Hawaiian Masquerade (Destination Billionaire Romance) (13 page)

“
I
never see
you so happy,” Pika said. He tossed another coconut at Derek. “You look goofy.”

Derek smiled wider and ducked to miss a piece of coconut husk that Pika tossed at him. He wasn’t happy; he was overjoyed, elated, ecstatic, jumping-up-and-down-like-Lexi excited. After his most successful art night in Hanapepe yet, Derek had awoken to his phone ringing with a call from Jordan Burke’s friend, Paul Reedley. Paul asked him if he was ready to begin working and ended the phone call by confirming the address they would ship the new camera and gear to.

Derek might’ve thought he’d died and gone to heaven, except that Lexi wasn’t by his side—and he was still chopping coconuts. Her gorgeous smile and goodness made him keep his word to help Pika today, even though he wanted to take the entire day off and spend it learning more about Lexi. For all the time they’d spent together, Derek didn’t know as much about her as she knew about him.

She didn’t like to talk about her previous life in Chicago. Derek wasn’t sure if there had been another man. She’d never mentioned anything except the brutal job she’d worked for too long. She didn’t show up for his art night, and his disappointment had been hard to hide from the customers. When she texted an apology letting him know that she’d spent the evening helping Kima set up an online site for her woven goods and that time had run away from them, all Derek could think of was how much he wanted to kiss her.

A coconut husk smacked Derek in the arm. “Dude, you’re losing your stride. Stop kissing that girl and get to work.”

“Sorry, man.” Derek chuckled; Pika had read his thoughts accurately. He chopped with renewed vigor. The sooner he finished this load of coconuts, the sooner he could kiss Lexi again.

D
erek hurried
home after work to shower and get ready for his date. Lexi would be there at three-thirty, and even though he tried to calm himself, his insides filled with anticipation. The lookout over the Na Pali coastline was a special place to him, and he was eager to see what Lexi thought of the rugged mountain.

When she arrived a few minutes late, she greeted Derek with a hug and a peck on the lips. She wore denim capris and a light blue T-shirt; her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks. You’re not too shabby yourself,” Lexi replied. “So how’d you get lucky enough to finish early on a Saturday? No competition from Jefe this morning?”

“It was weird. Jefe didn’t show up until we were ready to leave.” Derek stretched his arms over his head. “He said a water heater was delivered to his house this morning. Someone paid for everything, even the install.”

Lexi smiled. “That’s wonderful and good timing.”

Derek nodded, studying Lexi. He wasn’t sure why, but she didn’t seem particularly surprised about Jefe’s water heater.

Before he could ask, Lexi changed the subject. “So I looked into that masquerade ball, and you’re right, there are some big people coming in. Did you know that the Christian rock band 7 Arrows is coming to perform?”

“They are?”

Lexi turned her head and smiled. “So you listen to Christian radio? You’ve heard of them?”

“Sure. They had that big hit a couple years ago that crossed over. It’s the band with male and female singers, right?”

“Derek, you’re going to hear them perform. I’m so jealous.”

“I kind of think you’re jealous of more than the band.”

Lexi pushed his shoulder. “Hey, how would you feel if I was on the auction block?”

“I told you already. I’d mortgage my house.” Derek was only half joking. He interlaced his fingers with hers and brought their hands to his lips. “You’re my golden girl.”

There was something behind her eyes. Her gaze had been soft, yet powerful. He shook his head. It didn’t make sense, but when he looked at her, he saw determination, like she would do anything to be with him.

L
exi walked
beside Derek along the path of red dirt, damp from the moisture that hung heavy in the air over Wai’ale’ale Crater. The back side of the Na Pali coastline butted up against the crater that hosted more rainstorms than anywhere else on the island.

“Are you warm enough?” Derek asked. “I can grab a jacket.”

The sun was playing peek-a-boo with the clouds, so they alternated between the perfect temperature and a tad cooler than comfortable. Lexi stepped forward into a patch of sunlight. “I’m good now, but don’t get the jacket. That’s what snuggling is for.”

Derek pulled her close to him, nuzzling her neck. “Good point.”

“Thanks for bringing me here today. I’ve been looking forward to this since I saw your photos at the first art night.”

“This is my favorite place on earth.” He led her to stand on the edge of the precipice.

The valley expanded below them in a beauty that Lexi would never be able to describe but would love to capture on canvas. The ocean was a silver sheet sparkling against the skyline, and as they stood there, Lexi thought she could hear its distant roar, even though it must have been a couple miles away. Turning slowly, she took in the panorama of bright white waterfalls, dark green plants, and the ever-present red dirt in patches under clusters of bright yellow and fuchsia flowers.

They took pictures with their phones, but they couldn’t capture the vibrant landscape in the same hues and varieties. They’d passed a few people on their way back down to the parking lot when they first arrived, but the area was quiet now. Lexi’s heart swelled with thanksgiving for the intricate beauties that God had created for His children. She was certain that she had stepped into a little piece of heaven as she stood in silence holding Derek’s hand. A peace settled over her as the wind picked up, billowing out from the valley below. She hadn’t figured everything out yet about her new life and her relationship with Derek, but it felt right.

