I followed Ramos to his bike, and he gave me his sexy grin. “We need to talk, but it’s not safe here.” He was thinking that the Tiki Tabu bar might be just the spot.
That sounded tempting, but it was already late, and I needed to get home so I could explain everything to Chris.
Noticing my hesitation, his brows drew together. “I need to know what these guys were thinking. We can take the bike.” I couldn’t hide the gleam in my eyes, and he capitalized on it. “Come on, I almost killed you tonight. Why not do something you’ll enjoy that isn’t dangerous?”
He had a point, but I didn’t want to seem too eager. “Well… I guess, when you put it that way, I might as well go.” I shrugged like it was no big deal, but the excitement of heading to the wrong side of town with a hot hitman that was totally off limits flooded me with anticipation. I was going to hell for sure.
Ramos saw right through my nonchalance… thinking that, if I didn’t have any scruples, he could think of a much more private place he could take me…
“Uh. The bar’s perfect. And it’s been a while since I was there, and you know they gave me my very own pool stick… and I’ve only used it that one time… so yeah… we should totally go there.”
He loved how flustered he could make me, and a big grin broke out over his face. “Great. You can wear my helmet.” He handed it over, and I almost refused, thinking the wind blowing through my hair would feel amazing. But that also meant it would be a mess once we got to the bar, and I didn’t want to look bad.
After fastening the strap under my chin, I eagerly got on behind him. What was it about living a little dangerously that was so alluring? But… it was all part of the job, so no big deal, right?
I’d never ridden behind Ramos so late at night before. But, since it was summer, the cooler air was the perfect temperature, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
The outside of the Tiki Tabu bar was just as I’d remembered it. The neon lights on the sign blinked on and off with that familiar buzzing sound, and all the spots on the street were taken. Ramos pulled around to the parking lot in the back, and we got off. He secured the helmet to the bike, and we walked around to the front doors.
Suddenly nervous, I turned his way. “Do you think they’ll be happy to see me? I mean… it’s been a few months.”
He shook his head. “Of course.” He was thinking that I was one of those unforgettable people, and he looked forward to the reception Big Kahuna was sure to give me… although I might not like it.
“Huh?”
Ramos pulled the door open and ushered me inside without answering, thinking I’d find out soon enough. Inside, it was dark and noisy, just like I remembered. As we walked further in, people began to notice us, and the talking slowed and nearly stopped altogether.
They stared at me with my blond hair and thought that I was in the wrong place. A “haole” like me wasn’t welcome in this Pacific Islander establishment. As their attention shifted to Ramos, a few sensed his underlying danger, and they immediately stiffened, ready to defend their territory.
“Shelby? Is that you?”
I glanced toward the back, where the pool tables were located, and spotted Big Kahuna straightening from a pool table, and holding his cue stick.
“Hey.” I gave him a big smile and a little wave.
He dropped his stick on the table and came toward me with his arms outstretched. Before I knew what was happening, he threw his arms around me and picked me up like a rag doll. He squeezed the breath right out of me and, for a few seconds, I couldn’t breathe.
Luckily, he set me down before I blacked out and turned his attention to Ramos. They did some kind of complicated handshake, and Big Kahuna invited us to sit down in an empty booth near the back. I slipped in on one side, and Ramos slid in close beside me, with Big Kahuna taking the other side. With his big size, he needed the space, and I couldn’t complain about sitting so close to Ramos… ever… like… in a million years.
“It’s so good to see you,” Big Kahuna said. “Everything okay?” He was a little worried that Manetto might have a problem with him. He’d stuck to their agreement… for the most part, but someone could have messed up. If Ramos was here, he might have a problem.
“Oh… no.” I rushed to reassure him. “Everything’s fine. We just needed a place to talk and thought we’d come here.”
“Ah… good choice.” He motioned to the bartender. “Bring Shelby a Diet Coke with a… lime.” He caught my gaze, and I nodded.
“You remembered. Thanks.”
He glanced at Ramos. “And what can I get you, my friend?”
“I’ll take the same.”
Big Kahuna yelled at the bartender to bring another one, then turned his attention to us. “Well… I should return to my game. If you need anything else, let me know. Come on over if you want to play a round when you get done. Your stick is waiting.”
He made it sound like I had a choice, but I knew he’d be offended if I didn’t play at least one game of pool with him. “Sure. I’d like that.”
His pleased grin sent a little shiver of worry through me. He was someone I’d never want to have as
