“Cheers mate!” Kayla raises her half-empty glass.
“I’ll drink to that.” I lift my own glass and laugh when I see that it’s empty. “That is, if someone can scrounge me up another one of these.”
We head into the lobby to check out the live music, which turns into a live DJ show, and we dance the night away. Back at the room, we split a bottle of champagne and listen to party ballads from a decade ago. We slather on the charcoal face masks that Jamie brought with her, laughing and talking until the sun comes up. Somehow we manage to do it all with just two (okay, maybe three) phone calls from one very overbearing but still well-meaning Kane Keo.
• • •
Kane near tackles me when we arrive back at Salty’s the next day. His bone-crushing hug is a little disarming. I mean, I knew that he’d miss me; I missed him too, but his response borders on frantic.
“Don’t leave me again,” he whispers, pulling me into his chest.
“Hey…” I lean back to look at him. “I’m okay, Kane, everything is okay.”
“It is now.” He exhales, his body sagging as he tugs me tighter against his chest.
I try not to read too much into it, even though his words throw me off kilter, because I don’t know what to expect from him anyways. One minute we’re hanging out and the next he’s acting like we’re inseparable. I’m confused—my head is spinning and I’m not even sure that he knows what he’s saying—so I leave it alone for now.
• • •
The week with Jamie flies by. Before I can blink, I’m driving her back to the airport with tears in my eyes. When I turn off the engine and look towards her, she’s staring out the window, but I swear her eyes look a little misty as well.
“I came prepared to try and talk you into coming back, but now that I’ve seen what you have here, I get it. These people, this place…it’s right for you, Ash.”
“You’re right for me too though,” I say, sniffling, leaning across the console to grab her hand.
“Oh, I’ll be back, I can promise you that. But this place—Paia—it fits you like a second skin, in a way that the city never did. You never truly belonged in San Francisco, in real estate, or with Dale. I think you were meant to be here, and I think I understand now how lonely it must have been for you all these years.”
“I wasn’t always lonely. Besides, I had you.”
She gives me a pained smile. “You will always have me, Ash—always—but it’s time to focus on your two new passions: cooking and Kane.”
“It isn’t serious,” I hedge, but she just rolls her eyes.
“Sure it isn’t. He looks at you as if your existence is impossible. In his eyes, you’re a treasure he didn’t mean to find, and one that he doesn’t believe he deserves. He’s already in way deep, even if he won’t admit it to himself.”
“Maybe,” I say.
“Oh, most definitely.”
I gaze out at the rain beginning to cascade down from the sky, as if the whole world is altogether having a good cry. I wonder if there’s a Hawaiian “rain-word” for saying goodbye to your friend. I help Jamie lug her ginormous bags into the terminal and hug her goodbye with every ounce of my strength. I realize in that moment how much I needed Jamie right now—to see and hear her laugh, to share our lives with each other. She’s my tether to another life, a welcome bridge between past memories and the coming of my future.
“I’m lucky to have you.” I whisper the words in her ear, like a perfect secret shared between kindred spirits.
“Yes, you are.” She gives me a kiss on the cheek, pulling away and proceeding to rush to the gate.
I know that Jamie isn’t one to cry, but as I watch her barrel toward the security line at breakneck speed, I wonder if there might be a first time for everything. When I get back to the car, the rain has let up and another brilliant rainbow arches its spine across the sky, the end of it fading into the horizon, as if beckoning me home.
Chapter 19
The following Sunday rolls around and Salty’s is closed. On Kayla’s recommendation, we head to Baldwin for a surf lesson. I agree to meet her at sunrise, but when I arrive she’s already waiting for me with two boards stuck up in the sand.
“Hey girl.” She gives me a little wave and throws something my direction. I catch the wadded fabric in my hands; it’s a shorty wetsuit in bright blue and black.
“Is this one of yours?” I say, eyeing the neoprene skeptically. “It’ll never fit me.”
