I stand there another moment before I shake my head, knowing I will never be prepared for the day both my children leave, knowing I’m still not comfortable on those long weekends when Daniel has the kids and I try desperately to fill my time, those four and five days, until they come home again. “Go to bed soon,” I say finally.

“Okay, Mom.”

He’s not even paying me any attention, lost in his statistics and scores. “I mean it, William.”

“I know.”

Smiling wryly, knowing that he has me beaten, I leave him to his sorting and take myself to bed.

Chapter Fourteen

Fourteen

Kai greets me at the airport with a flower lei and a kiss. “Welcome home, girl,” he says, placing the lei around my neck before kissing me.

I kiss him back, crushing the flowers. He smells good. Feels good. Makes me feel like the most gorgeous woman alive, and I hug him harder, tighter. There’s this delicious happiness inside me as I climb into his truck. I’ve got five days ahead of me, five days of fun and sun and gorgeous, sexy Kai.

As Kai pulls from the parking lot, I can’t help wishing Hawaii were home. There’s no pressure here, no guilt, no anger. I love the warmth, the sultry climate, the water, the waves. I could get used to this laid-back surfer mentality.

With my design background, I could work anywhere. I could build a business here, make new clients, network with other industry professionals.

I could have more time outside with my kids. Buy a beach house. Keep my beach boy.

Glancing at Kai, I smile a little, wondering what it would be like to live with him.

Unlike Daniel, he wouldn’t have a closet full of thousand-dollar suits, handmade Egyptian cotton shirts, rows of silk ties. No five-hundred-dollar shoes. No late-night meetings. No last-minute business trips away… trips that end up lasting two weeks, first in Chicago, then in London, and finally in Hong Kong.

Kai takes my hand. “You’re quiet.”

“Just thinking.”

“About what?”

“Nothing.” But then he looks at me and his eyebrows lift, and I start laughing. “Okay, everything.”

His fingers squeeze mine. “Regretting you came?”

“No. Not at all.” I look at him, his profile chiseled, great brow, great cheekbones, great jaw. He’s even got great eyelashes. “If I didn’t come, I think I’d explode. Things are so hectic at home right now. Work’s crazy.”

“And I hardly work at all,” he drawls.

I squeeze his fingers back. “I’m not comparing careers. You have your work, I have mine.”

“You don’t really feel that way.”

“I really do. I like you. I like your life. It’s cool.”

He gives me a long look. “You’re sure?”

“Positive.”

He drags me toward him on the seat. “So what else is going on, girl?”