Page 19 of Stone (Claimed and Protected #3)

D aniella

Shopping with a man was unique and something I’d had no experience with. Other than the one time my mom had dragged my father with her when we’d picked out my prom dress. The experience had been horrible. His idea of appropriate and mine had been completely different.

Watching the way Stone hovered around me yet kept his distance when inside the two general stores had been amusing. The quaint locations had been in the heart of the small city, clothes crammed together with everything from decorative candles and baseball hats to toiletries and books.

He’d insisted I stock up on anything I needed, ensuring I also purchased appropriate boots and shoes. When he’d tossed a bathing suit into the basket, I’d been unable to keep from chiding him.

“Do you have everything you need?” he asked.

To see the big, gruff man balancing a dozen packages in his arms almost had me reaching for his phone.

He certainly didn’t fit in with the tourist crowd, most of whom were wearing bathing suits and cover-ups, several of the men wearing garish Hawaiian shirts.

He was still in a black tee shirt and matching cargo pants. With his thick, clunky work boots, he appeared like a strapping Navy SEAL he’d become. Just witnessing what he could do with a weapon, let alone how he handled an airplane had me wondering what other skills he’d acquired.

The island was even more beautiful than I’d envisioned. The beaches were pristine, the aquamarine water crystal clear, and the flowers and other foliage teeming in vivid colors of fuchsia, tangerine, and violet.

Every store we’d stopped at, the people were friendly, islanders and tourists waving.

While there were smaller homes, all with spectacular views, there were also massive estates hidden behind gates and stone walls.

“I think this will do,” I said, laughing as I pointed to the number of bags filled with items. “What about food? I’m starving. Any good cheeseburgers around here?”

“Not like when we were kids. However, I suggest we finish shopping so we can get purchase a few things for tonight.”

“Let me guess. TV dinners?” A tease from the past. He’d lived off them when we were dating.

“As I said,” he chided. “You don’t know me very well. Come on. One last store before I take you to the best grocery store you’ll ever experience.”

“I think I have enough clothes for a month before needing to wash them.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.” He didn’t wait for me to object, somehow managing to open the door while carrying the packages.

I shouldn’t be surprised his vehicle of choice was a Jeep; the open-air Wrangler was perfect for him. After tossing the bags in the back, he hopped in without using the door. It was so like him.

As soon as I hopped in, he slipped on his sunglasses, giving me one of those looks that allowed me to know he was holding something back.

With few stores, and only a handful of restaurants, when he made a turn down a long winding driveway, I had no idea what to expect.

What I found was another quaint house surrounded by a lavish garden, including a bridge that appeared to float across a body of water.

There were flowers everywhere both growing naturally and in hanging baskets.

The number of palm trees was incredible and even before he stopped the engine, I could hear wildlife teeming in the lush forest.

There were several vehicles and it took me a few minutes to realize this wasn’t a private residence. “The Lanai Art Center.”

“Yep.”

“Why did you bring me here?” I was floored. He’d once told me he’d remembered everything about me. I hadn’t believed him, especially after so much time had passed, but as usual, he was proving me wrong. I continued tingling all over, uncertain what to say.

Stone cut the engine, grabbing his keys, but acted as if there wasn’t anything to worry about with the back being filled with packages. “A special island tradition. You’ll see.”

The building itself was a surprise, deceiving in size.

As soon as we walked in, I was shocked by the incredible space.

There were two walls completely open to the outdoors and even when standing in the entrance foyer, I could see incredible areas outside with gazebos, various sitting areas, and trellises with oversized cages filled with the most colorful birds I’d ever seen.

There were people everywhere taking advantage of the incredible scenery. And it seemed everyone was painting or sketching. One woman was going from easel to easel, encouraging the artists or answering questions.

Just like I’d thought about doing.

“What is this place? How do you know about it?”

“As you pointed out, Lanai is a smaller island. This is part art gallery highlighting local artists, part teaching facility for different media methods for beginners to experts, and part art supply store.”

Just then, the teacher lifted her head, waving at Stone who raised his chin.

“You know her?” I felt a sudden pang of jealousy, which was ridiculous.

“We’ve met.”

“Is she your girlfriend?”

He lifted his eyebrows as he tipped his head in my direction. His eyes were unreadable. “She’s old enough to be my mother.”

“Hmmm…”

His laugh sent quivers down my spine. “I thought since you were going to be spending considerable time in Hawaii, you might want to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. Maybe pick up a few supplies. I’d love to see you paint again.”

“You would, huh?”

“Yeah, I would.”

I fisted my hands, feeling a tightness in my throat. Another fleeting thought of staying here permanently was shoved aside. “I can’t believe you brought me here. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Go on. Take your time. I’ll be here when you’re finished. Just tell Amanda to put everything on my account.”

“Your account?”

“I’ve picked up a few pieces over the years.”

I turned to face him, struggling with finding the right words of gratitude. “Thank you, Stone. I know being here is such an inconvenience. I hope I don’t interfere with your girlfriend or…”

Sighing, he rubbed his hand down my arm.

“Dani. No matter the attraction I have for you, if I was involved with anyone even on a casual level, what happened two nights ago wouldn’t have occurred.

I might be a dangerous guy, at least according to your father, but I’m not that kind of man.

Like I said, just take your time.” He headed for the door, stopping just before walking out.

“And by the way, you aren’t an inconvenience at all. It’s good to have a visitor.”

A visitor.

That was another reminder of the decision we’d made. There would be nothing else between us. Even if there was, my guess was the moments would be laced with regrets.

I couldn’t go through that again. If I did, my heart would finally shatter into a million pieces.