Page 15 of Beauty and the Beach

“So, there’s no photographic evidence of this creature,” Holt said, with a smirk.

“There were nine eye witnesses,” Makoa pointed out.

“Uncle Oka didn’t happen to have any illegal substances aboard did he? A little baby woodrose or pakalolo maybe?” Hani asked.

“Why is it so difficult for you guys to believe they saw a mermaid?” Makoa said, trying to keep the frustration out of his voice.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’ve never seen bigfoot either and I don’t believe in him,” Kai said, snitching a puff pastry off the tray.

“You never seen Mount Everest either, but you believe that exists.” Makoa resisted the urge to take the snacks out of his reach.

“I’ve seen pictures of it.”

Makoa flipped through his phone and showed him pictures of mermaids.

“Those are photoshopped.”

“How do you know Mount Everest isn’t photoshopped?”

Hani just threw up his hands in defeat. Makoa figured eventually they would come around. “Who’s up for season two?”

The rest of them all groaned and started arguing over what to watch next.

Chapter Seven

Ana hoped Makoa wasn’t early for their movie date. She was running late. She had wanted everything to be perfect and she twisted her ankle on the stupid heels she dug out of her closet. They were strappy and sexy, and unstable as hell. It was sheer agony to walk, but damn it, she wasn’t going to miss this date. The last time a guy asked her out, he had expected Netflix and chill when she wanted dinner and a movie. Needless to say when he opened the door in his boxers, Ana turned around and left.

Limping out of the Uber, Ana grimaced and hobbled the best she could towards the movie theater. She caught sight of Makoa standing outside and waved. His face broke into a big grin until he saw how slowly she was moving. In an instant, he was by her side, scooping her up into his arms like a Hawaiian Rhett Butler.

“Makoa,” she laughed, delighted.

“You didn’t have to come if it was going to hurt you so much.”

“It’s not that bad. No swelling.” She tried to wiggle her foot, but winced in pain.

“I bought us tickets already. The seats are recliners so you can put your feet up.”

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