by A. P. Jensen
“What about your dad?”
“He died before I got married. He was on a fishing trip, went overboard in a bad storm.”
“I’m sorry.”
Dominick looked up from his blueprint. “We weren’t close.”
“So, you just have distant relatives?”
“Yes.”
“Do they visit?”
“No.”
Juliet frowned. “Then why do you have such a big house? All the rooms are furnished.”
Dominick raised a brow. “We live in Hawaii.”
“So?”
“You saw what happened last night. People show up, sometimes they drink too much and can’t drive home.”
“So, you built a six-bedroom house for friends to crash here?”
“I like having lots of room.”
“You don’t say.”
“I have a housekeeper. She comes in once a week and cleans up.”
He lived modestly compared to what he could afford. Instead of building a mansion on the coast, he decided to live in town with cows and pastures in his backyard.
They spent the morning going over paperwork that he wanted her to do. The facets of his company and the amount of money on the table was mind boggling. She shouldn’t be surprised since this was Hawaii and the real estate game was insane. Only the wealthiest could afford homes here and Dominick was the man who built them. He had so many contracts that she had a hard time keeping track. How he managed with a part-time bookkeeper was beyond her. Apparently, Dominick spent a crap load of time doing paperwork because he was, indeed, a control freak. Why he was handing a huge portion of responsibility to her was a mystery. But, Juliet couldn’t deny that it whetted her appetite. The urge to dive in and organize was overwhelming. Despite Dominick’s logic, she sensed he was drawing her deeper, knowing that her sense of responsibility would keep her bound to him. She felt compelled to help Dominick and he was giving her ample opportunity to do just that. He was way too discerning for her peace of mind.
Juliet’s phone beeped. She looked at the screen and said, “Maile wants me to see the building where she wants to put her second shop.”
“When?” Dominick asked.
“After she closes the consignment shop, around five fifteen.”
“Are you going to go?”
“Yeah. Maile will pick me up.” She brushed a hand over her face. She was pleased that the color of her bruises had faded and became a distant ache. With makeup and her hair covering some of her face, she would be presentable.
Dominick’s phone rang. Juliet opened an email Maile forwarded her with the specs of the building.
“Okay. I’ll be there in an hour,” Dominick said.
Juliet paused with her hands on the keys. “What’s wrong?”
“The guys need me,” Dominick said and regarded her silently.
“I’m fine,” she stressed.
“Are you?”
“Freddy’s gone and you make me feel safe. I’m fine. Go.”
Dominick surged out of his chair and came to her. He raised her face and kissed her hard. Juliet gave herself up to him, rising and wrapping her arms around him. Dominick kissed her until her lips were swollen and she was desperate for him. His eyes were hazy with lust when he pulled away.
“You feel safe with me?” he asked.
“Yes.” Dominick held her when she cried. There was no doubt in her mind that if anything happened, Dominick would be right beside her.
“Good.” He gave her another kiss and then drew away. “I have to go.”
“Now?” she demanded indignantly.
“Yeah. I’ll be home tonight.”
Juliet glared as he walked out of the office. “Seriously?”
“I’ll make it up to you tonight!” Dominick shouted as he walked away.
Juliet met Maile and a large woman with long, shimmery earrings at the front door of their potential shop. Maile introduced her partner Pauline who led them into a nice-sized building with old, push up windows and worn carpet. Pauline gave them the tour and talked about the improvements they could make. There was a lot that needed to be done, but Juliet saw the potential and the location was perfect.
“What do you think?” Pauline asked Maile.
Maile glanced at Juliet who nodded. It would take some time and money, but it was a great opportunity and since Maile was going in with a partner there was less risk.
“Let’s do it!” Maile said.
Pauline jumped up and down and hugged Maile and then Juliet. They spent another hour going into more detail about the changes that needed to be made to the space and the contract between the two partners. Juliet took notes since Maile didn’t bother. They walked out of the shop with Maile’s arm around Juliet’s waist. They waved at Pauline and surveyed the front of the empty building, which looked dingy right now, but they both imagined what it could be.
