“The restaurant is Leilani, which is in a small village known as Mahina.” He stole glances at her while they walked. “Leilani means heavenly flower, and the moon is mahina.”
“Got it,” she said with a smile that warmed his insides.
Bailey was animated with her pleasure and excitement as Seth pointed out the broad-leafed elephant ears, golden pothos, and ferns, as well as more colorful foliage like coleus and snowbush. She loved the kamani trees with their large yellow flowers that were abundant on Momi.
Hibiscus and lantana both grew in Arizona, and she was familiar with ginger and bird of paradise. However, she was not so familiar with other plants native to Hawaii, like heliconia and protea.
He took her along a path that went behind Mahina. They walked out of the tropical paradise into the small village at the far end.
“I love this,” she said. “It’s tucked away, like a jewel.”
“That’s a good way of putting it.”
Small shops made of stone with carved wood pillars, roofs made of palm fronds, and open windows, lined the narrow village street. Bailey watched kids chasing each other beneath palm trees while a man played a ukulele in front of a canoe rental place.
“A river with a great waterfall isn’t far,” he said, and her eyes lit up. “You can get to a fern grotto by canoe. It’s amazing, and since Momi is such a small island, it’s a best-kept secret.”
“I want to see it all.” She clapped her hands together. “I’m so glad I have two weeks to explore everything.”
“That’s how long I’ll be here this time around,” he said. “I’d stay longer, but business calls.” He pointed to a small, open-air restaurant that looked filled to the brim with customers. “There’s Leilani.”
Bailey put her palm to her stomach. “I can’t remember the last time I ate today. Don’t be surprised if I eat everything on the menu.”
He laughed. “You’d love it all.”
When they walked through the doorway, they were greeted by the owner, who hugged Seth. “Where have you been?” the large woman asked while sweeping him and Bailey through the archway. “Come in, come in.”
“Yeah, it’s been too long.” Seth turned to Bailey. “Meet Hokulani, the owner of Leilani.” He in turn introduced the woman to Bailey. “I’ve known Hokulani since I first came to the island, back when I was a teenager.”
“Aloha ahiahi, lovely lady,” Hokulani said to Bailey. “Welcome.”
Bailey smiled. “Aloha.”
Hokulani turned to Seth and spoke in Hawaiian. “The first time you’ve brought a young lady to meet me.”
Seth grinned and responded in English. “There’s a first time for everything.”
Hokulani laughed and scooted them to an open table near the window. She left them with a promise to return with water. Cool air pushed its way through the large open space, chased by scents that he always identified with the island.
Laughter and chatter filled the small restaurant. A holder on the table gripped a handful of menus, and Seth grabbed one for Bailey and one for himself. “Have you eaten traditional Hawaiian food?”
“Never.” She shook her head. “What do you recommend?”
“Everything here.” He pointed to the menu. “Are you picky or squeamish?”
She raised an eyebrow. “Depends.”
“Fair enough.” He folded his arms on the tabletop and leaned forward. “I promise if you’re adventurous, you’ll enjoy the food.”
“That sounds like a challenge.” She grinned. “You’re on.”
3
“We can go for the poke, which is made of raw ahi, or we can have the squid lūʻau.” Seth watched Bailey’s expression and she didn’t bat an eye. “But since it’s your first time, I’d say the poi and pork laulau.”
She handed him the menu. “And to drink?”
“I’m partial to Hokulani’s pineapple iced tea.” He pointed to another drink on the menu. “Her Hawaiian lemonade is also incredible.”
“I’ll try the lemonade,” she said just as Hokulani returned with glasses of ice water and set them on the table.
Seth gave the woman their drink order before she left, and he stuffed the menus back into the holder on the table.
Bailey studied the walls with hand-carved Hawaiian wood pieces, and brilliant folk art paintings of hula dancers, a waterfall, and a man paddling a canoe up a river. “This is a cool place.”
