Page 28 of Pallas & Kawehi

"Is that a good thing?"

"Well, I guess. She thinks it's a great compliment, but I'm not sure I'm all that excited about my cousin lusting after you."

Lusting?

Maybe if he'd been in uniform or walking around his quarters, her words wouldn't have had the reaction they did. But he was in bed with his boxer briefs, the only thing he was wearing between the top sheet and his bed. Hearing Kawehi grumbling about her cousin lusting after him had an instant reaction from him.

"Well, I wouldn't mind a photo if you wanted one. I know I'm looking forward to seeing you relaxing on the beach."

"I'm probably going to just lay out in the shade and relax."

"That's fine by me. This isn't supposed to give you stress."

"It's not really," she sighed, "I'm just not all that comfortable wearing a bathing suit."

"Then wear shorts and a T-shirt if you want. I just want time with you."

There was a pause in the conversation and then she spoke again. "I just want to spend time with you, too. I just feel like I'm dangerously close to crossing a line I told myself I wasn't going to cross again."

Pallas reached out and turned on the lamp beside his bed. "Talk to me."

He listened intently as she drew in a breath and let it out again.

"When you came in that first night, I was impressed with the way you stepped in to help. And talking to you was nice. Easy. I liked it."

Okay. "I liked it a lot, too."

"And then playing mini golf, I haven't had so much fun in a long time."

"Same here." He felt an ache in his chest, worried.

"Maile called you, my boyfriend."

"Maile? Your cousin?"

"Yeah. She said that I'm finally out of my funk. Which I can see why she said that, but I'm not sure I'm ready for it."

"Kawehi-"

"I don't know if you're ready for it either." He heard a deep, in-drawn breath. "As long as we're friends, I think it'll be okay. I'm just worried if you think this is something more, that you're not ready for the emotional baggage I'm dragging along with me."

"Do I think we're friends? Absolutely. Do I want to be your boyfriend? Absolutely. The instant you're ready to call me that, I'm here for it."

"But-"

"As for your emotional baggage? I'm strong. I can help you carry it."

"Dom-"

"'Wehi, I know that you're legally not free at the moment, but that's not something that worries me. He left and hasn't contacted you since. That's his fault. Not yours. I'm here and I want to spend time with you. As friends? Sure. But I've kissed you and I want to keep on kissing you. And when you're ready, I'll be happy to share more with you. I have my eyes wide open where it comes to you, Kawehi. I like what I see." He lowered his voice as he spoke. "I like what I feel when I'm with you. When I think of you, I like what I feel. I think this is just the beginning of something really good for both of us."

He held himself back from talking, hoping to hear what she was thinking.

What she was feeling.

"I think so, too." He hoped that she was smiling. It certainly sounded like she was. "I know I didn't say I'd call you tonight... or text, but I wanted to hear your voice. So I texted you hoping that we could talk a little. I know you have work tomorrow-"

"You can text me anytime. I'll text or call you back when I can. I can't always pick up at that moment."

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