“I’m damn proud of you, Maile,” Juliet said.
“Yeah?”
“You’re opening a second business and you’re doing it all on your own.”
“That’s what you wanted, right? Your own business? You can do it here, Juliet.”
Juliet shook her head. “I wanted a business because I wanted something no one could take away. Gray proved me wrong. Besides, the only reason I wanted a business is because I wanted to prove the Grants wrong. That’s not a good reason to kill myself working sixty-hour weeks.”
“You like business, though, right?”
“I liked being part of a business, of being able to guide the fate of a company. I’ve been trying for over ten years. Now I’m just tired.”
“You’re a part of my business and Sumi’s.” Maile squeezed her side. “You can recoup now that Freddy’s gone.”
“You forgot about Gray.”
“You can ruin him.”
“And he can ruin me.”
“He can’t ruin Dominick or Brent without their say so. You have more power than he does. Use it.”
“I just want him to leave me alone. I’m tired of fighting with everyone.”
“You’ve had a nerve-wracking week. You crashed Lee’s wedding, become my bookkeeper, started dating Dominick Bryson, saved Callie from her abusive husband and have been assaulted, blackmailed and threatened. I think you can only go up from here,” Maile drawled.
They laughed together. Juliet enjoyed the simple moment with her best friend and hugged her tight. She needed this. She missed Maile’s companionship, wit and understanding. Maile knew her better than anyone in the world because she knew where Juliet came from. Maile understood her without Juliet saying a word.
“Let’s celebrate,” Maile said.
“Where?”
“Hunter’s Bar.”
“Of course,” Juliet said, heart sinking. There was nowhere else to go in Waimea. Her makeup job was good enough that Pauline hadn’t suspected anything. Between Todd and Freddy, the bar wasn’t her favorite place to go, not to mention Hunter. What did he think about his half-sister after all he witnessed? Juliet didn’t want to ruin Maile’s mood, though, so she agreed. Plus, she had to pick up the bug.
The parking lot was full and she could only imagine what lay in wait for her. Maile led the way through the throng. Juliet kept her eyes down. Hunter manned the bar with his customary scowl. He nodded to her, but said nothing as he poured drinks. As Juliet waited patiently for Hunter to make his way towards her, Maile circulated, hugging, kissing and fist bumping with everyone. Juliet glanced around the bar and couldn’t help gathering all the empties and putting them in the back. Hunter glanced at her, but didn’t comment. She was aware of the whispers as she glided through the crowd, but no one attempted to talk to her and that was fine with her.
“Hey.”
Juliet jumped when someone grabbed her around the waist. She looked up at Kai and instantly relaxed. “Hey.”
“What are you doing?”
“Helping Hunter.”
Kai’s brows rose and he glanced at Hunter as
he cursed someone out at the bar. “Why?”
“He needs it.”
Kai shook his head and then eyed her closely. “Been hearing some weird shit.”
“Like?”
“Dominick beating the shit out of Freddy.”
Juliet said nothing and his eyes narrowed.
“Dominick wouldn’t do that for Callie and word is Hunter was there too.” He paused, allowing her to fill in the gaps. She didn’t. “Freddy do something to you?”
“It’s taken care of.”
Kai brushed her hair back with the familiarity of an ex-lover and close friend. She and Kai had dark history, which forged a bond between them that lasted all this time, despite their breakup. As Todd’s nasty words came back to her, she drew a deep breath.
“Todd told me that people think Mom killed herself because I was pregnant.”
“Todd? Todd Burns? What does he have to do with anything?” Kai asked harshly.
“I ran into him two days ago. He seems to think I cheated on him with you,” Juliet said.
Kai slashed his hand through the air. “Todd is nothing. I’ll talk to him.”
