“Tomorrow’s shoot, the one we were supposed to do after the animals today, will be at a waterfall,” Duke told her. “The place is gorgeous. I really think you’re going to like it.”
Vivi lifted her gaze. “Sounds nice.”
“I think they plan to do a few at this vineyard the following day. We’ll helicopter to that one.”
“Oh,” Viv said. “That soundsverynice.”
He liked the playful inflection in her voice, but Duke sensed Viv hadn’t fully recovered from their prior conversation. She seemed to be watching him. Waiting to see if he’d act differently.
“I could arrange for a wine tasting afterward,” he added. “If you’d like.”
Her cheekbones lifted, indicating a smile was close behind. “I would like that, if there’s time.”
“Oh, there’ll be time. I told the crew I didn’t want to rush things while we were here, in case you wanted to explore during your trip.”
“And they were okay with that?” she asked. “I would think that Rico Shimwah, and Zee for that matter, would have other matters to attend to.”
“Oh they do, no doubt. But they also appreciate a good reason to slow down and experience thepura vida. They had no problem spreading the job into five or six days.”
“It really is a beautiful place. What else do you like to do while you’re here?”
Now they were getting someplace. The energy was shifting back to where it’d been before; Duke could see it in the lift of her shoulders. And by the way she’d picked up her skewer once more and began eyeing the selection.
“There’s an incredible zip-line beside the waterfall. Well, there are two, actually. One where you sit chair-style while you ride and another that suspends you in flying mode, like Superman.”
Vivi’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding. Have you done both of them?”
“Several times,” he said with a nod. “The guy who owns them—you should meet him—he’s a local who simply had a dream and a drive—it’s been rewarding to see that come to life for him.”
A smile formed at Vivi’s lips. “It seems like you know a bunch of the people here. There really is a reason you were so popular most of your life. You invest in people. Take an interest in what they’re doing. Listen long enough to learn their story.” She took a sip of her drink before setting it back on the table. “Do you realize that that’s unique?”
Duke shrugged as his face warmed. “I don’t know.”
“Hmm.” Her grin hadn’t faded just yet, and Duke felt the heat of it all the way to his toes.
“I love your smile,” he said, not sure he’d even meant to say it aloud. A thought came to mind, a question he could ask in turn. “Doyourealize that the journalists I know are more interested in giving the masses what they want? Something meaty that the media can sink their teeth into?”
Vivi did a one-shoulder shrug. “I’m not like the journalists you know.”
“And you’re not like the women I know either.” That familiar warmth sparked back up as she held his gaze from across the table. A table that seemed to be in his way in the moment.
“How about we stroll along the poolside before dessert. You up for that?”
Her eyes widened. “At night?”
“Yes,” he said. “I’ve got a wading pool along the edge of the property. Some chairs to sink back into. It’s beautiful during this hour. Serene.”
Viv dabbed her lips with the napkin and gave him a nod. “Okay, that sounds nice.”
Duke did a mental fist pump and scooted back his chair. He dropped his napkin on his plate, came to a stand, and took Vivi’s hand as she did the same.
“Here,” he said, keeping a hold of that hand. “I’ll show you the secret passageway.”
Viv didn’t resist the handhold. In fact, as Duke ducked beneath an imposing branch, encouraging her to do the same, she gave his hand a playful squeeze.
He picked up the pace as they headed along a bamboo bridge, a warm breeze rustling the leaves casing either side.
Suddenly Vivi let out a squeal and pulled back on his hand. “Oh, my shoe.”
