Free No Foolin' (Willowdale Romance Novel) by Lisa Scott Page B

shrugged. “I never thought I’d get a chance to come to Hawaii. It’s probably no big deal to you, but I think it’s incredible.”
    He stretched out his legs and draped his arm across the seat. “You’re right. It is incredible. Sometimes I forget.”
    She shifted in her seat and looked back out the window again, her chin in her hand.
    He reached across her and put the window back down.
    A THRONG OF photographers clustered outside the hotel, snapping photos as they checked in. Don’t these people ever take a break? she wondered. Teague just smiled and laid his arm across her shoulder. Then his grin dimmed. Kate followed his gaze to the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen holding court in the lobby.
    The woman perked up when she saw him. “If it isn’t T-Rex.” A beautiful, petite blonde, she stood with a hand on her hip, tapping a high-heeled toe. “I’m still wiping your big track marks off my heart.” Her wild, curly hair spilled over her shoulders like ringlets of spun gold. Her huge, round eyes were the oddest shade of amber, and she had breasts that were big, firm and on display for the world to see, but she was pointing them at Teague.
    Kate cursed the anger bubbling inside her. How could a normal person be jealous of someone so unreal?
    Teague’s arm slipped off Kate. “Hey, Simone. How have you been?”
    She walked toward him. “Not as busy as you.” Her eyes flicked over to Kate. “Always looking for a way to keep your name in the rags.”
    Kate looked for the nearest floral arrangement to hide behind, but Teague snagged her hand before she could flee. “I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Kate Riley.”
    Simone stared for another moment, like Kate was an informational safety display. “I read in the papers.” Simone did not offer her hand.
    “Nice to meet you,” Kate said checking out Simone from head to toe hoping to find some tiny flaw. No such luck.
    “We’ve got to check in, Simone.” Teague wouldn’t look Kate in the eyes.
    Kate had to sneak a peek at Simone again to make sure she was real. The woman looked like she’d been airbrushed.
    Simone shook her hair off her shoulders. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you, Teague,” she said, ignoring Kate. “I’m in the suite on the 27 th floor.” She winked at him and sauntered away.
    Kate blew out the breath she’d been holding. “I deserve hazard pay for that.”
    Teague frowned. “My relationships don’t end well, I can tell you that.”
    She glared at Simone and her perfect backside—perfect everything. Kissing Kate must have been like locking lips with his sister in comparison.
    Teague grabbed her hand. “Come on.” They walked up to the desk to check in.
    Kate couldn’t wait to hunker down in her room and hide. Maybe they wouldn’t have to spend much time together at all. She glanced around the lobby, wondering who would make a move on Teague next.
    A slender Hawaiian woman with long, black hair, and a grass skirt approached them with another lei. “Aloha.”
    “Aloha,” Kate said, letting the woman place the flowers around Kate’s neck.
    “And for your husband?” the woman asked, gesturing to Teague.
    “No, not my husband,” Kate said nervously.
    “Boyfriend,” Teague added helpfully, kissing Kate’s cheek.
    “Now, now, honey. Plenty of time for that later,” she said with a tight grin.
    “As you wish.” He smirked.
    The clerk at the desk tapped on his computer. “Ah yes, Mr. Reynolds and guest.” He stared at the screen and his mouth formed a thin line. “I’m afraid we could not accommodate your last-minute request for a suite. But we’ve upgraded you to our beach bungalow. There’s a nice big king bed, and you’re right down by the water on your own private beach.”
    “There’s one king bed?” Kate gripped the counter for support.
    He looked up from the computer. “Yes. Don’t worry. It’s very private. I assure you, these are our finest accommodations.” He nodded with a