Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 90337 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90337 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
“A shave ice is not a snow cone,” I say, leading the way toward Poke and Ice, the Hawaiian-themed food court offering. “It’s a delicacy, and theirs are excellent. Nearly as good as the one I had the last time I was in Kauai.”
“Well, well, someone’s passionate about frozen treats,” she teases as we take our place at the end of the short line waiting for counter service.
“I’m passionate about excellence in all things. Mediocrity offends me.”
“I figured,” she says, nodding as if I’ve confirmed something she already suspected about me. “You’re a snob.”
I grunt. “A snob wouldn’t be eating at a food court. Or a jerk chicken place with grease an inch thick on the wall.”
“Oh, yes he would,” she says, undeterred. “If he were a quality snob, not a price-triggered snob. It’s okay, I’m a quality snob, too. You should see the way hand-milled flour cuts into my bottom line at the café. But it makes a difference. Same with dark chocolate chips and vanilla. It’s the good stuff, or nothing at all.”
“Agreed,” I say, trying to ignore how good she smells as she sways closer, like sweet flowers, a hint of coconut, and summer sunshine.
When we reach the front of the line, Joey, the owner, greets me by name. “Hunter, what’s up, brother? You having the usual?” he asks, already reaching for a block of ice.
“Yes, please, Joey,” I say. “And whatever my friend would like.”
“What’s the usual?” Elaina asks as she studies the menu board, nibbling at her bottom lip as she considers her options. “Everything sounds so good!”
“I do the lilikoi and lime with fresh mint and a scoop of vanilla ice cream at the center.”
Her eyes go wide. “Damn, that sounds good. How would you feel about adding a touch of cherry into that mix, Joey?”
“I’d feel great about that,” he booms, his tanned face breaking into an even wider grin. “You’ve got good taste, woman.” He winks as he adds, “So what are you doing with this maniac?”
She laughs as she loops her arm through mine. “I haven’t decided what I’m doing with him yet, but you have the maniac part right.” She grins up at me as she adds, “There’s a stone-cold weirdo under this deceptively business bro exterior.”
I grunt noncommittally and mutter, “Takes one to know one, maniac.”
Elaina laughs and Joey joins in. He also gives us each a snow cap free of charge, seemingly pleased to see me not ordering solo for once.
A few minutes later, we’re settled at a small table near one of the potted palms that dot the food court, and I’m watching Elaina take her first bite of proper shave ice.
Her lashes flutter as the flavors hit her tongue.
“Oh my God,” she moans, the sound sending heat straight to my dick. “This is amazing. The ice is so fluffy. Is that the right word? And the passionfruit is perfect with the cherry and lime, and that cream on top…” She takes another bite, humming with pleasure. “Damn, I’m a fan. Big fan.” She shivers. “Though it would be nicer if it were a little less frigid in here. Why do they keep the air-conditioning set so low in office buildings? Are they trying to make everyone’s nipples hard?”
My gaze drops to her chest of its own accord, where her nipples are indeed straining through the thin cotton, the sight enough to make me thicker.
“I knew you couldn’t help yourself,” she murmurs, her tone pure temptation. “I knew you’d look.”
“I’m a man, not a superhero, Elaina,” I say, making her laugh. I drag my attention back to my shave ice. “Let’s go. We’re nearly back to my building. We can eat on the pool deck. It’s nice and warm up there.”
“Sounds good,” she says, rising from her chair.
Just five minutes later we’re stepping out onto the rooftop, where residents can enjoy the pool during the summer and barbeque stations, firepits, and an abundance of posh outdoor seating year-round.
“This is swanky, too,” she says, gazing around the abandoned expanse. “Why is it deserted?”
“Well, it’s nearly a hundred degrees outside,” I say dryly.
She shoots me a narrow look before rolling her eyes. “Yes, I know. But there’s a pool for staying cool, smartass. A very nice-looking pool.”
“The pool is usually empty until later in the afternoon, when some of the mothers bring their kids up after school or camp,” I explain. “Adult-only hours start at four, but you won’t see many people out until later. Most of the residents here work traditional hours.”
Elaina wanders toward the edge of the brick wall surrounding the large patio, gazing out over the park. “Well, it’s certainly gorgeous up here. I won’t mind being the only one lounging by the pool while you’re at work during the week.” She glances my way as she slips another bite of shave ice between her lips, swallowing before she adds in a sultry voice, “Though I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to play hooky and lounge with me. We could rub sunscreen on each other as foreplay.”