time to get a hot shower and wash and dry her hair. Smoke was taking her on a tour to the other side of the island. He’d said to dress comfortably and to be sure to wear sensible shoes. Guess they'd be doing plenty of walking. Just because she was big didn’t mean she wasn’t active. She tried to take a five mile walk four to five times a week.
After drying her hair, she applied a little makeup to her eyes, hoping that would make them stand out a little. When she went to the closet, she checked for a nice top to wear, deciding on a light purple button-down. She liked this one because it brought out the color in her eyes, and it hung just right, not too tight, not too loose. Then she chose a pair of black shorts since they were going to be walking, and she didn’t need to get overheated. But they were Bermuda style so her thighs wouldn’t rub and she wouldn’t get any chub burn. That sucked major ass.
She was checking herself in the floor-length mirror when she heard a knock on the front door. At least he’s punctual.
It was exactly four o’clock when Valentina opened the front door to find Smoke standing there with a single daisy in his hand. He shuffled from foot to foot, almost shy and extended his hand to her. “I brought you something.”
She grinned and took the flower. His gaze was riveted on her face, then moved over her body slowly. Something intense flared in his eyes.
They stood at the doorway staring at each other. “Thank you,” she replied quietly. “Come on in.” She held the door open for him to enter. “Let me put this cute thing in some water.”
She went to the kitchen and pulled a glass out of the overhead cabinet.
“You look comfortable enough for what I’ve got planned. I hope you don’t mind a little walk.” He watched her every move. She wondered what he was thinking. To her, it seemed as if he was trying to memorize how she looked at that moment.
“I figured since we were going on a tour that we’d be walking for a while. I didn’t want to slow us down with inappropriate shoes.”
She finished putting the flower in water, came out of the kitchen, grabbed her little backpack off the counter, and headed for the door. She always carried it when she went for walks. A girl never knew when she would need a bandage or a snack.
“Let’s go.” He raised his brows when she pulled the backpack over her shoulder. “That’s a tiny bundle,” he said, his lips twitching and a chuckle sounded from him. “packed to the max.”
She scrunched her nose but laughed. “I like to be prepared.”
When they went outside, she spotted a big truck in front of the bungalow. “I thought we were going on a hike.”
“We are, but we need to get to the trailhead, which is a good way down the road, almost on the other side of the volcano.” He stated matter-of-factly. “We’ll be walking far enough without having to add that distance to the hike.”
When they were settled in the truck, Smoke started the engine, and the truck lurched forward. They traveled several miles before he pulled over to what looked like an old parking lot overrun with weeds.
“I don’t remember seeing this on my map. “
“Probably because it isn’t.” He stated with a cheeky grin that made her want to lick his jaw. The guy was so fine, and it was hard to not be distracted by his sexiness. “Come on, I want you to see something.”
They hiked through thick woods, which looked healthy compared to some on the other side of the volcano.
“At least all the vegetation looks greener over here.” Her eyes moved slowly, taking in the breath-taking sight. They were on a hill overlooking the valley on one side and the volcano on the other.
He was constantly staring at her, but it didn’t bother her. There was both genuine interest and desire in his gaze. It made her revel in the feelings his watching evoked in her.
“You actually find the island interesting, huh?” he asked. “It’s certainly different to see a woman that’s not talking just for show. You ask real questions and are genuinely curious.”
She frowned. “Do women normally fake interest in things to get your attention?”
“Sometimes.”
She shook her head and sighed. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t fake anything if I tried. My face