“Date? Uh, am I being Punk’d right now? Like, is there a hidden camera filming this so the world can watch the Pacific island god pretend to be interested in the plain Jane from the city, who then gets her hopes up for a kiss on the cheek, although Jane wouldn’t mind some lip action, and then get told it was all a joke later?”
Malakai was shaking. He was holding onto the frame of the trunk, head bent, shoulders shaking his whole body. When he turned, his smile was huge. “I think I’m in love,” he muttered. Malakai picked up the jack and walked around to the side of the car. As he placed the jack on the ground, he asked, “Do you know how to change a tire?”
“In theory. I’ve seen it done. Once. We got a flat tire on our way to the beach. My father called Triple-A, and I watched the man change it. Let’s see if I remember. The jack goes under the frame, you crank it up, then use the crank to loosen the nuts. Take the flat off, put the spare on, tighten the nuts, and then lower the car. Sound about right?”
Malakai’s lips were turned inside his mouth, and Josie knew he was trying to hold back another laugh. He nodded and motioned for her to come closer. “You almost had it. You have to lose the nuts first, or the tire’ll just spin in the air. I’d ask you to demonstrate with the nuts, but I’d hate for you to get your pretty hands dirty.”
Oh, god. She’d said nuts. No wonder he was laughing at her. “Lug nuts. Those kinds. Not the… I’m going to shut up and watch you now. From over here. Way over here.”
Malakai reached up and grabbed her wrist, tugging her closer. Josie gasped. Out loud. Malakai’s eyes softened, and her heart beat even faster. He was no longer laughing at her. Holding onto her, he said, “Sunshine, I know you mentioned the lack of a love life, but please tell me there’s not a man in your life.”
“Nope. No man. Other than my father, whom I work for.”
“Good. That means there’s no reason for you not to go out with me. Unless I’m not your type. In that case, I guess I’m shit out of luck.”
“Not my type? On what planet would you not be someone’s type? Did you fall off a surfboard when you were younger? Hit your head on a rock? Tumble through the waves too long without oxygen?”
“Yes, no, and no. I’ve fallen of a board many times over the years, but I have a pretty hard head, and I can hold my breath for a long time. But, since you just made the point that I’m your type, are you free tomorrow night?”
“Yes, but—”
“No buts. What’s your favorite type of food?” Malakai was working and talking, and before she could answer, he was standing with the flat in his hand.
“Wow. You’re fast.”
“Only in some things.” The man winked at her. Freaking winked! Oh, he was talking about… Oh, god. Josie’s thighs snapped closed. “Food, woman. Think about food,” he grumbled.
“Food. Right. I like it all. Well, not everything. I don’t like chicken livers. Or pig’s feet. Or cow tongues. You know, gross things.”
“Have you tried those things?”
Josie shivered thinking about nasty-sounding food. “Well, no. But they sound disgusting.”
“Do you like seafood?” Malakai was leaning against her car, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes ran from the top of her head down to her cute sandals, then back up again. She was dressed conservatively as she always did for the office. Her personal style was a little more pin-up girl, but she wouldn’t let him see that yet. Not for a first date. Probably not. Was she actually considering going out with the man her sister couldn’t get? Yes. She sure was, but she’d have to keep it a secret, because if Presley ever found out, she’d make Josie’s life even more hellish than she did now.
“I do, as long as it isn’t fish with the head still attached. Because looking at something’s eyeball isn’t very appetizing.”
“No heads. Got it. How about we get you home and finish this conversation at your door?”
“So you can kiss my cheek?”
Malakai grinned. “For now.”
“Okay. Uh, where’s your car?”
“Oh. I’m parked down the street. I was driving by and saw you having trouble. Instead of doubling back, I left my car in a lot and jogged. Figured it would be quicker.”
“Why don’t you let me drive you to your car then?” Josie wasn’t ready to get rid of the man, but she was afraid if he walked her to her door, she’d beg him to come inside. If that happened, she’d want to tie him to the bed, and she didn’t have a headboard made for such things. Maybe she should invest in one?
“No, ma’am. A gentleman sees his lady to the door. Now, come on, Sunshine. Let’s get you home.”
“Why do you call me that?” Josie asked, handing over the keys. Wait, why did she give him the keys? She could drive them. It was just a block away.
Malakai shut the trunk and walked around to open the passenger-side door for her. Before she could slide in, he cupped her cheek. “Because that’s what you smell like. You remind me of the beach. Coconuts, the wind coming off the water as the sun beats down on the sand. And home.”
Malakai couldn’t believe how absolutely perfect Josie was. Not only was she