She snorts. “Wetsuits are supposed to stretch and you’ve got your togs on underneath. Besides, it’ll be cold out there at this time of day. I also brought you a foam board.”
I wander over to the surfboards and retrieve the one laying on top, which is bright yellow and feels pretty light. “Feels sturdy.”
“Soft tops like that are good for beginners. It’ll make it easier to paddle out, and we’ll get you riding some of those baby waves even sooner.”
I stick the board under my arm and gaze out at the surf. While the waves don’t look big, I wouldn’t classify them as “baby waves” either. Then again, maybe that’s just my sense of pride creeping in.
“Drop the board on the sand and we’ll practice standing up.” She points over my shoulder, before turning her attention back to her own flashy surfboard. “And don’t forget the wetsuit.”
I sigh like the world just got heavier, dropping the board before shucking off my clothes. Underneath I’m wearing a bikini, but the sun hangs low in the sky and there’s a bite to the morning air that covers my body in gooseflesh. As much as I don’t want to try and sausage myself into Kayla’s clothes, I can see her point.
I shove my feet through the leg holes, wiggling and yanking at the wetsuit until it covers me—well, sort of covers me. It’s too long through the legs, too tight in the waist, and I can barely get the front zipper up over my boobs. Nonetheless, I suck in a huge breath and manage to get the teeth mostly over my chest, but it won’t go up all the way, giving me some serious cleavage.
“I look ridiculous,” I say, pouting.
She shoots a look in my direction. “I’d say you look warm and that’s what matters most. Now quit whingeing and let’s get on with it. Trust me, you’ll be thanking me after your first few spills.”
She drops her board next to mine, and we spend the next half hour practicing balance and getting up on the board. When the sun has made its full ascent and the people start to trickle onto the sand, she declares me ready.
“Okay, Ashley—let’s hit the waves.”
I bend down to pick up my board, fumbling with the ankle rope like a real amateur.
“Oh shit,” Kayla mutters from behind me. “He does not look happy.”
“Who doesn’t?” I straighten up to take a look. Striding across the sand, wearing a thunderous expression, is none other than Kane. He stops directly in front of me and places his hands on his hips.
“What are you doing?”
“Kayla is giving me surfing lessons,” I declare.
His eyes narrow, and he eyes Kayla over the top of my head.
“Is she now?”
Kayla seems to be shifting nervously from foot to foot. She gives me an apologetic look and shrugs. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds to chat. I’m going to hit the waves.”
Before I can protest, she’s already knee-deep paddling out into the ocean, so I whip back around to level Kane with the meanest glare possible.
“What is your problem?”
“You’re not surfing,” he says, as if he has absolute power over my schedule of extra-curricular activities.
“Not currently, thanks to you.”
“Not ever.”
“It’s Hawaii’s official state sport, Kane. I’m pretty sure I saw a dog doing it with its owner the last time we were here. I think I can handle it.”
He doesn’t respond—he just stands there—stubborn and immoveable.
“What is your issue with surfing anyway? Tell me the real reason you don’t sur
f anymore?”
“I just don’t,” he snaps, his eyebrows folding together.
“So we’re back here again? Back to you evading my questions and spitting out one word answers while you continue to shut me out?” To emphasize my point, I try to slam the board into the sand, but it topples forward as soon as I let it go. Kane easily catches it, right before effortlessly digging it into the ground. I’m pissed at how easily the movement seems to come to him. It makes me want to try surfing now more than ever before.
“You can’t control me!” I back up, crossing my arms around my chest.
“I’m not trying to, Lani.” He sighs. “I just need you to understand how dangerous it is.”
“Well, I do.”
“Do you?” He mocks.
“Why don’t you surf anymore, Kane? Since apparently you could’ve gone pro? Please tell me the truth.”
His eyes darken. “Maybe I don’t find joy in it anymore.”
“Well, maybe I will!” I shout, letting my hands fall to my sides. His eyes follow the movement before climbing back to my chest, as his tongue steals out to wet his lips.
