Mr. Big Shot: An Enemies To Lovers Romance (Kinda Cocky Book 1), стр. 33
I had booked us two private bungalows with hammocks in the pristinely-manicured backyard. Palm trees grew around the edges of the property. At the same time, bushes covered the outside, allowing the place as much privacy as it did scenery. The fluttering butterflies that donned pinks and blues made me smile. The large, exotic flowers that were almost as big as my face made my heart skip a beat. The place was magical. It was bright. If happiness had a picture, it would be that place. That bungalow. That backyard.
Not to mention the luxurious bathroom that had both a stand-up marble shower as well as a jetted tub.
“I could get used to this,” I murmured.
A knock came at my door, pulling me from my trance. But, when I turned around, I saw my door being pushed opened. I furrowed my brow as I watched Zane appear, freshly dressed in another suit.
I blinked. “Are those linen pants?”
“That’s the question you want to ask first?” He laughed.
“Well, actually, I don’t know why you have a key to my room. But, are those linen pants?”
He grinned. “They’re about as thin as linen pants. But, no. I have a batch of suits that are made specifically for this kind of weather. So, I can look professional without also sweating through my clothes.”
“Okay. So, why do you have a key to my room?”
“I think they switched keys on us at the front desk. Here. Catch.”
The key came flying at me through the air, and I caught it in my fingertips.
“I guess that means I have one of your keys,” I said.
He waved his hand in the air. “Keep it. If you have to come get me for any reason, you’ll need it. I would’ve given you a key to my room anyway for emergency purposes.”
“Noted.”
“So, you up for some lunch?”
I nodded. “I could eat. What did you have in mind?”
“There’s a fish shack right down there on the beach. I hear they’ve got great drinks, too. I figured we could have lunch, finalize the schedule while we’re here, and enjoy the view. On me.”
On me.
His words rang out hard in my mind. But, it was a business trip, so, technically, the food was on the company.
I nodded. “Sure. Why not? Give me a few minutes to change, and I’ll meet you outside.”
“I’ll be on my porch enjoying the view.”
I glanced out the window. “I did good with this place, right?”
He shot me a look. “Boasting is never a good trait for any secretary to have.”
I mockingly saluted him. “Sir, yes, sir.”
He chuckled. “But, yes. You did well with this place. Now, go get changed.”
“Aye aye, Captain!”
Zane shook his head as he closed the door behind him. Then, I slipped out of my clothes that still smelled like the airplane, and dressed into something more comfortable. Pulling out an orange and blue sundress with colors that swirled like a painting, I slipped it on. As I glanced in the mirror near the door, I plopped on my wide-brimmed hat and arranged my hair. And after slipping into my flip flops, I felt ready to tackle my first day in Hawaii.
“Ready when you are.” I said loud enough for Zane to hear before snatching up my purse and walking outside.
I heard him walk over. “Great. I can see the shack from here, so I don’t suppose you’d be up for walking?”
I turned around and smiled at him. “I don't mind it one bit. The weather’s so beautiful.”
“It is. Hawaii always seems to be like this.”
“So, this isn’t your first trip here?” I asked, not really shocked at all.
“No, it’s not. And I love it more and more every time I come.”
I stepped off the porch. “You should buy yourself a vacation property here, then.”
“What makes you think I haven’t?”
“The… fact that we’re staying in bungalows instead of staying at your place?”
He shrugged. “My place isn’t on the main island. Plus, it’s a vacation home. I’ve always made it a point not to bring work there.”
“I could never imagine owning something like that. You’re very fortunate,” I said. “Very fortunate indeed.”
“I’m just good with money. There’s a difference. The home I own didn’t cost me any more than a house in the Rust Belt would.”
I frowned. “The Rust Belt?”
“You know, the lower part of the Midwest? It used to be powered by manufacturing companies until they all closed up shop and moved jobs overseas. We consider them poorer towns now because the job market crashed in those areas, and it’s called the Rust Belt because--.”
“--of all the unused, rusted machines.”
He nodded. “Exactly. A home that will only run somewhere between seventy grand and one-ten. Give or take.”
I blinked. “You paid less than six figures for a Hawaiian vacation home?”
“I did.”
“Have you ever taken anyone to your house here in Hawaii? Oh, I mean…” It came out without thinking.
When he didn’t respond, I looked up at him. And I saw his eyes grow unfocused on the horizon. Shit. I had stepped in it. I crossed a line I shouldn’t have, and it was going to come back to haunt me.
“That was much too personal. Anyway. Why don’t we talk about this trip?” I asked.
He nodded. “Probably for the best.”
“Do you have a deal or someone you’re meeting while we are --?”
“Where do you see yourself in ten years, Karina?” He interrupted as if he didn’t hear me.
“I’m sorry, what?” The question came out of nowhere and took me completely by surprise.
“In a decade. Where do you see yourself?”
I racked my brain as my feet started sinking into the beach sand. “Uh… married, hopefully. A place of my own. A career I can be