Free 'Tis the Season: A Collection of Mimi's Christmas Books by Mimi Barbour

mess, then he ordered two more coffees. Today he wore a white Hawaiian short-sleeved shirt and black slacks that fit his body in a way they should, while screaming casual elegance.
    “Such a big-hearted girl, worrying about everyone. But you can relax. Today I’m feeling generous and understanding. On the other hand, I’ve come to inform you that the hotel staff will be moving your belongings to one of their hospitality suites at no expense to you whatsoever. It’s the least they can do as a goodwill gesture after what you suffered last night.”
    “But Kale, that’s not at all necessary. I didn’t suffer any more than you did. In fact, I consider the hour we spent together as being one of the high spots of my day. Not quite as scintillating as cuddling with the drunk on the airplane, but close.”
    “You’re teasing, right?”
    “What do you think?” She grinned and relaxed when he returned the cheeky smile with a grin of his own. From the corner of her eye, Leilani spotted Pi rushing her way. A sigh escaped before she could stop it. Oh well!
    “Leilani! I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. Parking spots are impossible to find. I hope you weren’t worried.”
    “Hello, Pi. I’ve been visiting with Kale and didn’t realize how the time has flown.” She took the older man’s outstretched hand rather than shaking it formally, and paused next to him. Then she turned to look up at Kale who now stood across from her. “Kale, I’d like you to meet my new friend and driver, Pi.”
    The two men shook hands and Kale continued with the introduction. “Kale Jordan, I’m pleased to meet you.”
    Despite her calm outward appearance, her knees became weak, and then a humming started inside as if a string had been plucked, and finally her heart sighed with sorrow for the end of unattainable desires. Without Pi’s hand to cling to, she would have buckled and plopped back down in her chair. Kale Jordan was the owner of the Jordan hotel chain—that Mr. Jordan?
    Double freakin’ damnation!
    * * *
    Soon she was in the taxi with Pi, driving down Kalakaua Avenue, one of the busiest thoroughfares in Waikiki. Colorfully outfitted tourists rushed in every direction; their old tendencies so much a part of them that even on holidays they couldn’t seem to break the habit. She watched; she saw, but nothing computed.
    “You didn’t know he was the big boss man, did you?” Pi’s voice seemed to come from a long distance.
    “Nope! Guess it showed.”
    “Yep! Guess it did but you must remember he’s no different than anyone else, Leilani.”
    “Of course he isn’t, Pi—just richer, smarter and used to a different class of people than a poor nurse from Canada.”
    “You mean, a beautiful, well-educated, kind-hearted nurse from Canada. The man should be so lucky.”
    “Aww… you sweet-talker. That’ll get you an even better tip than I’d planned.”
    “If that’s all it’s gonna take, watch me. I can string out the compliments with the best of them. Seriously, little one, any man would be lucky to catch your interest. Now where are we off to in such a hurry?”
    Once Leilani gave him the address and a few particulars about the relationship she had with the lady she’d soon meet, she relaxed back into the seat and enjoyed the scenery, while at the same time saying good-by to a dream.
    Within fifteen minutes, they pulled into the gravel driveway of a rundown property. The dated house sat at the front of the lot, and a few bushes and half-dead trees to the side failed to hide a small barn. An ancient jeep, parked next to the veranda, had certainly seen better days.
    “I know this piece of land, Leilani. At one time, the residents owned a large plantation. Then the older generation died off, and their children have sold it piecemeal, probably so they could afford the upkeep at today’s prices. I think this lot is all they have left now.”
    “How sad it is to have to part with one’s heritage? Poor Auntie! It must