“Fascinating.” I truly mean that. Construction is such a testosterone-driven world, and a lot of women are intimidated. Kate isn’t. I’m intrigued by the fact she has a spine and that she doesn’t let society form her opinion about her career. Still, her impressive elevator pitch doesn’t tell me what I really want to know. “From Phoenix to Boston, huh? That must be a big change.”

  “Huge.”

  “What precipitated it? Anything in particular?”

  Her face closes up. “It was time.”

  So Kate doesn’t want to talk about it. I’ll get to the truth eventually. For now, it’s a closed subject and pushing would be counterproductive. “How do you like Force Financial so far?”

  Her smile returns. “Everyone has been helpful and welcoming. The corporate environment is new to me, so I really appreciate the kindness and patience.”

  “What do you think of this venture we’re embarking on?”

  “It’s exciting. I’m eager to get a look at the property and surrounding area. Of course, I’ll need to thoroughly scout the site when we get there, and I’ll look into the local regulations and building codes before we leave. That way, once we hit the ground, I can quickly formulate the type, size, and scope of the project. Since our time there is limited, I’ll have to make every second count. How do you see your role in this?”

  On top of you isn’t the answer I should give her. “Josh and I are traveling with you strictly in an advisory role. We’re supposed to move obstacles from your path, organizationally speaking, and help with the numbers. I’m happy to lend an ear or help you bounce ideas—”

  “Thank you, but I generally work alone.”

  I raise a brow at her. “You know nothing about this company or the investors who have entrusted us with their multimillions in capital. You’ll have a lot of autonomy, but you’ll also have our oversight.”

  Just then, Josh sidles up and hands Kate a glass of champagne. “We’ll be there to help you however you need. I look forward to being on the same team and getting to know you better.”

  “I’m sure working with you two will be a pleasure,” she says diplomatically as she reaches for the bubbly.

  “The pleasure will be ours”—he smiles—“Kate.”

  Outwardly, she looks composed, even detached. But when Josh’s fingers brush hers as she takes the stem, the pulse at the base of her neck leaps and thrums, just like it did when I took her hand in my own.

  Every instinct I possess screams at me to press her back against the wall and seize her mouth—then kiss my way down her body so Josh can devour her lips while I taste her pussy. I stifle the urge. I can hardly bitch at him about professionalism and reputation if I’m the one who crosses the line. Besides, Kate is a colleague. She might be attracted to us—and single, based on her bare ring finger—but that doesn’t make her willing to have sex with either of us—much less both of us. It’s a horrible idea.

  She musters a stiff smile. “I’m looking forward to a mutually beneficial working relationship and evaluating this property as a potential source of profit for Force and the investors. Now if you’ll excuse me…”

  With a nod, she traipses off to a waiting Savannah, who introduces her to some of our overseas investors. She greets them, her smile genuine and lovely.

  “That didn’t go well,” Josh mutters.

  I shrug, trying to be grateful for Kate’s standoffishness. “It went fine. Kate is here to work. She seems serious about doing her job.”

  “Of course she is. And I’m sure she’s damn good at it. Savannah wouldn’t accept anything less. But you know what I’m saying.”

  “That she didn’t seem interested in pursuing anything beyond business.” I shrug. “That’s for the best.”

  Or at least I’d feel that way if my skin wasn’t buzzing with desire and my cock wasn’t hard as goddamn stone.

  “I think you’re wrong. On some level, she’s interested in us. I’m going to prove it.”

  Unfortunately, Josh will give it his all. I just can’t let him succeed. Thankfully, Kate seems eager to help me keep this mutual fire from burning out of control.

  Still, I can’t resist seeking her out across the room. She stares back at us, her lids heavy, her mouth lush, and her stiff nipples stabbing the front of her dress. Every part of my body responds in kind.

  It’s going to be ten long fucking days in Hawaii.

  Chapter Three

  Thursday

  Josh

  The good news? We leave Boston right on time early Thursday morning, flying first class to Honolulu, then puddle-jumping to the Big Island. The bad news? After traveling for something like sixteen hours, the three of us arrive at the site on the outskirts of Hilo an hour before sunset. The worse news? After the taxi drops us off, it only takes a glance to see that this piece of shit should have been torn down forever ago. It’s going to take an act of God—and a fortune—for us to make this resort a destination people flock to.

  “Are they fucking kidding?” Marcus spits.

  Leave it to my pal to say aloud the less-than-professional thing I’ve been thinking. I wish he’d focus that propensity on Kate, who, despite our travel, still looks beautiful and pulled together. Unfortunately, he’s made it clear that his interest in her will be purely temporary, sexual, and individual.

  I think he’s making a mistake. But one problem at a time.

  The beautiful blonde between us draws in a stunned breath. “Savannah said I’d have my work cut out for me, but wow.”

  “She was being polite.” I smile wryly.

  “You’re right.”

  But rather than bitch or give up, she drops her purse and carry-on near a rusting ice maker that probably hasn’t been functional since the Clinton administration, retrieves a notebook, and starts walking the narrow path surrounding the place.

