The Holiday Prize (The Hawaiian Getaway Series Book 4) by Megan Reinking

Author:Megan Reinking [Reinking, Megan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-11-01T16:00:00+00:00

19

TORI

“So…there’s a crab and steak dinner as well as live entertainment all included in this sunset cruise,” Connor explains, his hands fumbling to slide his phone in the pocket of his khaki shorts, nerves almost palpably rolling off him as we walk down the beach, skirting around a group of people lying on beach towels. It’s obvious that he’s been stuck in his head about being out on an official date with me ever since he picked me up, judging by his fidgety hands and hesitant words.

“No personal chef or boat reservation just for two?” I tease him, feeling only mildly bad that I find his discomfort so entertaining.

“No. Is that what you wanted? Shoot, I should have done that,” he mumbles, scratching at the back of his head.

“I’m kidding,” I laugh, grabbing his forearm, which stiffens slightly under my touch. I’ve seen Connor get flustered around women before, and I know that he’s not super confident in this aspect of his life, but I don’t like the fact that he feels uncomfortable around me.

“Oh,” he laughs nervously. “I think there’s all-you-can-eat breadsticks too.”

“You had me at breadsticks.”

He looks like he’s maybe about to say something, but his phone rings in his pocket, and all of a sudden, he’s spiraling into an even bigger ball of nerves. He stops himself from reaching for it, but I can see that he’s holding on by a thread here. I’m suddenly grateful that I had my sisters to help ease my own nerves earlier, and I know that I’m definitely feeling more put together than he is right now.

“Hey, wait,” I say gently, coming to a stop, thankful that we seem to have made it to a slightly less busy stretch of beach. He makes it another step before turning to look back at me.

“Yeah? Are you okay?” he asks, concern flashing across his face as he gives me a once-over.

“I’m fine,” I reassure, stepping close enough that the fresh yet woody scent of his cologne hangs in the air, momentarily distracting me. “Let’s just take a breather for a second. Okay?”

He nods, looking down the beach where the boat is just starting to let people on. His breaths are short and shallow, and his hands are fidgety.

“Look at me,” I say, grabbing his hand tentatively. He slides his sunglasses on top of his head and takes my hand, connecting his eyes with mine. When they do, I see the slightest reprieve from whatever he’s been feeling, and the cloudiness just barely drifts away. His black polo shirt makes his green eyes seem even more intense, sucking me in.

“It’s just me,” I say quietly, keeping my eyes pinned on his, wanting to connect and get through to him. He holds my stare and gives the slightest nod in return.

“Are you okay?” I ask him the same question he asked me moments ago. His response is rapidly nodding his head while rolling his lips together.

“Yeah, yeah. All good. As long as you’re still good,” he spits out.

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