“I think your wetsuit is the wrong size.” His mouth twitches. “Not that I’m complaining.”
“Yeah, well, since I haven’t even been in the water yet, I guess it doesn’t matter much does it?” I shoot back.
“You’re gorgeous when you’re pissed.”
“You will not distract me with sex, Kane!”
He cocks an eyebrow in challenge. “We will see about that.” He moves across the sand in three long strides and pulls me into his arms. He lifts me up, grabs my ankles one by one, and wraps them around his strong waist, at the same time that his mouth meets mine. His tongue easily gains entrance and swipes gently at the inside of my mouth, coaxing and teasing me into submission.
“We didn’t finish our conversation,” I say, fighting the urge to melt against him. I’m shivering despite the warmth of his arms nestled around me.
“I think we did.” His hands slide down my back and cup my ass. “Besides, you’re freezing. Come back home with me and I’ll warm you up.”
“What about the board?” I wiggle against him, eliciting a deep groan in response.
“Leave it. Kayla can get it.” He rocks against me, and this time I’m shivering for a different reason.
“I guess I can try surfing another day,” I gasp out.
“Mmmhmm…” He hums. Even though he’s patronizing me, I can’t summon the energy to care, especially not when his wide palms are mercilessly gripping and kneading my ass cheeks.
“I love this ass.” He whispers. “I think it’s time that we had some fun with it.”
Without waiting for an answer, he walks us to the parking lot and his ever present Jeep. Part of me is disappointed that I didn’t get to try surfing, while another part of me stubbornly chides myself for letting him win, but it’s hard to listen to those rational parts when my less rational ones are pressed up against the hard, strong body of Kane Keo.
Chapter 20
After much begging and cajoling on my part, Kane finally agrees to take me to a luau. I’ve never been to one before, my only reference being what I’ve seen in the movies. Kane assures me that they’re mostly designed to rip off the tourists, but he still drives me halfway across the island to see one that he deems “the best.” We arrive at dusk, the sun beginning to chase the horizon and leaving a vivid rainbow in its wake. We walk through the lobby of the hotel and onto a patio with a panoramic view of the sea. There’s a light breeze in the air, just enough to set the palms trees swaying back and forth, but not quite enough to make me regret my chosen outfit of a light blue sundress.
I head toward the ticket booth, but Kane grabs my elbow and leads me off to the left. “Where are we going?” I say, glancing over my shoulder at the line now forming.
“A friend of mine works here.”
“So?” I give him a look.
“So we’re going to see the luau my way, without forking over a hundred bucks a head.”
“Isn’t that cheating the system?”
He just shrugs. “Kama’aina discount.”
“What does that mean?”
He gives me a secretive smile. “People of the land.”
I follow him back inside, venturing to the end of a narrow hall, where a dancer with a big smile awaits us in full gear.
“Keo!” The man shouts, and I’m shocked when Kane leans into hug him. I mean, it’s really one of those man-back-slapping affairs, but even so, it’s still a hug. When Kane pulls away, he turns to introduce me.
“Niko, this is Ashley; Ashley, Niko. He’s one of the Polynesian drummers for tonight.”
I take in Niko’s broad tanned chest, his chiseled abs visible beneath the palm frond of his necklace. Other than the palm leaf legwear extending from below his knees, or the tiny green and black wrap around his waist, it’s the only clothing he wears. He looks exotic with the intricate black lines painted on his face, and more than a little scary.
“Keo and I go all the way back to primary school. Nice to meet you, Ashley.” His eyes sweep me from head to toe. “Your girl?” He asks Kane, still gazing at my face. Kane gives the slightest of nods before answering.
“Yes.” His answer causes butterflies to take up residence in my tummy. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of hearing Kane claim me.
“Nice.”
“Careful,” Kane hisses.
“I’m a man that appreciates beauty, bruddah,” Niko says, 100% nonplussed. “Why don’t both of you come backstage to meet the rest of the crew?
