In Deep Kimchi - By Imari Jade Page 0,71

why?"

"Because I have a feeling that there is more to Shaundra Morrison than meets the eye."

Shaundra reached for her glass of water and took a big sip before answering. "No there isn't."

"Come to Osaka and prove it to me."

"Ichiro and Yori won't let you get near me."

"I'm near you now and, besides, Masaaki has warned them to stop this bickering."

Takumijo entered the restaurant and headed toward their table. He was dressed in a pair of jeans that rode low on his narrow hips, a white sleeveless sweatshirt that had seen better days, and a pair of sandals. His long hair was mussed like he'd just stepped out of the showers.

Damn, is this misery ever going to end? "Satoshi, this is low even for you."

Satoshi straightened up in the seat. "What do you mean?" he asked innocently.

Devil child. She picked up her cup of coffee and sipped as she eyed Takumijo's muscles.

Takumijo joined them at the table. "Sneaking out with Ms. Morrison for an early morning rendezvous while Yori and Ichiro are stuck in their rooms like two caged animals."

Shaundra smiled from behind her cup of coffee and tried not to choke.

"No, I believe I have done worse stuff, and you could at least say good morning."

Takumijo said something swiftly in Japanese and signaled for the waitress. The young woman hurried over bearing a menu and a very big smile. "I'll have what they're having, but double portions. That workout has me famished." The waitress went off giggling. "What are you two up to this morning?" he asked, reaching for a piece of sausage from Satoshi's plate.

"We are discussing Ms. Morrison's trip to Osaka with us."

"You're going to like Osaka. It's very beautiful this time of year, and you have to see our home. It has a rehearsal and a dance studio."

Shaundra cut into a pancake and popped it into her mouth. She chewed carefully and then swallowed. "I think those are the most words I've heard you say since we met." Dry panties, yeah. Takumijo did not see her as a conquest.

"I figured it was about time I got acquainted with the woman who may or may not be the end of Aomori."

"Damn," Shaundra replied as she frowned at him. "Maybe you shouldn't talk to me."

"All I'm saying is you have three of my friends all emotionally involved with you. So, if you're going to come with us to Osaka, I guess I have to be the one to protect you from them."

The waitress returned with his food and Takumijo rewarded her with a smile and sent her on her way.

Satoshi made a face. "I don't see why all these women like you."

Takumijo flexed a muscle at him. "Because they have good taste." He began eating his meal.

Satoshi touched her hair again. "Ms. Morrison does not need protection from me. I am harmless."

Shaundra brushed it away.

Takumijo swallowed. "About as harmless as a tarantula. I bet you've already made a pass at her. He turned to her. "Don't be taken in by his sweet talk. Behind those big brown eyes beats the mind of a serial Romeo."

Shaundra laughed. She hadn't known Takumijo had such a sense of humor. "I'll be on my guard."

"So, you are agreeing to come to Osaka?"

Ichiro entered the restaurant dressed in a pair of black jeans with silver chains running through the belt hoops and around one of his legs. He also wore a skin-tight, black sleeveless T-shirt that showed off the muscles of his well-developed chest. His hair was pulled back in a ponytail and the most of it was shoved beneath a baseball cap except the tail and the bangs.

Talk about adorable and sexy.

Satoshi followed her eyes to the door. The crotch of her panties dampened.

"Your eyes didn't flicker like that when Takumijo walked in."

Shaundra blushed. Busted.

"Our baby has grown into a babe magnet," he told Takumijo.

Shaundra fanned herself. "He sure has."

Ichiro walked over to her at the table, bowed, and then kissed her hand as he sat down next to her. He smacked his lips. "Maple syrup."

"Care to join us?" She spotted the bruise under his eye. She reached out and touched it. Ichiro winced. "I guess that hurts."

"Well worth it."

She ran her finger down his cheek to his chin. "Hopefully it will never happen again." She beckoned him closer and kissed the spot.

"I have a bruise right here," Satoshi told her for attention." He pointed to his lips.

Shaundra got over, walked over to him and kissed on him on the lips, surprising him,