  “Where are you going?” Marcus calls after her.

  Why does he care? Unless he’s interested beyond her pussy, after all…

  Kate turns back, a frown settling between her brows. “We’re going to lose sunlight quickly. I need to walk the perimeter before then. Clearly, the hotel south of us has put up something that resembles a fence so we can approximate the property line. We’ll have to verify, of course, but I’d like to see the rest, especially to glean any possible egress issues for heavy machinery. This whole…structure needs to come down.”

  “You’re calling this shit hole a structure? You’re being kind,” Marcus quips.

  She sighs. “I have a million things to do. I need to get started.”

  Then she’s gone, disappearing under something that used to be a decorative arch, but was long ago reclaimed by nature.

  “Nothing here looks stable or safe. I’m going to follow her,” I tell him.

  Marcus curses and scrubs a hand down his face. “I’d accuse you of using this situation to your advantage, but if Kate dies her first day on site, it would upset Savannah. Then Chad would kill us both.”

  If that’s the excuse he needs for giving a shit… “Let’s go.”

  Together, we set our luggage beside Kate’s things and follow. Normally, I wouldn’t leave suitcases lying around, but there’s literally no one in sight. The moist ground and dripping trees make it obvious it’s rained recently. The front of what used to be this hotel is more than half mud, but I don’t see a single footprint. In fact, nothing looks as if it’s been disturbed by human hands in years.

  “Where should we set up our office?” I ask him as we follow Kate.

  “Beats the hell out of me. This is going to be a shit show. You know that, right?”

  I shrug. “Kate seems determined to make it work.”

  “Because her future at Force Financial depends on it.”

  It does. “I want her to succeed.”

  “Because you want her.”

  “So? You do, too. Are you going to help her or make sure she gets fired to punish her because of it?”

  He scowls. “Don’t be an asshole…”

  “You’re only saying that because I’m asking you a question you don’t want to answer.”

  Zinger dropped, I dart after Kate.

  Marcus is right behind me, scrambling and cussing as he shoves tree limbs aside and kicks vegetation out of his way. Maybe that’s a metaphor for our connection with our gorgeous new colleague, and I need to roll with it. If I pursue Kate, my best friend won’t be able to help himself. I know Marcus; he’ll move heaven and earth to touch her with me.

  When Marcus and I were with Taylor, my sister asked why I shared her with him. I didn’t have an answer, except that it felt right. I’ve made most decisions in life by instinct. After the three of us fell apart, I questioned myself. How could I have been so wrong? Now I’m wondering if that winter was more about figuring out what sort of life I want and less about finding the woman meant to spend it between us.

  My gut is screaming at me not to let Kate go—and not to let Marcus push her away. Is it possible pursuing her will result in heartbreak again? Sure. But it’s also possible we’ll end up happily ever after.

  I refuse to give up before I give us a try.

  In a few steps, I catch up to Kate on a narrow path beside what was once a huge swimming pool. Now it’s a half-filled breeding ground for mold and insects. “Kate?”

  She spins to face me, blue eyes and pillowy lips wide. The sun glows behind her as it races toward the horizon. Golden light illuminates her pale curls, caressing her shoulders and whipping in the breeze. As I stare, she raises her determined chin. Kate has spine. She’s a doer. I like that. Once Marcus stops fighting his pull to her, he’ll appreciate that, too.

  “What do you think?” I ask. “Beyond the fact it needs a bulldozer.”

  “I’m trying to reimagine the space. I don’t know why they built the parking lot facing the ocean, rather than the road. The slope of the land? Volcano eruptions? Something else entirely? Whatever the reason, I suspect it will be expensive to fix, particularly since the soil is hardened lava, but the effort and expense will be worth it to give guests the maximum benefits of the site’s natural beauty.”

  “Beauty?” Marcus challenges as he approaches. “On the island, sure. Here? I don’t see it. I don’t even think it’s possible. If you put lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig.”

  He’s pushing back harder than he needs to. To foment friction between them?

  I’m not having it. “I think she’s on to something, man. After all, it’s Hawaii. And this place is unspoiled.”

  At my words, Kate’s frown turns upside down. “Exactly. Don’t focus on this run-down building. Imagine the land bare.”

  “It would be overgrown.”

  “It will be manicured. Stop thinking like a bean counter and start thinking like a vacationer who’s ready to trade in the everyday hustle and bustle for peace and quiet. This is oceanfront property. The beach is a little rocky, but we can truck in sand or work with it in other ways. I’ll have to do some research. But Hilo Bay, Coconut Island, Lili’uokalani Gardens, and Banyan Drive—renowned for the giant banyan trees planted by famous people in the 1930s—are all within walking distance. We could give people something completely unlike the big-city vibe of Honolulu or the commercial tourism of Maui. It would be a return to nature and tranquility with a small-town atmosphere. Did you see the farmer’s market as we rolled past the bus stop?”

  I was too busy realizing how remote this location is and running the financials of breaking even in my head to notice. Well, that and being distracted by the sight of Kate’s legs below her modest little skirt.

  “You like that kind of thing?” Marcus asks.