He leads us outside and down a cobblestone path, revealing the private area behind the stage. The strong scent of propane Tiki torches fills my nose, along with the tang of salt from the waves crashing like lucid dreams against the shoreline. Backstage, I’m treated to the once in a lifetime experience of witnessing an entire ensemble cast prepare for their performance. The women are drop-dead stunning in their brightly colored tops and hula skirts, serving as the perfect complement to their shiny black hair and plump red lips. Fresh leis adorn their necks and wrists, and the smell of Hibiscus invades my senses as I pass by each of them. Some wear long grass skirts, with shell bras and flower crowns dyed all shades of pink, beige, and red, while others wear shorter green skirts sitting low on the hips and undulating always with a life of their own. I feel more starkly out of place by the minute.
Niko stops before yet another handsome performer and pauses to introduce us. “Guys, this is Harry. He’s our main fire-performer for tonight.”
Harry is about my height and doesn’t have an ounce of body-fat. His torso and arms are completely covered by Samoan-looking tattoos.
“Harry, do you mind if Ashley waits with you for a minute, so that I can set Kane up with a spot for them to watch the show?”
Harry flashes me his pearly whites and penetrating gaze. “It would be my pleasure.”
I glance at Kane, whose jaw is set in hard line; for a moment, I think he’s going to argue, but instead he steps forward and gives me a quick but searing kiss.
“I’ll be right back.” He directs the comment to Harry, who simply shrugs and waves him off.
Harry fills the time by showing off his spinning poi, which basically consists of two wire chicken cages sitting atop metal chains, their thick rope wicks set to burn at either end. I ask him if it’s dangerous, but he just laughs and tells me that that’s the fun. “Poi is a Maori word that literally means ball on a string,” he explains.
I laugh, imagining my grandmother’s knitting. “Pretty accurate.”
“It was originally used as a form of battle training. You want to hold it?” He steps closer to place the thick chain in my hand, at the same time that Kane rounds the bend. When he sees us standing shoulder-to-shoulder, his facial expression is less than impressed. Kane not-so-subtly steps between us and bumps Harry aside.
“We’re going,” he says, his voice leaving no room for argument.
“What was that?”
“What?” He shrugs, stopping for the briefest of moments before plowing ahead so fast that I have no choice but to keep up with him.
“Harry seems nice,” I pant out.
“He’s really not.”
“He was nothing but polite, and he even showed me a picture of his daughter,” I argue, but Kane just scoffs.
We walk in silence for a beat before I stop again, this time placing my hands on my hips. “Is there anyone that you do like?”
His lips twitch before he answers. “I like you.”
“Sweet relief,” I say, rolling my eyes.
“Smart ass,” he cracks back. “Careful, or I’ll have no choice but to spank that smirk right off your beautiful face.”
I squeeze my legs together at the threat. It’s the second time that he has mentioned spanking me, and the suggestion does surprising things to the pit of my stomach. He leads me over to a patch of pristine grass alongside the stage, where a small blanket awaits us. I kick off my sandals and flop myself down. We’re set back from the rest of the crowd, where the other guests are seated in modern civility at their own tables.
“I guess the chairs are for the paying guests?” I say, although I do appreciate our Shakespearean blanket in the grass.
“I promise that the view is better from here. Besides, now I have you all to myself.” He settles in behind me on the blanket.
I’m just messing with him, and he knows it. In truth, it’s quite literally the perfect spot. I love how the long blades of grass feel between my toes. Kane wraps his arms around my waist and nudges me closer into his chest, where I relax and melt right into him.
A few minutes later, Niko arrives to give Kane a couple of ticket stubs. “They’re staff meals—this way you guys can hit the buffet.”
We wait until it appears as if the other guests are fed before getting to our feet. At the buffet, I load up my plate with pig, poke, Lomi Lomi salmon, mahi-mahi, beef teriyaki, and char siu. The food looks amazing, but there are so many choices, so I prepare a small bite of the purple sweet potatoes and macaroni salad.
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