“Is that why you and Lee don’t talk?” Juliet asked quietly. “He blames you for Mom’s suicide?”
“What else did Todd say?” Kai asked cautiously.
He was still trying to protect her even after all this time. “That I’m a selfish, spoiled slut. You know, the norm.”
“And you believe him?”
Juliet said nothing.
Kai snorted. “You’re the least selfish person I know.”
“I was pretty selfish with you. I asked you to come with me and you supported me when I couldn’t function. You were miserable.”
“I chose to go with you and I was miserable because I knew nothing I did would make you happy.”
“I’m so sorry—” she began
“Don’t let anyone tell you what you are. You understand me? No one.”
Juliet swallowed hard.
“You should tell Brent the truth,” Kai said.
Juliet tried to pull away. His hands moved down to her hips and gripped, keeping her close to him.
“If you don’t tell the truth, it’ll stay buried and Gray will make your life hell.”
“If they knew the truth, they might join him in torturing me.”
“Scarlet, Brent and Lee have their own minds. Trust them to make the right decision.”
“I’ll think about it,” Juliet said.
Kai sighed, knowing she had no intention of revealing the truth about Annie’s suicide. His lips twitched. “I heard you used the moves I taught you on Freddy.”
“He’s gonna get more of it in the future,” Juliet said darkly.
Kai drew her against him. “I’m glad you’re back,” he said in her ear.
Juliet hugged him because she couldn’t speak.
“You know I love you, right?”
Juliet drew back and searched his eyes. He grinned and she was forcefully reminded of the boy who kissed her in the field the night her life changed forever. If it wasn’t for Kai, she may not be here today. She owed him so much.
“I love you too,” she said solemnly. “I owe you so much, I’ll never be able to repay—”
He gave her a small shake. “Juliet, stop.”
“But—”
“Hey, guys!” Maile said, interrupting their intimate moment.
“Uh, hey,” Juliet said.
“I think we should do a beach day tomorrow!” Maile turned to Kai. “Wanna come?”
Kai shrugged. “Sounds fun.”
“And you, Hunter? Want to go to the beach tomorrow?” Maile asked as he cut through the crowd.
Hunter paused and glanced at the group before he said, “I have the bar.”
“So? Just open for dinner. You own the joint, you can do what you want,” Maile said.
Hunter grunted and continued through the crowd to deliver drinks to his patrons. A large body pressed against her back. Kai’s hands dropped from her instantly. Juliet turned and saw Dominick eyeing Kai with an unreadable expression.
“Oh. Hi, how did you know we were here?” Juliet asked.
“I called you, but you didn’t answer. Maile answered her phone,” Dominick said shortly and focused on Kai again. “Kai.”
“Boss,” Kai said and disappeared into the crowd.
Juliet watched Dominick uncertainly. He knew Kai was an ex. He must know there wasn’t anything sexual going on between them. She put her hand on his chest to get his attention. “I’m glad Maile told you where we were.”
Dominick said nothing, he just looked down at her. People passed around them, jostling them closer to one another. Juliet placed her hands on his sides.
“Nothing’s going on between Kai and I. You know that, right?” Juliet asked.
“He was touching you.”
Juliet was surprised by his possessiveness. He was normally so coolheaded that the edge of jealousy in his voice took her aback. “We’ve known each other forever.”
“Why didn’t Maile go with you to the mainland instead of Kai? I have a hard time imagining that she wouldn’t drop everything for you.”
“It wasn’t safe—” she began and stopped, knowing she was treading into murky territory.
Dominick’s eyes probed hers. She had no idea what he saw on her face, but his thumb brushed over her cheek before he spoke.
“Kai had a bad work history. I took him on despite his bad references. He’s been with me for four years and hasn’t missed a day of work.” Dominick searched her eyes. “Is it because of Gray?”
“Yes.”
“How does Kai fit into the night your mother died?”
“He was there,” Juliet said.