He liked the sparkle in her blue eyes. “I thought you’d like it.”
She leaned forward, her arms now folded on the table. “It smells great in here. My stomach is rumbling.”
He wanted to reach out and put his hand over hers, but he managed to rein himself in. “Did the effects of the Haupia cocktail wear off?”
“Yep.” She looked completely relaxed. “All that fresh air and the walk did the trick.”
“After dinner, you can try a Haupia dessert if that sounds good.”
“Alcoholic?” she asked.
He shook his head. “It’s a kind of pudding.”
“I’m game.”
Holukani swept by, pausing just long enough to set glasses of Hawaiian lemonade and pineapple iced tea on the table.
Conversation remained light as they drank their tea and lemonade. They chatted about the scenery and the weather while they waited for their food.
It didn’t feel like they were a couple trying to find something to talk about—with Bailey it was all natural, fun, and interesting.
The more they talked, the more he wondered if he’d found a woman that he wouldn’t want to let go of.
He mentally shook his head. He’d been getting way ahead of himself since meeting her.
It wasn’t long before Hokulani returned with two bowls of poi and two plates of pork lau lau with sides.
“Wow, that was fast,” Bailey said with a smile to Hokulani. “Thank you.”
The woman grinned and gave a gesture that said, “eat up.”
“Ho’onanea,” she said. Enjoy.
She retreated and left to take care of other patrons.
Bailey looked at the purplish goo in the bowl. “Well, that’s interesting.” She looked up at Seth. “What is it?”
“That’s the poi,” he said. “It’s made by mashing baked or steamed taro root. They grind it with a stone pestle and add water until it’s smooth and thick, as well as sticky.”
She pointed to the main dish with genuine curiosity. “And that?”
“It’s the pork laulau wrapped in taro leaves and ti leaves,” he said. “You don’t eat the ti leaves on the outside, but you do eat the taro leaves.”
He gestured to the sides. “Sweet potatoes and salted butterfish.”
“Like I said, I’m starved.” She picked up a fork. “I’m ready for adventure.”
“Poi is often eaten as a base to cut the saltiness of other foods,” Seth said. “Put a dollop of poi on your tongue, then a bite of the salted butterfish.”
He watched as Bailey tried the poi and salted fish. He found himself holding his breath, as if her approval meant everything.
“That isn’t bad at all.” Bailey swallowed and looked as if she was considering the texture and flavor of the dishes together. “I think I could get used to this every now and then while I’m on Momi.”
He let out his breath, glad she liked the poi and salted fish. “I always have some when I visit the island. Just part of the experience.”
She tasted the pork laulau, then the sweet potatoes, followed by the salted butterfish. He watched her thoughtful expressions after every bite.
Bailey gave Seth a smile of approval. “Great recommendations.”
“I have to say I’m glad you like them.” He grinned. “You never know.”
She shrugged. “I will try and usually like just about everything. The only thing I really haven’t liked is some kind of cold Korean soup I sampled once in New York City. Otherwise, I tend to be open.”
He flashed her a teasing grin. “Monkey
brains and squid eyeballs?”
Her laughter warmed his chest. “Of course. And don’t forget sautéed roaches mixed with pan-fried cricket legs.”
“You take as good as you get.” Seth’s grin broadened. “I have a feeling this could go on forever.”
“Don’t forget I have four older brothers.” Mischief sparked in her eyes. “I give as good as I get.”
“I have no doubt.”
Seth couldn’t remember the last time he’d enjoyed himself so much.
“So, tell me,” she said after finishing her poi, “What kind of activities are here on Momi?”
“Hiking the volcano, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, and jet skiing are just a few of the things to do on the island,” he said. “Not to mention the canoe rides near Mahina and a visit to the grotto and the waterfall.”
“Everything sounds wonderful.” She speared a piece of salted butterfish. “I want to do it all while I’m here.”