  “You don’t?”

  He shrugs. “Never thought about it. I’m a city guy.”

  “I grew up in the city, too. But I’ve never seen anything like this place in my life. I love it.”

  “How do you know about the banyan trees and the gardens?”

  “I researched before we flew out. Now that we’re here, it’s obvious Savannah persuaded Mr. Force and the investors to home in on this property because it has the potential to give people like you and me the chance to truly slow down and appreciate life. To experience a vacation unlike any we’ve ever had. Honeymoons would be amazing. I could have used the quiet reflection at a place like this after my divorce.”

  Marcus’s shock matches mine. He scowls. “How long ago was that?”

  She grimaces, waving the question away. “That’s not important. This isn’t about me. I’m simply saying this place could be a real oasis for a lot of people.”

  The fact she was once married to another man is most definitely important. Is that what made her decide it was “time” to move to Boston? I’ll bet. Just like I’ll bet the past has likely shaped her current outlook on sex and romance. I’ll grill her about that when she’s not in work mode, maybe over dinner and wine when she’s more inclined to talk. I want to know when her marriage ended, why, and how open her heart is. That will inform how I approach her. Well, we—if I can get Marcus on board.

  The three of us spend the last forty minutes of sunlight walking the rest of the perimeter, Kate furiously making notes, before we find ourselves in front again, our luggage untouched. “It’s almost dark. We better check into the hotel.”

  Kate sighs like she’s reluctant but retrieves her things from beside the derelict ice maker. “I guess so. My thorough site investigation will have to wait until tomorrow. The place will still be here.”

  “So will the disaster,” Marcus mutters.

  She whirls to him, hand on her hip. “By the time I’m done, I’m going to make you love what this place could be.”

  He snorts. “Good luck with that.”

  “I don’t need it. I have skill. That’s why I was hired.”

  After her sassy proclamation, she slings her purse over her shoulder, grips her bag, and heads for the hotel next door. As we drove by earlier, it looked like a half-forgotten relic. The once-white building has yellowed. Besides being run-down, it’s plagued by an ugly satellite tower on the roof, an uninspiring rectangle of a swimming pool visible from the main road, and no hint of water sports along its unpredictable, lava-like shore.

  Inside, the lobby looks like someone vomited beige—walls, furniture, and tile floors. The windows out back offer admittedly nice glimpses of swaying palms, but the hotel erected too many walls between the entry and the view. And they haven’t updated this dump in nearly two decades. It shows.

  As we amble into the line at the front desk to wait for the lone clerk, I lean into Kate. “The island is beautiful, but if this area doesn’t have the influx of visitors to flourish, would we be wasting money trying to rebuild this?”

  “Exactly what I was wondering, but the question in my head wasn’t phrased quite as politely,” Marcus drawls. “No amount of island beauty will make me rush to a dumpster fire of a hotel.”

  “That’s why we create something better. A destination. An oasis for everyone needing to get away, who wants to be closer to nature, who’s dying to slow down and appreciate life. Of course there would be activities for active vacationers, too. Hiking, parasailing, surfing…”

  “I don’t see it.” Marcus is blunt.

  “There’s a lot of that in Hawaii already. How are we going to be different enough?” I question.

  While the desk clerk finishes with the family in front of us, Kate scrambles into her bag and flips to a page in her notebook. “I think this is a place to start. We build from here.”

  The drawing she holds up is stunning. A long, tree-lined drive solves the problem of our odd-shaped property, transforming it into a grand entrance, while making use of the peninsula we’re situated on. On one side leading up to the structure are park-like areas, like a yoga lawn and a tea garden. On the other, shopping and restaurants, a children’s playground, and a meeting area for business retreats. The main structure is a pentagon and gives every room on three sides a view of either the gorgeous grounds or the sweeping ocean views. The style is traditional and will stand the test of time, but I note an Asian flare in the slope of the roof and the ornateness of the door.

  “That’s beautiful. You just sketched that?”

  “As I walked the property. I saw the place, and this just…popped into my head.” She shrugs, then flips to another page full of neat rows of words. “But I made notes, too.”

  Marcus nudges her to turn back. “Popped into your head? Just like that?”

  “My dad calls me a property whisperer. According to him, I have a sense of how best to develop land for maximum value.”

  Looking at her off-the-cuff drawings, I believe that.

  Finally, the family in front of us hoists up their luggage and heads to the elevator. Then it’s our turn. Kate grabs a key to a room on the second floor of the resort. When Marcus steps up to the counter, it’s a different story.

  The desk clerk frowns. “I’m afraid I don’t have your reservation in our system, Mr. Hunt.”

  What the hell?

  My best friend looks as annoyed as I feel. “Can you get me another room?”

  “With the amateur surfing competition underway, we’re completely booked. I’m sorry. I can see about finding you a room elsewhere, but I don’t know how much luck we’ll have—at least until the competition is over on Sunday.”

  “Do you have my reservation?” I give him the number and a copy of my confirmation.

  After a few taps on the computer, the desk clerk smiles. “I do. Your suite is ready.”