“We can’t avoid the story forever.”
She wasn’t sure she could recount the night Annie committed suicide. It was the worst night of her life. How would Dominick look at her if he knew the truth?
“Come on, let’s get a beer,” Dominick said.
He grasped her hand and led her to the bar. He was stopped frequently by men who appeared to be his employees or business acquaintances. Eyes flicked to her. Those who knew her made an effort at small talk. It was clear that Dominick was respected and an important pillar in the community. He not only provided jobs for locals, he also helped build homes at a fraction of the cost.
When they reached the bar, she said, “Maile wants to go to the beach tomorrow.”
“Fine with me. How did the tour for her second shop go?”
“Great. She’s going to take it. They have to get some work done before they open, which might take a while, but I think it’ll be awesome.”
“What kind of work?”
“They want to take the carpet out. Pauline needs custom counters built and the place needs a paint job.”
“I’ll talk to Pauline.”
Juliet blinked. “Why?”
Dominick raised a brow. “Construction is my business.”
“Uh, thanks.”
“It’s a small community. We have to help each other.”
Before she could comment, she heard a glass shatter somewhere behind her. Hunter was nowhere to be found. Juliet pat Dominick on the hand before she leapt off her stool and went into the kitchen where Hunter was at the grill. He looked up when she breezed in.
“Broken glass,” she called over the noise from the bar.
Hunter turned back to the grill without a word. She grabbed the broom, dustpan and rag and made her way through the throng. A woman apologized profusely, but Juliet waved that away as she cleaned it up and passed Hunter who delivered plates to a table and slid beers across the bar. Noticing that Dominick was talking to someone, she did three passes, gathering all the empties, deposited them into bins and then loaded up the dishwasher.
When Juliet made her way back to Dominick, Hunter paused in front of them.
“What do you want?” Hunter barked.
“My regular,” Juliet said.
Hunter nodded and slammed his way back into the kitchen. Dominick looked down at her.
“What are you doing?”
People were asking her that question a lot lately. “Helping Hunter. He’s overloaded.”
“And he lets you?”
He didn’t have a choice. Juliet shrugged and said, “Yeah. It’s simple enough to clear up the empty glasses and bottles. The other day I delivered some meals.”
Dominick stared at her. “When the hell did you have time to become a waitress?”
Before Juliet could answer, Maile showed up.
“You wanna play pool?” Maile asked Juliet. “Us against the boys.”
“I’m rusty,” Juliet said.
“So, what? It’ll be fun.”
“You play pool?” Dominick asked her.
“Used to.”
“Come on!” Maile said and grabbed her arm.
In short order, Juliet had her cue chalked and was leaning over the pool table to take her shot. Juliet was dimly aware of Dominick and a host of others watching. Juliet’s mouth watered as Hunter approached with her burger. He paused when she took her shot. Juliet was immensely satisfied when she pocketed three balls before she went to Hunter.
“You distracted me with this,” she said, taking the plate from him. “Do you have utensils?”
“You’re kidding me, right?” Hunter growled.
“I have chalk on my hand!” She nabbed a fry and watched a cowboy take a shot. “You coming to the beach tomorrow?”
“We’ll see. I didn’t know you could play,” Hunter said.
“Maile liked to gamble when we were in school. Pool is the only game we both did pretty well.”
Kai ambled up and stole a fry. “Hey, Hunter, can I get one of these when you have a chance?”
“Do I look like I have time to make you a fucking burger?” Hunter snapped, gesturing to the packed bar.
“You made one for Juliet,” Kai said.
“So?” Hunter challenged.
Kai looked between them. “You two patching things up?”
“Nothing to patch up,” Hunter said scathingly.
“Patch what up?” Dominick asked as he joined their group.
Juliet and Hunter glared at Kai who shrugged and stole another fry. Hunter walked away without another word. Juliet used a napkin to hold her burger while Dominick watched her.