“You have two weeks.” He wished he could spend all of that time with her, but she’d said she had friends coming soon. “There’s so much to do that you might have to come back to enjoy what you can’t fit in on this trip.”
She laughed. “That’s no hardship.”
He grinned and finished off his own poi.
“Speaking of things to do…” She looked thoughtful for a moment as she settled her fork on her plate. “Do you like Kade Fields?”
“Hell, yes. One of the best new voices in country music.” Seth pictured the country artist. “He’s like a young George Strait, but with his own sound.”
“I have tickets to his concert at the Hōkū Amphitheater.” She sounded hesitant. “My friends Charlee and Dara were supposed to go with me, but they can’t make it in time.”
Seth was afraid to say anything and seem too eager. Was Bailey just about to ask him out?
“I love his work, and my family bought the tickets for me as part of my graduation gift.” She went on, “Backstage passes, too.”
“You have backstage passes?” Seth whistled. “Now that’s one hell of a gift.”
“The concert is tomorrow night.” She paused then dove in. “Would you like to go with me?”
Hell, yes.
He cleared his throat and kept his tone light and teasing. “I’d be more than honored to escort you to the concert. I can fend off any unwanted advances Kade Fields might make.”
Bailey laughed and appeared to relax a little more. “I doubt that will be necessary, but I do appreciate the offer.”
Warmth filled his chest. Damn, he could just about break out a guitar and serenade her—if he knew how to play. He might have to learn.
“You said the poi is made of taro root?” Bailey pointed to her bowl. “I’m not familiar with taro.”
“Taro is a staple crop in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific Islands,” he said.
He explained how tarot patches served as a way for kids to learn more about their history and culture.
She smiled. “Like rodeo is for rodeo cowboys.”
Seth snorted. “You like rodeo?”
“I used to barrel race.” She shifted in her seat. “And I have assorted relatives who are or have been in rodeo, including a former world champion bull rider.”
Seth raised his brows. “I don’t suppose you’re related to Creed McBride.”
“One of my older cousins.” Bailey looked surprised. “He retired from the sport and hasn’t competed for a few years now.” Her expression turned cautious. “Don’t tell me you ride bulls?”
“Not that crazy.” He shook his head. “I do a little bareback riding along with some steer wrestling and roping.”
She studied him. “You’re a rodeo cowboy.”
He couldn’t tell if she disapproved and wondered why she would. “I wouldn’t consider myself just a rodeo cowboy, but yeah, I’m on the circuit.”
A hint of a frown creased her features. “You’re on the road a lot.”
He shrugged. “A good portion of the year.”
Bailey drained her lemonade and set her glass down. “I’m sure you’ve had your share of broken bones.”
With a shrug, he said, “When it has to do with roughstock events, it comes with the territory.”
“You probably have a stable of buckle bunnies, too.”
He tried not to frown. “I’m not into buckle chasers.”
The sun filled the room with her laughter. “I’m teasing. You don’t strike me as someone who encourages a pack of city girls dressed as country girls—and I mean that loosely.”
He couldn’t help smiling at the sound of her laughter or the light in her eyes. “Not even close.”
She pushed her nearly clean plate to the side and wrapped her palms around her lemonade glass. “Is it lonely for you on the circuit?” She seemed genuinely interested in the question.
He blew out his breath as he set his own plate aside. “I have a lot of good friends in the sport and I know people just about everywhere I go. I wouldn’t consider myself lonely.”
“That’s good.” She tilted her head and a lock of hair slid over her cheek. “Do you plan to settle down anytime soon?”
“Depends on what comes my way.” He lifted one shoulder. “I have plenty of plans for the future, but I’m not ready to call it quits from rodeo just yet.”
Time to turn the tables. “Do you still do any barrel racing?”
She shook her head. “I haven’t since I graduated from high school. I just ride for fun now when I’m home from college.”
“Why’d you stop?” he asked.
