Oh, yes. Agreed!” He took my arm and laced it with his as we went down the line. “We’ll eat quick, then head out.”
A few steps at his side and I was breathing in that cologne again. “Okay. Why not?” I shrugged with a grin, catching Dax smiling like a schoolboy out the corner of my eye. The island was gorgeous already, and I did want to see more of it. Me and Dax out on a cruise… What could go wrong?
16
DAX
Hawaii was nothing like the city back home. I knew Parvati would just adore the place, but that she needed to get out and see it with her own eyes. I drove down a winding road headed toward the mountains. There were various types of palm trees sprinkled around the edge of the road, their spiny trunks meeting with sands of rich earthy hues. The smell alone was exotic, but to breathe the air and feel the salty breeze on her skin—that was what I wanted for Parvati.
“I just knew you would love it out here.” I ran my hand along the steering wheel as I turned to face her. I sent her a smile, to which she copied.
She played bashful for just a moment, tucking back her hair with a sweet laugh. “Oh, you did, did you?”
“Of course. You’re not so hard to figure out, you know.”
“You’re not either.” Her brow curved in a knowing way, and it had me nervous for a second. “You’re just like your brothers.” So very nervous. I had hoped she didn’t think that about me, but after the way we behaved last night, I suppose I couldn’t blame her. I arched a brow in her direction, then she let out a soft laugh.
“Confident, aren’t we?”
“Confident?” Her eyes widened with both joy and surprise. “Do you not remember last night?”
“Okay, okay,” I said, grabbing my chest in laughter. “You got me there.” I glanced sideways at her, catching those beautiful almond-shaped eyes of hers moving around the convertible. She inspected the machine, then her gaze lifted to the landscape. We were only a few miles from the hotel now, but the wildflowers and deep green brush had enveloped us in its wilderness.
“This place is truly remarkable.” She spoke in a near-whisper. She faced me abruptly, a smile opening her lips wide with glee. “Why did you bring me out here?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“Dax?” Her tone had shifted. She was still playfully batting her eyes and having fun, but her curiosity was getting the best of her. “Did you plan this?”
I looked over at her just as she was leaning toward me, those soft pink lips of hers pursing in interest. “I planned to come out here this morning to clear my mind.” I kept my eyes to the road as I rounded a tight curve, but I could see how her spirited expression had begun to fade. “I’m just trying to work out a new roster since I lost a good player.” Not exactly a lie. I was bothered by having to deal with team issues while on vacation, but the roster thing was more about trying to land Damien’s player for my team.
“Oh.” Parvati moved in her seat, sticking a leg beneath her as she seemed to get closer to me. I could smell her sweet rose perfume then as the breeze came across the car. Before we could say another word, a flock of large, colorful birds came out from behind the trees and soared overhead. “Look at them!”
“Yes.” I chuckled. “They’re parakeets.”
Parvati’s eyes hit mine as she giggled. “I know what a parakeet is.”
My hands moved around the wheel as we hit another bend. “Right, sorry.” We both gazed upward to see the birds land in the trees around us. Each one was beautiful in its own way, just like how Parvati was. She had a bold attitude and could often be colorful when she wanted, but most of the time she was hiding. It was clear to see how she’d hold her words in or agree with something she didn’t like just to be kind.