Standing here in Kauai next to him was exactly where she was supposed to be. She closed her eyes and mouthed a silent plea that she could find the courage to tell Derek the truth about her past and how it would continue to affect her future. Back when she and Jordan were conquering the world, no one ever told her that being wealthy would be such a challenge. She wanted to live a normal life, but she also wanted to climb the mountains of the Na Pali coast and talk to God and then drive back down and buy a new water heater for someone like Jefe. She wanted to change lives, and because of her money, she could.

Lexi swallowed and opened her eyes. She turned to Derek. “I think I understand why this place is your favorite.”

Derek nodded. The sun was sinking toward the water, promising a spectacular show of colors as it set.

“Will you bring me back here when you get your new camera? I’d love to give Jordan a glimpse of what he’s missing.”

“I will, on one condition.”

“Okay?”

“That when he comes to visit you, he won’t try to steal you away from here.”

Lexi laughed. “I thought it was going to be something hard. Once Jordan sees this paradise, he’ll stop asking me to come back to work. Besides, I can’t think of anything that would make me ever want to leave this place.”

Derek smiled and wrapped her in a tight embrace. “Me, too.”

He kissed her gently, again and again. Heat rose in her belly, and she trailed her fingers along the back of his neck, trying to get closer. They missed the sunset, but when Derek whispered in her ear, Lexi felt like the sun’s rays had collected in her heart. She touched Derek’s cheek, sliding her fingers over his beard and tracing his sideburns. “You make me feel like I’ve finally come home.”

He hugged her and kissed her forehead. “You have.”

G
racie called
Lexi the next day to tell her that she had set up a time to visit Jordan when she went to Chicago in three weeks. When Lexi told her friend about the masquerade ball, Gracie wasn’t surprised that Derek would be in the lineup. “He’s talented and has more than just good looks. I’m sure they were looking for men like that for the auction.”

“But I’m really worried,” Lexi said. She recounted the conversation that had haunted her for days. “I told him about Eliza, but Derek doesn’t really think it’s a problem.” She pulled off a few dead leaves from the violet she was trying to nurture in her kitchen window. “He said maybe she has a sponsor and she’ll bid on him and try to embarrass him or something.”

“You’ll have to curl your hair. Tons of curls, pinned up all over.”

“What?”

“And your costume will be absolutely stunning. Maybe in a dark purple. You look good in that color.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Lexi, you’re going to that masquerade ball. There’s a reason you met Derek—maybe it’s a bigger reason than you falling in love with him.”

Lexi swallowed. She hadn’t confessed her feelings to Gracie, but she didn’t object to the conclusion that she’d fallen in love with Derek. “I can’t go to the ball. The tickets are, like, two fifty apiece. That’s a pretty big giveaway that I have money.”

“Ugh, you’re still not over that? Girl, you have one week left. Either Derek finds out that you like to swim in money in your spare time, or he doesn’t. I don’t care what he knows or not; you’re going to that ball, and you’re going to be the highest bidder.”

Lexi bit her lip, and a tremor passed through her shoulders. She wanted to do exactly what Gracie proposed. Eliza Crowe was up to something, and Lexi had never liked crows anyway. “I don’t know what kind of mask to get.”

“Yes!” Gracie squealed. “Isn’t it nice that you’re a millionaire and money is no object? Because I just Googled masquerade ball costumes, and you are going to die when I send you this link.”

Gracie was right. Lexi did about die when she clicked the link and it opened to a fabulous gown with alternating shades of purple with a golden sheer layer over the large ruffled skirt. The mask that went with the costume had a beautiful plume of feathers in white, gold, and purple, with golden combs that kept it in place. She closed her eyes and imagined Derek’s face when he saw her in the costume. For a moment, she could see the appreciation in his eyes . . . but then they melted to hurt and betrayal as realization flooded his vision. Lexi shook her head. Maybe it wouldn’t happen that way. If she could tell him before the ball . . .

But then Lexi remembered Derek’s new camera that was on its way courtesy of her meddling, and her shoulders slumped. “There’s no way I can tell him. I’m in too deep. I’ll go and find out who this Eliza chick is working with. If she is the highest bidder, I’ll beat her. Maybe I can keep my identity a secret.”

“Lex, I’m worried that you’re right. You shouldn’t have waited so long to tell Derek the truth.”

“I know. I’ll figure it out, though.”

“You will,” Gracie said. “You always do. Now let’s get your costume ordered. You’re going to have to pay some serious rush fees to get it to Kauai in time.”

Lexi enlarged the image of the costume, scowling at the photo and the trouble she’d gotten herself into. But then she clicked on a 3D image of the mask, and a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. She thought of Derek’s kisses and the way he held her like a treasure. Maybe after she surprised him, Derek would surprise her.

L
exi spent
every spare minute with Derek for the next week. She went with him to be fitted for a specially tailored sport coat. The light gray color brought out the green flecks in his brown eyes. Underneath, he wore a sleek dress shirt in hunter green. The buttons and lining were dark purple, and Lexi smiled when she thought of how he’d look next to her colorful costume. She helped him pick out a clever mask that went well with his beard. He balked at the one-hundred-seventy-five-dollar price tag, but since the mask was made by islanders and paid for by the charity organization, Lexi was able to convince him to order it.

