by Kiana Lee
He was telling the truth, she realized. Suddenly all the suppressed feelings of desire and tenderness rushed to the surface.
“I love you too, Jason,” she said softly. She reached up and lightly ran her fingers along the stubble on his jaw. “I just never knew how much until now.”
Framing his face with her palms, she went on her tippy toes, and pressed a hard kiss on his masculine lips. In response, his arms wrapped around her, pulling her into his lean, solid length. His warm, manly scent enveloped her as he took control of the kiss, gentling it as if he had all the time in the world. His tongue swept against hers, his contact charged with passion and heat that carried her away to intoxicating heights. She closed her eyes, allowing the overwhelming, blissful fever to sweep through her. Time seemed to stand still, and the noise of the crowd behind them faded into nothingness. It felt so right to be in his strong arms, to be drunk on the feelings of love, joy, and acceptance. She’d never felt anything like this but knew that this was where she belonged.
But then the sound of excited voices grew, penetrating her brain. Caitlin opened her eyes in time to see the school administrator directing the graduating students to their chairs. She reluctantly broke away from Jason. “It looks like the ceremony is starting. We should probably find our seats.”
“We should,” he said, although he made no attempt to loosen his hold.
But she didn’t mind. If it were up to her, she would stay in his arms forever. “Thank you for bringing my grandparents to Hawaii,” she said. “It means a lot to me.”
“It was nothing.” A smattering of clapping sounded behind them, and Jason finally let her go. Placing a possessive arm around her shoulders, he steered her toward the cluster of people.
“For the record, you achieved those high grades on your own. When Molowa informed me on exam day that the recipes that we practiced weren’t on the finals, I planned to tell you. But when I spoke with you, I saw you were more prepared than I expected. In the end, I decided to leave it.”
Caitlin fell silent as she listened to his explanation. “Then my exam result wasn’t rigged.”
“No, far from it,” his eyes danced with amusement. “As much as I tried to influence the outcome, you got the top marks on your own merit.”
The awful tightness that had lingered inside her chest dispersed. “Then I’m a real cook with actual talent,” she said slowly.
“Yes, you’re one hell of a cook. I spoke to my old man, and despite what happened, I hope you’ll consider working at Signatures. He would definitely benefit having you on his staff.”
The idea suddenly became appealing again. She would work in a premiere kitchen and learn as much as she could until she reached the next level. But then her thoughts turned to him, and her happiness faded slightly.
“What about you?” she slipped her arm around his waist as they moved closer to the assembly. “I’m sure you want the job as much as I do.”
“Not anymore. I plan to open a small bakery and grow it from scratch.” He squeezed her shoulder. “You’ve inspired me, Caitlin. I know you’re going to reach great heights, and I aim to do the same.”
She stared out at the sea of new chefs in their crisp white uniforms and toques. Their excitement and eagerness permeated the air. Each of the graduating students would go out and make delicious food for the masses, and her heart swelled at the possibilities that lay before them. She knew that she would try her damnedest to push for success, just as she knew that Jason would push for his.
Tipping her face up to Jason, she grinned. “The two of us — we’re going to be amazing!” And this was true in more ways than one.
Thank You
My heartfelt thanks for supporting an indie author. Your consideration in writing a review or even telling a friend that you enjoyed this story helps a ton.
I’m hard at work writing the next book in the Hawaiian Paradise series. Please sign up for my newsletter at www.kianaleebooks.com/newsletter to get notification on when the book will be available, and to learn about the latest news and promotions for my books.
Also, if you enjoy sensual Historical Romances be sure to check out my alter ego Dana D’Angelo at www.dana-dangelo.com
Best,
Kiana Lee x
Coming Soon!
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About The Author
Kiana Lee is the only girl from a family of nine children. She spent most of her teenage years reading romances and dreaming about love. She met her dream guy in university and later eloped with him to Hawaii.
Now married with two children and two rescue cats, she spends her time weaving feel-good, sweet Contemporary romances. As Dana D’Angelo, her alter ego, she also writes sensual Historical romances about sexy Highlanders and Knights, and their feisty heroines.
Kiana lives in a city east of Toronto, Canada. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s dining at local restaurants with her family and enjoying spectacular foods of the world.
www.kianaleebooks.com
www.facebook.com/KianaLeeRomanceAuthor/
www.dana-dangelo.com
Glossary
For your reference, I’ve compiled a short list of Hawaiian terms and words that I used in this story:
Aloha — An all-round word that encompasses general positive feelings. The word can be used to mean hello, goodbye, welcome, or good wishes.
Brah — Slang for brother or pal
Keiki — Word used to refer to a baby, child or children. The literal meaning is “little one”.
Lanai — A covered patio, veranda or porch that is open-sided.
Lei — A garland or wreath of flowers or any other objects strung together and worn around the neck. Leis are given as a token of love, honor or friendship, and are distributed during events such as graduations, weddings and school dances.
Mahalo — Expression conveying thanks, gratitude, admiration, praise, esteem, regards, or respect.
Ohana — Refers to family, including non-blood related people
Ono — Delicious
Poke — A raw fish salad usually made with ahi (tuna) and flavored with soy sauce, seaweed, sweet onions, and a key Hawaiian condiment paste made from roasted kukui nut (candlenuts) and salt.
Spam musubi — A popular Hawaiian comfort snack that can be made or bought at convenience stores. It consists of a slice of grilled Spam placed over a block of rice and wrapped together with a strip of nori or seaweed.