Bailey sighed and leaned back in her chair. “I was serious about my education and there wasn’t room for rodeo in my life.”
She said it as if she meant to include the present.
“It’s not for everyone, but I live it and love it,” he said.
She considered him, her expression intent.
“I come to Momi every year for a ranch rodeo fundraiser,” he said when she didn’t say anything.
She sat up straighter in her chair. “There’s a ranch on Momi?”
“Several.” He grinned. “I rodeo at Pono Ranch in Pono. All proceeds and cash prizes go to the island’s hospital.”
“It’s awesome you donate your time like that,” she said.
“This island has given me a lot since the time I was a teenager.” He pushed his fingers through his hair. “I just like to give back.”
She smiled. “Maybe the girls and I can see you ride if they’re here by the time the rodeo starts.”
“This coming Friday is when the event begins.” He found himself smiling a lot with her. “I’m just participating in the roughstock competitions. I don’t like to ship my horse all the way from the mainland.”
“That’s best for the horse,” she said. “It’s a long trip.”
* * *
Bailey wasn’t sure how she felt about Seth being a rodeo cowboy. She’d been away from the sport for a while now and hadn’t been attracted to the breed since high school.
A couple of bad experiences with boyfriends who strayed to buckle bunnies was enough for her.
But Seth…
Damn, she was thinking about this man like she wanted something more than some companionship while on the island.
Why not, Bailey? she asked herself. So far, Seth seemed like a genuinely great guy.
But he’s not in a stable career. He travels the circuit.
She nearly groaned out loud. This was one date with a man while three thousand miles away from home. She needed to chill.
A young man, whose smile told her he might be related to Hokulani—her grandson maybe—removed the empty plates from their table. He gave a low bow of his shoulders then sped away.
Hokulani was there as swiftly as the boy left. “Did you enjoy your meal?” she asked Bailey.
Bailey smiled. “My first meal in Hawaii and it was delicious.”
Hokulani smiled at Seth. “I like this one.”
“Dessert?” Hokulani looked from Seth to Bailey and back.
“Sure,” Bailey said when Seth met her gaze. “I’d like to try that Haupia dessert.”
“Make it two,” Seth told Hokulani.
The woman looked pleased. “You will like it very much.”
“I’m sure I will.” Bailey spoke with enthusiasm. “Dinner was fantastic.”
Hokulani reappeared in no time, carrying two bowls of the dessert. “Eat up.”
Bailey was more than happy to comply, and dug in.
She sighed when she finished the treat and put her hand on her belly. “Dinner and dessert were absolutely fabulous. I am so stuffed.”
“We’ll walk it off on the way back to the resort.” Seth pulled cash out of his wallet and laid it on the table.
“It was worth it.” Bailey wanted to offer to help pay for dinner, but she didn’t want to argue with a bull-headed cowboy. Because that’s what they all were in one way or another. “Thank you for dinner.”
“All my pleasure.” He stood and was around the table before she could even start to get up. Like a true cowboy gentleman, he pulled out her chair so she could stand.
A pleasant warmth eased through Bailey as Seth touched her elbow and escorted her through the small restaurant. Heat crept through her and filled her body at his touch.
Hokulani met them at the door and squeezed Seth’s shoulder. “Bring this one anytime.”
As they left Leilani and entered the humid night, Bailey laughed and looked up at Seth. “As opposed to another one?”
She could almost swear his cheeks flushed. “In all these years, you’re the first person I’ve brought here. I discovered Hokulani’s restaurant years ago and it’s kinda been my place since.”
Bailey raised a brow. “Not even a rodeo buddy or two?”
He shook his head. “Not a one.”
“I feel honored,” she said.
His mouth quirked into a grin. “Only the best for the woman who shared her cab with me.”
Bailey couldn’t believe how enjoyable the evening had been, from the time they’d met at the dock until now. He was engaging, fun and real. She was liking the cowboy a little too much.
Midnight with You Page 3