She straightened the lapels of his sport coat, her fingers tracing the unique stitching around the edges of the fabric. “You look good.”

Derek leaned forward and brushed a light kiss on her lips. “Thanks, but this isn’t really my kind of getup.”

Lexi touched the ivory buttons on his sleeve. “It suits you, though. You might think about adding a picture of this—” She motioned to Derek. “—to your portfolio and bio.”

“For you, I might consider it, but only because you’re some kind of business genius.” Derek tapped the end of her nose.

Lexi admired how his broad shoulders filled the cut of the jacket just right. He’d trimmed his beard and hair the day before, and everything about him was crisp and desirable. A little thrill fluttered inside when she thought of her own costume lying on the bed in her spare room. She hoped that circumstances would prevent Derek from finding out her identity, but at the same time, she thought a picture of the two of them together could easily make one of the covers of the magazines covering the event.

“Lex, are you sure you can’t come with me?” Derek asked. The way he used her nickname made her want to kiss him, so she did.

“To the ball? I thought the tickets were sold out.”

“They are, but maybe you could help me get ready. And what about Oahu?” His voice trailed off, a look of insecurity passing over him. Lexi fell one more step in love with him. He was so humble, he really had no idea what his furrowed brows did to her.

Derek had been invited to hop over to Oahu on Thursday and Friday to participate in a publicity shoot for some of the big names coming in to Kauai on Saturday. With his new gear, he was like a kid on Christmas. Lexi couldn’t be happier for him, but she would miss him.

“I want to come, but I promised Jordan that I would cover for him this weekend. I’m hoping that he won’t end up needing me, but just in case, I’d better stay here.” She didn’t elaborate that the work she would be doing was for Burke’s Higher Steps—something she’d volunteered for before ever moving to Kauai.

“I’ll miss you.”

“But I’ll see you sometime Sunday, right?”

Derek nodded. “Wish me luck. I’ll call you soon.”

W
ith the help
of Jordan’s assistant, Porter, Burke Enterprises was registered for the masquerade ball, and Lexi had the authority to bid for one of the bachelors. A beautifully designed brochure was emailed to her with full-color photos of the fifteen bachelors. Even if Lexi wasn’t completely biased, Derek stood out from the others. With his rugged, sexy appeal and the way his dark eyebrows arched over his deep-set eyes, Lexi knew there would be several bidders. She touched her computer screen where Derek held on to his suit jacket, the tendons in his hands standing out. She imagined the feel of his muscular arms around her and smiled. Derek was irresistible in more ways than his looks. With the help of positive affirmation, Lexi envisioned Derek’s face creasing in his characteristic grin when she won the bid for an exclusive date with him. The outing would include a photo shoot where Derek would show the lucky winner how he worked and some of his favorite places on the island to photograph, including his undersea expertise.

Each bachelor offered a specific appeal for his exclusive date, and they included a range of talents. There was a helicopter pilot from one of the local tour companies, a captain of a deep-sea fishing vessel, an actor, an agronomist from the farming sector of Kauai’s lush fields, a novelist, and a prize-winning surfer.

There were dozens of sponsors for the event, and if she could keep Derek safe from Eliza, Burke Enterprises would be a regular contributor so that he wouldn’t ever have to be up for auction again.

On the day of the masquerade ball, Lexi’s nerves were frayed. She’d spent several hours trolling the internet and studying Eliza Crowe, but hadn’t discovered her motive. Lexi even enlisted the help of one of her old virtual assistants, and finally, on Saturday morning, they found a suspicious-looking tweet.

The message trail indicated that Eliza had been positioning herself to get in the good graces of a large souvenir photography company called GlobePhoto. Lexi studied the short sentence, scrutinizing it for any hidden meaning she was missing.

My new partner & I will be swapping photos tomorrow pre-masquerade ball to prep for our debut with GlobePhoto! Aloha world!

Lexi tried to tell herself that it didn’t have anything to do with Derek, but every time she read it, chills ran along the back of her shoulders. Derek was a prime candidate for a company like GlobePhoto because of his experience capturing the different terrains of Kauai. But Derek would never agree to give up his own company to go with the huge conglomerate, especially now that he was involved with his new venture. Lexi and her personal assistant searched through every piece of information they could find, but there were no clues as to how Eliza might be able to pressure Derek into working with her.

Trying to get her mind to rest, Lexi clicked back to the image of Derek in his new jacket. Man, he was good-looking. Reading over the summary of his date made something click in her mind that filled her stomach with ice. The winning date for Derek included taking the person on a photo shoot to watch him work, specifically his unique underwater photography. He was one of the few on the island who could capture marine life in a way that sparked the interest of everyone from casual admirers to other photographers. Was Eliza hoping to steal his techniques, or would she form an alliance with GlobePhoto behind Derek’s back?

Lexi shook her head. It didn’t matter if she couldn’t solve the mystery, as long as she kept Derek out of Eliza’s clutches.