Page 10 of Beauty and the Beach

This time Ana was prepared. Her best time was three minutes, but Maud had gone as long as five minutes. Candice told her that the secret was to breath pure oxygen for a half hour before rehearsals. Ana looked into it and outside of a hospital, she couldn’t find anything that provided 100% oxygen. The only thing that came close was an oxygen bar not far from work, but it didn’t really do much for her. Maybe Maud just had big lungs.

Out of the corner of her eye, Ana saw a flash of color and untangled her fingers from Makoa to take a better look. She brought it to the surface with her to see it in the sun.

“Sea glass,” she said, showing him the brown smooth piece. “I’ve been looking for puka shells."

"There’s not a lot of shells around here. What do you need puka shells for? Is that what mermaids use for currency."

Ana smiled. "Nah, I want to make a necklace. The puka shells have the holes already in them, so I don't have to do it. I've started jewelry making as a hobby. I guess I like shiny things.”

“My sister does crafts, too. She makes hibiscus pins out of clay and paints them.”

“That sounds pretty.”

“Not as pretty as you,” he said.

She leaned in, holding herself steady on his broad shoulders. “You’re sweet.” Ana kissed him on the cheek.

“The best place to get shells is Niihau, but don’t swim over there.” Makoa gently placed his hands on her waist. “Too many sharks.”

Shuddering, Ana looked into his eyes. He was serious. “That’s the forbidden island, right? I’m not allowed over there. You have to be invited or know someone.”

“I know a guy. He comes to Kaua’i and visits with my brother. Maybe I can get you a few shells?”

“That would be nice.”

“Kissing you would be nice,” he said.

Smiling, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Yes, please.”

Makoa was sweet and gentle as if he was afraid she was going to break. It was a soft brush of his lips and then a deeper one. Ana went limp, letting him hold them both afloat. The waves danced them around as they clung to each other. His body was powerfully muscled and she felt safe in his arms.

Cupping her cheek in his large hand, he reluctantly broke off the kiss. “I wish I could stay longer,” he said, “But I gotta go to work.”

“I’d love to see you again.” Ana hoped she didn’t sound desperate, but it was all she could do not to bring his head back down to hers.

His smile warmed her heart. “I’d like that too. Say,” he rubbed the back of his neck. “You don’t have a boyfriend, do you? I supposed I should have asked that before I kissed you.”

“No.” She shook her head sadly. “I haven’t been with anyone for a while.”

“You want to be with someone?” he asked.

“Is it you?”

Makoa nodded.

“Yeah, I think I’d like that.”

Now, his grin was brighter than the sun. “Maika’i loa.” He swung her around in a circle.

She fluttered her tail at him. It made her abs ache, but it was worth it to see the delight on his face.

“I’m busy most nights, but my mornings are free.” Ana said, wishing she had her phone on her so they could exchange numbers.

“Bummah, I’m the opposite. But Thursday is my day off.”

“Do you want to go to the movies? We can do a matinee.”

His eyebrows rose. “You can do that? What about...” Makoa gestured to her fin.

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